Sterling Silver
Charming Life Designs uses sterling silver for all charms and components, unless otherwise noted. In its purest state, silver can be as soft as gold and therefore it is generally combined or alloyed with another metal, usually copper, to add strength. Any piece of silver or sterling silver must be 92.5 percent pure to considered real silver.
Care of Sterling Silver
Remembering some simple instructions will help to keep your silver jewelry looking beautiful for years to come.
- Silver tarnishes when exposed to the air. When you aren’t wearing your silver jewelry, store it in an airtight bag to prevent tarnishing.
- Wearing your jewelry often will actually help to keep it looking beautiful. Oil from our skin helps to prevent tarnishing.
- Always remove silver jewelry when in contact with cleaning chemicals as they tend to speed up the oxidation process.
- Clean silver with a soft cloth to prevent unintentional scratching.
Pearls
Pearls are calcium carbonate secretions that form inside a mollusk in response to the introduction of an irritant. Cultured pearls are formed when man intentionally introduces an irritant. Natural pearls are created when the formation of the pearl is left to chance.
Freshwater Pearls
Produced in great abundance these pearls are the most moderately priced of all pearl because they are cultivated from freshwater mussels rather than saltwater oysters. What determines the tone of a freshwater pearl is the original shell the pearl was cultivated in.
Keshi Pearls
The word Keshi in Japanese means “poppy seed”. Keshi pearls are sub-products of a pearl that range in size from very small to tiny. They form accidentally when the oyster rejects and spits out the introduced nucleus or irritant.
Care of Pearls
- With a little care and attention, your investment in pearl jewelry will last a lifetime.
- Pearls are very soft. It is best to store them in a fabric lined box or fabric pouch to prevent scratching from the container and other jewelry.
- Pearls react with acids from our skin, Wiping them with a soft cloth after regular wearing will help to maintain the pearls’ luster. A drop of olive oil will also help to maintain luster.
- Only use cleaning products clearly marked safe for pearls. Any other cleaner may contain chemicals and abrasives that will damage pearls.
- Avoid heat, dry air, cosmetics including perfume.
Gemstones
Charming Life Designs uses a wide variety of genuine gemstones and takes pride in selecting quality stones at competitive prices. The most popular stones include amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, garnet, topaz, lapis, rose quartz, and peridot.
Almost all gemstones available have been enhanced. Gemstones that have not been enhanced are very recognizable because of their incredibly high cost. Some enhancements are an expected part of the polishing and finishing process and are accepted by the jewelry industry as a whole. Most rubies or sapphires have been heated. Heating completes a process that nature started, which is to enhance the gemstone to brilliant hues of blue and red.
Gemstones should be cleaned with warm water, an ammonia based detergent, and a small brush. Always keep gemstone jewelry in a soft pouch. To prevent scratching, store gemstones separately.
Gemstone Meaning
Many believe that gemstones hold special healing powers. Listed below are some of the most popular gemstones:
Agate – Brown, blue, gray. Found in Brazil, India, Mexico, and the U.S. The hardness and durability of this stone brings stability to your life.
Amazonite – White, pale green-blue. Found in North and South America and Russia. Its connection with water helps you to be tranquil. The high potassium content aids the physical body.
Amber – Orange, honey colored to chalky yellow. Found in the Baltics, Central America, and the Caribbean. The translucent color of the stone warms the soul and brings comfort to those who possess it.
Amethyst – Light lavender to deep purple. Found in North and South America, India, and Brazil. The six sided point of an amethyst crystal will point you in the right direction. Amethyst is a primary healing stone. See our wide selection of affordable amethyst jewelry, including our very popular Amethyst Gemstone Earring.
Aragonite – Cloudy, milky white, orange. Found in the U.S., Mexico, and Spain. Aids in clearing the senses. Thoughts and emotions will be defined.
Aquamarine – Pale blue to blue-green. Found in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and India. The calming effect of this gem will sooth and relax you.
Aventurine – Light to dark green. Found in India and South America. Like the color of money, this stone will bring prosperity.
Azurite – Blue-green to dark blue. Found in South Africa, France, and the U.S. This stone, found near copper deposits, promotes the healing of arthritis and helps relieve joint soreness.
Bloodstone – Dark green with red flecks. Found in Russia, India, Mexico, and Brazil. This stone increases circulation and alleviates cold hands and feet.
Blue Lace Agate – Light to dark blue. Found in Africa. The sky blue color of the stone promotes peacefulness and clears the mind.
Calcite – Pale gray, yellow, white. Found in North America. Like the crystals that point out of the center, this rock gives direction in life.
Carnelian – Red-orange to orange-brown. Found in India, South America, and Japan. The fiery orange color invokes passion and love. Increases energy.
Celestite – White to light blue. Found in Madagascar. Promotes self awareness and awareness of the world around you.
Chrysocolla – Light green to deep blue. Found in Mexico, Chile, Zaire, and the U.S. Aids in protection and reduces insecurities.
Citrine – Light to dark yellow-brown. Found in North and South America. The warm golden color brings comfort. It calms and relaxes.
Copper – Metallic orange. Found in the U.S., Canada, Chile, and Africa. The metal content of this mineral aids in transferring thoughts into actions.
Diamond – Colorless, white, yellow, blue. Found in Africa, India, Russia, and South America. The strongest stone on Earth, we lean on it for courage.
Emerald – Green. Found in India, Colombia, and Brazil. Associated with the eyes, it helps with your insight and allows you to see goodness in others.
Fluorite – Pale green to dark purple. Found in the U.S., Canada, and Newfoundland. The fluoride content of this mineral aids in fortifying bones and teeth.
Galena – Lead-gray. Found in Australia, Mexico, Peru, and the U.S. The iron content helps with iron deficient blood and the circulatory system.
Garnet – Reddish-black to deep red. Found in Central Europe, Russia, Africa, and the U.S. This stone helps you concentrate on the details of everyday life.
Gold – Shiny, metallic. Found in the U.S., South Africa, and Canada. Its bright shiny appearance allows you to have a good outlook.
Granite – Light-colored with flecks of black, red, brown, gray. Found worldwide. Conglomerate of many minerals. Aids in dealing with relationships with many different personalities.
Hematite – Reddish-orange on the outside, when polished it is a gray metallic color. Found in Brazil, Canada, U.S., and Australia. This iron ore strengthens the blood and improves circulation.
Herkimer Diamond – Clear. Found in the U.S. and Mexico. This quartz crystal with points on either end helps your mind to focus.
Howlite – White with flecks of gray. Found in Africa, Nova Scotia, and California. Aids in breathing – particularly for asthma sufferers.
Jade – Green yellow, pink. Found in China, U.S., and New Zealand. As the ancient Chinese believed, this stone will bring wisdom and prosperity.
Jasper – Red, brown, yellow, green. Found in the U.S., Greece, Poland, and Turkey. This stone will help control your intense passionate nature.
Labradorite – Brown, blue, gray. Found in Brazil, India, Mexico, and the U.S. The hardness and durability of this stone brings stability to your life.
Lapis – Royal blue with flecks of gold. Found in Central Asia, Chile, and Pakistan. This stone promotes self importance and self confidence.
Leopardskin Agate – Brown, orange, yellow. The small circles of color aids in concentrating on the details of life. Regulates metabolism.
Malachite – Light to dark green. Found in Africa, Russia, and Australia. A piece kept in your wallet or purse will help you spend money wisely.
Moonstone – Gray, pearly with flecks of color. Found in Sri Lanka. Associated with love and happy times.
Obsidian – Black, brown, red. This volcanic glass helps hot tempered people keep their cool.
Onyx – Brown, white, gray, black. Found in Mexico, Brazil, and the U.S. This stone will help overcome feelings of loneliness. Aids in adapting to unfamiliar surroundings.
Opal – Colorless or white. High quality pieces contain flecks of fiery color. Found in the U.S., Australia, and Bohemia. The flashes of fire within the opal aids in the release of anger.
Peridot – Green. Found in Burma and the U.S. The green color of this stone prevents being envious of others. Allows you to focus on positive aspects of life.
Petrified Wood – Found in the U.S. and Madagascar. Like the visible rings from this stones past, it allows you to learn from past mistakes.
Pumice – White, gray. Lightweight form of volcanic glass. Helps those with weight problems stick to a diet.
Pyrite – Yellow, shiny. Also known as “Fool’s Gold”. Found in Germany, Peru, and the U.S. This mineral will protect investments. Promotes general good health.
Quartz – Colorless or white. Large quantities found in Brazil and the U.S. All around healing stone. Brings good luck.
Rhodochrosite –Pink. Found in South Africa, Germany, France, and Spain. Promotes self acceptance. Kept close at night it will help you remember your dreams.
Rhodonite – Pink with black veins. Found in Australia and the U.S. This stone helps you to overcome difficulties during hard times in life. Promotes positive thinking.
Rose Quartz – Pink. The love stone. Found in the U.S., Africa, and South America. Promotes love and romance. Aids in improving your self-image.
Ruby – Deep red, pink. Found in Sri Lanka and Thailand. A strong protector of health, wealth, and body. Strengthens the heart.
Sandstone – Browns. Found worldwide. Its absorbent nature helps you to clear up mistakes.
Sapphire – Blue. Found in Burma, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Promotes good judgment allowing you to make good decisions.
Selenite – Colorless, white, bluish-gray. Found in the U.S., Canada, and Morocco. Aids in breaking bad habits. Smokers who want to quit smoking should carry this stone.
Silver – Found in Norway, Germany, Mexico, and the U.S. High conductor of all metals. Aids in the flow of blood to organs throughout the body.
Soapstone – Brown, green, white. Found in the U.S., Canada, and India. This soft stone promotes change for mind and body.
Sodalite – Blue and white. Found in Afghanistan, Chile, and Brazil. This stone will help you stand up to adversity and overcome it. Aids in the relief of guilty feelings.
Tanzanite – Purple, blue. Found in Tanzania. Aids in the reducing of visibility of varicose veins. Relieves skin irritations like stings and eczema.
Tiger Eye – Brown and black. Found in South Africa and Australia. This stone will help you to identify your addictions and give you will power to overcome them.
Topaz – Yellow, orange. Found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Pakistan. This stone prevents procrastination. Used for relief of the common cold.
Tourmaline – This stone comes in a variety of colors. Found in Brazil, Asia, and the U.S. A pink tourmaline will help with drug addiction. Blue-green varieties can alleviate a hernia.
Touruoise – Blue, green. Found in Iran and southwest U.S. Considered to be a lucky stone. May have altering effects on your mood. Aids in relieving anger.
Unakite – Green with flecks of pink. Found in the U.S. and Africa. This stone promotes self growth and strength. It also prevents kidney stones.
Birthstones
January Capricorn Garnet
This birthstone is most commonly a deep red. In ancient folklore, it was believed to have magical properties, assuring the wearer of love and faithfulness.
February Aquarius Amethyst
This relative of quartz can be found in varying purple tones. In ancient Greece, it was believed to protect one from the effects of wine!
March Pisces Aquamarine
In the same family of Beryl stones as emeralds, aquamarine means “sea and water”. Reminiscent of the clear blue ocean, gazing into this lovely stone has the power to transport you to remote island beaches
April Aries Diamond
Those with birthdays in April are fortunate to claim diamonds as their stone. Originating from the Greek “adamas”, meaning indomitable, diamonds were believed to offer protection and strength in the face of adversity.
May Taurus Emerald
Beloved and admired for their bold green hues, emeralds evoke wonder for the natural world. Sacred to the Goddess Venus, this stone has been linked to fertility and creativity.
June Gemini Pearl
A unique, organic process is responsible for the creation of pearls inside the shells of mollusks. While symbols of innocence in ancient Greece, today they have come to represent tradition and simplicity.
July Cancer Ruby
Derived from the mineral corundum, rubies can be more valuable than diamonds when flawless! Associated with royalty and the power of life, rubies have been highly revered for thousands of years.
August Leo Peridot
The electric green of August's birthstone makes for radiant and exciting jewelry. It is no wonder that this stone, found in lava, traditionally was associated with the sun and endowed with many mystical powers.
September Virgo Sapphire
Cousins of the ruby, sapphires are an intoxicating blue. Virgos can enjoy wearing a stone connected with vision, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.
October Libra Opal and Pink Tourmaline
Opaque white stones with rainbow color hues that dance upon the surface, the opal's complexity can be breathtaking. In ancient times, opals were highly valued for their shocking beauty.
November Scorpio Citrine and Topaz
November offers a choice between two beautiful stones: citrine and topaz. According to ancient folklore, citrine connotes a sense of balance and well-being. Topaz, originating from the Sanskrit “tapas” means to glow, and jewelry adorned with topaz does just that.
December Sagittarius Tanzanite and Turquoise
While Turquoise is often used as December's birthstone, now celebrate this month with Tanzanite. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960's, no other gem has become so popular so fast. Found only in one hilly area of Tanzania, this striking, purplish-blue stone is a gem of rare beauty.