Gemstones can be used to create the most wonderful wearable art objects. Since Sigrid's designs are unique, you can guarantee that your collection of gemstones and antique elements will not be seen on anyone else! Sigrid uses precious and semi-precious stones in her designs. Here is some information about some of her favorites.

Pearls - Pearls are most valuable when they are symmetrical, large, and naturally produced.

The best oyster beds are found off the coast of India and Sri Lanka, in the Persian Gulf, and in the Red Sea. Chinese pearls come mainly from fresh water sources. The coasts of Polynesia and Australia produce mainly cultured pearls. Both freshwater and saltwater pearls are cultivated in Japan and China, but they are also found in rivers in France, Germany, the US, Scotland, Ireland, and Austria.

Cultured pearls occur when an irritant is introduced by human hand to the mullusk. They aren't as valuable as natural pearls but they can be very beautiful as well. Pearls vary in color from white to pink and can even occur in black or shades of brown.

Jade - Imperial jade comes from Myanmar (Burma) and is the most valuable form of jade . It is emerald green in color but also can be mottled green and white, Rare jade occurs in yellow, pink, purple, and black. The range of greens are light to dark, creamy, grayish, and also white.

Jade is also found in Mexico, and Central and South America. Wonderful carved jade pieces are found in many cultures due to the smooth, even texture of the stone.

The color of the stone is the most important factor but translucency and texture are also important factors in determining price.

Tourmaline - Tourmaline is a stone that comes in a variety of colors. Some stones are dichroic, meaning they appear to change color when viewed from different angles.

Tourmaline comes in a range of colors from black to bluish-black, dark brown, yellow, medium brown, blue to neon blue, lime to dark forrest green, red and reddish purple, yellow, pink, and colourless.

The most expensive tourmaline is the blue indicolite, grene verdelite, and pink rubellite.

Sigrid Insull Design . Interior Design & Custom Jewelry . 661.242.1304 . PO BOX I . PMC . CA . 93222 . sigrid@sigridinsull.com .