Since ancient times, people have used precious minerals to make jewelry. At first, using methods of description and observation, our ancestors tried to classify gems. In the treatise “On Stones,” which Theophrastus wrote in 315 BC, one can find both a systematization of minerals and theories of their origin. Later in the Middle Ages, lapidariums appeared - collections of valuable stones. Lapidariums belong to the genre of descriptive poetry, symbolic literature. Such works not only describe precious or semi-precious stones, but attribute to them symbolic significance and certain magical properties. The first lapidary was written by the king of Arabia, Evax. He called his work “The Lapidarium of King Evax” and presented it as a gift to Emperor Tiberius.
THIS IS INTERESTING . Today, about 2.5 thousand minerals are known, however, only about a hundred of them are considered valuable. Minerals are compounds formed naturally during complex geological transformations. Thus, minerals consist of inorganic substances and have a crystalline structure. In jewelry, in addition to mineral gems, organic materials can also be used.
The scientific branch that studies precious minerals is called gemology (from the Latin word “gemma” means “precious stone”).
Gemology studies the properties of valuable minerals (optical, chemical, physical), their structure, patterns of location of deposits, technical characteristics of stone processing. In 1908, the National Association of Jewelers (NAJ), which is now better known as the Gemological Association of Great Britain, was founded. In any state where jewelry is traded, there are laboratories of gemologists. They can be both public and private. But all gemological laboratories serve one goal - to minimize the risks of buying fakes and low-quality products.
According to their origin, all precious minerals are divided into natural and artificial. Natural ones are formed during natural processes. Synthetic minerals are obtained in laboratory conditions; they are similar to natural ones in their structure and properties. Artificial minerals are inferior in price to natural ones and, as a result, are used as a material for creating various instruments.
Stone accessories
Individuality can be emphasized with the help of various accessories - for example, with the help of beads or brooches, various decorative details. They can be made from different materials, one of which is practical and durable stone.
How to make a stone jewelry with your own hands? Today there are a lot of examples on the Internet that will help you realize your fantasies and talents in making interesting, original jewelry. Natural and artificial stones of different colors, textures and sizes will be used.
Names of stones and their meaning
Now let's figure out what stones are used to make jewelry that can not only decorate, but also heal and bring benefits.
One of the most desirable for many girls is diamond, which consists of the main vital element - carbon. Diamond is considered a symbol of innocence, purity, wealth, success and happiness. It improves memory and helps its owners feel younger.
One of the most revered and beloved minerals all over the world is emerald. It not only fascinates with its beauty, but also has a number of mystical and healing properties, helping in the treatment of the stomach, bladder, head and joints. It is also indispensable in personal relationships, as it helps to calm down, refrain from rash actions, and remain faithful to your spouse.
Pearls are a mineral that is amazing in nature and also very popular in terms of jewelry. It takes at least 12 years for a grain of sand that falls into the shell of a mollusk to turn into this amazing stone. It means purity, prosperity, durability. Able to improve relationships with loved ones.
Very often, large gemstones are combined with zircon in jewelry. Zircon is a brittle mineral of crystalline nature. It is characterized by a strong diamond shine, for which this crystal is also called the younger brother of diamond. It is believed that this crystal is a stone of strength and power.
Types of stones
Most often, inexpensive natural stones are used for jewelry. It can be turquoise, opal, quartz, coral, serpentine, agate, jet, onyx, moonstone. The color scheme of each of them is very diverse.
The selection of stones can be done based on the appearance of the future wearer. The basis for selecting shades can be the type - winter, summer, autumn. Accordingly, bright, noticeable stones are selected for “warm” summer women, and calmer, lighter colors are chosen for “winter” women. Another good material is faux pearls.Note! Jewelry using the Shibori technique for beginners: photo of the technique and making master class. Description of the features of creating jewelry
What are natural stones?
Natural stones are varied. Various systems are used to classify them, but the simplest option divides all stones into three main groups:
- Precious. These are the most expensive natural minerals; they are used to make jewelry. This group includes diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.
- Semi-precious. This type of stones is less valued, although they are no less beautiful in appearance. This group of minerals includes amethysts, topazes, chrysolites, etc.
- Ornamental. This type of stones has a relatively low cost. They are used to make not only jewelry, but also household items - boxes, souvenirs, dishes. Ornamental stones include malachite, jade, agate, etc.
When purchasing products, pay attention to the origin of the minerals. On sale you can find products not only from natural, but also from synthetic stones. The former are obtained in nature, the latter are obtained artificially in laboratories. Although it is extremely difficult to distinguish natural stone from synthetic stone by appearance, the structure and properties of these materials are different. They also differ in cost, so unscrupulous sellers may try to sell products made from synthetic stones under the guise of natural ones.
Product types
What kind of jewelry can be made from stone? The main types of products can be divided into the following:
- rings, rings;
- beads;
- bracelets;
- necklace;
- tiaras;
- amulets and talismans.
You can make accessories individually or as a set. A set of earrings, pendants and rings of similar style will look very impressive and will give your appearance a more “classic” look.
Beautiful jewelry made from handmade stones can be of very different sizes and lengths. If you play with different color combinations, you can find a very bright and impressive solution for your future product.
More about accessories
You can start making jewelry with a simple option that will look very good on every owner. Of course, these are beads - the most popular type of products made from natural stones. They are suitable for women of all ages. The variety of lengths and shapes of beads will help you arrange your costume with this decoration in different ways.
What kind of jewelry should I buy?
Jewelry made from natural stones can be branded or ordinary. Elite Italian jewelry is valued for its special originality and high quality. No less popular is French costume jewelry, characterized by elegance and sophistication. However, such products have a fairly high price.
And Indian jewelry made from natural stones is relatively inexpensive. At the same time, Indian stones are considered one of the best in the world. But it should be noted that the products of Indian craftsmen are made mainly in ethnic style, so they are not suitable for every toilet.
Benefits of stones
To choose the most stunning and suitable option for your future necklace, beads or tiara, look through numerous photos of stone jewelry on the Internet.
To create an elegant, unique look, you should complement your wardrobe with elegant bracelets, multi-layered beads or pendants.
In addition, the healing and magical properties of various stones have been known since ancient times. If this aspect is important to you, you can choose the appropriate stones for your zodiac sign or leading element. This detail of the toilet will help you find additional inspiration in life and help in difficult times.
Instructions for making jewelry
We bring to your attention a small instruction on how to properly make jewelry using various stones:
- Use reliable nylon threads for beads and necklaces. Simple sewing threads can break at the wrong moment or fray very quickly.
- To connect beads and items with a lock, you will need a special mechanism or miniature carabiners. You can buy these parts, as well as other necessary materials, in craft stores or jewelry shops.
- Do not mix cheap materials and precious metals. The fittings must correspond to the main material in price and quality.
- Beads and stone details can be strung on ribbons instead of threads. Between clusters of beads, the ribbon can be tied with a bow, threaded through beads of different sizes and cuts, and diluted with metal parts.
- Tiaras and hairpins with stones can be complemented with bird feathers, fur, and leather inserts.
- A ring with a stone can be very original if it is paired with a pendant that matches it in color, but does not repeat it completely.
- Stones can be glued to the crown of a hat. Beads can be woven with a scarf or scarf, or used as a fastening element for a headband or bandana.
- A good solution would be multilayer beads with several “floors”.
How to choose?
To believe or not to believe in the magic of stones is everyone’s personal choice. However, the obvious facts cannot be denied: scientists have received convincing evidence that each type of gem has its own energy, so the stones can have no effect on a person.
Advice from esotericists
How to choose jewelry so that it fits perfectly? Some people take their zodiac sign into account when purchasing. However, this approach greatly limits the choice. After all, if, for example, garnet is recommended for people born under the sign of Sagittarius, then it turns out that representatives of the remaining 11 signs of the Zodiac circle are forever “ordered” to wear jewelry with this beautiful stone? Naturally, this approach to choice does not suit everyone.
Esotericists suggest choosing stones taking into account your personal emotions. That is, if a person experiences pleasant feelings when looking at a stone and wants to pick it up, then this mineral is definitely suitable for him. Therefore, it is always better to choose jewelry with natural stones yourself rather than receive it as a gift.
In addition, when choosing natural minerals, esotericists recommend paying attention to the properties of the stones. Thus, it is believed that amethyst has a beneficial effect on the psyche. It is recommended to wear it when the voltage is uneven. For example, wearing amethyst earrings on exam day will help you gain more self-confidence.
Aventurine is a well-known healer of “heart wounds”; it is definitely worth purchasing for people suffering from unrequited love or who have experienced a breakup with a loved one. Aquamarine is a stone that provides “insight”; if you wear it constantly, you gain the ability to better understand people.
A cat's eye is a powerful amulet against the evil eye and damage; a pendant with such a stone will help maintain health on a mental level. Beautiful peridot gives the wearer wisdom in making decisions. And solar amber allows you to find inner harmony.
Shouldn't we go to a master class?
If you want to teach how to do such things professionally, you can attend a special master class for this purpose - an experienced craftsman, designer or jeweler will teach you how to make jewelry.
Stones can be used for a variety of decorative purposes. They can become an element of the interior, decorate mirrors and furniture. Learning to work with stones can be very beneficial for creative and professional development.
The skills of a designer, artist, fashion designer are the minimum number of skills that you acquire while working on creating beautiful jewelry from a variety of stones.
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