All About Gemstones: Article + Podcast Roundup

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Rocks, minerals, and gemstones are the foundations of many artistic jewelry designs. And rockhounds love nothing more than finding, using, and talking about our favorite treasures. As you might imagine, we’ve published countless articles on the topic of gemstones, from fun facts to purchasing tips to interviews with jewelers and mineral hunters.

Above: Classic Three-Stone Cuff by Jeff Fulkerson

If you haven’t yet entered your best gemstone jewelry in Jewelry Arts Awards: Tucson Show Guide Cover Competition, here’s a collection of articles and podcast episodes to inspire you! We’re accepting entries from jewelry artists of all levels in three categories: Metalsmithing, Sterling Silver, and Gemstones!

READ:

Tell Me a Story: Fun Facts About Gemstones Add Interest to Your Handmade Jewelry by Tammy Jones

Learn some fun facts and ancient tales about many gemstones that are perfect for jewelry designs. These are great stones for jewelry making because they’re durable and hard enough for normal jewelry wear. Plus, they’re affordable. Even gems such as aquamarine, sapphire, and ruby, which can be costly as faceted gems, are generally more affordable in bead and cabochon form.

But is it a Gemstone? by Sharon Elaine Thompson

If you’ve been making jewelry for any time at all—and using stones in your work—the chances are you know the definition of gemstone. But maybe not. So, it may be time—especially for new-to-jewelry makers—to revisit the definition. Gemstones are usually defined as minerals or organic materials (such as amber, ivory, or pearls) that are beautiful, durable and rare. But those can be slippery terms.

Know When You Go: 7 Tips for Buying Gemstones and Jewelry While Traveling by Sharon Elaine Thompson

If you’re tired of your kitschy souvenirs ending up in a shoebox, why not shop for something more lasting? A ruby, opal, or pearl, for example? Or jewelry made locally? I love buying jewelry when I travel. I usually spend less than $150, so I don’t worry much about a rip off. If the piece is priced so that I’ll be happy with it, even if I get it home and find out it’s treated or not genuine, then I buy it and enjoy it.

Mindfulness and Healing with Gemstones and Other Materials by Tammy Honaman

Assigning mystical and healing powers to stone, wood, and other types of natural beads continues to be a common practice of people throughout the world who find comfort and strength in using natural materials for healing. Perhaps this draw isn’t born of hard science, but it certainly piques our imagination, intuition, and creativity.

LISTEN:

Todd Reed and the 5^th C of Diamonds

Think diamonds and you might imagine symmetrically cut colorless stones that throw sparks of colorful light. Think jewelry artist Todd Reed and those who know his innovative designs picture strangely shaped crystals, often translucent or opaque, in shades of gray or tawny tones. His name is synonymous with the use of both kinds in jewelry, as he often mixes them in pieces that are sensationally different. Listen and learn to look beyond cut, color, carat weight, and clarity.

John Cornish: A Mineral Hunter in His Element

John says, “I’ve enjoyed wonderful months of long collecting experiences that have taken me to the other side of our planet, and day trips into the wilds of my own local communities. I’ve traveled many miles and more: I’ve traveled millions of years back into our planet’s geologic past. I’ve explored a rich and varied tapestry of earth science experiences, and no matter how much time I spend pursuing this noble science, I never, ever, get to spend enough time in The Field.”

Jeff Fulkerson: Find Your Technique, Find Your Passion

Inlay artist Jeff Fulkerson thinks of what he does as painting with rock. He specializes in gemstone intarsia, creating wearable jewelry paintings in which gem materials depict whatever’s in his head and provide him with his palette. He says, “Sometimes you mess up beyond all recovery, whether the design just doesn’t work, or you screwed up technically. In either case, know when to say when and throw in the towel and start again.”

Alex and Keith Horst: Rockhounds for Life

Not only was his grandfather a rockhound, Alex is also the son of a rock collector, cutter, and lapidary arts instructor. Keith Horst encouraged his son’s interest in rockhounding and gem cutting, and today the pair are in business as A&K Gems, based in northern Arizona. If someone tells you enough to spark your curiosity but not so much that all you have to do is follow instructions, that’s the best, Alex believes. “If you’re passionate, you’ll get it,” he says. “You’ll figure it out.”

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ENTER TO WIN!

Enter the Jewelry Arts Awards: Tucson Show Guide Cover Competition for a chance to see your work on the cover or inside the Tucson Show Guide! Three categories include Gemstones, Metalsmithing, and Sterling Silver.

If gemstones make your heart sing, be sure to enter your best work in the Gemstone Category.

The stone’s the star! We’re focusing on setting, carving, and otherwise highlighting gemstones and gemstone jewelry in this category. Your show-stopping gemstone jewelry doesn’t have to break the bank using precious gemstones. We also love to see you boosting your skills by highlighting stones such as agates, jaspers, opals, and more! Thank you to our sponsor, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

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Gemstones: Inspiration and Projects