Raw gemstones, or rough gemstones, are a favorite in my jewelry designs for their unique textures and natural beauty. These one-of-a-kind stones, untouched by gem cutters, showcase their natural form and color, making them perfect conversation starters. In this post, I’ll answer some common questions about raw gemstones, share how I incorporate them into my designs, and offer tips on caring for and adding raw gemstone jewelry to your collection. Whether you're drawn to their sculptural shape, durability, or stunning color, raw gemstone jewelry adds a distinct touch to any collection. Explore my designs, from delicate earrings to bold necklaces, and find the perfect raw gemstone piece to express your personal style.

Discover the meaning, history, and natural beauty of vesuvianite through the eyes of artisan jeweler Michelle Pajak-Reynolds. Explore this rare gemstone’s volcanic origins, symbolic power, and how to wear and care for vesuvianite jewelry crafted with intention and soul.

Uncover the timeless story of zircon through the eyes of a metalsmith and gemstone storyteller. From ancient myths and sacred texts to modern-day talismans, explore how this luminous gem has captivated hearts for over 2,000 years. A sensory journey into the soul of one of Earth’s oldest treasures.

Golden Enhydro Quartz is liquid light captured in crystal—a timeless vessel holding ancient golden oil from half a billion years past. Found in sacred, remote mountains, these rare gems glow softly with Earth’s memory, carrying a whisper of emotional healing and spiritual depth. Holding one is like cradling a secret sung by the heart of the world.

Discover the timeless allure of sapphire—from ancient myths and royal love stories to the gemstone’s celestial colors and healing energy. Explore the history, symbolism, and care of this luminous jewel through the eyes of a jewelry artist.

Discover the luminous beauty and rich lore of peridot, August’s birthstone and a gem once treasured by Egyptian pharaohs and Hawaiian goddesses. From its volcanic and celestial origins to modern ethical sourcing in Arizona, explore why this vivid green gemstone is a timeless symbol of protection, abundance, and inner light. Learn how to care for your peridot jewelry.

Chrome diopside, the vivid “Siberian Emerald,” glows with the pure green of untouched nature. First discovered in Siberia in 1988, this chromium-rich gem symbolizes renewal, abundance, and the Tree of Life. Loved for its rare, springlike hue and raw crystal beauty, chrome diopside needs no treatment—just the care of a gentle hand.

Wow, what an incredible adventure! I've recently returned from a beautiful Herkimer Diamond mining trip with my friends and fellow jewelry designers in Herkimer County, New York. Herkimer is home to the world-famous Herkimer Diamonds. Learn more about these fascinating gems and how to mine them in this account from our treasure hunting.

The mystical moonstone, one of the birthstones for June, offer far more than meets the eye.

Exploring the wonder and beauty of pearls, the birthstone for June.

Coveted for centuries, Labradorite gemstones are full of mystery and wonder.  At first glance, they appears as a beautiful grey stones, then the light hits them and your eyes are delighted with shimmering flashes of peacock-blue, velvety green, and fiery orange.  Eskimo Inuit and Native American Innu of Labrador, Canada, where Labradorite gets its name, tell a beautiful tale about the birth of these gems.