Human beings have prized gemstones for hundreds of years. In
addition to their natural beauty, gemstones have also been coveted for their
perceived mystic powers. Gemstones are believed to help heal, bring good luck
and fortune, and enhance the abilities of those who wear and carry them. Even
if you don't believe in the "powers" of gemstones, you can see for yourself how
gemstones have the power to heal. Just sit down with a gorgeous strand of
gemstone beads in your favorite color and shape and stitch (or string) them up
into a piece of jewelry. I'll bet by the time you've finished that piece,
you're feeling relaxed and happy again, right? If you're making that piece of
gemstone jewelry for a friend or loved one, that's another way to see how
gemstone beads bring joy!
To celebrate the power of gemstone beads, we've brought you
this free eBook Gemstone Beads for
Jewelry Making: 4 Free Gemstone Jewelry Making Projects Plus Bonus Guide to
Using Gemstones.
While there are plenty of high-end gemstone beads available,
buying gemstone beads doesn't necessarily have to hurt your budget. There are
plenty of low-cost gemstones available at bead shows, bead shops, and online. Marlene
Blessing has shared some of her gemstone bead-buying expertise with suggestions
for what stones and cuts to look for that can save you money. And because it's
also important to know if a gemstone bead has been treated (dyed, heated,
lacquered, bleached, or otherwise enhanced), you should take a look at the
handy reference chart provided by Jean Campbell that details the abbreviations
you should see on gemstone strands and beads that are sold by reputable
dealers.
Even the industry experts have their favorite semiprecious
gemstone beads, and you can check out five recommendations for semiprecious
gemstone beads that are popping up in bead shops and bead shows. Pair them with the suggested beads for
today's hottest jewelry looks!
Finally, once you have your new gemstone beads, look through
the four FREE projects for some inspiration. You can start your journey with
Linda Richmond's Net Full of Gems, an easy stitching project that uses
beautiful (and affordable) gemstone chips to create a bold netted choker. Move
on to Michelle Mach's Sari Sunrise and see how elegant jade and Adventurine can
be when mixed with silver chain. Mile Marker 219 by Annie Hartman Bakken
combines sterling silver findings, seed beads, and Unakite to create an earthy
necklace. Finally, harness the energy of your favorite gemstone donut and
freeform peyote stitch in Tina Koyama's Stone Soup Donut necklace.
For me, gemstones have always held a fascination and mystery
that I can't explain. As a college student many years ago, I sat in wonder and
learned how each of these stones formed deep inside the earth over millions of
years. It still amazes me to hold a beautifully cut and polished gemstone bead
in my hand or wear one around my neck and feel the connection between me and
the planet. Start your own personal gemstone journey today by downloading Gemstone Beads for Jewelry Making: 4 Free
Gemstone Jewelry Making Projects Plus Bonus Guide to Using Gemstones. You
never know where the path will lead you!
What's your favorite gemstone? Share it here on the blog!
Bead Happy,
Jennifer
Filed under: Gemstones, Peyote stitch, Bead Making, How To Bead, Seed Bead Patterns, Bead-weaving, metalsmithing, Beaded Jewelry Design, Beads, Jewelry Making, Beading Daily