Want to make or wear impressive costume jewellery, but
running on a tight budget? Using semi-precious stones is one good way to
achieve this. These stones come in a wide variety and are highly accessible to
almost everyone. Semi-precious stones preserve the effect of sophistication.
Many pieces of jewellery made of these stones are pleasant to look at without
seeming opulent. Depending on one's own taste and fashion sense, these
gemstones have the greatest potential to enhance one's personal sense of style.
Some semi-precious stones are also birthstones, which
correspond to people's birth months. Some people believe that wearing stones
that correspond with one's birth month increases one's inner strength. This
special trait makes jewellery made of certain semi-precious birthstones
especially useful as gifts. Examples of such birthstones are garnet (January)
and aquamarine (March).
Another popular belief is that certain stones have their own
unique "powers." For example, wearing garnet is said to help ease the
pain of a bad breakup, or cause jealousy between lovers. Amethyst is said to
protect its wearer against the ill effects of alcohol, slow down intoxication
and prevent hangovers. Turquoise is said to give emotional strength. Jade has
always had enormous importance in Asian civilization; it is said to have the
mystical power to protect its wearer against nightmares and other psychic
attacks.
Quartz is said to be among the most important of the
semi-precious stones because it calls upon the power of love -- especially the
rare rose quartz. Wearing rose quartz is said to increase one's chances of
finding or maintaining a good romantic relationship.
Some pieces of bead jewellery are also made of semi-precious
stones. The stones are threaded together with cords, making fine webs and
accentuating intricate designs. Jewellery made of semi-precious stones is
always popular, partly because of the beliefs associated with the stones -- but
mostly because they're so pretty and can go well with anything one wears.
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