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MaggieMays offers a beautiful blend of traditional, unique, top quality, one-of-a-kind original stunning and mesmerizing fine jewelry using precious, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, diamonds, crystals and handcrafted artisan bead design's. Modern, elegant, sophisticated, classic and heirloom quality jewelry to pass on generation to generation; using the highest quality gemstone's possible. Give the quality he/she deserves! Welcome to your one stop shop for OOAK fine jewelry design's and handcrafted artisan creations in all shapes and sizes to meet your individual needs and special occasions.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Mexican Yellow Labradorite Diamond Engagement Ring

October 2006 large quantities of a relatively rare variety of faceted feldspar called yellow labradorite was found in Mexico while mining for Mexican Opal. In gemstone circles, this lemon yellow stone is also known as bytownite. Mexican Yellow labradorite is not considered andesine because it's not copper-bearing. Labradorite itself comes in various darker color's, unlike Mexican Yellow Labradorite.
 
With Valentine's Day nearing, Spring is just around the corner which means that love will be shining. With this in mind, I wanted to design something special that would send a precious message from the heart.
 
Mexican Yellow Labradorite Diamond Engagement Ring showcase sparkling diamonds join sides in this dramatic ring design. Mexican Yellow Labradorite 4.5mm radiant solitaire centered in Diamond Engagement Size 7 Ring .25ct surrounded by 72 diamonds; encircles the .40 carat flower cut Mexican Yellow Labradorite at each side with a look of overlapping each other with no ending. Gemstone's in a four prong .925 sterling silver anti tarnish semi mount measures 7/16"L x 1/16"W. Total of 2.7 grams. This a unique OOAK ring that will give a lifetime of joy! Diamonds are the September birthstone and also the gemstone for your ten years of marriage.

Mexican Yellow Labradorite has a clear pale yellow color with VVS clarity which highlights the faceting beautifully. Yellow color shows more in natural light and really flashes with a brilliant shine.
 

Sterling Silver Mexican Yellow Labradorite Diamond Engagement Ring




Sunday, January 22, 2012

What is Russian Chrome Diopside by MaggieMays Fine Jewelry

I just posted a new blog on this rich green color gem that everybody is wondering about and trying to purchase. I've tried to be as informative as possible in explaining what Russian Chrome Diopside is and Where it Comes From. Here is the link to by blog:
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog_post/MaggieMays/6254 
Here is the story behind Russian Chrome Diopside (feel free to comment):

Russian Chrome Diopside - What Is It? Where Does It Come From?


Published On: 01-22-2012 06:33pm
Comments: 0 - Hits: 44
Category: Gemstone Jargon
What is this green gemstone that everyone is calling "Russian Chrome Diopside"! Why are so many people trying to purchase it and for what reason? I'm going to try and explain this wonderful green gem.

Then, in 1988, rumors of a momentous new green gem from Russia started circulating in the trade. Dealers who saw this material when it first surfaced in Europe raved about the resemblance of its color to that of tsavorite and chrome tourmaline and raved as much about its price: only a fraction of these gems. After the wall fell and dealers began exploring the new possibilities for marketing Russian gems, the rush was on. Since then, Chrome diopside has been granted class one export status among Russia's mineral resources, a ranking that includes Diamond, Emerald, and Alexandrite.

Chrome Diopside Mines are found near kimberlite shafts near the mountains in Siberia. The mining of Chrome Diopside can be very tough to do. In sub-zero temperatures, a man's strength is diminished greatly. That is one reason why it is only mined three months out of the year, July - August.

Chrome Diopside forms in basic and ultrabasic igneous and metamorphic rocks. 
Most Chrome Diopside is mined in a remote area in Eastern Siberia known as Inagli, which is in the state of Sakha.  The area is better known for its impressive diamond deposits. In Siberia, there isn't much green to admire for most of the year. Perhaps in compensation, nature placed rich deposits of a vivid green chrome diopside in this snowy region to delight the eye during the long and hard winter months. This challenging landscape is home to the world's major deposit of chrome diopside.


Many gem names are taken from the French language - but you'll notice that the name Chrome Diopside is not nearly as beautiful as some other gem names - however, don't let that fool you because this gem is incredible. Chrome diopside glows with green. In fact, when its color is less than ideal it tends to be from too much green rather than too little. This is more likely to happen in sizes above two carats: the green can be so dark it can look black.

Chrome Diopside makes an excellent substitute for other green gemstones, mainly Emerald and Tsavorite, as it exhibits a similar color at a fraction of the cost. In fact, Chrome Diopside is the most affordable of all the rich green colored gemstones. Chrome Diopside is not treated. Unlike most other gems, which are heated, irradiated or oiled - there is absolutely NO treatment given to Chrome Diopside.

Chrome Diopside is a beautiful green stone. It is highly refractive which gives it great sparkle (nearly twice the refraction index compared to emerald). It is rare! Diopside is found all over the planet, but the rare top-gem-quality chrome diopside is found in Siberia. In Siberia, it is too cold to mine during the winter, making an extra task of keeping production levels even throughout the year. On the MOHS scale of hardness, it is rated a 6-6.5, and is suitable for jewelry.

It is best to cut the diopside in shapes with rounded corners -- such as oval or round. It has two planes, so you have to be extra careful when you facet it. This is also why there is approximately 90% loss on the rough. (So to cut 10 carats of polished Chrome Diopside will require 100 carats of the rough.)

A faceted cut with shallow angles is needed to improve both the brilliance and the color of the stone, particularly in larger sizes where the color can appear too dark. Popular cuts for chrome diopside include oval, cushion, emerald cut (octagon), and rounds.  Chrome Diopside is also occasionally cut into cabochons. The best shape to cut chrome diopside in is oval, and round. Anything with a rounded edge is easier and provides a better return on the rough. However, due to demands in the jewelry industry, it is cut into all shapes; but remember some may be darker than others.

But chrome diopside in small sizes jumps with vivid, fresh green color and sparkles with brilliance. It is the most affordable gemstone with a pure rich green color. It's availability makes it the perfect green gem for stud earrings and pendants.

Here is a pair of stud earrings that show a beautiful and rich color of green.
GRH331

Here is a 1.50 carat chrome diopside gemstone:

CDT027

Here is a 14 carat chrome diopside in which you will see how much darker it is compared to the 2 carat:

CDV235

Chrome Diopside is in the pyroxene group of minerals, and has PRISMATIC CLEAVAGE, which means the angles of cleavage are 87 degrees and 93 degrees (almost perpendicular). This makes it a very difficult gem to facet. But at the same time, it has about twice the refraction of an emerald, giving it a brilliant sparkle.

Chrome Diopside being an all natural untreated gemstone with no heat, no radiation, no diffusion and no oils are used. This makes Chrome Diopside the most pure semi-precious gem available.

Mythology of Chrome Diopside
The name Diopside is derived from the Greek word 'di' meaning two, and 'opsis', meaning vision.

Diopside is believed to be a creative stone, increasing creative visualization and helping to manifest desired goals. It has also been said that it can improve the wearer's intellect, particularly with regards to mathematical and analytical abilities. In addition to this, Diopside is believed to alleviate aggression and stubbornness, and is said to be related to love, commitment, and the inner heart.
Chrome Diopside is believed to protect the wearer  from all the evil and bad memories. It is even associated with healing of a few chronic diseases.

Physically, Diopside is believed to heal the heart, lungs, and the circulatory system. It is also believed to aid with psychological disorders and weaknesses.

I know this is a lot of information to take in all at once; but I hope this gives you some clarification on this wonderful green gemstone.

Think of it this way:

Consider a garden: bright colors, pastels of the flowers and how beautiful they look against the rich green foliage. Perhaps this is why the rich green of chrome diopside can be worn with anything from casual day wear to elegant evening attire.

MaggieMays Fine Jewelry



Friday, January 20, 2012

2 Strand Tiger Eye Jewelry Set

MaggieMays Fine Jewelry had the honor of having her 2 strand Tiger Eye Bracelet Jewelry Set in a collection. It is always a honor of being recognized for your artistic work.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Dazzling Embrace Wedding Anniversary Cubic Zirconia Diamond Ring

MaggieMays Fine Jewelry has a new Cubic Zirconia Ring that can be worn as a Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring, Anniversary Ring. A perfect gift for the one you love!

quoted from Dazzling Embrace Wedding Anniversary Cubic Zirconia Diamond Ring

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Dazzling Embrace Cubic Zirconia Diamond Ring designed as a Wedding Ring or Anniversary Ring for your loved one! Cubic Zirconia Wedding Ring or Anniversary Ring, Size 7 (non-sizable); crisscrosses at the center to form the ultimate symbol of romance - the kiss! Impressively set with 8 rows for a total of 45 round cut cubic zirconia gemstone's. 2.39 carat's of manmade synthetic diamonds in a channel setting, handcrafted in solid .925 sterling silver rhodium plated 3/16" wide band, puts a brilliant display of precious beauty at your fingertips. This is a thick band, so you must remember that thick bands are known to run smaller in size. Cubic Zirconium's are done in a clean brilliant cut that is stunning, with lots of sparkle, luster, color, and shine as if they were real diamonds. No one will know but you! Ring has a total of 7.4 grams.

The design of this Cubic Zirconia Ring expresses the vintage inspired look using perfectly flawless manmade gemstones every person will adore. The bold look of the ring will take you back to the roaring 20s, a time of glamor, glitz and geometric designs. Honor the past with this fashionable piece of today!

Ultrasonic Cleaners are not recommended for your gemstone jewelry. Either take your gemstone jewelry to a jeweler's for cleaning or you can soak in warm soapy water for about 20 minutes; rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.

It has been known that after about 1-2 years, rhodium plating may start to disappear. A jeweler can re-coat the rhodium for around $20.00.

Price: $223.40

New Beading Design by MaggieMays Fine Jewelry; Lucite Beads and Chains Ending with a Ribbon

 

quoted from 5 Multi Strand Lucite Beads and Chain Necklace on Green Ribbon

product_4278393

Lucite Beads and Chain make up this 5 Multi Strand Necklace ending with a Green Ribbon; creating that unusual, striking piece that will completely transform an outfit. 5 Multi Strand Lucite Bead and Chain Necklace design ranges from purely elegant to delightfully unconventional. Inspired by the details of a gold tone beaded barrel chain measuring 9 1/2"Lx1/8"W to start off this uniquely designed necklace. Second row created with shiny gold tone round beads which gradually highlights the center of 23x18mm Green Lucite Beads etched with white swirls.Third strand is designed with 4mm round green Lucite beads interspersed with 6mm round gold tone beads which highlight the center of 19mm fashionable lined rondelle beads separated by 6mm round green Lucite beads. Fourth row is exceptionally designed with 6mm, 10mm round green Lucite beads leading to a center of 18x9mm oval blue green Lucite beads etched with swirls of white, turquoise, black and dark blue. Final row is a 18" Long gold tone cable link chain which highlights the Lucite beads. These multi strands are all connected to a 2mm round gold tone link; ending with a adjustable to nearly any length with green satin ribbon which is also connected to the gold tone rings. Add a touch of pizazz to your fashionable wardrobe!

Necklace is all handmade using 19 strand beading wire for extra security. First row measures 9 1/2" Long; second row 11 1/2" Long, third row 14"Long, fourth row 16" Long, and the fifth row is 18" Long. Has a drop of 7" from the 2mm ring, and a circumference of 30".

Lucite Beads Used: (18) 4mm, (22) 6mm, (10) 10mm rounds; (5) 18x9mm faceted oval blue green with swirls, and (5) 23x18mm faceted oval green with swirls. Gold Tone Beads: (32) 4mm round, (16) 6mm round, (5) 19mm fashion lined rondelle beads, and 2mm round gold tone links.

Price: $79.48

Saturday, January 7, 2012

MaggieMays Fine Jewelry Prasiolite Jewelry Necklace Made the Paper!

MaggieMays Fine Jewelry was honored by being one of the top hand picks by Caty Ann for her newly designed "Prasiolite Jewelry Necklace." This is a great honor to have one of your design's making the not only the paper, but being a TOP HANDMADE PICK!

quoted from CatyAnn43506

Handmade Picks from Caty Ann is out! http://t.co/xi1pCkAp ▸ Top stories today via @create4educate @maggiesdesigns @signsofelegance