Birthstones, Jewelry Care
Kyanite and Labradorite
Kyanite and labradorite both exhibit striations and inclusions as characteristics of their composition. Both stones demonstrate a range in color, although labradorite can vary more greatly in color, with blues, greens, and browns the most common, but sometimes exhibiting purple, yellow, or orange. Labradorite and kyanite stones will usually have lines throughout, or visible layers, depending on how the stones were cut and how much striation is present in the crystal.
Kyanite is a valuable gemstone, nearly always seen with striations, streaks, and inclusions, and the clarity varies from transparent to opaque. The more transparent the stone, the more apparent these traits will be.
Labradorite, by its very nature, exhibits inclusions which display the gorgeous array of color. Labradorite is usually translucent or opaque.
We encourage you to Google the stones of your choice to learn more about them before you buy. These stones are beautiful, but very different from most of the stones that may be more familiar to you.
Birthstones (traditional and alternate choices).
The first list states traditional birthstones; the second list gives alternatives:
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal
November: Yellow Topaz
December: Blue Topaz
Alternate Birthstone Choices
January: Emerald, Rose Quartz
February: Bloodstone, Amethyst, Onyx, Moonstone
March: Bloodstone, Jade, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal
April: Opal, Diamond, Quartz, White Sapphire
May: Sapphire, Agate, Chrysoprase, Beryl
June: Moonstone, Alexandrite, Moonstone, Pearl, Opal
July: Carnelian
August: Sardonyx, Diamond, Sapphire, Jade
September: Agate, Moonstone, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Chrysolite
October: Tourmaline, Jasper, Opal, Pink Tourmaline, Zircon, Aquamarine
November: Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Diamond
December: Blue Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Ruby
We offer many gemstones that can be used as birthstones, some traditional, some alternate.
Care of Jewelry:
For cleaning and polishing, we recommend Goddard's Mr. Metal tarnish remover for all metals. It can probably be found at your local supermarket, or you can order it on-line. It is excellent for simple as well as ornate silver items, gentle but effective. The directions tell you to let the polish dry before you wipe it off, but we have found that we can still get a great result by wiping the polish off while it is still wet. We are not affiliated with this company or the companies mentioned below; we just like the products.
Or, you may use either Wright’s Silver Cream or Novus #2 Fine Scratch Remover. Novus is made for plastics, but we find it ideal for polishing metals and the surfaces of non-crystalline cabochon stones such as turquoise and malachite. Novus #1 Plastic Clean and Shine is great for a final touch-up on metals and stones to give them a beautiful shine. Novus can be purchased on the internet if it is not available locally (http://www.bsueboutiques.com carries it).
For removing tarnish and cleaner from crevices, we recommend using a small soft-bristled battery-operated toothbrush, very wet; light pressure is recommended. Such a toothbrush, used with Wright’s or Novus, can also restore a gleaming finish to silver when other methods fail. NEVER let the toothbrush get too dry! Too wet is better than too dry.
Other cleaning and storage tips can be found in these videos: Click here
Kyanite and labradorite both exhibit striations and inclusions as characteristics of their composition. Both stones demonstrate a range in color, although labradorite can vary more greatly in color, with blues, greens, and browns the most common, but sometimes exhibiting purple, yellow, or orange. Labradorite and kyanite stones will usually have lines throughout, or visible layers, depending on how the stones were cut and how much striation is present in the crystal.
Kyanite is a valuable gemstone, nearly always seen with striations, streaks, and inclusions, and the clarity varies from transparent to opaque. The more transparent the stone, the more apparent these traits will be.
Labradorite, by its very nature, exhibits inclusions which display the gorgeous array of color. Labradorite is usually translucent or opaque.
We encourage you to Google the stones of your choice to learn more about them before you buy. These stones are beautiful, but very different from most of the stones that may be more familiar to you.
Birthstones (traditional and alternate choices).
The first list states traditional birthstones; the second list gives alternatives:
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal
November: Yellow Topaz
December: Blue Topaz
Alternate Birthstone Choices
January: Emerald, Rose Quartz
February: Bloodstone, Amethyst, Onyx, Moonstone
March: Bloodstone, Jade, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal
April: Opal, Diamond, Quartz, White Sapphire
May: Sapphire, Agate, Chrysoprase, Beryl
June: Moonstone, Alexandrite, Moonstone, Pearl, Opal
July: Carnelian
August: Sardonyx, Diamond, Sapphire, Jade
September: Agate, Moonstone, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Chrysolite
October: Tourmaline, Jasper, Opal, Pink Tourmaline, Zircon, Aquamarine
November: Citrine, Pearl, Topaz, Diamond
December: Blue Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Ruby
We offer many gemstones that can be used as birthstones, some traditional, some alternate.
Care of Jewelry:
For cleaning and polishing, we recommend Goddard's Mr. Metal tarnish remover for all metals. It can probably be found at your local supermarket, or you can order it on-line. It is excellent for simple as well as ornate silver items, gentle but effective. The directions tell you to let the polish dry before you wipe it off, but we have found that we can still get a great result by wiping the polish off while it is still wet. We are not affiliated with this company or the companies mentioned below; we just like the products.
Or, you may use either Wright’s Silver Cream or Novus #2 Fine Scratch Remover. Novus is made for plastics, but we find it ideal for polishing metals and the surfaces of non-crystalline cabochon stones such as turquoise and malachite. Novus #1 Plastic Clean and Shine is great for a final touch-up on metals and stones to give them a beautiful shine. Novus can be purchased on the internet if it is not available locally (http://www.bsueboutiques.com carries it).
For removing tarnish and cleaner from crevices, we recommend using a small soft-bristled battery-operated toothbrush, very wet; light pressure is recommended. Such a toothbrush, used with Wright’s or Novus, can also restore a gleaming finish to silver when other methods fail. NEVER let the toothbrush get too dry! Too wet is better than too dry.
Other cleaning and storage tips can be found in these videos: Click here