Kazuri Beads

Kazuri, the Swahili word for 'small and beautiful' produces a wide range of hand made, hand painted ceramic jewelry that shines with a kaleidoscope of African colors and Kenyan art that reflects a culture and appeal to a worldwide fashion market. Kazuri's beautifully finished products are made to an international standard and are sold worldwide. These standards are maintained through high training standards and a highly motivated management team.

Please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jcs61fZlXU to view a video about the making of Kazuri Beads.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sage Jewels and its owner, Lisa Marie Glover, is thankful for the many blessings seen and unseen in my life and the lives of those who surround me. Take time to be thankful for those small blessings which we often tend to overlook. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sage Jewels will have designs for sale at Arts Clayton's most popular event of the year!

Mistletoe & Merlot
Thursday November 12, 2009 - 6-9pm


Enjoy a relaxing evening of fine wine, live music, and art!

Don't miss this opportunity to sample over 50 featured wines, enjoy live music, great food, and lively discussion with local wine experts.

Plus shop for everyone on your list at the Mistletoe Market where you will find the perfect hand-crafted artisan gift.


$20.00 Per person (net proceeds benefit the programs of Arts Clayton Inc.)

Arts Clayton Gallery
136 S. Main Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236

www.artsclayton.org

To RSVP, or for more information call: 770-389-1200 or 770-473-5457

Sage Jewels donates unique one-of-a-kind jewelry design to Sorority's fundraiser Silent Auction

Sage Jewels will be donating a unique one-of-a-kind jewelry design to support the Ivy and Roses Community Fund and Pi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Signature Fundraiser Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM the Association of Black Cardiologists Conference Center in Atlanta Georgia.

You may follow this link to purchase tickets to this event:

http://ivyandroses.eventbrite.com/

Turqouise

One of the first gems ever mined, turquoise delighted traders on the Silk Road, and is still associated with the Middle East. Apart from the exotic charm of its unbelievable rich colour, this association owes to the Persian Empire's role as the premier source of the world's turquoise for 2000 years. In present day Turkey, which the stone was most likely named after because of erroneous assumptions about the stone's origins, turquoise can still be seen adorning the insides and outsides of mosques everywhere.

Jewelry communities worldwide enjoy it as polished cabochons, seeking to showcase the unique green-blue colour that rightfully earned itself a name on the colour wheel. These provocative hues are caused by copper and aluminum deposits in the earth's crust, and are often discovered in veins and crevices as byproducts of copper mining projects in arid regions.

Even though turquoise is relatively soft, it handles polishing well, and is also occasionally faceted. Still, one should make sure to care for their turquoise jewelry, and protect it from cosmetics, heat, and bright light, which threaten the gemstone's natural lustre.

Turquoise has been thought to aid the body's healing process, centre the emotions, and provide physical protection from harm.

Source: http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/turquoise

Lava Beads

Lava beads refer to beads that are made from volcanic material, cut and faceted into a variety of shapes and sizes. Lava beads are very lightweight, and most tend to float since they are made of hardened magma and ash. As a result, they can only be produced in areas where volcanic material is available. Depending on the area and the mineral content of the lava, the lava beads will either be very dark in colour and close to black, reddish-brown or reddish grey. Stones and Findings carries a selection of black Lava Beads in a variety of shapes.

Designing with Lava beads is very easy and fun. Due to the dark colour of the bead, you can virtually add any other colourful bead, crystal or freshwater pearl in a combination that works for you to create stunning classic or funky summer pieces. I love to take a funky strand like the Diamond Cube Lava Beads and add some beautiful Red Coral for contrast and you've created a fun and versatile piece. Feel free to also add some sparkly Crystal pieces , or small sterling silver or gold filled beads for some shine.

No matter what design you come up with, Lava Beads are bound to be a success due to their unique look and feel. They will complement any funky, colourful or sparkly jewellery bead. So click here to view our selection, and start designing with Lava Beads today!

Source: http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/lava-beads

Coral

In Ovid's canonized tale of Perseus' quest to slay Medusa, the Greek hero is not only credited with defeating the most heinous of Gorgons, but also with discovering coral for the first time: when he finishes using Medusa's head to petrify a sea monster, Perseus notices that Gorgon's blood has hardened nearby seaweeds into wonderful red coral beads. Ovid's mythical prehistory also tells us that Poseidon lived in a palace partially built of coral, and that Hephaestus, the ultimate craftsman, first used coral to build his early inventions. Like the Greeks, the ancient Egyptians also applied coral beads to decoration, and are known to have employed it in royal burial ceremonies. Coral and coral beads even have a long history of use by senior monks in Tibet, and has been labeled one of the seven jewels of Buddhism as described by ancient Sanskrit texts. Coral has been used reverently, by many cultures and since time immemorial, for its intriguing visual characteristics and metaphysical properties.

Nowadays, while fewer people believe that it can protect against evil spirits, the bold visual effect of coral beads is felt by all, and is commonly used to accent skin tones and complete the look of a high-impact outfit. It should be noted that the red coral beads used by modern jewelers is actually markedly distinct from other kinds of coral associated with barrier reefs: coral beads in the jewelry world refers specifically to corallium rubrum, an oceanic strain that is distinguished by its durable, opaque, and bright red skeleton. The incredible softness and porous property of coral (by gemstone standards) also means that it can be effectively dyed. This happens often, and is in some cases merely to accentuate the original colour or to achieve a more uniform surface. Polishing coral beads is also used almost universally to replace the original matte exterior with a high-gloss sheen. Value is determined by surface smoothness, absence of blotches and scratches, and natural colour; while red is by far the most common variety, corallium rubrum, or 'precious coral,' as it is known, also occurs in many different colours- blue being among the rarest.

Chemically, precious coral is remarkably similar to the other organic gemstone giant, pearls. Both are at least 9 tenths calcium carbonate, and both are, of course, provided by underwater life forms. While huge trawling nets have been used to harvest precious coral in the past, today it is collected in a non-destructive and environmentally friendly way: handpicked by divers.

Source: http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/coral

Chalcedony

Chalcedony is an umbrella term that refers to all microcrystalline varieties of quartz beads. In this family of quartz (also known to the scientific community as cryptocrystalline) the gemstone structure is composed of crystals so tiny that they are invisible to the naked eye. In fact, their size is so minute that they are not even readily visible under a microscope. Used since the dawn of mankind for knives, tools, cups, and bowls, chalcedony takes its name from the ancient Greek town of Chalcedon.

Because of its porous nature, chalcedony beads can easily be dyed in a myriad of different colours, and is frequently cut, beveled, and polished in ways that showcase the chalcedony beads' inherent waxy lustre. In the jewelry and gem industry, the term 'chalcedony' typically refers to natural or lightly coloured microcrystalline quartz gemstones.

Chalcedony beads' metaphysical properties allegedly include protection from evil, a heightened unification between mind, body, and soul, emotional stabilization, and improved resistance to Alzheimer's disease.


http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/chalcedony

Jade

Even today jade is frequently associated with the Chinese Dynasties, and still conveys its legacy as the official Imperial Jewel. Emperors were buried in a head-to-toe jade suit that was believed to ensure safe passage into the afterlife, and even before the Dynastic cycle, as far back as 3000 BC, Chinese recognized the exotic lustre of jade as an elegant and distinguishing gemstone ornament. What many people don't realize today, however, is that jade was actually also used even earlier than that: in 7000 BC jade was prized by many cultures for its immense hardness, and used commonly for knives, axe heads, and other tools. As time progressed, jade came to particular prominence in Chinese culture, but was also incorporated into fashion and utility by the Maoris of New Zealand, the Aztecs, the Egyptians, and the Japanese. The name jade comes from the Spanish term piedra de ijada, which means "loin stone" in reference to jade's historical reputation as a healer of kidney ailments. Piedra de ijada was transliterated by the French as éjade, which in English then became simply "jade" as we know it today.

So what is all the fuss about? We don't often make axe heads out of jade anymore, but it is still getting more and more popular all over the globe. Because of its wonderfully striking waxy shine, and its deep range of provocative hues, not to mention its own history and culture, jade makes it a classic favourite for gemstone carving artisans, but its immense hardness ensures that jade carving must be the work of a deliberate, meditative, and highly skilled artist.

You certainly don't have to be a dedicated jade professional to enjoy it, however, and jewelry designers and enthusiasts love its mix of ancient appeal and contemporary cool. Where modern design meets an age-old cultural treasure, the evidence of a truly timeless gemstone is demonstrated on the necks, wrists, and ears of today's ultra hip.

Jade has historically been thought to inspire creativity, instill feelings of happiness, foster good luck, and offer physical protection for its wearer.

Source: http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/jade

Aventurine

Aventurine is a form of quartz that is given visual distinction by its unique, shimmering surface- a certain metallic glisten that is caused by the inclusion of minerals on the surface of the quartz in final formative stages. Depending on the mineral that bonds to the stone's surface, different reflective effects are achieved, and different colours are produced. For example, quartz that contains fuchsite will appear green, whereas the presence of iron oxide will create a red appearance, and dumortierite will cause it to look blue.



The remarkable glitter of aventurine has earned its own descriptor: 'aventurescent'. The word aventurescence is applied to anything that shares or approaches aventurine's distinctive sparkle.
For those interested in aventurine's healing or metaphysical properties, a division is made between different colours of the gemstone. While green aventurine is associated with good luck and assistance in leadership initiatives, blue aventurine is thought to aid insight, the cultivation of patience, and bodily detoxification.

Source: http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/aventurine

Michael Jackson - Rest in Peace

What can you say about a musical genius. A man who gave us so much music, dancing and songwriting skill. His presence will be missed, but his legacy is one that will live on forever. He is a man that took his talents and multiplied them tenfold. "Well Done Sir!"

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

Gone to Soon by Michael Jackson

Chakras

For thousands of years, many cultures have believed that human activity is governed by seven energy centers in the body. These seven centers are called the chakras and stimulated by associated colors. Following is a list of locations and colors of the chakras. Listed are some appropriate gemstones as well. This list is by no means the final word.







This is only presented for information purposes.
Source: http://www.gemologyonline.com/chakra.html

Crystals

by Damien Zielinski

Derived from the Greek word krystallos, which has been translated as 'clear ice,' crystal refers to some of the most impressive and bizarre mineral outgrowths found in nature. Seeking to emulate these wonderfully strange and beautiful forms, man has successfully produced glass crystal since George Ravenscroft established his innovative glasshouse in London, England, in 1673. Mixing lead oxide with molten glass during the heating process, Ravenscroft was able to create a glass of unprecedented sparkle and consistency.

The more lead oxide that is added to the glass, the more refractive and visually stunning the finished product will be. However, this comes at the cost of dramatically increased rigidity, and the crystal therefore becomes much harder to blow. At this stage, crystal is usually manufactured by an incredibly skilled and coordinated team of glass blowers- from 4 to 7 people working in synchronized fashion- and takes a tremendous amount of physical strength, breath control and stamina.

After the initial shaping of the crystal object, it is soaked in an acidic bath that effectively removes any imperfections from the exterior. The crystal then enters the cutting phase. Because the crystal is so amazingly hard, diamond-tipped wheels are required to cut flat facets into the surface. For shallow engraving and/or imagery, small, slow-moving copper wheels are used in a procedure that can take hours.

No two crystals are identical, and through a long, multi-stage process, the final product is accomplished by an experienced and creative team whose craft is still being refined after centuries of development.

Source: http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles/articles/crystals

Chakras and Gemstones

How Gemstones affect Chakras

Chakras are a common concept in several disciplines of alternative medicine and traditional Oriental medicine. A chakra is a center of energy which has several functions. In addition to being 'representative' of a particular organ or group of organs, a chakra also controls our being on different levels and it links these two representative states.

Chakras are energy vortices in the body that transmit the life force throughout the body. This life force is called Prana by Indian Ayurveda doctors and Ch'i by the Chinese Doctors. Certain gemstones are considered in tune with these Chakras and can be used to cleanse the Chakra and bring balance.

The body has seven basic body chakras and a number of minor chakras. These are listed in the table below ranked from the lowest to the highest:

More Info on Chakras can be found at: http://holisticonline.com/hol_chakra.htm

How To Use this Chart:

If you suffer from an overactive chakra, look for gemstones under the column "subdue" to help you subdue that chakra and bring it back in balance.

If your problem is an underactive chakra (too little of the qualities), then look for gemstones under the column "open" to get help.

For example, an overactive (too much) Navel Chakra or Manipura might mean a person dominates everyone around him, causing him personal problems. To subdue/correct the Navel Chakra, the column under Subdues suggests the beneficial gemstones as: Amber, Moonstone, and Peridot.

On the other hand, a closed (i.e., underactive) Navel Chakra or Manipura might mean a lack of will power or self-control. To open this Chakra, the gemstones listed under the column "Open" are: Citrine, Calcite, and Topaz



This information being shared with you for informational purposes only. We are not endorsing that this is the only way to look at the utilization of gemstones.

Source: http://specialgifts.com/geminfo/info-chakras-and-gemstones.htm

Wishing Imani Josey success on her bid for Miss Illinois 2009

It has been our pleasure to provide Miss Josey assistance with her accessory needs for the competition. For more information on this competition, please visit http://www.missillinois.org/miss/titleholders.html

The Chakras

Chakras are a common concept in several disciplines of alternative medicine and traditional Oriental medicine. A chakra is a centre of energy which has several functions. In addition to being 'representative' of a particular organ or group of organs, a chakra also controls our being on different levels and it links these two representative states.

The concept of chakra is very important in therapies such as reiki, meditation, yoga, therapeutic touch, aura, etc. Because of its wider application across a number of disciplines it is covered as a separate topic.

The word chakra is a Sanskrit word that means wheel. From a side view, a chakra looks like a cone with its point plugging into your spine to receive energy, and its opening about four inches from your body.

The body has seven basic body chakras and a number of minor chakras. These are from the lowest to the highest:

• The Root Chakra
• The Sexual Chakra
• The Personality Chakra
• The Heart Chakra
• The Expressive Chakra
• The Knowledge Chakra
• The Crown Chakra

The number of major chakras does vary in some instances, e.g. Hindu yoga has six centers, but the greatest variation is in the minor chakras. In some regimes of therapy ten minor chakras are identified, and these are interconnected with the major chakras. A typical system could be:

• one in the arch of each foot, connected to the first and third chakras
• one in each knee joint, connected to the fifth and sixth chakras
• one in each palm, connected to the second, third and fourth
• chakras one in each elbow, connected to the second and third chakras
• one below each shoulder, connected to the third and fifth chakras

Brief summaries of the major chakras are given below:

The root chakra

This is the source of strength and is essential for proper development. The other centres of energy rely upon the root chakra to perform properly. Disorders within the root chakras may result in mental problems (e.g. aggression, confusion) or physical symptoms (e.g. of the intestines, excretory systems, or bones).

The sexual chakra

This is highly influential and governs sensual and sexual factors, the means whereby experiences are felt and registered. Blockages result in a variety of phobias or conditions such as a fear of being touched, a general incomprehension or an obsessive cleanliness. Physical manifestations may include being prone to infections, or problems with the kidneys/bladder or lymphatic system.

The personality chakra

This is also called the solar plexus chakra, this is the power centre and focus of personal freedom or, conversely, feelings of guilt. Mental consequences of a blockage might be anxiety about how others perceive you, envy or selfish greed. Physically there could be digestive disorders, liver and gall bladder problems or disorders of the pancreas.

The heart chakra

This effectively controls self-acceptance and by extension everyone else around us. Blockages may result in attitudes such as selfishness or emotional blackmail. Physical manifestations could be disorders of the lungs and heart, and circulatory problems.

The expressive chakra

The expressive chakra (or throat chakra) controls overall self-expression, whether it is language or gesture. An upset in this centre could well result in an individual who becomes dictatorial while the physical signs could be growth problems, or a muscular tension leading to a lack of vocal control.

The knowledge chakra

Otherwise known as the forehead chakra or Third Eye, this is the focus of intuition, the perception of truth which enables a person to find their own course through life. Accordingly, a blockage of this chakra will culminate in a haphazard approach to life, and probably an inability to settle down to any one task for any length of time.

The crown chakra

It is generally felt that the seventh, crown, chakra is appreciated only by experience and it depends upon the other six for its development.

Information obtained from http://www.holisticonline.com/hol_chakra.htm

Sinai Community Institute Presents | Gala 2009

Sage Jewels celebrates "Gala 2009:Connecting to our Community" with the Sinai Community Institute, Inc of Chicago with a donation of a jewelry design for their Silent Auction. You can find out more about this event at http://www.sinai.or/who/gala2009/index.asp

Item to be auctioned is a three-strand braided necklace and earring set with Swarovski Crystals and Pearls (AA grade)

applauds the work our First Lady Michelle Obama is doing today in Washington DC schools. This would be a great national program.

just posted a thank you note to her page members at http://ping.fm/SRepG - you all are the best!

23 ways to prepare for Earth Hour 2009 visit http://ping.fm/MBqKJ

is mourning the loss of Dr. Walter J. Sapp and praying for his family and the Tuskegee family on the loss of a great man.

first rain, then sleet, then snow, now add some lighting....Atlanta weather is on the wild today!

We are all in this together......upper-class, middle-class, lower-class, and the underclass.....our greatness is in us uniting!

as a policy professional is excited to see that the need to revamp our regulatory systems have been highlighted for real CHANGE!

is glad to see that this administration understands that a healthy, educated workforce is necessary!

is glad to know that entrepreneurs have a place in this administration's budget and in moving this country forward!

is happy to have a man of integrity, character, and courage who is willing to tell the truth while providing solutions and collaboration!

is happy to have a man of integrity, character, and courage who is willing to tell the truth and seeking solutions and collaboration!

is wishing all family, friends, colleagues and online acquaintances a Happy Valentine's Day!

Spring 2009 Jewelry Trends

Spring 2009 is in the air.

As always we must begin with color. There are three important color stories for the season.

The first is black and white.

The new take for this graphic combo is floral. Pretty all over large flowers. What’s really fresh for black and white is taking it in a less slick direction and adding a more textural attitude.

I believe using fabric wrapped beads, printed ceramic, and glass beads from India that are imperfect is a great way to achieve a crisp but natural look for this palette.

Coral and yellow is the warm palette this spring/summer. Look to the continent of India for inspiration.

Use patterned beaded and etched metals to complement your colors. Antique finished on metal, and rose gold platings can really make this theme a bit more directional.

Amazonite greens and translucent turquoise look great for a cool spring palette.

Try mixing matte and shiny beads for a beachy feeling. Touches of raffia for texture make a nice contrast, and using a brown or natural material to ground the colors is a new way to do blue.

Great earrings are going to be the key item for spring. Casual, light weight, colourful chandelier earrings will definitely take the spotlight.

Some key materials that are on the rise are

* seed beads
* chunky wooden beads
* mixed color threads
* printed and painted shell
* worn finished metals.

From e-article by Anne Rush, a professional designer and director in the fashion jewelry industry

is glad her mother came to give some "Mommy Love" this weekend and made it back this morning!

is thanking her Sorors of PAO for the beautiful flowers she just received!

is recuperating..

is humbled by her appointment to the DeKalb County Zoning Taskforce and Community Planning Council.

is glad to see the Economic Stimulus Plan to include federal spending on transportation projects.

New Private Obama Pictures From The First 48 Hours (PHOTOS)

New Private Obama Pictures From The First 48 Hours (PHOTOS)

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Barack And Michelle Obama's Inauguration Day PDA (PHOTOS)

Barack And Michelle Obama's Inauguration Day PDA (PHOTOS)

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Sasha And Malia Obama Inauguration Photos: Most Adorable Moments (SLIDESHOW)

Sasha And Malia Obama Inauguration Photos: Most Adorable Moments (SLIDESHOW)

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is ready to be a participant and witness to History......DC-bound!!!

is wishing our my Soror and soon-to-be First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama a Happy Birthday!

is wishing all my Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sisters a Happy 101st Birthday!

is starting to pack for trip to be a part of an historical moment in our history!

is starting to pack for trip to be apart of an historical moment in our history!

Secretary of the Arts Petition

Ensure your future and the future of America's Art & The Artist Who Create It!

Sign Q's Petition Today!

Petition for arts Cabinet post is gaining steam One of the best ways to promote
and preserve the cultural health of this country would be to give the arts
Cabinet-level status. After Quincy Jones (left) was quoted in a recent interview
saying that he would lobby for the creation of a Secretary of the Arts position
when he next chats with the new president, a petition quickly emerged and is
making its way across the cyberscape. It has attracted more than 10,000
signatures already, including the likes of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra music
director Marin Alsop and composer John Corigliano.

It's easy to imagine a cabinet post that oversees the NEA and other exisiting
cultural organizations in the government and that uses the office to push for a
renassiance of arts education in schools and the shoring up of cultural
institutions across the country. Other countries, including the UK, have
secretaries of culture or the equivalent. There are strong reasons for the US to
have one, too. William Ferris of the Center for the Study of the American South
at the University of North Carolina outlined those reasons in a recent New York
Times op-ed.

You never know how petitions will fare in attracting attention and generating
results, but the one inpired by Quincy Jones looks well worth signing and
passing along. At least there's some change in the air right now, so the timing
is certainly right.

Secretary of the Arts Petition

http://ping.fm/hczyu?ref=ts

is spreading the word about the cause of play with KaBOOM!. Join in: http://ping.fm/PRztp