I Love Chalcedony!

I confess. I really DO love chalcedony! There are so many varieties ... in so many colors! From black to creamy white with every color in between, this stone is a popular choice for jewelry of all types - rings, pendants, earrings and more.

Chalcedony is a silica mineral, but it doesn't grow in large crystals the way quartz - another silica mineral - does. It has a cryptocrystalline structure - it is composed of crystals so tiny they can't be viewed with a conventional microscope.

Agates are chalcedony with natural bands of color in a repeating pattern. Black onyx is a commonly used chalcedony; so is carnelian. My favorite is chrysoprase - the bright green type; although the yellow variety is also nice! Any "agate" without repeating bands of color is actually chalcedony.

The fantastic color of this 20mm faceted chalcedony briolette makes the pendant seem to pop right off the monitor ... this chalcedony, citrine and sterling silver Burnt Toffee necklace by Blue Scarab Jewelry - Ambersjewelry on Etsy - is beautiful!

Amber, the jewelry artisan and owner of this shop, made this piece. Although she doesn't call this carnelian, the name fits ...

Wire wrapped in a contemporary style with sterling silver and oxidized to contrast the vivid burnt orange of the gemstone, this necklace is ready to wear on an oxidized sterling silver rolo chain with a citrine accented sterling silver toggle clasp. You'll love this necklace - and you'll love the price too! Only $31.00 ...

Recycling is good. Recycling is even better when the result is fabulous jewelry! This gorgeous art nouveau chalcedony pendant was made with silver flatware ... a silver spoon, to be exact!

The Handmade Sterling Silver Upcycled Spoon Pendant with Blue Chalcedony is a great way to give new life to an antique silver spoon.

This piece isn't just art nouveau style - the spoon was new when this style was popular, at the beginning of the 20th century!

Made by Jessica, the talented metalsmith and jewelry artist at Metalsmitten, this could be an everyday favorite. The blue mist chalcedony is a top quality, gorgeous gem that is a perfect fit in this recycled silver pendant; just $55.00!

Here's a necklace featuring a pink chalcedony carved flower focal bead! The Pink Chalcedony Flower Rennaissance Necklace was made by the amazing jewelry artisan who designs and owns OliviasGarden on Etsy. Lovingly accented with luxurious freshwater pearl buttons, pale pink rose quartz rondelles and sterling silver spacer beads, the pink chalcedony flower is the center portion of the elongated sterling silver cable chain that completes this necklace design. There are two more pearl and rose quartz stations along the length; one on each side. This pretty and very fashionable necklace could be yours for $25.00!

This last choice for today is an awesome contemporary retro design chalcedony and sterling silver ring made by the metalsmith / jewelry designer behind the "counter" at AlisonTrowbridge, an Etsy shop showcasing her fabulous sterling silver and gemstone creations.

Her Retro Sterling Silver Ring set with Chalcedony is a very clean cut, simple design with an eye pleasing style and a gorgeous 8mm round blue mist chalcedony cabochon.

You can order one in any whole or half size from 5 - 10, and the ring will be made just for you! Attractively priced at $90.00.

Every one of the artisans above makes their jewelry by hand, the old fashioned way! They offer MANY beautiful pieces to choose from, and I highly recommend you take your time browsing through each of these extraordinary shops. They all welcome special requests and answer questions about their jewelry, and would love to hear from you ... so check 'em out!

Robert Edwards is a proud member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team - JET. He is a jewelry designer and metalsmith in New York City with over 30 years experience in the jewelry trade, specializing in handmade silver jewelry and custom made silver chains. This article may be reproduced provided all content and links in the article including this author's statement remain intact. ©2010 Robert Edwards