A jewel of a sculpture shaped like a castle with turreted walls, made from a slab of Brazilian agate. This is one of the castles created by William Tolliday, a goldsmith who worked for royal jeweler Garrard & Co. for many years.

Castle Lizzadro was made by William Tollidayin 1984 as a memorial to Chris Lizzadro, the grandson of Joseph Lizzadro, the founder the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst, Illinois. 

Chris loved castles and tales of knights, and this sculpture recreates the fairy-tale atmospheres that he most certainly would have loved. The towers are covered in gold and precious stones like amethysts, malachite and diamonds chosen by the famous goldsmith.

There are also reproductions of bridges, caves and a stream, making it all the more realistic. William Tolliday was known for his castles, and he created many famous ones.The Castle Lizzadro, which is on display at the museum in Illinois, captures the fancy of both children and adults.

AGATE

The agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history.

Agates attract strength. Agate is a protection from bad dreams. It also protects from stress and energy drains. Agates have been used in jewelry since Biblical Babylonian times. They were used to ward off storms. They were prized gems in antiquity. The agates with banded colors were placed at the head of a sleeper to give rich and varied dreams. Agates have been thought to be good to harden the gums.

Healing properties of agate

Agate is used for stomach upsets. Place the agate on the solar plexus. The agate can’t change emotions, but helps to change our level of acceptance of the emotion. Such as when you are very sad the agate will let you know that this will pass and help you get on to another and better day. This is why the Agate is considered so powerful as it gives us the strength to carry on. Carry an agate when you have to make an important decision.

Hello all!

I have just got in the new colours for the stacked bracelets…

Loving them ! Big glass beads in all colours, they all go together, or you can keep to the same shade. Elasticated , so no clasps, and they stack up neetley .

Different charms and gold beads on each one , dragonflies, Chinese coins, feathers, butterflies and skulls, making them a nice little collectables.

You also get a DISCOUNT ! Oh yes…. If you buy 3 you get the 4th half price, if you buy 4 you get the 5th one FREE!

It’s a no brainer really, but hurry as they are going like hotcakes!

Have a great day

Amanda Marcucci

Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby’s rich color speaks of love and passion. Called the “Rajnapura” or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July’s birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner!

Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby was tossed into it.Ground to powder and placed on the tongue, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion.

The word Ruby comes from the Latin “ruber,” meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock.Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the most prized gems are a true red in color. Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable.

The history of Ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago. The most beautiful crystals are thought to be from Burma, but quality Rubies are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States.

It has been said that the Ruby’s red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. With its hardness and durability, it is a perfect engagement gem. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too!

Moonstone Gemstone meaning:
passionate love that will fly you to the moon

It is said if you give your lover a moonstone necklace when the moon is full you will always have passion with each other. Moonstone is a highly valued gemstone for these reasons:

• Brings good fortune
• Assists in foretelling the future
• Enhances intuition
• Promotes inspiration
• Brings success in love as well as business matters
• Offers protection on land and at sea

The moonstone is associated with the moon and was the stone of the goddess Diana. The most powerful time to use the moonstone is in a full moon.

It has been worn as an amulet to bring good emotions to the wearer, while protecting those of a sensitive nature. It can reunite lovers who have quarreled. Moonstone is also considered a good luck stone.

Moonstone is a very personal stone. It is a reflection of the person who owns it. It does not add or detract, only shows how it is. This is why the moonstone is said to perceive that which “is”. Moonstone is an excellent stone to use in meditation to understand oneself. Placing it in the moonlight of a moon reaching its fullness, not a full or waning moon, can revitalize it. This is a particularly good gemstone for women. It is a good stone for young women or teenagers.

Healing properties of Moonstone

Moonstone is used by healers to stimulate the functioning of the pineal gland and balance internal hormone cycles with nature’s rhythms. Moonstone is a stone of inner growth and strength. Though often considered to be a woman’s stone, it can be beneficial to men in opening the emotional self.

Sources of moonstone

There are two moonstones. Adularia moonstone is an almost transparent pale gray or silvery white or blue shimmer. It is mainly found in Sri Lanka, Burma, India and Madagascar. Albite moonstone is in the feldspar group. It is semitransparent with a pale, shimmering reflection. It may be a little dull. It comes mainly from Canada.

The most beautiful and stylish of women! 

Best summer look with Agate necklace in Ibiza!