Gemstone Highlights: Alexandrite

What is it?
Alexandrite is a main variety of Chrysoberyl, and very scarce due to its chemical composition.  Known for its ability to change color, called the alexandrite effect, the phenomenon occurs with a change in the source of illumination. The stone exhibits green or bluish-green in daylight, yet will turn a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry in incandescent light. Chromium, as the major impurity, with iron and titanium are the elements that facilitate the change.

Discovered by a Finnish mineralogist, Nils Gustaf Nordenskiold (1792-1866), it was named "Alexandrite" in honor of the future Tsar of Russia, Alexander II.

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Michal Golan's Clip On Earring #126

Ancient Usages.
Found in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, the old Russian Imperial colors were green and red, so Alexandrite was initially only mined for royalty. It wasn't until other deposits were found in various locations that the gemstone gained worldwide recognition.

Where is it found?
Russia was named the prime source for these gemstones, yet in the 1990's other deposits were located in India, Madagascar Ceylon, Brazil, Burma, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, but said not to hold the color changing qualities of those found in the Ural Mountains.

Some gemstones are lab-grown (synthetic) and are not actually chrysoberyl, but corundum laced with trace elements or color-change spinel. These are referred to as 'simulated alexandrite' or 'Czochralski alexandrite' after the process that grows the crystals.

Michal Golan Clip On Button #93

Cleaning & Care.
On the Moh's Scale, alexandrite is a solid 8.5 and is noted for being tough, hard and durable. A simple cleaning includes warm water with a few drops of dish detergent, rinse and polish with soft cloth. Alexandrite jewelry  can be cleaned in an ultrosonic bath or steamed cleaned without problems.

Alexandrite jewelry should be stored separately because of it's capacity to damage and scratch other jewelry and stones, as well as be scratched itself.

The Mystic & Folklore
Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June and the 55th year marriage anniversary stone. It is also known as the stone of Friday, or the stone of "Friday's Child."

Because it's relatively a 'young' gemstone, there is not much information for this category. However, since it's discovery, the gemstone has been attributed to luck, good fortune and love, and in Russia, good omens. It is also said to increase creativity, imagination and intuition.

Cliptomania has been in business for over 13 years, and offers over 500 non-pierced earrings in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes. New arrivals are added almost daily.  Designer, gemstone, gold, sterling silver, big & bold, specials, glitter...and more! On a daily basis, over half our customers are first time shoppers! Find clip on earrings you love by browsing the website, or Advanced Search for specific designer, size, keyword, etc. Frequently Asked Questions, Style Guide, and Glossary are just a few of the bonus pages filled with pertinent information for our shoppers!


Sources:
www.gemstone.org
www.khazargems.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.jewelsforme.com

Those Summer Colors that Say You!

April's edition of First magazine noted the top hues of summer, released by The Pantone Color Institute.  Our Spring and Summer 2013 Style Guide introduced those colors to you coupled with Cliptomania's top picks for clip on earrings.  As many women already know, some colors are just beautiful if they're not on us! Skin tone has a lot to do with what colors flatter you, and what colors just make you look washed out.  The magazine's breakdown of cool, warm and all presented a nice layout of what summer hues will work best just for you, in clothing and non-pierced earrings!

Cool Undertones

(Skin looks Rosy)

Skin Color: Fair

Skin Color: Medium

Skin Color: Dark

Warm Undertones

(Skin looks Golden)

Skin Color: Fair

Skin Color: Medium

Skin Color: Dark

Flatters All Undertones

Skin Color: Fair

Skin Color: Medium

Skin Color: Dark



RB344

 Cliptomania.com has some wonderful non-pierced earrings that fall into all these colors. Check out our Rainbow section to see a vast array of clip on earrings. You can also use the Advanced Search feature to look for a specific color, style, designer, and more!

Lightweight acrylic swirled dangles for a modest pop!



BD319



 Glass beads in light blue (dusk blue), green (tendershoots) and purple (African violet).






RB341

 Looking for reds in all the right places!



RB425



Crystal dotted in nectarine...yummy!

RB324

Summer ice in delicious bold colors!

See these and others at

www.cliptomania.com

Gemstone Highlights: Emerald



Image: www.dreamstime.com

What is it? 
Translated "green gemstone" it orginates from the Greek "smaragdo" via Old French "esmeralde." Emeralds are beryllium-aluminium-silicates with traces of chromium and vanadium which give it the green color. Flaws (or in the case of the emerald and similar to the gemstone amber) are actually inclusions that make the gemstone more valuable. Emeralds with inclusions verify authenticity, and account for the desired darker green color. Some specialists call the inclusions, cracks and fissures "jardin" as they resemble the tiny green plants in an emerald garden which allude to its all-natural origin.

Clip On SG77

Where is it found?

It is speculated that the best emeralds are mined in South America, particularly, Colombia.  Other notable mines are located in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia.


Ancient usage:

In South America, emeralds were found by the Incas and Aztecs who regarded them as holy. Their beliefs, according the Vedas (holy scriptures) say emeralds hold healing properties and promise good luck.

In ancient Rome, the color of Venus - goddess of beauty, love, sex & fertility -  was green. The emerald's green color was said to be the color of life and springtime, as well as the color of beauty and of love. Emeralds were also used in wedding rings denoting faithfulness.

The Egyptians, who believed in the emerald's metaphysical and magical powers, exhausted the finds near the Red Sea between 3000 and 1500 B.C.  These mines were later referred to as "Cleopatra's Mines" as she wore many pieces of jewelry containing this magnificent gem.





Image: www.dreamstime.com


The Emerald Buddha is a statue that surfaced in northern Thailand in the Lannathai kingdom in 1434. One account of its discovery tells that lightning struck a pagoda in a temple in Chiang Rai, after which, something became visible beneath the stucco. The Buddha was dug out, and the people believed the figurine to be made of emerald, hence its name.

Research shows that emeralds have been mined and sought after for well over 4,000 years by many civilizations, and continue to be one of four highly valued gemstones - the others being: diamond, ruby and sapphire.

Care of Emerald Jewelry:
Although the emerald has a Mohs Scale hardness of 7.5 to 8, the inclusions, cracks and fissures within the stone increase the possibility of fractures and damage. Therefore, to protect your jewelry, certain care instructions should be noted.

One suggestion I read encouraged one to purchase emeralds that have been bezel set, thus protecting the stone from accidental bumps, as well as emeralds surrounded by other stones offer increased protection.

Ask the jeweler if the emerald has been "oiled" to minimize the appearance of internal fractures that could lead to breaks in the stone.

Cleaning is basic. Put warm water in a basin. If the water is too warm for your hand, it's too warm for your emerald. Add a mild dishwashing soap to the water. Place jewelry in the water to soak for no longer than ten minutes. Remove and clean with a toothbrush, rinse and pat dry.  Emeralds should not need cleaning more than a couple times a year.  If the stone has been oiled, after several years of wear, it may need to be re-oiled.  Check with your jeweler. Never clean your emeralds with ultrasonics, steam or petroleum distillates (in many jewelry cleaning solutions) as these remove the oil from the gemstone.

Store your emerald jewelry separately to avoid scratching.  Put emerald jewelry on last and take it off first so that chemicals in cosmetic and hair products do not damage or dull the stone. 

Folklore and the Mystic:

The traditional birthstone for the month of May and a traditional gift for the 35th Anniversary, emeralds are believed to have many positive properties for body and mind.  Known as a "tonic" for the body, it is said emeralds aid in alignment, and in strengthening the eyes, heart, immune and other systems, including balancing the wearer who seeks truth. Said to ward off negativity and strengthen spiritual perception, it has been used as a scrying stone to foretell the future.

As the sacred stone for love and romance, it is said to enhance joy, memory, harmony and bring a lover closer.  For some, the emerald has been considered a stone of prophecy bringing the wearer wisdom and insight.

Christians view the emerald as a symbol of faith and hope.  Biblical narrative depicts a rainbow around God's throne shining like an emerald.


Cliptomania.com offers emerald colored crystals and glass clip on earrings in a variety of styles and sizes. Use the Advanced Search to see all emerald colored earrings by placing the word "emerald" in the keyword filter.  Also visit our Gemstone pages.  In business since 1999, let Cliptomania be your first source for beautiful non-pierced earrings including gold, silver, pearls, gemstones, sea glass, designer earrings and more!

Sources

http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84:sapphire&catid=1:gem-by-gem&Itemid=14

http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/emerald_gemstone.aspx

http://www.luckygemstones.com/emerald-legends.htm

http://www.ehow.com/info_8210686_different-uses-emeralds-egyptians.html

http://simplygemstones.com/emeraldfacts.htm

http://www.ehow.com/info_8675929_use-wedding-rings-ancient-times.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Buddha

http://www.ehow.com/how_2189858_care-emerald-jewelry.html

Spring & Summer 2013 Forecast

Spring & Summer 2013 will be inspired by free flowing and easy styles with fluid movement.  As we explore what the jewelry trends are, then you can choose how to adapt them to your personal style in a way that suits you.  Click the bolded links below to view examples of colors and trends to help you look your best.

According to Pantone, the 2013 Color of the Year is Emerald, a rich, deep green, and most easily remembered as the birthstone for the month of May.

Other shades of green will also be trending this year, as the palette sports this fresh new favorite Tender Shoots.

Like the chartreuse of Fall 2012, it is similar yet darker. Grayed Jade, another green hue, looks like a pastel green with a hint of gray.

We will see colors like Dusk Blue, a combination of sky blue and periwinkle, bring a calm and relaxed feel.

Classy Monaco Blue, slightly lighter than navy blue and darkest in the palette, is suitable for a base or accessory color.

Lemon Zest looks like a ripe lemon – not too bright - and will be perfect for a splash of uplifting color.

African Violet is a quietly grayed purple tipping toward the lavender side of color. 

Poppy Red is a darker orange-red, and is a real eye-catcher.

If you loved last year’s Tangerine Tango, don’t fret.  Nectarine comes forth this year as an orange with a subtle demure.

Linen is an off-white muted with grey representing a neutral, complementary with many colors.

The entire palette is uplifting and fun, sure to compliment spring and summer in a most delightful way.

 

2013 Earring Trends

The 2013 outlook for jewelry takes a few trends from 2012 and incorporates some new fun looks.  Genuine feathers, or feathers fashioned in metal,  big & bold, especially in silver, chandelier, and the large real gemstones held their own and continue to be a popular accessories for 2013 as well.  New trends include the romantic floral fantasy - not just for garments, but jewelry as well.  Want to walk on the natural side? Think about recycled components used to fashion wearable creations.  Birds, like feathers, are an inspiring trend complimenting the natural and can be found in elegant as well as fun creations.  One of nature’s rosy metals, copper is making its appearance as a desired metal color, wearing it alone or in contrasting combinations with other metals  Part of that natural look is the appeal to tribal jewelry this year, and the feeling it evokes of nature and legacy whether created with color or balanced with earthy tones. Statement earrings, especially in bright colors and crystals will get one noticed.  Jewelry with a history will also be popular, giving the accessories you wear a story to tell.  Simple, and maybe, even punkish geometric  shapes are a new craze, and are a great accessory to accentuate style or face shape. See www.earringinformation.com  or our blog for information on earring styles for particular face shapes.

Cliptomania.com is an internet only store featuring over 500+ earring styles including Bead, Hoop, Gold, Sterling, Glitter, Kid, Nickel Free, Big & Bold, Pearl, Gemstone. Designer styles plus more.



Birthstones: April & May

April's Birthstone is Diamond.

The diamond is a widely known stone with outstanding physical properties, in particular the qualities which originate from the bonding of its atoms. The result is that the diamond is recognized for its hardness (10 on Moh's Scale) and it's thermal conductivity. 

Did you know a large and perfect (aka flawless and having no inclusions) diamond is called a paragon? A diamond with a weight of 12 carats held this title in the 16th century, but today, more than 99 carats are needed.



April's Alternate Birthstone is Quartz.

Quartz in it's purest form is called "Rock Crystal" or "Clear Quartz" because it is colorless and translucent.

Did you know the largest, recorded quartz crystal was 20 feet long and weighed more than 48 tons?


April's Birth Crystal is Cubic Zirconia.

Cubic Zirconium (CZ) is a lab-created gemstone that closely resembles a diamond, yet is heavier. Most people need a jeweler's eye to confirm if the stone is a diamond or a CZ.

Did you know that CZs are the biggest competitior against diamonds since production began in 1976?

May's Birthstone is Emerald.

Inclusions found in emeralds are considered part of their character, and used to assure the purchaser that the stone is natural. Such inclusions in most other gems are not acceptable.

Did you know that the emerald is one of the traditional four precious stones? The other three are ruby, diamond and sapphire.

May's Alternate Birthstone is Chalcedony.

Many precious gemstones are a form of chalcedony and include: Onyx, Avernturine, Agate, Mtorolite, Heliotrope, and Chrysoprase.

Did you know that hot wax will not stick to chalcedony? It was carved and used to make seal impressions.

May's Birth Crystal is Emerald.

Emeralds are considered brittle stones, and internal cracks may develop if the stone is banged against something or subjected to significant temperature changes.

Did you know the "Emerald Cut" was devloped for this particular gem in order to reduce the amount of pressure during the cutting process?

 

Sources:

www.gemselect.com/gem-info/emerald/emerald-info.php

en.wikipedia.org

Images:

www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-images....

Spring is Here!

....and so are our Spring Theme earrings!!

EASTER, will be celebrated on March 31st of this year.

Here in Indiana, as of this writing,

we have received (hopefully)

our last snow of the season.

Yet, in other areas of the country,

 FLOWERS are popping up,

 BIRDS are singing,

and young ladies are getting ready for PROM.

Cliptomania.com is an clip on earring internet only store featuring over 500+ non-pierced earrings in a variety of styles including Gold, Sterling, Hoops, Vintage, CZ, Childrens, Nickel-Free, Designer, Gemstone, Pearls, Museum Reproductions and more.  See our Homepage and begin shopping with us!

 

St. Patrick's Day - March 17

In Irish, Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick", is celebrated on March 17 which is the annivery of Saint Patrick's death.

Saint Patrick, a recognized saint of Ireland, was born in Britain in the 4th Century. At age 16, he was taken by Irish raiders and made a slave. He had a dream he believed was from God. He was told to flee to the coast, board a ship and return to Britain. He returned and quickly joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul, and studied to be a priest.  In 432, he went back to Ireland as a bishop and convinced the Irish away from polytheism.  Legend tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the doctrine of the Trinity. He died March 17, 461.

Observed by the Catholic Church and others, Saint Patrick's Day, in the 17th century, became a day of feasting, but has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general. 

The color originally associated with Saint Patrick was blue, yet by the 17th century,  green and green shamrocks were worn for the celebration.  It seems many celebrations take place, not just in Ireland. Argentina has an all night street party complete with dancing and drinking.  Canada has the longest running parade held in Montreal.  In Great Britian, the Irish Guard wears shamrocks flown in from Ireland.  The wearing of green clothing is a favorite of New Zealand and particularly Australia where many Irish emigrated or were taken, and is celebrated as a time to recollect their ancestery and heritage.  Russia has two parades - one official with government officials - and one unofficial, created by volunteers and includes-- street shows and much clamor.  How about dying the Chicago River green?  Even USA and Ireland rugby leagues participate in a face-off some time closely associated to St. Patrick's Day.  That's only a fraction of the celebrations I found.  

Image: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

So, however you celebrate on March 17th, whether you attend a church service, dance in the street, attend a parade, walk along the green river holding a green beer wearing green clothes, Cliptomania.com has the perfect earrings for you!  See all of Cliptomania's non-pierced St. Patrick's Day theme earrings here.

Cliptomania.com has over 500+ non-pierced earrings in a variety of styles. In business for 14 years, let us be your first source for affordable, quality clip on earrings that will bring out the beautiful in you!

 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day#Saint_Patrick