Gemstone Origins Meanings, Store Policies

In this section you will find information regarding Gemstone Origins & Meanings, Privacy Policy, Store Policies, Return Polices, etc. If you have a question that is not on the list just email info@simplyjems.com and I will be glad to help you.

Amazonite is an iridescent stone that varies in color from pale green to blue green. Different shades of these colors can show up in the same stone. Amazonite is part of the Microcline class of the Feldspar group. Amazonite is found in granite rocks and is mined throughout the world in places like Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Australia, Russia, and the U.S. It is not produced synthetically. Its name comes from the belief that it came from the Amazon River in South America. Amazonite is thought to improve skin, alleviate stress and exhaustion, prevent osteoporosis & tooth decay. It is also thought to enhance self awareness, self love, and to sooth emotions.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is Micro crystalline quartz and is one of the most popular and best selling gemstones in the world. Amethysts can be found in Brazil, Argentina, Namibia, Canada and the U.S. Amethyst is found in geodes. It can vary in color from shades of red-violet to purple, from a milky color to green. The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek amethystos which means “not drunken”. Amethyst has also been used to encourage celibacy & erase evil thoughts. It represents love, wisdom, compassion, friendship, spirituality, healing, purification and peace. It is said to protect from insomnia, hearing, skin, digestive tract, teeth & nervous system disorders.

Aquamarine is the Birthstone for March and is one of our most popular and best-known gemstones. Aquamarine is found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Aquamarine is a member of the Beryl family of gemstones, which includes emeralds and morganite. It is a transparent pale blue to sea green in color. Iron is the substance which gives aquamarine its color. Legend has it that aquamarine came from the treasure chests of mermaids, and because of this, became the lucky stone of sailors. The word Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words for aqua (water) and mare (sea). It is said to relieve one of seasickness, nerve pain and toothaches. It is also said to give the wearer feelings of trust and friendship.

Aventurine is said to improve creativity and treat lung, heart and muscular disorders. It is said to represent healing, protection, luck, will power, self-confidence & courage. The name Aventurine is derived from the Italian 'aventura,' which is a type of Italian glass. Mica inclusions create the glistening effect associated with the name.

Black onyx can be natural or dyed and was valued by the Greeks and Romans. The name ‘Onyx’ comes from the Greek word “onux”, which means fingernail. Onyx is a variety of striped chalcedony that is made up of alternating broad, flat bands of black and white. Onyx differs from other agate in the fact that the bands are parallel and regularly spaced. If the piece of onyx is brown and white, it is called Sardonyx. If it is red and white, then it is called Carnelian Onyx. When the stone is black throughout the bands, then it is called Black Onyx.

Onyx was also used in India to ward off the “evil eye” and used as a worry stone in the Middle East. It can be found in Uruguay, Germany, Canada and the U.S. It is said to eliminate apathy, stress and negative thinking.

Chalcedony is a form of Quartz that is formed from finely grained micro crystals compared with one single crystal. The variety of chalcedony is even greater than transparent quartz varieties because it includes cryptocrystalline quartz with patterns as well as a wide range of solid colors.

Citrine is a type of quartz that resembles topaz quartz. It is widely available and durable and is sometimes made by heating Amethyst from its characteristic purple-violet color to the yellow color of Citrine. Citrine itself can be anywhere from yellow to gold, to an orange-brown. Citrine derives its’ name from the French word for lemon, “citron,". .Most Citrine is from Brazil. It is thought to give protection from snake venom and evil thoughts.

Garnet is the birthstone for January. It is found in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, Canada, Spain and the U.S. Garnet comes from the Latin word “granatus”, which means seed-like, for the resemblance to the seeds of the pomegranate. Although known for being a deep red, it can also be found in shades of yellow, green, pink, white and gray. Garnet is a resistant stone that can stand up to everyday wear and tear, and is commonly used as an indicator mineral for locating diamonds. It is said to symbolize fire, faith, courage, grace, honesty, compassion and fidelity. Garnet is also said to stimulate the bloodstream, combat depression, treat disorders of the bones, spine, lungs and heart. Garnet is thought to enhance protection, courage and self confidence.

Howlite is a naturally white stone with either dark gray or black spider webs throughout. It is commonly dyed to imitate Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli. It is named after the mineralogist Henry How, who found it in Nova Scotia in the 19th century. It is the stone of memory, knowledge and progress. It is also said to eliminate pain, stress and anger.

Iolite is sometimes referred to as “water sapphire” because it is commonly found in water deposits. It can be mistaken for sapphires. Iolite is found in the U.S., Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, and Brazil. It changes color if viewed from different angles. Iolite is derived from the Greek word “Ios”, which means violet. While Iolite is usually blue, inclusions of Hematite can cause a reddish sheen. Iolite is said to help the wearer with detoxification by protecting and/or healing the liver, heals sore throats and blisters and malaria.

Labradorite is a smoky gray stone that is plagioclase feldspar. It is found in the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, and Australia. A metallic rainbow reflection is seen from different angles. Labradorite is in the same family as Moonstone and was discovered in 1770 on St. Paul Island in Labrador, Canada. Labradorite is said to help in detoxifying the body, slow the aging process, and treat brain, digestion & metabolic disorders. It is said to enhance strength, perseverance, patience & creativity.

Moonstone is a mystical stone that belongs to the large mineral family of feldspars, which provide almost two thirds of all stones on our Earth. Moonstone is found in the U.S., Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Australia, and Brazil. Moonstone is a transparent to translucent gemstone that can have a yellow-brown to a blue-white sheen. Incoming rays of light are refracted inside the stone and scattered. Because of this, a unique play of light is created, which makes Moonstone so special and coveted.

It is named for the moon-like reflection of light within it. Moonstone is considered a sacred and magical gemstone in India. It is sometimes called a “dream stone” for the beautiful dreams it is said to bring to its wearer. Moonstone is considered the ideal stone for lovers, as it brings forth feelings of tenderness. Another name for Moonstone is Selenite, after the ancient Greek goddess of the moon, Selene. Moonstone is also said to align the spine, aid digestion, enhance creativity and eliminate toxins.

When an object gets inside the shell of a mollusk, it will protect itself by coating the invading object with nacre, which is the same material it uses to coat pearls. Nacre is found in pearl oysters, freshwater mussels and abalone. Mother of Pearl is the name given to the iridescent coating on the inside of mollusk shells. This is where the name creator (mother) of pearls comes from. In China, mother of pearl was used to treat heart palpitations, high blood pressure, said to stimulate imagination and help with decision making. It is also thought to be a symbol of faith and innocence.

Pearls are organic gems that are created when an oyster covers a foreign object with layers of nacre. Long ago, pearls were important financial assets because pearls were rare and only created by chance. Thousands of oysters had to be searched for only one pearl.

Today pearls are cultured by man, most in Japan. Shell beads are placed inside an oyster and the oyster is returned to the water. When the pearls are harvested, the oyster has covered the bead with layers of nacre creating a pearl.

Larger oysters in the South Pacific produce South Sea cultured pearls and Tahitian black cultured pearls, which are also larger in size.

Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels, mostly in China. They are much smaller and less expensive to harvest than saltwater pearls. One mussel can yield more than twenty or more pearls in each harvest.

The quality of pearls is judged by the orient (the soft iridescence caused by the refraction of light by the layers of nacre), and luster (the reflectivity and shine of the surface). Fine pearls have no flaws or spots in the nacre: it has an even smooth texture. Other factors which affect value are the regularity of the shape, size, and color: rose tints are the most favored.

Cultured and natural pearls will feel slightly rough against a tooth, like fine sandpaper, because of the texture of natural nacre. Imitation pearls will feel as smooth because the surface is molded or painted over a smooth bead.

Peridot can be found in the U.S., Australia, China, Pakistan, Egypt and Norway.
Peridot is the birthstone of August. It is a yellow-green gemstone that is colored from the ferrous iron within. Peridot has been used to slow the aging process, eliminate stress, and help in finding lost items. It is also said to treat heart, lung, spleen and intestinal disorders.

Twelve percent of the earth's crust is composed of Quartz, or 'rock crystal'. Quartz is considered to be the universal healing stone. There are two forms of quartz, macro crystalline quartz, which is quartz that can be seen with the naked eye and micro crystalline , which is too small to be seen without a microscope. Chalcedony is a micro crystalline quartz. Quartz can be found in the U.S., Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, and the French and Swiss Alps.

Rhondonite can be found in Japan, Australia, Canada, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, Sweden, New Jersey & Colorado. Rhondonite comes in rose to deep pink and has black inclusions. It gets its’ name from the Greek word “Rhodon”, which means pink. It has a flat finish and has been called the “singer’s stone” because it makes one more sensitive to sound. It is also said that it helps the nervous system & female reproductive system. Rhondonite is said to treat inflammation of the joints, emphysema & heart disorders.

Rose Quartz is a pale pink quartz which can range from transparent to translucent. The pink color is very pale and delicate. Rose Quartz can be found in the U.S., Brazil, India and Germany. It is one of the most popular quartz’s and is called the “love stone”. It is said to bring forgiveness, compassion and tolerance. Rose Quartz is also said to benefit the heart, alleviate headaches and pain, depression & earaches, and reduces disorders of the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Smoky quartz is brown transparent quartz. Smoky Quartz is often confused with smoky topaz, or topaz.

It is considered the universal healing stone that has been used as a substitute for more expensive gemstones throughout time. There are two forms of quartz; Macro crystalline quartz, which is quartz that is recognizable with the naked eye and Microcrystalline or Cryptocrystalline quartz, which is too small a crystal to be seen without high magnification, such as Chalcedony. Both varieties can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, both the French and Swiss Alps and the U.S.

No two pieces of tourmaline are the same. Tourmaline is mined all over the world, from Brazil to Sri Lanka, South and Southwest Africa, Madagascar, Utah and Maine. The stones can be red and green, blue to yellow, often with two or more colors. Red Tourmaline is called “Rubellite”, Pink Tourmaline will change color in different levels of light. The blue variety is called “Indigolith” and “Schorl” is the name given to black tourmaline. “Achroite” is the colorless variety of Tourmaline. The most popular form of Tourmaline is “Verdelith” or the green variety. Tourmaline derives its name from the Sinhalese word “tura mali”, which means stone of mixed colors. According to the Ancient Egyptians, Tourmaline traveled along a rainbow on its way down to earth, which is why it’s sometimes called the “rainbow stone”. Tourmaline is said to have a powerful influence on love and friendship. Heating, rubbing and pressurizing Tourmaline will give it an electric charge. It is said to help dispel fear and grief, can lend itself to give tranquil sleep and enhances healing.

Turquoise can be found in China, Peru, Mexico, Iran, Tibet, Australia and the U.S. Turquoise is thought to help the immune system and with detoxification. It is also said to represent love, wisdom, compassion and to eliminate stress.

Unakite

Unakite is a mix of red, pink, white, grey and epidote (a pistachio-colored gemstone). Unakite is mined in the Southwestern U.S. and is a granite gemstone that is named after the Unaka Mountains. Unakite is considered a balancing stone that releases mental or emotional blocks. It can stimulate the health of the heart and circulatory system.

Hill Tribe Silver is made in Thailand by the Karen Hill tribe. Each bead is handmade & the silver content is between 95-99%. This makes the silver softer & easier to form into beautiful beads & pendants. No two pieces are exactly alike. Hill Tribe Silver also tends to tarnish less than Sterling Silver. Hill Tribe silver is also Fairly Traded, which means that workers are ensured fair wages and safe and healthy working environments.

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Copper improves the hardness of the metal without affecting the color. The copper provides durability and strength since 100% pure silver is too soft. The small amount of copper added to sterling has very little effect on the metals value. Instead the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson and the intricacy of the design.

Wearing your silver jewelry is the best way to prevent tarnish build-up. Cleanings with a soft 100% cotton polishing cloth will keep your silver jewelry bright and shinning and prevent tarnish. To minimize scratches and other damage store your silver jewelry in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box.

Avoid exposing your sterling silver jewelry to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, swimming in chlorinated water such as pools or hot tubes. Avoid using toothpaste or other abrasives to clean your silver jewelry.

Swarovski Crystals
Swarovski crystals are made in Austria and are the best crystals available. Swarovski crystal is machine-cut, which creates flawless consistency.

Jablonex Fire Polished Czech Glass Beads

Similar to Swarovski crystals, these glass beads contain no lead.

They are used in all baby and children's bracelets.

We respect your privacy and will NOT use or sell your personal information. This information is used solely for the purpose of processing your order. If you want to receive our newsletter with new products, information and special offers you must subscribe.

Privacy Policy Statement for Simply Jems

Our postal address is
128 Thresher Street
Granville, Ohio 43023

We can be reached via e-mail at info@simplyjems.com,
or you can reach us by telephone at 614-348-4929.

For each visitor to our Web page, our Web server automatically recognizes only the consumer's domain name, but not the e-mail address.

We collect only the domain name, but not the e-mail address of visitors to our Web page and the e-mail addresses of those who communicate with us via e-mail.

The information we collect is used for internal review and is then discarded. It is also used to improve the content of our Web page.

With respect to cookies: We use cookies to store visitors’ preferences.

If you do not want to receive e-mail from us in the future, please let us know by unsubscribing to our newsletter through the link on our home page.

If you supply us with your postal address on-line you will only receive the information for which you provided us your address (your order).

Persons who supply us with their telephone numbers on-line will only receive telephone contact from us with information regarding orders they have placed on-line. Most contact is done via email. Phone numbers are used only if the email account is not valid.

With respect to Ad Servers: We do not partner with or have special relationships with any ad server companies.

From time to time, we may use customer information for new, unanticipated uses not previously disclosed in our privacy notice. If our information practices change at some time in the future we will post the policy changes to our Web site to notify you of these changes and provide you with the ability to opt out of these new uses. If you are concerned about how your information is used, you should check back at our Web site periodically.

Customers may prevent their information from being used for purposes other than those for which it was originally collected by e-mailing us at the above address, or calling us at the above telephone number.

Upon request we provide site visitors with access to transaction information (e.g., dates on which customers made purchases, amounts and types of purchases) that we maintain about them, communications that the consumer/visitor has directed to our site (e.g., e-mails, customer inquiries), contact information (e.g., name, address, phone number) that we maintain about them .

Consumers can access this information by e-mail us at the above address, or write to us at the above address.

With respect to security: and all financial information (credit card/bank account info) is collected through PayPal's secure server. Simply Jems does not see, store, or have access to your financial information.

If you feel that this site is not following its stated information policy, you may contact us at the above addresses or phone number.

Security - Is my payment and personal information secure? TOP

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are all accepted through a secure ssl server. You will see the little lock next to the address bar in your window. Secure sites also begin with https, which you can view in your brower address window.

You can also pay using PayPal. PayPal is a secure site that is easy. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can still use PayPal without registering. You will be taken to PayPal to complete your checkout. To read more about PayPal you can visit www.PayPal.com , or for more information on PayPal’s security please click here.

If you ever have any questions on payment methods or how to use PayPal, don't hesitate to email info@simplyjems.com.

Return Policy - Can I return a product? TOP

If, for ANY reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you may return or exchange the item within 14 days of purchase. You must submit a copy of your original receipt as well as emailing info@simplyjems.com prior to returning. It is recommended you insure your package as we can not be responsible for items lost or damaged in shipping.

We will exchange, repair or refund based on your original payment method. Shipping charges are non-refundable.

We cannot accept COD’s; products returned in more than 14 days; products not in their original condition or packaging; damaged products (unless it was received this way); products that are missing beads or components.

Returns should be sent to:

SimplyJems

Sandra Bush

118 Maple Leaf Drive

Johnstown, Ohio 43031

Do you offer a guarantee on your products? TOP

We are proud to offer exceptional products. If an item fails to meet your expectations we will gladly replace or exchange the item immediately, or refund the price of the product with the same payment method used to purchase. Unfortunately, shipping charges are non-refundable.

There is a one year guarantee on the workmanship, chains and clasps are not included. An item may be repaired free of charge within one year with your original receipt. No questions asked.

If an item should break (after one year) and you have all of the components, please email and we will restring for $5.00 plus applicable shipping costs.

If you should need additional beads or clasps additional charges will apply.

What if an item is marked 'out of stock'? TOP

If an item is marked out of stock it will usually be back in stock within 5 business days. You can order out of stock items and they will be placed on backorder and shipped as soon as it becomes available. You will be contacted if an item should become unavailable after placing an order.

Shipping - What is your shipping policy and charges? TOP

All items are handmade, so please allow 2 to 4 business days to process and ship your order. If an item should become unavailable after placing your order you will be contacted. Many items are limited edition. If an item is marked as "Out of Stock" you can order the item and it will be placed on backorder. The item(s) will be shipped when they become available. You will receive order and shipping email confirmations.

All packages that are not insured are the responsibilty of the customer. We cannot issue refunds for packages not received.

US Shipping - We ship using the US Postal Service to keep your shipping costs low. USPS USUALLY arrives in about 3-7 days once the package is shipped. US Shipping charges are $2.50 each for the first two items (maximum $5) and each additional item is free.

USPS Priority Mail is availble for a flat rate of $6.75. These packages are not guaranteed, but usually arrive in 2-3 days once the package is shipped.

Please allow at least 1 business day to create your jewelry before your shipment goes out.

Overnight Shipping is available for a flat rate of $20. Please allow at least 1 business day to create your jewelry before your shipment goes out.

If you absolutely need it the next day, please email me info@simplyjems.com first and let me know. Depending on the time of day and item(s) ordered, I may be able to ship it out the same day.

International - Due to tracking and delivery issues with First Class and International shipments, this option is no longer available. If you would like your package shipped First Class, please email first info@simplyjems.com.

I would be happy to do this, but please keep in mind that these packages are not trackable and will be the responsibility of the international customer. No refunds will be issued for packages not received. All customs charges, duties and taxes will be the responsibility of the international customer.

International Priority mail is now available for a flat rate of $23. These packages usually arrive in 6 - 10 buisness days. These packages are trackable.

If you prefer another method, just email me with your zip code and preferred method of shipping prior to placing your order.

Please email info@simplyjems.com with your zip code for UPS or FedEx expedited shipping rates and your time frame. I always respond to emails promptly (within a few hours).

How do I use the shopping cart? TOP

Once all items are in your cart, you must click recalculate to add applicable shipping charges, discount vouchers, or your state for sales tax (Ohio residents pay 7% sales tax). You can also add insurance at this time.

Once your shopping cart is correct, you will be taken to PayPal's secure website to enter your personal information. Your credit card information is only seen by PayPal. If you choose to create an account, your information will be stored for faster checkout on your next purchase, but it is not required to have a PayPal account.

If you ever have any questions regarding the checkout process just email orders@simplyjems.com and I will gladly assist you.

How do I figure out which size bracelet I need? TOP

Baby bracelets are based on the following size chart:

0-3 months - 4 inches

3-12 months - 4 1/2 inches

1-4 yrs. - 5 inches

4-8 yrs. - 5 1/2 inches

9-13 yrs. – 6 inches

Please measure or use your best judgment when ordering. This is just a guide, as each child is different. If an item does not fit, we will gladly resize for free plus any applicable shipping costs. If you would like a more specific size, just put it in the special instructions/notes section at checkout.

Adult bracelets are offered in the following sizes:

7" - small

7 1/2" - average

8" - large

If you would like another size in between (up to 8") just place your request in the notes section at checkout.

What if my bracelet doesn't fit? TOP

If your bracelet should not fit, I will gladly resize for free (up to 8"). Leather bracelets cannot be resized for free, but for a small fee. Please make sure to email info@simplyjems.com and let me know. The return address will be on your invoice.

If an item should break (after one year) and you have all of the components, please email and we will restring for $5.00 plus applicable shipping costs.

If you should need additional beads or clasps additional charges will apply.

If I order will I be automatically signed up for your newsletter? TOP

You will NOT be signed up automatically for the newsletter. You must subscribe and confirm your subscription. Your email address is used solely for the purpose of processing your order.

When you sign up for our newsletter you will receive 15% off instantly. Special offers and discounts are sent only to newsletter subscribers.

You will periodically receive information on new products, useful information, special offers and coupons.

Your email information will not be sold or shared and I do not send them out more than once a month.

Do you do custom orders? TOP

Yes I do! Custom orders can be anything from changing a bead or clasp to starting from scratch. If the change is in stock there is no time delay. Custom orders usually take up to two weeks with standard shipping. Orders can be expedited using a faster shipping method, but additional shipping charges will apply.

If your custom order is for a wedding or something to match a specific color I usually ask for a swatch to be sent. Just email me and I will give you the address to send the swatch to.

If you have something in mind that you do not see here, send me some inspiration pictures if possible to info@simplyjems.com.

Estimates will be given, but the final cost will be determined once the piece is complete unless it is something I have in stock.

I will take pictures of patterns and send them to you to choose from. This process requires several emails and you checking your email on a regular basis to get this done in a timely manner :)

After the pattern/beads are chosen, I will email more pictures for your approval or any changes.

Once you are in love with your jewelry, a PayPal invoice will be sent. You do not need a PayPal account to use PayPal.

Once payment is received, I will ship your jewelry in a gift box with cotton pouch for storage!

How do I convert mm to inches? TOP

mm	to inches	mm	to inches
1	.04	26	1.02
2	.08	27	1.06
3	.12	28	1.10
4	.16	29	1.14
5	.20	30	1.18
6	.24	31	1.22
7	.28	32	1.26
8	.31	33	1.30
9	.35	34	1.34
10	.39	35	1.38
11	.43	36	1.42
12	.47	37	1.46
13	.51	38	1.50
14	.55	39	1.54
15	.59	40	1.57
16	.63	41	1.61
17	.67	42	1.65
18	.71	43	1.69
19	.75	44	1.73
20	.79	45	1.77
21	.83	46	1.81
22	.87	47	1.85
23	.91	48	1.89
24	.94	49	1.93
25	.98	50	1.97