A to Z of Gemstones - G is for Gaspeite

Gaspeite is a very rare nickel carbonate mineral named after the place it was first discovered, in the Gaspé Peninsula in Eastern Canada. Specimens have also been found in New Mexico in the United States and in Western Australia.Gaspeite is typically a pale to bright green colour that is often referred to as 'apple green'.

Gaspeite was initially discarded as a worhless byproduct in the mining of Nickel Sulfide but it has been gaining popularity within the gem market. This is partly due to its rarity and partly due to its resemblance to the rare green turquoise.

As a fairly recent discovery in 1966, Gaspeite has no known folk lore although it is believed Aborigines used Gaspeite to bring about good fortune.

Below are some beautiful examples of Gaspeite Jewellery found on Etsy:

Chunky Green Necklace by Resa Art Design

Gaspeite and Ceramic Bead Sterling Silver Bracelet by Samantha's Designs

Silver Earrings Set with Gaspeite by Lita P Silver J

White Gold Gaspeite Ilay Band by Jeweler Jim

Facebook Design

Having been seeing lots of posts etc. about the new Facebook layout for Pages and knowing that the deadline whereby all Pages would be moved to the new design was looming I thought I had better get mine sorted out. 

The first thing I realised was that I needed a good cover photo and that it had to fit within certain dimensions. I then quickly realised that the banner I use for my blog and market shops wouldn't work. It wasn't tall enough so Facebook kept stretching it to fit with the consequence that it became much too wide.

Well, all I can say is that thanks to that, I managed to learn a new technique on Photoshop. I discovered that I could create a blank file and then drag and drop other photos to it. So, I used my banner at the top, sizing to the correct width dimension. I then resized other photos to make up the rest of the height, fitting six jewellery photos in below my banner. The result then fitted exactly with the required dimensions of the Facebook cover photo.

So what do you think of it?

Let's Go Shopping!

In Ireland - In Celebration of St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day Shrinky Dink Earrings by Nice Day Designs

 Irish Tricolor St. Patrick's Day Card by Paper Pennies

Green Shamrock Wire Wrapped Pendant by Ula Kapala

Irish Lanscape - Original Watercolour by Art by Trudi

St. Patrick's Day Natural Soap by Dr K Soap Company

Green Crochet Heart with Lavender by Grace and Favour Shop

Special Offer - FREE Coupon Code

Use coupon code "BIRTHDAY2012" and receive a 25% discount on your next order from my shop!

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Special Offer - FREE Coupon Code

It's my birthday this week so I am giving YOU a present - a 25% discount off anything in my shop!

Use coupon code "BIRTHDAY2012" and receive a 25% discount on your next order from my shop!

Coupon only active this week!

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

A Break

Well its been a while between posts but I decided that I needed a bit of a break in the new year. This has meant no markets, no blogging, and I must admit, barely even any jewellery designing. I was still working in my day job but hey - life isn't perfect. I did however even manage to take a break from that in February and so was able to enjoy a much needed holiday.

I took my holiday on an Island of Paradise - more commonly known as Hawaii. It was bliss, a time of pure relaxation with a gorgeous sea view from my hotel window. Nothing quite like enjoying your morning coffee on a balcony looking out over the sea.

Anyway, here are a few pictures for you to enjoy. The rest will be posted onto Facebook.