Freshwater Pearls and Gems used to Create our Jewellery
Freshwater Pearl are a sweet, smaller and often more irregularly shaped type of pearl that can be grown in a number of different species of freshwater mussels.
For those who love the look of pearls, but don’t enjoy the price tag, Freshwater pearls are the least expensive, while remaining attractive. They are especially desirable for rope necklaces made of several strands which are twisted about each other or long opera-length strands.
Another advantage of Freshwater pearls is their innate durability, which naturally resists chipping, degeneration, and wear.
More recently, the Chinese have brought freshwater pearl farming to all new levels, creating pearls of much higher quality, making them quite comparable – in fact, almost indistinguishable – from their saltwater cousins. This is another favourable breakthrough for those who wish for beauty without the price tag, as it provides jewellery shoppers with a much more affordable alternative to the expensive saltwater pearls, but with little-to-no drop in quality or appearance.
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Examples of Freshwater Pearl Jewellery by Azalea
Aventurine
A form of Macro crystalline quartz (meaning the crystals are recognizable with the naked eye), it is found in Brazil, India, China and Japan. Most Aventurine is reddish brown to yellow with shimmering metallic particles called mica throughout the stone. If there are any red or brown particles in Aventurine, it is caused by hematite platelets. Aventurine is said to bring peace and promote positive attitude, confidence and tranquility.
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Examples of Aventurine Jewellery by Azalea
Opal
The Romans considered opal a symbol of hope, an appropriate attribute for a gem with a rainbow locked within it. The Arabs believed opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning, thus acquiring their fiery colors.
These romantic notions are inspired by one of the most uniquely beautiful gemstones nature has ever produced-the dramatic, mysterious opal. The phenomenon displayed by opal is called play of colour. It is caused by the diffraction of light set up by the layers of silica spheres in its composition. The effect is similar to the rainbow colours displayed on a soap bubble, only much more dramatic.
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Opals...
Examples of Aventurine Jewellery by Azalea
Amethyst
Purple has long been considered a royal colour so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so much in demand during history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favourite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Besides its royal colour, Amethyst is also the King of the Quartz gem family. It is the most sought-after variety, ranging in colour from pastel lavender to the deepest royal purple imaginable. While gem amethyst is mined in most gem producing nations, today's market is principally supplied from the following sources: Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Zambia.
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Examples of Amethyst Jewellery by Azalea
Citrine
Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for lemon (citron) many citrines have a juicy lemon colour. Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewellery style. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.
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Examples of Citrine Jewellery by Azalea
Peridot
One gemstone is born in fire: peridot, the volcanic gem. Small crystals of peridot are often found in the rocks created by volcanoes and also can be found in meteors that fall to earth! A few samples of extraterrestrial peridot have even been faceted into gems!
Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine. Because the iron which creates the color is an integral part of its structure, it is found only in green, ranging from a summery light yellowish green to a 7-up bottle green. Peridot is the birthstone for August.
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Examples of Peridot Jewellery by Azalea
Quartz
The pale pink colour of quartz, which can range from transparent to translucent, is known as rose quartz. The colour is a very pale and delicate powder pink. Transparent rose quartz is very rare and is usually so pale that it does not show very much colour except in large sizes. The translucent rose quartz is much more available and is used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and architectural purposes.
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Examples of Quartz Jewellery by Azalea
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is named with the Greek word for sea water. The reference is obvious: aqua sparkles like the sea and the colour is pale to medium blue, sometimes with a slight hint of green. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
Aquamarine is always a pastel blue but the darker the colour, the more valued it is. Connoisseurs also prefer a pure blue, with no green in it. If you prefer a greenish tinge, you will find that these stones are less expensive, yet these are the stones which have not received heat treatment!
Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, and other countries.
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Examples of Aquamarine by Azalea
Tourmaline
Tourmaline's name comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali," which means "mixed." Tourmaline, occurring in more colours and combinations of colours than any other gemstone variety, lives up to its name. Tourmaline occurs in every colour of the rainbow and combinations of two or three colors. Bicolor and tricolor tourmalines, with bands of colors are very popular. Almost every color of tourmaline can be found in Brazil. In addition to Brazil, tourmaline is also mined in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and California and Maine in the United States.
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Examples of Tourmaline Jewellery by Azalea
