Let's play a game... rainbow gems.

[cloud_less]

Thank you! Yes!! Kee Yazzie is of the Hopi and Navajo tribes, and he draws inspiration from the petroglyphs in the canyons near his home in the American Southwest. This is considered a "storyteller" piece. At the top is a storm cloud ("k'os") symbolizing change, renewal, and fertility. The weather is constantly changing and the power to adjust accordingly is important. Also, the production of water for sustenance is essential to life. Next there is a bear ("mato"), which represents a spiritual guide, symbolizing introspection and self-knowledge. The kiva steps represent the "staircase of life" and the different steps we take in overcoming obstacles. The 2 figures represent the "ancient ones" or Navajo ancestors, which were the Anasazi people. The migration spiral symbolizes the route the ancestors took across the Bering Strait to the Americas. Then we have a dragonfly, which represents adaptability, as these creatures are at home on land, in the sky, and in water. We have some repeated symbols and then, lastly, a cross, which represents life's journey and our paths crossing.

Fun fact (or not so fun fact): The swastika was a symbol originally used by Native Americans as a sign of friendship and good luck. Of course, the Nazi party adopted (and desecrated) it in the 1920's. Natives swore to never use it again in their textiles, pottery, or jewelry.

Apologies for the book! I just find this all so fascinating.

Wow this is amazing! Love a piece that tells a story!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Here is a video of the ithaca peak turquoise (one of my favorite mines) just after cutting and polishing it. Forgive the breathing sounds... I was wearing a respirator.

Since Maru posted her beautiful pink spinel, let's hop right over to RED next.

 

[Starstruck8]

Thank you! Yes!! Kee Yazzie is of the Hopi and Navajo tribes, and he draws inspiration from the petroglyphs in the canyons near his home in the American Southwest. This is considered a "storyteller" piece. At the top is a storm cloud ("k'os") symbolizing change, renewal, and fertility. The weather is constantly changing and the power to adjust accordingly is important. Also, the production of water for sustenance is essential to life. Next there is a bear ("mato"), which represents a spiritual guide, symbolizing introspection and self-knowledge. The kiva steps represent the "staircase of life" and the different steps we take in overcoming obstacles. The 2 figures represent the "ancient ones" or Navajo ancestors, which were the Anasazi people. The migration spiral symbolizes the route the ancestors took across the Bering Strait to the Americas. Then we have a dragonfly, which represents adaptability, as these creatures are at home on land, in the sky, and in water. We have some repeated symbols and then, lastly, a cross, which represents life's journey and our paths crossing.

Fun fact (or not so fun fact): The swastika was a symbol originally used by Native Americans as a sign of friendship and good luck. Of course, the Nazi party adopted (and desecrated) it in the 1920's. Natives swore to never use it again in their textiles, pottery, or jewelry.

Apologies for the book! I just find this all so fascinating.

Thank you taking the time to give this the detailed explanation. No need at all for apologies! It must be wonderful to have a piece so full of meaning. It seems that it is a guide through life's journey.

[Edited] I've just seen your video. That pyrite is just magic when it catches the light!

 

[Eli22]

Thank you! Yes!! Kee Yazzie is of the Hopi and Navajo tribes, and he draws inspiration from the petroglyphs in the canyons near his home in the American Southwest. This is considered a "storyteller" piece. At the top is a storm cloud ("k'os") symbolizing change, renewal, and fertility. The weather is constantly changing and the power to adjust accordingly is important. Also, the production of water for sustenance is essential to life. Next there is a bear ("mato"), which represents a spiritual guide, symbolizing introspection and self-knowledge. The kiva steps represent the "staircase of life" and the different steps we take in overcoming obstacles. The 2 figures represent the "ancient ones" or Navajo ancestors, which were the Anasazi people. The migration spiral symbolizes the route the ancestors took across the Bering Strait to the Americas. Then we have a dragonfly, which represents adaptability, as these creatures are at home on land, in the sky, and in water. We have some repeated symbols and then, lastly, a cross, which represents life's journey and our paths crossing.

Fun fact (or not so fun fact): The swastika was a symbol originally used by Native Americans as a sign of friendship and good luck. Of course, the Nazi party adopted (and desecrated) it in the 1920's. Natives swore to never use it again in their textiles, pottery, or jewelry.

Apologies for the book! I just find this all so fascinating.

This is just beautiful

 

[Autumn in New England]

Thank you taking the time to give this the detailed explanation. No need at all for apologies! It must be wonderful to have a piece so full of meaning. It seems that it is a guide through life's journey.

[Edited] I've just seen your video. That pyrite is just magic when it catches the light!

Thank you!! Above all, I love how connected Native Americans feel to nature... and their history of living with the land (rather than taking from it). It really is quite enchanting. Kee is a friend of mine and does excellent work. If you're ever interested in a custom piece, please let me know, and I can help facilitate the commission (if you'd like).

This is just beautiful

Glad you are drawn to it as much as I am!

Wow this is amazing! Love a piece that tells a story!!

Me too! I'll pass along your compliments to Kee!!

 

[Shiny Black Cat]

am l late for red?

 

[Autumn in New England]

No you're right on time, @Shiny Black Cat! Looks like a nice, big, juicy stone.

ORANGE plays next.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Thank you! Yes!! Kee Yazzie is of the Hopi and Navajo tribes, and he draws inspiration from the petroglyphs in the canyons near his home in the American Southwest. This is considered a "storyteller" piece. At the top is a storm cloud ("k'os") symbolizing change, renewal, and fertility. The weather is constantly changing and the power to adjust accordingly is important. Also, the production of water for sustenance is essential to life. Next there is a bear ("mato"), which represents a spiritual guide, symbolizing introspection and self-knowledge. The kiva steps represent the "staircase of life" and the different steps we take in overcoming obstacles. The 2 figures represent the "ancient ones" or Navajo ancestors, which were the Anasazi people. The migration spiral symbolizes the route the ancestors took across the Bering Strait to the Americas. Then we have a dragonfly, which represents adaptability, as these creatures are at home on land, in the sky, and in water. We have some repeated symbols and then, lastly, a cross, which represents life's journey and our paths crossing.

Fun fact (or not so fun fact): The swastika was a symbol originally used by Native Americans as a sign of friendship and good luck. Of course, the Nazi party adopted (and desecrated) it in the 1920's. Natives swore to never use it again in their textiles, pottery, or jewelry.

Apologies for the book! I just find this all so fascinating.

but a big boo hiss to the nazis

 

[Crimson]

No you're right on time, @Shiny Black Cat! Looks like a nice, big, juicy stone.

ORANGE plays next.

Not mine, (yet.). Posting these two rings by Alexander Laut, that I tried on today at Jeweluxe.
Alexander Laut explained to me that the first one is their classic Kiss setting, where the Center stone just touches the diamonds beLow. What a lovely concept! You can see the sparkles reflected. It is a red spessartite. The second is orange.

 

[Shiny Black Cat]

orange, Sultanite

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Not mine, (yet.). Posting these two rings by Alexander Laut, that I tried on today at Jeweluxe.
Alexander Laut explained to me that the first one is their classic Kiss setting, where the Center stone just touches the diamonds beLow. What a lovely concept! You can see the sparkles reflected. It is a red spessartite. The second is orange.

yum yum
what is that green one ?

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Crimson I swear you have the finest jewelry stores in your part of the world. The sheer size of those baubles is impressive. Mouthwatering colors too!!

@Shiny Black Cat That guy is especially orange (almost padparadscha-like)!

YELLOW plays next.

 

[Autumn in New England]

yum yum
what is that green one ?

Really, REALLY high-grade jadeite (that crimson's personal ring).

 

[Crimson]

yum yum
what is that green one ?

I am so glad my little green jadeite ring at least got some attention, dear @Daisys and Diamonds

@Crimson I swear you have the finest jewelry stores in your part of the world. The sheer size of those baubles is impressive. Mouthwatering colors too!!

Yes, the sheer size! At this jewel fair, I went only to the brands I really wanted to see, like Alexander Laut because he doesn’t have a shop here. He is such a kind gentleman — told his staff to let me try anything I wanted, while he chatted with me. He even showed me his original loupe from the time he worked with Ronald Winston (son of Harry Winston).

Really, REALLY high-grade jadeite (that crimson's personal ring).

Haha, thank you dear @Autumn in New England . I wore my jadeite next to an enormous Alexander Laut emerald. Oh wowwww…will save that post for green, YELLOW next.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@Crimson I thought that fabulous Jade ring was a display piece at first

 

[stracci2000]

Here is a video of the ithaca peak turquoise (one of my favorite mines) just after cutting and polishing it. Forgive the breathing sounds... I was wearing a respirator.

Since Maru posted her beautiful pink spinel, let's hop right over to RED next.

This stone is badass! Of course the pendant is stunning as well, but that stone....... just wow. And you've shown it before, but it still makes my jaw drop!

 

[Crimson]

Thank you! Yes!! Kee Yazzie is of the Hopi and Navajo tribes, and he draws inspiration from the petroglyphs in the canyons near his home in the American Southwest. This is considered a "storyteller" piece. At the top is a storm cloud ("k'os") symbolizing change, renewal, and fertility. The weather is constantly changing and the power to adjust accordingly is important. Also, the production of water for sustenance is essential to life. Next there is a bear ("mato"), which represents a spiritual guide, symbolizing introspection and self-knowledge. The kiva steps represent the "staircase of life" and the different steps we take in overcoming obstacles. The 2 figures represent the "ancient ones" or Navajo ancestors, which were the Anasazi people. The migration spiral symbolizes the route the ancestors took across the Bering Strait to the Americas. Then we have a dragonfly, which represents adaptability, as these creatures are at home on land, in the sky, and in water. We have some repeated symbols and then, lastly, a cross, which represents life's journey and our paths crossing..

@Autumn in New England i love Jewellery that tells a story! When I lived in Austin TX I wasn’t much into jewelry but I really appreciated the art of the Southwest. This takes me back to those days

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Autumn in New England i love Jewellery that tells a story! When I lived in Austin TX I wasn’t much into jewelry but I really appreciated the art of the Southwest. This takes me back to those days

I didn't know you once lived in TX! How cool!!

This stone is badass! Of course the pendant is stunning as well, but that stone....... just wow. And you've shown it before, but it still makes my jaw drop!

I know, I think I've overexposed it as this point. lol I don't own many turq pieces in gold, so this one is a favorite. Thank you for the compliment!! I love to tell Kee when others are enjoying his pieces. He's so proud.

Have you been wearing your fabulous new pendant creation? Must be such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in the process, aside from having a beautiful piece of jewelry in the end.

 

[stracci2000]

I know, I think I've overexposed it as this point. lol I don't own many turq pieces in gold, so this one is a favorite. Thank you for the compliment!! I love to tell Kee when others are enjoying his pieces. He's so proud.

Have you been wearing your fabulous new pendant creation? Must be such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in the process, aside from having a beautiful piece of jewelry in the end.

Oh honey, I never get tired of seeing your beautiful gems!
And Native jewelers are the best. When I was waiting for my sterling order at Thunderbird Supply, in line with some professional Native jewelers, I was surrounded by greatness.

The pendant was only born yesterday, so today was the "first wearing".
I still have a handful of turquoise cabs waiting to be set, so I'll be posting more soon.......!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Oh honey, I never get tired of seeing your beautiful gems!
And Native jewelers are the best. When I was waiting for my sterling order at Thunderbird Supply, in line with some professional Native jewelers, I was surrounded by greatness.

The pendant was only born yesterday, so today was the "first wearing".
I still have a handful of turquoise cabs waiting to be set, so I'll be posting more soon.......!

Today was its maiden voyage! How cool... can't wait to see what else you come up with. I recall a new bisbee cab(s) from you last haul?

 

[stracci2000]

Today was its maiden voyage! How cool... can't wait to see what else you come up with. I recall a new bisbee cab(s) from you last haul?

Yes, that one will be a ring, I think.
I was looking at Kee Yazzie's work just now, amazing!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Yes, that one will be a ring, I think.
I was looking at Kee Yazzie's work just now, amazing!

Not that you need anyone to make pieces for you, but if you ever wanted to commission him, he's a good friend (and lovely human being).

Please set the bisbee next! lol

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Yellow yes?

I'm going to move this along so I can get to green!

Chrysoberyl that I gave to the little sister. I kinda regret it!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Green is next and I'm posting because my favorite bangle rarely gets to go out!

 

[Avondale]

Time for blue?
My turn!

 

[Hivona]

Purple garnet and purple/grey spinel

 

[Autumn in New England]

Yellow yes?

I'm going to move this along so I can get to green!

Chrysoberyl that I gave to the little sister. I kinda regret it!

This looks like a particularly lovely shade of yellow... at least it's still in the family (how generous of you, BTW!).

Green is next and I'm posting because my favorite bangle rarely gets to go out!

I was actually just drooling over this jadeite in the other thread.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Purple garnet and purple/grey spinel

Juicy purple garnet! Asschers are my very favorite cut, so I'm really enjoying that spinel. PINK plays next!!

 

[rubyshoes]

Pink is the ring from my avatar. A fancy pink 6P Argyle from Leibish. Diamonds by Lauren crafted the ring.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Pink is the ring from my avatar. A fancy pink 6P Argyle from Leibish. Diamonds by Lauren crafted the ring.

great colour matching botanically speaking there