Gemstone Index

We're honest about our gemstones, even when it hurts!

"Are our gemstone beads dyed, treated, enhanced or manmade? In many cases, the answer is yes. Sometimes customers are confused because we reveal when our products are enhanced (or even manmade) while competitors claim the same products are natural. We've lost sales when customers seeking 'genuine' gemstones went to competitors, yet ended up with the exact product as what we sell. This has been the case with hematite beads, African 'amber,' cherry 'quartz' and other stones where the industry was slow to acknowledge materials and processes that replaced or improved upon natural products."

– Russ Nobbs, co-owner
Rings & Things, wholesale jewelry-making supplies

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Discover the story behind each bead!

A book for you and your customers

From geology to metaphysics, this guide gives insight into the origins and uses of more than 275 gemstones. Most entries include:

Origin of the stone's name
"Also known as" (aka) names
Chemical composition
Where it is found
Honest details about industry practices, enhancements and synthetics, when applicable
Metaphysical properties
History and fun trivia facts
Care recommendations

Check back often, as we'll continue to pass along new information as it becomes available.

The hardcopy Gemstone Beads Index from Rings & Things A printed Gemstone Beads Index, stock #68-100-01, can be ordered for $12. Around 70 pages in length, this book makes a great addition to your guild/bead society library or just a good read. Also, you can display it with your gemstone creations as a point of sale - give your customers instant information about stones that interest them. Don't want to them to discover your gemstone source? This book is designed to accommodate! The cover pages are removable, and our name is not mentioned on the information pages.

Major information sources

Illustration/Reprinting Information—All text and illustrations are property of Rings & Things ©1996 -
Rings & Things • PO Box 450 • Spokane, WA 99210-0450 • 1 (800) 366-2156 • (509) 252-2900 • fax: (509) 838-2602
Questions or comments about our website or stock? Please email us or call for friendly, personal service.

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