Amethyst, the mineral of the month for February

In Greek mythology a beautiful maiden Amethystos was pursued by the god of wine Dionysus, and was turned into a white stone so she would remain chaste. Dionysus then poured wine over the white stone as an offering dyeing it purple, and this is where the Amethyst stone got its name.

Amethyst is the most precious variety of quartz and the color of it can vary greatly, from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple, blood-red, and green.



Amethyst is believed to develop his owner's inner strengths, sharpen his wit, turn away evil thoughts, and give knowledge of the future in dreams.



Many believe that amethyst is a symbol of friendliness, open-heartiness and candor. A person wearing amethyst can be sure that his partner is true to him.


Amethyst should be worn every day and only then it's magical qualities will help his owner. However, one needs to keep in mind that amethyst changes its mood easily. So, if the owner has it on during any quarrel or confrontation, the stone can pick up the negative energy and reflect it back onto the owner. In such cases it is recommended to hold the amethyst under the running water for 5-7 minutes to calm it down.



Please take a look at the amethyst collection from Rusteam.



Story by Irene (Beautyland)
Translated by Alla (FleetingStillness)

Wonderful things Wednesday - Holiday gift guide: Precious & Semi-precious stones

We all love jewelry. Jewelry has been worn by humans since prehistoric times. Beautiful stones were taken from nature, then cut, polished and used to enhance a lovely metal necklace or a ring.

Since ancient Greeks people started to divide stones for precious and semi-precious. In modern classification, the precious stones are diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. A large amount of the stones are in the other part, semi-precious. The most important in this group are: amethyst, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, peridot, opal, tourmaline, zircon, chrysoberyl and alexandrite. These classifications are based mostly on demand and value of the stones in a commercial world.

The world of gems is colorful and intriguing and everyone chooses a right stone to suit his own style and personality. Jewelry pieces with a nice stone can be a lovely thoughtful gift for the people you love!

Please visit our shops for all of your Holiday shopping needs!


1. Citrine Garnet Ruby artisan pin-up coiled necklace in 14K gold filled – Darlene by Arctida
2. Agate and sterling silver necklace Just Peachy by BlueberryCream
3. Necklace earrings malachite brass green antique set by Allmadewithlove
4. Rhodonite Earrings by AroundBeads



1. Turquoise chandelier earrings by FlowersbyIrene
2. Lapis Lazuli Sterling Silver Earrings by Lirigal
3. Turquoise blue hoop earrings by TonyaUtkina
4. Natural Opal Sterling Silver Ring by LvoffStudio


1. Blue agate necklace by Beautyland
2. Wire Wrapped Amethyst and Sterling Silver Bracelet with Textured Rings by NeroliHandmade
3. Ripe Grape Tourmaline on Sterling Silver Necklace by VIKukA
4. Simple Earrings Amethyst Argentium Sterling Silver by Daimblond

Interview with a Star Aleksandra VALI

Today our featured guest is Aleksandra Vali who is a member of Russian Artists Etsy team. Aleksandra creates unique and amazingly beautiful jewelry including necklaces, rings, brooches and earrings that are available at her AleksandraVALI store on Etsy.
Q: Aleksandra could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m originally from Siberia, Russia. I grew up surrounded by harsh and beautiful forests, lakes and rivers of Northern Russia. After receiving my Masters Degree from Novosibirsk State University in Novosibirsk, Russia, I worked as a ceramic artist for seven years. My experiments with clay helped me develop a feel for perfect shape, balance my design and contrast texture. My artwork has been highly praised in Russia and exhibited internationally.
Later on I moved to America where metal became a medium for my artistic expression. It was in metal that I found my true passion.
Q: Why do you think metal is so inspirational for you?
For me, metal provides a unique opportunity to create unusual and unique pieces that show my individual approach, skill and flare. Working with gold and silver allows me to experiment and make the most out of the three-dimensional form. I am able to bring my former physical knowledge of working clay into jewelry through carving, casting and smithing. I am intrigued in the complexity of edges, textures and mixed materials.

Q: Are you currently working with any other materials besides metal?
I continue experimenting with clay and create one of a kind sculptures. I like the idea of creating something unique and exclusive that cannot be replicated.

In jewelry I create collections where all the individual pieces are united by one single idea or a vision. For example my Chocolate Dessert collection or my Steam collection .

I like to experiment trying to combine materials that are deemed incompatible or looking for new shapes and ideas. The result is always unpredictable and often times incredibly beautiful.
The second year in a row American Art Collector publishes my art work. My jewelry and sculpture have been featured in numerous catalogues, magazines and art publications. I'm actively participating in art shows and exhibitions.

Here are a few of my recent shows:
2010 February, Lill Street ArtCenter, Chicago Metal Arts Guild Exhibition,Chicago, IL
2010 February, Greater Denton Arts Council, Materials: Hard & Soft, Denton, TX
2008 February, MaNa Gallery, Strictly Black & Wight Show, Chicago
2007 March, Gahlberg Gallery Exhibit, Wheaton
2007 February, A.R.C. Gallery, Chicago, Broken hart

Aleksandra, Thank you for taking your time and talking to us! Russian Artists team is honored to have such a talented and successful artist as its member!

Interviewed by Tonya Utkina at TonyaUtkina