Tourmaline is considered a secondary birthstone for October, with Opal being the primary birthstone. Tourmaline is considered the gem of tranquility and is associated with banishing fear and negativity, and protecting against misfortunes. Tourmaline is considered a semi-precious stone. Color: Comes in many different color varieties such as dark yellow, brown/black, bluish or brownish black, light blue or greenish blue, rose, green, and colorless. Source: Primarily throughout Africa and Brazil, but it is also mined in Sri Lanka, the US, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Age: Tourmaline has been used as a gem for over 2000 years. Family: Silicate Hardness: 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale Gemstone Properties/Healing Properties: The stone of tranquility, tourmaline is associated with banishing fear and negativity, and protecting against misfortunes. Different varieties have specific attributes in addition to those of tourmaline in general. Health-wise, it’s said to regulate hormone imbalances, soothe nerves, protect against genetic disorders, promote good heart function, and alleviate … [Continue reading]
Beautifully Fall- Etsy Treasury of the Week
Fall is upon us and this week I have created a treasury of items that reminds me of how truly beautiful fall can be. I hope you enjoy this weeks treasury!
How to Remove Tarnish from Gemstone Jewelry
If your jewelry has gemstones or organic materials such as pearls, cleaning it safely can be tricky. Once your know the right method for the job, you can safely and effectively clean your gemstone jewelry. Below are 2 different categories of cleaning methods to address all of your gemstone jewelry cleaning needs: Category 1- Hard Non-Porous Gemstones: such as diamonds, tanzanite, sapphires, rubies, etc. Category 2- Soft Porous Gemstones and Organic Materials: such as pearls, shell, opal, turquoise, amber, emerald, etc. Cleaning Hard Non-Porous Gemstones: Jewelry that contains hard gemstones are the easiest to clean by using jewelry dips that are designed for non-porous gemstone jewelry. My favorite dips to use are the Sunray Jewelry Cleaner and Hagerty Jewel Clean because they are all natural, and are safe and effective for all materials, even the porous ones. The Sunray Jewelry Cleaner works great on jewelry that is dirty or mildly tarnished (just starting to take on a … [Continue reading]
Natural Jewelry Care: How to Clean Your Jewelry Using Soap and Water
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are overlooked. When it comes to cleaning jewelry, I always like to start simple with a focus on quick, easy, and environmentally friendly. Using soap and water is one way to do just that. How To Clean Your Jewelry Using Soap and Water: Gather the following supplies: bowl, natural dish soap, soft bristled brush, natural paper towels or cloth, your jewelry to be cleaned Fill a bowl with warm water Add a drop or two of natural dish detergent (the specific amount will depend on the size of the bowl, but it should be minimal) Gently stir the water to mix the soap with the water Add your jewelry to the soapy water Gently “stir” your jewelry in the water, and if necessary, use a soft bristled brush to really clean your jewelry and get in the hard-to-reach spaces Remove, rinse well under running water, then … [Continue reading]
Gemstone Feature- Sapphire (September’s Birthstone)
Gorgeous deep blue Sapphires are the birthstone for September. A symbol of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness, sapphire is said to help with mental clarity. Sapphire is considered a precious stone. Color: Can range in hues, from colorless to blue, grey, black, yellow, pink, purple, orange, brown, and green variations. Blue sapphire with distinctly violet undertones is especially valued. There’s also a rare variety of sapphire that changes colors altogether according to the light. Source: Madagascar is the primary source of sapphires. But it can also be found in India, Australia, Thailand, Pakistan, Kenya, China, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the US. Age: It became known as a gemstone around Roman times. Family: Corundum Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale Gemstone Properties/Healing Properties: Associated with faithfulness and sincerity, sapphires are said to induce mental clarity and perception. It also helps one get rid of negative thinking patterns. Health-wise, it’s also helpful with sore throats and diseases of … [Continue reading]
Inspired by Apples- Etsy Treasury of the Week
Apples are now in season! Feeling inspired by apples I created a treasury with beautiful items with the color Apple Red. I hope you enjoy this weeks treasury! Click on the image to to be taken to the treasury on Etsy. Visit us at www.ambertortoise.com
The Beautiful Turtle- Etsy Treasury of the Week
This week, I am feeling inspired by the Ambertortoise logo so I have created a treasury of creative and beautiful handmade Turtle items. I hope you enjoy this weeks treasury! Click on the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy.
Thanks For Helping Us Grow Teacher Gifts- Etsy Treasury of the Week
Looking for something small but meaningful to gift to your child’s teacher this Fall as they head back to school? Check out these wonderful handmade creations by Etsy artists that teachers are sure to love. I hope you enjoy this week’s treasury! Click on the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy. www.ambertortoise.com
Back To School- Etsy Treasury of the Week
School will soon be back in session; so I went on a hunt for some great handmade items that will get the school year started off right. These items will make a child’s upcoming school year fun and help keep parents organized. I hope you enjoy this week’s treasury! Click on the image to be taken to the treasury on Etsy.
Gemstone Feature- Peridot (August’s Birthstone)
Beautiful green Peridot is the birthstone for August. A symbol of dignity, fame, and protection, peridot attracts love and wealth while soothing nervousness. Peridot is considered a semi-precious stone. Color: Presents itself in a range of green hues, including yellowish green, lime, olive green, medium, and dark green shades. Source: Arizona’s San Carlos Indian Reservation in the US is the most significant source of peridot today. Other sources are Burma, Pakistan, Kenya, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, China, and Eygpt. Age: As jewelry, peridot was used in Ancient Egypt, and was prized by Egyptian pharaohs. Family: Forsteritic olivine Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale Gemstone Properties/Healing Properties: A symbol of dignity, fame, and protection, peridot is said to attract love and wealth while pacifying one’s temper. Health-wise, peridot helps increase one’s vitality and strength. It also soothes nervousness, and aids liver, lungs and adrenal function. Fun Facts/Stories: The Egyptians called peridot the gem of the sun. … [Continue reading]
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