PHD Accessories Handmade Original Designs

What is (14ct GF) gold filled?
Gold filled or gold overlay is a process of pressure bonding a thin layer of gold to a base metal core (usually brass).
The gold content must be 1/20th (20 layers) or more, and unlike gold plating has an actual layer of gold, giving it more value and making it tarnish-resistant.

Gold-plated items, while cheaper, will not last as long. Eventually the thin gold layer will rub off. Gold-filled items, however, will remain gold for a lifetime if cared for properly.
Unless you are using harsh chemicals or abrasives, the gold layer will stay gold for years to come!

What is sterling silver?
The word "Sterling" is the best known and most respected marking in use today. Pure silver (100%) alone is too soft for everyday use.
Copper (7.5%) is the metal commonly used to give "Sterling" its added stiffness and wearing qualities. Sterling (92.5%) is often referred to as solid silver. It is composed of 925 parts pure silver in every 1000 -- this proportion never varies -- it is fixed by law.

Can I stop sterling silver from tarnishing?
It can not be eliminated altogether, but you can help slow it down. There is a golden rule for wearing Jewellery and it holds true for both silver and gold Jewellery.

The rule says that..... "Your Jewellery should be the last thing that you put on before going out, and it should be the first thing taken off when you get home."

Ingredients in cosmetics and hair sprays etc can cause your silver Jewellery to tarnish easily. Wash your silver Jewellery with a phosphate free detergent before storing. This practice will protect your silver Jewellery from tarnishing and rarely require you to perform any tarnish cleaning processes. You can also help stop tarnishing by storing your Jewellery in an air tight plastic bag. A silver cloth can be used to clean your Jewellery and doesn't require any harsh chemicals. Just rub and your Jewellery will shine again.

What is Bali silver?
Bali beads are silver beads produced in Bali, Indonesia. These beads are handmade (not cast) with unique design and intricate detail. Because of its popularity, more countries are now producing this type of bead. Therefore, the term “Bali beads” is now generally referring to “Bali-style beads”.
Bali silver usually has less than 92.5% silver content hence cannot be designated as Sterling.

What are Swarovski crystals?
Swarovski crystals are fired using a combination of natural minerals and quartz sand, and then cooled slowly to avoid stress and inclusions. These Crystals are sometimes referred to as Austrian Crystals. Swarovski Crystal is not a natural crystal but is man made.

Swarovski crystals are manufactured by the Daniel Swarovski Company and are world renowned for their brilliance and precision. Swarovski, a family owned business, produces their own line of products as well as providing loose stones and components to designers in the art and fashion world.

What are Swarovski pearls?
Swarovski pearls are not genuine natural pearls, but rather, simulated pearls. Crystal pearls by Swarovski are pearls based on a crystal core. Their unparalleled harmonious and lustrous shimmer is achieved by using a unique coating technology developed by Swarovski.
This is the first production method in the world, which combines the qualities of a perfect crystal core with the exquisite beauty of a pearl coating. The surface finish of crystal pearls is absolutely flawless.

What are Freshwater pearls?
Freshwater pearls are a cultured pearl, having been produced by a freshwater mollusc rather than saltwater. The rice grain shape is its most distinguishing feature however it can in fact have a number of different shapes, sizes and colours with a perfect or near perfect round the most desirable. The unique shapes, array of colours and affordable prices have made freshwater pearls popular today. Of all the millions of oysters seeded each year only a small proportion manage to bear quality pearls, with a perfect pearl being a truly rare event.

Note: As freshwater pearls are formed naturally this makes them unique in colour and shape.

Care for your Jewellery
PHD Accessories' necklaces, sets, earrings and bracelets are made from natural and semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, Czech and Venetian glass, Sterling silver and pearls, as well as a number of beautiful beads and stones from a number of sources.
These stones and beads vary greatly in composition and strength and can be soft and absorbent and can be chipped or shattered only too easily.
Care for your lovely Jewellery by avoiding knocks and abrasions. Avoid detergents, soaps and chemicals, avoid gardening, painting and showering in your Jewellery and it will reward you with many years of beautiful charm.
Pearls are particularly soft and should be kept away from perfume, makeup and hairspray.
Most of your Jewellery can be cleaned periodically with a soft, clean, damp cloth.

Can you repair Jewellery NOT purchased from PHD Accessories?
I am available to repair Jewellery depending on the nature of the fault. All repairs of this type do need to be discussed by phone, or by making an appointment to see me
Note: If courier delivery is required to return your item then a shipping cost applies.
Include a delivery address if you choose this option.

Can You Redesign Jewellery?
I can redesign beaded Jewellery, this needs to be discussed in detail so that your input ensures the new piece is to your liking.

Can you teach me how to make Jewellery?
I am teaching Beaded Jewellery workshops at the Kumeu Arts Centre. Also I can come to your home or workplace (in the Auckland area) to give Jewellery making parties. These are for adults only with a maximum of eight people. Contact me to discuss your requirements.

Do you hold Jewellery Parties?
I am available for Jewellery parties and can come to your home or office (in the Auckland area)
Most of my range is on display and all items are available to purchase at the party.
All custom made enquiries are also welcome.

The hostess will receive a 25% discount off their total purchases OR 50% off any one item of Jewellery.

The following conditions apply.

- A minimum of eight people are required, excluding the hostess.
- The hostess discount is available provided that the total party purchases are $250 or more.
- Preferred method of payment is cash or EFTPOS (I have a mobile EFTPOS machine)

To book a party with PHD Accessories please contact me.

What Precious and semi precious stones are associated with my birthday?
ARIES (March 21 – April 19) – Diamond, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Citrine, Jade and Jasper
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - Sapphire: Kyanite, Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli,Tiger's Eye, Rose Quartz and Rhodonite
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) - Tourmaline, Agate, Citrine, Chrysoprase, Green Obsidian, Tiger’s Eye and Zoisite
CANCER (June 21 – July 22) - Emerald: Amber, Chalcedony, Carnelian, Moonstone, Pearl, Opal and Moss Agate
LEO (July 23 – Aug. 22) - Amber, Petalite, Carnelian, Citrine, Rhodochrosite and Quartz
VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sep22), Blue Topaz, Amazonite, Chrysocolla, Carnelian, Moonstone and Sodalite
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22) - Peridot: Aventurine, Lepidolite, Moonstone, Jade and Sodalite and Sunstone
SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21) - Topaz, Aquamarine, Malachite, Charoite, Apache Tear, Obsidian and Green Tourmaline
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) - Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Labradorite, Smoky Quartz,Turquoise, and Sodalite
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) - Ruby: Carnelian, Fluorite, Jet, Onyx, Labradorite, Quartz, and Azurite
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) - Aquamarine: Blue Obsidian, Angelite, Labradorite, Moonstone, Fluorite
PISCES (Feb19 – March 20) - Amethyst: Blue Lace Agate, Labradorite,Turquoise, Moonstone and Aquamarine

To say that there is a lot of controversy surrounding the gemstones associated with various Sun Signs is an understatement! This is because each Sign spans over two months (and each month has a couple of birthstones!) and the ruling planets are also associated with certain gemstones.

Shipping Terms and Conditions
Standard delivery times are 7-10 days from payment of goods.
Custom requests may take up to 3 weeks depending on your requirements and stock availability - you will be advised of this
Courier deliveries are on weekdays only and overnight in most areas, however this is no guarantee

- NO SATURDAY DELIVERY
All items sent by courier are traceable using a Track n Trace number. Please contact us for this number if your item is not received.
Standard envelope post may take 1-2 days - only allowed when ordering 1 pair of earrings
All orders are sent wrapped in a gift bag

IMPORTANT:
New Zealand Post & Courier Post will NOT pay compensation for loss of, or damage to any high risk items. Jewellery items are classified as high risk items within New Zealand.

PHD Accessories is NOT responsible or liable for lost/damaged items once accepted

for delivery by NZ Post.

** Visit the NZ Post website for further details **

What am I allowed to send through New Zealand Post?

Healing Powers of Semi-precious Stones
Colour is just as important as type of stone in the healing power of stones.

BLACK or BROWN stones are often used to shield and disburse negative energies. Examples are smokey quartz, jet, obsidian, black tourmaline (schorl), onyx and black sapphire.

YELLOW stones are often associated with abundance. Stones such as citrine, topaz, tiger's eye and yellow sapphire, which in India is the stone of Ganesh, the elephant god of prosperity.

Stones that enhance creativity are often GREEN such as malachite, chrysoprase, green tourmaline and amazonite.

Love is, of course, PINK, and the stones for love are rose quartz and rhodonite.

Stones that help with your powers for intuition include PURPLE, BLUE and WHITE stones. Purple stones include amethyst, charoite, fluorite and purple sapphire. Blue stones include lapis lazuli, sodalite, sapphire and blue agate. White stones include selenite, moonstone and apophyllite.

RED is the colour of assertiveness and vitality. Garnet, ruby, jasper and carnelian are good examples of red gemstones.

CLEAR crystals bring clarity and focus. Examples are diamond, quartz and agate.

Semi-precious Stones
Amazonite (blue-green): Calms mental and emotional chaos by helping one to blend facts with intuitive wisdom. Assists in courage of personal expression.

Amber: The "Happy" stone. Relieves depression. Amethyst: Opens intuitive and psychic abilities. For overstress, overwork, overwhelm; helpful for addictions and nightmares; calms the mind, enabling us to know the peace which lies beyond constant mental activity.

Aquamarine: (light blue-green) Meaning sea water, this stone allows us to safely navigate the sea of infinite wisdom, and to land safely and communicate what we've learned.

Aventurine (green): Considered by many to be the best all-purpose healing stone, it is especially good for soothing the heart and emotions and for creating a feeling of balance and well-being.

Azurite (dark blue): Helps us let go of old beliefs which cause physical and mental pain. Brings our subconscious thoughts into conscious awareness so that we can examine and, if necessary, change these thought patterns.

Bloodstone (green and red): Calms the mind in tense or threatening situations. Physically, is believed to detoxify the blood.

Blue Lace Agate (light blue with white streaks): Helps us to express our views in a peaceful, loving manner.

Blue Topaz (light blue-green): it enables us to communicate powerfully what we are feeling. It is considered to be especially valuable for artists.

Carnelian (orange-red): Grounds energy and attention into the present, thus teaching us to focus and manifest personal power. Assists in decision making.

Chrysocolla (blue and green pattern): Creates a feeling of peace and balance; gives comfort to the heart and mind, and self-confidence in personal expression.

Chrysoprase: Helps to lift the emotions, and release tension and stress. It can also help with success in new enterprises.

Citrine (yellow): Helps one to manifest personal power, strengthens will, aids us in processing life's experiences and discarding that which is only hindering progress.

Clear Quartz: Mirror of the soul, representing our uniqueness and our journey towards clarity; an excellent stone for meditation. In combination with other stones, enhances their energy. Stores, amplifies, transforms, and focuses energy. Natural crystal point.

Fluorite (Green): Fluorite is a mental stone which helps to release persistent and unwanted patterns of thought. Green fluorite is particularly helpful with thought patterns which have lodged in the emotional body, such as anxiety and worry.

Garnet (red): Calms anger by teaching us to know ourselves and others. Teaches patience and perseverance in the pursuit of goals.

Hematite (silver-gray): Helps us to separate our emotions from those of others. A grounding stone which helps with self-esteem.

Jasper (red): Helps to stabilize all aspects of the being; a stress-reliever which connects us to our inner strength and flow.

Kyanite (denim blue color): A mentally and emotionally calming stone which helps to release worry. It also brings beliefs previously accepted as fact to the surface for release.

Labradorite/Spectrolite (iridescent blue-green-silver): Teaches the wise use of psychic powers.

Lapis: Penetrates through psychic blockages to reveal inner truth.

Lepidolite (silvery lavender with flecks of mica) This stone helps cushion one against conditions which have been known to fray many nerves. If you don't live in New York, but are undergoing severe stress for any reason this is a stone to consider.

Malachite: (green with black patterns) Helps to clear repressed emotions; balances left/right brains; for creativity and change.

Moonstone (ranges from cream to peach): For those who feel overwhelmed by their emotions, it helps to create emotional balance by harmonizing feelings with the higher self; for those out of touch with their feelings it brings them into awareness.

Moss Agate (clear with green pattern): Assists in creating peace of mind so that reason and intuition can be blended.

Obsidian (black): A stern taskmaster which makes its users face responsibility, the close friend who tells us the truth we may not want to hear.

Onyx: Helps in emotional stability and determination; helps to release old relationships.

Opal (white with iridescent rainbow flashes): Magnifies and clarifies emotional states; brings suppressed feelings to the surface.

Peridot (chartreuse): Heals hurt feelings and bruised egos; releases emotional tension when placed on the solar plexus. Rough stone unpolished.

Picasso Jasper (cream with gray, black, and other colors) Helps to ease one through emotional and/or blockages that may stand in the way of transformation.

Rhodonite (deep pink with black pattern): For being patient and loving with those you encounter in your day-to-day life without allowing yourself to be pushed around.

Rose Quartz: Teaches us to love ourselves, thus opening us up to universal love; heals emotional wounds and gives comfort; helps us to overcome grief.

Ruby: (pink-red/silver) Traditionally associated with passion, both sexually and emotionally; brings negative feelings to the surface; teaches us to be realistic about goals.

Ruby in Zoisite: (dark green-red) This crystal puts ruby's passionate energy into the stabilizing ground of zoisite. It helps us to manifest our dreams.

Snowflake Obsidian (black-and-white snowflake pattern) Snowflake obsidian, like black obsidian, is a truth-telling stone, but transmits the truth in a more gentle manner.

Sodalite (dark blue with black and white pattern): Clears the mind of emotional confusion so that rational thinking can occur; very good for people who tend to be reactive and oversensitive.

Smoky Quartz (transparent light brown): For discouragement and depression; helps to process our negative beliefs and gives the courage and confidence to make the changes we need. When rutilated, accelerates rate of change.

Tiger's Eye (brown with gold flash): Teaches patience, focus, and concentration; helps us develop the will to materialize our dreams.

Blue Topaz (light blue-green): it enables us to communicate powerfully what we are feeling. It is considered to be especially valuable for artists.

Golden Topaz (golden): This crystal helps us to balance our energies and also lends a quality of inspiration and confidence to our lives.

Black tourmaline's particular function is to repel negative energy, whether from external or internal sources. It is a very good stone to carry when you're experiencing any kind of stress.

Green tourmaline is believed to be a healer on all level. It is also believed to be particularly helpful for creativity and abundance.

Pink tourmaline helps to transform unconditional self-love into love for others.

Watermelon Tourmaline is a mixture of green and pink tourmaline, and blends the energies of these two stones, healing the heart of emotional wounds and enabling it to give love.

Turquoise: Helps to make our desires clear to us, and assists us in expressing them to others who may be able to help us materialize them.

Unakite (olive green/coral): Has a balancing and stabilizing effect. Helps us to discover the roots of illness.