Few precious gemstones capture the essence of the American Southwest quite like turquoise. Among the many varieties of this beloved stone, Sleeping Beauty turquoise stands as perhaps the most iconic and sought-after in the world. What Makes Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Special? The Fineline - White Mother of Pearl with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Sleeping Beauty turquoise is immediately recognizable by its striking robin's egg blue color—a pure, vibrant azure that seems to capture the essence of the Southwestern sky. Unlike many other turquoise varieties, Sleeping Beauty typically contains little to no matrix (the dark veining or patterns found in most turquoise)....
Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) represents an intriguing paradox in the world of fine woodworking. While native to Australia, this adaptable species now grows successfully in many parts of the world. Sometimes even too successfully – it's considered invasive in several regions outside its native range. This widespread availability, combined with its excellent working properties, makes it an increasingly popular choice for sustainable wooden jewelry. Understanding Tasmanian Blackwood's Natural Character Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods For those familiar with Hawaiian Koa wood, Tasmanian Blackwood offers remarkably similar characteristics. In fact, they're often considered close cousins in...
Image by Pana Trees When it comes to creating stunning wooden jewelry, few materials capture the imagination quite like ziricote. This remarkable Mexican hardwood, scientifically known as Cordia dodecandra, transforms nature's artwork into wearable masterpieces. The wood's distinctive characteristics and rich cultural heritage make it particularly well-suited for crafting unique, high-end accessories. Understanding Ziricote's Unique Patterns The visual appeal of ziricote begins with its dramatic grain patterns, which often resemble abstract landscapes or topographical maps. The wood typically displays a dark chocolate-brown background interwoven with black streaks that create mesmerizing spider-web or landscape-like figures. These natural patterns are actually the...
Have you ever held a piece of history in your hands? That's the feeling I get whenever I work with fossilized coral, also known as agatized coral. I am constantly in awe of the unique materials that nature provides us, and fossilized coral is no exception. In this blog post, we'll dive into the formation, characteristics, and allure of fossilized coral, and explore its place in the world of artisan jewelry. Formation and Origins Fossilized coral is the result of a fascinating geological process that occurs over millions of years. When ancient coral reefs are buried under layers of sediment...
At Sticks & Stones, we are always on the lookout for exceptional materials that can elevate our handcrafted jewelry designs. One gemstone that has captured our attention is topaz, a brilliant and versatile stone that comes in a wide array of colors and holds a wealth of fascinating properties and meanings. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of topaz, exploring its origins, variations, and the ways in which it can be incorporated into stunning, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. The Origins and Formation of Topaz Lignum Vitae Ring with Blue Topaz Topaz is a silicate mineral that forms in...
I've always believed in creating pieces that aren't just beautiful but are also enduring symbols of nature's timeless elegance. Today, I want to share with you some insights into preserving your cherished wooden jewelry, ensuring it lasts a lifetime and beyond. Wood, with its warm tones and unique grain patterns, brings a piece of nature’s soul into our daily lives. Each piece of wooden jewelry in our collection is handcrafted with love and a deep respect for the material’s organic beauty. To maintain this beauty, proper care and storage are essential. Why Proper Storage Matters Wood is a living, breathing...
