What exactly is in a bracelet like this?
Each bracelet consists of natural stone beads and metal accent beads on strong elastic. The beads are strung by hand. In short, the specs look like this:
- Bead size: 3 mm (very fine), 4 mm (subtle) or 6 mm (clearly visible)
- Length: 18 cm, stretch, so no clasp
- Gold colour: gold filled beads with a Gold Plated finish
- Silver colour: Rhodium Plated finish with a bright, cool shine
- Stone: the type is listed on the product page for each bracelet, for example natural stone
Gold filled means something different from gold plated. A thick layer of gold alloy sits on a core, bonded with pressure and heat. That layer is much thicker and more durable than a thin plating. Rhodium is a precious metal from the platinum group. It gives silver coloured beads a bright shine and slows down tarnish.
Which types of stone will you find in the collection?
The collection is built around well known semiprecious stones in calm and fresh colours. Each stone has its own pattern and shine. Below you can read what to expect from each type.
Quartz in many colours
Quartz is the basis of many gemstone bracelets. Smoky quartz is brownish grey and translucent, so it is very easy to combine. Rose quartz has a soft pink colour and a milky sheen. You will also find quartz in deep red and in clear ocean blue. Quartz scores a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That means it does not scratch easily and is suitable for daily wear.
Sodalite, onyx and labradorite
Sodalite is deep blue with white veins. Those veins are not a flaw, they belong to the stone. Onyx is deep black and instantly gives a bracelet a sleek, bold look. Labradorite is grey, but shows a play of blue or green colour when it moves. This effect is called labradorescence. You see it best in daylight and on the larger 6 mm beads.
Jade and opalite
Milky blue jade has a soft, almost powdery colour. It looks calm and goes well with silver colour. Opalite has a milky white or pink sheen that lights up bluish in the light. Note: opalite is not a natural stone, but a man made material. That is why we always state the type of stone for each bracelet. That is honest, and you know exactly what you are buying.
Mixed bracelets with several stones
Can't decide? Then a bracelet with a mix of stones is a good choice. Different types of stone are strung together in one colour palette, for example warm earthy tones. A mixed bracelet like this works as a link between plain bracelets in a stack.
Natural stone is never exactly the same
Natural stone always has small inclusions and colour differences. Inclusions are minerals, tiny cracks or air bubbles trapped in the stone as it formed. They make every bead unique. That is why your bracelet may look slightly different from the photo.
Customers see that as a plus. You are not wearing a copy, but a piece of your own. One small note does belong here. Besides natural stone, we sometimes use hydro quartz. This is natural crystal that gets a different colour through heating. Now and then a stone is synthetic, when a seasonal colour calls for it. You can always find this in the specifications on the product page.
Is a gemstone bracelet real?
Yes, most stones are natural semiprecious stones. The word semiprecious says nothing about whether a stone is real. It is an old trade term for stones that are more common than diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. A smoky quartz or labradorite is just as real, only less rare. That also makes a beautiful gemstone bracelet affordable for everyday wear.
Which bead size suits your wrist?
The bead size decides how eye catching the bracelet is. A 3 mm bead is fine and delicate. It almost disappears next to a watch and is ideal for stacking. A 4 mm bead is subtle, but you can already see the colour of the stone well. A 6 mm bead shows the pattern of the stone at its best.
From experience we know that women with a slim wrist often choose 4 mm. That size looks balanced and refined. Do you have a wider wrist or do you like a clear statement? Then choose 6 mm. Still in doubt? Combine one 6 mm bracelet with two fine bracelets of 3 or 4 mm.
How to measure your wrist size
Measure your wrist just above the wrist bone with a tape measure or a strip of paper. Add 1 to 1.5 cm. That is the room a bracelet needs to sit comfortably. The bracelets are 18 cm and stretch, so they fit most wrists well. Want to stack? Then allow a little more room, because several bracelets together take up more space.
How to choose the right stone colour
Choose your stone mainly by colour and by what you wear often. It sounds simple, but it works. Do you wear a lot of black, grey or denim? Then onyx, sodalite and labradorite suit it very well. Do you often wear beige, white or camel? Then choose smoky quartz or rose quartz in gold colour.
Look at your other jewellery too. Do you mostly wear gold rings? Then choose a gold coloured gemstone bracelet so everything matches. Prefer silver? Then rhodium completes the picture. Customers also often buy several colours so they can match their outfit every day.
Mix & Match: stacking with a plan
Stacking is easiest in two steps. Start with a calm base of metal beaded bracelets without stones. Then add one or two gemstone bracelets for colour. That way your stack looks rich, but never busy. This is the thinking behind Mix & Match, the concept that lets you combine jewellery pieces with each other. In the Mix & Match Studio you design your own jewellery.
A handy rule: keep to one colour family per stack. Choose blue, for example, with sodalite, jade and labradorite. Or go warm with smoky quartz and rose quartz. Also alternate the bead sizes, because that adds rhythm. A gemstone bracelet also looks lovely with a beaded ring in the same stone.
Gemstone bracelet meaning: an old tradition
For centuries, people have given meanings to gemstones. In lore, rose quartz stands for love. Onyx is seen as a stone of strength and focus. In old stories, labradorite is called the stone of the northern lights. Sodalite has long been linked to calm and clear thinking.
These are lovely stories to share with a gift. To be honest, though: it is tradition and lore, and not scientifically proven. So we choose stones mainly for their colour, shine and quality. Does a meaning appeal to you? Then of course that is an extra reason to choose that particular stone.
On which arm do you wear gemstones?
According to an old tradition, you wear a stone on the left to receive and on the right to give. That too is lore. In practice, you simply wear it on the arm that feels most comfortable. Many women choose the arm without a watch. Others stack right next to their watch for a rich look.
Birthstones and star signs
You also often see lists with a stone for each month or star sign. These lists differ by source and by country. They are fun as inspiration for a gift. Don't like the colour yourself? Then feel free to choose another stone. Because a bracelet you love to wear is always the best choice.
A gemstone bracelet as a gift
A gemstone bracelet is a lovely gift, because the size is almost always right. Thanks to the elastic, the bracelet fits most wrists. So you do not have to guess a wrist size. Choose a colour that suits the recipient's clothes or jewellery and you will soon get it right.
Every order leaves beautifully wrapped. Customers call the packaging a gift in itself. Order on a working day before 15:00 and we ship your parcel the same day. International shipping is free from €100. Within the Netherlands, shipping is free from €75.
How to keep your gemstone bracelet beautiful
Roll a stretch bracelet onto your wrist and never stretch it hard. That keeps the elastic strong for longer. Take your bracelet off when you shower, swim, exercise and sleep. Soap, chlorine and sweat make stones duller and the elastic weaker.
Spray your perfume and apply your body lotion first. Only then put on your jewellery. Store each bracelet separately so hard stones do not scratch softer ones. Polish with a dry, soft cloth and avoid harsh products. All silver and gold beads come with a lifetime warranty. You also get a 2 year warranty on manufacturing defects and 6 months on the plating.
Questions, or prefer to see them first?
Want to see the stones in real life? Then visit the showroom at Botterweg 12 L in Zwolle, the Netherlands, open from 9:00 to 17:00. You can also call +31 38 853 6655. The collection is also sold by more than 500 jewellers and retailers across Europe. Not satisfied? You have 14 days to return unworn jewellery with the original labels.
Frequently asked questions about gemstone bracelets
What is a gemstone bracelet?
A gemstone bracelet is a bracelet with beads of natural or semiprecious stone. Ours are mainly 18 cm stretch beaded bracelets with beads of 3, 4 or 6 mm, in gold colour or silver colour.
What are the top 5 gemstones?
Diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald are seen as the classic precious gemstones, often joined by alexandrite. For bracelets you wear every day, semiprecious stones such as quartz, onyx and labradorite are popular, because they are beautiful, tough and affordable.
On which arm do you wear a gemstone bracelet?
That is up to you. Tradition says left to receive and right to give, but that is not scientifically proven. Above all, choose the arm that feels comfortable.
Why does my stone not look exactly like the photo?
Natural stone always has colour differences and inclusions. That makes every bead unique and the bracelet may look slightly different from the photo.
Which bead size looks best on a slim wrist?
On a slim wrist, beads of 3 or 4 mm usually look best. They look refined and stay in proportion. Beads of 6 mm suit a wider wrist or a bolder look better.
Can I wear my gemstone bracelet in the shower?
No, it is better to take it off. Water, soap and chlorine weaken the elastic and make the stones duller.
Is a gold coloured gemstone bracelet made of real gold?
No, it is not solid gold. The gold coloured beads are gold filled with a Gold Plated finish: a thick, durable layer of gold alloy on a core.
Where can you buy a Sparkling Jewels gemstone bracelet?
You can order a Sparkling Jewels gemstone bracelet online right here, in gold colour or silver colour. More than 500 jewellers and retailers across Europe also sell the bracelets. Online you will always find every stone type and bead size that is available now.
