metalsmithing by W.Schweizer: 2015

stones and other materials

I prefer natural stones. The little imperfections of natural stones make a piece of jewelry more special. Synthetic stones are often too perfect and appear somehow "cold" because of this. However, synthetic spinels with their translucent deep blue color and the brilliant Swarovsky crystals are exceptions to this preference, as well as synthetic ruby because of its price.
Amazonite
Amber
Amethyst
Aventurine
Carnelian
Fluorite
Garnet
Hematite
Jasper
Lapis lazuli
Meteorites
Sikhote-Alin-Meteorite
Obsidian
Onyx
Peridot (Olivin)
Sardonyx
Sodalite
ruby (synthetic)
Spinel (synthetic)
Synthetic spinel
Swarovsky crystals
Turquoise
Shellac