Natural stones are an amazing work of nature. Their brightness fascinates and captivates; you want to peer into their faces again and again, admiring their majestic, unique beauty.
And how perfectly they complement the image of any beauty wearing jewelry using natural crystals. Such products can transform and make any woman unique. But how to choose the right accessory, what stones are jewelry made from?
What types of stones are there?
According to the classification of natural crystals developed by A. E. Fersman, depending on their rarity, features and value, 3 groups of stones for jewelry can be distinguished: precious (or semi-precious), semi-precious and ornamental.
Gems
Precious stones are rare minerals with a beautiful appearance, which rightfully include noble diamond, spring emerald, fire ruby, topaz, sapphire, zircon.
Precious stones are also divided according to classification, for example, there are 1st order, like diamond, 2nd, like topaz and 3rd, like zircon. Depending on this order, they have different prices. However, it may depend on the size and characteristics of the gems.
It happens that a stone of a lower order can cost more than a mineral of a higher level. Basically, all emeralds that are used by master jewelers are up to 2 carats, and the cost can range from $500 to $1000. However, an emerald weighing more than 3 carats sometimes exceeds the price of even a ruby and a diamond of that weight. You can always ask a jeweler what stones I make jewelry from.
Semiprecious stones
This group includes crystals that are not as rare as precious ones. There are much more deposits of them on Earth, so they are considered semi-precious. This category includes amethyst, garnet, agate, tourmaline, peridot and many others. The cost of these minerals, of course, is much lower than precious ones. However, there are exceptions here too.
For example, high-quality tourmaline costs from $25 to $150 per carat. However, sometimes you come across stones that combine a smooth transition of 2-3 colors, the cost of which is approximately $1000 per carat. The blue-green mineral is much more expensive - up to $5,000. You can check with the master what kind of stones the jewelry you like is made from. Often these characteristics are indicated on the jewelry tag.
Ornamental stones
Ornamental materials mainly include opaque minerals, rock or organic compounds. Such stones do not have a bright shine, but with a good cut they can even be compared with precious crystals. In ornamental jewelry you can find: jade, lapis lazuli, sodalite, azurite, malachite, jasper, vesuvian, etc. Check in the store or with the master what stones are used to make the jewelry you have your eye on.
Features of the use of granite in cladding interior spaces and exterior work
In construction and decoration, granite is traditionally considered synonymous with strength, durability, and monumentality. Granite (translated from Latin as “grain”) is an igneous rock with a granular structure consisting of feldspar, mica and quartz. The finer the grains of granite, the stronger it is. This material is resistant to chemical pollution and frost, so it is widely used for exterior decoration - in the cladding of building facades, as steps and curb stones, paving stones for pavements, for the manufacture of obelisks, columns, and street fountains. The low abrasion of granite allows it to be used in places where greater “endurance” is required from the stone - in cladding the interiors of metro stations, shops, and office buildings. In the interior of the house, granite can be used for cladding floors, walls and fireplaces, making window sills and countertops, steps for stairs, columns and balusters, especially if these surfaces are constantly exposed to food, chemicals or abrasion (such as kitchen countertops or stair steps ). A large selection of colors and textures of granite allows you to choose the most suitable stone for any interior.
Granite, unlike marble, does not require additional protection from mechanical damage and exposure to acidic liquids. As for maintenance, polished granite surfaces must be periodically treated with special mastics and polishes to maintain shine.
Names of stones and their meaning
Now let's figure out what stones are used to make jewelry that can not only decorate, but also heal and bring benefits.
One of the most desirable for many girls is diamond, which consists of the main vital element - carbon. Diamond is considered a symbol of innocence, purity, wealth, success and happiness. It improves memory and helps its owners feel younger.
One of the most revered and beloved minerals all over the world is emerald. It not only fascinates with its beauty, but also has a number of mystical and healing properties, helping in the treatment of the stomach, bladder, head and joints. It is also indispensable in personal relationships, as it helps to calm down, refrain from rash actions, and remain faithful to your spouse.
Pearls are a mineral that is amazing in nature and also very popular in terms of jewelry. It takes at least 12 years for a grain of sand that falls into the shell of a mollusk to turn into this amazing stone. It means purity, prosperity, durability. Able to improve relationships with loved ones.
Very often, large gemstones are combined with zircon in jewelry. Zircon is a brittle mineral of crystalline nature. It is characterized by a strong diamond shine, for which this crystal is also called the younger brother of diamond. It is believed that this crystal is a stone of strength and power.
Features of using onyx in interior cladding
Another stone that is very popular among Russian interior designers is onyx. From an ornamental stone it is gradually turning into an elite facing material for creating exclusive interiors.
In ancient times, onyx was even used instead of glass in window openings, because... it let in enough light, and the onyx “windows” themselves served as an additional decoration of the room. In modern interior design, experts use a variety of means (sunlight, play of shades, artificial lighting of stone) to achieve the effect of onyx glow. Onyx, like marble, has a low degree of water absorption, which makes it possible to use this material for the manufacture of sinks, bathtubs, and fountains. In this case, the internal depth of the onyx will be perfectly complemented by the reflections on the surface of the water. The color range of onyx, like marble, is extremely diverse: it includes milky white, soft beige and pink shades, and rich brown, brown tones, and bright green and blue colors.
Jewelry made from natural stones
Not only people can interact, make friends and quarrel. The same applies to stones and metals. Therefore, it is important to know what stones jewelry is made from, as well as what combinations of metals and crystals are found.
Natural stones in gold
Gold clashes with the following jewelry: garnet, red jasper, hematite, pink topaz. It is completely normal to combine it with stones: agate, golden topaz, onyx, emerald. But an ideal pair for gold can be a noble diamond, an unusual yellow sapphire, hyacinth, peridot, red or green amber.
Natural stones in silver
Silver does not tolerate diamonds, rubies, turquoise, zircons, beryl, and red coral. But pearls, topaz, rock crystal, malachite or lapis lazuli are much more suitable. But the best combinations with this metal are crystal moonstone, lilac amethyst, and legendary jade.
Natural stones for jewelry
As for jewelry made from natural minerals, agate, amethyst, opal, pearls, garnet, and turquoise are often used to make such products. The most popular jewelry is made from turquoise and green crystals; jewelry with amethyst is less popular.
Stone products
As a rule, rings, beads and bracelets are made from solid minerals, which do not require the participation of metals in order to secure the stone in a certain position. To make a solid product from a single crystal, it must be of significant size. Therefore, most often such jewelry is made of amethyst, citrine, quartz, morion, rock crystal, agate, jasper, and opal.
Features of the use of marble in interior cladding
Since ancient times, marble was considered an unsurpassed material for the construction and decoration of buildings; ancient sculptors idolized it. The Temple of Artemis and the Parthenon, the statue of Venus de Milo are made of snow-white marble, which still retains the spirit of antiquity. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed as a result of recrystallization and metamorphism of limestones and dolomites. Translated from ancient Greek, marble means “brilliant stone,” and it truly has the amazing property of shining, transmitting light, literally shining under the bright rays of the sun.
Marble is surprisingly plastic - it can easily be processed and polished, and at the same time it is quite durable, moisture-resistant material, which also has antiseptic properties. It is successfully used for cladding wet rooms, fireplaces, floors and walls, for making window sills, table tops, as well as interior items - sculptures, vases, mosaics, etc. However, marble is very sensitive to external influences; mechanical damage and chemical agents can easily damage its surface. Based on color, marbles are divided into white and colored. Colored marbles are characterized by the presence of veins, which are cracks filled with natural cements.
Rocks related to marble, which are also successfully used today for interior decoration, are onyx and travertine.
The attractive pattern, variety of shades and relative cheapness of this material are increasingly providing compelling arguments in favor of choosing travertine for interior decoration.
How to choose a stone
Based on the fact that stones can have a fairly significant impact on its owner, bring good luck or, on the contrary, negatively influence it, it is clear that the choice of jewelry with a stone should be approached with the utmost care.
How to choose a stone according to your horoscope
The easiest way to successfully choose a stone for yourself is by your zodiac sign. Experts in the field of astrology have long developed a classification of stones suitable for a particular sign.
In addition to the fact that you can choose a stone according to your zodiac sign, there is another method for selecting stones according to your horoscope for your benefit. You will learn about this from the video below.
How to choose a talisman stone
It’s even better when the stone is not only correctly selected and beautiful, but also protects against bad spells or brings something good - that is, it is a talisman. Especially in need of protection are those who are unable to resist negativity, the evil eye, and envy, namely children and pregnant women. Let's figure out what stones talismans are made from.
Malachite is a strong protective mineral for children, protecting the child from the evil eye and a number of diseases. Both family and children's talisman is rose quartz, which protects children from dangers, diseases, and injuries. Obsidian is the most powerful magical amulet for a child, because... with its energy it is able to protect against black magic.
The best women's talisman is carnelian, which helps to find love and family happiness, protect a woman's health, get a long-awaited pregnancy, heal wounds, and prevent bleeding.
The best talisman for a pregnant woman is cacholong, which is not only capable of giving her energy and strength during the entire period of pregnancy, but also copes well with toxicosis, edema, and high blood pressure. It will help you maintain a calm, harmonious state. Emeralds are useful for pregnant women, as they promote quick and easy childbirth.
Well, for a new mother, the best amulet will be jewelry with diamonds, which will fill her with the missing energy and protect her from illnesses and injuries. It is recommended to take diamonds during childbirth because they enhance metabolic processes and can stop bleeding.
