Agate vs. Jasper Introduction Sometimes the bead industry uses names that aren’t always scientifically correct or precise. This issue often appears when the names “Agate” and “Jasper” are used interchangeably to describe the same material. So how do you know...
The Big Three / Cardinal Gemstones Spotlight on Ruby Rubies are one of the rarest and most expensive gems in the world and they are sometimes called the “Gem King." It is also one of the four Cardinal Gems, including...
Opal – Beyond the Thunderstone The Dakota Stones line of opal strands include high end precious opals like Ethiopian Opal and Australian Opal, and common opals like Pink Opal, Yellow Opal, and White African Opal, just to name a few. Many...
DAKOTA STONES QUALITY CONTROL PROCESS Dakota Stones’ quality control process is rigorous and precise, and it has been since the beginning. As jewelry and lapidary artists ourselves, we take pride in delivering the highest quality stones at a...
The Origin and History of Sunstone There are many different stories of how Sunstone came to be and how it was used, most notably involving Greek Mythology, Egyptian Mythology, Nordic Mythology, AND Native American culture. Ancient Greeks thought the stone was a representation...
Blue Sponge Coral: The Caribbean Dream Dakota Stones’ Natural Blue Sponge Coral is just one example of a natural bead that still showcases beauty and uniqueness! It is one of more than 9,000 different living species of sponges in the...
Tips for Turquoise Care Special stones like turquoise are not meant to be hidden away. Not only are they naturally beautiful, they often hold great sentimental value as they are worn and carried with us through daily life....
Gemstone Focals & Cabochons At Dakota Stones, we love gemstone focals! Pendants and donuts can elevate a jewelry design and create contrast and dimension to an otherwise simple piece. Druzy Agate Pendants are beautiful organically shaped pendants. No two will be exactly alike...
Turritella Agate Known for its snail fossils entombed within the agate, the stone is brown, translucent to semi-transparent, and found in the Green River formation in Wyoming. It is the most popular stone from that formation. The white snail fossils...
