Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chrysoprase: Another May Birthstone




Chrysoprase is an alternate birthstone to emerald, for the month of May. This beautiful green gemstone is one variety of chalcedony and varies from a deep green to an apple or lighter green, often called lemon chrysoprase




 Many green stones get their color from chromium or vanadium. The lovely green color of this stone comes from a trace amount of nickel. It resembles jade and is the rarest stone among the chalcedony group; and perhaps the most expensive.


Chrysoprase can be found in many part of the world, including Brazil, Australia, the Ural Mountains, and right here in the US. The name “chrysoprase” comes from the Greek words cgrysis (golden) and prase (leek).
There is much gemstone lore surrounding this Chrysoprase.  It is considered a lucky stone and thought to attract money. Chrysoprase is also thought to encourage love, tolerance, and friendship.




Frederick the Great of Prussia had many pieces of furniture and art made in whole of pieces of chrysoprase. This stone can still be seen in many buildings in Prague, including the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.

Jewelry designers including Peter Carl Faberge have used this gemstone in their designs. For a period, it became rare and expensive until more resources were found. Today, good uniform colored Chrysoprase is no longer hard to find.
 

As you willl see, it is a popular gemstone among the members of the Jewelry on Etsy team (JET). Among the JETs, you will find many handmade bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and earrings designed with chrysoprase.

Handmade Chrysoprase Jewelry: Courtesy of the JETS'


Chrysophase Wire Wrappe...

$41.00

Sterling Silver Pattern...

$49.00

Tiny Lemon Chrysoprase ...

$8.00

Green Chrysoprase and H...

$26.50

Natural Beauty - Chryso...

$24.00

Green Gemstone Chrysopr...

$45.00

Opalite and Chrysoprase...

$35.00

Vintaj brass chrysopras...

$35.00

OOAK Australian Chrysop...

$50.00

Wirewrap Lemon Chrysopr...

$32.00

Apple Green Australian ...

$22.00

MATTE GOLD Chrysoprase ...

$42.00

Lemon Chrysoprase Teard...

$19.00


$

Australian Chrysoprase....

$40.00

Chrysoprase With Citrin...

$61.00

16 comments :

marciejanedesigns said...

What a beautiful stone, I love the varied colors, so pretty! Great info!

Erika Price said...

Great article, Hussy, and beautiful jewelry too!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

Great info and lovely Jet jewelry. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Great info Hussy...thank you

SatinDollCo said...

What a beautiful stone and great blog post.

SendingLoveGallery said...

one of my favorite gemstones - love all the info here, and all the pretties!

JillreOzmay said...

Beautiful stone. I love rocks! I like the more aqua-y colors the best, but I don't think I've met a chrysoprase I didn't like. LOL
Well done article!

Beadsme said...

Just love the colour here. Great info.

Mary said...

YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY!!!!!!

Meghann said...

Gotta love Faberge, they actually have just released their first jewelry collection since the early 1900's. Chrysoprase is so pretty!

Bob J24-7 said...

I love translucent apple green gem chrysoprase ... its an awesome stone! Thanks for writing this informative article ...

Cher said...

Beautiful stone, informative article too... I had no idea this was the May alternative - thanks Hussy!

David said...

Great treasury - such lovely colors and textures! Thanks

Brooke said...

Great post, thanks for sharing! I love chrysoprase.

Made By Tammy said...

Gorgeous Jewelry and Findings! Great information!

cooljewelrydesign said...

I love chrysoprase also and how it can change from paler to extremely bold. Great post!!