For your creative listening pleasure! Michelle Pajak-Reynolds chats with Risa Dickens co-host of the Missing Witches podcast about gems, history, lore, and the ethics of her jewelry art in order to answer her daughter’s questions: “Who made it? How did it get here?”

Inspired by the weathered beauty of ancient and mysterious stone circles the Mira collection features ethically mined Herkimer diamond quartz crystals, Fairmined 14 karat gold and hand-pierced recycled sterling silver. Small and intimate in size, these designs reimagine the magic of ancient landscapes as modern-day talismans.

Vesuvianite in all its juicy shades of green, represents prosperity and courage and was once worn by Ancient Greeks and Romans as a protective amulet.

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.

Peridot’s signature juicy green apple color has been desired since ancient times and is one of the birthstones for August.

Scarlet, carmine, or crimson. Regardless of the name of the shade, the iconic red color of ruby has been coveted and collected by gem and jewelry lovers for thousands of years.

Luscious and juicy chrome diopside offers gemstone and jewelry lovers the perfect shade of green for welcoming spring.

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.