Colored Gemstone Fall Trends
Amethyst, Rutilated Quartz and Moonstone Are Popular Selections
Sep 29, 2007
The first article in this series discussed the fall 2007 jewelry trends like feathered jewelry and open linked chains. This article will cover the hot semi-precious gemstones for fall 2007. The good news for jewelry collectors? All the popular semi-precious gemstones being shown for fall and winter are among the lower-priced stones.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a vibrant red-violet quartz gemstone. It is mined in shades ranging from light lavender to an intense, deeply colored purple. The darker the gemstone, the more expensive its price.
For those interested in gemstone lore and legends regarding amethyst, it is a stone of love, spirituality and contentment. Amethyst is said to have absolutely no negative side effects, and it is very useful for focusing in meditation. A piece of amethyst placed before a white candle with pine incense burning is very conducive to meditative practices.
It is a fairly hard gemstone that is used to make necklaces, pendants and earrings. Like all translucent gemstones and pearls, amethyst jewelry should be put on after all cosmetic and hair care spray or gel products are used.
Moonstone
The mood rings of the 1980s were made from white moonstone. However, moonstone is a beautiful translucent gemstone that also is mined in blue, peach and pink. The different colors of moonstone come from the gemstone's alternating layers of orthoclase and albite feldspars.
In lore, this gem is a feminine stone, is very powerful and can be used for many purposes. For example, during a full moon it is said to be love-drawing. Moonstone is also a talisman of good fortune. It is particularly helpful in resolving problems between couples. Moonstone calms emotions, bringing confidence and balance.
It is a very soft gemstone that requires careful wear.
Rutilated Quartz
Rutilated quartz is made of needles of the mineral rutile embedded in crystal quartz. It is usually straw-colored but lustrous. It is an energy stone that stimulates mental activity and eases depression. While rutilated quartz is a fairly inexpensive gemstone, expect to pay more when it is cut into unusual shapes or when the rutile presentation in the stone is in the shape of a star.
It is somewhat difficult to find fine examples of rutilated quartz jewelry. Try the two following links to jewelry sold by Novica, a partner of National Geographic.
- Jasper and rutilated quartz earrings.
- Sterling silver and rutilated quartz pendant necklace.
Nice specimens of amethyst and moonstone can usually be found at any large department store, natural crystal shop or jeweler.
