Aura

While exploring an unfamiliar bead shop recently, I came across a wonderful gemstone I had never seen before...Aura. It looks similar to dichroic glass, however it is actually a natural clear Crystal that has a permanent, transparent coating on its surface. It is created in a vacuum chamber from Quartz Crystals and gold vapor by a process known as vapor deposition. The exact process is a trade secret, but is said to be a combination of heat, pressure and exposure to vaporized pure gold. The gold atoms are permanently bonded to the Crystal's surface, which gives the Crystal its iridescent metallic sheen.
This Blue Quartz and Aura bracelet is my first piece using this gorgeous stone and I look forward to using it in more creations. Read more about this bracelet here. It is also the newest member of my new ENERGY bracelet section at my shop.

Vintage Religious Metal Necklace with Amethyst & Citrine

A mix of Amethyst and Citrine gemstones with matte gold and bronze glass seed beads form this delicate necklace that is 18 1/2" in length. The pendant is a vintage oval gold religious medal I brought back from a trip to Italy. It hangs along side a stack of faceted Amethyst and Citrine gemstones.The pendant is 3/4" at the widest point and 1 1/8" long. It closes at the neck with a gold lobster clasp.