Ruby, the gem stone for July.

Ruby is the birthstone for July. Did you know that Ruby is variety of corundum (aluminum oxide), as are sapphires? Corundum are second only to diamonds in hardness. The red colouring of the corundum is usually brought on by the presence of chromium.The colour of the ruby most valued is a medium dark vivid red to a slightly purplish red. If the ruby is too light in colour or is too purple or red it is referred to as a fancy-colour sapphire. After colour, clarity is the next major factor in determining the stone's value, followed by cut. While the best quality gems are not used for beads, I do purchase from reputable dealers to ensure the highest quality and genuine product.

All rubies have some sort of imperfection, either in colouring or inclusions. Most rubies have rutile needles which are inclusions which look similar to hairs in the stone. Some are large and some very fine requiring special magnification to see. Gemologists often use these rutile needles to differentiate between a natural stone or lab created. These inclusions are absent in lab created stones.

Refreshing Handmade Soap, All-Natural and Good for Your Skin and the Environment

A few weeks back I mentioned in one of my previous posts that I had purchased some handmade soap from Soapbliss (soapbliss.etsy.com). I received 5 bars and a small sample. Lily, the seller, was quick to answer my questions and I was able to arrange for pick up. My order was beautifully packaged in a bag (consisting of post-consumer recycled material) stamped with her business info and tied shut with a straw string. Each bar was labelled just as pictured in the below image and storage instructions were included.

I'd love to tell you all about each bar of soap received, but I only use one at a time. Currently I'm using French Pear. It is lightly scented and lathers perfectly, not too much and not too little. I have dry hands and most new bar soaps I try end up in the garbage as they irritate me. However, it has been no less than two weeks and I haven't had the immediate need to slather my hands in lotion. I am also using this great bar to cleanse my face. My face feels clean and refreshed but not stripped clean after washing. The only thing I would change would be to expand her product line to include a moisturizer or two such as a nice body butter  or hand lotion might be perfect. 

Many other crafters out there make all natural soaps and other body products, give their product a try!

Mission Mondays!

I belong to a  Facebook networking group that utilizes themes to encourage interaction among its members. Monday's theme is "Mission Mondays". The idea is that we come up with something we want to achieve and post questions to help us reach our goal and in return we share what we know to help other's reach their goal. As I've mentioned before I have so much to do I can't stay focused. Just as I'm working in something I get excited about something else. With the summer break here and my daughter home, I now get excited about summer fun with her. To help maintain some focus, each week has had its own mission.

So far I've created  my info sheet for hostess rewards (can be found at www.facebook.com/notes/twisted-wire-gems/hostess-rewards/536685603045946), and  have added more products to the bead store (namely  Hill Tribe silver), posting on several Facebook groups, working on promoting myself (notice how I said myself and not my business or product?) I still have much to do.

I still have to complete my "About Me" info. I also need to complete my other information such as return policy. So I will continue to list several new products on my website each day, complete the return policy and product guarantee for the jewellery side of my business (has already been completed for the bead shop) and create the bare bones of the Twisted Wire & Gems website. I also need to network better.

On a side note, I have ordered some Ethiopian Welo Opals and cannot wait for them to arrive. Expect a future blog post about this beautiful gem.