Thursday, 15 November 2012

Charity Event in my Home Town-Rahr and Sons Brewing Co.

Hey everyone, so I have been super busy with work and I have not finished my new article on taking photos of jewelry and art. I wish I had the time to finish it this week but I am just so busy with jewelry and my other part time jobs that I haven't had time to research a lot of techniques for taking photos. You would be surprised how much I research before I write an article. I guess that is what writer's do lol. I don't really consider myself a writer but maybe someday. "eh" :) Ok so I wanted to post a quick blog and post some news for my local folks. If you are willing to travel to Fort Worth on December the 12th you will find a cute little event for charity. Location: Rahr and Sons Brewery Beer Garden · Brewery 701 Galveston Ave, Fort Worth, TX. (817) 810-9266 Don't forget that our annual Art For A Cause event is coming up!!! This year's event will be here at the brewery on Wednesday, December 12th from 5-9PM. This is your chance to come by, have a beer or two and shop from over 30 local arts and crafts vendor booths. Not only that, a portion of the evening's proceeds goes towards the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. If you are interested in being one of the selected vendors at this event, please email Christine at: Christine@rahrbrewing.com

Sunday, 28 October 2012

Artfire Collection "Day of the Dead"

Hello my peeps. I wanted to post a collection that I made on Artfire.com "I really love this time of year. I so love costumes and Halloween in general. I also love Day of the Dead so I made this collection of wonderful items.

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Hey everyone I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to post in my blog. I am busy with the holiday season. I am enjoying making all the jewelry. I wanted to share with you some recent creations.
Leave comments below and tell me what you think about the jewelry. :)  I love feedback on my designs.
I hope everyone is having a great week.

Hey do any of my readers make jewelry or art or anything crafty from scratch? I am a member of a website called   Artisan/Jewelry Designers
   http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/group/artisanmonthlychallenge                         
 They have a monthly challenge and it is really fun to come up with a piece of art or jewelry with a theme in mind. It inspires me to make many things. I have even sold many of the items I have made for these challenges. So hop on over to the site and join in the fun.
Link Below. You have to join the site but it is free and you can store 20 photos of your jewelry on the site and get some exposure. We all love free exposure right!?
http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/group/artisanmonthlychallenge


I also want to mention that I am working on an article about taking pictures of jewelry. I have come along way in photographing my jewelry. I have been researching this topic for a while now. I have found a lot of tips and tricks. I also continue researching so I can fine tune my backgrounds and improve my editing skills. I still don't have it all perfect yet. I really need to get a photo tent. I need to join the lottery so I can win and buy a fancy camera hee hee. So stay tuned for my article. I am also open to additions from other writers. If you would like to add to my upcoming article please email me at dymnddesign@sbcglobal.net


Ok peeps thanks for reading. 
Custom Orders available.
www.shannonschow.artfire.com
My Facebook Fan Page
Profile at Artisan Jewelry Designers Ning Site
My Twitter
My Pinterest





                   












Monday, 24 September 2012

WOWWWWW! Sea life is amazing. I just wanted to share this post I found on pinterest.
I like to roam the internet for ideas and inspiration for my jewelry and art. I found this page and was amazed by this picture. I am hoping it is real and not photo-shopped. You never know what you are seeing on the internet. A lot of people can change original pictures.
When I look at the colors I get a lot of ideas on making a pendant and earrings to match.
Well enjoy this and Happy Creating

Saturday, 22 September 2012

MAGPIE GEMSTONES: Shannon Schow


I was featured recently on her blog. I love her beads because they are so beautiful. I am so proud to be on her blog. I get many hits on my store front from her website so it is nice when she gives us exposure on the internet. If you are a jewelry designer you might want to stop no over to her site. She also has an Ebay store.

She has a blog that features her customers jewelry. If you make jewelry with her products and send her a picture she will feature you on her Client's Blog. Stop on over and check out the blog and her website. She has quality products that never disappoint me.




MAGPIE GEMSTONES: Shannon Schow:       Shannon Schow

http://www.magpiegemstones.com


www.shannonschow.artfire.com
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/ShannonSchow


Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Visit Thumbtack

Hey everyone I just wanted to post a quick post to tell you about Thumbtack. I offer jewelry lessons on Thumbtack Web Site   . Click on the link to get started. The search can be done by address so you can find people in your local area for answering quotes. If you have a service you would like to offer just add yourself to the site and start receiving quotes for YOUR services. I think it is a really cool site.They offer a web site where people can search for certain services such as jewelry lessons for jewelry designing and many other categories. I recently answered a quote and it was so interesting to find someone in my area to teach soldering and some tips about jewelry making. My first client even taught me some new things about making jewelry with stained glass. Well maybe you would like to check it out.

Ok by for now and have a WONDERFUL DAY!

www.shannonschow.artfire.com
www.shannonproductions.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/ShannonSchow

Jewelry Making Classes by Jewelry Making Teacher/Designer

Thursday, 23 August 2012

Soldering Basics

Hello, everyone today I would like to talk about soldering. Recently I was contacted by a customer who wanted to learn how to solder and make a lovely necklace. She had seen one while shopping online one day and wanted to recreate her own version of a copper necklace.

I learned how to solder in 1989. I was in the US Army and went to school and learned all of the basics of electronics and  and how to repair electronic boards. My job in the US Army was to repair radios so we had to know how to fix a radio in the field. I am glad that I went through that class, but back in 1989 I would never have thought I would be using my skills for jewelry!

I wanted to write an article about soldering because I found lot of information in several different places. I thought it would be nice if I put all of the supplies you will need for soldering jewelry on one page :) I am also listing tips for buying and using the supplies. I am sure someone has struggled to find all the information on one web site page.

I will say there are many videos on www.youtube.com  for learning things about soldering.
You can teach yourself but it might be better to learn from someone in a class. I will be teaching my client how to solder and all the little things you need to know while soldering. I think soldering is fairly easy to do it just takes practice to be precise in jewelry making. Soldering a copper pipe is very different from soldering tiny pieces of stained glass. I am really excited about the project we will be making. I have sketched out my design. See below the necklace we will make. My client's design is a different from my design. I am sure both of our necklaces will evolve as jewelry designs often turn out different than the original sketch. :) Sorry for the bad pic lol it's from my cell phone. Hey why don't some of you make one and send me a picture of it and I will feature you here on this blog. That would be fun if my blog inspired many of you to make something beautiful.

 Please see all resources and links down below just in case you want to order these supplies online or just for browsing to get an idea of prices. Please note that all products online might not be available at the stores. You must call the store to find out if special products are in stock. Most of these supplies are kept in stock at the stores. The more specialty items are more likely to be online only. I like to go to the store so I won't have to pay for shipping.

Basic Supplies

Lead Free Solder  : most solder you find is lead free. Lead free is necessary when making jewelry.
I found it fairly cheap and all of your local hardware stores have this product.

Soldering Iron: This iron is usually under $10 dollars at your local craft store or hardware store. It usually comes with a roll of solder also. You will need a sponge to clean your tip. You have to keep the tip clean and shiny or it will not solder correctly. Be sure you are using the right tip for the job.
There are many sizes and shapes of tips. When soldering stained glass it is suggested to use the screwdriver tip.

Micro Torch: This is a butane torch. I bought this at Lowe's and it also came with bottle of butane and soldering tip.This is not a  mandatory tool for soldering stained glass jewelry. I think these torches are a lot hotter than the soldering iron. You can use this torch for other designs in soldering jewelry. The soldering tip is needed for more precise soldering. Some pieces of jewelry will require the soldering tip and other designs can handle the torch. The torch is good for fusing metal. I think it is cool because it came with the soldering tip. It was under $20 dollars for the kit. If you don't have a Lowe's then I am sure you have a Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Store or any other Hardware store
Link below features a micro torch in an online store.
  http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H203047TL

Regular Torch: There are many sizes and types of torches. I suggest you google jewelry torch or mini torch and see what results you find. I have heard people call it a plumbers torch. Here are some links I found for buying small torches used for jewelry making. You can also find a lot of info on using a torch on http://www.youtube.com   When using youtube just go to the search bar at the top and type in "using a torch" or "using a torch for jewelry making" You will find informative videos about using a torch.
Link Below features a torch
http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H203441TLh



Flux: this can be any many forms. Some types are more expensive than others. I use the paste type.
You can find this at the hardware store. I just bought a small jar and it will last a long time. I bought one of those packages of cheap small brushes to apply the flux. You can usually get a set of 5 brushes for under 3 dollars at the craft store. The brand of flux I bought is Lennox
Here is a link for the type of paste I use. I bought the 1.7oz  Make sure the flux is : Water Soluble and for use with any lead free solder.    Most flux is water soluble.

 http://www.lowes.com/pd_98948-1411-WS78091_?PL=1&productId=3136979
Zoomed: LENOX 1.7oz Premium Water Soluble Flux
Pickle Solution: This is needed for cleaning the flux and or oxidation from your piece after soldering. You want to be careful when using the pickle. Quench your piece in water before dropping into the pickle solution so you don't have splatters. Pickle solution can be used hot or cold. Hot solution works faster than cold solution.You can use a mini crock pot , coffee pot or a glass casserole dish with a lid. A lid will slow down the evaporation of the solution. Do not let the pickle solution boil if you are using it as a hot solution. You can buy the solution or make it yourself at home. Sparex and ProCraft Pickle are a couple of brands you can buy. I have also listed below a link to buy it online. I just went to the dollar store and found a glass bowl with a lid for my pickle. I have had friends tell me they found mini crock pots at thrift stores. After I am finished for the day I can just  put this away under the sink. The solution is reusable. Please don't use this dish for food. You will need to make new solution from time to time. 

 Keep in mind that you are working with chemicals and need to be careful in how you use them and dispose of them. Please note you might want to use protective gear like gloves and eye goggles. To discard old pickling solution, add baking soda to it and let it bubble. When the bubbling slows down, it is okay to flush it down most drains. 
  You can use home products for your pickling solution. There are other things available if you don't want to use home recipe.  I find that you can brush a bit of flux on after quenching the metal then drop into the solution.  Warm solution takes about 15 minutes and cold solution takes longer. I haven't pinned down a time but I just leave it in cold solution for about an hour then clean off my piece.
   With some pieces I use steel wool to polish the metal.  It polishes the piece and I think it looks good.  I am using a patina solution on this project so this will aid in an antiqued type look on the piece. It is just your preference and some trial and error will be useful to find what kind of look you want for the jewelry piece. It also depends on the type of wire you are using.
Here is a link for solution you can buy from the internet. You can also "google" pickling solution for metal.
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Rio-Pickle-for-Non-Ferrous-Metals/5010233?pos=1
If buying a pickle solution make note of the different types of solutions available. There are more than one type of solution depending on the type of metal your are using.

Recipe for Pickle Solution: Vinegar and Salt. 1 cup of Vinegar and tablespoon of Salt
You can use this solution with copper and other metals such as sterling silver.

Copper Tongs: use these for grabbing pieces out of the pickle solution. The copper tongs do not contaminate the solution.You can find these in your hard ware store or some craft stores.
http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/p/ETTWZ92001.html

Copper Foil : This is needed if you are using stained glass or regular glass in your project. You can find this at Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Store. Wrap the foil around the piece then brush flux on the foil. Then use the soldering iron with solder to seal the glass. Move the soldering iron across the foil to get a nice layer of solder. You want to be sure and keep adding flux each time you add solder. This helps the solder flow. It takes a bit of practice to make clean solder lines on the piece you are working with.
 

Stained Glass scraps: I found a local stained glass supply store and they only charged 1.75 per pound. You can also find glass at craft stores. Sometimes glass can be very expensive if purchased in large squares. I think buying the scraps is a better idea. I am sure most cities have a stained glass store. I was lucky and found one about 2 miles from my house.
http://www.merry-go-roundstainedglass.com/

Glass Cutter: you can find this at a stained glass store, online or craft stores. There are inexpensive and expensive cutters. I am not sure if  all craft stores carry the cutter. You might even find them at the hardware store. I bought the $5 dollar cutter and it works just fine, however I like the more expensive cutter because it scores the glass easier and better. Use this tool to score the glass before breaking. You can use the cutter for any shape you choose. Score and then break.
Here is a link to the glass cutter that I bought. This is the same type I bought from the stained glass store. Well mine is green lol.
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/steel-wheel-glass-cutter-158006/


Grozier Pliers: This tool is needed for breaking the glass after you have scored it. I found these at the stained glass store and they were blue and hard plastic and cost $5 dollars. I am not sure if craft stores have the plastic pliers. I did find the metal pliers at Hobby Lobby. I think I feel safer with the plastic. The plastic pliers work very well.  I found some metal ones on the internet and using a gentle upward rolling scrapes the glass edge (grozz) against the serrated teeth removes unwanted glass flares. This removal of grozz is known as grozing. I have tried to break the glass by hand and it is not as affective as the pliers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker-grozier_pliers



Please see all resources and links above and below just in case you want to order these supplies online or just for browsing
Resources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4999815_make-pickle.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaker-grozier_pliers
http://www.merry-go-roundstainedglass.com/ 
http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/09/eco-friendly-jewellery-pickle-solution.html


Ok folks this is all I have for now on information for making jewelry with a soldering iron.
Thanks for reading and hopefully this will inspire some of you to make something new.
Hop over to my jewelry page on Facebook and like my page. You can also join my blog.
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Saturday, 21 July 2012

Jewelry made with Magpie Beads

Hello all! Well I spent all day photographing , editing and posting my newest jewelry designs. I am happy with most of the photos. I have to retake some if I don't get the light just right. Anyway I wanted to post today a necklace and other pieces I made with some free beads I received from Magpie Gemstones
I had so much fun making all these pieces. :) Have a wonderful day everyone.

http://www.magpiegemstones.com/
My last blog explains all you need to know about Magpie and her giveaways. Enter to win!

I just love the little Turquoise chips she sent me. I was able to make many pieces with these chips.
I still have some left! I plan on making some more earrings with my left overs.








Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Free Beads from Magpie Gemstones

   Hello, everyone I have been missing in action but I am back! lol I should have posted this entry in May but I got lost somehow in the last 2 months.

   I have won some free beads! Whoooo hoo! Below are the words I posted on Facebook page when I received the items.

  Oh my gosh I am so happy, I went to the mailbox and found these awesome items from Magpie Gemstones I won a drawing Woot! They have wonderful quality beads, pendants, findings and more. She also has a wonderful client blog that showcases some of her clients work. I can't to design something wonderful with the lovely turquoise chips and abolone pendant.


   Magpie Gemstones is a small family owned business in the Hill Country of Central Texas. We have been buying and selling beads for many years and making jewelry for even long.

  With Magpie Gemstones wholesale to the public you will receive 40%-50% savings over standard industry retail pricing without membership or faux wholesale gimmicks, and up to 30% off additionally. We do not make you jump through hoops to get wholesale prices on top quality product. You buy only what you need. No 10 strand minimums. We know that you need an assortment to succeed. 
   We ensure that the gems are of the best quality for the price because we take pride and a lot of effort to hand pick the finest beads. We do not just choose a stone and let the vendor fill our order. If we must order beads from a distributor to fill a custom order we will send back any beads that do not meet our high quality standards. It is hard to buy online and not see gemstones in person and we understand that. I attempt to be my client's eyes so they can be assured they are getting good quality.

http://www.magpiegemstones.com/   This link is for her website where you can buy her beads. 
http://turquoisemagpie.blogspot.com/  This link is to Magpie Gemstones client's blog. 
Her customers send pictures of the jewelry they make with the items they have purchased from Magpie. I love looking at this blog for inspiration. The designers on this blog make beautiful jewelry. 
 Here is the link for free beads 
http://www.magpiegemstones.com/freebeads.html
 Magpie Gemstones has always had great promotions including a yearly draw for a $200 shopping spree. You can check out their promotions, and sign up for their newsletter here, and visit them on Facebook to take part in their latest promotion: Best Facebook Fan! Every other month, Magpie Gemstones will be giving away free beads to their best Facebook fan and all you have to do is interact with them on Facebook! It’s that simple.

   I have almost finished the piece I have made with these free items. I just need a couple of more days to finish the necklace. See below the picture of the beads and pendant sent to me by Magpie Gemstones. 

Have a wonderful day everyone. I hope to post my finished piece by next week. 

 

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Bridal Mehndi Dresses 2011 Pictures

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Latest Bridal Lehenga Styles 2011 Designs

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Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Pakistani Salwar Kameez Picture

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Perk up Your Style with Hair Flowers

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Saturday, 5 May 2012

Nike Kids Shoes Picture

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3 Style Nail Clippers

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Friday, 4 May 2012

Anarkali Frock Designs 2012

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Children Frocks Designs in Pakistan 2011

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UK Girls Fashion

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Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Indian Bridal Wear 2012

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Rise and Shine to Health

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Monday, 30 April 2012

Working Towards a Better Life

  Well hello everyone! I am delighted to write today and express my feelings and share what I am going through. I have been trying to get in touch with my spirituality. I have not been in touch with spirituality in most of my life. I can't go into the long story about why but I can say I am now moving on from "my story". I have met a friend who has opened my eyes to all the possibilities of having peace and living the life I should and not just going through the motions of life. I do believe now I am finally getting back to some sense of peace in my heart and mind. I have a long way to go but at least I am "working towards love and light" My friend says we have to be open and willing to receive this love and light. I am definitely ready now and feel like I am making good progress. I keep telling her I have to take baby steps lol. Well it is true because if I go to fast I will not take it all in and grow.  I started painting when I decided that I needed some form of meditation. it seemed to relax me when I was focused on one thing. One day I was invited to a jewelry party. The party inspired me to start making jewelry for myself. The rest is my history so far ...
 
  I have been watching some of Oprah's life classes and they bring me wonderful inspiration. She started one of her shows by saying we all should shrive to live the life we were meant to live. It took me so long to find out the life I want. I am still not there but now I can say I am working on it. :).
Her Life Classes show is really cool and just reminds you of the tools you can use for making your life better. It's about knowing yourself and doing what you love or finding your passion. I think that is our ultimate goal in life. I am also leaning to live in the moment. It really is important to stay in the moment. If you are constantly living in the past or future you will never be there in the present. I really need to practice this since I spend a lot of time worrying about the future and then sometimes dwelling on the past. I just have to realize that the universe will provide for me. I also realize now that dwelling on the past just causes me stress and hurt. I can't change the past. Most people would say this is obvious but I really have to remind myself. I guess it is hard for me to let things go but I am working on how to change my behavior. I started writing a gratitude journal. This journal helps me remember everyday that I am grateful for living and grateful for so many other things in my life.
No matter how bad a day I have had writing in this journal reminds me at the end of the day that I am better off than I think. So I could go on but I am sure you get the idea. I am hoping after another show I will be inspired to write more.

 I have put in links for the OWN network down below.
 Please comment below if you like ...

 I have often tried many different things and seem to have way to many hobbies lol. I think I just love to create! Create anything crafty and unique. I have recently been approved to teach jewelry at Jo-Ann's Fabrics and Crafts Store. (Near Ridgmar Mall in Fort Wort, TX)
So I am so excited to finally get a job I will enjoy. I really can't believe it's happening, well wait yes I can believe it. lol. I am happy that I waited it out and now I am embarking on a new chapter in my life. I am not sure if teaching is my calling. I know I have enjoyed teaching 3 friends of mine. I know that some day I will find my true calling. I do really enjoy designing jewelry. I think that is the thing right now that brings me the most joy. I am discovering that I am more drawn to multi-media  projects. I recently started a mini photo album for my sister and it is coming along nicely. I just feel so good when I create art. :) . I do like trying new things. Well I think I have said enough for now hee hee  Happy Creating!!



 Everyone has a calling. Oprah says that we all have a calling and when we find it we are our true selves. Surround yourself with people who can lead you to the path of your calling.

Be Inspired Everyday Challenge
 I wanted to challenge my self and try to find something everyday that inspires me. I would take that inspiration and create something or maybe just write in my journal. The point is to have some form of meditation everyday and work towards inner peace. 
Ok folks get inspired and do something fun or make something
Here are some links below to challenges that are on going and give me inspiration all year round. 
 Art Bead Scene May Challenge 
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-2012-challenge-color-palette.html


Artisan Monthly Challenge on"Artisan/Jewelry Designer Community
http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/group/artisanmonthlychallenge


Hugs and Peace
Please comment below and let me know what inspires you to grow mentally and physically.



Sources of Inspiration.
OWN Network
http://www.oprah.com/own

Friday, 27 April 2012

Hijab Women Islamic Hijab Styles

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Pakistani Tattoos

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Thursday, 26 April 2012

Summer Dresses for Girls Pictures

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Latest Saree Designs for Pakistani Women

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Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Pakistani Model Nadia Hussain

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Pakistani Salwar Kameez Designs 2012 Images

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Sunday, 22 April 2012

Red Lips Fashion

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Saturday, 21 April 2012

Summer Collection 2012

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Monday, 26 March 2012

How to take care of Oil Paintings

 I found this great article on how to take care of oil paintings. I actually knew most of it but I thought the article was nicely written. Below is the link to the source article
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http://www.tfaoi.com/articles/apprais4.htm



















Friday, 23 March 2012

Spinel is a lovely gemstone

Hello everyone. I just wanted to blog about this wonderful gemstone. I have been making jewelry for about 5 years and along the way I find new gemstones that I have never seen before. I have learned a lot about gemstones, minerals, and other precious rocks in the years I have been making jewelry.

I wanted to feature Spinel. It is a marvelous gemstone and I just love it. Please read below what information I have found on Spinel. I have also included some links of where to purchase Spinel.
I have only purchased a few of these in my history of buying gems as they are a little expensive but when I do make jewelry with Spinel it is soooo beautiful and very special to me.

The history and origin of Spinel

One of the most beautiful and rarest gemstones available today is the Spinel.  While you might be able to find a gemstone called Spinel at your local jewelry stone, it is probably synthetic and only loosely based on the beautiful qualities of true Spinel.
Spinel was usually associated with Rubies, due to the fact that large red Spinel were found in the same mines that Rubies were mined at.  Since they had the same characteristics and practically looked the same to the naked eye, they were often believed to be Rubies.  Many Spinels were worn by kings and queens throughout history and even are included on many priceless royal artifacts such as the Black Prince’s Ruby, the 170 carat red Spinel that is set in the Imperial State Crown of England and a Spinel is also part of some of the British Crown Jewels.  Henry V even wore Spinel as part of a battle helmet.
Besides red, Spinel comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors including green, blues, purples, orange, pink and a very prized hot pink.  Spinel is associated with many other gemstones including tourmaline and garnets.  They are all made from the elements iron, chromium, zinc and magnesium, however they have differing amounts.  Some of these minerals can even include nickel and aluminum.  Usually these differences will create specific colors and attributes.
Today, you can find Spinel that is synthetic and usually created from synthetic Corundum.  However, natural Spinel is definitely worth the price due to its natural beauty, rarity and wonderful attributes.






What is Spinel used for?








Spinel is a wonderful gemstone that is much rarer than many consumers think.  Unfortunately, the moniker of Spinel that is used at most jewelry stores refers to synthetic Spinel that is usually created from synthetic or real Corundum.  However, true Spinel is available, but much harder to find.  Spinel comes in a large variety of colors including beautiful cobalt blue, greens, purples, violets, oranges, a very hot pink and beautiful reds.  Up until a few hundred years ago, Spinel was mistaken for the Ruby.  Spinel was mined from the same areas and red Spinel does take on many of the beautiful characteristics of Rubies.  In fact, you can find Spinels on some of the Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown.
Today, Spinel is extremely rare and in most cases rarer than Rubies which it used to imposter for.  Since it is such a rare mineral, it is only used for ornamental jewelry.  However it should be noted that the qualities of Spinel are so attractive, many of today’s ornamental jewelry are made to simulate Spinel as is the case of synthetic Spinel.  Most of the time synthetic Spinel will be sold as birthstones with varying colors such as the above colors mentioned, as well as other colors that do not occur naturally, specifically yellow.
True Spinel, can be purchased, however you will need to look hard for it. One of the most interesting colors found in true Spinel is a hot pink with an orange tinge.  Another color that is pursued is a gorgeous cobalt blue.  Usually these stones make beautiful rings, earrings or can be worn as charms.

 This link will tell you a little more about Spinel. It is quite interesting to read about many gemstones and how they are made by nature.
http://www.gemtradenet.com/Education/red_spinel.aspx

Here in this link is more information on buying the gemstone for jewelry making.
http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/spinel-ring.html

The Imperial Russian Crown (source of info >  http://www.squidoo.com/Spinelgems

 Contains the largest know Spinel at 398.72-carats. The Great Imperial Crown was made by a skilled court jeweler Jeremia Posier for the Empress Catherine II the Great's Coronation in 1762

Now here are some more links to purchase Spinel
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774532/multi-color_spinel_faceted_rondelles/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone


 http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774668/high_quality_mystic_blue_green_spinel_faceted_teardrops/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone


Gemalicious Beads

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93172701/sparkling-black-spinel-faceted-rondelles?ref=sr_gallery_12&sref=&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=gemalicious+beads&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=