Category Archives: Minnesota Jewelry

Swing into 2019 with Great Lakes Stone Jewelry

Greenstone, Copper Agates, Lake Superior Agates, Datolites, and Pink and normal Petoskey Stone Jewelry continued to be popular in 2018; and we expect this trend to continue. Our loyal customers understand how rare these Gemstones are becoming, and eagerly order them as impressive and historic pieces of jewelry from the Great Lakes Region. Many are buying these rare Gemstones as investments and treasured heirlooms. Great Lakes jewelry makes unique and highly appreciated gifts.Thanks to all of you that bought handmade in the USA, Great Lakes jewelry treasures, in 2018.

Christmas is past, but many of you are now wearing our jewelry. Thank you so much.

Great Lakes Stone pendant

Bonnie’s Christmas Pendant: Top to Bottom; Lake Superior Agate, Yellow Keweenaw Point Datolite with Copper, Greenstone with Thomsonite from Isle Royale (Collected at least 50 years ago).

What does the jewelry makers wife get for Christmas? The trick is to make her something special (and make it in a stealth mode). I think I pulled a good one off.

I picked out three special stones; cabbed them, and made a beautiful Lake Superior Area Showpiece. The top stone is a wonderful, flawless Laker. Stone two is an ultra rare Keweenaw Point Yellow Datolite with Copper. The third Stone a very finely colored Isle Royale Greenstone that I retrieved from my very old collection of Isle Royale Stones. All these stones swing freely and separately from each other.

Bonnie: “You’ve got wires going everywhere!!” Me: “Don’t worry, I’ve done this before.”

I took care of all those errant wires; (see above picture) which proved me worthy.

 

Very unusual pattern and coloration from the Central Exploration Mine. Enhanced with a nice pair of Greenstone beads.  2.8 Gram Greenstone about Quarter-sized large Greenstone.

A double Greenstone pendant with a free-swinging bottom. Phoenix Mine.

I’ve decided to up my game in 2019 by making some exceptionally notable pendants. Thanks all, and a very Happy New Year to you all.

Visit our best-selling Great Lakes Stone jewelry pages: Lake Superior Agate Pendants, Petoskey Stone Pendants, Thomsonite Pendants, Michigan Greenstone Jewelry, Mohawkite Pendants, Datolite Pendants, Firebrick Pendants, Prehnite Pendants, Copper Replacement Agate Pendants. Also we have beaded earrings: Jasperlite, Leland Blue Stone, and Lake superior Agate and Kona Dolomite. We also have Unakite, Binghamite, Kona Dolomite pendants in our show inventory. What’s your favorite Great Lakes jewelry stone? Chat with us on Facebook, or send us a message!

Thomsonite Smiles

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Apologies for the logo over the picture, but this is the type of picture that if I did not do this, it would be stolen and posted in unauthorized web locations.

I have been putting some time in recent weeks wading through a stash of Thomsonite from the North Shore. I purchased a collection from an estate that was collected back in the mid-60’s in the old diggings near Grand Marais, Minnesota. This was all gem grade material, much of it the most coveted dark eyed variety, as well as lovely pieces of Pastel Thomsonite.

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Thomsonite belongs to a group of minerals called Zeolites. This group of Minerals contains the popular gemstone, Tanzanite. The biggest use for Zeolites is in laundry detergents, but these Alumino-Silicates have 40 natural occurring frameworks and many more synthetic frameworks. These varied frameworks allow Zeolites to have many uses and applications. The Thomsonite Framework is of interest to Lapidary types and jewelry makers, for it includes the beautiful chatoyant Gemstone everyone seems to love.

This dark Thomsonite indicates a mixture of Zeolites and possibly other things.

This dark Thomsonite is so unusual. It resembles an agate, but the material is not Silica. Indicating a mixture of Zeolites, and possibly other things.

Thomsonites (and other Zeolites) often mix together, forming striking and unusual patterns and colors. The Thomsonites from the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Thomsonites from the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, seem to often co-mingle with other Thomsonites and minerals. It is possible to see Copper, Natrolite, Mesolite, Calcite, and many other mixes in Thomsonite.

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Sometimes Prehnite resembles Thomsonite or Ocean Jasper. This is why you have to know where you found it.

A form of Zeolite known as Mesolite, and closely related to natrolite (another Zeolite) often has a “feathery” appearance; hence, I call this “feathery Thomsonite”. Because I am not that picky on exact material a Zeolite has in it, I still, in my jewelry, say these are Thomsonites, even though they may be another Zeolite (or mixture thereof). Most of my jewelry buyers could care less about the exact make-up of a Thomsonite-like Zeolite. Some people prefer feathers over eyes in their Zeolites! Sort of like some prefer dark Turkey over White Meat.

I do not find fault in my friends that say something may be more Mesolite than Thomsonite, but I just call any eyed or feathery Zeolite, Thomsonite. If customers are interested in the details, or what exactly I think is in a Thomsonite, I can expound on that for them.

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This could really fool someone into believing this is Thomsonite, when it is actually Prehnite (AKA U.P. Thomsonite)

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Proof that beauty comes in a small package. What a great Thomsonite.

The pattern, variety, coloration, and inclusions are vast in Thomsonite. It’s common to hear people comment on the unusual nature of the Thomsonites we set into our pendants. Often, customers are surprised at the prices quality Thomsonite demands. The reality with Thomsonite is the same with many other gemstones. The highest quality demands higher prices. Thomsonite lovers understand this reality.

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If Thomsonite “pollutes’ Isle Royale Greenstone, it increases the value of the Greenstone. Everyone seems to want one of these amazing mixes that often look like pink flowers among green foliage.

Some minerals and rocks resemble, and are therefore sometimes mistaken for Thomsonites. One common “fooler” mineral is Prehnite. Prehnite is sometimes found in the same vicinity as Thomsonite making identification more confusing. Just because a stone has “eyes” is no guarantee you have a Thomsonite.

Feathery, variegated, eyed Prehnite was originally thought to be Thomsonite until it was tested by Michigan Tech and found to be Prehnite. Locals often refer to Prehnite as “U.P. Thomsonite“.

Copper sometimes appears in Thomsonite. This is a beautiful pastel Thomsonite with Copper Inclusions

Copper sometimes appears in Thomsonite. This is a beautiful pastel Thomsonite with Copper Inclusions

Thomsonite is not closely associated with Copper, but Prehnite is. Much of the Prehnite found in the Keweenaw has Copper inclusions in it, and indeed pink Prehnite’s coloration is caused by microscopic copper particles. Prehnite saturated with micro copper is commonly referred to as Patricianite.

To finish this blog I’m going to tell you a recent Thomsonite Story. Many of you know my retail outlet for Snob Appeal Jewelry, in the Upper Peninsula, is Copper World in Calumet. I am proud to have CW represent my jewelry. Tony and Tim Bausano are experts in the rocks, minerals, and gemstones of the Great Lakes, and represent and present my jewelry very well. Plus, they are fun!

Many Copper World customers, and in particular, one lovely, bubbly, lady from Lima, Peru, love my jewelry. She came into Copper World on her weekly visit and spotted a beautiful dark-eyed Thomsonite, but had to check with her husband (who teaches at Michigan Tech) before investing in this nice piece. Unfortunately, when she returned a couple days later, her choice selection had been sold. She was so disappointed, but heard that I would be up doing in-store demos the next weekend. This gave her great hope of finding a suitable replacement.

I was doing in-store demonstrations on a Saturday and Sunday, and had already been alerted by Tim of the Thomsonite tale. She entered the store Saturday on a refreshing breeze; so happy and full of life. After careful consideration, a gorgeous, new dark-eyed Thomsonite cabochon was chosen.

We talked about her vision for the piece, and metal choices were made. She seemed surprised and delighted when I told her I knew exactly what she was looking for. I guaranteed she would like her new pendant, or I would make her another one. I just felt I needed to match her bubbly outlook, but also design an elegant, yet simple piece of jewelry that matched her joyful personality and obviously discriminating tastes.

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Here’s the Pendant that got me some hugs.

I got to work on her pendant, and had it done by closing on Saturday. Sunday she bubbled in, and when I showed her the pendant, she was so delighted, I got a big hug. She danced around the store in a state of pure ecstasy. She gave me another me another hug; gave Tim a hug, gave me a hug, and I really expected her to run outside and start hugging random people on the sidewalk. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anyone so eternally blissful.

She spoke with a fairly pronounced accent, and I could not understand everything she was saying while in this state of glee, but it was obvious she was in another plane of enjoyment. Customers generally appreciate my Pendants, but this was at another level entirely. She really made my day, and many other people in the store were also smiling. I ask Tim if she was always like this, and he replied that, yes, this was her normal state. “Sometimes she’s even worse”, he said, smiling. I can’t even imagine her being more hyped.

When she left on the same, fresh breeze she came in on, I walked across the street to a coffee shop. I needed coffee after this encounter; even though any amount of caffeine would not put me in a mood even approaching what I had just witnessed. Guess what? She was in the coffee shop showing everyone her new pendant and just gushing about how delighted she was. “Oh”, she said, smiling “here’s the artist”, as she saw me smiling and standing in line behind her. The owner came over later and bought a Turquoise pendant. Someone, like this vivacious lady will sell more of my jewelry than any amount of advertising I could ever buy.

She already possesses a few pieces of my jewelry, and this piece augmented her collection nicely. I’m sure I Copper World, and I, have long time habitué.

My days of making jewelry are not always as eventful and delightful as this one Saturday was in Calumet, but it’s days like this that convince me I just may be doing something worthwhile in my life!

Thanks for reading my blog. If you like my story, please share with your friends!

Thomsonite Dreams

Even though you may see what appears to be a large Thomsonite in its' Matrix, you can never tell how big it actually is.

Even though you may see what appears to be a large Thomsonite in its’ Matrix, you can never tell how big it actually is.

Many times people will chat with me at an art show mentioning that Grandpa used to collect and work on rocks and minerals. My response is always; “Where ARE grandpas old rocks?” This leads to the next question; “Have you ever thought of selling them?”. Some of my best stuff, the really rare stuff, has come from grandpas old collections. On the flip side, many heirs think grandpa’s collection is exceedingly valuable, but it is not. They also put additional value on it because it has sentimental value. As a cabochon and jewelry maker, I cannot factor in sentimental value–I can only pay what is fair. Sometimes as part of the deal, sellers are happy to receive a piece of jewelry from something in the collection, giving them a memento from grandpa’s treasures.

Tumbled Thomsontes are carefully sliced to prepare for forming into cabochons.

Tumbled Thomsontes are carefully sliced to prepare for forming into cabochons.

Back in the 50’s and 60’s rock collecting and the Lapidary Hobby were very popular. This hobby waned in the 70’s, but came back in the early 2000’s with the Treasure-Hunting Programs that became popular on TV. It’s human nature to imagine that you can get rich with very little effort, by finding that rare gemstone treasure that may be worth thousands of dollars. We know this seldom happens, but it sometimes does.

These wonderful North Shore Thomsonites' are ready for jewelry.

These wonderful North Shore Thomsonites’ are ready for jewelry.

Recently I was contacted by a couple from Minnesota that had inherited Grandpa’s collection. What peaked my interest was the mention of North Shore Thomsonite. I love Thomsonite, especially old stock Thomsonite from a now buried, famous, location near Grand Marais. Without a doubt, the most beautiful gem quality Thomsonite ever discovered came from that site. This Thomsonite Grandpa had came from that location back in the 60’s. They called to see what their Thompsonite might be worth, as they were considering selling it.

One of the most amazing Thomsonites' I've ever seen, and the largest I own. I have not decided whether to cut it or sell it as a specimen.

One of the most amazing Thomsonites’ I’ve ever seen, and the largest I own. I have not decided whether to cut it or sell it as a specimen. 3″X 2″X 3/4″

After a picture exchange my interest grew, and eventually we met half way in Escanaba. Bonnie and I instantly loved these folks, and I especially loved Grandpa’s Thomsonite. Much of it was beautiful, dark eyed, classic Thomsonite, that is the most coveted type for jewelry. Those that have good Thomsonite know it is special. It was worth the trip and I’ve been thinking about those pieces every minute since I got them!

All the Lake Superior area Thomsonite is subject to being mixed with other Zeolites or other minerals. It is not uncommon to find Thomsonite mixed with Mesolite or Natrolite. Thomsonite often shows up in Isle Royale Greenstone, and is very sought after for jewelry and by collectors. North Shore Thomsonite is famous for having dark eyes caused by Chlorite.

Variegated Prehnite, especially “eyed” Prehnite is many times mistaken for Thomsonite, especially in the Keweenaw. For many years eyed Prehnite was considered Thomsonite, until tests by Michigan Tech proved otherwise.

Colorful and dark-eyed Thomsonites make amazing and valuable jewelry.

Colorful and dark-eyed Thomsonites make amazing and valuable jewelry.

Good Thomsonite is still found in the Grand Marais, Minnesota area. Persistency in extracting the Thomsonite from it’s hard basalt matrix is required. You cannot just beat Thomsonite out of a rock. This Zeolite is very brittle, and the lightest tap from a rock hammer can shatter a thousand dollar piece. Thomsonite is sometimes sensitive to the harmonics of a grinding wheel, and will just break apart. Years of cutting this material serves as valuable training to prevent damage while making cabochons, but still there are some pieces that just crumble no matter how careful you are.

Classic pieces of Thomsonite from Grand Marais often contain micro-Copper. Copper is also seen in much of the Thomsonite from the Keweenaw Peninsula also. (it is the Copper District)

I have started to cut this material and have found it exceptionally nice. Snob Appeal Jewelry specializes in jewelry made from rocks and minerals of the Lake Superior area, and Thomsonite is one of those premiere gemstones from that area. You can expect some really wonderful Thomsonite jewelry to start rolling off the workbench in the near future.

Just out or curiosity I was checking the metaphysical properties of Thomsonite. What I read was Thomsonite: “lifts the fog–of the brain and of the situations you are trying to solve. This allows your brain to work at a maximum level and for you to see what is truly going on and how to solve it. Thomsonite helps dissolve laziness”. Why are Bonnie and I not wearing Thomsonite every day? It would obviously solve a lot of problems.

Shadow Agates, Greenstone, and Thomsonite Jewelry

As winter blasts keep us close to the fireplace, I have been busy creating new pendants with favorite gemstones and wire. Enjoy these two new Great Lakes Jewelry Treasures and two new Shadow Agates.

A beautiful and rare North Shore Thomsonite.

A beautiful and rare North Shore Thomsonite.

Unique to the Lake Superior region, I acquired a quantity of old stock North Shore Thomsonites over the summer and have started cutting and wrapping them into jewelry. These dark-eyed beauties are very rare and highly coveted. Since these Great Lakes gemstones came out of a site near Thomsonite Beach near Grand Marais, Minnesota that is now buried under a park, no others are found at that location.

Greenstone Lily Pads in Natrolite

Greenstone Lily Pads in Natrolite

The second Great Lakes Jewelry Treasure I recently made was a remarkable stone with Greenstone Lily Pads floating in a pink sea of Natrolite instead of floating in a sea of green Chlorastrolite. I made a pendant from the opposite side of this stone and it sold immediately. Never have I seen another Greenstone like this.

Laguna Agate with Shadow

Shadow Wave Laguna Agate

I also made a pair of agates with shadow effect. In certain agates with opaque bands, the bands cast shadows on the adjacent bands as the agate is rotated back and forth. This crates what is referred to as “Shadow effect”. The bands casting shadows also have to be spaced correctly in order to “shadow”. the easiest was to explain shadow effect is if you lined up dominos and shined a light on the top of them. When you move the light back and forth over the dominos you see the shadow that are cast on the adjoining domino change. It’s the same with the lines in the Shadow Agate. This purpley-pink and white Laguna has a great Shadow effect. Laguna Agates from Mexico are famous for “Shadow”, but most banded agates, including my favorite, the Lake Superior Agate, can sport Shadow at times.

Blue Lace with shadow

Blue Lace with shadow

In this old stock Blue Lace Agate I found wonderful shadow. Two Mercury Mist Topaz added at the top give elegance and sparkle to the glorious pale blue/white agate. What a great piece for a special holiday occasion or wedding!

All these are available at www.snobappealjewelry,com, Click on “View all our products”. With over 375 pendants, chains, and earrings on our site, we hope you will start your Christmas shopping with us now!

Thomsonite-The Amazing Pink Gemstone of Lake Superior.

Selecting Thomsonite and having coffee..can't get much better.

Selecting Thomsonite and having coffee..can't get much better.

A few weeks ago I got a call from Grand Marais, Minnesota from a man I immediately liked. He said he was going to open a storefront and having seen my Greenstone Blog with the little Greenstones lined up on dop sticks, he thought I may be interested in selling some. He mentioned he had some very nice Thomsonite. I think we were on the same page, when I suggested we may be able to work out a barter; Greenstone for Thomsonite.

We met half way between his house and mine, in the Keweenaw. I looked through some very fine Thomsonite, while he looked through my Greenstone stash. I think we ended up with an equitable trade thus far. The trade is not complete as I need to get up to the North Shore and get more Thomsonte from him since he promised that there was lots more still at home. Who can carry all there rocks with them?

A selection or Thomsonite that are going to be cabbed and made into jewelry.

A selection or Thomsonite that are going to be cabbed and made into jewelry.

I recently cabbed the larger pieces, with great results. I even made a couple pendants from these gorgeous gemstones. These wild-eyed beauties of amazing pink are very popular. You know that Snob Appeal Jewelry specializes in Great Lakes rocks and minerals. Lake Superior Agates and Greenstones are our best sellers, followed by Thomsonite, Datolite, and Petoskey Stone jewelry, especially the rare Pink Petoskey.

Thomsonite is a copper-associated zeolite, and many of these gemstones sport little crystals of copper. Thomsonite is also found in the Keweenaw, but normally not with the dark eyes seen in North Shore stones. Both gemstones are highly coveted, scarce in good quality, and difficult to find and extract.

After cutting and wrapping the Thomsonite shown in the previous picture, I put them back near their same location in that picture.

After cutting and wrapping the Thomsonite shown in the previous picture, I put them back near their same location in that picture.

If you look at the piece in the bottom left of the picture, you will notice a large “Feather” Thomsonite. This form shows no eyes and is comprised of tiny silky needles showing a chatoyancy, or sheen, that cannot be captured in a picture. If you ever get a chance to see one of these feathers, don’t pass it up. It is really amazing gem material.

The finished gemstones in the second picture were all cut in one day. I’ve been making cabochons for a lot of years, but I cannot remember a single day that my cutting has produced a more beautiful collection of gemstones. I had a smile on my face during the whole process.

Pink eyes are indicative of Thomsonite. Pink gold with gold or silver enhance this gemstone.

Pink eyes are indicative of Thomsonite. Pink gold with gold or silver enhance this gemstone.

As I make Thomsonite Pendants from these stones, I discover even more beauty. It amazes me how no matter what color precious wire I use, the jewelry still looks fantastic. Two tone wire wraps of gold, silver, and pink gold show off these fantastic gemstones. I like to give them a little bling with an elegant top, but as always, I am careful not to distract from the amazing Thomsonite stone.

I am trying to get a few more pendants made, but I just had to take a break and show you the ones I made thus far. I think you will love them as much as I do.

Every Thomsonite lover looks for a dark eyed beauty.  I expect this one to sell fast.

Every Thomsonite lover looks for a dark eyed beauty for their stone jewelry collection.