Monday, July 25, 2011

Ruby - the July Birthstone

A Ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, and it is one of the most expensive gemstones. It is a variety of the mineral corundum (Aluminium Oxide), ranked third in hardness after diamond and moissanite. The presence of the element chromium is what mainly causing the red color in Rubies. Any other color than red in gem-quality corundum classifies it as sapphire.


Large rubies are extremely rare and more expensive than diamonds. So in recent years it has become more and more popular with artificial lab grown Rubies (corundum), which in contrast to natural gemstones are perfectly transparent, have solid color, large size, absence of cracks and foreign inclusions. In Rubies the most important feature is the color, the transparency (unlike diamonds) is only of secondary importance and inclusions are usually considered as a proof of its authenticity and natural origin. Ruby changes color every 1000 years and reaches its full perfection only after 7000 years!


Ruby has been the most popular gemstone for thousands of years. It symbolizes love and passion, and believed to promote friendship. Ruby is a stone of power, strength and vibrant energy force. Genuine Ruby protects against evil spells, chases away depression and warns its owner of impending danger by changing hues. This is a magical gemstone that is associated with the mysteries of the World Beyond.

My jewelry pieces with Rubies that are currently for sale:

 Eliza - for sale in my Arctida, ArtFire, DaWanda and Etsy shop

 
Pandeia - for sale in my Arctida, ArtFire, DaWanda and Etsy shop
 

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Leia - Bridal white Keshi pearls earrings in Argentium sterling silver. Handmade wedding jewelry by Arctida

For not so long ago I’ve made a pair of earrings for a friend’s wedding. She wanted to have simple, sophisticated, modern pearl earrings different from classic design of bridal pearls. She thought that they should be easy to wear, discreet and match almost everything so that she can use them more then just on her wedding day.

So I came up with these... Getting jewellery that matches the dress, the hair and the flowers can be difficult, and like in this case, it shouldn’t take to much attention. A pair of bridal earrings should give the bride a hint of her own *flavor*, describe her personality, the earrings should be an ingredient that spices things up! (IMHO) These earrings are for the bride that wants a bit more, not just a simple design. Nothing on the human body is symmetrical, just like these Keshi pearls. That’s why they give that interesting and eye catching look, but are still subtle and not too outstanding. Perfect for a wedding, where bride wants all eyes on her, not just the dress, the jewelry, the flowers or the arrangement. Because after all the bride is the main attraction, don't you agree :)

Leia - for sale in my Arctida, ArtFire, DaWanda and Etsy shop