Mon Petit Blog

Have you ever thought of how your pearl necklace came to be? Today's blog will be about how Natural, Cultured, Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearls are created.   Pearls are actually made because the oyster is protecting itself from an irritant. A broken piece of shell, any foreign material, a parasite for a natural pearl invades the oyster or a bead is placed inside the oyster for cultured pearls. The irritant gets between the oyster's shell and body and starts the process. The oyster secretes layers of the same materials that make up it's shell. It creates a material called nacre, which surrounds the irritant and protects the oyster from damage.  Let's discuss different types of pearls and how they are created.  Natural Pearls A natural pearl is formed as it suggests, in nature, without human interference. A foreign material "invades" the oyster. It secretes a protective substance called nacre, a combination of crystalline and organic substances that build...

In а World where mаss-рroԁuсeԁ items ԁominаte the mаrket, аrtisаn mаԁe jewelry is а testimony to сreаtivity аnԁ inԁiviԁuаlity. Eасh рieсe tells а story, made by hаnԁ аnԁ infuseԁ with the раssion аnԁ vision of the artisan. Artisan made jewelry is a labor of love. Unlike mass-produced pieces made by machines, artisan jewelry is filled with the unique touch of the artisan. Each piece of jewelry was carefully thought out and created by hand. More often than not, by trial and error before the finished piece is done.  One of the most appealing aspects of artisan made jewelry is its uniqueness. Each piece of hand made jewelry is truly one of a kind. No two are exactly the same. The owner wears it with the knowledge that their piece of jewelry is a special, unique, one of a kind piece that no one else has one.  Handmade jewelry represents more than just an accessory; it's a symbol of craftsmanship, creativity, and individuality. With its unique designs, artisan made jewelry will conti...

Fashion or Costume Jewelry , as it is sometimes called, is jewelry that is made of base metals, such as copper, brass or other alloys and are can be plated with precious metals such as gold or sterling silver and may or may not have synthetic stones. These pieces are less expensive since they are not made with precious metals or natural gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, amethyst, etc. Since fashion jewelry is more affordable, you can have a matching set for each outfit. Choose rings, earrings, necklaces, anklets, even brooches to compliment your outfit. Have fun and enjoy different looks. Why not choose a look you wouldn't normally go with. Have fun with it! To keep your fashion jewelry looking its best, there are a few simple rules that you should follow: 1. Never get them wet (chlorinated swimming pools are a big no no). Take them off to do dishes, bathe, wash hands, etc. 2. Put on your fashion jewelry after you put on your lotion and perfume. You should do this with your f...

Birthstones are very popular gifts. Giving someone a piece of jewelry with their birthstone makes it all the more personal and sentimental.  In the modern tradition, each month is represented by 1 to 3 gemstones. Today we will learn about the 12 most commonly known stones. Every gem has its own interesting history behind it. Birthstones are set on all types of jewelry. Whether the stone is set in a ring, a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a necklace, it allows the wearer to celebrate their special day every day of the year.  The official birthstone chart was created by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912. JANUARY  The official birthstone for January is the Garnet. The color of a Garnet is deep red. The name originated from a 14th-century middle-English word meaning dark red. What Do Garnets Represent? Garnets are said to bring peace and prosperity to a community and good health to a home. They are stones are said to bring positive energy to those who wear them. ...

 HOW ARE THESE TWO STONES CREATED: Moissanite stones are created under extreme pressure in a lab. While a natural diamond is created by extreme pressure and temperatures over billions of years, deep in the Earth. Thus the difference in price. The definition of brilliance is: the degree of "brightness" of a gemstone, resulting from light reflected from and refracted off the crown and pavilion facets.  Moissanite disperses light very well and has a higher light refraction than diamonds, so it has more brilliance. THE COST OF MOISSANITES AS OPPOSED TO DIAMONDS: The price of a Diamond is based on cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Moissanite stones are priced according to the size and shape of the stone. They do not fluctuate in price and sell for a fraction of the cost of Diamonds, unlike natural diamonds.   CHARACTERISTICS OF MOISSANITES & DIAMONDS:  Moissanites and Diamonds have a lot of the same visual characteristics. Both are clear and are two of the ha...

Sterling Silver vs Silver Plated &  Gold Filled vs Gold Plated Welcome to Mon Petit Blog. Today we will be discussing the difference between sterling silver & silver plated and also the differences between gold filled & gold plated, as it applies to making jewelry.  Sterling Silver  Sterling silver is a metal made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy for strength. We frequently refer to sterling silver as .925 and the jewelry is usually stamped as such. Sterling Silver is a great choice for heirloom jewelry to be passed down from one generation to another   because it keeps its value and also the value will grow over time. It is a precious metal and is as close to pure silver as possible. Sterling silver is a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin because it is usually hypoallergenic and it can be worn daily without a problem. Caring For Your Sterling Silver Jewelry 1. Use a mild soap and water to clean  your Sterling Silver pieces. 2. Rin...

Today's Mon Petit Blog is all about Lava Rock.   Shall we begin?  First of all, what is Lava Rock?   Lava Rock is made from molten rock. When a volcano erupts, hot, molten rock from inside the volcano flows out and as it cools, it becomes solid and porous black stone. Spiritual Aspects   The rock is said to be grounding and can alleviate anxiety, promote emotional tranquillity and bring calmness and feelings of relaxation.  Lava Rock Jewelry for Aromatherapy   Lava Rock beads have become a popular component for making jewelry.  Not only does it have a natural, earthy appeal, it is also great for aromatherapy on the go.  Just apply essential oil to the lava rock & reap the benefits. ​The stone is very porous, so it absorbs essential oils perfectly and when made into jewelry, the piece becomes a diffuser!  All you need is a drop or two of essential oil. It should last 1 to 3 days, depending on the oil. Be sure to let the oil to absorb into ...