Nature Inspired Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry Blog by Ana Maria Andricain

I'll Have a Blue Christmas: Blue Gemstone Jewelry for a Cool Yule

11/17/2023

Blue Christmas Tree for a Blue Inspired Christmas

Andricain's Blue Christmas Circa Early 80's

My mother's favorite color has always been blue. Growing up, the color surrounded us in the clothes she wore and chose for us, the floral wallpaper she hung in my bedroom, the furniture she decorated with. Even our Christmas tree was methodically color-coordinated with handmade ornaments of blue.

I like to believe that this love for blue stems from her cherished memories of the ocean that framed her childhood in Cuba. It's a color that symbolizes home to her and she has effortlessly passed down that sentiment to her children. It's clear to see stepping into any of our homes, my siblings and I all naturally gravitate to blue hues just like our mom.

So as we dive into the holiday season, I wanted to highlight our blue gemstone jewelry collections in honor of our namesake and her 'Blue Christmas' tree. I hope you find your own special connection to these blue pieces and a meaningful gift to share.

Natural Blue Coral

Blue coral isn't a typical stone; it comes from a marine organism. The blue color happens because of tiny living marine polyps within colonies, making each piece one-of-a-kind.

In certain cultures, wearing blue coral jewelry is thought to protect against negativity and bring harmony to life. It's seen as a charm for peace and tranquility.

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Natural Blue Coral Necklace and Earrings

Natural Blue Coral Jewelry

Turquoise

Turquoise Marquise Cut Ring

This gem gets its unique blue-green hue from copper compounds in its structure. The brightness and tone of turquoise can change based on how much copper was there during its creation.

Throughout history, from ancient Egypt to Native American tribes, it has stood for wisdom, protection, and good fortune, making it a perfect present for someone in need of positivity and luck in their life.

Turquoise is the 11th wedding anniversary gemstone. Plus, for those born in December, turquoise is their birthstone, making it an extra special gift for the Christmas babies you love.

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Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli, another December birthstone option (and the 9th wedding anniversary gemstone), features a deep blue hue speckled with golden pyrite that caught the eye of artists like Michelangelo and van Gogh. Cleopatra was said to have used crushed lapis lazuli as eyeshadow.

Originating from Afghanistan, it was historically utilized in ancient burial ornaments and ceremonial masks. It was considered a symbol of royalty and honor and was used in paintings during the Renaissance period to create vibrant blue pigments.

This blue gemstone symbolizes wisdom, truth, and self-awareness.

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Lapis Lazuli Ovals Necklace with Leaf Clasp in Sterling Silver

Lapis Lazuli Necklace

Blue Chalcedony

Blue Chalcedony Jewelry

Blue chalcedony, a type of quartz, is famous for its calming, blue color. It's believed to bring harmony and balance.

In ancient times, people associated this stone with calmness and thought it encouraged kindness and goodwill.

Artisans in ancient Greece and Rome loved using chalcedony for carving seals and cameos because of its smooth texture and ability to hold intricate designs.

It's the perfect gem for anyone seeking tranquility and inner peace during the holiday season.

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Sodalite

Sodalite was discovered in Greenland in the early 1800s. It showcases a deep blue color streaked with white calcite, resembling the night sky. It was named "sodalite" due to its high sodium content.

With variations found worldwide in Brazil, Canada, Russia, and Africa, sodalite offers stunning choices. Artisans love it for its ability to take a high polish

People believe sodalite encourages clear thinking, sparks creativity, and helps keep emotions balanced—perfect for the festive frenzy.

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Sodalite Statement Earrings

Blue Pearl

For December brides searching for their 'something blue', these pearls make the perfect wedding day accessory. Timeless with a twist, they symbolize wisdom, inner beauty, and enduring love.

Pearls are the June birthstone and the 3rd and 30th wedding anniversary gem.

In various cultures, pearls were believed to have healing properties and calming effects on the mind. A classic Christmas gift that embodies a wish for peace.

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Aquamarine

Aquamarine mirrors the ocean's beautiful hues and is linked with courage, inner peace, and clarity of thought.

Legends describe it as the treasure of mermaids, embodying the essence of the sea. In the spirit of the holiday season, gifting aquamarine can symbolize wishes for safe travels and protection, reminiscent of sailors who carried it to calm turbulent waters and ward off storms.

The March birthstone and the 19th wedding anniversary gemstone, aquamarine is known for its clarity and calming blue tones, evoking tranquility. It is believed to inspire hope and instill fearlessness in those who wear it.

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Aquamarine Jewelry

Blue Apatite

Blue Apatite Necklace Set

Ranging in shades from teal to indigo, blue apatite belongs to a mineral group consisting of several different phosphates.

Its name comes from the Greek word "apatein," meaning "to deceive," as it was often confused with other minerals before being acknowledged as a unique gemstone.

It's thought to stimulate creativity, clear mental fog, and improve communication. Gifting this blue gemstone can signify encouragement for someone to express themselves freely and pursue their creative passions.

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Amazonite

Named after the Amazon River, amazonite is a semiprecious gemstone believed to bring balance, enhance love and sooth emotions.

The blue color is produced by the iron in the mine and can range from a soft light blue-green to a more intense teal depending on the mine and minerals present.

First discovered in the Pike's Peak area of Colorado in 1876, Amazonite is also found in mountainous areas of Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia and Namibia.

Amazonite is also known as the stone of courage making it a perfect gift for creatives, artists, public speakers or anyone who could use a little boost of confidence.

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Russian Amazonite Necklace with Decorative Leaf Clasp in Sterling Silver

Amazonite Jewelry

Blue Opal

Ethiopian Blue Opal Stud Earrings

Opals are the October birthstone and the 14th wedding anniversary gemstone but are loved by all for their vibrant play of color or "flash".

The Ethiopian Blue Opals in our collection were first discovered in the Welo province and are often called "Welo Opals".

If you haven't figured it out by now... I'm partial to blue so although these opals have little flashes of emerald green, red and even yellow, the primary color is blue so I had to bring them to you!

Opals are believed to bring positivity, harmony and well-being into your life for a daily dose of zen and good energy where ever you go!

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So for all those on your list who love our Mom's favorite color, I hope one of these blue gemstone pieces becomes that special present you can't wait to share. The gift of a Blue Christmas in all the best ways💎🎄

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Black and White: Finding Your Story in Timeless Classic Jewelry

11/16/2023

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Black and White Classic Jewelry, Zebra Jasper Necklace, Pearl Necklace, Pearl Statement Ring, Pearl Earrings, Black Onyx Earrings

When it comes to jewelry, there's something undeniably timeless about black and white pieces. It is a classic color combination that will always be in style, making it the perfect choice for heirloom pieces to gift and treasure.

Black and white jewelry encompasses a wide variety of gemstones and materials, each with its own unique history and symbolism. I love finding meaning in gemstones that I can connect to and spark my own story for each piece.

Today I’m highlighting some of my favorite black and white gemstones. Let’s see if one of these classic jewelry pieces sparks a new story of your own to share.

Black Onyx: A Token of Love and Bravery

Black onyx has long been associated with love and bravery.

In ancient folklore, it was believed that Cupid trimmed the divine fingernails of Venus while she slept. These nail clippings turned into onyx, symbolizing the enduring strength of love.

Warriors in ancient times wore black onyx to grant them courage and protect them during battle.

This gemstone's story is one of love's resilience and the bravery it inspires.

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Black Onyx Jewelry

Zebra Jasper: The Stripes of the Zebra Spirit

Black and White Zebra Jasper Necklace

Zebra jasper, with its distinctive black and white stripes, embodies the concept of individuality. These patterns are created by mineral inclusions and are unique to each stone.

Zebra jasper's stripes are reminiscent of the African zebra, and in African folklore, it is said that the zebra was originally a plain white animal, but it adorned itself with black stripes to share its beauty with the world.

Zebra jasper represents this spirit of generosity and the beauty that can be found within each of us.

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Mother of Pearl: The Ocean's Gift

Mother of pearl is the iridescent inner layer of mollusk shells, such as oysters and abalones.

Ancient folklore suggests that mother of pearl was formed from the tears of mermaids. These mythical sea creatures were said to have cried tears of joy during moments of great beauty and love.

As a result, mother of pearl was believed to hold the essence of these beautiful emotions and the nurturing power of the ocean, making it a timeless symbol of love and care passed down through generations.

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Mother of Pearl Jewelry

Silver Crazy Lace Agate: A Celebration of Joy and Laughter

Silver Crazy Lace Agate Statement Necklace

Crazy lace agate is a type of chalcedony with intricate patterns. Legend has it that these patterns were created by fairies as they danced and laughed, leaving their joy behind.

The silver crazy lace agate is a variety of this stone, characterized by its striking black, white and gray swirls.

Each piece of this gem is a testament to the belief that laughter is a source of beauty and happiness. This gemstone reflects the idea that life is full of twists and turns, and it's in embracing the "crazy" moments that we find joy.

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Tourmaline Moonstone: The Elegance of Contrast

Tourmaline moonstone, is a unique black and white combination stone. Most likely the Black Tourmaline grows first, and the Moonstone grows around it eventually engulfing the Tourmaline.

One ancient legend suggests that tourmaline moonstone was formed when moonlight, trapped in rock crystal, collided with the blackness of the night sky. This collision created the mesmerizing swirls of black and white, representing the balance between light and darkness. The stone was said to have been worn by spiritual leaders to maintain equilibrium and teach their followers the importance of embracing both light and shadow.

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Tourmaline Moonstone Necklace

Dendritic Opal: Nature's Artistry

Dendritic Opal Necklace

Dendritic opal, also known as Merlinite, is a gemstone with intricate dendritic inclusions resembling tree branches or ferns. These inclusions are often made of minerals such as manganese or iron.

In some cultures, it is believed to be a canvas upon which nature itself paints intricate scenes of forests and landscapes. The fable suggests that each stone captures a moment in the life of the earth, preserving the beauty of nature for generations to come.

These stories celebrate the artistry of nature and the beauty found in the smallest of details.

Dendritic opal jewelry embodies the idea that there's a hidden world of wonders waiting to be explored, just like the stories in our family's past.

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Pearl: Timeless Elegance

Pearls, the epitome of classic elegance, have been cherished for centuries.

Formed within the shells of mollusks, pearls come in various shades, including lustrous white.

They are often associated with ancient wisdom and folklore, where they were seen as gifts from the heavens.

In Hindu mythology, pearls were believed to be dewdrops from the moon that fell into the sea.

Passed down through generations, pearl jewelry signifies the timeless beauty of a refined soul, the enduring love of a family, and the wisdom of age.

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Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

As you explore your classic jewelry collection, take a moment to reflect on the memories and traditions of your favorite heirlooms. Each piece carries with it the stories of those who have worn it and the occasions they celebrated. They not only enhance your style but also connect you to a broader human history, linking the past and the present in a beautiful, enduring tapestry of black and white.

Whether you are looking for a new treasured heirloom for yourself or a loved one, I hope one of our black and white pieces can become a beloved part of your story.