Beads and Findings

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We're honest about our gemstones, even when it hurts! Click a gemstone name or picture to visit our online store Return to Main Gemstone Index

This index includes extensive information about stones from which our wholesale gemstone beads are made. Not all gemstones listed below are part of our current stock. Some might be unavailable, or only available at our traveling BeadTour shows. Stones are listed in alphabetical order, grouped by family. Examples: Botswana Agate is listed under Agate & Red Snowflake Obsidian under Obsidian. The "also known as" (aka) listings are often misnomers; we're just letting you know of other names we've seen (right or wrong!). To the best of our knowledge, our gemstones are natural and untreated, unless otherwise noted. We use the term "dyed" to describe stones to which color has been added through some process. The coloring process does not necessarily involve a colorant like those used for cloth.

Emerald (-114) The word "emerald" sounds rich just rolling off the tongue, but only begins to describe this exquisite, mesmerizing gemstone. Emerald is a grass-green variety of beryl whose name is derived from the French esmeraude, which in turn goes back, via Latin, to the Greek root smaragdos, meaning simply "green gemstone." Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not considered negative aspects, as they would be for other gemstones, but are instead considered part of the character of the stone and may verify its authenticity to the purchaser. Proper care is important for such a valuable gemstone. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as emeralds lose their color when strongly heated. Clean your emeralds with a soft, dry cloth. Oil is used during the stone's treatment; never clean an emerald with an ultrasonic cleaner because this oil could be removed or damaged. In addition, do not clean emeralds in hot soapy water, since that could also remove this oil. The most ancient emerald seekers appear to have obtained the gemstone from upper Egypt, as early as 2000 B.C. Greek workers were mining the area in the time of Alexander the Great, and later the mines yielded their gems to Cleopatra. The queen was an avid emerald collector, and remains of Cleopatra's mines were discovered around 1817 on the Red Sea coast. In addition, the Veda (ancient sacred writings of Hinduism) contains information on the valuable green gemstone and its healing powers. Consequently, the treasure chests of Indian maharajas and maharanis contained gorgeous emeralds. South America's rich bounty of emeralds became apparent to Europeans when 16th-century Spanish explorers found large emeralds in the possession of the Aztecs and Incas. Many virtues are ascribed to the emerald, including driving away evil spirits, preserving the chastity of the wearer and bringing wisdom, faith and success in love. It also is said to help expose false friends. When worn, the gemstone is supposed to prevent epilepsy attacks, and when held in the mouth it is believed to be a cure for dysentery. It is also said to assist women in childbirth. Legend says emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken intelligence and assist in predicting the future. It became North Carolina's official state gemstone in 1973. Most of the world's emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil and Zambia.

Why can't I click on some stone names? Some stones are not currently part of our regular stock, meaning we don't sell them in our wholesale catalog or online. However, these may still be available on our traveling BeadTour, which stops at more than 50 U.S. cities each year.

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