Jewelry Making, Jewelry Care, Gemstone Spotlight Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Jewelry Care, Gemstone Spotlight Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Untouched Beauty: Raw Gemstone Jewelry

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.

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Jewelry Care, Gemstone Spotlight Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Care, Gemstone Spotlight Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Gemstone Spotlight: Zircon

Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, zircon is a gemstone older than our moon and almost as old as our planet. Its use and stunning sparkle has been documented in sacred texts for thousands of years. Available in many colors of the rainbow, zircon gives gem and jewelry lovers a timeless shimmering option for their collections.

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Jewelry Care, Gemstone Spotlight Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Care, Gemstone Spotlight Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Gemstone Spotlight: Sapphire

Desired for centuries as the ultimate blue gemstone, sapphires got their name from the Greek word sappheiros which means “blue color.” Deep blue sapphires are considered stones of wisdom, protection and nobility by nearly every culture and religion. While blue is its best-known shade, sapphires are available in almost every color of the rainbow.

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Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Making, Tool Talk Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Making, Tool Talk Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Sparkle a Plenty: Mining for Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystals in Herkimer, New York

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.

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Jewelry Making, Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Jewelry Making, Gemstone Spotlight, Jewelry Care Michelle Pajak-Reynolds

Labradorite: Frozen Fire Within

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.

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