As we head into the weekend celebrations for Memorial day, let us take a moment to reflect the true meaning of this somber celebration.  A cause worthy of fighting for and those that gave everything to fight it on the behalf of their families and for the belief that we all deserve freedom. Those that fought for total strangers to give them a good life. That fought for many, when it seemed impossible odds and chose to fight knowing the cost. 
We as a nation owe a huge amount of gratitude to all the brave men and women who gave their lives to keep this idea alive. We owe their families as well for the sacrifice they paid for this same belief, for they supported and loved those souls and have had to give them up for this belief.  That we deserve as a country to be protected and safe, that we should be free to be the best we can be and that each and everyone of us deserves these protections without prejudice or question. 
We have not always lived up to these ideas and we still struggle to do so in many ways unfortunately. So I ask that we take this time to remember those many incredible souls who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This year let us raise our glasses to them and honor them by living our lives everyday in this idea. That every person living in our country deserves protection, the right to justice, to happiness, to better ourselves and our communities. Let us join the fight, live everyday with this idea in our hearts and bring freedom to everyone, for we are truly one nation, one people, one human race. 

I offer my love and Gratitude to all who gave me the freedoms I enjoy. I will never forget your sacrifice.

Dawn Rosell

  once read a tale of Amazonite being named after the legend of the Amazon Warrior women and that it makes one feel confident and strong. I love this idea of course and I love this stone because it is such a pretty color. Some high quality specimens have a white flash within the structure giving it sparkle. Amazonite is a green-blue stone that has white and sometimes black variations in the structure. It is named after the Amazon River, but it can be found in Russia, and in the United States. It is a feldspar containing Potassium aluminum silicate. The structure is a plaid like structure with the crystals coming together at right angles. It is 6-6.5 on the hardness scale. 

It represents the throat Chakra . A stone of truth, communication and harmony. Amazonite awakens compassion by stimulating the heart chakra. It helps to empower and brings harmony to us as well as between us and others. It helps us see our emotions without being overwhelmed or judgmental. Aids in focus, creates a space of being able to create what one truly wishes. 

I mean really, Amazonite is pretty awesome. To me it is the perfect representation of the warrior woman in us all.  Creating all we dream and fighting with truth and compassion for ourselves and those around us. We are strong, resilient and beautiful.

I hope you enjoyed today's mineral! Have a peaceful Day!

​Dawn Rosell

​Information procured from the Smithsonian Rock and Gem book, The Book of Stone by Robert Simmons.

Ahh silver how I love thee, let me count the ways. Silver is bright and beautiful and can be fused, soldered, melted, made into wire for wrapping and hammered into amazing shapes. A perfect metal with so many uses and I dare say is the most popular among jewelry lovers and artisan like myself because of it's beauty and ability to be used in so many forms. 

All this is because silver is the second most malleable mineral on earth, gold is the number one. Silver is a Native element, which means it is exists on it's own without the combining of two or more minerals. On the elements chart it is signified by Ag which comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum, meaning white or shinning. It is quite soft and is often used in alloy form, meaning it is combined with other metals to make it more durable. Sterling silver is the most common way we see it in jewelry, but you can certainly find fine silver pieces as well. It has been found in tombs daring back to 4000bc.  But it didn't get used in mainstream until the early 1900's when it began being used in industrial use and photography. In fact for some time nearly 60 percent of all silver was used in the photographic industry.

Silver is said to relate to the moon and it's feminine principles. it is also considered to be kingly and symbolizes the divine wisdom. As asserted by the silvery thread of life which is cut upon death, separating one from the earth. 
Silver relates to the sign of Cancer and Aquarius. It is said to bring eloquence to ones speech and helps to eliminate abrasive traits.  The mirror to the soul creating the ability to see oneself from the outside. A sight without judgement. Bringing patience and perseverance to tasks. Attracts and retains unto itself the properties of any stone set into it, providing a steady influence to the gem. Considered a balancing agent.

Yes silver is a wonderful treasure and we use it everyday to make our lives easier and more beautiful as well. 

I hope you enjoyed today's mineral! Have a peaceful Day!

​Dawn Rosell

​Information procured from the Smithsonian Rock and Gem book as well as Melody's Love is the earth book. 

I have been accepted to this amazing high quality artisan show and I am over the moon! Put it in your calendar and come see some incredibly talented Cape Cod artists, including Meeeeee! 

After watching Lan  Ahn's tutorial, I was inspired to try a couple pairs of earring with this technique. I am quite happy with the outcome and they will go beautifully with the bracelet I made from the tutorial as well. Here is a quick speed video on how I made the long earrings, enjoy.

Many people have asked me what stone is the one in the pendant on my promotional photos. It is the stunning Larimar. It has only become more known and popular in the last 50 years or so because it was discovered and forgotten until the 1950' when it was rediscovered. It was once again mostly forgotten until the 1970's when artisans began making high end jewelry with it and it has gained popularity in the last 20 or so years in the market. Why one wonders did it take so long? Well for one it is found in only one mountain region of the Dominican Republic. Also for a long while it was thought to be from the ocean and it's true location was a mystery for a long time. It was found washed up on the shoreline in small pieces. It was used for centuries by the local Indians that inhabited the area, but was not known widely. It get's it's name from an artisan by the name of Miguel Mendez who named for his daughter Larissa and the Spanish word Mar meaning the sea. 

Larimar is a Pectolite stone made of Sodium calcium silicate hydroxide and it is believed to have originally been dislodged in earth quakes and fell into streams which brought it to the ocean shoreline. The content of copper,hematite,phosphorus and silica affect the color variations, although it is unclear exactly how each plays a part in the shades of green and blue. It is a softer stone on the MOHS scale of a 4.5-5. 

Larimar represents the Leo astrological sign and the throat chakra stone and is used in crystal healing to promote emotional serenity and relaxation. It boasts confident well being and the divine feminine within. It can cool hot tempers and is said to cool hot flashes (that could be handy).  Helps in admitting guilt and finding peace for the guilt one feels. Brings freedom from the materialistic world and makes one closer to the divine. Healing love, peace, wisdom, stone of earth healing. Larimar is just a wonderful stone, full of restful love. 

I hope you enjoyed today's gem! Have a peaceful day!

Dawn Rosell