Hematite is not a widely used gemstone and may have healing properties. It has been used for thousands of years for its beauty and spiritual qualities. Different societies and generations have viewed hematite with wonder and awe. It has been used in making jewelry to show off its velvety luster and to guard the wearer with peace and tranquility. If you are considering adding hematite jewelry to your collection or as a gift, you may have questions that I have tried to answer here. If you are considering purchasing hematite jewelry, a selection can be viewed at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishOnAStarGifts.
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The Benefits of Hematite Jewelry
Healing properties in Hematite come from the high iron content. The heaviness of the stones gives you a feeling of being anchored. This is the same benefits as found in weighted blankets. This feeling can calm your mind and put you at ease. It can help relieve tension, stress, worry and nervousness.
The magnetism may also draw negative energy out of the body. Some claim hematite helps to absorb negative energy in the body and sooths the wearer in times of stress. Hematite is claimed to be a protective stone and many carry it with them to help stay grounded. Hematite is also supposed to be good for the Root Chakra and helps to transform negative energies into more positive auras. Hematite may be used to protect against stress and negative energy and is used as a detoxifying stone. It is also thought to help relationships with the cooperation vibe coming from the hematite.
Does Hematite Jewelry Work?
That is a loaded question and the answer depends on the use and the user. As with many types of healing, it may be the thought that counts. If the user believes in the healing power, it is more likely to “work” for that person.
One benefit that does work is the calming influence of the stone. Just the thought of the healing powers while wearing hematite jewelry can help to relieve stress and anxiety. The heaviness of the jewelry on the chest or wrist can help you feel grounded when the world seems to be spinning out of control.
What is Hematite Jewelry?
Hematite is a natural stone found in shades from black to silver and gray or brown to red colors. The color comes from the high iron content laced through the stone. It is an iron oxide compound that is harder than pure iron. Hematite is found around the world and on most continents. It is found in mineral hot springs like those found in Yellowstone National Park. It can also be found in iron mine tailings such as the ones in the Mesabi Range in Northern Minnesota. The stone is the result of historic volcanic activity.
Hematite stone has a very low magnetic field in its natural form. The magnetism in hematite beads is enhanced by dry heating, giving it the magnetism found in jewelry. Hematite can be cut into numerous shapes and sizes and can also be coated with a variety of finishes, giving it more color or luminescence.
Hematite jewelry is made with beads formed from hematite stone. If the jewelry is magnetic, it has been dry heated to enhance the magnetism. Beads of other types may be mixed with the hematite in the design of the jewelry. Examples of hematite jewelry can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishOnAStarGifts.
Hematite History
Hematite has been mined throughout history to be used for its healing and protective properties. It has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It is said that the Ancient Greeks used hematite in healing and protection. They named it Haima, meaning “blood” in the old Latin tongue because of the streaks of red iron seen throughout the stone. This stone is very heavy because of the high iron content.
Hematite has always been used for a source of healing and protection. It has been laid on bodies to assist in the healing process. It has been used to make jewelry so it can be worn on the body to protect the wearer during times of war. Hematite has been found in the tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt to protect the dead on their afterlife journey.
Hematite Jewelry Prices
The price of hematite jewelry is based on the beads used, the intricacy of the design and the production time. Beads come in many different sizes from 4mm to 12mm. Usually, the larger the bead, the more expensive it is although the smaller the beads, the more may need to be used. The shape of the bead has an impact on the price of the jewelry. Some basic beads are round, rice or barrel shaped. Others can be bicones, drums, twists or pendant shapes such as turtles, hawks, crosses or arrows, which tend to be more expensive. Prices tend to range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per item. Examples of different styles at reasonable prices can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishOnAStarGifts.
The type of production factors into the cost of hematite jewelry. The length of the jewelry piece usually gives an indication of the price for each seller. Single strand bracelets use fewer beads and take less production time so they tend to be less expensive than double strand bracelets or necklaces. Some jewelry is made with elastic thread, others with plastic cord and others with craft wire. Jewelry made with elastic thread tends to not have clasps, while the other types of construction can have magnetic, screw-together or hook clasps.
The method of shipping is also a factor in the price of the jewelry. The further it ships, the more it costs. Some online sales include shipping while others charge a shipping fee to the consumer. If it is an item you can pick up, you can save on shipping costs.
How is Hematite Jewelry Made?
Some basic beads are round, rice or barrel shaped. Others can be bicones, drums, twists or pendant shapes such as turtles, hawks, crosses or arrows, which tend to be more expensive.
The length of the jewelry piece usually gives an indication of the price for each seller. Single strand bracelets use fewer beads and take less production time so they tend to be less expensive than double strand bracelets or necklaces.
The first step in making hematite jewelry is to find a reputable supplier of hematite beads. They should be easy to contact, back their products with warranties and have a good supply in stock. They should also be forth right in letting you know where their hematite comes from.
The second step is to determine the method of production. Some jewelry is made with elastic thread, others with plastic cord and others with craft wire. Jewelry made with elastic thread tends to not have clasps, while the other types of construction can have magnetic, screw-together or hook clasps.
Once step one and two have been determined, the types of beads and the style of jewelry is looked at. When the length of the piece is measured, line up the beads to be used. Determine where the center of the piece will be and how many beads and in what order the beads will be on each side. Begin by attaching a clasp to one end of the line so the beads stay on. String the beads as desired until arriving at the center bead. Check the length of the piece by folding it in half. If the line is too long or too short, you may adjust the number of beads used. This may take unstringing the beads numerous times to get the length right. Once the correct length is established, continue on down the other side. Before attaching the second clasp, be sure the beads are in the correct order on the line. If everything is correct, attach the second clasp, leaving a small amount of slack for ease of movement when the piece is worn.
What Color is Hematite Jewelry?
Natural hematite stone is found in various shades of blacks, grays, silvers, reds and browns. Since it is formed after volcanic eruptions and is found is an ore of iron, those are the natural shades of hematite. Hematite beads are a pure, shiny black after cutting and polishing. After hematite is mined and formed into beads, it can be coated with other colors and dry-heated to become magnetic.
Hematite jewelry comes in any color imaginable as other styles and colors of beads are mixed with the black hematite beads when creating the designs. The black hematite really highlights lighter colored beads and bright colors tend to pop. To see a variety of jewelry colors and designs, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishOnAStarGifts.
Where to Buy Hematite Jewelry?
Hematite is not a major gemstone. It is used very little in fashion jewelry so it can be hard to find in local jewelry stores. It is much more widely available online and can be found on Amazon. Etsy stores are a good source for finding hematite jewelry for sale. I recommend https://www.etsy.com/shop/WishOnAStarGifts for a wide range of creative hematite jewelry. There are single-strand and double-strand bracelets made with hematite and various other beads that enhance the black luster of the hematite. A variety of necklaces are available with or without pendants. You can even find bracelets and necklaces that go well together.
Does Hematite Jewelry Tarnish?
Hematite is a natural, extremely hard stone so it does not tarnish and it will not turn your skin or clothing green. Because of its beautiful luster after it is polished, care should be used not to scratch it as the marks will show on the stone. Polishing the stone with a soft cloth will keep it looking brilliant for years.