Quartz for Elegance and Expression

The History of Quartz Jewelry

Some believe the name quartz may have come from the Greek word "krystallos," meaning ice. Ancient Greeks believed quartz crystal was fossilized ice. Quartz's high thermal conductivity, which makes the gemstone feel cool to the touch, may have added to this belief. Though quartz is found worldwide, significant mines are located in Brazil, Madagascar, Canada, and the United States.

The first quartz jewelry began appearing in 7000 BC as natural stone beads in Mesopotamia, although quartz sculptures were around long before. Tools and weapons were among the first things to have been crafted from quartz. Native Americans and Australian Aborigines used quartz crystals in their rain rituals. Ancient Romans used colorless quartz to cool their hands in hot weather. And quartz crystal balls have been used to predict the future since the middle ages.

Since then, many cultures demonstrate the use of the stone for jewelry and cultural practices. The ancient Egyptians used crystals as decorative talismans that could supposedly prevent aging. The ancient Romans used them as a type of seal that signified ownership. The popularity of quartz as gemstones in jewelry increased during the Middle Ages, where it worked as a necklace or pendant to heal or balance emotions. It cuts and polishes well and can be tumbled into a smooth finish. Throughout history, in many cultures, you can find quartz in necklaces, rings, or bracelets.

Matching Quartz to Your Tastes

Certain complexions and personalities go with different gemstone colors. Citrine, tiger's eye, and smoky quartz complement brown eye color or dark hair. Amethysts may bring out the color of green eyes. If you feel jubilant or bubbly, consider rose quartz as a way to show off your buoyant character.

It appears in different settings and cuts as well. Bezel setting cocktail rings without accent stones show off quartz without any extra bells and whistles. It commonly comes in large carat sizes, in round, oval, or cushion cuts. You can also find them in emerald and checkerboard cuts whose lines add extra splendor to the stones.

As far as metals go, quartz blends effortlessly. Clear quartz sparkles brightly when paired with sterling silver and white gold, creating an opulent look comparable to diamonds' brilliance. Rose quartz, smoky quartz, and other colored crystals gain extra sparkle when framed with yellow or rose gold.

Using Quartz for a Variety of Occasions

This stone comes in such a wide variety of colors, shades, and opaqueness levels that it matches just about any event. Select amethysts for purple and blue outfits or smoky quartz for black and white affairs. Choose earrings in pear cuts for a classic look or natural quartz pendants as a conversation starter. Select from a medley of vintage estate pins or brooches set with bold quartz gems to garner the look of days gone by.

This moderately common semi-precious stone comes engineered or found naturally, so it's generally less expensive than precious stones such as diamonds. Even then, quartz with excellent clarity in large sizes can look luxurious and grand with formal outfits. You may simulate the sparkle of a diamond without the high price tag.

How do you clean quartz gemstones?

Quartz is a relatively soft stone, registering only a seven of ten on the Mohs scale, so it is vital to protect your rock from bumps, scratches, and dents. Keeping it stored in a closed box will help protect it and preserve its color as exposure to sunlight may cause fading over time. When cleaning this sort of jewelry, use simple materials and non-caustic substances. Warm water and a dry cloth work for basic cleaning. If you need to remove stuck-on grime, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. An ultrasonic cleaner may cause damage to the stone, so it's best to avoid using it.

Does quartz have healing properties?

Many cultures believe that quartz has spiritual purposes, including healing. They believe the stone pulls impurities from different body systems and reduces pain. Psychologically, it reportedly centers and balances the mind to bring inner peace. In some beliefs, wearing a quartz ring on different fingers causes assorted kinds of healing. The index finger, for example, promotes hopes and goals. The pinkie finger relates to new ideas and self-expression.