Guest Author - Susan Dorling

As jewelry collectors, many of us are naturally drawn to gemstones. Gemstones are indeed the shining stars of our jewelry collections, and the collecting of gemstones and gemstone carvings is also a fascinating hobby.

Artistic Colored Stones is one of our favorite places to browse and shop for beautifully designed gemstone jewelry, one-of-a-kind custom cut gemstones, and exquisite gemstone carvings.

In pursuit of new pieces for our collections we sometimes find the perfect online source—a shop we simply can’t get enough of. Every time we sit down at the computer, it's as if we're under some magic spell—we go directly to this shop. We make it our home page. We dream about the jewels we find there in this fabulous shop that features only the very finest gemstone jewelry and gemstones. We are so captivated we sneak a peek when we’re supposed to be working on something else. We just can’t resist seeing the virtual shelves laden with glittering goodies lavishly displayed for our eyes only. Tempting us to break the bank, and at last possess all the jewelry and gemstones we desire.

Our hearts melt when we see the exquisite
Burmese Ruby Yellow/White Gold Earrings, our soul is awakened by the magnificence of a
Rainbow Pyrite Drusy and Grossular Garnet Pendant and Earring Set, our passion ignited by that
Hot Pink Sapphire we can either admire as part of our gemstone collection or have made into a one-of-a-kind ring. And the
Solid White Opal and Cat'seye Moonstone 14k Pendant is simply sublime!

We meticulously study each piece, checking out the ones we’ve had our hearts set on for awhile, making sure they are still there waiting only for us. Sadly, time waits for no one. We often find they have been snapped up by someone with more foresight and less patience than us. We discard our Wish List and vow in the future to buy what we love when we have the chance. But in this fabulous shop there is always something new and exciting to fall in love with. Some new gemstone or beautifully-crafted piece of designer jewelry to steal our hearts anew.

I am delighted to introduce you to one of my favorite online shops, Artistic Colored Stones at www.acstones.com. This is one of the fabulous shops to which I return time and time again for a thoroughly enjoyable browse, and to shop. The exceptional gemstones I have purchased from Artistic Colored Stones are the pinnacle of my growing gemstone collection and include two phenomenal Tanzanian scapolite cat’seye cabochons in an unusual dark brown color with pink undertones, and a stunning labradorite cab with intricate and multi-colored inclusions. One of my cat’seyes will be fashioned into a ring I am designing for myself.

Artistic Colored Stones offers you a wonderful selection of beautiful gemstone jewelry, custom cut one-of-a-kind gemstones, and exquisite gemstone carvings. You will find pieces like those mentioned throughout this article, and each and every August a truly cool ANNIVERSARY SALE gives you 30% off everything in the shop so you don’t have to break the bank to get what you want. It’s a great opportunity to add some real pizzazz to your collection! (These pieces sell quickly, particularly when on sale, and the ones we feature in this article may or may not be available when you visit. They are shown here to represent the fine quality of all the gemstone products available at Artistic Colored Stones.)

Artistic Colored Stones is owned by the Jewelry Collecting site’s Gemology Expert, Barbara W. Smigel, PhD, Graduate Gemologist, GIA. I can't think of a better source than a gemologist to purchase my gems and gemstone jewelry. Barbara also designs jewelry, and the shop features her elegant designs among many others. In addition to gemstones and jewelry, the website offers a wealth of information about gemstones and expert gemological advice. One visit and I’m sure that Artistic Colored Stones will be on your list of favorite shops, too!