Ear Work

Helix with 5 Swarovski crystals, Sadu with AB crystal & forward helix with
tri-prong crystals top - 4 crystal cluster bottom

Forward helix with titanium bezel opals & helix with a captive bead ring





November Birthstone: Topaz

Topaz

     Although November's Birthstone comes in a variety of colors, Orange Topaz, also known as Precious Topaz, is the traditional November Birthstone.  It is the symbol of friendship and the state gemstone of Utah.  Topaz soothes, heals, stimulates, recharges, remotivates and aligns the meridians of the body - directing energy to where it is needed most.  Topaz promotes truth and forgiveness, brings joy, generosity, abundance and good health.  It promotes openness and honesty, self-realization and self-control.  It aids in problem-solving, assists in expressing ideas and stabilizes the emotions.  It is thought to aid in digestion, combat eating disorders, fortifies the nerves and stimulates the metabolism.

     Topaz typically crystallizes in granitic pegmatites or in vapor cavities in rhyolite lava flows like those at Topaz Mountain in western Utah.  It can be found in various areas including the Ural and Ilmen mountains of Russia, in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Czech Republic, Germany, Norwa, Pakistan, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Nigeria and the US.

Formula: Al

2

SiO

4

(F,OH)

2

Color: Colorless (if no impurities), blue, brown, orange, gray, 

yellow, green, pink and reddish pink

Hardness: 8

Solid 14kt Rose Gold Topaz and Diamonds

Super Teardrop ASTM F-138 Stainless Steel

Gold Jewelry Care

Gold is SOFT.  If your jewelry is threaded (i.e. barbell, curved barbell, etc.), you need to GENTLY check the beads for tightness every so often.  Be careful not to cross thread or over tighten the piece.  This will cause damage. Threadless beads will break if you bend them too much/tight.

Gold will develop a tarnish over time from being in the body.  THIS IS NORMAL.
The discoloration is caused by your body's reaction to the alloys in the metal.  Persons with a higher acid content in their bodies will cause the color of the gold to change some what faster, and the tarnish CAN be polished out for a nominal fee. You may also want to purchase a sunshine polishing cloth to keep your jewelry brilliant.

Please do NOT swim on a regular basis while wearing your gold jewelry.  The chlorine in the water breaks down the alloys in the metal so that it can cause the piece to become brittle and break.  If you must be in the pool all the time, don't wear your gold (please note the same goes for fine jewelry for those of you who insist on wearing your jewelry all the time).  Always remember to put in your stainless steel or titanium jewelry to keep the holes open.

For those of you with oral piercings:  If you are a coffee, cola, or tea drinker, take note that all of these will cause your jewelry to develop a darker color to the gold.  This can be polished out for a nominal fee.


Be aware of your jewelry catching on clothing.  Since some of the pieces do have prongs (those little things which hold in the stone), these sometimes will catch.  A note to those who have natural opals in their jewelry.  Opals do need to be oiled with a thin coating of mineral oil every so often.  If you would like to have your jewelry checked and cleaned by a professional jeweler, ask Halo to give you a recommendation of jewelers who will perform this service for you.  

If you do remove your piece from your body frequently, this can damage the piece.
It will begin to wear down clasp mechanisms or threads and cause problems, or captive bead rings can begin to lose their tension, which will make the beads fit inadequately.  Some pieces can be repaired for a fee.
Removable nose rings 14kt & 18kt (white, rose & yellow gold)
22kt Emeralds & Opal
Diamond nostril screws VS 1.25mm to 4mm

 Our apologies, but all of our manufacturers are running 8 to 10 weeks out on orders.  They do have quite a few new people on their crew which will eventually up output and production. Unfortunately, for now, this means that all HALOday orders must be in by October 18th to be here in time for you to give that special someone their new jewelry. 


 

October Birthstone - Opal & Tourmaline!

o·pal

Opals and Tourmaline represent hope, creativity and innocence. They also protect the wearer from envious, mal-intentioned people.

Opal is a gem-quality form of hydrated amorphous silicon dioxide. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word for 'stone'. It is gemologically classed as a mineraloid rather than a mineral, owing to its amorphous form. Opal is considered to be the national gemstone for Australia, owing to the fact that Australia produces roughly 97% of the world's entire supply of Opal Gemstones. Opals can be divided into three main subgroups: Precious Opal, Fire Opal and Common Opal (potch).

For ages people have believed in the healing power of Opal. It is reported to be able to solve depression and to help its wearer find true and real love. Opal is also said to stimulate originality and creativity. Opal is porous and because of this, it is quite absorbent. Due to its ability to absorb, it is thought that it can pick up the thoughts and feelings of people and amplify emotions.

Synthetic Opals can be made into almost any style jewelry you need.

Chemical Formula: SiO2 * nH20

Color: A

"play of color"

ranging from white to black

Hardness: 4.5 - 6.5

Transparency: Transparent to opaque

Tourmaline

(TUR-me-leen) 

Tourmaline is not a single mineral, but a group of several closely related minerals. The three most well-known members are Elbaite, Schorl, and Dravite. Tourmaline can be bi-color or tri-color; watermelon (seen below) features green, pink and white colors. Tourmaline is found in many locations including Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa and the United States.

It is estimated  that tourmaline has been used as a gem material for over 2000 years. The Chinese carve Tourmaline into beads, badges, buttons, girdles & various ornaments. The Dutch noticed that the stone attracts ashes and straw when heated and named it aschenstrekkers (ash drawers). 

All Styles set in solid gold 14kt with Tourmaline gems

Chemical Formula: 

(Na,Ca)(Mg,Li,Al,Fe2+)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4

Color: 

Colors include black, brown, green, red, pink, blue, and gray. White, colorless, yellow, orange, and purple colors. Crystals are frequently multicolored, containing two or more distinct colors.

Hardness: 7 - 7.5

Crystal System: Hexagonal

Transparency: Transparent to opaque

Lobe Stretching on Your Own

SNAP PLUGS 

     Halo now carries SnapPlugs in our studio. They are made in two different series;  Series 1 is 4 Gauge to 0 Gauge and Series 2 is 0 Gauge to 1/2".

      The idea is really simple. When it comes to stretching your lobes, it is all about the circumference. By using small and even changes in circumference between one SnapPlug to the next, a safer and more comfortable stretch is realized while reducing the risk of damage and blowouts when stretching your ears on your own.

     Let us look at an example: Stretching a piercing with jewelry that changes by only 1mm in diameter, would result in about a 3mm change in circumference. In comparison, to stretch a piercing by 1mm in diameter using SnapPlugs, it would require about three stretches. This is because SnapPlugs are designed with gradual, systematic changes in circumference of about 1mm, which equate to only about 0.32mm change in diameter per jump.  This makes for a much healthier and usually faster transition even though it involves more steps.

     All other methods of stretching involve products that depend on the standard jewelry sizes that have varying changes in diameter, which result in erratic changes in circumference. Many traditional stretches require skin to stretch as much as 5mm in one stretch, which can cause a great deal of discomfort and damage to the piercing. Even plugs that have small 1mm changes in diameter, result in a stretch that is 3 times as large as a stretch with SnapPlugs. This is why we suggest you wait 2 to 3 months in between stretching when you have us stretch at Halo using traditional sizes.

Each SnapPlug should be worn a minimum of 10 days and up to 30 days, before moving to the next stretch/size.

     What makes SnapPlugs a revolutionary ear stretching system is the implementation of a ‘transition ramp’. The transition ramp is a slightly tapered end located at the back of the plug at the widest part, so it can sit flush with the next plug in the series. Since SnapPlugs only have a 1mm circumfrence increase, the transition ramp helps ensure a smooth, painless stretch each and every time.

NEW! Seahorse Plugs

Unlike most other fish, seahorses are monogamous and mate for life. 

They are also among the only animal species in which the male bears the unborn young. 

They vary in size from .6" to 14" long. 

From 00ga to 1-1/2"

in Curly Maple, Pink Ivory or Osage Orange woods

Seahorses have no teeth and no stomach. 

Food passes through their digestive systems so quickly, they must eat almost constantly to stay alive.

Population data for most of the world’s 35 seahorse species is sparse. However, worldwide coastal habitat depletion, pollution, and rampant harvesting, mainly for use in Asian traditional medicine, have made several species vulnerable to extinction.

For More information on how you can help follow the link: 

http://www.visitsealife.com/protect-our-seas/seahorse-conservation.aspx

September Birthstone

sap·phire

Sapphires are available in a variety of delicate colors in addition to the more common blue shades. Sapphire is the most valuble of the blue gemstones.   

The mineral corundum can be Ruby or Sapphire, they are scientifically the same mineral, they just differ in color.  Corundum is the second hardest mineral, the first being Diamond, and is one of the naturally clear transparent materials.

They speak of dignity, loyalty, serenity, faith, purity and wisdom. 

Throughout history, sapphire has symbolized truth, sincerity and loyalty. It is also thought to bring peace, joy and wisdom to its wearer.  In the past, the sapphire was also believed to be a talisman that would protect against evil spirits and other unsavory creatures of the night.  The ancients regarded star sapphires as powerful talismans that could protect travelers and seekers.  These talismans were considered to be so powerful, that they would continue protecting the wearer even after they had been passed on to another person.  (

www.gemselect.com

Solid 18kt gold & Sapphire

navel curved barbell

Chemical Fromula:

Al2O3

Color:

White, Colorless, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Black & Multicolored

Hardness:

9

Crystal System:

Hexagonal

Mineral Class:

Corundum

White Gold & Sapphire

curved barbell

Can be ordered in any lenght

Gem Stone For August

per·i·dot

Peridot is a gemstone with a fascinating history, both in nature and culture. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, with ancient written records documenting the mining of peridot as early as 1500 B.C. It is a gem especially connected with ancient Egypt, and some historians believe that the famous emeralds of Cleopatra were actually peridots.  

.gemselect.com

Tradition says you will be able to successfully ward off evil, enchantments and depression if you wear or carry peridot.

Periodot is associated with the heart chakra, and can be used to balance and stimulate that chakra. It is a stone of compassion. It has a friendly energy and is excellent for healing. It assists in rebirth and renewal of all kinds. Peridot also bring abundance and prosperity. It enhances the healing and harmony of relationships of all kinds, but particularly marriage. Peridot is used in crystal healing to lessen stress, especially in relationships, anger and jealousy, slow aging, and heal ulcers and digestive problems. Please note that healing crystal meanings are spiritual supports to healing and are not prescriptions or health care information.  It also assists in finding what is lost, and strengthens ESP abilities. It has been said to make a shield of protection around the body of any wearer of peridot.  (

http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/peridot/

 

The Color intensity depends on the amount of Iron present in the chemical structure; the more iron the deeper green it will be. 

Chemical Formula: (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Color: Green, Yellow

Hardness: 6.5 - 7

Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Mineral Class: Olivine

(http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/peridot_gemstone.aspx)

SKYLINE PLUGS

Some of you may just know one of these plugs as 'home'.

Special ordered in your size from 1/2" to 1-3/4" in Chechen wood

*Please note: Our plugs are finished with plant based, vegan friendly Carnuba Wax

Denver: "The Mile-High City" 

Nicknamed the Mile-High City because the official elevation of Denver is exactly one mile or 5,280 feet above sea level.  

If you get a chance visit our friends at Sol Tribe tell them everyone at Halo said "Hi"!

Chicago: "The Windy City"

An international hub for finance, commerce, industry, technology, telecommunications and transportation.  The Field Museum has an amazing collection of jewelry and gems stones from all over the world, including the Ancient Americas.   Also, make sure to visit Boka on Halstead for a fantastic dinner. 

Los Angeles: "The City of Angels"

The second most populous city in the United States, is among the most ethnically diverse large cities, and nicknamed City of Angels.  If you are ever there, load up on vinyl records & CDs at Amoeba, the largest independent record store in the United States! 

New York: "The Big Apple"

The most populous city in the US, home to the UN Headquarters, has been described as the cultural and financial capital of the world.  As many as 800 languages are spoken there.  The Met has a pair if 1st century B.C. Gold earrings  from India that are exquisite.  

Seattle: "The Emerald City" 

The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, a coastal seaport, and the fastest-growing major city in the United States. Its nickname was changed from "Queen City" to "Emerald City" in reference to the lush evergreen forests of the area.  The Seattle Asian Art Museum is tiny, but beautiful.  Plus you can walk to the Conservatory, there are flowers everywhere and you  can also see Bruce and Brandon Lee's Gravesite when you visit.

Skyline Wood Dog Tags are also available.

Ruby the Birthstone for July

Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, the most prized color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red.  If the gem is too light or has too much purple or orange, it will be called a fancy-color Sapphire.

The mineral corundum can be Ruby or Sapphire, they are scientifically the same mineral, they just differ in color.  Corundum is the second hardest mineral, the first being Diamond, and is one of the naturally clear transparent materials.

In ancient times, warriors would implant rubies under their skin to bring courage and determination in battle.   Today, Ruby represents romance and devotion.  Owning a ruby is said to give contentment and peace.  Placing a ruby under your pillow may ward off bad dreams.  Wearing rubies on the left hand is said to promote the life force and give protection.

14ga curved barbell 1/4" to 1/2" depending on your needs

Chemical Formula : Al2O3

Color: Many colors, but for this post Red

Hardness: 9

3 Birthstones for June!

June has three birthstones:  Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone.

PEARL

18kt curved barbell can be made in any length 

Pearls are the only gems from living sea creatures that require no faceting or polishing to reveal their beauty. In the early 1900's the first commercial cultured saltwater pearls were made. Since the 1920's, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls. 

Chemistry:

CaCO3

Color:

Black, green, yellow, pink, blue, brown, gray, cream & white

Hardness:

2.5 - 4.5

Mineral Class:

Calcuim carbonate & conchiolin (organic) combined with water

ALEXANDRITE

Tear Drop eyelets 7/16" to 1" can be made here at Halo for you

Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in the 1830's and is extremely rare. Due to its rarity, many studios stock the synthetic versions (man-made alternatives).  The color changes from bluish green to purplish red (the colors of the Russian flag), some Alexandrite can change from yellowish or pink to raspberry red. The Smithonian houses the largest known Russian faceted Alexandrite, weighing 66 carets.

Alexandrite is also the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary.

Chemistry:

BeAl2O4

Color:

Bluish green in daylight, 

Purplish red in incandescent light

Hardness:

8.5

Mineral Class:

Chrysoberly

MOONSTONE

Part of the family of minerals called feldspar, moonstone occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks and comes in a variety of colors such as white, milky white, grey, pink, green, brown, peach, champagne & the most valuable deep blue. Its iridescent sheen is called "adularescence."

Moonstone is named for its resemblance in color to the moon. According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. East Indian tradition holds that moonstone is a symbol of the Third Eye and clarifies spiritual understanding.

Chemistry:

KAISi3O8

Color:

White, milky white, grey, pink, green, brown, peach, 

champagne & the most valuable deep blue.

Hardness:

6 - 6.5

Mineral Class:

Orthiclase, Oligoclase & other members of the the feldspar group

For more information look on the GIA & American Gem Society websites.

Emerald the Gem for May

em·er·ald

em-er-uhld

As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.

The emerald belongs to the beryl family of minerals that include aquamarine (one of March’s birthstones), heliodor, and morganite. Beryl, or beryllium aluminum silicate in chemical jargon, is a six-sided symmetrical crystal. Beryl contains beryllium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.

Emeralds vary in color from light to deep green. It’s commonly thought that an emerald’s color derives from the presence of chromium and/or vanadium replacing some of the aluminum in the mineral’s structure. The stone can, however, lose its color when heated strongly.

Chemical Formula: Be3Al2SiO6

Color: Green to emerald-green

Hardness: 7.5 - 8

There are many myths associated with the emerald. The stone was once believed to prevent epilepsy, stop bleeding, cure dysentery and fever, and protect the wearer from panic. Its magnificent green color was said to rest and relieve the eye. To the ancient Romans, emeralds were dedicated to the goddess Venus because the green emerald symbolized the reproductive forces of nature. Early Christians saw it as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. In the Middle Ages, emeralds were believed to hold the power to foretell the future.

A Girls Best Friend!

April's Birthstone - Diamond

Usually thought of as the jewel of  love and power, diamond also has special powers for people born in April.  

It strengthens their body and soul, and helps protect their innocence and bring out their best qualities.

1.25mm to 3mm Nostril Screws ~ F-VS1

The Diamond is thought to be one of the hardest substances in the world.  Wearing Diamonds is purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance.  The GIA grading system known as the Four C's: Color, Cut, Clarity & Carat weight is used to grade Diamonds.  Although many people think Diamonds are colorless, truly colorless Diamonds are actually very rare. 

Most Diamonds used in jewelry are nearly colorless with tints of yellow or brown. Clarity grades are from Flawless to I3. Diamonds are made under tremendous heat and pressure, it is extremely rare to find a Diamond that lacks any internal and external characteristics.

Natural color Diamond "fancies" can be extremely rare and valuable. Diamond enhancements change Brownish or Yellow Diamonds into colors and are more cost effective than natural colored Diamonds.

Chemical Formula:

C

Color:

Colorless, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, 

Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray & Black

Hardness:

10

The color of a diamond is graded on a alphabetic scale ranging from D to Y

D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W   X   Y

March Birthstone

There are two birthstones for March

Aquamarine

Modern-Day Birthstone

Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color is usually more intense in larger stones. This gem stone was belived to protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. 

Aquamarine is also known for relieving fear, calming nerves and bringing mental clarity.

Chemical Formula:

Be2Al2SiO6

Color:

Greenish-Blue, Light Blue, Sky Blue

Hardness:

7.5-8

Crystal System:

Hexagonal

&

Bloodstone

Traditional Birthstone 

Bloodstone is dark green with speckled red or brown spots formed by iron oxide impurities.  The spots look similar to blood, hence the name.  Spots vary from sparse to almost non-existent. This ancient stone was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets. It was believed to have healing powers, especially for blood disorders. This stone is sometimes called Blood Jasper or Heliotrope.

Chemical Formula:

SiO2

Color:

 Red, Green, Brown 

Hardness:

7

Crystal System:

Hexagonal

For more information visit the American Gem Society website.

Japanese Pattern Plugs

0gauge to 2-3/4" avaliable

These Plugs are derived from the very precise and mathematical patterns of the Japanese culture. 

Notice how the engraving pops off the surface? 

This look is truly a classic style that will only get better with time. 

Offered in: 

Bloodwood & Ebony 

0ga to 1"

Pink Ivort 0g to 1-1/4"

Curly Maple & Osage Orange 0ga to 1-1/2"

Chechen 0g to 1-3/4"

Cherry wood from 1-1316" to 2-3/4" 

Custom made to fit your lobe - you can choose wear space and flare style.