Kosmic Krystals Blog

Earthy Lichen Resin Jewelry: The Symbiosis Collection Release

12/3/2018

The most unique collection to date from Kosmic Krystals is here: The Symbiosis Collection.

The Symbiosis Collection is filled with natural lichens encased in clear epoxy resin, which totally creates the look of a coral reef in an antique aquarium. Lichens are actually a combination of two organisms, algae and fungus. Lichens are able to survive in ecological conditions that neither the algae nor fungus would be able to handle on its own!

Lichen makes critical contributions to our ecosystems like improving disturbed soil, removing pollutants from the air, and converting carbon dioxide to oxygen! The species of lichens in this collection are the lime-green American wolf lichen (Letharia columbiana) forked tube lichen (Hypogymnia imshaugii) collected from Northern California.

The resin is wire wrapped in sterling silver wire that has been darkened with a chemical patina process. Arriving just in time for the holidays, the Symbiosis Collection contains the perfect gift for a friend who is enchanted by the forest and the mysteries of nature.

Shop the Symbiosis Collection

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Big Variety of Bold New Jewelry

4/27/2018

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New jewelry from Kosmic Krystals has arrived!

For this jewelry release I decided to mix it up, rather than designing a collection with a just one style and type of stone.

Over 30 unique new jewelry designs in aluminium, copper, or patina silver wire were just added in my shop. A variety of wire types, gemstones, glass, shells, watches, magnifying glasses and more await you.

Light Blue and Pink Dichroic Glass Pendant in Aluminium Wire

$42.00

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Intricate Rainbow Teardrop Dichroic Glass Pendant in Patina Sterling Silver

$190.00

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Metallic Blue Dichroic Glass Pendant in Aluminium Wire

$48.00

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Aluminium and copper wire allows me to create big and bold designs at a fraction of the cost of sterling silver, so there's lots of larger pieces between $35-$80. There's also new bright sterling silver and dark patina silver jewelry as well.

If you love shimmery dichroic glass, faceted gemstones, or big labradorite pendants, then you need to check these out.

Every piece in this set is one-of-a-kind. Don't wait too long, or your favorite may be gone!

see all new jewelry

Larimar Gemstone Pendant in Patina Sterling Silver

$120.00

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Large Dichroic Glass Pendant in Patina Sterling Silver

$240.00

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Sunstone and Rutilated Quartz Pendant in Patina Sterling Silver

$190.00 $0.00

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Simple Whimsical Amethyst Pendant in Sterling Silver

$72.00

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Smokey Quartz and Amethyst Pendant in Sterling Silver

$128.00

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Large Smokey Quartz Earrings in Sterling Silver

$160.00

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Metallic Blue Dichroic Glass Pendant in Aluminium Wire

$48.00

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Steampunk Watch Necklace Wire Wrap with Mixed Metals

$73.00

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Citrine Crystal Point Earrings in Sterling Silver

$92.00

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Large Labradorite Gemstone Earrings in Aluminium Wire

$32.00

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Yellow Green Labradorite Wire Wrap Pendant in Aluminium Wire

$35.00

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Upcoming Release: Enchanted Rainbow Collection

4/13/2017

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Rainbow Moonstone Wire Wrap Necklace and Earrings

The Enchanted Rainbow Collection is Coming Soon!

The latest wire wrap gemstone jewelry collection from Kosmic Krystals will be released early this May.

The new release, the Enchanted Rainbow Collection, will be unveiled to the public on May 8th, 2017.

The Enchanted Rainbow Collection will be the flashiest collection so far from Kosmic Krystals. The gemstones in the collection boast bold flashes of rainbow colors from pearly blue to bright gold. Bright glows of colors appear across the surface of the stones in the right lighting, alluring and enchanting everyone around you. The pieces in this collection can easily add magical flair and a little brightness and color to your look.

The featured gemstones are labradorite and rainbow moonstone. These two related stones have been prized for centuries for their colorful display and metaphysical properties. Read on to learn more about these stunning iridescent gemstones.

Rainbow Moonstone and Labradorite Necklace

Labradorite and Rainbow Moonstone Properties

Labradorite and Rainbow Moonstone Pendant

Rainbow moonstone is technically a variety of the mineral labradorite, which is why they both share the same flashy visual effect. When labradorite has a white base rock (aka matrix) it is called rainbow moonstone. If it has a dark matrix, it is just called labradorite. They are both plagioclase feldspar minerals with the same crystal structure, and it is their crystal structure which makes them so unique.

Labradorite is made of common elements, yet the arrangement of those atoms creates its beautiful interactions with light. All minerals have atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, but the layers in the internal structure of labradorite allow it to reflect certain colors. The unique display of colors in labradorite is called "labradorescence", and is not found in any other mineral. When hit by the sun, the stone lights up with a pearly blue to rainbow iridescence. In dim lighting the stone is dull gray or white, hiding its true beauty.

Labradorite has been prized for centuries, not only for its beauty but also for metaphysical and healing properties. It is thought of as a stone of change and may help bring perseverance through times of uncertainty. It is also believed to reduce fears and insecurities while replenishing faith in one’s self and trust in the world around us. The flashes of color across the stone can help to remind one that things change, but strength is within. Rainbow Moonstone shares all of the properties of labradorite, but it is also associated with the moon and feminine energies.

Labradorite and Rainbow Moonstone Wire Wrap

Don't Miss the Enchanted Rainbow Collection

The pieces in the new Enchanted Rainbow Collection combine elegant wire-work designs with unique ancient stones to create truly powerful gemstone jewelry. Each piece is carefully handcrafted with sterling silver wire, enhancing and showcasing the stones with style.

Make sure you can be among the first to shop the Enchanted Rainbow Collection by signing up for the Kosmic Krystals Insiders. Join the newsletter below to get early access to the collection. This way you have a chance to choose from all the new one-of-a-kind jewelry before they are gone. As an Insider Member you will get a special code to shop the collection on May 7th from 11am to 11pm, before the general public.

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Labradorite: A Stunning Stone of Change

3/19/2017

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Labradorite Gemstone Properties

Labradorite is a beautiful semi-precious feldspar mineral with a stunning feature: it's full of color and flash!

The arrangement of atoms in the the internal structure of labradorite produces the bright play of color when it interacts with light. In the shade the stone appears gray or white, but when hit by sunlight the stone flashes a blue to rainbow iridescent sheen.

Labradorite is prized not only for its beauty but also for powerful metaphysical and healing properties. Labradorite is thought of as a stone of change and may help bring perseverance through times of uncertainty. If you are interested in labradorite gemstone properties, read on to learn more about the structure, varieties, and uses of labradorite.

Labradorite in action

What Creates Labradorite's Colorful Flash?

Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar mineral which displays a unique play of colors in direct light. This property is only found in labradorite so they named the effect "labradorescence". Very high grade labradorite often features a full rainbow from blue to gold and is called spectrolite. When labradorite has a white matrix or base rock it is called rainbow moonstone (more on that later).

Labradorite is made of common elements, but it is how the atoms are arranged that create it's beautiful interactions with light. All minerals have atoms which are arranged in a crystalline structure, but the layers in the internal structure of labradorite allow it to reflect certain colors. When hit by the sun, the stone lights up with a pearly blue to rainbow iridescence. In dim lighting it is dull gray or white, hiding its true beauty.

Polished labradorite and rainbow moonstones

Labradorite Uses and Metaphysical Properties

Labradorite has been used for many centuries for its beauty and healing properties. It is generally cut and polished, which helps brings out the colorful flashes. It is made into beads, cabochons, ornamental objects or even building stone. My parents just remodeled their bathroom, and got a giant labradorite slab for their bathroom counter-top instead of traditional marble!

Labradorite also is known for certain metaphysical healing properties. Labradorite is thought of as a stone of change. It may be useful to help bring strength and perseverance during significant events. It is also believed to reduce fears and insecurities while replenishing faith in one’s self and trust in the world around us. The flashes of color across the stone can help to remind one that things change, but strength is within.

More about Rainbow Moonstone...

The name rainbow moonstone is confusing, since another group of stones are also known as moonstone. True moonstones have an iridescent pearly sheen but lack the colored flashes of rainbow moonstone. True moonstone and labradorite are actually closely related as well. They are both part of the feldspar group of minerals, which also includes a naturally sparkly gem called sunstone. The feldspar family has some pretty good looking members!

True moonstone

Rainbow moonstone

Rainbow moonstone is actually used more commonly in jewelry than true moonstone. Due to its popularity people often erroneously use the term "moonstone" when referring to rainbow moonstone. Rainbow moonstone is associated with the moon and feminine energy. Rainbow moonstone has been found in pieces dating back to the Roman Empire. Since rainbow moonstone is a variety of labradorite, all of labradorite's properties apply to it as well.

Labradorite and Rainbow Moonstone Jewelry

Flashy labradorite and rainbow moonstone gemstones make magically stunning jewelry. The pieces below combine elegant wire-work designs with these magical stones to create powerful gemstone jewelry. Each piece is carefully handcrafted with sterling silver wire, enhancing and showcasing the stones in style.

Find the perfect labradorite necklace or earrings for you in the Storefront at Kosmic Krystals.

A New Collection of Labradorite Jewely is Coming Soon!

A whole new selection of labradorite wire work jewelry from Kosmic Krystals will be unveiled by May 2017.

Join the Kosmic Krystals' Community to be notified when the collection release date is set so you don't miss out. As a community member you will also receive early access to shop the collection.

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Valentine's Day Gift Guide to Kosmic Krystals' Jewelry

1/25/2017

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Valentine's Day Gift Guide to Gemstone Jewelry

Looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for her?

Finding the perfect gift to show your love to the special woman in your life can be tough. Valentine's day is approaching quickly, and this Valentine's Day Gift Guide can help you find something so ideal that she lights up with excitement.

This handy guide makes it easy to view the most desired and enchantingly elegant jewelry designs at Kosmic Krystals. If your Wonder Woman fits the description below I have a feeling she will absolutely love the hand-picked selection of gemstone, fossil, shell, and pearl jewelry in this guide.

Does the woman you love have a passion for nature?
Is she is inspired and captivated by the complex processes of our world and the stunning gemstones, shells, fossils they leave behind?
Does she love artisan jewelry that is unique, but has an extra touch of class?

Sound about right?

Well then you need to look no further for your Valentine's gift. You will likely find one (or more) piece below that just really seems to fit her style, passion, and personality. A one-on-a-kind gift that truly speaks to her can help her feel understood, appreciated, and giddy with excitement.

Abalone Shell Jewelry: The Shimmering Sea

The best seller in Kosmic Krystals' jewelry line is our abalone shell jewelry. Abalone is a colorful iridescent material that forms of the inside of mollusc shells. The swirls and spirals of sterling silver wire tastefully accent and enhance the shells, turning them into wearable art.

Abalone shell has been prized for ages for its beauty and ancient spiritual uses. Metaphysically abalone is thought to help calm the emotions like the waves of the tide. If your special woman likes shimmery shells, a calming energy, and elegance than our abalone shell jewelry selection is the choice. Most of these pieces are available in bright sterling silver or dark patina silver for an antique look.

Whimsical Abalone Shell Wire Work Neckace

$35.00

Shimmery Abalone Shell Coin Earrings

$40.00 - $42.00

Shimmery Abalone Coin Wire Work Necklace

$28.00

Whimsical Abalone Shell Hair Clips

$50.00

Abalone Shell Pendant in Dark Patina Silver

$35.00

Abalone Shell Coin Earrings in Dark Patina Sterling Silver

$40.00

Cultured Pearl Jewelry: Lustrous Elegance

Cultured pearl jewelry is the next popular and in-demand assortment from Kosmic Krystals. Pearls have been an alluring symbol of class and elegance for centuries.However, our pearl jewelry designs are for women who are a little different. These designs have unique whimsical flair combined with classic beauty.

Pearls are associated with moon, love, and purity and have been treasured by many cultures. They are also the birthstone for June, so if your sweetie has a June birthday this could be an extra special gift. You can view the full selection of my pearl and abalone shell designs in the Modern Mermaid Collection.

White Drop Pearl Wire Work Earrings

$40.00

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White Cultured Pearl Whimsical Hair Clips

$50.00

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Long Dangle Offset Cultured Pearl Earrings

$42.00

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Ammonite Fossil Pairs: Two Halves of One Whole

These pairs of ammonite fossil necklaces were created to symbolize a special bond between two people. Each pair of pendants is made with two halves of one ammonite fossil, symbolizing a deep connection to each-other and the natural world.

After spending many millions of years on the ocean floor, each shell has been cut and polished into two halves. Each half is elegantly wire wrapped in sterling silver wire to create a tasteful pendant. These necklace pairs capture the complex beauty of nature, allowing you both to keep a reminder ancient mysteries close to your heart.

Cement your connection in stone by sharing these necklaces with your special someone.

Large Simple Ammonite Necklace Pair (or Single)

$70.00 - $120.00

Large Intricate Ammonite Necklace Pair (or Single)

$120.00 - $200.00

Large Dark Ammonite Fossil Earrings

$140.00 $110.00

Fossilized Coral Jewelry - Capture the Shallow Seas

Agatized fossilized coral formed from pre-historic coral colonies. The coral skeletons were flooded, and the cells of the coral were replaced with the mineral silica (Si02), turning them to stone. A geometric flower-like pattern makes up the fossils, and every single one is a unique preservation of the ancient coral reef ecosystem.

This selection of fossil coral jewelry is ideal for this woman who loves the ocean, its creatures, and its amazing processes. If your love has dreams of being a marine biologist, a scuba diver, or of having a salt-water aquarium then she will truly admire what is in store below.

Large Fossil Coral Earrings

$40.00

Small Round Fossil Coral Pendant

$30.00

Intricate Small Fossil Coral Pendant

$110.00 $80.00

Large Swirly Fossil Coral Pendant

$70.00

Large Intricate Fossil Coral Pendant

$120.00

Small Oval Fossil Coral Pendant

$32.00

Labradorite and Rainbow Moonstone - Flashy Gemstones

Labradorite and rainbow moonstone are absolutely my two favorite stones, and they are incredibly popular in Kosmic Krystals' jewelry. If she is a woman who loves gemstones with a little something extra, then this is the set for her. These two stones are very closely related and share a stunning feature: they're flashy!

With these special stones, the internal structure produces a stunning play of color when it interacts with light at the right angle. Labradorite appears dark in the shade, but when hit by sunlight the stone features a distinct pearly blue to rainbow iridescent sheen.

Labradorite is thought of as a stone of change. It is believed to bring strength and perseverance during significant events. It is also believed to reduce fears and insecurities while replenishing faith in ones self and trust in the world around us.

Magic Teardrop Labradorite Earrings

$40.00

Shop

Balance Labradorite Wire Work Necklace

$110.00 $90.00

Shop

There it is!

I hope you have found something that you just know she is going to adore. Each piece of Kosmic Krystals' Jewelry comes in a lovely hand-embossed gift box so it is ready to present in style.

When she opens that little box and sees the shimmering handmade treasure you selected she may just be giddy with excitement. Get your order in before the rush. It will be shipped within 1 business day to help it get to your sweetie in time for that special day.

Visit the Shop

I'm quite certain that she's going to absolutely love what you picked, but our return policy has your back just in case. If for any reason either of you are not thrilled with your purchase you can return the product within 30 days. The full return policy is available on the Shop Policies page.

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Kosmic Krystals Holiday Sale! (Limited Time Offer)

11/28/2016

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Shop now

As a special perk for your holiday shopping, enjoy 20% off all Kosmic Krystals jewelry!

Just enter the coupon code "TWINKLE20" during checkout on www.kosmickrystals.com.

Valid thru Sunday Dec 5th, 2016.

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The New Ancient Ocean Collection Coming Friday July 15th, 2016

7/9/2016

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The Ancient Ocean Collection

If you are intrigued by the ocean, fossils, and unique jewelry, you will fall in love with the Ancient Ocean Collection.

The collection is coming very soon, this Friday, July 15th!

The Ancient Ocean Collection combines the unique patterns of ammonite fossils and agatized fossil coral. The fossils are set with whimsical swirls and spirals of sterling silver wire that enhance their natural beauty and unique geometry. These oceanic fossils are woven together in an enchantingly elegant and magical style.

Ammonite Fossils: Deep Oceanic history and Intriguing Geometry

Ammonites are sea creatures that went extinct over 60 million years ago; their closest living relative is the nautilus. A thin layer of opalescent material oftern forms on the outside of the fossils. The segments that forms the spiraling pattern are chambers that were filled or emptied with water to allow the creature to control its buoyancy.

The beautiful chambers also have proportions that fit the Fibonacci sequence, which is a list of numbers where every number is the sum of the previous two, creating a spiral. The Fibonacci sequence is considered an example of "sacred geometry". The sequence can also be found many other places in nature (such as the proportions of pinecones and sunflowers).

Ammonite fossils are generally sliced and polished to reveal their chambers. Many jewelry sets in the new collection are made using pairs of sliced ammonites, for you to share with the other half of your heart. A pair of ammonite necklaces are perfect for mother and daughters, mermaid loving sisters, or sea-enchanted couples.

Agatized Fossil Coral: Ancient Coral, Naturally Preserved

The beautiful pieces of fossil coral used in this collection are natural gemstones formed from ancient coral. Pre-historic coral was flooded under the perfect conditions, resulting in beautiful preservations of ancient marine life.

The proper term for the stone is "agatized fossil coral", because the cells of coral were gradually replaced by the gemstone agate. When the ancient coral was flooded with mineral rich water, the mineral silica (SiO2) replaced the cells of the coral.

Corals are marine animals who generally live in warm, shallow, tropical seas, (such as the Great Barrier Reef). They may be solitary or form large colonies. Fossil corals can be up to 450 million years old, and it is their skeleton that is fossilized with agate. The structure of the skeleton results in intricate geometric flower shaped patterns throughout the gemstone.

Join the newsletter for EXCLUSIVE early access to the collection!

If you haven't already, be sure to join the Kosmic Krystals newsletter for tons of special perks.

The best part is that newsletter subscribers get 12 hours to shop all new collections before the general public! That means you can be the first to see and shop one-of-a-kind jewelry from Kosmic Krystals.

(Hurry, you only have until Wednesday 7/13/2016 to sign up and receive early access to the Ancient Ocean Collection.)

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Ancient Ocean Collection Release Postponed to July 15th

5/28/2016

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The next collection release, the Ancient Ocean Collection, has been postponed from May 30th to July 15th. I really really hate to push back the date but, as usually happens at the most inconvenient time, life has other plans. I need a little more time to make the collection the best it can possibly be, but I promise to make it up to you with a very special gift at the end of this post!

With the new July 15th release date every aspect of the collection will be polished to perfection. By adding some extra time I will be able to create cohesive flow that I can be completely proud of throughout the designs, materials, photographs, and finishing touches.

Another reason the collection was pushed back to accommodate an exciting project at my seasonal job with the Colville National Forest. Due to early snow melt we resumed work sooner than expected on a Burned Area Emergency Response Project. I was helping with quality assurance on a aerial mulching project in areas that were severely burned in last year's Stickpin fire in Northeastern Washington. Normally I can keep the ball rolling on my jewelry business with a seasonal job, but with this project I was working 80 hour weeks, so things got a little crazy. I'm thrilled that the project just wrapped up! Now a nice mat of straw or wood mulch covering steep hillsides to protect our soils from erosion. Through November I am going to be deeply involved with the forest's water quality program, and soil crew, and stream crew, but with a much more normal schedule!

As you may remember, the new Ancient Ocean collection will be filled with ancient ammonite fossils and agatized fossil coral. Both of these ancient fossils share stunningly unique geometric patterns. The fossils will be set with whimsical swirls and spirals of sterling silver wire that enhance their natural beauty. If you love oceans, history, and the patterns of nature, then this collection is for you.

Ammonites are fascinating sea creatures that went extinct over 60 million years ago; their closest living relative is the nautilus. The segments that forms the spiraling pattern are chambers that were filled or emptied with water to allow the creature to control its buoyancy. The beautiful chambers also have proportions that fit the Fibonacci sequence, which is a list of numbers where every number is the sum of the previous two, creating a spiral. The Fibonacci sequence is considered an example of "sacred geometry", and the sequence can also be found many other places in nature (such as the proportions of pinecones and sunflowers).

Similarly, agatized fossil coral is formed from ancient coral, the cells of which were gradually replaced by agate from silica rich ground water. Most corals live in warm, shallow, tropical seas, (such as the Great Barrier Reef) and feed on plankton. Fossil corals can be from creatures up to 450 million years old. Corals are marine animals with a sac-like body, a mouth, tentacles and a skeleton. It is the skeleton that is fossilized. Corals may be solitary or form large colonies, and in fossil form often feature a lovely flower-like pattern.

These fossils are beautiful examples of the lifeforms and records that our planet is capable or creating. The pieces in this collection will be very special for any lover of natural processes, geologic history or ocean science.

I am truly sorry for the delay of the new collection, so please accept this special 40% OFF coupon for any items at www.kosmickrystals.com.

40% OFF Coupon Code (Valid through July 10th):

KOSMIC40

If you haven't already, sign up with the link below for early access when the collection is released!

Before the Ancient Ocean Collection is officially released on July 15th, newsletter subscribers will get an exclusive password to access to the collection from 12 noon to 12 midnight PST on July 14th!

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New User-Friendly Storefront at Kosmic Krystals!

4/18/2016

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Last month I announced the release of my newly remodeled website, as well as my first official jewelry collection. Today, I am proud to share that you can now shop Kosmic Krystals jewelry using a seamless e-commerce experience!

You can now easily browse and search the user-friendly shop sections to find the magical gemstone jewelry that you love. My first official collection, the shimmery and lustrous Modern Mermaid Collection, is now seamlessly shoppable on my own domain with the rest of my current jewelry.

The Modern Mermaid Collection by Kosmic Krystals

The new Modern Mermaid Collection by Kosmic Krystals

New cohesive collections will continue to be released every two months for the rest of 2016.

The jewelry in each collection will share a theme, gemstone types and colors, and wire work design styles. Each collection will offer coordinating and complementary jewelry options ranging from dainty accessories to truly bold statement jewelry. The collection themes are each rooted in segments of my current jewelry, and each grouping of jewelry will be further expanded and developed. Until each collection is complete, you can browse mini-collections of coordinating jewelry in my new shop sections.

The next release, the Ancient Ocean Collection, is coming July 15th, 2016. (Edit: Ancient Ocean Collection release was postponed from May 30th to July 15th, so that the finishing touches can be polished to perfection.)

The collection is filled with ancient ammonite fossils and fossilized coral, both which share stunningly unique geometric patterns. The fossils will be set with whimsical swirls and spirals of sterling silver wire that enhance their natural beauty.

Ammonite Fossil Necklace by Kosmic Krystals

All of my collections will include both intricate one-of-a-kind jewelry as well as simpler refined repeatable jewelry in some of my most popular designs. Both lines coordinate beautifully together in jewelry sets. However, once the one-of-a-kind pieces are gone, they are gone for good!

Don't miss out on a unique piece of jewelry that is perfect for you. Join my newsletter below to shop new collections before the public! When the Ancient Ocean Collection is released on May 30th newsletter subscribers will get a password for access to the collection for 12 hours before everyone else.

Currently, by joining my newsletter you can also enter to win a pair of sliced ammonite fossil necklaces from Kosmic Krystals to share with your other half. (Edit: Contest ended 5/20, but another contest will be coming soon! Join the newsletter to know first.)

Join the Community

Win this Ammonite Fossil Necklace Pair from Kosmic Krystals

Edit: Contest ended 5/20/16, but join the community to know about the next one!

Now that you're in touch with what is coming for Kosmic Krystals, take a look at the shiny new store.

There you can see more enchanting and magical gemstone jewelry in a fresh, clean, and organized layout.

Use the link below to browse the Modern Mermaid Collection and the organized mini-collections, or search for jewelry I've made with your favorite gem.

SHOP NOW

New Shop Sections

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Four April Birthstones - Stunning Alternatives to Diamond

4/5/2016

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Is Diamond really the only April birthstone?

Are Diamonds the only birthstone for April? Definitely not!

If you've looked into birthstones, you likely found that there really isn't any one "correct" birthstone for each month. Ancient, traditional, and modern birthstone calendars have been developed by different cultures or organizations over the centuries. You actually have quite a few options to find a birthstone that you connect with, and can afford! April is an important month to consider alternative birthstones, as the "traditional" birthstone for April is diamond, a notoriously costly gem (and not just financially). This article covers the properties of the four alternative April Birthstones, some with ancient roots, giving you numerous other stunning choices..

Diamonds often leave a trail of conflict, blood, and environmental degradation in their wake. In addition to the tragedy around them, the price of diamonds is kept high by regulating the amount of diamonds that are released to the market. Diamonds are not really as rare as we were taught to believe, and their marketing is carefully calculated to cultivate desire for the gem. Due to the ethical, moral, and financial issues with diamond, many people look for alternative to diamonds for April birthstones.

This post details each of the four alternative April birthstones:

Sapphire
Opal
White Topaz
Quartz

Here you will learn the geologic and metaphysical properties of each April birthstone. Some of these options come from ancient traditions and were used as April birthstones in certain cultures long before diamond. Multiple modern alternative birthstones have also been added to modern birthstone calendars for their similarity to diamond. These stones bring clear shine and sparkle at a much lower moral and financial cost.

The History of Ancient, Traditional, and Modern Birthstones

Numerous birthstone systems have been in existence for thousands of years. For example, the Ayurvedic birthstone calendar from ancient India dates back to 1500 B.C. It has long been believed that birthstones bring good fortune to wearers. Many ancient cultures including the Hebrew, Arabic, Hindu, Roman, Italian, Russian, Polish and Spanish all had their own birthstone calendars. Many of these calendars had similarities due to connectivity between cultures, as well as differences due to gemstone availability or prominence in certain regions.

These ancient calendars have had some influence on traditional and modern birthstone calendars. In 1912 the National Association of Jewelers compiled the "traditional" birthstone calendar in an attempt to standardize the birthstone systems, as well as to provide gems that they felt were accessible to everyday Americans.

Other jewelry associations, like the American Gem Trade Association, have since developed "modern" birthstone calendars by adapting the 1912 list. Some modern calendars add more birthstone choices to some months, many of which are lower cost alternatives with visual similarities to the traditional choices. The more recently added stones are sometimes referred to as "alternative" or "secondary" birthstones, as are ancient birthstones that have nearly been forgotten. Regardless of the term, you may end up feeling more connected with alternative birthstone choices rather than your primary traditional birthstone.

Alternative April Birthstones

On most of the big semi-"official" birthstone calendars diamond is often listed as the only April birthstone. However, this may have more to do with diamond marketing than history.

There are two gemstones from ancient traditions that were used as April birthstones in certain cultures long before diamond. There are also some modern alternative birthstones for April which were added for their visual similarity to diamond, bringing clear color and eye-catching sparkle at a much lower cost.

Sapphire

Sapphire was actually the April birthstone in the old Roman, Italian, Russian, Hebrew and Arabic calendars. Sapphire is a precious variety of the mineral corundum, which comes in a wide variety of colors. The most popular and recognizable color of sapphire is a brilliant blue, but you can choose from pink, orange, yellow, black, or even white sapphire.

Metaphysically, sapphire is believed to bring inner peace and serenity, and to assist with releasing unwanted thoughts and mental tension. It is thought to help release depression and frustration, while promoting self-expression. Blue sapphire specifically is associated with spiritual truth and growth.

Opal

Opal is the birthstone for April in Tibetan birthstone calendar, which is sometimes referred to as the Mystical birthstone calendar. Opal is known for its stunning flashes of colors, a visual spectacle caused by interactions between light and tightly packed balls of silica. Opal is a delicate gem, and is technically a "mineraloid", not a mineral, because it is "amorphous", meaning it has no crystal structure.

The Romans held this birthstone of April to be a symbol of hope and purity. Ancient Greeks believed it brought the power of foresight to it's owner. In today's metaphysical circles opal is prized for its fine vibration and it's reflective properties. It is thought to absorb and amplify ones thoughts, feelings, and characteristics, and to help bring them to the surface.

White Topaz

White topaz seems to have little historical claim to fame as an April birthstone, but it is used as one for its visual similarity to diamond. White topaz is promoted by countless jewelry companies as an alternative April birthstone and alternative wedding ring stone for its similarity to diamond. The white topaz used in jewelry is often cut and faceted to reveal a brilliant sparkle.

Metaphysically white topaz is believed to help the wearer be more aware of their thoughts and actions, and the effects that these have. It is also though to help remove trapped and stagnant energy to help the wearer move forward.

Quartz Crystal

Quartz is another alternative April birthstone recently chosen for its clear color and similarity to diamond. Clear quartz, sometimes called rock crystal, has also been designated in Britain as a birthstone for April. Quartz gemstones also come in colored varieties, specific impurities in quartz' crystal structure create yellow citrine gemstones or purple amethyst crystals. However, when using Quartz as an April birthstone the classic clear quartz is ideal. You can wear rough crystal points, or sparkly faceted quartz gemstones.

Faceted Quartz Gemstones, and Alternative April Birthstone

Known as the "Universal Crystal", quartz is a popular and powerful stone. Metaphysically, quartz is thought to amplify, balance, store, focus, and transmit energy. It is also a stone of clarity, and can increase inspiration and creativity. It is also useful to improve concentration and retention of knowledge. Even today the powerful vibrations of quartz crystals are used in electronics, crystal healing, and rituals.

Quartz Diamond Wire Work Earrings

$38.00

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Quartz Diamond Wire Work Necklace

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Quartz Variety: Herkimer Diamonds

An special alternative April birthstone from the quartz family is Herkimer Diamond. Herkimer diamonds are not diamonds at all, but are unique quartz crystals from Herkimer County, NY. Their name bears the term "diamond" because they form as double terminated crystals, giving them the physical shape of a diamond with points at each end. The are prized in metaphysical circles for spiritual properties.

Herkimer Diamond, an Alternative April Birthstone

Herkimer diamonds are considered the most powerful of quartz crystals. It is also thought to have a crystal memory that can store information, as do some other quartz crystals. This really isn't too crazy an idea considering that microchips use a component of quartz (silicon) as a semi-conductor in computer chips!

There are numerous options for birthstone for April, each with varying degree of historic roots and a multitude of metaphysical properties. What is really important when it comes to jewelry is wearing a stone that YOU love and are drawn to. You have many options to find an April birthstone with a style, history, and properties that you connect with.

Alternative April Birthstones: Opal, Sapphire, Quartz, and White Topaz.

Visit Kosmic Krystals to see the elegant jewelry we have with your favorite gemstones.

Intricate yet tasteful wire jewelry with a fantasy flair, designed to bring out your inner magic.

Kosmic Krystals designs gemstone amulets with an enchantingly elegant style for unique women.

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Regal Large Pink Rhodochrosite Gemstone Necklace

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Rhodolite Garnet Symmetrical Wire Work Earrings

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Intricate Ammonite and Garnet Gemstone Necklace

$240.00 $200.00

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Quartz Diamond Wire Work Earrings

Quartz Diamond Wire Work Necklace

Visit Kosmic Krystals to see the elegant jewelry we have with your favorite gemstones.

Regal Large Pink Rhodochrosite Gemstone Necklace

Rhodolite Garnet Symmetrical Wire Work Earrings

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