Stone of the Month: Opal

Ornate White Opal Snow Queen Ring
by Little Bear's Mom

Unlike most other birthstones, opal is not a crystalline gemstone, but a mineraloid. These types of substances are formed under similar conditions as crystal gemstones like emeralds and diamonds, but possess a different chemical makeup. Other common types of mineraloids include obsidian, jet, amber and even petroleum.

Opals are formed from ancient hot springs, and have a water content of anywhere from 3 to 20 percent. Most opals are found in dry, arid climates like Mexico and Nevada. Australia is the leading producer of gemstone quality opals, with over 90 percent of the world’s gemstones originating from Australian mines. Opal is their national gemstone.

The color of natural opal can range from white to black, with many color variations. Blue and green hued opals are more common, with reds and blacks being the most rare. The birthstone opal is usually an iridescent white or pink color, similar to mother of pearl.

Because common opals show many different colors on their surface - usually pinks, yellows and blues - they are often considered a mood stone. Opals have been thought to increase happiness, bring good luck, and even encourage love. Legends of Australian aborigines indicate that the opal is a sign of peace.

Blue Oregon Opal Necklace
by Six Baby Girls

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Stone of the Month: Sapphire

Sapphire Earrings
by Vitrine

The traditional birthstone for the month of September is the beautiful blue sapphire. This gemstone is made up of an aluminum oxide known as corundum. What’s interesting about these stones is that they are directly related to rubies - the color is the only main difference between the two. In fact, most deposits of rubies or sapphires also contain a bit of the sister stone.

The word sapphire comes from the Greek sapphiros, which roughly translates to “precious to Saturn” - the term was generally used to describe any blue gemstone. The sapphires that we value today were not distinguished as a unique mineral until Roman times.

Sapphires can range in color from black to pale gray-blue, and are also found in shades of yellow, green and a pink stone referred to as padparadscha. The most common sapphire colors are all reminiscent of the sky, which is one of the qualities that makes them so popular for jewelry designers and collectors.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team and Vitrine

Stone of the Month: Peridot

Modern Peridot and Silver Earrings
by Splurge

Anyone who loves the color green is usually envious of those born in August, for they enjoy one of the most beautiful birthstones in the spectrum. Peridots have an incredibly rich shade of green, and are one of the only gemstones that do not appear in various colors. Only the brightness of the green will change, depending on the amount of iron in a particular deposit. Peridots are also the only form of gemstones that have been found in meteorites.

Peridot is a gemstone quality form of olivine, or magnesium iron silicate. Most peridots are mined in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though deposits have been found in Asia and North America. Their rarity has fluctuated over the centuries, with small deposits being discovered only occasionally, as far back as Ancient Egypt and Rome.

Peridot Chainmaille Charm Bracelet
by Chicki

The word peridot comes from the Greek peridona, which means “richness”. It’s an excellent way to describe the unique green of these stones. There is an intensity to them that expresses a lust for life, which makes peridots an ideal gem for a summer birthstone.

Because their color remains true in all types of light, the Romans nicknamed peridots the “emerald of the evening”. These pretty green gems are excellent in glam jewelry, for a girls night out or night at the opera.

Fun, affordable peridot imitations are abundant in materials like glass and acrylic. The shades of green called “peridot” will vary by maker, but they are all deliciously beautiful. Both the real gemstones and the alternatives make great ocean and summer inspired jewelry designs, and pair well with almost anything. They look delightful with pale colors like turquoise, topaz and white, and elegant with sapphire, black or oxidized silver.

Peridot Cubic Zirconia Earrings
by Rock Fern

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Stone of the Month: Ruby

Jaipur Rani Indian Ruby Earrings
by Vitrine

July’s birthstone is the beautiful, elegant ruby. These red gemstones are closely related to sapphires, and get their unique coloring from a high presence of chromium. They are typically mined throughout the Middle East and Asia, with large deposits in Myanmar, and more recently, Greenland. Genuine rubies are the second hardest gemstone in nature - second only to diamonds.

Throughout history, rubies have been used to represent fire, heat, passion and power. Thus, they have been a favorite material to adorn everything from armor to trinkets. The ruby has often been used a gift to show everlasting love. Called “The King of Gemstones” in India, the ruby has been a favorite among royalty in many cultures for centuries.

Rubies were also considered to be a symbol of blood, and therefore to have healing powers. Ground or crushed rubies have been used in medicinal cures, as talismans against illness, and charms for strength in battle.

Carnation Pink Ruby Ring
by Birch Beer Boutique

The flame of rubies is a perfect stone for this hot summer month. Ruby is also the traditional gift for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. Like most gemstones, a ruby’s quality is determined by it’s clarity, which makes it easy to substitute with affordable, sustainable materials like glass and crystal.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada

Stone of the Month: Pearl

Creamrose Bracelet
by Little Bear's Mom

The official birthstone of June is the beautiful, classy oyster pearl. These natural baubles have been valued for centuries not only for their loveliness, but for their rarity as well. Before the creation of the cultured or farmed pearl, hundreds of oysters and clams would be killed and shucked to produce a single perfect gem. Pearls are not only used in jewelry, but also for embellishing clothing, accessories, and decorative home décor items.

The eleven other common birthstones are earthbound minerals, which makes the pearl very unique. These aquatic treasures are commonly associated with rare beauty or value, and make a wonderful metaphor for “one in a million” virtues. Their very nature is quite poetic.

Terra Necklace
by Joanniel Creations

It is a common misconception that pearls are formed when a grain of sand becomes trapped within the shell of a living mollusk. In fact, the most common cause of pearl production is a parasite or other microscopic impurity. In an attempt to neutralize any threat from the intruder, the mollusk will form a ‘pearl sac’ around the object. The secretion is made up of a calcium carbonate and conchiolin combination called nacre. This substance also makes up mother of pearl - the inner layer of a shell - which also makes many appearances in jewelry.

Cultured or man-made pearls are formed by introducing a small piece of mantle tissue from another mollusk as the catalyst. Salt water cultured pearls are usually made with the help of a small bead of polished shell, inserted into the gonad. The freshwater variety are generally created without the help of beads, and many pearls can grow at a time within the fleshy mantle of the mollusk. These pearls have a freer, more natural shape. The process can take anywhere from 1 to 7 years, depending on the variety of pearl. The majority of the world’s cultured pearls are created in China.

Magenta Biwa Pearl Necklace
by Splurge

The popularity and prominence of pearl jewelry can be credited with the naming of necklace lengths, used today to describe jewelry of all types. The terms choker, princess length and opera length were introduced to describe the sizes of common pearl necklace types. Today, the phrase “Not your grandmother’s pearls” is commonly heard in the handmade community. With the availability of cultured pearls in so many sizes, shapes and colors, designers have an endless source of inspiration from classic to aquatic.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team
Text by Mortira

Stone of the Month: Emerald

Emerald and Antique Copper Earrings
by Khalliah Design

People born in the month of May are awfully lucky - they have one of the most beautiful birthstones. The pure, deep green of emeralds is a wonder to behold. It’s no wonder that the mythical people of Oz used it to decorate their wondrous city.

Though emeralds play in important role in L. Frank Baum's tales, they were even more important in the film adaptations. In Return to Oz, the Nome King's captives are all emerald in color, instead of royal purple as in the original Ozma of Oz. Though this may have been an attempt to tie the film to it's predecessor, The Wizard of Oz, it was certainly good for aesthetics.

Emeralds are also the traditional gift for a 55th wedding anniversary. They are made up of beryl, and get their green coloring from trace amounts of chromium. The first known emerald deposits were mined in Egypt, and today’s stones are generally found in Columbia.

Finland Earrings in Green
by Dalim

The most prized emeralds are not only uniform in color, but transparency as well, making them easy to imitate with glass or crystal. Other alternatives to emeralds include the laboratory grown variety, or green garnets. Peridot and tourmaline could also be used, but they lack the same deep green color.

Jewelry and accessories decorated with emerald green make wonderful gifts for May birthdays. To find the perfect Canadian handmade gift any time, visit today's featured shops, or add the tag OhCanadaTeam to your searches on Etsy.com.

Elegance Beadwork Ring
by The Sage's Cupboard

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team
Text by Mortira

Stone of the Month: Aquamarine

Delicate Swiss Blue Topaz Earrings
By Little Bear's Mom

March’s birthstone is the cool, blue aquamarine. These stones are closely related to emeralds in their make-up, and have been recognized for centuries for their ocean-like hue. The aquamarine has had many roles, including a good luck charm for sailors and sea-farers. It is also the traditional gift for a 19th wedding anniversary.

Pale or turquoise blue glass is often used to imitate the semi-precious stone, with beautiful results. Aquamarine charms and beads are perfect for ocean-inspired jewelry, and can provide a bit of cheer for everyone waiting for beach weather to come around.

To see even more birthstone creations by Canadian artists, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Aquatic Beaded Bracelet
By Ocean Pearl Jewellery

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team

Friday Finds: Mystique Earrings

Mystique Earrings
Originally uploaded by joanniel.

The first ever Oh Canada Team Friday Finds feature is a gorgeous pair of amethyst earrings by Joanniel. Made with genuine light amethyst drops and wrapped with oxidized silver wire, these pretty jewels are lovely for February. Wouldn’t they look fabulous with a gray eyelash yarn scarf and black blazer?

To see more handcrafted designs like these, visit Joanniel Creations.

A few more Oh Canada team members have been featured today as well. Check out the Valentine Gift Ideas for Her Etsy Voter to see Vintage Letterpress Initial Necklaces by Gwen Delicious, and Wood Veneer Magnets with Vintage Lace by Botanical Theatre.

This Buy n’ Replace Treasury by Scottish Princess features a lovely pair of Turquoise Pearl Crochet Earrings by Ocean Pearl Jewellery. If you’re not familiar with BNR Treasuries, they are like a round robin of Etsy sellers helping each other through shopping. Here are the basic rules:

1. Visit the featured shops and purchase an item that you like from one of them.

2. Head back to the treasury and leave a comment mentioning the shop you bought from, and the transaction ID.

3. An item from your shop will be selected to replace the shop that you bought from.

Congratulations to all of the featured shops! Don't forget to visit the Valentine Gifts for Her Voter and promote an item that you like from the list.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog

Stone of the Month: Purple Amethyst

Amethyst - Colorado
Photo Credit: adamantine

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

-from the Gregorian Calendar

The traditional birthstone for the month of February is the beautiful violet amethyst. This gemstone is a form of quartz, which gains its marvelous coloring from iron and aluminum impurities. Amethyst has been valued for the gorgeous purple color for centuries.

In Ancient Greece, the legend of the amethyst origins was attributed to Dionysus, the god of ecstasy, wine, and theatre. There are many different versions of the tale, but most involve a chaste young maiden who could not repel the advances of the randy deity. The hunter goddess, Artemis, helps the girl by transforming her into a white stone. Wine stains from a grief stricken Dionysus turn Amethystos from white to purple.

It is believed that amethysts have the power to protect the wearer from excesses, such as intoxication and other forms of temptation. The Greeks often made wine goblets and ewers from amethyst in the hope that it would reduce the potency of wine. It has also been used to protect from snakes, locusts and insect bites. The amethyst is a symbol of friendship, purity, and good health.

Most amethysts of gem quality are mined in South America and Madagascar. There are also man-made amethysts, which are created in laboratory settings and are very close in quality to nature’s version. Faux glass amethyst rhinestones and beads are manufactured by Swarovski, as well as other bead makers and glass artists.

In honor of February’s birthstone, here is a selection of wonderfully purple creations from the Oh Canada Team. To see even more handmade items in your favorite colors, add the tag “OhCanadaTeam” to your searches on Etsy.com.

Featured Shops:

Tres Belle Knits, Karisma Fine Jewellery, Dee's Adornments, bstudio

Barefoot Tams, A Lil' Horse Play, Woodsmoke Woolworks, Wabi Brook Studio

Stay Awake, Splurge, Genevieve Jodouin, deersprite

Les Bijoux Crealune, Gracie Jewellery, Sassmowth Designs, A Little Bit of Pretty

Created using the Etsy Poster Sketch Tool

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada Team Blog and Etsy.com

Garnets and Valentines

The middle of January is a curious time of year. Just as we’re beginning to shake off our excesses from the holiday season, and trying to forget about all those resolutions that we’ve made, images of hearts and cupids seem to crop up everywhere. They’re bright and cheerful, like a foreshadowing of spring wrapped in pink and red cellophane. It’s probably only a coincidence, but January’s birthstone - which is enjoying a few weeks in the spotlight - is also red. They say that the color red can increase the appetite. Anyone trying to work off shortbread and eggnog may not be so crazy about all the chocolate hearts.

Nonetheless, during the last few weeks of January, red is the color that calls out to be seen. And it just so happens that Canada’s flag is a rich, proud red. To mark the middle of January, here is a collection of red-hot items from the Etsy Oh Canada team.

To cool things off a bit after a cinnamon flavored treasury, here is a beautiful selection by botanicaltheatre called “my! Oh my!”. This pretty collection features many Oh Canada members, with images that seem to hover somewhere between winter and spring.

To see even more incredible creations by the Oh Canada team, include the tag “OhCanadaTeam” in your searches on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada! Team Blog