Emerald slices and Oriental Gemco

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:39:00 GMT

Erin's post about her favorite emerald projects — as well as a recent spring cleaning here at the office — got me thinking about the May birthstone. Last year, I bought these 22–30 mm emerald slices at a Rings & Things cash-and-carry sale. I loved the rough cut of the minty green stones — very unlike the emeralds I've seen. So I figured they'd make a great birthstone project. One problem: My Rings & Things contact said that they wouldn't be able to get any more of these strands. I've noticed more slices and slabs this year, but I still haven't found those emeralds. If you find some, let me know. Then I can finally do a project with them!

On an unrelated note: Oriental Gemco has expanded their online catalog, but there are a couple of glitches. First, when you get to the "Confirm Order" screen, you can't select a payment type. But, if you accidentally click "Confirm Order" anyway, this message pops up: "Thank you for placing order. Your order has been accepted. You will get your product shortly." At this point, you'll receive a confirmation email from Admin. But here's the thing: Oriental Gemco hasn't actually received your order. You'll need to contact them to place your order and provide payment information. When I called them, they told me to use this email: faxog@yahoo.com.

I know this is a hassle. But I try to deal with the inconvenience and focus on the fact that they carry gorgeous gemstones (including the huge briolettes from the January cover project). I hope this helps.

Emphasis on emerald (May's birthstone) jewelry projects

Erin Dolan — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:23:00 GMT

Happy May Day!

Happy May 1st!

Happy birthday, little Nora Lorraine!

Early this morning, my cousin Shaila gave birth to beautiful baby Nora! I can't wait to go to Chicago this weekend to meet the newest member of our family! So today, I have babies, birthdays, and May days on the brain. What better way to celebrate all of these things (and the promise of April showers giving way to May flowers) than by shining a spotlight on emerald, the May birthstone?

Emerald always reminds me of the whimsical land of Oz, the regal green buildings glittering in the distance as Dorothy and crew skipped down that yellow brick road. Emeralds indeed have a regal history: They were adorned by Indian maharajas and Cleopatra alike.

Emeralds are thought to protect the wearer from evil and bring wisdom by strengthening memory and intelligence (why do you think the Wizard was such a fan?).

Here are three of my favorite May projects from the pages of BeadStyle magazine.

Chrysoprase cuff bracelet

May 2008, BeadStyle magazine
by Naomi Fujimoto

Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this fashionable memory-wire bracelet. For an affordable, mellow alternative to emeralds, start with a strand of green chrysoprase. Pair gemstone nuggets with sunny gold and yellow tones like olive or lemon jade. Bright green and yellow are key colors for spring, so you may want to make this cuff even if you're not a Taurus.

Carved emerald necklace and bracelet

May 2007, BeadStyle magazine

by Naomi Fujimoto

Try a new take on the classic May birthstone: a big pendant surrounded by carved emerald beads. String bicone crystals to match the pendant's shapely petals and spacers to echo the beads' texture. Add a quick bracelet for extra greenery.

Three-strand silver and crystal bracelet

May 2005, BeadStyle magazine

by Kathie Scrimgeour

While you can make this multistrand bracelet with any focal bead, an 8mm crystal in a rich green color provides perfect balance, because the crystal and the spacers above and below are equal in length. Though the cube adds contrast, a bicone or round crystal would be equally appealing.

For other fun facts about emeralds, check out our gemstone spotlight!

BeadStyle : emerald

Emerald slices and Oriental Gemco

Emphasis on emerald (May's birthstone) jewelry projects