The Miner's Emporium

06/24/2023

The third and final June birthstone is the pearl. Pearls are the only gem created by an animal! There are two kinds of pearls, saltwater and freshwater. Pearls come in different shapes and sizes as well as a variety of colors from white, yellow, pink, and black. The genuine black Tahitian Pearls come from the French Polynesian islands and can also can also be grey. The majority of all pearls are cultured, which means man has intervened in the process by surgically implanting an artificial nucleus (shell bead) into the tissue of a pearl oyster. It can take several years to create a pearl and some pearl oysters live up to 20 years.

How to clean:
Peals can be safely cleaned only with a soft cloth. Never use any cleaning chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.

This Statement Rings item is sold by MinersEmporium. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on Mar 8, 2023

06/21/2023

Headed to the beach this summer? Check out this sand dollar pendant! We also have palm trees and sea horses in our shop right now.

This Pendants item is sold by MinersEmporium. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on May 12, 2023

06/19/2023

This 14K yellow gold ring contains two genuine trillion cut Peridot stones, as well as three genuine round diamonds. What's a trillion cut? It's generally a gem cut into a triangular shape with a flat table (top of stone).

This Statement Rings item by MinersEmporium has 3 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on May 20, 2023

06/17/2023

Today's June birthstone feature is Moonstone. Moonstone has a long history starting in ancient Rome where it was believed to be solidifed moonbeams and would bestow love and wisdom to those that possessed it. In India, it was a sacred stone representing love and was thought to be able to reconcile estranged lovers. A moonstone amulet was often thought to protect travelers, especially at night.

Moonstone is a sodium potassium aluminium silicate and part of the feldspar family that makes up more than 60% of the earth's crust. It is formed with thin layers of alternating minerals that create a phenomenon called adularescence when light strikes between the layers. Adularescence is the light that appears to billow across a gem. Other stones in the feldspar family are microcline feldspar and labradorite.

How to clean:
Moonstone is best cleaned with warm water, never with cleaning chemicals. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer.

06/14/2023

What better way to upcycle antique coins than to create a beautiful pendant? This yellow gold pendant has been fashioned with an antique one dollar gold piece and green and pink tourmalines then surrounded by diamonds.

This Pendants item by MinersEmporium has 3 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on May 6, 2023

06/12/2023

This freshwater pearl necklace would be a beautiful birthday gift for a June baby. It comes with an 18" long chain. Check out all of the pearl jewelry we have posted in our Etsy store.

This Pendants item is sold by MinersEmporium. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on Mar 30, 2023

06/10/2023

Did you know that the month of June has three birthstones?
The three stones for the month of June are Alexandrite, Pearls, and Moonstone.

Alexandrite was only discovered in the 1830's and belongs to the Chrysoberyl mineral family which changes color depending on the light. In daylight, the stone can appear blue, green, brown, red, or yellow. In incandescent light, it can appear red or purple.

Naturally mined alexandrite is very expensive due to its rarity. This stone is mined mostly in Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and India. Today most jewelry is made with synthetic alexandrite, which has the same optical and physical properties as naturally formed stones.

How to clean:
Alexandrite can be safely cleaned in ultrasonic machines and with a steamer.

These beautiful stones are currently available in our shop and can be made into a custom piece of jewelry for you!

06/10/2023

This 14K yellow gold pendant with a genuine Cabochon Turquoise gemstone is a handmade piece created by Master Jeweler Scot Slep. Scot even cut the turquoise into this beautiful pear shaped cabochon.

What's a cabochon? It's a gemstone that has been shaped and polished, as opposed to faceted.

This Pendants item by MinersEmporium has 2 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on May 6, 2023

06/10/2023

This 14K yellow gold pendant is designed and crafted by Master Jeweler Scot Slep with genuine Madeira Citrine, Black Onyx, Sardonyx, and Tourmaline. You can purchase on Etsy at the link below.

This Pendants item by MinersEmporium has 4 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Rocky Mount, NC. Listed on Feb 24, 2023