Author: Therese

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Aura VS Aura

✨ Because I use both treated and untreated crystals in my jewelry offerings I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about the different treatments used on quartz crystals. ✨

It’s my pleasure to create beautiful pieces of jewelry made with the highest quality stones I can find and also pleasing to look at. After all, adornment is all about finding something that is both aesthetically pleasing and fun to wear! That is why I offer natural untreated stones and crystals as well as the treated varieties of crystals.  And if these treated stones appeal to you, by all means buy them – I will be the first to admit that while I LOVE natural stones, there is a very appealing aesthetic to the beautiful colors available of Aura Quartz.  I have quite a few in my personal collection! The thing is, I want you to be able to recognize the differences in quality.

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We can all agree that no Aura Quartz is actually ‘natural’ – they’ve all been altered by humans one way or another, but they all start with a natural quartz crystal.

What I’m going to talk about today is the different treatments and how you can tell the difference.

High Quality Aura Assortment

Coatings or treatments of crystals are a common way to create new colors not found in nature.

Years ago it was discovered that you could take a somewhat tough mineral (quartz) and place it in a vacuum chamber, heat it to a very high temperature (about 1600 F) and fuse it with an element (precious metal) in gas form. The result is a durable, permanent bond that gives a beautiful sparkle and color to the crystal.

The most common of these elements are gold, titanium, indium and iron oxide.

Gold creates blue, or Aqua Aura. Titanium produces an opalescent white coating, or Angel Aura. Indium produces a violet hue and gives us those beautiful Tanzanite Auras, and Iron Oxide colors the quartz a gorgeous orange, with a vibrant sparkle we call Sunset Aura or Tangerine Aura.

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Of course technology is always moving forward, and the demand for more colors and more affordable options introduced a ‘new’ treatment of dying and Teflon coating. This is often referred to as “Jelly Quartz” or “Jelly Aura”.  The Teflon coating gives the quartz a nice rainbow effect, but… one of the reasons for the cost savings is that the coating is sprayed on to the stone. By spraying the coating on the stone, you create a surface that can be easily scratched. Also, if you have ever sprayed paint on a multi edged surface, I’m sure you have noticed that the paint is much thinner on the edges. This can lead to a very unappealing look when that coating starts to wear off, especially if the stone is a hybrid, which is a crystal that exhibits multiple colors. The alternative I have seen is the application of several coats which actually gives the crystal more rounded edges.

Notice the scratched appearance
Notice the lack of color on the edges and the scratched appearance
The color is beautiful on this Jelly Aura, but notice how the edges are rounded and the detailing of the crystal growth is muted by the coating?

In my experience, the easiest way to visibly identify the differences in the ‘Jelly Aura’ as opposed to the higher quality vacuum Aura is to look for a diamond or square patterning on one side the stone. See the photo on the left as opposed to the same crystals on the right?

Teflon Coated “Jelly Aura” Crystals
“Good” Side of the same crystals

The second way to identify is by how the crystal feels. The texture on the jelly crystal is very different from its counterpart, as it has a super smooth texture and in some cases will almost feel like a thick varnish. You won’t get that with the vacuum bonding, because it is a micro fine fused layer, so the crystal will feel almost like its natural counterpart.

Note the fine etchings on the crystal are still visible and the edges are sharp on this high quality Angel Aura.
The color is beautiful on this Jelly Aura, but notice how the edges are rounded and the detailing of the crystal growth is muted by the coating?

Finding a crystal that speaks to you is a very personal journey and you should always choose the one that speaks to you. This article is simply meant to furnish you with information. I hope you found this article both helpful and informative.

Artist Note:

You may find that from time to time I offer a piece with the Teflon coating – but you can be assured that when I include this type of treated crystal in a jewelry piece or home decor item, it will be noted in the description. Sometimes as stated above, it is about the aesthetic and what is pleasing to the eye.  98% of my Aura crystals are high quality, true vacuum fused Aura’s.

For additional info regarding other treatments being used on a variety of stones and crystals, you can check out the following website: TheVug.com

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Electroformed Jewelry Magic

Electroforming ~ what can I say ~ except that I am completely obsessed with this medium. It is the perfect way to take all of the beautiful treasures I collect from my journey’s and combine them with metal (copper) to create one of a kind, earthy, nature inspired creations. The process allows me to form metal where none previously existed. Imagine the possibilities!!

When I discovered electroforming it was serendipity and déjà vu all at the same time. You know, like when you meet a stranger and feel like you have known them for all time, all the while knowing it is the best thing EVER??  That’s how I felt when I learned what possibilities were available through electroforming. My design style has always been organic and pulls strongly from nature, so adding this to my metalsmithing just seemed like the natural thing to do.

To me, electroforming is alchemy.  I transform into a mad scientist jewelry artist witch…hmmm…. that sounds a little crazy…but completely accurate! While the process is partly scientific, it’s not entirely predictable which is where the magic comes in. Honestly, I never know exactly how a piece will will emerge from the electro-cauldron, so on top of being unpredictable, it is also very exciting. Like waking up on Christmas morning and running out to see what Santa left…pure magic…

Alchemy

Some would argue that alchemy is a silly way to explain this process but, here is Miriam Webster’s definition of Alchemy ~

 Noun    al·che·my \ˈal-kə-mē\

· 1:    a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold

·  2 :  a power or process of transforming something common into something special

·  3 :  an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting

Now, I don’t know about you, but doesn’t #2 seem to hit the nail on the head??? Combine that with #1 and  #3 And what do you have?  Electroforming

So, what is the scientific definition of electroforming? It is the intricate process of controlling an electrically charged chemical bath, and slowly depositing thin layers of metal (copper, silver, gold) from a cathode onto a conductive surface (anode), whether it be organic or inorganic material. This process is done slowly over a long period of time – depositing layer over layer, and generally takes from 12 – 24 hours just for the forming process. The entire process from start to finish for a piece can easily run into days!!

Now, that may seem like a long time, but when the reward is a finished product that looks like these beauties, I say it is well worth the time ~

The Unearthed Collection
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Full Wolf Moon Lunar Eclipse 2019

What a magical evening spent soaking up the energy Luna offered during this Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse. And as usual she did not disappoint, even though we had cloudy mist filled skies, her beauty was undeniable. I hope you all took some time to enjoy the evening and release the heaviness you’ve been carrying. This first full moon of the year is all about letting go of those things that have been weighing us down. Release of the old to accept what is new and waiting for us to bring into this next season. But remember, to let go of the past or to move into new things isn’t all bad, it’s not all loss and sadness, for some of the very things that we can release are the things that will set us free to explore the new opportunities that this new year and new cycle will bring.

I hope you enjoy these photos I captured last night. I was able to capture just a bit of her majesty ~ the quality isn’t fantastic, my little Nikon Coolpix only has a stock point and shoot lens, but I think they are pretty cool!

Sorry in advance for the sensory overload!!

This first batch is the moon rise, I think the neighbors tree has added a bit of magic, but as Luna rose and the clouds started drifting by, the real magic ensued…

These next shots are of right before the Penumbral period of the eclipse

Now we move into the Prenubral period of the eclipse, when shadow starts it’s play across the Goddess

As we moved into full eclipse the clouds really started moving in and the mist was so heavy at one point my lens fogged up. It was a balancing act of my full moon ritual and photography by this point, but I was able to capture some beautiful imagery…

Even if you missed last nights eclipse, Luna is at her fullest tonight and will still imbue your spirit with her energy and love.

And so I leave you now my friends to enjoy this next phase and will meet you again under the new moon on February 4th ~ Until then I shall be busy in the studio creating all things moon magic including some surprises inspired by this superb wolf moon!!

Love and blessings!

Therese

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October Skies

Well, it’s a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
‘Neath the cover of October skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I’m trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the night’s magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush…

                                                       Van Morrison – Moondance

I LOVE that song. To me it completely embodies this season –

I look forward to the change of each season but my favorite season by far is autumn.

The crispness of the early morning air, the warm colors of changing leaves.

Something in the array of browns, reds, coppers, and golds mixed with the lingering green of summer just sings to my heart.

I look forward to the first rainfall – you know the one that washes away the last remnants of summer?

I love to walk through the woods just after that rain, when the leaves have begun to fall and crunch beneath your shoes. When the fragrance of clean air, bitter, composting leaves, and the sweet damp earth wafts around you like a warm sweater.

Fall in Taos by Stephanie Litjen-Huerta

Oh, and the smells – cinnamon, apple, pumpkin spice, cloves, yummy!

I embrace the chance to drink hot tea and enjoy warm pumpkin scones while I set up my fall altars and prepare the gardens for the first winter frost.

 

Surely, fall is the nature Goddess in all her glory, giving us one last burst of color before she dusts the earth with the cold twinkling stillness of winter.

Welcome back my friend.

Shall we dance in the moonlight giving thanks for your return?

 

 

☽♥☾   ☽♥☾   ☽♥☾   ☽♥☾

 

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Of Earth and Sea Collection

The Of Earth and Sea Collection

This is a collection of treasures from sea and earth.
Full of the magic of the sea nymphs, goddesses, and witches of legend.

The very essence of ancient sea magic and powerful earth magic combining.

Each component has been chosen with intention for both its esthetic allure and energy. All unique and one of a kind treasures to adorn the body.

Of Earth and Sea by the Amethyst Moon

Inspired by my love of forest and sea, this collection is very dear to my heart. For where my soul finds its peace is where the forest meets the sea in the great Pacific Northwest.

It is the place my entire being feels at home and where my creativity is revitalized. I have tried to capture that magical place in this collection of one of a kind jewelry pieces.  And so I share with you my happy place…

 

Of Earth and Sea

Where forest meets the ocean shore

      My spirit longs to be once more.

Where Redwood, Madrone and Oak commune

     With salted sea and sanded dune.

Where fog rolls thick and hugs the trees

     And wind cries out and churns the sea.

Where Willow, Hemlock and Laurel grow

     Where waves kiss sand and rivers flow.

Where mermaids sing and fairies roam

     Where witches came to make their home.

~the Amethyst Moon

 

 

Of Earth and Sea is available September 1st ~

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