Gemstone Quality

Blemishes- these are irregularities or clarity characteristics that are on the surface of a polished gemstone.


Inclusions-Inclusions are clarity characteristics that are inside a gemstone. They can reach to the surface of the stone.

Linda
http://www.jewelerybyheart2heart.com/

Marketablity of Gemstones

Are you starting to shop for the holidays.  Stay tuned for a series of articles about gemstones

There are five factors that affect the marketability of a gemstone


Nature,

Size

Number

Position

Relief

The first thing you should consider is the nature of the inclusion. Think about how much the particular inclusion will affect or even threaten the stones durability. A large feather in a soft stone is much more important than a fingerprint in a hard stone. Next you want to think about size. A large single inclusion is often more important than if a stone had many small inclusions. The number of inclusions is important but may not always be negative. However, in large numbers small inclusions can reduce clarity, reduce brilliance and therefore reduce value. The position of the inclusions within a gem matter as well. Brilliant cuts will conceal inclusions better than step cuts. Also inclusions are easier to see under the table face than under a crown facet. The last thing to think of is relief and this is an important one. It is how noticeable the inclusion is against the color of the gemstone. An inclusion where the color is a contrast or darker than the gem is going to be more visible than one that is large but colorless. If the inclusion is very noticeable in the gemstone it can lower the value of the stone considerably.

Namaste,
Linda
http://www.jewelrybyheart2heart.com/

Energizing your First Chakra

If you need to reenergize your base chakra you can try some of the following:


Take a warm bath.

Get a massage or have an aromatherapy treatment.

Go out into nature; touch a tree and feel a connection to the earth.

It is possible to have excessive base chakra emotional energy and you can try the following suggestions if you want to rid yourself of some of this energy:

Describe your strong feelings by writing them down. Don’t judge yourself; just write. When it is done, destroy the writing.

Try running, drumming or even dancing to music that has a strong rhythm. This will keep your energies flowing in your body while releasing the excess energy to relieve tension and anxiety.

Namaste,
Linda
http://www.jewelrybyheart2heart.com/

Art Show

I just had the opening of my second solo Art Show.  Doing a solo art show really tests how much art an artist can make and making art that works together as a cohesive show. Last year I did a show based on spiritual jewelry which is what I do . This year I collaborated with two fellow artists who do photography to do a garden themed show.  All the jewelry was related to a garden or color as we did bring in the spiritual side of colors.  I was very lucky and received a write up in today's local paper about the show.  Online it doesn't show a picture but they used the piece above and below is the link to the article. 

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/2010/sep/09/w-gall09-ar-495863/

Color of the First Chakra

The color red is associated with the root chakra and taking a moment to focus on an everyday red object, such as a flower, will help to keep this chakra in tune. We can also use red crystals or gemstones, such as rubies and garnets, to work with the root chakra.

First chakra continued

Chakras are more than just physical connections, however.


The first chakra connects the spirit with the physical world. To find a spiritual balance in the root chakra, focus on connecting your body and soul with the earth. Begin by grounding yourself by standing tall with your eyes closed. Imagine roots growing from your feet and into the earth, grounding you with the land below you. Meditate quietly on being grounded while you visualize yourself becoming one with the earth.