There are many wonderful stones and fossils available which can be used as focal points of beaded jewellery or sculptures. Here are a couple of examples of necklaces worked with stone and fossil cabochons.

Ocean Jasper Spiral Necklace - This necklace uses a gorgeous piece of ocean jasper as the centrepiece. The spiral is worked with several bead types - seeds, Delicas, matte metallic hexes and finished with bronze coloured freshwater pearls. It sits comfortably around the wearer’s neck without any weight pressure. I have just completed a commission for a similar necklace, using a Saturn stone as the centrepiece with gold coloured freshwater pearls (on Home Page).

Purple Fossil Agate Pendant Necklace - The unusual fossil agate that was used in this piece combines with a fringe of “feathered” daggers and purple/mauve glass flowers to form a pretty centrepiece for the necklace strap (a string of glass pearls covered with a netted Delica tube).

If you would like to have one of these stones, or similar ones, turned into a “one-off” piece of jewellery, then please get in touch. You may also have a special stone or fossil of your own which you would like to wear as a piece of jewellery. If so, I would be happy to combine this with beadwork for you - please let me know if you are interested and we can discuss a suitable design

Agates

Agate comes in many varieties and is associated with health, both in body and mind. It is a calming, healing stone, which promotes both courage and good fortune. It is said to help relieve eye strain and tension headaches, as well as aid digestion problems.

Amethyst

This lavender coloured quartz has been valued for centuries as a great healer with qualities to energise, cleanse and stimulate. It is also said to act as a relaxant to reduce stress and anger and calms the mind during meditation. Through history it has been associated with Bacchus and was believed by ancient peoples to prevent drunkenness (no doubt due to the colour of the stone)!

Blue Lace Agate

This is a lovely coloured, gentle agate - it is said to have a calming influence on the nerves and to relieve headaches. It helps to relieve stresses, sooth emotions and cool tempers. It is alleged to help with the ability to express oneself and therefore is a good stone for an introverted or shy person to wear.

Brecciated Jasper

This is also known as Poppy Jasper. Believed to deflect negativity and protect against nightmares and depression. It promotes both calmness and courage and increases energy, as well as inspiring a positive attitude, self-confidence and independence.

Chrysocolla

This is a copper based stone, containing varying amounts of silica and other inclusions, and as a result has some wonderful colour combinations. It is said to relieve stress and give emotional and mental balance. Reduces anger and fear and increases the ability to love. Attributed with strengthening the lungs and thyroid and the prevention of ulcers. Said to be very therapeutic for the healing of loss and traumas.

Dalmatian Jasper

This is one of the more newly arrived jaspers. Gives a general sense of well-being and health, particularly good for the solar plexus area. Promotes good healing, confidence, friendship and loyalty to others.

Flint

Also known as Chert. Through the ages has always been credited with protection against the Evil Eye and the prevention of nightmares. It is also believed to be a tonic for both health and strength. This stone contains a range of colours eg grey, blue, red and black with white banded areas. It contains a variety of minerals - chalcedony, quartz, calcite and hematite, as well as diatom and radiolarite fossils.

Fluorite

This comes in a wonderful mix of colours such as purple, green, blue and yellow. It is generally good for meditation purposes and for balancing the mental energies. Increases decisiveness in both thought and deed. Said to strengthen bones and muscles and be helpful to those suffering from allergies and psychosomatic illnesses. It is considered to be a stone of success.

Goldstone

This stone contains tiny coppery flecks to give a glittery effect. A man-made stone. Promotes well-being and helps to lessen tension in the solar plexus area. Protective. Also produced as a Bluestone.

Labradorite

This is a fascinating stone and has an elusive mix of blues, greys, greens and yellows, which flash and change as it moves. This stone has strong associations with fertility and symbolises affection, love and happiness in marriage. It is also associated with a quest for spiritual love. Good for developing intuition and motivation to achieve one’s potential. Brings stability, calms the nerves and brings relaxation.