Author Archives: jenny

January Birthstone

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The January birthstone is the lovely garnet, a deep red gem whose name comes from the latin term “granatus,” meaning grain or seed.  It is believed that its resemblance to the beautiful and bright red pomegranate seed earned the garnet its name.

Interestingly, while garnet is most closely associated with its red incarnation, it also comes in other colors, including yellows, oranges, pinks, lime greens and violets.  The reason for such a variety of offerings is chemical- each gem has a unique configuration of its elements, including iron, calcium, and manganese.

Garnet was first mined in Sri Lanka over 2500 years ago, and it is also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America and in Idaho and Arizona.  According to Biblical legend, Noah hung a garnet on the ark to provide light to navigate the ark during the great storm caused by God’s wrath.  In medieval times, Garnet was believed to stop bleeding and cure blood disorders.

Garnet makes a lovely gift for those born in January as it is said to have protective qualities, particularly for those going on a journey to heed a safe and quick return home.  It is also a symbol of love.  Abeille has garnet and a multitude of other supplies for you to make a gift that will make a terrific impression.

Sources: http://www.about-birthstones.com/januarybirthstone.html, http://www.bernardine.com/birthstone/garnet.htm and expansion

December Birthstone!

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Happy Birthday, December babies! It’s the holiday season, and for those of you born in December, it’s time to break out your turquoise, which is the traditional birthstone for the month of December. The name “Turquoise” is derived from a French word, meaning “Stone of Turkey.”  While turquoise does not come from Turkey, it was often traded at Turkish bazaars by Venetian Merchants who brought it from Europe in the 16th century.

In actuality, the most valuable turquoise comes from Iran, but some Turquoise mined right here in the Southwestern United States is of comparable quality.  Turquoise is one of the most valuable non-transparent minerals in the jewelry trade.

Turquoise has a long and rich history, as it was first used in ancient egypt dating as far back as 6000 B.C.!  Turquoise is a sacred stone for the North American Indians, as well as the Tibetans- shamans often use it in their rituals and ceremonies.

Turquoise makes a wonderful gift – for yourself or for another. It’s a stone of friendship- believed to be responsible for faithfulness and constancy in relationships. It is also believed to promote mental and spiritual clarity and broaden the mind to enhance wisdom, confidence, kindness and understanding. Dating back to ancient times, when it was believed to have protective powers over dark forces, turquoise is often believed to afford protection in modern times to those in high risk jobs.

Abeille has many turquoise strands- some as low as five dollars! We have everything you need to make your piece. We wish you good health, Happy Holidays and Happy Birthday!

Alternative Birthstones for December: Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz

Sources: http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/turquoise.html, http://www.bernardine.com/birthstone/turquoise.htm

Attention: Fall Trend Alert!

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Here at Abeille we’re always paying attention to the latest in fashion and jewelry trends.  This Fall, whether it’s supplies or ready-made pieces, we’ve got what you need to make a splash at your next Fall fete or give a truly stylish and unique gift.  The holidays will be upon us sooner than we anticipate so it is never too early to start on your holiday gift crafting!

We’re seeing a lot of chain layering and some serious vintage flavor, with both bold and understated pieces taking center stage on the runway and in high-end boutiques.  Need some ideas?  Check out the latest inspiration board in our front window.

On a budget?  We can show you how to recreate your favorite looks straight out of the magazines for less. In our Jewelry Reinvented class, share an evening with friends to take old pieces and make them new again.

We are pleased to announce that our Bee List members will enjoy 20% of all metal chains and ribbon for the entire month of October! Come in to browse our extensive selection of chain featuring gunmetal, brass, copper, gold, and sterling silver and our ever-growing ribbon selection including grosgrain, hand-dyed silk, and artist woven ribbons! Learn how to soften the look by combining the two in our Jewelry Making with Chain and Ribbon Class!

A Surprise Visitor!

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The Holiday season has begun here at Abeille and today we had a truly lovely surprise when Diane Barrett, a New York painter in town to visit her family for the Thanksgiving holiday, dropped in.  Diane loves vintage glass and dropped in to show us her absolutely beautiful jewelry.  Her brightly necklaces of vintage glass are playful, colorful and very festive.  She even brought it in a seasonally decoupaged box- so creative!  We couldn’t resist taking pictures to share with you.

Pictures are coming soon, I promise