Semi-Precious Gemstones Metals, birthstones and Jewelry Sizes

In this glossary you will find a world of information on most of the materials we use in our handcrafted beaded jewelry designs at Bonnico Jewelry Designs. Featuring semiprecious gemstones from A to Z, different types of glass and lampwork beads, shells, differences in the types of the silver and gold we use and even birthstone colors and common jewelry sizes to help you decide if the size is right for you.

Sterling silver

This silver consists of 0.925% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Any 99.9% silver is referred to as Fine Silver. Sterling silver beads and findings made in the United States are often stamped. Unlike silver-plated, 0.925% sterling silver avoids scratching and chipping and lasts much longer. Because most Bali Silver components are individually crafted from sterling silver by numerous artisans, there may be slight variations in size, form and oxidation.

Bali Silver

Bali silver has less than 92.5% silver content hence cannot be designated as sterling silver. Bali beads are silver beads produced in Bali, Indonesia by silversmiths who have passed on their skills over generations. These beads are hand crafted and designed with intricate detail work. Every little granule and wire is applied by hand to the beads. The beads are then antiqued, giving them more depth. The results are beautiful, unique beads unlike any others in the world.

The term "Bali beads" refers to "Bali-style beads." When purchasing Bali beads, be sure to choose only handmade Bali beads, not the cast ones. Select handmade Bali beads that are marked 92.5% silver as they surpass all others in terms of beauty and quality.

Thai Hill Tribe Silver

The silver content in most Hill Tribe silver beads and pendants are typically 95-99%, even higher than sterling (92.5%). This higher silver content is softer and therefore easier to shape into all the unique and wonderful styles.

The Tribes in Thailand are known as the Karen (Kariang, Yang), the Hmong (Meo), the Mien (Yeo), the Akha (Kaw), the Lahu (Mussur), and the Lisu (Lisaw). All of these tribes do silversmithing. The first generation of silversmiths was taught to carefully handcraft each design from scratch, using high-content silver (usually 97 + %).

They learned to give each design a unique appearance only seen in their own creations. From generation to generation, they have passed down their silver work skills and traditions. Today, each handmade ornament is a unique masterpiece that represents centuries of Hill Tribe culture and art. Often, beads and pendants are engraved with plants, animals, or geometric designs, symbolizing their direct connection to their land and water. Purchasing Thai Hill Tribe beads helps sustain a traditional craft and provides their people with a reliable source of income.

Gold Filled

Also know as gold overlay beads are made by using heat and pressure to apply a layer of karat gold to a base of less costly metal such as Sterling Silver. This produces a surface with karat gold much thicker than gold plating. The minimum layer of karat gold must be equal at least 1/20th of the total weight of the item, use care when buffing these beads. "Silver-filled" is the same process, using sterling or fine silver. Use care when buffing gold-filled items, to avoid removing the gold layer.

The surface layer of karat gold is usually 10kt, 12kt or 14kt. Also, to know the thickness of the layer, look for a fraction, such as 1/10 or 1/20. It is 1/20 unless otherwise stamped.

Gold fill is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating. Because pure 14kt gold is a very soft metal and can dent easily next to other beads, gold filled beads are preferable for beaded jewelry.

Examples: 1/10 10kt GF: 1/10 of the total weight must be 10kt gold. 1/20 12kt GF: 1/20 of the total weight must be 12kt gold.

Labradorite

Colors are dark gray, black, or brown with iridescent coloring. These stones can be found in Australia, Canada, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, and the United States.

Labradorite was named after the Labrador Peninsula in Canada. When light hits labradorite from a particular direction, it can display striking rainbow-colored reflections (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) known as labradorescence or schiller. It is in the same family as moonstone and also a member of the feldspar family.

Vermeil

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a process that combines precious metals to produce semi-fine quality jewelry. The inside core is sterling silver, the outside is a thin coating of 14 karat gold.

Birthstones

There are many alternate sets of birthstones.

January- Garnet(blood red)

February - Amethyst (purple)

March - Aquamarine (pale blue)

April - Diamond (clear)

May - Emerald (deep green)

June - Alexandrite (imitations are lavender-blue) Genuine stones are different color in sunlight than in fluorescent light. Pearls are often used instead of Alexandrite.

July - Ruby (bright red)

August - Peridot (pale green) Pronounced 'Pair-ih-doe'

September- Sapphire(dark blue)

October- Rose Zircon(pink)or Opal(fiery, multicolored)

November- Topaz(natural color is brown; Treated blue topaz is more popular)

December- Blue Zircon(A bit brighter blue than aquamarine; Synthetics and imitations are usually a bright turquoise-blue.)

Common Jewelry Sizes

These are only approximate sizes and you may want to vary the lengths slightly depending on the diameter of the wearer's neck, wrist, or ankle.

Necklaces –

Choker - 16 inches in length
Princess - 18-20 inches in length
Matinee - 24 inches in length
Opera - 30 inches in length

Bracelets –

Women's - 7 inches in length
Men's - 9 inches in length
Anklet - 10 inches in length