I’m back! I took an extended break from blogging for the Holidays but I am back and will try to post once each week.

I am still pregnant and we found out that it is a boy! Now we just wait and try to get prepared for May when he will hopefully decide to come without any complications!

Also, our installation at Birdhouse Collectible went in as planned as is still there for all to go and see! Their permanent hours are Wednesday 11-6 and Saturday 11-6 but you can also set up an appointment to see them if those times don’t work for you. Their website is http://birdhouseinteriors.com/collectible/ and all of their information is there.

And just in case you don’t live in Omaha or want to know why you should head downtown, here is the entire collection of our jewelry that is down there. If you have any questions about anything please feel free to contact me either via this website or at leah@leahashley.com.

Pendant: Marquise Apatite with 2 Round Aquamarines set in 18K White Gold with a 14K chain.

Pendant: Round Citrine set in 18K White and Yellow Gold with a 14K chain.

Earrings: 2 Round Diamonds set in 18K White Gold.

Pendant: 1 Round Diamond set in 18K White Gold with 14K chain.

Pendant: 3 large and 4 small Paua Shells set in Sterling Silver with Sterling Silver chain.

Pendant: 3 large and 8 small Paua Shells set in Sterling Silver with Sterling Silver chain.

Ring: 1 large and 3 small Paua Shells set in Sterling Silver.

Ring: 1 large and 2 small Paua Shells set in Sterling Silver.

Ring: 3 small Paua Shells set in Sterling Silver.

Pendant: Round Pink Tourmalines and Graduated Diamonds set in 18K White Gold with 14K chain.

Ring: Plain Sterling Silver.

Ring: Plain Sterling Silver.

Ring: Oval Cabochon Fire Opal and Diamonds set in Palladium and 14K Yellow Gold.

Ring: Trillion Fire Opal and Diamonds set in 14K Yellow and White Gold.

Ring: Round Yellow Sapphires and Diamonds set in 18K White Gold.

Tourmalines can come in just about any color but the most commonly seen colors are pink (also called rubelite) and green. The most valuable tourmalines are paraiba tourmalines which are an aqua color that seems to glow in the dark. I’ve also seen brown, blue, and yellow tourmalines. Bi colored tourmalines are also seen in the marketplace and can be quite stunning. The most common color combination that I’ve seen is pink and green and is referred to as watermelon tourmaline.

In my collection I have 2 green tourmalines and a brown tourmaline.

The pictures below are my green tourmalines. These stones are pretty run of the mill. They are a very normal and good color for green tourmalines and they are rectangle cuts which is a cut that green tourmalines lend themselves to because of their crystal structure. The second stone is a very large and therefore rare stone that weighs almost 8.0 carats!

Green tourmaline’s can be an interesting alternative to Emeralds since green tourmalines are generally cleaner (very few inclusions) and have deeper color. It is also easier to find larger sizes of green tourmaline than it is to find large emeralds.

My other tourmaline is a brown tourmaline that has a hint of purple to it’s color. Some people might think it’s ugly because it’s brown but I think the color is really interesting and completely classy. This stone is also quite large and weighs over 10 carats.

I think tourmalines are beautiful stones. I tend to favor the more earthy colors but the rich and vibrant colors of pink and blue tourmalines are also stunning!

All of these stones are for sale; contact me at leah@leahashley.com if you are interested in purchasing any of them!