Painted Beauty

Amazonite is a mostly opaque stone textured with pale milky-white cloudiness or streaking ranging from light green to greenish blue to deep green/blue. It pairs nicely with moonstone for a beautifully soft look. Amazonite is a soothing stone that is said to bestow truth, honor, and integrity to those who wear it.

Amethyst is found in a variety of shades from lavender to a deep purple. For a stunning statement amethyst can be combined with rainbow fluorite, aquamarine, rose quartz, pearls, or garnet. It is believed that amethyst has the power to prevent intoxication, instilling a sober and serious mind to those who wear it.

Ametrine is a combination of amethyst and citrine, which are both a variety of quartz. It is stunning when paired with rainbow fluorite or peach moonstone. Ametrine is believed to relieve tension, bring serenity, stimulate creativity, and balance mental stability and self-confidence.

Aquamarine is derived from the Latin word, aqua marina, meaning sea water. Aquamarine is often used as a ''good luck'' stone to bring feelings of peace, love, joy and happiness. It is also believed to have soothing effects on couples and helps them work out differences that ensure a long and happy marriage.

Though there isn't a "d" in the word, when you see aventurine think "adventure." Think optimism. Think bountiful. Think practical enthusiasm. All are ingredients for adventure. If you long for change, aventurine is for you. It keeps various chakras open and unblocked, allowing good things to come your direction.

Black is neutral, making it a great design element to combine with many different colored stones, other gemstone beads, and with both silver and gold. Its deep, dark, lustrous surface can play a striking contrast to the warm-colored gemstones like garnet, carnelian and coral. Black has been associated with regeneration and new beginnings. Black onyx is thought by some to have protective qualities, making it advantageous to carry when one is traveling. It is said to be useful in fighting basic fears and in helping to create the opportunity to move beyond bad relationships--and to heal old emotional wounds.

This is a delicate stone with a gentle beauty. It pairs nicely with sterling silver and pearls. Blue lace agate enhances grace and lightheartedness. It's a soothing stone known for calming the mind, releasing stress, and removing anxiety.

The rich tones of gold play off the warm color of carnelian, but it is more often seen in designs with silver, antique silver, or with pewter. Combined with deeply contrasting black onyx, the fire-reds of carnelian become even more vibrant for a sophisticated casual look. For a more adventurous impression, combine it with green aventurine. Or, for an exciting treat for the eyes, combine the fire-orange stone with vivid blue-green turquoise. Carnelian is thought by some to enhance self esteem, to combat feelings of inadequacy, and to increase physical energy.

The warm yellow of citrine is perfectly complemented by gold, although it looks lovely with silver as well. A beautiful, low-key design is achieved by combining it with other yellow-to-green stones like yellow fluorite, peridot, and moss or green agate. For a regal, high contrast look, mix it with the rich red of garnet. An elegant pastel combination is achieved when citrine is paired with aquamarine and light amethyst. Citrine is thought to have a positive influence that can relieve backache and combat depression and problems with the liver, spleen, digestive system and the bladder. Citrine is believed by some to help promote prosperity.

Think of a cool, refreshing frothy lime sorbet or a field of freshly mown grass and you have chrysoprase. Chrysoprase is believed to release negativity from the body. This release is for emotional tension and stress anchored in the body. It is said to bring the mind and body together as one. This increases courage, self awareness, and is believed to act like a shield against any incoming negativity. Because of its color, chrysoprase is related to money and success. This stone is often considered a good luck stone or charm when worn or held. It has a "cooling" property to it so it is used in various ways for healing.

Crystal . . . the word is associated with everything pure and sparkling: raindrops, waterfalls, and high mountain streams. If something is crystal clear, it can't be any clearer. That's the kind of clarity crystal quartz can give to our perceptions.

It is found in a variety of colors, but the deep, noble red is the most highly valued. Coral looks fabulous when paired with turquoise or amber. Coral's greatest spiritual value is that it is like a wise teacher. It teaches us to value life and our place in it. It shows us the importance of living so that we make the world a good place for the children and grandchildren that follow. Coral is a beautiful symbol of the importance of creatures and plants living harmoniously together.

Garnet and gold is a regal combination. Garnet's rich, deep red with a subtle brown tint is harmonious with the warm golden yellow of gold. For a stunning combination, string it with black onyx. For a dazzling contemporary look, try contrasting its faceted clear transparency with the translucence of orange-red carnelian. Garnet has always been considered insurance for travelers against misfortune. Likewise, some believe that it is used in warding off bad dreams and as protection from theft. The stone is thought to attract love and soul mates, as well as to enhance creativity.

Iolite has a blue-violet hue that is almost heavenly. It can be combined with a variety of shades. Like a changing sky, iolite gives a quiet beauty to those who wear it. Iolite's spiritual value is this . . . it helps us to see the path we are on and the path we should be on. It calls for us to honor ourselves and to surrender some space in our hearts so we can clearly see the changes we need to make in our lives.

Labradorite is a soft grey/blue stone with lustrous blues and greens flashing inside it. It pairs well with sterling silver and moonstone. Labradorite is an extremely spiritual stone. It is especially helpful for people who tend to overwork. It helps us regain our energy and aids our bodies and spirits in healing themselves. Like the sound and glistening beauty of a gentle rain, this gemstone quiets those who wear it physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Moonstone has an immediate and constant beauty. It can be mixed with labradorite, pearls, and amethyst for a stunning look. Moonstone looks simply elegant all by itself when draped against a black dress. It is believed that moonstone soothes, restores, and deepens our sense of safety, no matter where or how far our journey takes us. That’s the deep, enduring spiritual value moonstone carries within it.

Exquisite, iridescent mother-of-pearl epitomizes everything we love about being feminine. Its beauty is gentle and delicate. It calls up feelings of tenderness. Mother-of-pearl has a tremendous ability to calm and lessen the fears of those who wear it. It is especially helpful for anyone whose life is intense and stressful.

Lustrous white pearls are nicely complemented by silver (shiny or antique). White or cream-colored pearls are beautiful with the soft pastels of light amethyst or aquamarine. For a spirited dance of iridescence, combine white pearls with silver or peach moonstone. Because of their natural beauty, pearls are associated with the matrix of life and some say that the pearl helps balance one's bodily rhythms and hormonal levels with lunar cycles. They are said to harmonize one's life with the rhythms of the natural world. Having what appears to be an inward glow, some claim that pearls can be used to help tap inner wisdom and to nurture the growth of love.

Shimmering, pale green peridot is as refreshing as a sparkling mountain stream. For a piece of jewelry that is pure ecstasy, pair peridot with amethyst. Their pure, translucent colors are like a duet that sings of beauty so constant and delicate only those two classic gemstones can express it.

Fluorite adds a refreshing touch wherever it appears. Rainbow fluorite ranges in color which makes it pair well with solid color gemstones so beautifully. Those who wear rainbow fluorite are given a wonderful sense of life, gently reminding us that we can always begin again.

Rosy pink rhodonite with its dark inclusions is that perfect mixture of spring’s soft colors with autumn’s warm ones. Rhodonite does for us what paying attention to nature always does for us. It softens our needs. It helps us put petty things behind us. It reminds us that leisure is important and that there's a bigger picture we often lose sight of. We pay attention to small things like the petals of tiny white daisies, the gossamer wings of a dragonfly, or a leaf pressed so long into a stone it has become part of it. That's the experience and wisdom of rhodonite.

Rose quartz is typically a cloudy translucent pink or slightly peach color. For a beautifully cool split-complementary color scheme, match rose quartz with grass-green peridot and frosty blue-green amazonite. For a light and airy look, mix rose quartz with sparkling crystal quartz. Rose quartz is associated with love, the heart, and beauty. Some believe that rose quartz has calming effects and helps people develop strong friendships.

Ruby quartz is absolutely lovely with its rich red color. Ruby quartz bestows the gracious gift of confident self-esteem to those who wear it.

The stunning rainbow effect of multi-colored tourmaline is heightened when it is combined with neutral-colored stones. For a sparkling effect, mix multi-hued faceted tourmaline briolettes with crystal quartz. A natural feel is accomplished by matching round tourmaline beads with round white agate, black onyx, or gray moonstone beads. For a stunning splash of color against a white dress, a rainbow of tourmaline will make a statement with white moonstone chips. Tourmaline is said to have a calming effect during emotional upheavals or when there are conflicts between people of different temperaments. It also helps people become more compassionate.

The blue-green of turquoise is traditionally combined with silver for a southwestern look. Turquoise with a strong greenish hue is complemented by textured serpentine or green aventurine. Other textured beads work well with turquoise: shells and rainbow moonstone. For a look that really pops, turquoise can be mixed with aqua's complementary color . . . it will vibrate next to red coral or fire-orange carnelian. Turquoise is said to attract prosperity and success, to have the power to influence creative powers, and to enhance the ability to communicate.