Moonstone Blue
Friday, September 16th, 2011
Fair trade jewellery ideas for summer
Although jewellery is worn all the year round, summer is a time I can go out on a hot summers day or evening wearing cool cotton sleeveless tops and dresses. Without accessorising my summer attire, my sleeveless arms and exposed neck makes me feel as if I’m underdressed, as if I am missing something.
In summer, most of us do expose more flesh so wearing jewellery is an excellent way of helping to jazz up a summer outfit with necklaces or pendants and bracelets.
On the whole summer clothes are more colourful than that of winter. My favourite summer clothes colours are turquoise, jade and magenta so I have a collection of jewellery to compliment my personal wardrobe. I can honestly say I do not own any jewellery with the more earthy colours of ambers, browns, ochres or reds.
For a diverse range of summer jewellery, I would highly recommend checking out the fantastic fair trade jewellery range. Not only is the range ethically produced but it is also inexpensive and gives a brilliant selection. The other good thing is that pieces of fair trade jewellery tend to be produced in batches of a certain design of limited quantities which once sold are replaced with another design. This is great if you like to deviate from the bog standard mass produced jewellery that is way less exclusive or limited.
Fair trade jewellery is handmade by co-operatives using traditional jewellery making techniques unique to their specific country or community. They are normally imported for retail from countries such as India, Indonesia, Peru and Mexico.
There are many different materials used to make the beads and decorations inlaid and threaded to make a gorgeous array of fair trade pendants, necklaces, earrings and rings in a fantastic spectrum of colours.
Solid silver is commonly used to create good quality items inlaid with complimentary embellishments such as wood, glass, paper and copper for example.
Another example is the more opulent semi-precious gemstones which are polished and shaped in hearts, tears and diamonds. Popular stones used for fair trade jewellery pieces include lapis lazuli, red onyx, turquoise, blue chalcedony, moonstone, black star, tigers eye, malachite and rose quartz.
For summer jewellery choice, it depends on your preference of colours and whether you are fair or dark. For example, turquoise jewellery looks fantastic with dark or sun-kissed skin and it is a vibrant gemstone and contrasts quite strikingly. It also compliments the purples, pinks, blues and greens found in a lot of summer clothing prints.
Another good colour for olive or sun-tanned skin is lapis lazuli. How fantastic does a silver pendant look inlaid with the rich blue lapis stone with a matching pair of earrings? This stone works really well coupled with turquoise too as you have the contrast of the bright with the dark.
For more fair skins the more delicate semi-precious stones work well, such as the blue chalcedony, an opaque blue green stone. A subtle colour for a fair complexion and one that although is less bold than turquoise or lapis is still very striking.
Moonstone also works well against a light complexion with its pearlescent qualities and not forgetting the moonstone rainbow which has more colourful blue hues running through it if the plain moonstone is too simple. There are gorgeous stud earrings inlaid with both kinds of moonstone set on solid silver findings.
These examples provide just a snapshot of the amazing variety of fair trade jewellery available for accessorising summer dress whether it is for evening or day time wear. It really is worth having a look as I am positive there is something for everyone.
Also, do remember when we buy fair trade we are not only supporting those communities in maintaining traditional jewellery making skills but we are also providing financial support. Buy ethical, buy fair trade jewellery!
About the Author
Hand made fair trade jewellery by Belinda Bryant. Fair trade pendants, necklaces and earrings can be found at Indigo Ocean Trading.
BLUE MOON STONE(HD) The Checkers
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*4671 New Fashion Jewelry Bright blue moon stones inlaid hearts necklace $1.87 |
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BLUE MOONSTONE & 925 SILVER RING OF UK SIZE O & US: 7 (M2803) $14.21 |
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Fashion Set Blue Crystal & Moonstone Bracelet Earring QF:721 $14.71 |
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33.40CTS. NATURAL RAINBOW MOONSTONE BLUE FLASH OVAL CABOCHON GEMS GEMSHOP $1.50 |
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VINTAGE SILVERTONE BRACELET LIGHT BLUE MOONSTONE THERMOSET PLASTIC EXCELLENT $11.99 |
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Rainbow Sparkling Natural 6.08Cts Blue Moonstone Oval 14x10MM Loose Gemstone $93.60 |
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Rainbow Sparkle Natural 6.67Cts Top Clean Blue Moonstone Loose Gemstone Oval $102.60 |
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RAINBOW MOONSTONE & BLUE TOPAZ HALLMARKED 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT 19g $56.89 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 9X11mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale dire $115.00 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 1X16mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale $40.00 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 9X21mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale dire $85.00 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 8X16mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale dire $66.00 |
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Something Blue 3″ Earrings Moonstone & Gold Bridal Wedding Jewelry New & Boxed $20.00 |
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BLUE MOONSTONE .925 SILVER RING SIZE 6 $7.99 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 10x15mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale $65.00 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 1X16mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale $66.00 |
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top grade blue rainbow moonstone 8x10mm cabochon stunning quality wholesale $65.00 |
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BLUE MOONSTONE & IOLITE 16 INCH BEAUTIFUL PENDANT NECKLACE $59.95 |
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MIB Corgi Vanguards Ford Sierra RS Cosworth in Moonstone Blue VA 11702 1/43 $8.99 |
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VATICAN BLUE SAPPHIRE MOONSTONE ROSARY BEADS!! $22.45 |
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Blue Moonstone Light Sapphire Rhinestone Demi Parure BR2818 $49.95 |
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RAINBOW MOONSTONE & BLUE TOPAZ HALLMARKED 925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS 2.6g $18.95 |
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BLUE RAINBOW MOONSTONE PEAR AQUAMARINE 925 STERLING SILVER ARTISAN PENDANT Z1140 $12.50 |
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Free shipping 1 pcs 6.7CT 14.5x10mm Natural Blue Moonstone Ring surface Gems $0.06 |
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Free shipping 1 pcs 9CT 17x11mm Natural Blue Light Moonstone Ring surface Gems $0.08 |
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14.60Cts. AAA! HIGH GRADE NATURAL RAINBOW MOONSTONE BLUE FIRE ROUND CAB GEMSTONE $2.76 |
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Beautiful VTG Blue Moonstone/Rhinestone Demi Parure $95.00 |
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TWO TONE BLUE MOONSTONE & 925 SILVER RING OF UK SIZE N & US: 6.5 (K7839) $14.21 |
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Blue Moonstone 925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9 $11.25 |
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Free shipping 1 pcs 9CT 17x11mm Natural Blue Light Moonstone Ring surface Gems $1.25 |
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56 CTS/11 PCS TOP QUALITY NATURAL RAINBOW BLUE MOONSTONES 13MM/10MM PEARS $11.00 |
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SP67368 MOONSTONE & BLUE TOPAZ 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $7.99 |
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132 CTS/14 PCS TOP QUALITY NATURAL RAINBOW BLUE MOONSTONES 16MM/12MM PEARS $9.99 |
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BLUE MOONSTONE .925 SILVER PENDANT 1 5/8″ $10.05 |
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DP52C TIGER EYE & BLUE MOONSTONE SILVER PENDANT FIT CHAIN NECKLACE $0.97 |
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56 CTS/88 PCS EXCLUSIVE UNTREATED NATURAL BLUE MOONSTONES 4MM ROUND CABS $9.99 |
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Moonstone natural rainbow Blue fire 10mm cab $12.99 |
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Moonstone natural rainbow Blue fire 11x9mm cab $12.99 |
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Moonstone natural rainbow Blue fire 12x10mm cab $14.99 |
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Moonstone natural rainbow Blue fire 14x10mm cab $14.99 |
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NEW! Natural Moonstone & Blue Topaz Earrings ~ .925 Sterling Silver ~ Gift Boxed $51.34 |
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Vintage Gold Filled Chain Link Cufflinks Blue Square Cabochons Moonstone $23.99 |
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HUGE! BLUE MOONSTONE .925 STERLING SILVER NECKLACE,SILVERRUSH2000;74 $210.00 |
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RAINBOW MOONSTONE BLUE TOPAZ GEMSTONE 925STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY LOT#9P $39.50 |
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STERLING SILVER 925 NEW BLUE MOONSTONE RING SIZE 7.5 CABACHON STYLE #232 $18.99 |
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AMAZING! NATURAL GEM WHITE WITH FIRE BLUE MOONSTONE-CZ 925 SILVER RING SIZE 7.5# $17.99 |
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Exquisite Solid White Gold Moonstone, Blue Topaz & Diamond Estate Drop Pendant $225.00 |
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Elk Whistler/Blue Moonstone/Sapphire/Turquoise Power Shield $79.00 |
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TWO TONE BLUE MOONSTONE & 925 SILVER RING OF UK SIZE Q & US: 8 (L4566) $14.21 |
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Blue Cabochon moonstone earrings. Gold tone – finish design on back $3.00 |
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Moonstone and Blue Diamond Sterling Silver Ring Sz 8 $100 OFF!! $149.90 |
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STUNNING PAIR OF BLUE TOPAZ AND MOONSTONE STERLING SILVER EARINGS HALLMARKED 925 $7.89 |
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59CA 12x10mm crystal w/ blue moonstone glass jewels (24 $4.50 |
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10C 16x12m lt blue moonstone oval glass jewels (20) $3.95 |
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12CA 12x10mm octagon blue moonstone glass jewels (30) $3.95 |
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ART DECCO STYLE BLUE SAPPHIRE AND MOONSTONE STERLING SILVER 925 EARINGS $7.89 |
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ART DECCO STYLE BLUE TOPAZ AND MOONSTONE STERLING SILVER EARINGS HALLMARKED 925 $7.89 |
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DP52A TIGER EYE & BLUE MOONSTONE SILVER PENDANT FIT CHAIN NECKLACE $0.99 |
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Rainbow Moonstone, Artisan Blue Quartz & 925 Silver Earrings 62mm – 2869 $1.56 |
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18.55CTS. NATURAL RAINBOW MOONSTONE BLUE FLASH MARQUISE CAB SRILANKA GEMSHOP $5.99 |
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HUGE DRUSY DRUZY+BIWA PEARL+BLUE TOPAZ+RAINBOW MOONSTONE NECKLACE 20″; Y1532 $26.00 |
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30.11CTS. NATURAL BLUE COLOR MOONSTONE GEMS OVAL CABOCHON SRILANKA GEMSHOP $5.99 |
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2.34 ct Rainbow Moonstone Blue Flash Genuine Gemstone $0.99 |
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Blue Agate, Moonstone & Swarovski Crystal Earrings $9.33 |
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1950s Silvertone Blue Moonstones & AB Rhinestones Set (7.5″ bracelet; clip ear) $14.99 |
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1950s Silvertone w/Blue Moonstones & Cat’s Eye Gems Necklace (22″ long) $14.99 |
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18.40CTS. NATURAL BLUE COLOR MOONSTONE OVAL CABOCHON SRILANKA GEMSHOP $5.99 |
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RAINBOW MOONSTONE, GENUINE BLUE TOPAZ .925 SILVER SIGNATURE PENDANT 2″ $11.99 |
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Sterling Silver Blue Moonstone & Amethyst Pendant 925 $49.99 |
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4 Ice Blue Crystal Fostoria Goblet’s Glass Tumbler Footed Vintage Moonstone 10oz $29.99 |
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TWO TONE BLUE MOONSTONE & 925 SILVER RING OF UK SIZE N & US: 6.5 (M1888) $14.21 |
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SE24510 MOONSTONE, FIRE OPAL & BLUE TOPAZ 925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS JEWELRY $11.99 |
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RAINBOW MOONSTONE, GENUINE BLUE TOPAZ, PERIDOT .925 SILVER SIGNATURE PENDANT 1 7 $11.99 |
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Ellensburg Blue Agate 6.38 ct Moonstone effect Sterling Ring Sz 5 3/4 $299.00 |
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KYNITE MOONSTONE BLUE TOPAZ PEARL 925 SILVER RING SIZE 7 ;6098 $5.50 |
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29.70CTS. NATURAL RAINBOW MOONSTONE BLUE FLASH OVAL CAB UNTREATED GEMSHOP $5.99 |
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TWO TONE BLUE MOONSTONE & 925 SILVER RING OF UK SIZE Q & US: 8 (P6318) $1.56 |
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17.15CTS. NATURAL BLUE COLOR MOONSTONE BLUE FLASH OCTAGON CABOCHON GEMSHOP $5.99 |
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Rainbow Moonstone Silver Pendant ~ Clear stone, blues $34.00 |
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AMAZING REAL GEM 14m FIRE BLUE MOONSTONE-112p BLUE SAPPHIRE 925 SILVER RING Sz 7 $2.25 |
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BLUE MOON STONE RING 925 SILVER JEWELRY SIZE IR67 $8.99 |
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Marvellous Jewellery Grade Indian Blue Moonstone 4.00cts $118.37 |
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SE21675 RAINBOW MOONSTONE & BLUE TOPAZ 925 STERLING SILVER EARRINGS JEWELRY $7.99 |
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BLUE MOONSTONE SILVER PENDANT.925 $32.99 |
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Pretty BLUE MOONSTONE & ROSE BRASS LADIES CUFFLINKS $24.99 |
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1 pcs 6.7CT 14.5x10mm Natural Blue Light Moonstone Ring surface Gems $0.99 |
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NATURAL BLUE MOONSTONE CROSS PENDANT FREE CHAIN LAPIDARY DISCOUNT WHOLESALE $16.99 |
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BLUE RING 8 MOON STONE big VINTAGE ESTATE old silver STERLING NATURAL REAL $35.00 |
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crystal hair wand,stick,amethyst,tigers eye,moonstone,onyx,lapis lazuli,malachit $18.95 |
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Blue Moonstone Pin Vintage Pewter Wire Scroll 2-3/8″ $7.99 |
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Vintage Blue Moonstone Oval Cabochon GF Bezels Open Back Setting Link Bracelet $49.99 |
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.925 Silver RAINBOW MOONSTONE & Blue TOPAZ EARRINGS 1 1/2″ (40mm) ~ 39.5 carats! $24.95 |
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4.41 C~EXTREMELY RAINBOW FLASHING NATURAL BLUE MOONSTONE $9.99 |
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Moonstone Ball 02 Aqua Blue Crystal Rainbow Sphere Beautiful Spiritual Stone 2.3 $61.75 |
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Moonstone Ball 05 Rainbow Crystal White Blue Milky Calming Stone Sphere 2.5″ $76.00 |
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VTG Blue Moonstone Castle Montre Prestige Quartz Womens Wrist Watch Blue NWT NOS $9.95 |
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SP76717 MOONSTONE, CITRINE, BLUE TOPAZ 925 STERLING SILVER PENDANT JEWELRY $16.99 |
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32.97CTS. NATURAL PINK COLOR MOONSTONE BLUE FLASH OCTAGON CABOCHON GEMSHOP $5.99 |