#common peridot imitations

[sunsolii]

Napoleon's Marshals and their Birthstones FINAL part

This is the third and final part of the birthstone saga where I'll cover the remaining four birthstones and their marshals (plus two other non-marshals but I wanted to include anyway). I can't believe I spent half of my winter break researching shiny rocks XD

Part 1 and Part 2 are avaliable here

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*Mineraloid: A mineral-like object that does NOT contain a crystalline structure.

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Sapphire (September)

Marshals- N/A (Honorable mentions: Eugène de Beauharnais & Jean-Andoche Junot)

Type: Mineral

Group: Oxide (Al₂O₃)

Color: Blue, yellow, green, purple

Cleavage: Poor

Fracture: Conchoidal to splintery

Mohs Scale: 9

Luster: Vitreous

Streak: Colorless

Fun Facts: Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum and usually comes in the color blue, but it can also come in colors such as yellow, green, and even purple. Its blue hue is due to traces of iron and titanium in its crystal structure. Sapphires, along with the other cardinal gemstones, have a rich history and cultural significance. In ancient Persia and Greece, it was believed that sapphires possessed divine powers and were used in crowns and jewelry of kings and queens. In today’s age, sapphires are used in different objects such as luxury watches, LED lights, and infrared sensor windows used in military aircraft because of their durability (having a hardness of 9, making it the second hardest mineral other than a diamond) and a high melting point of about 3704°F or 2040 °C.

Opal (October)

Marshals- Augereau, Lefebvre, and Grouchy

Type: Mineraloid*

Group: (Hydrated) Silica (SiO₂·nH₂O)

Color: Colorless, white, yellow, blue, green, black, brow, pink

Cleavage: None

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Mohs Scale: 5.5-6

Luster: Waxy

Streak: White

Fun Fact: Opals are formed when water carries pieces of silica inside an open rock or sediment, often found near volcanoes or groundwater. As time passes, the water inside the rock will evaporate, leaving the silica to solidify inside the host rock, which, under specific temperatures and pressure, will begin to form the opal. There are four types of opals: precious, common, matrix, and synthetic opals. Precious opals exhibit what is known as “opalescence,” which happens due to the arrangement of silica inside the opal, creating an array of colorful hues when put under light. Common opals do not possess opalescence; they are either opaque or translucent with one main color present. Matrix opals are opals embedded in their host rock during their formation, and synthetic opals are lab-grown opals that imitate the colorful look of natural opals.

Topaz (November)

Marshals- Berthier and Macdonald

Type: Mineral

Group: Silicate (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂)

Color: Colorless, blue, brown, yellow if impurities are present

Cleavage: Basal (perfect)

Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven

Mohs Scale: 8

Luster: Vitreous or adamantine

Streak: White

Fun Fact: Topaz gets its name from the Greek word topazion, which refers to the Zabargad Island near the Red Sea, where peridot is also found. Topaz comes in different colors, but the most popular color is blue, the most common color found in jewelry stores [1]. Natural blue topaz is very rare, so to get the color blue, a colorless or pale yellow topaz is heated or irradiated using gamma radiation. Subatomic particles are shot through the topaz at high speeds, which knocks some of the electrons out of orbit, causing the light that travels through the crystal to change and the amount of light absorbed. Due to the color wavelength changing, the human eye perceived the topaz as blue [2]. 

Turquoise (December)

Marshals- Perrin and Sérurier

Type: Mineral

Group: Phospate (CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O)

Color: Turquoise, blue, blue-green

Cleavage: Perfect but rarely seen

Fracture: Conchoidal

Mohs Scale: 5-6

Luster: Waxy or dull

Streak: Blue or white

Fun Fact: Turquoise is another mineral that contains water in its structure; this comes in the form of a hydrated phosphate of either copper or aluminum. Turquoise was one of the first gemstones to be mined, with some jewelry dating back to around 5000 BCE. Even though it has been used in jewelry for thousands of years, its value has decreased due to the treatments and synthetic turquoise appearing more often in the market. Even though they are minerals, well-formed crystals are rarely found on their own, with most turquoise growing closely packed around another mineral, causing it to have a higher durability [3]. Due to its lower hardness level, caring for any turquoise jewelry is important, and it is recommended not to use it while doing any sort of manual labor as the gemstone can be easily damaged. Jewelry designers place a durable bezel around the gem to prevent scratches and protect it. However, the bezel can only protect the gemstone to a limited degree since it is still exposed to open air. It is also recommended not to get the gemstone wet as it can absorb liquids due to its low porosity, which can alter its color [4].

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Sources:

Sapphire: MAT, M. (2023, April 24). Sapphire: Properties, formation, occurrence " Geology science. Geology Science. https://geologyscience.com/gemstone/sapphire/?amp

Opal: MAT, M. (2023, September 29). Opal : Properties, formation, uses and deposits " geology science. Geology Science. https://geologyscience.com/gemstone/opal/?amp

Topaz: [1] King, H. M. (n.d.). Blue topaz. Geology. https://geology.com/gemstones/blue-topaz/#treatment

[2] MAT, M. (2023, August 26). Topaz : Gemstone: Properties, formation, occurrence, uses. Geology Science. https://geologyscience.com/minerals/topaz/?amp

Turquoise: [3] MAT, M. (2023, April 23). Turquoise: Mineral properties, uses and occurrence. Geology Science. https://geologyscience.com/gemstone/turquoise/?amp

[4] King, H. M. (n.d.-b). Turquoise. geology. https://geology.com/minerals/turquoise.shtml

[andrewmoocow]

Steven Universe Alternate Future chapter 8: Black and White (originally published on January 25, 2021)

Author's Note: At long last, the long-awaited conclusion to Part 1 of Steven Universe: Alternate Future is upon us! This may seem like an innocuous love letter to the mockumentary genre (I even watched This is Spinal Tap on HBO Max for inspiration), but the ending will change everything you will see in this chapter! But I'm through being dramatic, let's boogie!

Synopsis: A Black Rutile and her partner White Topaz want to get answers from Steven.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven, Onion

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst, Ocean Jasper

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl, Black Rutile’s Pearls

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Jennifer Paz as Lapis Lazuli, Zuli, Mean Lapis

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Kimberly Brooks as Cherry Quartz, Jasper

Ian Jones-Quartey as Snowflake Obsidian

Michelle Maryk as Little Larimar

Amy Sedaris as Teal Zircon

Aparna Nancherla as Nephrite

Grace Rolek as Connie

Crispin Freeman as Doug

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Priyanka

Tom Scharpling as Greg

Zach Steel as Ronaldo

Eugene Cordero as Jamie

Joel Hodgson as Mr. Dewey

Reagan Gomez Preston as Jenny, Kiki

Brian Posehn as Sour Cream

Lamar Abrams as Buck

Matthew Moy as Lars

Kate Micucci as Sadie

Alastair James as Rainbow Quartz 2.0

Shoniqua Shondai as Sunstone

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Hayley Kiyoko as Morganite

Olivia Olson as Black Rutile's Citrines

Featuring Noël Wells as Black Rutile

And Lauren Ash as White Topaz

--

"Is the camera ready, Topaz?"

"It's ready, my Rutile!"

"You idiot, you forgot to turn on the lens!"

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, my Rutile, let me fix that!"

A camera was turned on inside a black-colored dropship, where a matching-colored Rutile in a green visor and white cape sat down in a captain's chair, confident and charming. "Hello, universe!" the Rutile greeted. "My name is Black Rutile, and welcome to Eye on Era 3, the special interview show where we discuss with Gems about the changes a certain Steven Universe brought to our proud culture!"

"And I'm White Topaz!" the Topaz operating Black Rutile's camera turned the lens to herself and cheerfully waved to the audience.

"Uh, Topaz, over here." Black Rutile ordered.

"Oh, sorry!" White Topaz muttered and turned the camera back to her superior.

"Anyways, we've traveled across the stars to chat it up with all sorts of Gems." The Rutile continued ecstatically. "From Pearls free from slavery, to proud Emerald pilots! Agates with no one to order around, Lapis Lazulis thinking they're lost in the world, and even a few fusions here and there! But today, we're gonna get answers straight from the mouth of this so-called "new Pink Diamond" himself!" she stated, making air-quotes while calling Steven the new Pink Diamond.

"My Rutile, we are closing in on Earth." A Citrine piloting Black Rutile's ship announced. "Is there any good spot you'd like to land?"

"Let's try that Little Homeworld place I've heard so much about." Black Rutile suggested. "We're bound to get tons of special guests there."

"Yes, your clarity." The Citrine complied, and she returned to her station.

"In case you were stuck in a Kindergarten for the past couple hundred years, Little Homeworld is where tons of Gems formerly corrupted by the Diamonds at the end of the Rebellion have made their home." Black Rutile narrated over footage of Little Homeschool. "The number one hotspot of this little bit of home is Little Homeschool, where Gems from all over come to learn how to mingle with the life on Earth and let go of the old ways."

"Hey, you think maybe we could go to that place, BR?" White Topaz grinned eagerly.

"Don't forget about our plans." Black Rutile said under her breath to her Topaz bodyguard. "I mean, we should be nearing Little Homeworld any minute now, so stay tuned!"

--

Gems began to gather when Black Rutile's ship made its landing in Little Homeworld, and the landing door opened to reveal its owner and her sidekick strolling out.

"Oh my, we already have quite a crowd here!" Black Rutile laughed into a microphone. "Now then, I'll pick a few lucky Gems from our audience here to answer some questions about their experiences on Earth." Looking around, Black Rutile managed to pick out Bismuth, Peridot, and Lapis Lazuli from the huddling Gems. "Ah, you three, over there!"

"Us?" Lapis asked.

"Could you care to tell us how life has been on Earth for you?" Black Rutile asked, sticking her microphone out to the trio.

"I've actually been on Earth about as long as Lapis here." Bismuth answered, gesturing to Lapis. "I was one of the original Crystal Gems under Rose Quartz, chosen because I wanted to build whatever I wanted, with no uppercrusts to order me around! But my methods of dealing with the enemy was a bit more extreme than what she was used to, so Rose took one in particular a bit personally and had me poofed & bubbled. In hindsight, maybe Rose was worried that her cover would've been blown."

"As Bismuth said, I was on Earth for a very long time." Lapis began speaking into the mic. "I was supposed to be there for only a little bit to assist in terraforming, but then I got caught in the war and was poofed before being confused for a Crystal Gem. I was interrogated while my gem was stuck in a mirror, but that kind of got cut short when the Diamonds unleashed their final attack and forced everyone to flee. I was left behind by accident, and someone cracked my gem by stepping on it, and years later, I was found by Pearl, who kept me in her gem until Steven freed me."

"Aw, what a happy ending!" White Topaz cooed.

"Yeah, no." Lapis sardonically corrected White Topaz. "After I was freed from the mirror, I nearly drowned tons of people because I wanted to get home, but then home turned out to be a lot different from when I left it. I was once again made a prisoner by Peridot and Jasper, who then invaded Earth because I met the Crystal Gems that everyone thought were defeated in the Rebellion, then I fused with Jasper to protect Steven, which took a number on both of our mental states, I was freed yet again, then I left Earth because I was told the Diamonds might be coming, before coming back only to get poofed by Yellow Diamond."

"Much like Lapis, I was only supposed to be on Earth for a short while to perform my duties." Peridot began telling her story. "I was supposed to check up on the old Galaxy Warp, but then the Crystal Gems kept getting in my way no matter what. Before I knew it, I was without help, without any working technology, and then without my limb enhancers. I don't think I even bothered to ask where the Gems put them."

"A Lapis, a Bismuth and a Peridot. What an unlikely trio." Black Rutile mused. "Tell me, what was it that made you three decide to work alongside each other in the first place."

"Well, it all began when Steven and the Crystal Gems left Earth to convince White Diamond to help them cure corruption." Bismuth said. "I elected to stay behind on Earth to watch over these two."

"Ooh, ooh, can I do a reenactment?!" White Topaz asked, to which Black Rutile responded with a sigh.

"Proceed." Black Rutile muttered, tapping on her camera to produce a light shining on the surface of the dropship. White Topaz began to shapeshift her fingers into various characters, and started a shadow puppet show.

"Bye Bismuth, I'm gonna go to Homeworld and hope we can convince White Diamond to help us save the corrupted Gems." White Topaz said, imitating Steven. "You do you kid. I'm gonna watch over those other Gems while you're away." She continued, now impersonating Bismuth. "Have fun!"

Steven's shadow puppet was raised into the air as White Topaz made rocket sounds, followed by turning more of her fingers into Peridot and Lapis. Black Rutile just gave an annoyed glare to the camera.

"Hey, where's Steven?" White Topaz's impression of Lapis asked. "Oh, him? He ran off to Homeworld with the Diamonds." Her mimicry of Bismuth answered. "Oh my stars, are we too late?!" an aping of Peridot cried out.

"Do I really sound like that?" Peridot muttered as the shadow play went on.

"No little guy, he's fine!" White Topaz's impression of Bismuth continued. "Just something about corruption or whatever."

"Okay, I think we've seen enough!" Black Rutile laughed awkwardly as she interrupted the puppet show.

"Aw, but I was getting to the good part!" White Topaz moaned sadly.

"To be fair, you were almost spot on." Bismuth stated. "When Steven told us through some weird watermelon creature that looked just like him that trouble was indeed brewing on Homeworld, Peridot and Lapis reformed not too long after and we came together out of a desire to help him out."

"United by a common goal, how quaint." Black Rutile smiled and folded her hands behind her back, trying to hide their fidgeting. "Now then, would anyone else like to come up and chat?"

"I would, I would, I would!" Teal Zircon cried as she pushed her way through the crowd. "Hi, name's Teal Zircon, nice to meet you!" she greeted Black Rutile while rapidly shaking her hand. "So, you wanted to learn about my time here on Earth?"

"You're awfully excitable." Black Rutile pushed up her visor by the bridge with a grin. "More to the point, I'd like to hear your story Ms. Zircon."

"Gladly!" Teal Zircon exclaimed. "Like many of the Gems here, I was once corrupted by the Diamonds and became a long-tongued speedster that Peridot tried to capture no matter what, through hell or high water. Eventually, she did succeed, and I was stuck in the barn she and Lapis called home, until the Crystal Gems took me to their place. One day, I was healed by Steven along with a Cherry Quartz and shown around Little Homeschool. That same day, Steven took me along to see a Jasper who didn't want to go to school, and I was willing to become her friend, but I'm pretty sure she hates my guts."

"I'll have to check up on this Jasper sometime." Black Rutile commented. "Now then, anyone else care to share?"

"I'd like to." Zuli answered as she flew up and touched down next to Black Rutile. "I only came here a few weeks ago after Steven recommended the place to a former friend of mine and me. We were terraforming this moon called Aozul 2, but Steven and this other Lapis that we were buddies with back in our terraforming days told us that wasn't cool anymore, so they taught us new ways to express ourselves. I was a lot more accepting, but my ex-friend didn't want to change. To this day, I still don't know where she's at."

"May I go next?" Cherry Quartz asked Black Rutile.

"Sure, go ahead." Black Rutile answered, passing the mic to the Quartz.

"I was an average Quartz soldier made to fight in the war, but then I got corrupted, of course." Cherry began. "Then Steven came along and healed me along with TZ, and introduced us to Little Homeschool. I was a little nervous at first, but while Steven was away, I met up with some fellow Quartzes who told me all about how great it was here."

"I was the first corrupted Gem Steven helped defeat." Nephrite said, taking the mic from Cherry Quartz. "I was actually brought back out a few times, the first was a complete accident & I was poofed soon after, but the second time was when Steven thought he could try to heal me, but instead he reunited me with my old crew."

"Okay, we're running out of time here folks, I got other people to interview, and I haven't got all day!" Black Rutile yelled. "Which one wants to cap off this part?!"

"Little Larimar and I wanna talk." Snowflake Obsidian answered. "Hi, I'm Snowflake Obsidian. This is my buddy Little Larimar."

"We were corrupted Gems too." Larimar said. "I remember when Steven dropped us into that fountain, and we were all right as rain. Then years later, he helped us all find jobs that he thought were right for us, but then hilarity ensued."

"Wow, pretty much everyone here has such nice things to say about Steven." Black Rutile commented while putting on an eerie fake smile. "Isn't there anyone on this planet that doesn't love him?"

"Well, there is Jasper, kind of." Bismuth answered. "I say kind of because I have no idea what's even up with her ever since she was uncorrupted. I mean, she does express a teeny bit of gratitude for it, but she still would rather stay as far away from us as possible."

"To be frank, I wouldn't blame her." Lapis agreed. "Anyway, if you want to interview her, she's in a cave in the woods nearby."

"Good to know, Lapis." Black Rutile thanked Lapis. "I do hope we can see each other again sometime." She laughed as she and White Topaz began leaving Little Homeworld. "Perhaps even sooner than you think."

--

"We've all had our fun in Little Homeworld, but there's still a Gem we've yet to cover as we move on with our tour of Earth." Black Rutile continued narrating while walking in the woods. "This Gem, in particular, has been living in the woods ever since she was cured of an unfortunate case of corruption, and refuses to join her fellow Gems at Little Homeschool! Well, let's see if she can tell us why."

"Is that where she's living over there?" White Topaz asked as she pointed the camera to a cave with a tarp over the entrance.

"I think you might be right!" Black Rutile exclaimed as she raced over to the cave. "Excuse me, does Jasper live here?!"

"No she doesn't, now get out." Jasper's voice grumbled from within the cave.

"If Jasper isn't here, then who are you?" White Topaz asked, forcing Jasper to emerge from her cave.

"Someone who's going to pulverize you if you don't leave me alone." Jasper snarled.

"But we just wanted to ask about your time here on Earth!" Black Rutile nervously explained.

"Guess what, I'm not interested." Jasper added. "Now let me repeat myself, beat it, or I'm gonna beat you!"

"I think we should do as she says, my Rutile!" White Topaz began sweating nervously and slowly stepping away from Jasper.

"Righto." Black Rutile agreed before they ran away from Jasper. "But trust me, I think she might be useful to us."

--

"Well, that went horribly." White Topaz commented the farther she and Black Rutile got from Jasper. "Now where are we?"

"I'm not sure." Black Rutile answered while gazing at a terraced house. "But I do believe we have our next interviewee!"

"Which is?" White Topaz asked her superior.

"The residence of one Connie," Black Rutile declared, bringing up data on Connie on her visor, but then stopped at her last name. "Moo-hee-swear-ann. Seriously, how do you pronounce that?" The reporter decided to brush that off with a shrug and proceeded to knock on the door. "Good day Ms. Moo-hee-swear-ann, my name is Black Rutile, here to interview you about your experiences on Earth."

"It's Maheswaran, in case you're struggling to pronounce it." Connie's mother Priyanka corrected the Rutile. "Now, can I help you?"

"Oh, my apologies." Black Rutile said. "You look a lot taller than my data says."

"I believe you have me confused for my daughter, I'm her mother." Priyanka stated. "If you wish to speak with Connie, she's busy with college preparations, so you can only speak for 15 minutes."

"Uh, question!" White Topaz raised her hand. "What's college?"

--

"So you're doing all this for a TV show?" Connie asked Black Rutile moments later in the living room.

"You could say that." Black Rutile answered with a grin. "I'm working on an investigative report chronicling everyone's experiences with Era 3, and I'm working towards interviewing all the Crystal Gems and their allies, you included little girl. Now tell me, how did you first meet little Steven?"

"Well, it all started a few years ago." Connie began retelling her first meeting with Steven. "I was minding my own business, Steven was trying to get my attention because he wanted to be my friend, but one thing led to another, and we were stuck in a bubble together."

"Not how I'd expect your species to make new friends, but you do you." White Topaz commented with a grin.

"Anyways, it's all thanks to him that I was able to get out of my comfort zone a bit over the years." Connie continued. "I learned sword fighting from Pearl, became able to fend for myself, and we even fused!"

"Yeah, we still find that a little strange." Her father Doug interjected.

"Fusing with humans, just like they said." Black Rutile whispered to herself.

"Did you say something, miss?" Priyanka asked.

"Oh, nothing." Black Rutile covered up what she just said before moving back to Connie. "It seems like you two are just inseparable!"

"Well, mostly." Connie stated. "When Steven let himself get captured by Aquamarine to save everyone, we were all so worried sick for him. And even when he came back perfectly fine, I still felt like this all could've been avoided if we fought together."

"Oh, poor little girl." Black Rutile comforted Connie, though with a secret hint of condescendence in her voice. "It must be hard to lose someone so dear only for them to come back and disregard your feelings by acting like everything's fine."

"It's okay." Connie said. "We did get back together eventually, and now our bond is stronger than ever!"

"Woo, love wins!" White Topaz cheered, inciting yet another angry glare from her boss. "Um, can I do the shadow puppets again?"

"Go ahead." Black Rutile frowned in embarrassment.

"Wait, your documentary has shadow plays?" Priyanka wondered aloud.

"Don't ask me; this was all her idea!" Black Rutile replied grumpily. "What a childish clod."

"Hey Connie, I'm back from Homeworld! Hope no one missed me." White Topaz began another puppet show, this time of Steven and Connie's brief falling out, while trying her best to mimic Steven. "We did kinda miss you, you could've died!" she continued while imitating Connie's voice. "I don't see what the problem is, I'm standing right here!" the Steven puppet replied carelessly. "Well, we could've stopped Aquamarine together, but you gotta make everything about you!" the Connie puppet declared. "So screw you Steven, I'm going home!"

"Wait, I didn't say anything like that!" the real Connie said nervously.

"Sorry kid, I'm just making this up as I go." White Topaz apologized, and just as she was about to continue her show, Black Rutile cut it short. "Aw man!"

"Well, I think we've just about wrapped up here, friends!" Black Rutile announced. "We've got places to be, people to meet, and more opportunities for me to be humiliated by you, Topaz."

"Well, it was nice to see you." Doug said goodbye as the two Gems left the Maheswarans' house. "Hope your documentary is a big hit!"

"Thank you; you're too kind!" Black Rutile waved back and closed the door, allowing some privacy as she scolded White Topaz. "Was it really necessary for you to go all "love wins" on us, you softhearted fool?" she scowled as they began walking away from the house.

"I'm sorry, I just think they're so adorable together!" White Topaz tried to justify her actions, before Black Rutile pulled her down by her collar.

"We have no time for sappy romances!" the Rutile yelled in her bodyguard's face. "We are here to gather information, and that's final! Are we clear?!"

"Yes, your clarity." White Topaz bowed her head in shame.

"Good, now where were we?" Black Rutile tapped on the side of her visor and pulled up a map of the surrounding area. "Ah, yes! Beach City!" she declared while the map began pointing to the little seaside town.

"Ooh, that place sounds fun." White Topaz commented. "Think maybe we could take a vacation there some time, just you and me?"

"Apologies, but we're on a mission." Black Rutile declared as she put the map away. "We'll have time for fun later, but it'll be my choice of fun. Understand?"

"Yes, boss!" White Topaz gave a comical salute, and the two began setting off for Beach City.

--

"Now then, this place should be full of Steven stories!" Black Rutile announced as the duo strolled into town. "And maybe we could find some of his weaknesses too."

"Hey, check out this funny sign!" White Topaz said while gazing at the sign for It's A Wash. "What do you think is a wash?"

"Hey new Gems, welcome." They heard Greg greet them. "If you came here to sign up for Little Homeschool, you should take it up with the Gems first."

"Oh no sir, we already saw that school." Black Rutile said. "It's all part of a series of interviews I'm doing for my show, Eye on Era 3. Which reminds me, how would you describe your experiences with the Crystal Gems?"

"My experiences?" Greg wondered. "Well, it all started one night when I was just a young rocker on tour. I had arrived in Beach City for a show, and Rose Quartz was the only one who showed up."

"Ah yes, Pink Diamond always had a fascination with humans," Black Rutile interjected. "often at the expense of her own kind."

"Yeah yeah, Pink kinda stunk, but don't we all sometimes?" Greg philosophized. "Like I was saying, Rose was the only one who came to my concert at Beach City, and from then onward, I felt like it was destiny. I even wrote a song about it!" He then walked to his van to search for his guitar, and began to play. "Do you believe in destiny? Close your eyes and leave the rest to-"

"I'm sorry, we have no time for a song." Greg's interviewer cut him off. "Could you please continue, sir?"

"Sorry if I was any trouble." Greg apologized, putting away his guitar. "The Gems didn't have a very high opinion of me when we first met, especially Pearl, but we were still able to get along with each other. Amethyst in particular took a liking to me."

"Speaking of which, are the Gems in town today, or are they off on some magical mission or something?" Black Rutile asked Greg.

"Oh, they kinda retired from going on missions now that everything's at peace." Greg answered. "But, Steven's still at home over there." He then pointed over to the Crystal Temple not too far away from Beach City itself.

"Yes, pay-dirt!" Black Rutile grinned eagerly. "Come along Topaz, we shall hit ratings dynamite!"

"Coming!" White Topaz cried as she raced after her master. "Hey, maybe we can chat with some of the people here along the way! They might give us some good info!"

--

"It was kinda thanks to Steven that I died and came back to life." Lars admitted to Black Rutile. "But also thanks to him, I came back as a completely new man with my own awesome spaceship, a serious attitude adjustment, and ever since I came back to Earth, I've taken up some combat training in case I ever go back to space and fight new threats, like I learned musti-yuddha from Connie's dad for example!"

--

"Lars's disappearance got me kind of depressed for a while." Sadie said while her band prepared for practice. "But I found a new way of expressing it with horror-themed rock music!"

"We had trouble finding our sound before Sadie became our frontman." Buck Dewey stated.

"And since then, we became an overnight hit!" Jenny Pizza exclaimed.

"But I have a feeling our differing paths might cause a break-up." Sour Cream admitted.

--

"Steven had good intentions when he helped me run for re-election," ex-Mayor Dewey said. "but ultimately I lost. But hey, I did find a new calling at the Big Donut!"

--

"I was having stress dreams about my sister making me do her work, which took the form of a giant pizza monster, until Steven used his crazy dream powers to help me out." Kiki Pizza said.

--

"I'll admit, I had a crush on Garnet once upon a time." Jamie declared. "But really, can you blame me?! She was just so stoic and radiant and-"

"Get to the point!" Black Rutile sternly ordered.

"I'm sorry, got a little distracted." Jamie apologized. "But I had since moved onto better things, like my future career in the theater!"

--

"Okay, that should be all." Black Rutile sighed in exhaustion. "Now then, let's not waste any more ti-"

"Wait, I want to talk to you!" Ronaldo cried out as he raced to the Gems with a notebook in hand.

"What do you want?" the reporter grumbled. "We're wasting daylight here!"

"You've been going around asking people questions about Gems, but this time I want to ask you for a change." Ronaldo declared.

"Okay then, fire away little guy." White Topaz said with a smile.

"There are still tons of unanswered questions about your kind that I must inquire about!" Ronaldo said while flipping through his notebook. "Like, for example, do you know who created the Gems in the first place? How was Homeworld first colonized? When did they start colonizing other planets?"

"I don't believe we have time for your questions." Black Rutile snidely shut Ronaldo's questions down before making her way to the Crystal Temple. "Come Topaz, we have work to do."

"Yes, my Rutile!" White Topaz obeyed and followed behind, leaving Ronaldo in the dust.

"You can run, but I will get my answers!" Ronaldo declared loudly, but he was too late. "And they're gone."

--

"Okay, Topaz, we have to make a good first impression here, so no silly games or shadow puppet shows." Black Rutile commanded as they ascended the beach house's front steps and reached the front door.

"Aw man." White Topaz moaned in disappointment.

"Quit being such a child you moron." Black Rutile exhaled in disgust as she knocked on the door. "Hello, is anyone home?"

"Just a minute!" a voice the two Gems were eager to hear answered as its owner raced downstairs.

"Oh my stars, the moment has come; he's finally here!" White Topaz squealed happily before she received a slap to the face.

"Hello, what brings you here?" Steven greeted Black Rutile.

"Steven Universe, at long last!" BR exclaimed. "I'm Black Rutile, host of Eye on Era 3, and this is my camera-Gem/bodyguard White Topaz! We're here for an investigative report on the state of Earth in this new era, and have been interviewing many of your family and friends."

"You're a bit shorter than I expected." White Topaz commented.

"I see my reputation precedes me." Steven declared. "Come on in."

"Nice place you got here." White Topaz complimented the house as she and her boss were shown inside.

"Thanks, the Gems helped build this place." Steven accepted the compliment. "Hey, I got a question. I've met a Topaz and a Rutile before, but they sound nothing like you. Why is that?"

"We're just special Gems. Comes with being former members of White Diamond's court." Black Rutile answered while sitting down on the couch. "But enough about us, let's talk you! Could you give us a little life story first?"

"If you want." Steven answered while sitting across from the Rutile. "I remember first discovering my powers like it was yesterday. I was super bummed that my favorite brand of ice cream was discontinued, but then the Gems told me they got tons of it from other stores, and taking a bite out of one coincided with me summoning my shield for the first time, which led me to believe I could do so by eating Cookie Cat."

"Hahaha, oh the innocence of youth!" Black Rutile chuckled nostalgically. "I remember when I first emerged for White Diamond. A real young hotshot, a little arrogant even. Could you tell us more about these powers, kid?"

"Over time, I learned tons of Gem powers." Steven regaled. "Like shapeshifting, control over plant life, making bubbles, telepathy, sticking my mind in others' bodies, but fusion gave me tons of new abilities. This reminds me of a story."

"Ooh, shadow time!" White Topaz exclaimed, but her happiness was immediately put to rest.

"What did I tell you?! No shadows!" Black Rutile yelled strictly at her sidekick, and then immediately changed her mood. "Please continue."

"All right." Steven was a little taken aback by Black Rutile's cold behavior towards White Topaz before he began his story. "Anyways, it all started when I had to take care of Onion for the day, and Pearl helped out."

--

"Thank you Explorer Gal for saving us from that dastardly Bandit Guy!" Rainbow Quartz 2.0 said, taking the role of one of Onion's toys. Onion was playing with Explorer Gal, who thanked the other toy in Onion's unintelligible matter.

"For your heroic efforts, please accept money." Rainbow continued while handing Onion a dollar bill. "Our city was a mess before you came along, but now…." Rainbow then began to break character as they took notice of Onion's messy room. "Well, I suppose it's still a mess." They commented. "It's been so much fun playing, but now we have to clean, which is also fun!" they declared while making a rainbow with their hands. "Are you ready to tidy up?"

Onion stared blankly while slowly sticking a piece of broccoli out of his mouth.

"Oh Onion, don't you be that way." Rainbow 2.0 chuckled. "Your best friend Rainbow will help you tidy up!" Just then, they pulled a parasol out of Pearl's gem. "Let's make things a little more animated in here!"

With that, Rainbow made Onion's toys come to life, and they began marching to their proper places in his room while Rainbow started a song. "Stick by stick, the little blackbird makes a nest." They began singing while making Onion's clothes fly into his dresser. "A mess to some, but the little blackbird isn't stressed."

Rainbow then allowed Onion to give the umbrella a try, making one of the boy's toy cars come to life and race away. "Stick by stick, the little blackbird makes a nest." The fusion continued while Onion marveled at the parasol's powers. "And then he naps, cause even blackbirds need to rest. The fun won't stop if you have a friend around. The fun won't stop if you have a friend around."

As Rainbow began to finish the song, Onion kept playing with the umbrella, making more of his toys come alive, along with a Venus flytrap. "And when you laugh, it is my favorite sound." Onion then discovered some darts in his drawer, and used the parasol to make them fly. "And that's what life is all about."

"What the?!" Rainbow stuttered before dodging the darts, making them land on a dartboard. With that, they finally decided to take their weapon back from Onion while noticing a stack of dirty dishes. "Next time, please wash your dishes." They instructed before sending the dishes off to be cleaned, and then taking notice of a stuffed toy in Steven's image hidden near Onion's bed, eerily waving to them. "And could you please explain what this is?"

Onion didn't answer, aside from blowing Rainbow a few kisses.

"Alright, thank you for the kisses." Rainbow thanked Onion before Steven's phone began to ring. "Just give me five or so minutes."

Rainbow un-fused into Steven and Pearl, and Steven answered his phone. Garnet was on the other end, holding her cellphone extremely close to her face. "Steven, you're late." Garnet said. "I need you for the Sunstone Safety Geminar."

"Oh no, that was today?!" Steven began panicking. "But Rainbow Quartz promised to hang out with Onion today!"

"Don't worry; I'll handle the Geminar." Garnet stated confidently. "I'll explain every possible future where they could get hurt around the house."

"I don't know if that'll be a good idea, I'll be right there." Steven responded before hanging up and turning to Pearl. "Pearl, I'll be back as soon as I can." He promised. "Could you watch over Onion for me while I'm away?"

"Of course." Pearl agreed. "Onion loves Rainbow, I'm sure he'll love me as much."

--

"In hindsight, that wasn't my best idea." Steven took a break from his tale to confess. "Onion can be a real handful."

"Like, how much of a handful?" White Topaz asked.

"Let's just say, he's a real oddball who loves causing trouble." Steven stated. "I can never really get a read on that guy, no matter how much of a good friend he is. Heck, he doesn't even seem to age normally!"

"So, about this Geminar." Black Rutile began. "You said Rainbow Quartz is a fusion between you and Pearl, but who is this Sunstone running that event?"

"Oh, Sunstone is the fusion of Garnet and I." Steven answered. "They're all hip and radical and like giving important life lessons, kind of like those old PSA characters from the 90s. Speaking of which…"

--

"I slip on the stairs?" Ocean Jasper wondered while watching a television screen with Garnet, the Heaven & Earth Beetles, and a Nephrite.

"Indeed, and you shatter on impact too." Garnet bluntly replied, causing Ocean and the Nephrite to scream and hug each other in fright.

"Garnet, I'm here!" Steven called as he entered the house.

"Thanks for coming, Steven, but I need help." Garnet stated. "I think I'm scaring our guests."

"It's okay; we got this." Steven assured. "Let's get this safety Geminar started with a very special guest!"

Garnet got up from the couch, and the two began to dance, eventually forming the totally cool fusion Sunstone.

"Your rockin' pal Sunstone's here to shine!" Sunstone announced merrily.

"Watch out Sunstone, it's dangerous here!" Ocean Jasper cautioned Sunstone.

"Not unless you guys practice home safety." Sunstone assured the scared Gems. "Don't slip up. Clear objects off the stairs." They instructed by taking a water bottle off the steps to Steven's bedroom and throwing it like a ball. "Foul shot!"

The bottle landed in a trash can near Lion, which prompted another tip. "Be sure to cover up your trash, or else you'll attract bugs or hungry animals." Sunstone demonstrated as they shooed Lion away from the garbage. "Come on, let's go!" they declared. "Don't waste water. Turn off any faucet still running." Sunstone then shut off the sink. "Put protective covers over your electrical outlets, especially when kids are around." They added while doing just that. "And don't even think about sticking a fork in there! But most importantly, turn off motion smoothing on the TV."

Sunstone then used the remote to operate the television, allowing clearer picture and sound for everyone. "Okay, hold tight gang, gotta take a phone call." They said. "In the meantime, check out this commercial."

--

"Well, seems like you had things handled." White Topaz remarked.

"Famous last words White Topaz." Steven gravely informed. "Pearl later called me on my phone because Onion was giving her a serious headache, so I came back to her to calm Onion down. Then Garnet was trying to do a home safety obstacle course, but that went horribly wrong."

"Okay, color me wrong." The Topaz guard said. "I suppose hilarity must've ensued?"

"Oh so much." Steven declared. "I tried merging both the Geminar with playing with Onion, but one thing led to another."

--

"It's important to keep in mind that all of these horrible things did happen to you in alternate timelines." Garnet instructed her seminar attendees near the lighthouse. "Safety rules."

"Hey, Garnet." An exhausted Rainbow 2.0 called for their fellow fusion as they flew in via umbrella, with Onion in front. "Would you mind taking on another student?" they asked as Onion was let off the umbrella. "I'm feeling a mite PLPBBT."

With one last raspberry noise, Rainbow un-fused into Steven and Pearl. Steven just groaned tiredly.

"You shouldn't have brought him here Steven." Garnet forebodingly scolded the boy as Onion took a seat in front of her with the Gems.

"No, no, it's fine. It's good." Steven stuttered, having had enough of the stressful day he had. "No one needs safety training more than Onion! I'm combining all of my responsibilities into one responsibility! It's brilliant, it's brilliant! It's fine. I'm fine. Really, it's fine. I'm fine. I'm fine."

Onion wasn't paying attention the whole time, and instead picked up a blade of grass to play like a musical instrument, hypnotically commanding the other Gems to follow him. And Steven was too busy assuring Garnet and Pearl that he was fine to notice too late what had just happened.

A madcap chase soon ensued, with the three Crystal Gems following Onion and the Little Homeschoolers throughout Beach City, into the woods, and finally to a hill, where Onion let go of the leaf. Despite that, Ocean Jasper, the Beetles, and the Nephrite continued marching to the point of falling over the edge.

"Oh no!" Pearl cried as the Gems fell off the hill.

"Steven, we need Sunstone to save them!" Garnet urged Steven.

"Okay!" Steven yelped, and they fused into Sunstone.

"No, we need Rainbow to save them!" Pearl began arguing with her de-facto superior as she swiped Steven away to form Rainbow Quartz.

"I'll catch them with this!" Rainbow declared as they presented their umbrella.

"Can't all three of us fuse to save them?" Garnet wondered just as Amethyst raced up to them.

"Hey wait!" Amethyst cried. "I need Steven!"

Rainbow un-fused so Steven could speak. "What is it Amethyst?!"

"I miss you, man!" Amethyst yelled. "I haven't seen you in like, eleven minutes! But it felt like even longer!"

Steven couldn't take it anymore, and without a single word, he collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

"STEVEN!" Pearl screamed as she raced to Steven's side.

"I shouldn't have overbooked my schedule." Steven groaned one last time before passing out from exhaustion.

"Nooooooooo." Garnet unemotionally cried out in despair.

--

"Oh-hohohohoho, I know what it's like!" Black Rutile cackled as Steven finished his story. "Must be so hard to be so overworked at such a young age."

"Guess that's what happens when you're running a whole school." Steven chuckled in reply. "So, guess that should be it, right?"

"No, I'd like to speak with Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl first before we wrap up for today." Black Rutile answered, just as the Warp pad began glowing. "Oh, and look who should show up now!"

The core Crystal Gems stood at the Warp Pad, ready to kick back after the long day they had today. "Good thing it was so easy to get that crowd under control." Pearl exhaled. "Still, who was that interviewer they were talking about?"

"I believe that would be me." Black Rutile answered as she stood up from the couch to meet the Gems. "Hi, Black Rutile, intelligence officer of White Diamond turned news reporter. Pleased to meet you."

"I wasn't aware White had a court." Garnet said as the Rutile shook each of their hands. "Pleased to meet you too."

"I just got done interviewing Steven, and he told me the most hilarious story about his troubles with balancing two things at once." Black Rutile said.

"Yeah, things went kinda crazy that day." Amethyst reminisced. "But thankfully, everything went back to normal after that."

"Oh good, the way Steven ended things left me on the edge of my seat!" White Topaz exclaimed while positioning the camera to face the Gems. "One more question before we go, what would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

"A little oddly specific, but okay." Pearl remarked. "I pride myself on orderliness, swordsmanship, and intelligence. But I can be a bit doting and perfectionist at times."

"I can be kinda foolish and impulsive, but I'm pretty much past that." Amethyst added. "I'm also more street smart than book smart, and super tough too!"

"I'm a very stable fusion, which especially helps in battle." Garnet said. "My future vision is also seldom wrong, unless the current timeline becomes too unpredictable."

"Well, that should be enough for now." Black Rutile said as she entered all of her data into her visor. "Apologies if we couldn't talk anymore, but I've got places to be and missions to go on, so toodles!"

"Hope we can see each other again, Black Rutile!" Steven said goodbye as the two visiting Gems took the Warp Pad back to Little Homeworld.

"Maybe sooner than you think." Black Rutile smirked before they disappeared.

"She's right, we'll be seeing her again many times." Garnet predicted with an adjustment of her glasses. "But none of them will be friendly."

Steven, Amethyst, and Pearl just laughed at Garnet's prediction, ignorant at what could be to come.

--

Upon returning to Little Homeworld and boarding their ship, Black Rutile and White Topaz finally left Earth and launched into hyperspace.

"Wow, those Crystal Gems really are swell!" White Topaz commented while her superior sat down in her chair. "I don't see why we're plotting against them."

"It's because they've become far too powerful." Black Rutile answered gravely, a far cry from the persona she put up on Earth. "Does Steven really think he can change our entire society with just hugging, crying, singing, and a cheeky one-liner? Bah, I've done so much better without any of those!"

"My Rutile, we should be exiting hyperspace above Revanche 666 in approximately 15 seconds." One of the Rutile's Citrines confirmed. "Would you like to inform your allies of your coming?"

"Bring Emerald up." Black Rutile commanded, cuing a video screen to appear, showing the tall, green Gem pilot on the other side. "Hello there, Emerald."

"Your clarity, has your reconnaissance ended well?" Emerald asked with a bow.

"Indeed it has." Black Rutile answered with a grin. "Those clods never suspected a thing!"

"And we got it all on video too!" White Topaz added.

"Excellent, we'll soon have everything we need." Emerald declared. "We're all waiting for you at the base, hoping you won't disappoint."

"Oh, don't worry, Emerald, I won't." Black Rutile replied. "That will be all." With a clap, the screen disappeared, and the ship exited hyperspace to reveal the skull-like planet of Revanche 666 before them. "Prepare for landing."

--

When the dropship finally landed at Black Rutile's headquarters, two rows of Pearls patiently awaited their master's return.

"Ah, my Pearls." Black Rutile announced as she disembarked. "When I ordered Shell to create all of you, I knew it wouldn't disappoint."

"Thank you, my Rutile." The Pearls thanked in unison while one of them took the camera from White Topaz. "Your minions await."

"Perfect." Black Rutile purred before beginning her stroll to her meeting room. "Come Topaz, we have much to do."

--

"Geez, what's taking her so long?" Lapis Lazuli 1J9G-5KL complained as she, Holly Blue Agate, Morganite, Emerald, Aquamarine, and Eyeball kept on waiting for their boss while seated around a round, white table.

"Patience Lapis." Aquamarine soothed her fellow Gem's annoyance. "She did say that she'd be arriving soon."

"The sooner, the better!" Eyeball yelled, pounding her fist on the table. "I want revenge on Steven for making me a pariah, and I want it now!"

"You're awfully eager." Emerald muttered to her fellow eye Gem before turning to Holly Blue and Morganite. "So, how goes that Zircon's democratic campaign?"

"That navel gem Ruby we planted as her campaign manager has been feeding her lies, and the Zircon doesn't suspect a thing!" Holly Blue answered excitedly.

"More and more Gems have been unknowingly swayed to our cause." Morganite stated. "Soon, we shall have an army strong enough to topple even the Diamonds."

Just then, Black Rutile and White Topaz finally arrived in the meeting room, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and salute her. "Welcome, your clarity."

"You're all too kind." Black Rutile thanked them sarcastically as she took a seat between Aquamarine and White Topaz. "I suspect your missions have been going well too, no?"

"Indeed it has my Rutile." Holly Blue revealed.

"That brat has been controlling us all for too long." Aquamarine declared. "Now it's time we take back our planet from those tyrannical pacifists."

"Are you all sure this is a good idea?" White Topaz asked the other Era 3 insurgents. "I mean, the Crystal Gems have become far too powerful to be challenged, and the Diamonds will no doubt come for our gems if they find out!"

"The Diamonds are yesterday's news!" Black Rutile roared, forcing her Topaz into silence. "And speaking of which, Steven may not realize this, but he's no better than his brat of a mother! Thinking he can force all of Homeworld to obey him by being a controlling twerp! Thankfully, he doesn't do so by throwing tantrums left and right until the Diamonds do what he says to shut him up. For now at least."

A Black Pearl entered the meeting room with White Topaz's camera in her hands, and she set it down on the table.

"Thank you my Pearl." Black Rutile thanked the Pearl before turning it on to reveal all the information that she collected on Earth.

"Is this all we need to know about the Gems in time for Phase 2?" Morganite asked her black-colored superior.

"You bet it is." Black Rutile declared with a sociopathic grin as she gazed at one of the holograms of Steven and plucked it out to hold in her hands. "You can have your happily ever after as much as you like, Steven." She declared evilly. "Cause your little Universe will soon be mine."

END OF PART 1: LITTLE HOMESCHOOL

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2: GRADUATION

--

At last, Part 1 is finally complete! And here, unfortunately, is where I must go on hiatus. Second semester of college and all that, and I think my classes might be harder than last semester. But hopefully, this cliffhanger should tide you over until we come back. Anyways, Black Rutile is finally upon us! A character that I think I'll have fun writing since I consider her to be like the Lex Luthor to Steven's Superman, the Frieza to his Goku, the Megatron to his Optimus Prime, the Aku to his Samurai Jack, etc etc. In other words, Steven's got a new archenemy coming and he doesn't even know it yet. Stay tuned! (evil laughter)

[c-atm]

Bittersweet meetings pt9

I’m sorry...What did you ask?”

Lapis rested her elbows on the table top with her hands interlaced, her blazing blue eyes steeled and aimed directly at Steven. “Have you ever considered dating one of us?”

Steven couldn’t find anything to say, completely sideswiped by the question. He knew them all for a long time and,the answer was not easy for multiple reasons. Garnet and Pearl was basically raised with him and his sisters; Amethyst, Rose and Nora. His affection for them was deeply familial. Plus Pearl is a lesbian and Garnet is asexual and possibly aromantic, so no. Jasper is his cousin so that was also a no.

There was Peridot,who he never really felt anything more than friendship for but, Steven has  her found to be attractive due to her energetic and nerdy attitude and she was very cute in her own right. He’d be lying if he said he never thought about it once and again with her.

Lapis..Well she was a looker thanks to all her swimming. Sometimes she can be direct, blunt, sarcastic (but hell they all could be, given the right circumstances.), and a bit withdrawn. That being said she can also a very deep minded person, very fun, and quite loyal; It goes without saying that she had a lot of romantic admirers and for a quick moment in time he thought he was one of them. The more he got to know her though, the easier it was able to identify his feeling as a deep friendship.

Finally, there was Connie and really what can be said about his view of her, of ‘them’? They excite and calm each other better than anyone else. They share jokes, glances, and gestures that reserved for them alone. They see through each others lies, know each other idiosyncrasies,and at times are the reason for their darker behavior traits. 

It's always been strange to him, despite not knowing her as long as she knew Jasper, They always seemed to have a certain chemistry and endearment towards each other. It was natural for them to fall into each other...Even when he was gunning for Stevonnie’s affection and Connie was with Jasper, they still held each other as a top priority. They are each other partners in crime, confidants.. She’s his berry to his biscuit.  

Steven stared at Lapis who felt anxious, despite never changing form or position. It was her eyes that gave it away, they were a bit misty. “Why you ask that? What you heard something?”“Beside the common gossip about me and Con-”

Lapis annoyed growl put him on edge..more so than the question in general, he was hoping his little tease would make her smile. 

“Can you not and answer the question, Steven?”

Steven sighed, scratching his head. “I don’t know..I have had glancing thoughts..Nothing solid or to make a move on.”  Despite telling the truth, it felt like a lie to him; more-so, it felt like he was lying to himself. 

Lapis eyes widen at his answer and a sly smile formed on her face. “Really, Who?”

“Lapis, what with this interrogation?” Steven smirked as he continued. “ Trying to get something out of this?” 

Lapis gave him a stone faced glare before snickering a bit. “Maybe if this happened a few years back, like the seventh grade.” .

Steven blinked “Wait what? You saying you had a crush on me?”

Lapis shrugged “Not saying I had a crush on you...but I did consider approaching you. .”  

“Why you never said anything?”

Lapis sighed and turned her gaze to the ceiling. “ Reasons.  For one I thought you still held a flame for Stevonnie, at the time.”

“Granted, but I had already moved on from them by then.”

“Still...Second I don’t know if you noticed, but you were a hot topic in school. A lot of people admire and crush on you..you don’t know how much I have heard girls and some guys whisper about you.”

Steven chuckled a bit. “You didn’t want to get lumped in with those types. I get you.”

“Exactly, exactly” Lapis gave him an impish grin before continuing. “Beside I know you and you ain’t that great..”

Steven shook head, chuckling “That’s why you had a crush on me huh, Lappy?”

“Oh, deflate that ego of yours, Universe.”

Steven  held his hand up in mock surrender. “Ok.. Ok.. So Stevonnie, public status,what else?”

Lapis chuckle taking a sip of her root beer. She placed the cup before giving Steven an accusing look, she shook her head with a smirk leaning back. “Nah. you don’t need to know, at least not for free.

Steven nodded his head left to right in consideration, not noticing the minuscule lick of Lapis lips as she watched amusingly. “What you wanna know?”

“You know; what I want to know. Those dreams.’

“Never said dreams, said thoughts, passing thoughts at that”

Lapis sat up with her arms crossed and leaned across the table, pressing her breasts against her arms slightly, getting closer to Steven “.Between us, how much of those thoughts catered to me.”

“Umm-hmm-hmm.”

Steven, rose quartz pink,  raised his left index and tried to speak but nothing came out. He just kept looking at Lapis who was now looking back at him with a slightly  seductive glint in her blue eyes.  

“I just wanna know how much times you thought about me. Not like I’m gonna get mad.” 

‘No, you might think something equally as bad though!’ Steven mentally screamed as he remained silent. “I don’t know Laps, things might change if we continue.” 

He hoped his joking demeanor would dissuade her from prying especially with how deeply she been looking at him ..                                   

“Pssh, really? I just told you that I crushed on you and it not like were all of a sudden an item.or is it you never thought about me that way;  afraid to hurt my pride, Steven..”

“OH! So you did crush on me!”

“This isn’t about past Lapis,  this about you.”

Steven shook his head cockily as he took a sip of his drink, and leaned back. “ Sure, so we just gonna gloss over the fact that you had a crush on me back when.”

“Oh whatever, Universe....Beside not like I never caught you checking me out around the pool. ”

Steven took a gulp of his durian soda . “Pleading the fifth.”

Lapis smiled victoriously before pinching his cheeks “ I’m a sexy thing, you can admit it.”

“Yeah-yeah, objectively.”

Lapis let go with a smug smirk before sitting down.“Oh i’m sure you’re being objective. Which is why the three of us caught you gaze wandering, a multiple of times.. You ain't that subtle. You have your own little garden of beauties and you know it.” 

.Steven groaned as he pointed a finger at the bluenette  ”It’s not like y’all haven’t done the same to me!”

Lapis arched an eyebrow and shrug. “I still do when you dress up. Can’t say for the Peridot and well..you'd know better than i would about the third one.”

He ignored the bite ate the end of her statement with a cocky grin. "Scandalous, Laps. didn’t know I had your eye.” Steven took a bite of the last slice of pizza.

Lapis allowed a bashful smile to envelope on her face. “Well, it’s not like you’re the only person and it’s not a lust filled gaze or anything...It’s totally innocent and observatory.”

Steven smiled gently at his ‘date’ placing the pizza down on his plate. “Aww, that kind of sweet Lapis. Like a nice little water guardian.”

 Lapis took the half eaten slice and bit into it crust first .“You got a nice ass though.”.

Steven aghast face imitated a tomato as he try to find the words to respond to Lapis nonchalant admission. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, give me my pizza and what the fuck!?”

Lapis shrugged as she took a larger bite through the remaining pizza before putting back on Stevens plate, who quickly ate the rest. She gave  him a jester's smirk after swallowing the slice. “Ey, that’s the consensus of a number of girls..and some boys.” 

Steven shook his head, while laughing gently and expressively raised his arms in surrender. “ My family wears weight well...Still didn’t expect that from you.”

“Which is why I said it…” Lapis paused and arched her eyebrows before pointing at her friend. “Who else told you this, cause that was way more calmer than I expected.”

“I’m not deaf and our student body haven’t exactly master stealth and subtly.”

“True enough.” Lapis sat up and stretched the arch of her back with a grunt and sighed when she relaxed, throwing herself on top of the table face down. “Meow” 

“Pfft! I approve the prostration Lazuli.”

 "Ha! Not even in your wildest..” The bluenette turned to face him a bit of an amorous light in her blues. “Or maybe I'm wrong about that, huh?”

Steven didn’t say anything but he did give her a playful smile. Feeling a bit relaxed as he turned to the window feeling a bit jolly and a bit tired. His eyes widen as he saw Connie walking pass across the street with Stevonnie and Jeff. He couldn't help the bloom of his cheeks, when he saw her in an old jacket of his he left at her place a few weeks ago.

 While Stevonnie and Jeff was in conversation, Connie was a few steps behind them listening to music from the portable music player he got her. A gentle smile graced his lips as he saw the Strawberry and biscuit buds in her ears, and the red smile on her face as she held the the player close to her chest; hugging it. He chuckled a bit as Stevonnie gave their sister a teasing smile and despite not knowing what would said..It made the president speed up her pace to catch up with Jeff..Though she never did put the player away. 

He couldn't help the felling of adoration within looking at Connie actions. The pride in his heart knowing it was his actions that caused her to act so bashful, blissful and a bit air headed. ‘Have you ever considered seriously dating one of us?’ 

His eyes widen at the thought or Stevonnie's side glance towards him before following the two. He didn’t know.

“Ready to go?”

Steven turned to the swimmer quickly red faced as he looked into her prying eyes the color of her namesake. ’Have you ever considered seriously dating one of us?’ Lapis question hit him harder than he expected and god damn it..

He now has a definite answer.

“Yes.”

He just hopes that the ‘signs’ he caught on were him misreading...or that Lapis won’t hate him after tonight.

[ao3feed-lapidot]

Are you serious?

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3206RxP

by Antigo

Primary Title (the brilliance of which had been restricted by the oppressing 255 word count): In particular reference to you, the individual in question, it is to be evident that such a careful consideration is and must be noted in your state of earnest thought, and that you are neither having a laugh nor imitating a common jester in the very manner you’ve recently exhibited

Alternative Title: Are you serious?

Or

“You slapped me!”

“Of course I did! You tried to kiss me!”

“I’m your WIFE!”

Amnesia/Human AU

Words: 7995, Chapters: 1/2, Language: English

Fandoms: Steven Universe (Cartoon)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F

Relationships: Lapis Lazuli/Peridot (Steven Universe)

Additional Tags: Amnesia, Alternate Universe - Human, Family, Humor, Increasingly Verbose

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3206RxP

[profit-parrot]

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There is something unique about bracelets that makes them necessary ornaments women should have. Bracelets are more than jewelry pieces as they can hold family, cultural, or religious significance. Bracelets' styles and design range from precious stones like gold, diamonds, and silver, wrapping yarns like silk and wool, and man-made materials like ceramics.

For women looking to add a splash of design to their overall style, here are top bracelets styles and designs that offer sentimental values and make you stand out.

1. Personalized birthstone bracelets

Birthstones are a collection of precious gems that corresponds to one's birth month, which is most times their zodiac sign. They are often crafted into necklaces and bracelets and carry special meaning to the individual.

Generally, there are 12 birthstones for the 12 months of the year. Although one month is for one birthstone type, some months can have a variety of two or more types. This allows the individuals to choose from various available birthstones of their birth month.

The corresponding birthstones for each month are Garnet for January, Amethyst for February, March for Bloodstone, Diamond for April, Emerald for March, Pearl for June, Ruby for July, Peridot for August, Sapphire for September, Opal for October, Topaz for November, and Tanzanite for December.

This style of bracelets is gaining popularity amongst women as they offer more than ornamental values. Personalized birthstone bracelets are versatile in shape and design and allow you to engrave special messages or emotions unique to you alone; they also give a touch of royalty to your overall dressing.

Personalized Birthstone bracelets are tarnish-free and last for a very long time. They can also be passed down from generation to generation.

2. Designer bracelets

Designer bracelets are fancy, expensive, and high-end fashion ornaments made from the finest materials like diamonds and platinum. They are usually custom-made by well-known designers and are often limited in number.

One famous designer bracelet is the Cartier love bracelets worth thousands of pounds. Although brands like Hermes, Mejuri, Van Cleef & Arpels also make popular designer bracelets. If the price tag is affordable, owning designer bracelets is a fashion statement that ups your style tremendously.

3. Zodiac sign bracelets

Also known as star sign or constellation bracelets, Zodiac sign bracelets display your star sign or constellation based on your birth month. This can range from the 12 Zodiac signs that range from Virgo, Leo, and Aquarius.

Zodiac signs are important and sometimes play major roles in individual overall behavior, and there is no better way to represent your zodiac sign other than through a zodiac sign bracelet.

4. Hololith Bracelets

Hololith Bracelets, popularly known as Jade bracelets, are pieces of jewelry carved out professionally from a single piece of precious rock. They are also another form of gemstone bracelets built to withstand years of pressure and force.

They are popular in Asia and are now common in the West. Due to their hand-made processing and the quality of the jade, they can be very expensive. However, some fakes and imitations look very much like the original and are of a lower price.

[annadesu]

Pearl & Amethyst - Season 1 Analysis (PART 1)

TLDR; At the start of the series, Pearl and Amethyst’s relationship was shown to be a bit rocky (pardon the pun). However, it was also implied that this was not always the case. Season 1, in many regards, was set-up for Pearl and Amethyst’s growth in the seasons to follow.

~~~~

Gem Glow

A lot of people have forgotten about this little nugget of info from the first episode! While attempting to teach Steven how to summon his weapon, Amethyst asks "Did Pearl tell you the petal thing?". This suggests that, in the past, Pearl attempted to train Amethyst after she was found in the Kindergarten. This subject doesn’t come up again until Season 3, in “Steven vs. Amethyst”, when Pearl is surprised that Amethyst wants to train. (This subject might be addressed again when we finally get the “Amethyst origin” episode).

Cheeseburger Backpack

This episode is full of moments where Amethyst convinces Pearl to do things a little "impulsive" for her. After bickering over an egg, Amethyst is the one to convince Pearl to allow Steven on a mission because it's "educational". She knows this is something that Pearl values. Pearl isn’t THRILLED with the plan, but she relents.

After Steven shows some ingenuity during the mission, Amethyst begins the chant of “CHEESEBURGER BACKPACK!”. Pearl joins in with the chant, after Amethyst nudges her into doing so.

At the end of the episode, Amethyst and Pearl begin to chant “Cheeseburger backpack!” again. This time, Pearl doesn’t need to be asked; she just does it!

It’s also worth noting that, near the climax of the episode, Amethyst grabs Pearl’s arm for second when Steven reveals he forgot the Goddess statue. Despite the bickering in this season, they do tend to stick together when things get hairy.

Together Breakfast

Pearl and Amethyst again bicker over something silly (Amethyst taking a sword, Pearl cleaning Amethyst’s “awful mess”). Season 1 is where this bickering happens the most. It’s worth noting this, since In later seasons, the bickering is almost non-existant. Season 1 is basically the set-up for their gradual character growth. (Pearl does agree with Amethyst to order a pizza at the end of this episode, though!)

Cat Fingers

In a now famous scene, Amethyst shape shifts into Pearl and proceeds to smack her butt, proclaiming "WOMP WOMP". This is the first, but certainly not last, instance of Amethyst imitating Pearl. It’s interesting to note that, out of anyone else in the show, Pearl is Amethyst’s most common person to imitate.

Amethyst impersonating Pearl in “Reformed”

Amethyst impersonating Pearl in “Crack the Whip”

Pearl gets angry, and tells Amethyst that she is "overdoing it" with the shapeshifting. Amethyst becomes annoyed in response. 

Many episodes later, in "Rocknaldo", Amethyst shapeshifts into Ronaldo, and makes fun of his blog. Instead of becoming annoyed like in Season 1, Pearl compliments Amethyst's on her shapeshifting, and Amethyst happily replies "Thanks!". This is in sharp contrast to Pearl’s opinion on shapeshifting in Season 1.

At the end of Cat Fingers, Pearl blames Amethyst for Steven's shapeshifting problems, and Amethyst replies "that's fair". Pearl also tells Steven to listen to her, and never to Amethyst. In the future episode "Know Your Fusion", the opposite happens. Pearl compliments Amethyst for being a "good influence" on Steven, and gives her a big hug, causing Amethyst to become a little bashful.

Bubble Buddies

In this episode, Pearl and Amethyst show equal excitement in the fact that Steven "likes" Connie. Both approach her at the end of the episode, asking Steven to introduce them. They also tell Connie that Steven was "very excited" to meet her, embarrassing him further. This is very much like real life parents, whenever you bring a boy/girlfriend home for the first time. I personally find their shared glee over Steven's love life to be adorable. If Steven and Connie ever become a couple, I hope this shared behavior continues.

Serious Steven

Pearl and Amethyst are shown riding the teacup ride together. Amethyst is bored, and Pearl realizes she missed the point of the ride. 

While trying to escape the upside down pyramid, Amethyst suggests taking Steven with her when they split up. Pearl takes Steven away from her, saying they are a "disaster waiting to happen". In the future episode "Know Your Fusion", Pearl has the opposite opinion, saying that Amethyst is a good influence on Steven (due to the introduction of Smoky Quartz).

A little later, while still trying to escape from the pyramid,  Amethyst is encased in ice. Pearl immediately attempts to chip her out, but with limited success.

Tiger Millionaire

At the start of the episode, Pearl is angry at Amethyst for acting foolish during a mission. When she later finds out that Steven and Amethyst have been wrestling together, she becomes even more angry. However, after Steven explains why they like to wrestle, and why Amethyst needs an outlet to be herself, Pearl (and Garnet) have a change of heart, and actually help them win their match.

Much later, in the episode “Back to the Barn”, Amethyst invites Pearl to go wrestling after she watches her fight with Peridot. Whether or not Pearl ever took Amethyst up on the offer is not clear.

Steven’s Lion

This episode, in my opinion, has a lot of foreshadowing for Opal (who will soon be making her first appearance!) At the start of the episode, Amethyst taunts Pearl for nagging her after flipping over Steven for fun. LAter, Amethyst is shown to have defeated the Desert Glass, which makes Pearl a little jealous. 

Once the Desert Glass reforms on the beach in front of Steven's house, and is defeated by Steven/Lion, Pearl again nags Amethyst for being careless. Amethyst states simply that she "forgot". This shows a major part of Amethyst and Pearl's strengths and weaknesses, and how they actually play off each other. Pearl is very “by the book”, and doesn't do things on the fly. Amethyst is the opposite. Being overly organized and paranoid means that Pearl has a hard time adjusting to new situations, and problems. Amethyst helps Pearl to be a little more spontaneous, and not panic as much. Amethyst, being very impulsive about things, sometimes gets herself into a corner. Pearl helps her out when this happens, and reminds her that sometimes you DO have to think ahead, not just charge in without thinking. Both ways have their pros and cons, and both characters help each other overcome these problems when they are willing to cooperate (as Opal, and as individuals!)

Arcade Mania

When the drill parasites attack Pearl and Amethyst on the beach, Amethyst grabs Pearl into an awkward hug so that she is not hit by the enemy.

Despite the bickering, they really do care about the well being of the other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

PART 2 OF THE SEASON 1 ANALYSIS IS HERE!

If you think I missed anything in the episodes above, let me know! Maybe I’ll add on!

[kiradillinger]

Lotus Breeze, Chapter 1.

Hey guuuys! This is lapidot fanfic (now ongoing, has 11 little chapters). Not my first fanfic (like, at all, I wrote more then 200 xD), BUT this is translation from russian :D Russian is my first language, and I thought it’ll be fun to try to translate the first chapter. And it was, really. 

The plot is simple. Lapis and Peridot rent an apartment and study in university (not dating yet), and one day Steven appears to live in the same apartment with them. Peridot is happy, Lapis is nervous, Steven thinks “why are you guys not dating?”. The work is similar to sketches from their life. (And Peri's attempts to confess her feelings for Lapis)

Let me know if you like it, and I’ll translate the rest. If you don’t, well, I won’t. But I’ll hope ^___^ 

Steven always thought that there was a lot of unusual and unforgettable in his life, and that he could tell with his own confidence that he had seen a lot.

Crossing the threshold of his new home, he senses with the back of his spine that everything is just beginning, and a new school away from the usual environment - less what to expect. At least because he will have to live in the same house with Peridot, which he hadn't seen for several years, but which suddenly reacted positively to the idea that he would live with her. Her apartment is within walking distance from the new school, and although Greg can afford to buy his son a whole apartment, he still decides that Steven will better live with old friend, somehow socializing.

Peridot just says that it will be cheaper and funny, and doesn't even bother to talk to her neighbor before that. Lapis, who has been living with Peridot for a couple of months, doesn't perceive the appearance of a teenager very well.

- You could have WARNED, - she snarls, slapping her hand on the table, and Steven shudders and looks with puppy eyes. - Your tongue wouldn't fall off.

Peridot rubs her eyes under glasses and sighs. With Lapis you will never guess whether she will be nice all day or want to kill you since the morning.

- Steven, this is Lapis, she lives in that room. She is usually not seen and not heard, but today she crawled out... For some reason...

Lapis throws a spoon, and it lands behind Peridot.

- Don't misinform people.

Steven smiles and rubs his head absently. He saw a lot of strange people, and thinks that he can get along with Lapis, if it is good to try. He gets along with Peridot, the nature of which is also quite difficult, but with which they found a common language almost from the first meeting, despite the difference in age as much as five years.

Lapis snorts and hides in her room, clapping the door loudly, and Peridot imitates "don't misinform, blah blah" and puts the teapot, which in a couple of seconds begins to rustle loudly in a disgusting way.

- You probably like some special sort of tea, but personally I have only coffee, and Lapis has a green one, so you should buy your own. - Peridot takes out the mugs, and a second later, with a grin, turns to Steven, who is crouching in his backpack. - Although, what am I talking about. You probably already have it.

Steven laughs and snatches a couple of bags of flower tea from a backpack and a pack of marmalade bears.

- Your father is practically a millionaire, and you use tea bags. I won't stop wondering about your family.

Peridot puts a mug of boiling water and a sugar bowl before him, and Steven pours a handful of marmalade into the mug and throws a teabag, which immediately smells pleasantly with flowers, whose name Peridot can't remember in any way. She frowns when Steven pours another couple of spoons of sugar, but says nothing, sitting next to him. It's not time for coffee yet, and it's better not to take tea (especially green) from Lapis.

- He somehow agreed that living in a van with so much money isn’t a good idea, and moved to an apartment.

Steven takes a sip of tea and squinting contentedly. Peridot looks at him and tries to find out in him the teenager she saw last time a few years ago, even before entering the university. He grew up on two heads, he is taller than her and, look at him, he even pumped up some muscles.

And he still smiles carelessly and looks like the most naive being in the world.

- Well, I hope we won't quarrel. More precisely, you won't quarrel with Lapis, because you and I don't quarrel at all.    

- You somehow get along with her ... - Steven shrugs and watches Peridot's face change from surprise to barely perceptible embarrassment.

- I just sometimes do homework for her so that she won't be kicked out of the university. She entered programming just like that, didn't particularly get involved, and now she doesn't want to go back to her parents. Well, and I don't want to kill my nerves to get along with another new neighbor. Lapis can seem nervous, but she's a good person.

- But you're not going to tell her that in person?

- Hell no.

They laugh and spend the evening after questioning each other about how they lived at the time when they didn't see each other or communicate; Lapis doesn't appear long enough, and when she does, she sees in her pack of tea a new, different bag, and can't help smiling. The first step to winning her heart goes quite well.

[littlemissazure]

Steven Universe !

Favorite character: This is a toughie because I do love so many of them. Hm... let's say Steven himself! Steven has become one of my favorite protagonists I've ever seen in fiction; he's passionate, he's adorable, and the way his lightheartedness affects people from his moral ethic built on his kindness and his love and appreciation for life. He's really a breath of fresh air in that aspect, I'd dare say that his existence (albeit fictional) has passively helped me shape the kind of person that I want to be towards people, too. And he's also, you know, a kid who struggles with intenal conflict of the person that he wants to be, or at least, the person that people expect him to be. I relate to that too. I always enjoy seeing what he's going to do next. And I swear, if I ever have a son someday, I'd want him to grow up be like Steven. You know, with his positive traits! 💕

Least favorite character: I don't care much for Kevin, although, I don't think many people do either. And it's for, well, obvious reasons. I actually like Lars better than him and Lars is probably one of the biggest little shits I've ever seen. I mean, what's Kevin's excuse for being a douchebag?

Character I'm most like: I'd say probably Connie; we both love books, we drive ourselves to be good, have a strong sense of devotion to our friends, we both had a hard time standing up for ourselves at the start, we're also quite hard on ourselves to the point of recklessness, we are often incorporated into the background but we do try our best to work with it. And like, given the chance, that little girl could probably whip my lazy ass into shape, NGL. 

I would've said Lapis originally here but I can't, on good conscious, be /that/ apathetic towards life, herself, and other people. She's pretty cool and has been through a lot from imprisonment, don't get me wrong, but her cynicism can be a little off-putting, although it can also be amusing and relatable at times.

A character you remind me of from Steven Universe is Peridot, mainly because you like green, I'm reminded of that one episode where she imitates a frog (PETEY), and even though I don't quite know you personally, I do believe that you and her do share some common traits (e.g. you're both on the analytical side, and you being an ISTP does give me a little idea of how you operate inside, haha.) And I don't know if I'm also "allowed" to add non-relating fandom characters to associate you with but you also remind me of Haruhi from OHSHC and Link from LOZ! Mainly because your art is always so pretty and colorful just like them and their universes, and I do see you as being a little on the stoic side but you got a good heart, too. 💖

[ponydiscordmod]

The New Crystal Gems Thoughts

WARNING! THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE NEW CRYSTAL GEMS!

Peridot finally meets Connie! YES!

Seriously, it's about time.

After the heavy, emotional stuff of the last Steven Bomb, this was a refreshing, but also interesting change of pace. We get to see Connie, Peridot, and Lapis, the 'secondary' members of the group, work together and it's rather entertaining.

While the overall aesop is rather common 'IE, be yourself', the way it's done kinda makes sense. Mainly because Peridot suggested they try to imitate the original Crystal Gems and Connie is willing to try it. Honestly? I think Lapis just went along with it like she always does with the wacky thing they get into. And seeing Peridot try to be Garnet, Lapis try to be Amethyst, and Connie try to be Steven (and the Pumpkin Dog try to be Pearl...sort of) was funny, especially when Lapis decides to 'be Garnet'. I cracked up at the Ghost Buster reference.

However, beneath that, there's a few interesting tidbits:

Namely, for the first time, Lapis sincerely doesn't MIND being called a 'Crystal Gem'. This is a big step as while she's accepted them as her friends, this is the first time we've seen her act as one and be accepting of being considered part of their group. That's a big step for her.

Second, is the implication that Peridot has been 'level grinding' offscreen. Namely, she went from struggling with a single metal bar or knocking certain things over on command to lifting FREAKING CARS. And she didn't really seem strained to do so. Even if this is a breather episode, we get implications that Peridot will be quite the force to be reckoned with when the time comes.

[anarchist-moonchild-blog1]

SU, Zuke, & Lesbian Experiences

Ugh I swore I’d never comment on SU drama b/c I just want to enjoy the show in fucking peace. All media is problematic, we can acknowledge that and still have fun ffs.

But the shit I’ve been seeing directed towards Zuke for that message is fucking unacceptable. Mockery? Insults? Literal death threats? What the fuck. The narrative they describes strongly resonates with my own experiences as a lesbian. In fact, it’s the first time I’ve seen my own journey into gay love and relationships reflected back at me - or even acknowledged! 

Newsflash: Your ships are not the most important thing in the world, and it’s fucked up if all you took from Zuke’s letter was fuel for your shipping wars and fandom vendettas or wtf ever. It was about creating stories that represent many queer people’s experiences and gives us characters & dynamics we identify with. 

There are other wlw dynamics on the show - but how realistic are they? Honestly, how relatable are they? Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing those wlw too. But how many lesbians come into their sexuality via impulsive gestures of love practically on first sight (Garnet/Ruby/Sapphire)? How many of our sexualities are defined mainly by trauma and grief, or by love born of rebellion and battle (Pearl/Rose)? I identify with these characters, their feelings, and aspects of their relationship. But they’re not my story.

Like many lesbians, my story is one of struggling against compulsive heterosexuality to accept my love of women. It’s extremely common to have crushes on women when you start your journey into queerness. Those feelings fizzle out for predictable reasons: Internalized homophobia, not being ready to take the next step into romance, fear & awkwardness, inexperience, uncertainty of self, etc. These early crushes are often the catalyst for questioning one’s sexuality. That’s a long and personal process - feelings change, you formulate a better understanding of what you want and need in a partner, and doubt & fear set you back and plague crushes. 

The point is: a crush that initiates self-realization of queerness =/= romance between the two parties (Peridot and Amethyst in this case). It CAN happen, but I suspect that’s rare. For me, I fell out of contact with the girl who was my first serious crush - it took me forever to realize I was a lesbian, and when I did, I wasn’t ready to act on it yet. You’ve probably heard similar stories or been through it yourself. 

Not to mention that lesbian/queer relationships aren’t just imitations of heterosexuality. The line between platonic and romantic is so blurred it might as well be a spectrum. Our feelings and relationships don’t fit into the same neat boxes as het ships. E.g. I live with my best friend and we consider each other our Significant Other, but our feeling aren’t romantic, nor are they platonic. And my roomie has a girlfriend she is romantic with in a completely different way, that’s unlike our dynamic or heterosexual ones. We love each other and forayed into our lesbian identities together, but we aren’t and never will be a couple. It’s complicated. The x/y shipping convention doesn’t capture the blurry, complex reality of queer love tbh.

Peridot and Amethyst’s transition from early crush to intimate friendship echoes this complexity and fluidity - it reminds me of my own time as a baby lesbian. It feels realistic. It’s not unusual to maintain a close or affectionate relationship with one woman, while developing an entirely different type of romance with another. Amedot isn’t queerbaiting - it’s literally an integral part of the lesbian experience.

And maybe it was mishandled, but it’s refreshing and validating to know we’re watching Lapis & Peridot’s romance blossom over time. That’s how most real lesbian relationships develop, but that gradual growth is rarely represented in media. And to have that intention stated explicitly by one of the SU creators - I’ve never felt recognized like that! I’ve never had my real experiences as a lesbian publicly stated like that, let alone integrated into a major show. 

Media saturated with soulmates, love-at-first-sight, and dramatic romance - I can’t relate to that. It’s fucking hard finding love as a lesbian, especially early on! But gradual, undefined, maybe even unexpected romance built on familiarity? Hell. Yes. That’s my life as a lesbian with nebulous, cautious romantic and intimate relations. Zuke’s Lapidot is not ~exciting~ and ~dramatic~, but neither are a lot of queer relationships.

Idgaf what you ship - I don’t even have a preference! But don’t be an asshole about Zuke’s intentions, whatever your opinion on its execution in the show. When you’re bitching about their message bc of some petty-ass shipping war or your desire to look cool by hating on SU or wtf ever - do you ever think about how it affects real fucking people? When you hate on Zuke’s vision - do you consider that you might be hurting lesbians who relate to that narrative? Do you even think about people like me at all? Or do you just not give a shit?

I’ve literally never posted SU stuff before this. That’s how shitty and hurtful you all are being right now. I thought this show was my lesbian safe space - never thought I’d see so many people on my dash throwing my experiences under the bus to further their petty agenda. Was this so important that you were willing to risk hurting lesbians who identified with Zuke’s narrative? Willing to alienate queer members of the fanbase who see their own stories attacked & invalidated when you bitch about Zuke’s writing? Was it worth it? 

It costs $0 to be sensitive and considerate in your SU critiques. It’s a fucking television show. It’s not worth hurting real people over - especially lesbians looking for a safe fandom. You can debate and criticize, but be fucking civil, and be mindful that Zuke’s narrative resonates personally with a number of gay fans. Not everything is about shipping - literally just show an iota of respect when you post. You never know if someone reading relates to the themes/narrative that you’re rudely mocking. 

This fandom can do better. It must do better, especially in its treatment of marginalized members. I want to believe we can do that, truly. 

I hope you take this post to heart.

[artificialjewellerytrendybl-blog]

The standard of somebody's dream is believed to reflect the effect the gem

In Indian Astrology also, Blue sapphire is the bead of Saturn, the attendant in our solar system. Saturn has been considered malefic, spreading negative impacts, but finally bringing positivity. It compels catastrophe and calamities that will cause promising instances.

Sapphire could induce the wearer towards great heights but could also send her or him to an abyss of despair and failure. It bestows affluence, longevity, contentment, prosperity, strength, and glory, wiping out hurdles of wellbeing, faults, misery, and poverty. Buddhist Monks thought Blue sapphire or Neelam eliminated the damaging rays of Saturn by the life span of a person bringing tranquility of mind, turns losses into gains, and could make a barren girl plump. It is thought that before choosing to wear sapphires, an individual has to place the gemstones under the pillow while sleeping. The standard of somebody's dream is believed to reflect the effect the gem fashion jewellery might have on the wearer's disposition. Pleasant dreams imply the positivity Sapphires can deliver, while nightmares warn one of potential negative results. Nevertheless, the gemstone brings the wearer the confidence necessary to sustain and preserve dreams and aspirations.

Astrology aside, the vibrant blue of the Sapphire is magical and comes alive when put together with brilliant diamonds. The green-blue comparison of Yahoo Emeralds and Sapphires is ideal for Indian jewellery with peacock motifs. For subtler beauty, sapphires are just as tasteful with pearls. It is the bead of dreams and needs, and needless to say, nobody respects your dreams as much as our team at Gehna. Bring your entire Sapphire fantasies, or feast to our design team's wonders, and observe your Sapphire fantasies breathe life!

The outstanding Peridot stone is a lime green gem and is one of just a few gemstones that exist in a single colour. Olivine, of that peridot is a kind, is a common mineral in magnesium and iron rich (mafic) stones and ultramafic rocks. Peridot can also be found in meteorites. Olivine, generally speaking, is a really abundant mineral, but gem quality peridot is rather rare. This is a result of the mineral's chemical instability on the planet's surface. Olivine is generally found as small grains, also will exist in a heavily weathered state, unsuitable for decorative use. Large crystals of forsterite, the variety most often used to cut peridot gems is infrequent. Because of this olivine is considered precious. Peridot diamonds bigger than three carats are extremely common, but gemstones over five carats are rare and therefore have a greater value. Peridot from the 10 into 15-carat size array are rarer still, but provide a large and daring look for an affordable price. Nowadays, most Peridot comes in Arizona but it's also found in China, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Peridot is available in several colours ranging from yellow green to brown, but the bright lime greens and olive greens are the most desired.

Leo is a really lively sun sign. The characteristics of Leos are quite clearly pronounced as the sign is ruled by sunlight. The birthstone of Leo is Peridot and also the principle element is fire. The warm-hearted Leos possess a royal air about them. They are eager Imitation jewellery wholesalers to assist and have a fair approach to life. Leo always symbolizes activity inspired by wisdom. The center in your body is ruled by Leo that's also the sunlight to get an ideal illuminated life. The gold green soft glow of Peridot acts as a light of wisdom for the Leo. It can potentially have a massive influence from the wearer's personality. As it renders an effect on the individual, in addition, it helps their play a vital part in shaping society in large. Leos are considered to be the torch bearers, those who commence activity and are capable of bringing about a shift.

[businessfrontrunners]

Choosing The Ideal Gemstone for Custom Jewelry

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=24386&wpwautoposter=1544601728 Formed by the accumulation of minerals in the Earth, crystals have very distinctappearances and attributes given to them. Choosing a gemstone or natural stonefor use in jewelry can be greatly personalized by choosing a stone that appealsnot just to the recipient or visually but also based on the intention and purpose agem has traditionally been used for. Choosing on color is important. Color has a profound effect on the brain,influencing our internal neurochemistry through the interaction of lightfrequencies in our eyes and our perception of the color spectrum. Therethousands of types of gemstones and crystals (semi-precious gemstones)crystals found on earth, each having their own meaning. When designing custom jewelry, the metal matters as much as the stone that willbe used in it. Some stones are higher of the Mohs Scale that measures thehardness of a gem and are more suitable than others, while others are chosenfor their delicate iridescence and require special care, like opals. Purchase onlyfrom a reputable seller as well to avoid lab-grown or modified stones that aremade to appear as a different gemstone. Quality counts. Choosing a stone with meaning and purpose is essential to creating a piece ofcustom jewelry that has deep sentimental value. There are many other stonesbeyond the precious gems that are normally used in custom jewelry. Diamonds,Emerald and Rubies are not the only beautiful gems that can be considered. The Symbolism of Gemstones Abalone- Mother of PearlThe nacreous iridescence of the abalone shell is a common and very affordablejewelry material. Mother of Pearl/Abalone is considered to be a material thatgives protective and soothing healing energy. Abalone is associated with shieldsand positive emotions of peacefulness, beauty, compassion, and love. CertainNative American tribes use it abalone shell and sage in their spiritual practices tocarry messages to their Divinities. AmazoniteGreen and lush looking as a rainforest, the Amazonite is considered a stone thatabsorbs negativity and encourages the release of past trauma and hurt. It isclaimed to encourage creativity and self-expression by enhancing the ability tocommunicate. It is a stone that also comes in a wide range of greens and canhave beautiful variations in a single stone.  ApatiteThe deep blue and blue-green and white veins of the apatite are a perfect stoneto use for someone whom you are choosing a stone for who is a creative type.This is a stone associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. Apatite is asofter stone and fractures easily so it not hardy but is a relaxing calming colorand very vivid. Cool tones can be stimulating. AquamarineAquamarine is a semi-precious gem named for its resemblance to seawater.Aquamarine is a blue-green translucent beryl. It is a gem relative of the emeraldand ruby.  It is a perfect stone to choose for a Pisces or jewelry that is for aperson with a water astrology sign. It also makes a lovely gift for your favoriteswimmer or scuba diver. Aquamarine has the metaphysical properties ofrenewal, relaxation and cleansing a person from negativity. It is said to protectthe mind. BloodstoneHeliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a variety of jasper or chalcedony. The"classic" Bloodstone is green Heliotrope is sometimes used in carved signet ringsand is the traditional birthstone for March. It is associated historically with magicand invisibility and is even the subject of a famous play by Boccaccio. It is oftenused in jewelry that is considered protective, shielding and denotes the attributesof passion, strength, and bravery. AgateThe Agate comes in nearly every color and can be chosen for its color alone. It isa popular and common stone for jewelry. It has variations and patterns that formin the stone during formation and the inclusion of other minerals so it can be abeautifully speckled, lined, striped or solid stone. It is considered to be a greatgem for grounding and focus. AmethystAmethyst is a purple form of quartz that has always been used in jewelry. It’ssoothing colors make it one of the most popular gemstones in custom jewelry. Ithas always been considered a stone of strength and self-discipline in history. It issupposed to increase intuition and to prevent nightmares even. It is a hardersemiprecious gem and can be carved and faceted. CitrineCitrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to goldenbrown due to iron. Natural citrines are incredibly rare. Most commercial citrinesare heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartzes.  A treated amethyst will havesmall lines in the crystal, as opposed to a natural citrine's clouded appearance. Itis nearly impossible to differentiate between cut citrine and yellow topaz visually.The name comes from the Latin word "citrina", which means "yellow" and is also the origin of the word "citron". Citrine and amethyst can be found together in the same crystal, forming orange and purple stones called ametrine. Ametrine isconsidered more exotic and is rare. Citrine has long been associated with bringing prosperity to the wearer and is a fine stone choice for those in finance. It is more modernly associated with confidence, power, and endurance. The sunny-hued citrine is a great idea for a businessman or businesswoman’s gift. GarnetGarnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green,purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and even clear. Red garnets are most common.Garnets that are transparent are used in jewelry while opaque forms are used asin industrial uses as an abrasive. Garnets are incredibly durable hard minerals.Garnets can be considered vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like). Garnetsare the January birthstone and are considered to enhance health; pleasure andhelp people reach their potential. JadeJade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It isimportant in Asian and other cultures and is associated with nobility and status. Itis considered a stone for good fortune and success as well as prosperity and is acommon stone. Jade can be enhanced (sometimes called "stabilized"). Somemerchants will refer to these as grades, but the degree of enhancement isdifferent from color and texture quality.  Ethical jade sellers will list the type ofjade they are selling. It is often waxed or dyed to enhance color or used as alaminate over plastic.PeridotPeridot is gem-quality olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur inonly one color: an olive-green. The shade of green depends on the amount ofiron in the crystal structure; so even a single peridot gem can vary from yellow toolive, to brownish-green. Olivine is found in meteors, the moon and in Mars andis a magnesium-rich gemstone. Peridot is semi-precious; deep green olivinewithout iron and other inclusions is so rare to be considered a precious gem. It isthe birthstone of October. It is claimed to be protective against jealousy,negativity, and resentment. Olivine is often confused with emerald. TurquoiseTurquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green stone that often has black or metal veiningfrom mineral inclusions. It is rare and valuable at its finer grades and has beenprized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to itsunique color and patterns. Turquoise has been devalued like most opaque gemsby imitations and synthetics being mass-produced. Turquoise is normally treatedto enhance both its color and durability.

[businessfrontrunners]

Choosing The Ideal Gemstone for Custom Jewelry

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=24386&wpwautoposter=1544598052 Formed by the accumulation of minerals in the Earth, crystals have very distinctappearances and attributes given to them. Choosing a gemstone or natural stonefor use in jewelry can be greatly personalized by choosing a stone that appealsnot just to the recipient or visually but also based on the intention and purpose agem has traditionally been used for. Choosing on color is important. Color has a profound effect on the brain,influencing our internal neurochemistry through the interaction of lightfrequencies in our eyes and our perception of the color spectrum. Therethousands of types of gemstones and crystals (semi-precious gemstones)crystals found on earth, each having their own meaning. When designing custom jewelry, the metal matters as much as the stone that willbe used in it. Some stones are higher of the Mohs Scale that measures thehardness of a gem and are more suitable than others, while others are chosenfor their delicate iridescence and require special care, like opals. Purchase onlyfrom a reputable seller as well to avoid lab-grown or modified stones that aremade to appear as a different gemstone. Quality counts. Choosing a stone with meaning and purpose is essential to creating a piece ofcustom jewelry that has deep sentimental value. There are many other stonesbeyond the precious gems that are normally used in custom jewelry. Diamonds,Emerald and Rubies are not the only beautiful gems that can be considered. The Symbolism of Gemstones Abalone- Mother of PearlThe nacreous iridescence of the abalone shell is a common and very affordablejewelry material. Mother of Pearl/Abalone is considered to be a material thatgives protective and soothing healing energy. Abalone is associated with shieldsand positive emotions of peacefulness, beauty, compassion, and love. CertainNative American tribes use it abalone shell and sage in their spiritual practices tocarry messages to their Divinities. AmazoniteGreen and lush looking as a rainforest, the Amazonite is considered a stone thatabsorbs negativity and encourages the release of past trauma and hurt. It isclaimed to encourage creativity and self-expression by enhancing the ability tocommunicate. It is a stone that also comes in a wide range of greens and canhave beautiful variations in a single stone.  ApatiteThe deep blue and blue-green and white veins of the apatite are a perfect stoneto use for someone whom you are choosing a stone for who is a creative type.This is a stone associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. Apatite is asofter stone and fractures easily so it not hardy but is a relaxing calming colorand very vivid. Cool tones can be stimulating. AquamarineAquamarine is a semi-precious gem named for its resemblance to seawater.Aquamarine is a blue-green translucent beryl. It is a gem relative of the emeraldand ruby.  It is a perfect stone to choose for a Pisces or jewelry that is for aperson with a water astrology sign. It also makes a lovely gift for your favoriteswimmer or scuba diver. Aquamarine has the metaphysical properties ofrenewal, relaxation and cleansing a person from negativity. It is said to protectthe mind. BloodstoneHeliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a variety of jasper or chalcedony. The"classic" Bloodstone is green Heliotrope is sometimes used in carved signet ringsand is the traditional birthstone for March. It is associated historically with magicand invisibility and is even the subject of a famous play by Boccaccio. It is oftenused in jewelry that is considered protective, shielding and denotes the attributesof passion, strength, and bravery. AgateThe Agate comes in nearly every color and can be chosen for its color alone. It isa popular and common stone for jewelry. It has variations and patterns that formin the stone during formation and the inclusion of other minerals so it can be abeautifully speckled, lined, striped or solid stone. It is considered to be a greatgem for grounding and focus. AmethystAmethyst is a purple form of quartz that has always been used in jewelry. It’ssoothing colors make it one of the most popular gemstones in custom jewelry. Ithas always been considered a stone of strength and self-discipline in history. It issupposed to increase intuition and to prevent nightmares even. It is a hardersemiprecious gem and can be carved and faceted. CitrineCitrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to goldenbrown due to iron. Natural citrines are incredibly rare. Most commercial citrinesare heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartzes.  A treated amethyst will havesmall lines in the crystal, as opposed to a natural citrine's clouded appearance. Itis nearly impossible to differentiate between cut citrine and yellow topaz visually.The name comes from the Latin word "citrina", which means "yellow" and is also the origin of the word "citron". Citrine and amethyst can be found together in the same crystal, forming orange and purple stones called ametrine. Ametrine isconsidered more exotic and is rare. Citrine has long been associated with bringing prosperity to the wearer and is a fine stone choice for those in finance. It is more modernly associated with confidence, power, and endurance. The sunny-hued citrine is a great idea for a businessman or businesswoman’s gift. GarnetGarnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green,purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and even clear. Red garnets are most common.Garnets that are transparent are used in jewelry while opaque forms are used asin industrial uses as an abrasive. Garnets are incredibly durable hard minerals.Garnets can be considered vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like). Garnetsare the January birthstone and are considered to enhance health; pleasure andhelp people reach their potential. JadeJade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It isimportant in Asian and other cultures and is associated with nobility and status. Itis considered a stone for good fortune and success as well as prosperity and is acommon stone. Jade can be enhanced (sometimes called "stabilized"). Somemerchants will refer to these as grades, but the degree of enhancement isdifferent from color and texture quality.  Ethical jade sellers will list the type ofjade they are selling. It is often waxed or dyed to enhance color or used as alaminate over plastic.PeridotPeridot is gem-quality olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur inonly one color: an olive-green. The shade of green depends on the amount ofiron in the crystal structure; so even a single peridot gem can vary from yellow toolive, to brownish-green. Olivine is found in meteors, the moon and in Mars andis a magnesium-rich gemstone. Peridot is semi-precious; deep green olivinewithout iron and other inclusions is so rare to be considered a precious gem. It isthe birthstone of October. It is claimed to be protective against jealousy,negativity, and resentment. Olivine is often confused with emerald. TurquoiseTurquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green stone that often has black or metal veiningfrom mineral inclusions. It is rare and valuable at its finer grades and has beenprized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to itsunique color and patterns. Turquoise has been devalued like most opaque gemsby imitations and synthetics being mass-produced. Turquoise is normally treatedto enhance both its color and durability.

[businessfrontrunners]

Choosing The Ideal Gemstone for Custom Jewelry

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=24386&wpwautoposter=1544594486 Formed by the accumulation of minerals in the Earth, crystals have very distinctappearances and attributes given to them. Choosing a gemstone or natural stonefor use in jewelry can be greatly personalized by choosing a stone that appealsnot just to the recipient or visually but also based on the intention and purpose agem has traditionally been used for. Choosing on color is important. Color has a profound effect on the brain,influencing our internal neurochemistry through the interaction of lightfrequencies in our eyes and our perception of the color spectrum. Therethousands of types of gemstones and crystals (semi-precious gemstones)crystals found on earth, each having their own meaning. When designing custom jewelry, the metal matters as much as the stone that willbe used in it. Some stones are higher of the Mohs Scale that measures thehardness of a gem and are more suitable than others, while others are chosenfor their delicate iridescence and require special care, like opals. Purchase onlyfrom a reputable seller as well to avoid lab-grown or modified stones that aremade to appear as a different gemstone. Quality counts. Choosing a stone with meaning and purpose is essential to creating a piece ofcustom jewelry that has deep sentimental value. There are many other stonesbeyond the precious gems that are normally used in custom jewelry. Diamonds,Emerald and Rubies are not the only beautiful gems that can be considered. The Symbolism of Gemstones Abalone- Mother of PearlThe nacreous iridescence of the abalone shell is a common and very affordablejewelry material. Mother of Pearl/Abalone is considered to be a material thatgives protective and soothing healing energy. Abalone is associated with shieldsand positive emotions of peacefulness, beauty, compassion, and love. CertainNative American tribes use it abalone shell and sage in their spiritual practices tocarry messages to their Divinities. AmazoniteGreen and lush looking as a rainforest, the Amazonite is considered a stone thatabsorbs negativity and encourages the release of past trauma and hurt. It isclaimed to encourage creativity and self-expression by enhancing the ability tocommunicate. It is a stone that also comes in a wide range of greens and canhave beautiful variations in a single stone.  ApatiteThe deep blue and blue-green and white veins of the apatite are a perfect stoneto use for someone whom you are choosing a stone for who is a creative type.This is a stone associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. Apatite is asofter stone and fractures easily so it not hardy but is a relaxing calming colorand very vivid. Cool tones can be stimulating. AquamarineAquamarine is a semi-precious gem named for its resemblance to seawater.Aquamarine is a blue-green translucent beryl. It is a gem relative of the emeraldand ruby.  It is a perfect stone to choose for a Pisces or jewelry that is for aperson with a water astrology sign. It also makes a lovely gift for your favoriteswimmer or scuba diver. Aquamarine has the metaphysical properties ofrenewal, relaxation and cleansing a person from negativity. It is said to protectthe mind. BloodstoneHeliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a variety of jasper or chalcedony. The"classic" Bloodstone is green Heliotrope is sometimes used in carved signet ringsand is the traditional birthstone for March. It is associated historically with magicand invisibility and is even the subject of a famous play by Boccaccio. It is oftenused in jewelry that is considered protective, shielding and denotes the attributesof passion, strength, and bravery. AgateThe Agate comes in nearly every color and can be chosen for its color alone. It isa popular and common stone for jewelry. It has variations and patterns that formin the stone during formation and the inclusion of other minerals so it can be abeautifully speckled, lined, striped or solid stone. It is considered to be a greatgem for grounding and focus. AmethystAmethyst is a purple form of quartz that has always been used in jewelry. It’ssoothing colors make it one of the most popular gemstones in custom jewelry. Ithas always been considered a stone of strength and self-discipline in history. It issupposed to increase intuition and to prevent nightmares even. It is a hardersemiprecious gem and can be carved and faceted. CitrineCitrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to goldenbrown due to iron. Natural citrines are incredibly rare. Most commercial citrinesare heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartzes.  A treated amethyst will havesmall lines in the crystal, as opposed to a natural citrine's clouded appearance. Itis nearly impossible to differentiate between cut citrine and yellow topaz visually.The name comes from the Latin word "citrina", which means "yellow" and is also the origin of the word "citron". Citrine and amethyst can be found together in the same crystal, forming orange and purple stones called ametrine. Ametrine isconsidered more exotic and is rare. Citrine has long been associated with bringing prosperity to the wearer and is a fine stone choice for those in finance. It is more modernly associated with confidence, power, and endurance. The sunny-hued citrine is a great idea for a businessman or businesswoman’s gift. GarnetGarnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green,purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and even clear. Red garnets are most common.Garnets that are transparent are used in jewelry while opaque forms are used asin industrial uses as an abrasive. Garnets are incredibly durable hard minerals.Garnets can be considered vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like). Garnetsare the January birthstone and are considered to enhance health; pleasure andhelp people reach their potential. JadeJade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It isimportant in Asian and other cultures and is associated with nobility and status. Itis considered a stone for good fortune and success as well as prosperity and is acommon stone. Jade can be enhanced (sometimes called "stabilized"). Somemerchants will refer to these as grades, but the degree of enhancement isdifferent from color and texture quality.  Ethical jade sellers will list the type ofjade they are selling. It is often waxed or dyed to enhance color or used as alaminate over plastic.PeridotPeridot is gem-quality olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur inonly one color: an olive-green. The shade of green depends on the amount ofiron in the crystal structure; so even a single peridot gem can vary from yellow toolive, to brownish-green. Olivine is found in meteors, the moon and in Mars andis a magnesium-rich gemstone. Peridot is semi-precious; deep green olivinewithout iron and other inclusions is so rare to be considered a precious gem. It isthe birthstone of October. It is claimed to be protective against jealousy,negativity, and resentment. Olivine is often confused with emerald. TurquoiseTurquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green stone that often has black or metal veiningfrom mineral inclusions. It is rare and valuable at its finer grades and has beenprized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to itsunique color and patterns. Turquoise has been devalued like most opaque gemsby imitations and synthetics being mass-produced. Turquoise is normally treatedto enhance both its color and durability.

[businessfrontrunners]

Choosing The Ideal Gemstone for Custom Jewelry

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=24386&wpwautoposter=1544540502 Formed by the accumulation of minerals in the Earth, crystals have very distinctappearances and attributes given to them. Choosing a gemstone or natural stonefor use in jewelry can be greatly personalized by choosing a stone that appealsnot just to the recipient or visually but also based on the intention and purpose agem has traditionally been used for. Choosing on color is important. Color has a profound effect on the brain,influencing our internal neurochemistry through the interaction of lightfrequencies in our eyes and our perception of the color spectrum. Therethousands of types of gemstones and crystals (semi-precious gemstones)crystals found on earth, each having their own meaning. When designing custom jewelry, the metal matters as much as the stone that willbe used in it. Some stones are higher of the Mohs Scale that measures thehardness of a gem and are more suitable than others, while others are chosenfor their delicate iridescence and require special care, like opals. Purchase onlyfrom a reputable seller as well to avoid lab-grown or modified stones that aremade to appear as a different gemstone. Quality counts. Choosing a stone with meaning and purpose is essential to creating a piece ofcustom jewelry that has deep sentimental value. There are many other stonesbeyond the precious gems that are normally used in custom jewelry. Diamonds,Emerald and Rubies are not the only beautiful gems that can be considered. The Symbolism of Gemstones Abalone- Mother of PearlThe nacreous iridescence of the abalone shell is a common and very affordablejewelry material. Mother of Pearl/Abalone is considered to be a material thatgives protective and soothing healing energy. Abalone is associated with shieldsand positive emotions of peacefulness, beauty, compassion, and love. CertainNative American tribes use it abalone shell and sage in their spiritual practices tocarry messages to their Divinities. AmazoniteGreen and lush looking as a rainforest, the Amazonite is considered a stone thatabsorbs negativity and encourages the release of past trauma and hurt. It isclaimed to encourage creativity and self-expression by enhancing the ability tocommunicate. It is a stone that also comes in a wide range of greens and canhave beautiful variations in a single stone.  ApatiteThe deep blue and blue-green and white veins of the apatite are a perfect stoneto use for someone whom you are choosing a stone for who is a creative type.This is a stone associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. Apatite is asofter stone and fractures easily so it not hardy but is a relaxing calming colorand very vivid. Cool tones can be stimulating. AquamarineAquamarine is a semi-precious gem named for its resemblance to seawater.Aquamarine is a blue-green translucent beryl. It is a gem relative of the emeraldand ruby.  It is a perfect stone to choose for a Pisces or jewelry that is for aperson with a water astrology sign. It also makes a lovely gift for your favoriteswimmer or scuba diver. Aquamarine has the metaphysical properties ofrenewal, relaxation and cleansing a person from negativity. It is said to protectthe mind. BloodstoneHeliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a variety of jasper or chalcedony. The"classic" Bloodstone is green Heliotrope is sometimes used in carved signet ringsand is the traditional birthstone for March. It is associated historically with magicand invisibility and is even the subject of a famous play by Boccaccio. It is oftenused in jewelry that is considered protective, shielding and denotes the attributesof passion, strength, and bravery. AgateThe Agate comes in nearly every color and can be chosen for its color alone. It isa popular and common stone for jewelry. It has variations and patterns that formin the stone during formation and the inclusion of other minerals so it can be abeautifully speckled, lined, striped or solid stone. It is considered to be a greatgem for grounding and focus. AmethystAmethyst is a purple form of quartz that has always been used in jewelry. It’ssoothing colors make it one of the most popular gemstones in custom jewelry. Ithas always been considered a stone of strength and self-discipline in history. It issupposed to increase intuition and to prevent nightmares even. It is a hardersemiprecious gem and can be carved and faceted. CitrineCitrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to goldenbrown due to iron. Natural citrines are incredibly rare. Most commercial citrinesare heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartzes.  A treated amethyst will havesmall lines in the crystal, as opposed to a natural citrine's clouded appearance. Itis nearly impossible to differentiate between cut citrine and yellow topaz visually.The name comes from the Latin word "citrina", which means "yellow" and is also the origin of the word "citron". Citrine and amethyst can be found together in the same crystal, forming orange and purple stones called ametrine. Ametrine isconsidered more exotic and is rare. Citrine has long been associated with bringing prosperity to the wearer and is a fine stone choice for those in finance. It is more modernly associated with confidence, power, and endurance. The sunny-hued citrine is a great idea for a businessman or businesswoman’s gift. GarnetGarnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green,purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and even clear. Red garnets are most common.Garnets that are transparent are used in jewelry while opaque forms are used asin industrial uses as an abrasive. Garnets are incredibly durable hard minerals.Garnets can be considered vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like). Garnetsare the January birthstone and are considered to enhance health; pleasure andhelp people reach their potential. JadeJade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It isimportant in Asian and other cultures and is associated with nobility and status. Itis considered a stone for good fortune and success as well as prosperity and is acommon stone. Jade can be enhanced (sometimes called "stabilized"). Somemerchants will refer to these as grades, but the degree of enhancement isdifferent from color and texture quality.  Ethical jade sellers will list the type ofjade they are selling. It is often waxed or dyed to enhance color or used as alaminate over plastic.PeridotPeridot is gem-quality olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur inonly one color: an olive-green. The shade of green depends on the amount ofiron in the crystal structure; so even a single peridot gem can vary from yellow toolive, to brownish-green. Olivine is found in meteors, the moon and in Mars andis a magnesium-rich gemstone. Peridot is semi-precious; deep green olivinewithout iron and other inclusions is so rare to be considered a precious gem. It isthe birthstone of October. It is claimed to be protective against jealousy,negativity, and resentment. Olivine is often confused with emerald. TurquoiseTurquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green stone that often has black or metal veiningfrom mineral inclusions. It is rare and valuable at its finer grades and has beenprized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to itsunique color and patterns. Turquoise has been devalued like most opaque gemsby imitations and synthetics being mass-produced. Turquoise is normally treatedto enhance both its color and durability.

[businessfrontrunners]

Choosing The Ideal Gemstone for Custom Jewelry

https://authoritypresswire.com/?p=24386&wpwautoposter=1544533225 Formed by the accumulation of minerals in the Earth, crystals have very distinctappearances and attributes given to them. Choosing a gemstone or natural stonefor use in jewelry can be greatly personalized by choosing a stone that appealsnot just to the recipient or visually but also based on the intention and purpose agem has traditionally been used for. Choosing on color is important. Color has a profound effect on the brain,influencing our internal neurochemistry through the interaction of lightfrequencies in our eyes and our perception of the color spectrum. Therethousands of types of gemstones and crystals (semi-precious gemstones)crystals found on earth, each having their own meaning. When designing custom jewelry, the metal matters as much as the stone that willbe used in it. Some stones are higher of the Mohs Scale that measures thehardness of a gem and are more suitable than others, while others are chosenfor their delicate iridescence and require special care, like opals. Purchase onlyfrom a reputable seller as well to avoid lab-grown or modified stones that aremade to appear as a different gemstone. Quality counts. Choosing a stone with meaning and purpose is essential to creating a piece ofcustom jewelry that has deep sentimental value. There are many other stonesbeyond the precious gems that are normally used in custom jewelry. Diamonds,Emerald and Rubies are not the only beautiful gems that can be considered. The Symbolism of Gemstones Abalone- Mother of PearlThe nacreous iridescence of the abalone shell is a common and very affordablejewelry material. Mother of Pearl/Abalone is considered to be a material thatgives protective and soothing healing energy. Abalone is associated with shieldsand positive emotions of peacefulness, beauty, compassion, and love. CertainNative American tribes use it abalone shell and sage in their spiritual practices tocarry messages to their Divinities. AmazoniteGreen and lush looking as a rainforest, the Amazonite is considered a stone thatabsorbs negativity and encourages the release of past trauma and hurt. It isclaimed to encourage creativity and self-expression by enhancing the ability tocommunicate. It is a stone that also comes in a wide range of greens and canhave beautiful variations in a single stone.  ApatiteThe deep blue and blue-green and white veins of the apatite are a perfect stoneto use for someone whom you are choosing a stone for who is a creative type.This is a stone associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. Apatite is asofter stone and fractures easily so it not hardy but is a relaxing calming colorand very vivid. Cool tones can be stimulating. AquamarineAquamarine is a semi-precious gem named for its resemblance to seawater.Aquamarine is a blue-green translucent beryl. It is a gem relative of the emeraldand ruby.  It is a perfect stone to choose for a Pisces or jewelry that is for aperson with a water astrology sign. It also makes a lovely gift for your favoriteswimmer or scuba diver. Aquamarine has the metaphysical properties ofrenewal, relaxation and cleansing a person from negativity. It is said to protectthe mind. BloodstoneHeliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a variety of jasper or chalcedony. The"classic" Bloodstone is green Heliotrope is sometimes used in carved signet ringsand is the traditional birthstone for March. It is associated historically with magicand invisibility and is even the subject of a famous play by Boccaccio. It is oftenused in jewelry that is considered protective, shielding and denotes the attributesof passion, strength, and bravery. AgateThe Agate comes in nearly every color and can be chosen for its color alone. It isa popular and common stone for jewelry. It has variations and patterns that formin the stone during formation and the inclusion of other minerals so it can be abeautifully speckled, lined, striped or solid stone. It is considered to be a greatgem for grounding and focus. AmethystAmethyst is a purple form of quartz that has always been used in jewelry. It’ssoothing colors make it one of the most popular gemstones in custom jewelry. Ithas always been considered a stone of strength and self-discipline in history. It issupposed to increase intuition and to prevent nightmares even. It is a hardersemiprecious gem and can be carved and faceted. CitrineCitrine is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from a pale yellow to goldenbrown due to iron. Natural citrines are incredibly rare. Most commercial citrinesare heat-treated amethysts or smoky quartzes.  A treated amethyst will havesmall lines in the crystal, as opposed to a natural citrine's clouded appearance. Itis nearly impossible to differentiate between cut citrine and yellow topaz visually.The name comes from the Latin word "citrina", which means "yellow" and is also the origin of the word "citron". Citrine and amethyst can be found together in the same crystal, forming orange and purple stones called ametrine. Ametrine isconsidered more exotic and is rare. Citrine has long been associated with bringing prosperity to the wearer and is a fine stone choice for those in finance. It is more modernly associated with confidence, power, and endurance. The sunny-hued citrine is a great idea for a businessman or businesswoman’s gift. GarnetGarnet species are found in many colors including red, orange, yellow, green,purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and even clear. Red garnets are most common.Garnets that are transparent are used in jewelry while opaque forms are used asin industrial uses as an abrasive. Garnets are incredibly durable hard minerals.Garnets can be considered vitreous (glass-like) or resinous (amber-like). Garnetsare the January birthstone and are considered to enhance health; pleasure andhelp people reach their potential. JadeJade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It isimportant in Asian and other cultures and is associated with nobility and status. Itis considered a stone for good fortune and success as well as prosperity and is acommon stone. Jade can be enhanced (sometimes called "stabilized"). Somemerchants will refer to these as grades, but the degree of enhancement isdifferent from color and texture quality.  Ethical jade sellers will list the type ofjade they are selling. It is often waxed or dyed to enhance color or used as alaminate over plastic.PeridotPeridot is gem-quality olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur inonly one color: an olive-green. The shade of green depends on the amount ofiron in the crystal structure; so even a single peridot gem can vary from yellow toolive, to brownish-green. Olivine is found in meteors, the moon and in Mars andis a magnesium-rich gemstone. Peridot is semi-precious; deep green olivinewithout iron and other inclusions is so rare to be considered a precious gem. It isthe birthstone of October. It is claimed to be protective against jealousy,negativity, and resentment. Olivine is often confused with emerald. TurquoiseTurquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green stone that often has black or metal veiningfrom mineral inclusions. It is rare and valuable at its finer grades and has beenprized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to itsunique color and patterns. Turquoise has been devalued like most opaque gemsby imitations and synthetics being mass-produced. Turquoise is normally treatedto enhance both its color and durability.