Debby's Deals, General
Botswana Agate: the Queen of Agates
Nov
Years ago, when we started HomeStrung Jewelry, I thought I would only work with the best semi-precious gemstones and findings. Early purchases were hand-selected, top-grade, semi-precious gemstones, and sterling or gold-filled components. These Botswana agate gemstones were an early acquisition and I fell completely in love. I really didn’t know how special they were at the time, but they were definitely swoon-worthy, and so, went into my private collection.
These stones were purchased directly from an international source who was, at the time, trying to figure out the US market and all of the in’s and out’s of online sales. And, at that time, we still hadn’t decided to design and produce kits, or teach, or do anything more than just make jewelry for a few friends and family. As a result, we didn’t buy very many beads. But they were so pretty, we probably bought more than we should have.
Well, today we do teach, and we produce jewelry kits using a lot of very pretty beads and semi-precious stones. That international vendor we sent a few simple orders to is today one of our best sources for top-grade materials, though some of the shapes and sizes of the beads are becoming difficult, if not impossible, to find. Luckily we have this little stash we picked up those many years ago.
Now, I am so excited to be able to bring these special gifts from the earth to you as our very first offering in “Debby’s Deals”! Rarely will you find agate of this type and quality, and never at these prices. Each bead or stone has unique markings that, according to legend, are secret messages, inscribed eons ago for the stone’s future owner. The markings are there to tell you how you can best use your creative gifts and be of service to those within your realm of influence.
After hundreds of thousands of years imprisoned deep within the earth and encased in a coarse stone crust, they are happy to be free and eager to share their insights with a new human partner!
Your Majesty
Some collectors consider Botswana Agate the royalty of Agates. Its intricate bands and warm colors make it uniquely beautiful. It is a delightful Agate to engage and observe.
The highly varied banding is what set agates apart as a gemstone for the past 5000 years. In modern times geographical sources, and uniquely intricate patterns, as well as the banding determine a stone’s value.
Collecting and exporting Botswana agate is controlled by the government of Botswana so this material is more difficult to obtain. Rough, unfinished stones cannot be exported so it is often tumble-polished which, unfortunately, leads to breakage and fracture lines which means even more breakage during any additional cutting or finishing.
History & Home
The area of Botswana where these little beauties are found is rich with human and geological history. The earth’s earliest human settlements are believed to be in the Tsodilo Hills (locals call the hills Male, Female and Child) in the Mashatu Reserve in Botswana. This beautiful stone has a local history as old as humanity.
If you came across a Botswana agate in the wild you would probably walk right on by. They appear as small, grayish-white nodules, rarely more than 3 or 4 inches across. You would have to break through the opaque rind to find the beautiful treasure that lies within. These not so beautiful nodules have lain within the earth for at least 140 to 180 thousand years, waiting patiently to be discovered by someone able to see the beauty hidden within the crusty shell.
When the earth was young, active volcanoes in the Botswana region erupted, covering the land in molten lava. The lava flow moved slowly, and it began building up, layer by layer over time. Pressure and weight increased, causing openings in the initial lava layers which had already cooled.
In these openings, additional layers formed to become round, stone shaped nodules. and then, as they further cooled and settled, they separated into actual stones. This long process of layering and cooling is what causes the unique banding of the Botswana agate.
So What Does It Mean?
Like the flames of a campfire, a fiery sunset, or the ripples and eddies of a quiet river or stream, the layered bands within bands, and the blending gray, warm pinks and apricot colors of a Botswana agate stone draw the eye and pull in the mind, stimulating meditation and calming contemplation. Such thought can help you unravel and rethink the complexities of modern life.
Named for the area in Africa where it is mined, Botswana Agate is called the Sunset Stone because it retains sunlight and comforts people through dark, lonely nights. It is considered a stone of comfort and is said to help in overcoming depression and can give strength to a grieving individual.
It was anciently considered a “Stone of Change”, aiding in the creative process and allowing an individual to see possibilities and opportunities that may not be outwardly apparent.
Above all, the Botswana agate is a stone of regal beauty, and is a pleasure to own and to wear. And it is with this thought in mind than we are making a small stash of Botswana agate available to all of you.
What Have We Got for You?
Our stash of Botswana agate isn’t very big, but we are ready to share it as our very first listing in “Debby’s Deals”. We have rounds, of course, but also some ovals, drops, and shapes that are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. Normally the prices would range from $5 to $15, but for the next 10 day, November 20th thru the 30th, we will be taking 40% off of these prices.
These are available on a first come, first serve basis, and we hope as many of you as possible are able to experience these beautiful agates.
Here are just a few examples;
- Botswana agate rounds, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm: $3.75 – $5.70 per strand.
- Ovals, smooth and faceted, various sizes: $4.50 – $4.80 per strand
- Large agate nuggets: $3.90 per strand
- And lots more.
See them all at: https://www.homestrungjewelry.com/product-category/debbys-deals/
A Final Note on the Care and Feeding of Your New Agate Stones
While the agate is a strong and resilient stone, it is not invulnerable. It is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush or cotton cloth. Do not clean agates using steam as the stone is sensitive to heat.
Cosmetics, hair spray, and perspiration can negatively affect the surface polish of agate gemstones, so be sure to put agate jewelry on last, after applying make-up and perfumes, and take it off first at the end of the day or an event. Remove agate jewelry before swimming or engaging in sports.
Store agate jewelry in a separate pouch or box to prevent it from damaging, or being damaged by, other stones. Do not store in direct sunlight or in a warm location.
Take good care of your agate jewelry and they will serve you as lifetime companions.
