Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Serpentine   is a lovely green translucent, waxy silicate of magnesium. it is often mistaken for various types of jade, and some stones called "jade" are actually types of serpentine. A major difference between the two semi precious stones is that serpentine is softer and less dense than most real jade. Its name comes from the word "serpent," or snake, perhaps because of its mottled green colors and patterns that can resemble snakeskin. Most of serpentine's history is tied in with the histo …

Apatite Gemstone Beads from Rings & Things: The name apatite is quite appropriate, considering this mineral makes up the teeth in all vertebrate animals (and teeth are used to satisfy one's appetite!). In fact, it comprises more than 60% of the bones and teeth in humans, fish, birds, cows, and even mammoths and dinosaurs. Apatite is a calcium phosphate that is typically green, but also can be blue, yellow, reddish-brown, violet, yellow-green ("asparagus stone"), colorless or multicolored.  …

For centuries, the word jade applied to green gemstones brought to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn't until 1863 that society realized the term "jade" was being applied to two different minerals. These two gemstones, nephrite and jadeite, are relatively hard to distinguish from each other, and both are still called jade. Varieties of serpentine have also been confused with jade throughout history, and some serpentine is still called jade. In fact, the Chinese word for jade is appli …

Created by: TierraCastDesigner TipsPre-stretch cord by pulling firmly from both ends a few times.Attach small binder clip or bead stopper 2-3" from one end of stretch cord.On other end of cord string bail, *one 4mm bead and one paw bead*. Repeat * through * three times.String 32 4mm gemstones or firepolish glass beads of your choice. (Tip: Three 4mm gemstones or Czech beads equals approx. 1/2". Instructions create a 7" bracelet. Adjust bead count accordingly for desired size.)Remove bead stopper …

Emma is in our warehouse daily, and I wanted to honor her with some Jewelry.Created by: Rita HutchinsonDesigner TipsNew to stamping? See Metal Stamping 101.The 3mm Bridgette stamp set allowed a long phone number and a name to fit perfectly.Use Enamel Marker to make the stamped letters show up. Remove excess "enamel" with paper towel.When the piece is completely dry, highlight with the polishing pad. (Do not get pads wet, or they become ineffective).Suggested Supplies1 4-pack (use 1 set) #44-775- …