Category: Gemstone, Mineral & Crystal

Jewels and Gems: Precious or Semi Precious

Celebrate Jewels, Jewellery and Jewellers

Jewel Day - A bead is a small item with at least one hole in it for stringing. Beads can be made from many different things including metals, wood, shell, bone, glass, ceramic and gemstones.

Jewellery: Its not all Jewels, Gemstones and Precious Metals

Since pre-historic times people have adorned themselves with jewellery. Eagle talons may have been used as jewellery in Croatia around 135,000 years ago. At a site in Israel researches found beads made from the sea snail. These are the first known jewellery made by modern humans dated as early as 110,000 years. Similar beads were found in Morocco and South Africa while ostrich shell beads from Kenya and a Stone bracelet in Siberia appear to be around 40000 years old.

Although, during the last century in the western hemisphere at least, woman have worn most of the jewellery, throughout history men have worn great quantities of beads and ornaments to emphasize masculinity, virility and wealth

A bead is a small item with at least one hole in it for stringing and can be made from different materials. This includes metals, wood, shell, bone, glass, ceramic and gemstones.

ancient Indigenous shell bead necklace Exmouth Mandu Mandu

The oldest evidence of human ornamentation uncovered in Australia

Exmouth, Mandu Mandu Gorge

Isn’t this amazing? 32,000 years old and such a balanced and beautiful design!

Found near Exmouth, in Western Australia

ancient Indigenous shell bead necklace Exmouth Mandu Mandu

Precious Gems, Semi-Precious Stones: Which are What?

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Emerald are considered precious but there are rarer semi-precious stones. An example, Jadeite can fetch higher prices for the same weight in either Gold or Diamonds.

5 Tips on How To Celebrate Jewel Day

Jewellery makes fabulous gifts: Brighten up the day with beautiful bling

  • Share some jewellery – today is the day to gift a special piece of jewellery to yourself or someone you love. Jewels light up people’s lives instantly and make everyone feel special.

Heirloom or Simply Sentimental: Appreciate the thought behind the piece

  • Honour a sentimental family piece – bring it out of the jewellery box and give it the attention it deserves! Today is a day to appreciate beautiful works of art.

Protect your Investment: A little TLC will stop a lot of tears

  • Care for your jewellery – check settings, clasps and threads for wear or damage. Clean beads, gemstones, jewels and other jewellery components and store appropriately.

Give it the love it deserves: Repair or Remodel your favourite Jewellery

  • Oops, found some damage or wear on your favourite piece. Clasp, thread, elastic, ear-wires are all elements which can be repaired or replaced. Ring resizing, gold or silversmith work should be carried out by a local trusted Jeweller.

Support your favourite jeweller: Share customer reviews and personal recommendations

  • Appreciate your favourite jeweller – today is as much about the creators of beautiful pieces as it is about the jewellery itself. Order a bespoke creation, appreciate the art and craftsmanship and celebrate your uniqueness.
Celebrate Jewels Day - labradorite and Sterling silver beaded necklace by MaxineFaye Handcrafted Jewellery

What is your favourite jewel or bead? Is it set in a pendant or ring, or threaded as a necklace or bracelet? Do your wear it often, or only on special occasions. I love many stones and enjoy being surrounded by them each day. Pearl is my Birthstone and I love the flash of Labradorite.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Unique Gift Ideas to Cherish Forever

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day with thoughtful gestures she’ll adore!

Unique Mother's Day gift ideas at MaxineFaye handcrafted beaded jewellery

Spoiling Mum on Mother’s Day is a heartwarming tradition that allows us to express our deepest gratitude and love for the woman who means the world to us. As this special day approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to make Mum feel truly cherished and appreciated. Luckily, there are countless ways to spoil Mum, but few gestures are as meaningful as the gift of jewellery.


Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to Spoil Mum with thoughtful and personalised gifts that show how much you appreciate her. Here are four thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to celebrate and spoil her:

  • Repair a Sentimental Piece: A thoughtful and eco-friendly gift
  • Order a Custom Creation: Something truly special
  • Purchase an Original Design: A gift to cherish forever
  • Forward a Gift Voucher: Freedom to choose her own gift

Repair a Sentimental Piece:

  • Give new life to Mum’s cherished jewellery pieces by having them repaired or remodelled. Not only does this gesture show thoughtfulness, but it’s also eco-friendly, reducing waste and allowing Mum to enjoy her favourite pieces once again.
remodelling an existing necklace. Removed broken strands and replaced with knotted cord for easier travel packing

Order a Custom Creation:

  • Create a personalised piece of jewellery tailored to Mum’s tastes and preferences. Discuss her favourite colours and styles with me at MaxineFaye to design something truly special. This bespoke gift will show Mum how much you care about her individuality and style.
Custom made and bespoke creations make a great gift idea at MaxineFaye handcrafted beaded jewellery

Purchase an Original Design:

  • Treat Mum to a unique piece of jewellery crafted by an award-winning artisan. Choose from a selection of one-of-a-kind designs that she won’t find anywhere else. This thoughtful gesture ensures she’ll cherish her gift for years to come.
An original design Rose Quartz Heart charm bracelet  MaxineFaye handcrafted beaded jewellery

Forward a Gift Certificate:

Unique Mother's Day gift ideas at MaxineFaye handcrafted beaded jewellery

Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable for Mum! Explore exclusive gift options and show her your love. Shop now and give her a gift she’ll treasure forever!

The Information Hub

Where I share heaps of handy hints and tips

The Information Hub is a resource you can bookmark for the future:

Universal Love gemstone necklace original design by MaxineFaye Handcrafted Jewellery
Bibra Lake bird hide on western side of reserve an inspiration for colours and textures

The links will take you to that post in the Resource Hub, while the categories will provide broader information.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me

Join the Insiders Club to shop new designs and exclusive sales
birthstones

Birthstones

This is a list of birthstones and their alternatives.  
This is a great resource when looking for suitable gifts.

Remember to bookmark it for future reference

Aquarius
(21st Jan – 20th Feb) 

Aquamarine, Chrysoprase, Garnet, Jet, Labradorite, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Silver

opal birthstone

Pisces
(21st Feb – 20th March)

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Chrysoprase, Fluorite, Labradorite, Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Silver

amethyst birthstone

Aries
(21st March – 20th April)

Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Coral, Diamond, Garnet, Obsidian, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz

Carnelian

Taurus
(21st April – 20th May)

Aquamarine, Chrysocolla, Emerald, Jade, Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli, Rose Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Rhodonite, Selenite, Turquoise

aquamarine birthstone

Gemini
(21st May – 20th June)

Agate, Aventurine, Chrysocolla, Chrysoprase, Pearl, Rutilated Quartz, Sapphire, Staurolite, Topaz

pearl

Cancer
(21st June – 22nd July)

Amazonite, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Moonstone, Opal, Pearl


aventurine

Leo
(23rd July – 22nd Aug)

Agate, Amber, Aventurine, Carnelian, Chrysocolla, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Obsidian, Peridot, Pyrite, Topaz, Ruby

Ruby

Virgo
(23rd Aug – 22nd Sep)

Agate, Amazonite, Amber, Aventurine, Carnelian, Chrysocolla, Citrine, Jade, Jasper, Obsidian, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Zircon

Sapphire

Libra
(23rd Sep – 22nd Oct)

Aquamarine, Chrysoprase, Coral, Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Opal, Peridot, Tourmalinated Quartz, Sapphire, Red/Pink Tourmaline, Turquoise

kunzite colour properties of pink

Scorpio
(23rd Oct – 22nd Nov)

Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Kunzite, Malachite, Moonstone, Ruby, Green Tourmaline

Citrine birthstone

Sagittarius
(23rd Nov – 21st Dec)

Amethyst, Azurite, Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite, Sodalite, Topaz, Red/Pink Tourmaline, Zircon

Capricorn
(22nd Dec – 20th Jan)

Amber, Amethyst, Garnet, Hematite, Jet, Labradorite, Obsidian, Onyx, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Tigers Eye, Green Tourmaline

Garnet

All Signs
Bloodstone, Jade, Clear Quartz, Smokey Quartz, Tourmalinated Quartz, Colourless Tourmaline

Smokey Quartz birthstone

What do you think?

Do you have an affinity with one of the stones listed under your star sign, or are you drawn to something else?

Remember that many of these stones come in various colours, so if you aren’t fond of the colour of a particular stone, see if it has variations.

Quartz has several colours as does Agate, Jasper and Aventurine.

I hope you found this page helpful.

I would love you to bookmark it for the future, or even better, share it!

I have a fabulous range of original and unique one-of-a-kind pieces currently available in my online store or you can contact me to arrange a custom made piece – just for you.

Join the Insider's Club to shop first on new designs and exclusive sale events
  • Pinterest icon
  • Facebook icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Linkedin icon
Swirly spacer line

Handcrafted Beaded Jewellery

Welcome to MaxineFaye Jewellery: Handcrafted in Western Australia

Vision Statement_MaxineFaye handcrafted beaded jewellery Bibra Lake Western Australia

Lets get to know each other!

MaxineFaye Jewellery: The Evolution of a Dream

The combinations of colour, texture and the “feel” of the beads are what inspire my original designs and as a beaded jewellery artisan I love working with colour and light,  The unique shapes and colour combinations of lamp-work and art-glass, the precision and sparkle of Swarovski crystal and the organic feel of semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, and metals are all considered in my designs.

Information on how to care for and clean your beaded jewellery and gemstones are topics I include in “The Insiders” Newletter.  Subscribe to be one of the first to see new collections showcased and be in the loop with upcoming events and sales. If you have any suggestions or requests, I would love to hear from you

Special Access to New Releases Discount Codes
Exclusive Shopping Experience
Hints & Tips on Jewellery Care

Beaded Jewellery is a bit of an obsession

I took a beaded jewellery course at a local Recreation Centre and was hooked immediately.  I have always been crafty and have dabbled in Folk Art, Macramé, Decoupage, Lead-lighting, Woodwork and many other forms or creativity.  But being able to design and create beautiful Jewellery with the colours and stones I love is amazing.

Seeing other people enjoying and wearing my designs is very exciting and I love receiving testimonials from my happy customers.

I have been honoured with awards for my beadwork and enjoy the excitement of the challenge.  Using materials or techniques that I wouldn’t generally incorporate in my designs is stimulating.

Bespoke and commissioned work, repairs and remodelling of customers’ existing pieces and classes are other services I offer.  Contact me to arrange an appointment.

You can view and purchase my designs online, at selected events and exhibitions in and around Perth, Western Australia or from the Bibra Lake studio.

You may be eligible to receive free postage within Australia when you purchase online.

Due to my attention to detail, adding extras like crimp covers and wire guardians, all my original designs come with a 12-month workmanship guarantee.

Handcrafted Beaded Jewellery at MaxineFaye hand-drilled shell and fibre necklace

The Environment is another passion

Much of my packaging is recycled or compostable.  Both to keep down the costs and to reduce waste. Some of my beaded jewellery designs use recycled or up-cycled materials.  This is always clearly indicated in the description of the piece.

Our house is set up as energy saving as we are able.  We use solar energy, water saving devises, an inline water filter for the whole house. LED lighting, ceiling fans for both relief in summer and to keep the heat down during winter further reduce the running costs.

The garden follows a general permaculture / no dig practice. We harvest our own avocado, citrus and other fruit and vegetables. Vegetables and herbs which benefit from shade sit under some shrubs, while the heat loving plants find their spots on the edges of the gardens.  The garden isn’t always tidy, (who am I kidding – it is seldom tidy) but the bees and butterflies (and children) seem to enjoy it.

The chooks have yet to read the “no dig” agreement though!  They help dispose of the kitchen waste and reward us with eggs, so are generally forgiven.  When they stop laying, they enjoy their retirement foraging around the back yard.  We could never eat them.

Hubby has recently set up some native beehives in the front yard.  These aren’t for honey, but to encourage them to stay in the garden to protect it from pests and to help pollinate the plants.

Chickens in the backyard environment at MaxineFaye Handcrafted Jewellery

Family, Friends & Community

Friends, family and community are important parts of my life.  I donate Gift Vouchers, Jewellery items and Class Certificates to assist Community Groups with their fund-raising.  I attend Community events where visitors (young and young-at-heart) can make their own beaded sun-catchers.

Suncatcher brooch decoration bug dragonfly butterfly classes at MaxineFaye handcrafted beaded jewellery Bibra Lake Western Australia

Now you know more about me: Tell me a bit about yourself.

What’s your passion/s?

Do you have a favourite hobby? Is there a cause you are passionate about? I would love to know what things you enjoy.  What makes you want to leap out of bed in the morning?

4 Ways to Spoil Mum

Celebrate Mother’s Day

Show Mum your appreciation. “Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism.” — Gilda Radner

Happy Mothers Day 4 ways to spoil Mum with unique and original jewellery from MaxineFaye Handcrafted Beaded Jewellery

1. Purchase an Original Design: Choose a One-of-a-Kind piece

Gift Mum a jewellery design as unique as her

Are you looking for beautiful beaded jewellery which has been designed and crafted
with care & attention by an award winning artisan?  Designs you know you won’t see anywhere else.  All my original designs are one-of-a-kind (OOAK), so you can be confident knowing Mum will be the proud owner of an original design.

Serenity chrysocolla, quartz and sterling silver bracelet @MaxineFaye

2. Order a Custom Creation: Something perfect, just for her!

Want an exquisite design for Mum’s special gift but don’t have the time to run all over town looking for it?

Contact me to discuss a special piece you have in mind, arrange the design using her favourite colours and beads and then sit back and relax.

3. Repair a Sentimental Piece: An Eco-Friendly idea

Give Mum’s favourite pieces a new lease on life

Having Mum’s old pieces of damaged or out-dated beaded jewellery repaired or remodelled is a great gift for Mum and the planet. She can enjoy wearing her favourite pieces again.

Contact me and give her a wonderful and eco-friendly surprise.

repairing a knotted pearl necklace

4. Purchase a Gift Certificate: Gifting couldn’t get any easier!

 Have the Voucher Mailed, or Sent Electronically

Still not really sure of what to get.  Gift Certificates are a great gift giving idea.  They enable your Mum to purchase a design she loves.  Or she may wish to participate in a class or make an appointment to arrange a bespoke design of her own.

The Gift Voucher is valid for 3 years (36 months) therefore your Mum has plenty of time to decide how she wishes to use it.

Choose between a gift certificate printed on card with a matching envelope which can be posted either to you or directly to your Mum OR have a gift certificate created like the one in the picture that can be emailed.  Again, it can be emailed to you to pop into a card, or directly to your Mum if you have left things to the last minute.