Get your creative juices flowing with Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli, often called simply "Lapis", is a popular deep blue gem stone. Lapis is versatile -- you can wear it with blue jeans or an evening gown. Folklore says Lapis brings peace and clarity of the mind. It's the stone of wisdom, knowledge, perfection, protection and creative expression. To see this lapis necklace (and other designs), go to www.madisondjewelry.com.

Turquoise, the Friendship Stone

Feeling guilty for something you did to a friend? You might consider gifting them with something made with turquoise. Turquoise is known as the friendship stone. Ranging in color from bright aqua blue, to green, to yellow and even white, turquoise relieves guilt, and brings peace of mind. Also credited with creating spirital attunement, strength and a sense of "grounding", turquoise is also thought to be protective. Whether you believe the folklore or not, you probably agree that turquoise is beautiful. (Be careful when shopping for turquoise, as sometimes what looks like turquoise is really Howlite.) Buy turquoise from people you know and trust (like Madison Designs Jewelry). To order this turquoise and cinnabar necklace, visit www. madisondjewelry.com.

The Gemstone Garnet

Want to bring more peace and sexual desire into your life? Wear (or give) something made with the deep red colored Garnet. Also called the "truth stone", garnet inspires love, commitment, devotion, stability and order. It's said to also create an even flow of energy. Who couldn't use more of that? Perfect for Valentine's Day!

You can find beautiful jewelry handmade with garnets (like these garnet and heart earrings) at http://www.madisondjewelry.com/.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

The Gemstone Amethyst

Ever wonder what meaning lies behind each gemstone? The gemstone Amethyst facilitates spirituality and contentment. It's a stone of strength, stability, and peace. Amethyst is excellent for meditation, and enhances psychic ability. Amethyst ranges in color from light to dark purple, and is the birthstone for the month February.

visit http://www.madisondjewelry.com/ to see some amethyst jewelry.

The Meaning of "Madison"

What's in a name? I'd like to share with you the reason why my business is named "Madison Designs Jewelry".

When people started buying my personal jewelry designs (literally off my neck), I was encouraged to start this business. At the time my youngest son was 14, and I didn't feel I should jump into something else that would take more time away from him. Then I noticed as I was making jewelry, he would start to help me. He was very good at taking my designs and recreating them (which was a big help when I had my wine-themed jewelry in the Wine Enthusiast Catalog and was selling in large quantities!). His technique was so good that side by side you couldn't tell which ones I'd made, and which ones he'd made. Of course he swore me to secrecy -- the guys just couldn't know he made necklaces and earrings. We had a partnership and a precious mother/son secret -- he'd help me make jewelry and I wouldn't tell anyone what he was doing.

So back to the topic. The word "Madison" is a combination of my initials (MAD) and my SON who is helping me in this business. He starts college next year, pursuing a degree in industrial design. He wants to design cars instead of jewelry, which is wonderful. It's been a fun experience to share with him and maybe one day he'll design a special car just for his mom, the jewelry designer. I hope he makes it pearly white or ruby red.