ArtFire

Mini chips of this beautiful, natural iolite gemstone and hand hammered comfort fit earwires in gleaming fine silver plated copper make up these petite, feather-light earrings. Please be sure to see size reference photos both being held by me and also on my life size display model.

Measuring approximately 1 inch (or 2.5 cm) from the top of the earwire to the bottom of the dangle, these hypoallergenic earrings are very lightweight and comfortable. The handmade and hammered comfort fit earwires are made with the center of gravity in mind so that they will not work their way out of your ears during the day. Every pair is carefully handmade by me, one at a time the old-fashioned way.

Iolite is an alternate birthstone for the months September and Leo (substituting for Sapphire) and for June and Cancer (substituting for the traditional older Alexandrite). Iolite is the traditional anniversary gemstone for the 21st year of marriage, but can also substitute for Sapphire in the 5th, 45th, and 70th years of marriage.

Iolite is referred to as Cordierite in mineralogy, and is sometimes found among deposits of garnet and granite. It has also been called "water-sapphire" because of its color and "Vikings Compass" or "Vikings Stone" because of its ability to determine the direction of the sun on overcast days. The Vikings actually used thin sheets of Iolite as a lens to peer through as the world's first polarising filter, guiding them on ocean voyages. Interestingly, iolite has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, halfway between those of quartz and topaz.

The metaphysical properties of iolite relate somewhat to its historical lore. Iolite is a stone of vision, thought to help clear one's thoughts, enhance intuition, and act as a Shaman's stone. Related to vision and clear thoughts, iolite is also believed to help unlock the creative intuition of an artist by removing distractions that may be blocking their creative vision.

In crystal healing lore, iolite is especially beneficial for ailments of the eyes and vision, trouble sleeping, and headaches. Iolite is also thought to be useful in recovering from addiction or alcoholism, and some even swear by its use to assist in weight loss. It is also believed to ward off and alleviate migraines, especially those associated with eye strain, light sensitivity, and vision issues.

I take every measure in my power to ensure that the materials I use are genuine gemstones, often natural and undyed. If any of my stones are treated, heated, stabilized, colores, etc., it will always be noted in the product description. These iolite gemstones are natural (mined) with a hardness of 7.5, but may have been dyed for color consistency.

Thank you for looking, and please contact me any time if you have any questions or special requests! There should be a button at the lower right corner of this page, as well as next to my seller photo.

As a stone of imagination, vision, and guidance, iolite makes a wonderful artist's stone when you need a boost in clearing your "creative vision."

Genuine Gemstone, 999 silver plated copper, non-nickel electroplating process, non-nickel copper, Handmade Comfort Fit Earwires, All Handmade Findings

These earrings are nickel-free, but they DO contain fine silver, 999 grade, and will trigger a silver allergy. If you are allergic to silver, these can be made with silver-colored enamel-plated copper instead, making them safe for all skin and allergies. I am more than happy to make you an alternate pair at no charge if needed.

USPS First Class Mail™ shipping (3-5 business days delivery time) within the U.S. is included, with affordable shipping rates worldwide via First Class International (6-21 days delivery time) at the current USPS rate based on weight.

If you need USPS Priority Mail™ shipping, this service is available for $4.95 to U.S. addresses (1-2 business days), $11.95 to Canada (6-10 business days), and $13.95 to all other countries (6-10 business days). This method is expensive, but highly reliable. I can make you a custom listing with updated shipping if you need this service.

These earrings are 100% nickel-free, lead-free, and hypoallergenic, HOWEVER, they are plated with fine silver, which will cause severe itching if you have a silver allergy.

Upon request, any of my earrings can also be made with different material findings, including 22K Gold-plated surgical grade stainless steel (recommended by Simply Whispers), .999 fine silver plated surgical grade stainless steel, natural brass (bronze), solid copper, or enamel plated copper (in a variety of colors). The enamel plated copper is the most hypoallergenic of these materials, though it does not offer quite the same look and shine as fine silver or 22K gold. Another factor to consider is that fine silver tarnishes quickly and splotchy, solid copper tarnishes somewhat slowly, brass tarnishes slowly and evenly, and the 22K gold and enamel plated copper do not tarnish at all.

I am excited to now offer non-tarnish silver findings! These are made with copper wire that is first plated with 999 fine silver, and then plated with a clear polymer coating to lock out tarnish and keep them gleaming for years. While the non-tarnish silver is still nickel-free and lead-free, they still could cause silver sensitivity through the barrier.

Before finalizing your purchase, please take a moment to visit my policies page for information on shipping, returns, alterations, taxes, customs, gift options, and more:

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/policies/withlovefrommontana

Thanks!

Delivery co