Saturday, June 30, 2018

Manganese redux - Sugilite purple

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Manganese minerals create an incredible range of purples and this fairly rare cyclosilicate material is an excellent example.

Ethnic Mala Necklace - 30"

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Well thought out nifty ethnic long necklace; possibly a prayer tool of some sort. Unique and cheerful.

"Alexandrite" 10 mm knotted

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 The vendor calls it natural AAA Alexandrite.  I would take that with a grain of salt, but if you like the shade of purple it is well made. The photo I took does show some color change, I've heard there is some synthetic material out there such as Swarovski; who knows.



Striped turquoise - man made? 10mm, knotted

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The vendor called it "Striped turquoise" so I bought one just to see it. It looks like a man made material to me. But it is colorful. If you like it ask for a good price!

High Card Rubies - 2x4 mm facet

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The stakes at the high table keep it interesting for the rollers. Men in tux, ladies doing the Puerto Rico; this strand would fit right in.















HIGH062918 1 strand 2 x4 mm darker red than picture shows



















HIGH070218a 2x4mm 18" 925 silver clasp
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Spark and Kindle Red Beryl - Morganite

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In December 1910, the New York Academy of Sciences named the pink variety of beryl "morganite" after financier J. P. Morgan; though some say it was the sourceress Morgana.

Think black slink. 17" positions it right in the décolletage, a modest 2 -4mm, tea rose, spark and kindle red beryl ; turn up the heat.


Pinkly impure and loving it - Rhodolite 14 mm coin necklace

PINK063018 14mm 17" coin
 Manganese carbonite should be a rose-red color. At least that's what some people say. I love the character and uniqueness of "impure", (and hot to trot), rhodolite.



Ethnolabradoresence - Ethnic Labradorite with silver metal

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Costume jewelry, ethnic, a statement piece, Cleopatra in silver shimmer. Labradorite with blue fire, set off with silver colored beads.

A blue not of this world - Apatite 6mm 36" knotted

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 This is a shade I haven't seen before, I've gotten hints from tourmalines and sapphires, but not this tone.


Labradorglow - Labradorite, 8mm, gentle glow grey green

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These were sold to me as labradorite, if you look closely a few of the beads exhibit labradorescence, but not disco loud, attenuated with a glow reminiscent of a tooblight.

Golden light - citrine pendant 10 x 20 mm

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I'll never forget her. Black velvet dress cut on the bias, the warm yellow faceting light onto her face to offset the darkness of the cloth. Just large enough to make a statement. Until I got close, I couldn't tell if it was amber, a rare shade of topaz, or citrine.

The many facets of watermelon - tourmaline that is

THEM063018a 10mm faceted, knotted
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 Watermelon tourmaline brings color, subtlety, and joy. Pinks and greens from the elbaite family of this versatile mineral, ( crystalline boron silicate), yet quietly understated compared to cousin kunzite.


















THEM063018 6 - 14mm graduated


Ace in the wardrobe - Yellow faceted 6mm topaz

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Yellow is a difficult color, resulting in being absent from too many wardrobes. Amber works, but it's very fragile. Earth mined, yellow topaz with variance so you know it's natural.  these are faceted, which I think works better with the stone, knotted as well. They are so lovely I am scouring my sources for some more.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Baroque don't mean broke - Pearls

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 Cultured 7mm, ( some 8mms), knotted, salt water pearls. rice shape, fine nacre and lustre. A great everyday go to piece.

One of a kind milky clear with a hint of blue - 12mm opal

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 17", knotted, gorgeous, no idea what it is. The vendor calls it white opal, but I didn't have the heart to scratch it. Under magnification there is opal fire. Some of the beads are rock crystal clear, most are milky, but there are hints of blue in almost all, the reflections and refractions are pretty special; like wearing 33 crystal balls.


Wednesday, June 27, 2018

The privilege to wear purple - Amethyst graduated

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The forbidden color, Purple. In Hawaii only Ali'i, the ruling class were allowed to wear it, kapu for everyone else. Kings have tried to own it, so has the Catholic clergy, but really, we should seek the freedom to wear every color in the rainbow.

Amethyst graduated 6 - 14 mm, 18"













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Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Carries surfer girl into the evening - pink opals

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Strictly speaking, water rescue people weren't allowed to wear jewelry on duty. But everyone knew Miki's puka shells were breakaway, so they let it slide.

At night though, she kept the same look with Australian pink opals whether clubbing, dining or dancing.

Like cognac by a fire - labradorite with a sweater

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Rhea, I'm going skiing this weekend. I am really looking forward to the lodge, relaxing with Billy. I've got this hand knit sweater from Iceland and I want the look to pop; what do you advise?

Labradorite is almost the universal accessory, but I have always loved the way it looks on a sweater. It's a match like cognac by the lodge fireplace. Try this.





Dragweiler's Agate beads with "dragon veins"

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Rhea, I scored a +1 ticket to Dragweiler's; have you ever been there?

That's still my chewing gum under the window side of table 2; I was trying to stop smoking, nasty habit. Why?

I need something unique, something that brings the Halloween feeling to the moment.

You need dragon veins, come with me dear. 35", knotted, colors are perfect for Drags.






Dragweiler's Logo














Dragon veins in clear, almost looks like moonstone.
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Match my lipstick - Color enhanced ruby 8mm facet

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Rhea, these rubies appear to be dyed, you can see the oil.

Oh yes dear, they are. I had been invited to a party in the Seattle area with a techno elite flavor and I wanted to make a splash, so I had the rubies dyed to match my lipstick. I did a batch of a dozen and have the lipstick they match as well, hermetically sealed the day after the party. This is the last one left.

Mardis Gras - Kunzite - Green and Purple

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Rhea, we're having a Mardis Gras party; any suggestions?

Consider this, I have an 18" knotted 10mm Kunzite with lots of the purple color some people prefer finished with a beurre blanc of pastel greens. Black dress with attention to the neck line; it gets the party started.













MARD070218 I paid a little more than usual for this necklace because of the incredible pink bead. Note some of the beads were machined incorrectly and have small scallop shaped pieces missing, but the divots have been polished; picks up light well.


Crystal Blue Persuasion - Lapis w pendant

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Oh Rhea, I feel good, other than all of that yoga making my feet stretch, I'm peaking, (and during energy surges I summit). I'm looking for a piece that it optimistic. I'm looking for crystal blue persuasion.

A new day is comin', whoo-hoo
People are changin'
Ain't it beautiful, whoo-hoo
Crystal blue persuasion

Monday, June 25, 2018

Stone and Shell Trade - Kunzite 4x6mm

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Leilani left her home in Wainiha to visit with the Northern tribes on Loomi Island. They were going to begin a canoe ride North to Lasquet Island, a journey of the ancients. She met Alyana, (eternal blossom), who was wearing this Kunzite lei. The two ladies decided to trade, Leilani's shell for Alyana's gems. Both were treasured all the days of their lives.













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Kunzite is an "anything" stone, not unlike Sapphire. The vendor called this Kunzite, but it is not transparent at all, it might be Hiddenite, a Spodumene variant like Kunzite. But that makes the red hard to explain.

Retro 80s Preppy Party - Kunzite Pink and Green


Rhea, I'm going to a theme party, "College Preppies of the 80s". I bought a white Izod polo, and by shoes have a small pink slip and sockets have a green border. I need something to tie it all together.

Kunzite would let you keep that pink and green theme going, try this on.

Prom Princess Appropriate - Tanzanite in

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Rhea, Shelly's prom is next week, and I wondered if you have something I can give her that won't break the bank. I know I treasured my prom necklace, still have it. The problem is, she hasn't decided on her dress YET.

This will work with most colors and the chain is slightly adjustable, that gives you greater flexibility. It is Tanzanite, a zoisite that so far, has only been found in once place on earth, near Mt. Kilimanjaro.


Larimar to a Turquoise Fest - Larimar and 925 silver

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Those are nice tooled boots Rhea remarked when Annie crossed into the store.

Annie country girl smiled, I'm going to the Rocking House Dancing Barn and all of my turquoise is too loud for my outfit.

Imagine that, too flashy for a cowgirl ensemble, well try this, it is called Larimar and the source is the Dominican Republic. It is just subtle enough to stand out in a sea of noisy turquoise. And the silver beads will fit right in.

Pretty in Pink 6 - 14mm Rhodochrosite

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This necklace could be the invitation for *that* kiss, the one in Pretty in Pink:

Iona:
Does he have... strong lips?

Andie:
How can you tell?

Iona:
Did you feel it in your knees?

Andie:
I felt it everywhere.

Iona:
Strong lips.

Iona:
I know I'm old enough to be his mother, but when the Duck laid that kiss on me last night, I swear my thighs just went up in flames! He must practice on melons or something.

Imagine her in this at Christmas Tourmalines bright color

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Dino Rosinti bumped the side of the door causing it to bang as he entered, not unusual for him. He'd been bouncing off things as long as he could remember. Hi Rhea, sorry about that, people say my mind is in the clouds.

In the clouds, Amazon, Microsoft or IBM wondered Rhea quietly with the slightest hint of a serene smile. How may I be of assistance?

Rhea, I want to get something from Bestow. So far, the only piece of jewelry she wears that I have bought her is that string of pearls. I'd like to improve my batting average. Anyway, we are hosting Christmas this year, so in addition to the drive overs, we are putting up my brother in law's family. That's a lot of work, stress, pressure, and I would like to give Katy something to remind her I care till we get this done.

Thoughtful Dino, and yes, many ladies enjoy wearing something seasonal. Let me show you something I think could be perfect. Its 460mm, so it will not be too long when she is active, but draws the eye with cheerful elegance don't you think? They are tourmalines.

They are incredibly cheery and colorful and they do say Christmas I think, replied Dino. Are they real?

Real tourmalines, certainly. To get that kind of color did they have to use some sort of gemological ray guy; count on it. But the price is right.

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IMAG063018a 5x8mm, 20", knotted
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Cool colors rule - 36" Grey Moonstone with Blue Fire

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Rhea, long time no see, I know it must seem like I only drop in when I need something and that reminds me I am volunteering at the Hospital Benefit tonight and they want us all to wear black party dresses . . . and, Mrs. Johnson inhaled, I love that 9 strand tanzanite, but this event
is dark and disco, need something that shines with luminescent chaos.

Look by the mirror, Rhea softly replied, there hanging was a necklace like the Harper Valley lady herself had never seen. The name, grey moonstone, truthfully is a bit off putting, but when you see the blue fire, you forget what they call it; you wear it, you own it.

I'm going to whale one of the billionaire benefactors after she hits the sauce, Mrs. Johnson said, turning towards the door and she started singing:

And if you smell Shirley Thompson's breath you'll find she's had a little nip of gin



Accessorizing Mrs. Johnson's Mini Skirt - 9 str Tanzanite

Guy and Rhea were spot checking the security video footage and ran across on of Rhea's favorite experiences at Bestow Gemstone Lei. This lady walks in, woman at her peek, fighting weight, curves in all of the right places in this stunning black leather miniskirt, there is no such thing as cut on the bias with leather, but I tell you. She comes in singing an ol country song, acapella, but dead on key, voice that could tune a piano.

I want to tell you all a story 'bout a Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well her daughter came home one afternoon and didn't even stop to play
She said, "Mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley P.T.A."

The note said, "Mrs. Johnson, you're wearing your dresses way too high
It's reported you've been drinking and a-runnin' 'round with men and going wild
And we don't believe you ought to be bringing up your little girl this way"
It was signed by the secretary, Harper Valley P.T.A.

Rhea remembered asking her, would you be Mrs. Johnson?

Confident smile, the valley vixen nodded, I have a problem. When I walk into a room I see all eyes lock on my waist and below. I like my legs, so I'm glad they do, and I've been told I give good feet.

However, Johnson said drawing it out, just the slightest hint of a southern drawl embedded in the elocution of her fantasy.

I'm selling the whole package, my flirtatious smile, the sistahs, paid for I might add, and my Barbi doll legs forged on the Harper Stairmaster. So I'm here to buy something to bring their eyes up from my legs. For extra credit we could even make eye contact. Do you have mojo like that in your shop.

The security camera offered Rhea a rare chance to see her face projected from that moment in time. She had a soft look and she searched her inward memory. The inventory of Bestow does not store well on Blockchain unless you've installed the Principus math library and since the rupture . . . When the Rhea on the screen moved it recalled her attention.

Yes, try this, a nine strand tanzanite, rich blue grey color, my favorite shade. And the winner of the Academy Award for Best Accessory goes to this necklace.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

King Solomon's Tribute, Azurite

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Kerri was larger than life, irresistible smile, hair with a life of its own, she wasn't one for small, unassuming, delicate jewelry, she walked into Bestow with purpose.

Rhea, she did a 360 model turn, I need something for this outfit. It's a hard color to match.

Rhea, looked, nodded, went into the back room and came back with a small Gerstner tool chest. Here are a couple ideas, said Rhea, opening one of her cabinet's wooden draws.


Oooh, that's pretty exclaimed Kerri. What is it?

Azuite, largest specimen I have. Everyone claims it comes only from King Solomon's mine. This doesn't have a blockchain entry, so I can't follow it from the mine, but my supplier thinks they came from a Russian mine. While not common it can be found anywhere they are mining for copper. Feel how light it is compared to its size.

Is it delicate Kerri asked?

I'll say, scratch it on a porcelain plate and it will leave a blue/green streak, laughed Rhea. Treat it like your opals and pearls and you will be OK.

KING063018   12mm 18", knotted, heart shaped fastener, very impressive


Thursday, June 21, 2018

Pray for Andrew Brunson Turquoise

Organizing and inventorying is part of the cost of doing business. Tuesdays are usually slow, so we are going to lock the front door while Anji and I focus on the turquoise collection. If someone needs to be helped they can buzz; we'll close the safe and come help them.

OK, turquoise it is, said Anji, as she walked into the saferoom. It was impossible for Rhea not to watch her. Anji had been a beautiful girl not so long ago, model material. She was still pleasing to the eye, curves in the right places. but now overshadowed by that hard party, kick against the goads, groupie retired, earned and learned aura.

The girls were making quick work of visually inspecting and verifying the block chain assertions. Then as Rhea picked up one piece, her countenance fell. Anji noticed, Rhea, what happened?

I don't know she said, I just sensed sorrow and loneliness, but also hope. Anyway, we have 15 minutes till closing, let's push on.

If they had read the descriptive text in the block, they would have learned this antique necklace mined in Turkey was part of a series to remind people to pray for Pastor Andrew Brunson, falsely imprisoned in Turkey. Sadly, the United States was in such an uproar with the 45th president's "border crisis", this man of God was largely forgotten.


Black pearl effect

BLAC071418 with agate/onyx 18" micro facet Did you hear John Harris passed? I going to the memorial tomorrow. Rhea answered, I did...