Hannah Blount Jewelry's library of gemstones is a love letter to color, inclusions, and Mother Nature's organic treasures. From elemental, unusual gemstones—traditionally considered imperfect—to classic cuts of beloved beryls, minerals, diamonds, and more, HBJ's use of gemstones evoke the kaleidoscope of the natural world. The history, lore, and science behind each gemstone used in Hannah Blount's fine jewelry add to their inherent beauty—by bringing this information to light, the studio is able to spread the passion and adoration for pearls, aquamarine, diamonds, turquoise, and so many more unique gemstones.
PEARLS
Freshwater Baroque Pearls are beloved for their gloriously irregular, non-spherical shapes and varying orient (the shimmering iridescence that appears to coat each pearl) and luster. Like all pearls, freshwater baroque pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a fluid, called nacre, which coats the irritant layer upon layer until a pearl is formed.
MOHs Hardness: 2.5
Origins: Freshwater farms across Asia
Care: Keep freshwater baroque pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Strands of pearls should not be washed. They should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth before storing. Wetting the silk can cause stretching.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
SHOP HBJ Freshwater Baroque Pearl Jewelry
Freshwater Keshi Pearls are formed as a byproduct of (nucleated) cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a fluid, called nacre, which coats the irritant layer upon layer until a pearl is formed. Once these pearls are removed from the mollusk, however, it continues to secrete the nacre to fill the void left by the cultured pearl. Since Keshi pearls are formed without a nucleus, their shapes are skewed, organic, and pure nacre.
MOHs Hardness: 2.5
Origins: Freshwater farms across Asia
Care: Keep Keshi pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Strands of pearls should not be washed. They should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth before storing. Wetting the silk can cause stretching.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
SHOP HBJ Freshwater Keshi Pearl Jewelry
Tahitian Keshi Pearls are formed as a byproduct of (nucleated) cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a fluid, called nacre, which coats the irritant layer upon layer until a pearl is formed. Once these pearls are removed from the mollusk, however, it continues to secrete the nacre to fill the void left by the cultured pearl. Since Keshi pearls are formed without a nucleus, their shapes are skewed, organic, and pure nacre. Pearls from Tahiti are beloved for their grey to black hues.
MOHs Hardness: 2.5
Origins: Freshwater farms across French Polynesia
Care: Keep Keshi pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Strands of pearls should not be washed. They should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth before storing. Wetting the silk can cause stretching.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
SHOP HBJ Tahitian Keshi Pearl Jewelry
Tahitian Pearls are beloved for their grey to black hues. Like all pearls, Tahitian pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a fluid, called nacre, which coats the irritant layer upon layer until a pearl is formed.
MOHs Hardness: 2.5-4.5
Origins: Saltwater farms in French Polynesia
Care: Keep Tahitian pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Strands of pearls should not be washed. They should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth before storing. Wetting the silk can cause stretching.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
SHOP HBJ Tahitian Pearl Jewelry
South Sea Pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in a mollusk. The mollusk secretes a fluid, called nacre, which coats the irritant layer upon layer until a pearl is formed.
MOHs Hardness: 2.5-4.5
Origins: Saltwater farms in the South Pacific
Care: Keep South Sea Pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Strands of pearls should not be washed. They should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth before storing. Wetting the silk can cause stretching.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
SHOP HBJ South Sea Pearl Jewelry
TURQUOISE
Kingman Turquoise is sourced from the third-generation, family Colbaugh mine in Arizona, and renowned for its unique color variation and matrices. Most of the Kingman turquoise from the Colbaugh mine is soft-stabilized, which allows it to be used in jewelry.
MOHs Hardness: 5-6
Origins: Kingman, AZ
Care: Keep Kingman Turquoise away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can discolor the gemstone. To clean most turquoise pieces, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Keep scrimshaw and knotted turquoise strands dry- see scrimshaw and knotted silk care instructions for further details.
Healing Properties: serenity, communication, and spiritual expansion.
Birthstone: Turquoise is one of three December birthstones.
Treatment: Stabilized
Anniversary: 11th
SHOP HBJ Kingman Turquoise Jewelry
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise: The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise mine was named after the mountain range it was located in—the mine closed in 2012, making this type of turquoise very rare—which, from a distance, is said to resemble the silhouette of a sleeping woman. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is renowned for having a pure, robin’s egg blue hue with no veining or matrices.
MOHs Hardness: 5-6
Origins: Globe, AZ.
Care: Keep Sleeping Beauty Turquoise away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can discolor the gemstone. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: serenity, communication, and spiritual expansion.
Birthstone: Turquoise is one of three December birthstones.
Treatment: None
Anniversary: 11th
SHOP HBJ Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Jewelry
Persian Turquoise is beloved for its metallic, pyrite inclusions; Hannah Blount Jewelry loves this unique turquoise for its intricate veining and mottling. Owned and operated by local Iranians.
MOHs Hardness: 5-6 Origins: Nishabur of the Razavi Khorasan province in Iran. Care: Keep Persian Turquoise away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can discolor the gemstone. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: serenity, communication, and spiritual expansion.
Birthstone: Turquoise is one of three December birthstones.
Treatment: None
Anniversary: 11th
SHOP HBJ Persian Turquoise Jewelry
Kazakhstan Turquoise is particularly renowned for its lavender colors and burnt sienna matrices Often featuring a gradient of blue shades, Kazakhstan Turquoise’s vibrance is due to its unique porous texture.
MOHs Hardness: 5-6 Origins: Golden Hills mine, Kazakhstan.
Care: Keep Kazakhstan Turquoise away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can discolor the gemstone. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: serenity, communication, and spiritual expansion.
Birthstone: Turquoise is one of three December birthstones.
Treatment: None
Anniversary: 11th
SHOP HBJ Kazakhstan Turquoise Jewelry
OPALS
Lightning Ridge Opals: The Lightning Ridge opal mine is known for producing the famed black opal, but it also produces a variety of vibrant opals with a lustrous play-of-color and fire. All opals are beloved for their whimsical, kaleidoscopic hues; the word opal comes from the Latin opallios—this describes a person’s ability to perceive the changing of colors.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Lightning Ridge, NSW Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner. Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Lightning Ridge Opal Jewelry
Lightning Ridge Polished Black Opal: The Lightning Ridge opal mine is known for producing black opal, the most sought after and rare type of opal in the world. Grey to black in hue, black opals’ play-of-color and brilliance range from violet to red. Hannah Blount Jewelry works with a variety of opal cutters around the world who procure ethically-sourced, rough opal from local Australian miners. All opals are beloved for their whimsical, kaleidoscopic colors; the word opal comes from the Latin opallios—this describes a person’s ability to perceive the changing of colors.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Lightning Ridge, NSW Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Black opals are said to magnify manifestation, intentions surrounding matters of the heart and soul, and aid in the connection of spirit and body.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Lightning Ridge Polished Black Opal Jewelry
Lightning Ridge Polished Opal: The Lightning Ridge opal mine is known for producing the famed black opal, but it also produces a variety of vibrant opals with a lustrous play-of-color and fire. Hannah Blount Jewelry works with a variety of opal cutters around the world who procure ethically-sourced, rough opal from local Australian miners. All opals are beloved for their whimsical, kaleidoscopic colors; the word opal comes from the Latin opallios—this describes a person’s ability to perceive the changing of colors.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Lightning Ridge, NSW Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Lightning Ridge Polished Opal Jewelry
Lightning Ridge Opalized Wood Fossils: Opals are a pseudomorph: they are able to fill in and substitute for another material and form as fossils. In the right conditions, a raw opal specimen is formed in a cavity left by a piece of wood buried in sand or clay. The opal forms a fossil replica of the original object that was buried. Fossilized Lightning Ridge opals are also beloved for their lustrous play-of-color and fire.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Lightning Ridge, NSW Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Lightning Ridge Opalized Wood Fossil Jewelry
Lightning Ridge Nobby Formation Opal: In the right conditions, Fossilized Lightning Ridge Nobby Formation opals are forged when silica fills the organic cavities left by sand or clay. Aside from their organic beauty and singular silhouettes, Fossilized Lightning Ridge Nobby Formation opals are beloved for their lustrous play-of-color and fire.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Lightning Ridge, NSW Australia Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Lightning Ridge Nobby Formation Opal Jewelry
Australian Opals make up 95% of the world’s mined opals. All opals are beloved for their whimsical, kaleidoscopic colors; the word opal comes from the Latin opallios—this describes a person’s ability to perceive the changing of colors.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner. r.
Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Australian Opal Jewelry
Australian Boulder Opals grow within the cracks and voids of its host stone, ironstone. This results in a thin layer of opal which, when cracked open, presents a surface of opal atop its host. The layered beauty of Boulder Opals holds a variety of vibrant colors and iridescence.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
SHOP HBJ Australian Boulder Opal Jewelry
DIAMONDS
Old Mine Cut Diamonds were studied and individually cut by eye and hand, following the structure of the crystal, from the 18th to late 19th century. Beloved for their unique and somewhat asymmetrical shapes, they are often described as “cut for candlelight”—referring to the diamonds’ large facets, and taller pavilion and table that catch the flicker of flames and light. Old mine cut diamonds are traditionally square-shaped with a classic, sliced-bottom that creates a window to see through the table further, enhancing the diamonds’ sparkle.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Repurposed from antique jewelry
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th
SHOP HBJ Old Mine Cut Diamond Jewelry
Old European Cut Diamonds: The next iteration of diamond cutting after Old Mine Cuts, Old European Cut Diamonds were introduced in the late 19th to early 20th century. Old European Cut Diamonds are rounder in shape, due to advancement in stone-cutting technology, and appear to possess more multi-colored flashes within their facets.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Repurposed from antique jewelry
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th
SHOP HBJ Old Mine Cut Diamond Jewelry
Repurposed Modern Melee Diamonds: Repurposed from various sources, these “break-out” diamonds are an ethical variation of modern diamonds. Melee diamonds, or small round diamonds under 0.20ct, enhance every design they’re featured in.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Various secondary markets including auctions, estate sales, and refineries.
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th
SHOP HBJ Repurposed Modern Melee Diamond Jewelry
Diamonds are renowned for their clarity and classic cuts, but Hannah Blount Jewelry loves more unusual diamonds that come in a variety of colors and qualities. Diamonds that hold striking and organic inclusions tell the most interesting stories and offer even more beauty and wonder within their singular structures.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Sourced from around the world, any diamond that enters the United States must go through the Kimberley Process. While this is not a perfect program, it helps to eliminate conflict diamonds in today’s market.
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th
SHOP HBJ Diamond Jewelry
Treated Black Diamonds can naturally occur, but to get a true black gem takes extra heat. Most black diamonds in today’s market have been heated.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Various
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Treatment: Heated
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th
SHOP HBJ Treated Black Diamond Jewelry
Treated Blue / Green Diamonds come in a variety of colors, but these have been irradiated to create this vivid shade.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Various
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Treatment: Irradiated
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th
SHOP HBJ Treated Blue / Green Diamond Jewelry
QUARTZ
Quartz: “Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder believed quartz to be water ice, permanently frozen after great lengths of time.” -Wikipedia
MOHs Hardness: 7
Origins: Various
Care: Warm, soapy water is recommended for cleaning. Quartz is only as strong as its inclusions allow- avoid hard knocks. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.
Healing Properties: Balancing, amplification of one’s intention, clearing, cleansing, healing, memory enhancement
Herkimer Diamonds are raw, quartz crystals mined exclusively in Herkimer, NY. Nearly 500 millions years old, these gemstones are naturally formed with 18 facets, 6 sides, and 2 points, holding history within their unique inclusions. MOHs Hardness: 7.5
Origins: Herkimer, NY
Care: Though hardy and durable, Herkimer Diamonds can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: Herkimer diamonds are believed to amplify and promote mental purity, visions, and spiritualization of physical life.
SHOP HBJ Herkimer Diamond Jewelry
Aquamarine: An HBJ studio favorite for its oceanic hues and unique inclusions, some believed that aquamarines were the treasure of mermaids and we’re inclined to think so too. Aquamarines were named for the Latin word for seawater by a 1500s stonecutter. Traces of iron within aquamarines cause their pelagic colors; the more intense shade of blue, the more valuable the aquamarine.
MOHs Hardness: 7.5-8
Origins: Primarily mined in Brazil and parts of Africa.
Care: Although aquamarines are sturdy they are not invincible and can break: avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean your aquamarine jewelry, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: Aquamarines are considered to be cooling and soothing, as well as enhancing clear communication.
Birthstone: March
Anniversary: 19th
SHOP HBJ Aquamarine Jewelry
SAPPHIRE
Montana Sapphire is mined in the US and easy to trace its ethical origins, these gems tend to come in muted, dreamy colors.
MOHs Hardness:9
Origins: Montana
Care: Very durable. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: Awareness, Discipline
Birthstone: September
Anniversary: 5th and 45th
SHOP HBJ Montana Sapphire Jewelry
Treated Sapphires are a type of corundum that comes in every color except red. Red corundum is called ruby. “In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm.” -GIA
MOHs Hardness:9
Origins: Montana
Care: Very durable. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: Awareness, Discipline
Birthstone: September
Anniversary: 5th and 45th
Treatment: Heated
SHOP HBJ Treated Sapphire Jewelry
Untreated Sapphires are a corundum variety, like rubies, that come in every color but red. While classic, cobalt sapphires are the most popular, the HBJ studio loves those with inclusions and atypical coloring. Sapphire inclusions are formed by minerals called needles; in ancient Greece and Rome, royalty believed that sapphires provided protection.
MOHs Hardness:9
Origins: Montana
Care: Very durable. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: Awareness, Discipline
Birthstone: September
Anniversary: 5th and 45th
Treatment: None
SHOP HBJ Untreated Sapphire Jewelry
TOURMALINE
Green Tourmaline: In 1500’s Brazil, a conquistador mistakenly identified a dusty green tourmaline as emerald. This confusion lived on until the 1800’s, when gem identification became sophisticated enough to identify it as a mineral species of its own in the 1800’s. Tourmaline comes in such a wide variety of colors that it earned the name “tourmaline” from the Sinhalese word for “mixed gems”.
MOHs Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Sturdy, but they can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: healing, strength, vitality, wholeness
Birthstone: October
SHOP HBJ Green Tourmaline Jewelry
Pink Tourmaline: In 1500’s Brazil, a conquistador mistakenly identified a dusty green tourmaline as emerald. This confusion lived on until the 1800’s, when gem identification became sophisticated enough to identify it as a mineral species of its own in the 1800’s. Tourmaline comes in such a wide variety of colors that it earned the name “tourmaline” from the Sinhalese word for “mixed gems”.
MOHs Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Sturdy, but they can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: love, emotional healing
Birthstone: October
SHOP HBJ Pink Tourmaline Jewelry
Rubellite: In 1500’s Brazil, a conquistador mistakenly identified a dusty green tourmaline as emerald. This confusion lived on until the 1800’s, when gem identification became sophisticated enough to identify it as a mineral species of its own in the 1800’s. Tourmaline comes in such a wide variety of colors that it earned the name “tourmaline” from the Sinhalese word for “mixed gems”. Similarly, rubellite is a rich, ruby-red color of tourmaline, which was once confused with ruby.
MOHs Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Sturdy, but they can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: Alignment and healing the heart and the emotions, rekindling one’s passions for life
Birthstone: October
SHOP HBJ Rubellite Jewelry
Golden Tourmaline: In 1500’s Brazil, a conquistador mistakenly identified a dusty green tourmaline as emerald. This confusion lived on until the 1800’s, when gem identification became sophisticated enough to identify it as a mineral species of its own in the 1800’s. Tourmaline comes in such a wide variety of colors that it earned the name “tourmaline” from the Sinhalese word for “mixed gems”. Golden tourmaline has whiskey, bourbon, and honey hues.
MOHs Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Sturdy, but they can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: will, confidence, inner strength
Birthstone: October
SHOP HBJ Golden Tourmaline Jewelry
Watermelon Tourmaline: In 1500’s Brazil, a conquistador mistakenly identified a dusty green tourmaline as emerald. This confusion lived on until the 1800’s, when gem identification became sophisticated enough to identify it as a mineral species of its own in the 1800’s. Tourmaline comes in such a wide variety of colors that it earned the name “tourmaline” from the Sinhalese word for “mixed gems”. Watermelon tourmaline is known for having pink centers that fade into green edges (or the reverse).
MOHs Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Sturdy, but they can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: calm, joy
Birthstone: October
SHOP HBJ Watermelon Tourmaline Jewelry
Indicolite: In 1500’s Brazil, a conquistador mistakenly identified a dusty green tourmaline as emerald. This confusion lived on until the 1800’s, when gem identification became sophisticated enough to identify it as a mineral species of its own in the 1800’s. Tourmaline comes in such a wide variety of colors that it earned the name “tourmaline” from the Sinhalese word for “mixed gems”. Indicolute is a blue tourmaline from pale, clear blue to deep, rich ocean blue.
MOHs Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Sturdy, but they can break. Avoid dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like.
Healing Properties: higher awareness, communication
Birthstone: October
SHOP HBJ Indicolite Jewelry
EMERALD
Emerald gemstones are a green variety of the beryl mineral, which also includes aquamarine. Some gemstone dealers refer to the inclusions of emeralds as the jardin, or garden. HBJ loves emeralds for their complex inclusions, facets, and rich, green hues that embody Mother Nature's favorite season: spring.
MOHs Hardness: 7.5-8, but brittle due to common inclusions.
Origins: Various
Care: Emeralds are a relatively hard gemstone, but due to their inclusions they are brittle: avoid knocking or dropping them onto hard surfaces. To clean your emerald piece, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Emeralds are believed to promote compassion, healing, and abundance.
Treatment: All emeralds are oiled unless otherwise stated. This treatment is a centuries old industry standard.
Birthstone: May
Anniversary: 20th
SHOP HBJ Emerald Jewelry
JADE
Jadeite: Particularly heavy. Jade makes a beautiful, melodic clinking sound when tapped together. Jade is known as the “Stone of Heaven” and has been sought after for centuries.
MOHs Hardness: 6.5-7
some care should be taken to avoid scratches. However, both of these gemstones have exceptional toughness and are very resistant to breaking or chipping.
Origins: Vintage
Care: Can be scratched but tough to break or chip. To clean, use warm soapy water. It is safe to use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Health, abundance
Anniversary: 12th
SHOP HBJ Jadite Jewelry
Nephrite: Particularly Heavy. Jade makes a beautiful, melodic clinking sound when tapped together. Nephrite jade has been valued in Asia all the way back to 5000 B.C.
MOHs Hardness: 6-6.5
Origins: Russia
Care: Can be scratched but tough to break or chip. To clean, use warm soapy water. It is usually safe to use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Health, abundance
Anniversary: 12th
SHOP HBJ Nephrite Jewelry
BEETLE WING
Beetle Wing: The jewel beetle, or Sternocera aequisignata, is a species of beetle belonging to the Buprestidae family. Historically, these vibrant wings were sewn into Victorian-era gowns, like sequins. Today they are consumed as food in many parts of Asia, and the cast-offs are used in various artistic mediums.
Origins: Farmed in Thailand
Care: Very delicate. Backed with epoxy to help stabilize it, but still need to be handled with great care- no abrasive surfaces, knocking about, etc. It is an organic material. Avoid chemicals at all costs.
Treatment: None
SHOP HBJ Beetle Wing Jewelry
DENDRITIC AGATE
Dendritic agate gets its name from a Greek word meaning tree-like.
MOHs Hardness: 6.5-7 MOHS
Origins: Deccan Traps of India
Care: Quite sturdy. To clean, use warm soapy water with a cloth or the like.
Healing Properties: Growth and wisdom through inner work
SHOP HBJ Dendritic Agate Jewelry
ENHYDRO QUARTZ
Enhydro Quartz contains bubbles of water inside. These bubbles of water got trapped inside the crystal as it was growing, and can still be seen floating within the stone. Enhydro is taken from the Greek word meaning 'as water within'.
MOHs Hardness: 7
Origins: China
Care: Keep temperate- excessive heat will evaporate the water, and low temperatures will freeze the water and crack the stone. To clean, use warm soapy water and a toothbrush or the like. Do not use a steam or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Balancing, amplification of one’s intention, clearing, cleansing, healing, memory enhancement
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BLUE CHALCEDONY
Blue Chalcedony: A milky periwinkle blue/lavender. Chalcedony is considered a microcrystalline which is what makes it durable.
MOHs Hardness: 7
Origins: Turkey, Namibia, United States, etc.
Care: Durable and easy to care for, chalcedony has a hardness of 7 and enviable toughness, even when carved in ornate designs. For safe cleaning, wash with warm water and a mild dish soap and let dry.
Healing Properties: Calm, balance, centeredness, inner knowledge, communication
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MOONSTONE
Moonstone is a type of Feldspar. Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. Many believed that you could see the future if you held a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon.
MOHs Hardness: 6-6.5
Origins: India
Care: Fragile. Avoid abrasive surfaces and hard knocks. Warm soapy water is the only recommended substance for cleaning moonstones. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended.
Healing Properties: Mystery, self-discovery, intuition, insight, dreams, the goddess.
Birthstone: June
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LABRADORITE
Labradorite is a type of Feldspar. Inuit legend says the lights of aurora borealis were trapped within rocks along the coast of Labrador, Canada. A warrior tried to free it from the stone, releasing it into the sky to become the Aurora Borealis- but some of it remained trapped in the stone forever.
MOHs Hardness: 6-6.5
Origins: Various
Care: Fragile. Avoid abrasive surfaces and hard knocks. Warm soapy water is the only recommended substance for cleaning labradorite. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended.
Healing Properties: magic, protection
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KYANITE
Kyanite: Depending on the cut of the stone it is either soft or hard. It was once called “disthene,” which means “two strengths.”
MOHs Hardness: 4.5-5 or 6.5-7
Origins: Various
Care: Fragile. Avoid abrasive surfaces and hard knocks. Warm soapy water is the only recommended substance for cleaning kyanite. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended.
Healing Properties: Inner bridges, psychic ability, connecting with nature, past-life recall, telepathy, empathy
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LAPIS LAZULI
Lapis Lazuli: Referred to in ancient Egypt as “Heaven’s stone.” As far back as 700 BC, the region of Afghanistan known for its lapis mines was part of a country called Bactria. “The lapis mines that were producing then are still producing today. They are, in fact, the world’s oldest known commercial gemstone sources.” -GIA
MOHs Hardness: 5-6
Origins: Afghanistan
Care: Keep lapis lazuli away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can damage the gemstone. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Inner vision, truthful communication, royal virtues.
Anniversary: 9th
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MOTHER OF PEARL SHELL
Mother of Pearl Shell is cut from the shell of the pinctada maxima pearl oyster. Before the use of plastics one of the main uses for mother of pearl was buttons.
MOHs Hardness: 3.5
Origins: Australia
Care: Keep mother of pearl away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
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VARISCITE - SCRIMSHAW
Variscite (scrimshaw) is often confused with turquoise, but it is greener. The variscite from Ivory Creek is known for being a soft white to beige to pale green. Variscite was originally found in 1837 in the Vogtland district of Saxony, Germany, known as “Variscia,” where variscite gets its name.
Origins: Ivory Creek mine in Kazakhstan
Care: Keep variscite away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can discolor the gemstone and dissolve the ink. To clean, use a damp cloth to gently clean the metal but do not clean the ink. Avoid excessive touching and do not get wet. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Inner peace, love and compassion, alignment of the physical and Light bodies, simplicity, clarity, emotional healing.
Treatment: None
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Variscite is often confused with turquoise, but it is greener. The variscite from Ivory Creek is known for being a soft white to beige to pale green. Variscite was originally found in 1837 in the Vogtland district of Saxony, Germany, known as “Variscia,” where variscite gets its name.
MOHs Hardness: 3.5-4.5
Origins: Ivory Creek mine in Kazakhstan
Care: Keep variscite away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc can discolor the gemstone. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Inner peace, love and compassion, alignment of the physical and Light bodies, simplicity, clarity, emotional healing.
Treatment: None
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RUBY
Ruby: Red Corundum, same stone as sapphires. Early cultures believed rubies held the power of life, and treasured rubies for their similarity to the redness of the blood that flowed through their veins.
MOHS Hardness: 9
Origins: Mainly Asia
Care: Rather durable. To clean, use warm water with mild soap. Can be cleaned with ultrasonic and steamer.
Healing Properties: Life force, courage, passion, strength, enthusiasm, adventurousness, protectiveness.
Birthstone: July
Anniversary: 15th and 40th
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MORGANITE
Morganite is a Pink Beryl discovered in early 1900’s and named for the American banker and gem enthusiast JP Morgan.
MOHS Hardness: 7.5 to 8
Origins: Brazil, Afghanistan, Africa
Care: Wash with warm water and a mild soap. While generally strong, ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided.
Healing Properties: divine love and compassion.
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CHRYSOPRASE
Chrysoprase is known as the stone of Venus. The rarest of the chalcedony family. The name translates to “Golden Apple” or “Golden Leek” in Greek.
MOHS Hardness: 6.5 to7
Origins: South America, Australia, New Zealand
Care: Avoid chemicals. To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Can fade with too much sunlight.
Healing Properties: Growth, compassion, connection with Nature, forgiveness, altruism
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CHRYSOCOLLA
“Chrysocolla” was first named in 315 BCE by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and botanist. Chrysocolla has had many uses over the centuries: ancient goldsmiths used it as solder, Renaissance painters ground it as pigment for paint, and modern jewelers use it within their designs.
MOHS Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Origins: North America
Care: Warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush
Healing Properties: Communication, expression of the sacred, goddess energies, gentleness and power
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CITRINE
Citrine used to be confused with topaz, which is why it shares the same birthstone month.
MOHS Hardness: 7
Origins: Various
Care: Best cleaned with warm soapy water and a toothbrush or cloth. Safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner, but do not use a steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Manifestation, personal will, mental clarity, creativity
Birthstone: November
Anniversary: 13th
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MABE PEARLS
Mabe Freshwater Pearl is a blister pearl that grew attached to the surface of the mollusk. It is cut, filled to add durability, and backed with mother of pearl.
MOHS Hardness: 2.5
Origins: Asia
Care: Very delicate. Keep Freshwater Mabe Pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use lukewarm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
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Mabe Tahitian Pearl are a blister pearl that grew attached to the surface of the mollusk. It is cut, filled to add durability, and backed with mother of pearl.
MOHS Hardness: 2.5 to 4.5
Origins: Tahiti
Care: Very delicate. Keep Tahitian Mabe pearls away from chemicals. Contact with cosmetics, oils, acids, etc., can discolor or ruin the texture of pearls. To clean, use lukewarm water with mild soap. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30th
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DUMORTIERITE
Dumortierite was discovered in 1881 in the Rhône-Alps region of France by French paleontologist, Eugène Dumortier, after whom it was named.
MOHS Hardness: 7
Origins: Various
Care: Relatively durable. Clean with warm, soapy water.
Healing Properties: Divine inspiration, psychic ability, inner guidance, enhanced learning capacity, mental discipline
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Dumortierite in Quartz: Dumortierite was discovered in 1881 in the Rhône-Alps region of France by French paleontologist, Eugène Dumortier, after whom it was named. These slender crystals can grow in magical patterns within clear quartz.
MOHS Hardness: 7
Origins: Various
Care: Quartz is relatively durable, but the Dumortierite inclusions within can cause it to be brittle. To clean, use warm water and a mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
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Dalmation Jasper comes from the ancient Greek name for “spotted stone”
MOHS Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Origins: Chihuahua, Mexico
Care: Relatively durable. To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush or cloth.
Healing Properties: Playfulness, lightheartedness, defends against nightmares
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GARNET
Rhodolite Garnet was first discovered in the US in North Carolina
MOHS Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Relatively durable. Clean garnets with warm soapy water and a toothbrush or cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Healing Properties: Emotional healing, self-worth, walking the spiritual path
Birthstone: January
Anniversary: 2nd
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Tsavorite Garnet is named for Tsavo National park in Kenya where it was found
MOHS Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Africa
Care: Relatively durable. Clean garnets with warm soapy water and a toothbrush or cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Healing Properties: Prosperity, health
Birthstone: January
Anniversary: 2nd
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Spessartine Garnet is named for the Spessart district in Germany.
MOHS Hardness: 7-7.5
Origins: Germany, Africa
Care: Relatively durable. Clean garnets with warm soapy water and a toothbrush or cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Healing Properties: Creativity, sensuality, attraction
Birthstone: January
Anniversary: 2nd
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Black Garnet is also known as andradite, named after Brazilian mineralogist called d'Andrada e Silva, who worked on describing this mineral.
MOHS Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Origins: Various
Care: Relatively durable. Clean garnets with warm soapy water and a tooth brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Healing Properties: Grounding, protection, knowledge, creative power
Birthstone: January
Anniversary: 2nd
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Almandine Garnet is the most widespread type of garnet and can be found in larger sizes than most other garnets
MOHS Hardness: 7.5
Origins: East Africa
Care: Relatively durable. Clean garnets with warm soapy water and a tooth brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Healing Properties: Strength, security
Birthstone: January
Anniversary: 2nd
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Prasiolite/Green Quartz/Green Amethyst is derived from Greek prason meaning "leek" and lithos meaning "stone". It was named after its green color.
MOHS Hardness: 7
Origins: Brazil, Poland and Canada
Care: Warm, soapy water is recommended for cleaning. Quartz is only as strong as its inclusions allow- avoid hard knocks. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.
Healing Properties: Awakening the heart, linking the lower and higher self, deep connection with Nature
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Heliodor: Yellow to yellow-green Beryl. Named after the Greek words for sun, “helios” and gift,“doron.”
MOHS Hardness: 7.5 to 8
Origins: Various
Care: To clean, use warm soapy water and a toothbrush or cloth. Usually safe for ultrasonic.
Healing Properties: Activation of mind and will
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