Hidden, Raw, Beautifully Rounded, Oily Feel ... What am I?

     The answer of course is diamonds.  You know, the ones that have yet to be discovered deep underground.  These precious gems can also be found laying right on top of the soil, having worked their way up to the surface.  Your chances of finding one this way increases at a place like Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds    They make sure to turn the soil ever-so-often to level the playing field.  I have also heard after a good rain is a good time to visit the park, too.

Diamonds in the Rough

     Visiting this park is definitely on my bucket list.  I have been trying to get someone to go there with me for quite sometime.  One of these days, with or without company, I'm going to go get me some of those diamonds.

  I have heard of some pretty good sized ones being found up to the present day.  Other gemstones are found at the Crater of Diamonds, too.  I know amethyst is one of them. Whatever you find they have experts on hand that will appraise your finds for free at the park. 


    Here's a link for a lil' learning about where to look for them and what they will look like when you do find them.   Ehow has numerous articles about this very subject.  Go check it out, come back here, leave a comment..and let me know what time you will be by to pick me up for our road trip.

Outstanding!

If we don't discover a diamond the first day after hours of digging and sifting in the dirt and hot sun.  (don't forget you hat) Don't get discouraged because they have all we will need to stay over and dig the next day.  Right!?!

Seriously it's a full blown attraction for the entire family.  The have campsites, air conditioned pavilions, a gift shop, a museum, a water park, a restaurant, laundry, fishing and more.  But I think you know where you will find me. Finding diamonds that's where!!!

The admission is reasonable.  Only $8 or something like that.  You can take your own tools or rent them there.  The rent prices are reasonable.  It's the refundable deposit that will kill ya.  You will for sure be taking there equipment back or you will be paying $100 for a very small shovel. 

Kids Pets are welcome if they are kept on a leash.
Discounts for large groups of 15 or more.  Wouldn't this have been a great field trip back in the day?

Like I said... I'll be waiting!

A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry

 

      The following two paragraphs were copied from the blog No Signposts in the Sea. A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry was written in 2011 and all the tips about vintage jewelry are relevant today.  If you are interested in buying vintage jewelry to wear or collect, this is a must read.  The post is packed full of useful information and written in a manner that everyone will understand.  The pictures are vivid and show excellent detail to go along with the information given.  Here are some links to the resources listed in the post.
  
  Illusion Jewels   Ruby Lane  Etsy   Ebay

     Sometimes valuable information is missed because we neglect to read the comments made to a post.  The following was copied from the comments section of  "A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry" and is the reply given by the host, aka The Waves.
  
  "You pretty much have to rely on small details. The overall style of the piece can give you some indication - large, rhinestone/crystal pieces were big in the 50s ad 60s, for example. Really simple and a little rougher looking brooch closures (just the pin and a simple hook) usually mean the piece is older, pre-1950s. Necklace clasps and clip earring closures are typically patented, so if there is a patent number on the clasp, you can google the number and you'll find when it was patented. The more complicated the necklace clasp, the more likely it is that the piece is old and of some value. Screw back earrings are always older than typical clip earrings.

Value is tough to estimate. When I find something interesting, I try to look for similar pieces on eBay, Etsy or Ruby Lane, and go with what they typically sell for. There are also a lot of costume jewelry books out there, but sometimes the value estimates are dated in those. Basically you need to do a lot of research! :)"

     This reply is dated April, 2013.  The last post on her blog is from 2014, but I hope this is just a break.  Maybe she would be willing to bring us up to date on her jewelry findings in a guest post on this blog.  Stay tuned.  The author goes by the name "The Waves."  Very cute theme and I am looking forward to reading more of her posts, No Signposts in the Sea.

Gemstone Websites Reviews

     Some would say it isn't a fine piece of jewelry unless there is a gemstone present.  I guess I would agree with that statement for the most part.  Although there are some beautiful examples of jewelry that is made from gold only or silver or platinum.  And considering bone or ivory and what about feathers, pine cones and shells, you get the idea.  But yeah, nothing compares to the sparkle of a gemstone.  I have discovered some websites that will be valuable resources for all things gemstones.

Gemselect  - Buying loose gemstones from this website is not a problem.  Positive customer feedback is abundant.  A brief in-depth history plus description of a very lengthy list of gemstones is at your fingertips.  They know there stuff!  Whether for research or purchase, this site is a must.

Geology -  This might not be a route you have considered before.  Sure there is information on other subjects relating to geology but that doesn't over shadow the gemstone information.  The scientific approach is a given but they include the more mainstream information as well.  The links are abundant.  They include teacher resources and provide free printable maps.  They have a store as well and that's where you will find gold mining equipment and a lot more.  Trust me, you will love it!

 

Gemstones Advisor - This website is stuffed with information about gemstones, not unlike the sites above.  But this website goes a little bit farther.  A lengthy history and proper description are well written.  They also focus on current trends and values.  You'll find jewelry tutorials.  And the illustrations are incredible. 

I'll let you know when I stumble onto any more.  But what about your favorite websites for jewelry.  I would love to know about them.  Leave this information in a comment and I will be sure to visit all of them asap.

More About Dating Costume Jewelry

Dating Your Costume Jewelry

Electroplating was developed in 1840's.

Aurora borealis rhinestones were first introduced in the mid 50's.

Older jewelry has substantial heft for the most part.

Copyright symbols first appeared on jewelry made in 1955 to present.

Quality vintage rhinestone pieces are usually set in prongs.

Authentic vintage jewelry most likely will show signs of wear, particularly in the clasp area

Older brooches have smooth backs, not those patterned ridges that are common.

Old mine cut -  19th century method of faceting gemstones, usually diamonds, up until early 1900.   Fewer facets means a different twinkle.  Subtle sparker, not a fiery flash.

 Cabochon - a gem that has a smooth rounded surface instead of facets and lays flat.  Gleams instead of sparkles.

 Paste - pieces of glass cut and colored to look like a gem.  A form of imitation that dates back to the 17th century.  Many paste pieces were often made and set into precious metals.

Millegrain - metal setting for stones decorated with tiny raised beads.  Popular in the early 20th century and often used to day to give jewelry an antique look.


Parure or Suite - necklace, two bracelets, ring, earrings, brooch and sometimes tiara or other hair piece.

Demi-parure - necklace, earrings and brooch

Today three or more coordinating pieces, designed to be worn together as a set are often referred to as a parure.

Upcycled & Repurposed Vintage Costume Jewelry

You've got to see the pictures posted on this blog.  They are very creative and have inspired me to re-create some of the ideas.  I have only just began to explore this blog but I am excited to see what else the author has to offer.  I think you will enjoy it too.  A blog this fun should be shared.

Disfunctional Designs: Vintage Costume Jewelry: Upcycled & Repurpose

Diamonds R Girls Best Friend, In Your Dreams!

In your dreams...

Owning diamonds signifies that you will receive great honor and recognition from high places.
Diamonds are omens of good luck when owned, received, found or even bought.

To dream of losing, stealing or even giving jewels away warns of eminent grief, bad luck and failure.



Amethyst seen in a dream represents fair business.
To lose an amethyst foretells of broken engagements and slights in love.


To dream of a ruby means you will be lucky in speculations of business or love.
To lose a ruby ladies, this is a sign of the approaching indifference of your lover.

Pearls seen foretells of good business trade and affairs of social nature.
If a young woman dreams that her lover sends her a gift of pearls, she will be most fortunate in love.
If she breaks or loses her pearls, she will suffer indescribable sadness and sorrow.


Agate in a dream signifies that you will enjoy a slight advancement in business affairs.
 
Sardonyx signifies gloomy surroundings cleared away by energetic overthrow of  poverty.
For a woman this dream denotes and increase in her possessions.
If she loses or throws them away would imply disregard of opportunity to improve her condition.


Sapphire is ominous of fortunate gain, and tells a woman she made a wise selection in a lover.

Topaz in a dream signifies fortune will be liberal and she will have very pleasing companions.
For a woman to lose a topaz means she will be injured by jealous friends.
To receive a topaz form someone besides a relative means an interesting love affair will occupy your attention.

To dream of turquoise signifies that you are soon to realize a desire which pleases relatives.


Rhinestones in a dream means pleasures and favors that won't last long.
If a rhinestone proves to be a diamond means some insignificant act will result in good fortune

Bloodstone seen denotes that you will be unfortunate in your engagements.
Receiving a bloodstone means estrangements from one friend only to gain one more worthy.

Emerald in a dream means you inherit property in which there will be some trouble with others.
To see an emerald(s) worn on the person of your affections warns of being discarded for another.
To dream that you buy an emerald signifies unfortunate dealings.

To dream of gold leaves signifies that a flattering future is before you. 

Jewelry Of Your Dreams

             DREAM INTERPRETATIONS FOR JEWELRY

To dream of a cameo brooch means that something sad will occur soon and demand your attention.

If a woman dreams that her lover puts a locket around her neck, she will be the receiver of a lot of beautiful offerings, soon will be wed and blessed with lovely children.

If you lose a locket death will bring sadness into your life.

If a lover dreams his sweetheart returns his locket means the woman he loves will worry him 

    and conduct herself in a displeasing way  toward him.

 

If a woman dreams that she breaks a locket, she will have an unstable husband, who will dislike

 BEADS

To dream of beads, foretells that you will be noticed by upper management

To count beads in your dreams is a prediction of perfect joy and contentment.

To string beads in dreams means you will obtain the favor of the rich.

 

NECKLACE

Receiving a necklace means you will have a loving husband and a beautiful home.

Losing a necklace means feeling the heavy hand of bereavement.

BRACELET 

To see in your dreams a bracelet encircling your arm, which is the gift of a lover or friend, is assurance of an early marriage and a happy union.

If a young woman loses her bracelet, she will meet with sundry losses and vexations.

To find a bracelet means good property will come into your possession.

RING

To dream of wearing rings, denotes new enterprises in which you will be successful.

A broken ring means quarrels and unhappiness in the married state, and separation to lovers.

To see others with rings stands for increasing prosperity and many new friends.

Receiving a ring means worries over a lover's conduct will cease and that lover will devote to your pleasures and future interest.

EARRINGS

To see earrings in dreams means good news and interesting work are coming your way.

Broken earrings indicates some bad gossip will be directed against you.

 

Tips For Sizing A Ring For Your Finger Or Toe

• Finger ring sizes are equivalent to toe ring sizes.  

• Toe rings are mostly worn on the 2nd toe, next to the big toe. 

• It's usually the same size as your pinkie finger.  

• It's always acceptable to wear your toe ring on any toe you choose.  

• Choose the toe that is most comfortable for you.

• An easy way to measure for the correct size is with a piece of string or ribbon, or even a strip of paper no wider than 3/4".  Wrap it around your finger or toe at the widest part.  Make a mark where the ends meets.

• Measure by laying it out next to a ruler which will tell you how many millimeters or inches the finger or toe measures.  If you are in between sizes, use the next size up.

• If knuckles are large, you may want to find an average size between the circumference of your knuckle and the circumference at the base of the finger.

• The style of the ring is something to consider too.  If the ring is wide, it should be half a size bigger. 

• If the ring is narrow, it can be half a size smaller. 

• Unless your knuckle joint is smaller than the fleshy part, always choose a half size smaller (wide or narrow ring) otherwise your ring could slip off.