Desert Rose Trading

Been Awhile....

2011-05-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

We have so many great pieces in stock right now, that I was inspired to post. I don't really know where to start, but I'm thinking that our Deal of the Week is so darn cute that I would hate if you happened to miss this great deal.

Too, coral always reminds me of spring - sitting on the patio, soaking in the sun with a relaxing beverage. Here are three pieces to help you get the idea.

Coral Rope Necklace
Just $52.20

Red Sea Bamboo Coral Earrings
$46.80

Bamboo Coral Necklace
$42.30

Deal of the Week

2011-02-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Turquoise Pendant & Necklace Set
Beautiful green turquoise at a great price - just $70.20

Deal of the Week! Rainbow Calsilica Necklace

2010-11-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Calsilica Bamboo Bead Necklace
Just 70% off - get it here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to take a moment & wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope that you and your family are safe and are able to enjoy this holiday together!

Deal of the Week! Stoney Mix Necklace Set

2010-11-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Don't miss this one! You get 3 for just $42.60!

Desert Rose Trading Amber Petal Necklace

2010-11-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

This Amber petal necklace is a treat! Two strands of amber petals are offset by smaller chips and nuggets. The amber looks like deeply hued honey and is super feminine. This necklace is a true DRT original. For more details go to the product page on our site.

Desert Rose Trading Leather Pouch

2010-11-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is the cutest, softest little leather pouch you can imagine. I love it!
It's perfect for gift giving or for keeping your loose treasure stones collected & protected.
Currently only $31.50 - marked down 55% from $69

Deal of the Week - Amethyst Hexagon

2010-11-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

This Amethyst Hexagon necklace is only $29.10 after the 70% off.
Item #28-5033 - http://www.desertrosedirect.com/

Deal of the Week - Spiney Oyster Cuff

2010-11-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

This one is tough to beat!
Spiney Oyster Cuff - Now only $55.50

Stone of the Week - Unknown Lovlies

2010-11-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I know it’s been forever since my last post here – not that this is an excuse, but we had the October show & then the business building up to and then after it I have completely neglected my writing here. I have missed it much.

I was out for a walk the other day & noticed that Fall has snuck up on us quite quietly out here. With all the explosive colors and cool evenings we are in full Fall force. Every so often while on my walks I find curious stones and bring them back to our office. I honestly do not know what half of them are in the world of gemstones, but I just like them. Generally I keep these stones for myself, but this one I wanted to share with you all. I just thought it was wonderful in all its natural beauty. Let me know what you think.

Deal of the Week - Yellow Opal Necklace

2010-11-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Two Strands Of Yellow Opal Nuggets - just $43.20 70% off of $144
Can't beat this price on such a rare piece.

Deal of the Week - Green Turquoise Necklace

2010-10-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is an excellent buy on a timeless piece.
70% off this Green Turquoise Necklace makes it just $75

Deal of the Week - Coral Flower Necklace

2010-10-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

Two strands of carved Coral flowers are accented by a strand of perfectly round coral beads.
This necklace is a steal at $47.10 marked down from $157
One Week Only!

Deal of the Week - Tigers Eye Lariat Necklace

2010-10-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Only $24.90 for this fantastic Tigers Eye Lariat Necklace
Item 28-5201

One Week Only!

Get Your Groupon September 29!

2010-09-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

www.groupon.com/albuquerque

We are so very excited about our Groupon - this is a one day only thing so make sure not to miss out!

Design @ Nine: Kenna Cantrell

2010-09-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

When you’re called upon to write a ditty about the C.O.O. (this is the best way to describe her since we don’t have titles here at DRT) of your company there are two things you can do – panic or realize that you’re so very lucky to have the chance to work with such a compassionate and dedicated person that it will be easy as pie. Of course you may think, “Well, anyone would say that about their boss in a blog,” – but in this case it’s spot on.

Kenna’s Most Favorite Guy on Earth T-Roy having fun in the New Mexican snow.

Kenna with Sheryl Crow at the Andre Agassi Grand Slam Benefit Event

Kenna is a true blue Texan at heart even though she now calls Albuquerque home. Graduating with a Bachelors degree in business administration/labor and human resource management, she put herself through school with various jobs and a partial athletic scholarship. Her office is often filled with music, exotic smelling aroma sticks and a desk that looks like she has organized a small army. It is by no means messy – from rock samples, to new jewelry designs or the latest update to insurance rates - a busy girl has to stay extremely structured. So, not only is she creatively talented, but with a corporate background she brings the best of both worlds to our team (btw - I’ve never met someone who gets more excited or delighted about our new designs as her). But I don’t have to convince you. Just read below :

I am in the jewelry business, I believe, because when you are open and receptive, you end up where you are meant to be. I tend to love details, and this business certainly has considerable room for details. I appreciate being able to put thought, effort and even love in to what we create, how we create it and the people who make it happen. It is important to me to provide an environment and a culture in which everyone here feels free to bring all of who they are to work. I subscribe to the “in a world where you can be anything, be who you are” philosophy.

We have assembled a work “family” that inspires me on a daily basis. I find such joy in observing how each individual applies their gifts and talents in an unassuming fashion yet always with the ultimate goal of either creating another remarkable design, making sure our customers know they are the back bone of our business or ensuring that each and every piece meets our quality standards. A more caring and sincere group of people you will never find.

I love the design process. I love to see how simple cutting and polishing can transform a “rock” into an amazing piece. Each time this happens I am reminded of the wonders that surround us. I so enjoy the people that find and harvest the stones we use from all over the world. I love the “romance” or stories behind the stones, how they are mined, etc. So many of the miners are second and third generation rock hounds. It really is in their blood. I appreciate that what we do brings income to places and people that most likely otherwise would have none. Having a hand in helping support my fellow human beings, in any way, is something I cherish. I appreciate all of my “bosses,” the customers and the amazing team who makes what we do possible. Every new find humbles me…Nature is amazing!

Jay is the “King” of many things, not the least of which is adventure. It is always fun when we get a chance to travel, explore and often times “discover” materials with windows of endless possibilities to one day become a true work of art that in some way shares our passion for what we do with our glorious customers.

Kenna enjoying an elephant ride during a recent trip to Thailand with Jay.

Kenna’s Favorite Stones: Petrified Wood (mine too!), Turquoise, Lepidolite & Sugilite---or anything naturally purple….how amazing is that!, Seraphinite -I think I like chatoyancy what do you think?, Rutilated quartz

I always romanticize that when Kenna leaves for the weekend I see her driving out to the mountains on her Harley and enjoying a moment or two of sticking her toes into a small New Mexican stream. Soaking it all in, remembering that the joy is in the journey.

Kenna enjoying some ridin’ time at a “Toys for Tots” rally here in New Mexico.

Deal of the Week : Peridot & Amethyst Hoop Dangle Earrings

2010-09-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Only $9 for these peridot & Amethyst hoop earrings.
Item 27-2437
Get 'em while you can!

Deal of the Week!

2010-09-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Deal of the Week: Blue Lace Agate Post Earrings
Item Number 10-2037
were: $40
now: $12
70% off until September 26

Deal of the Week! 32" Ganet Cluster Necklace

2010-09-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Save 70% off this 32" Garnet Cluster Necklace
was $150
now $45

Deal of the Week! Rhodocrocite & Pearl Rope Necklace

2010-09-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

Save 70% off this Rhodocrocite & Pearl Rope Necklace
$168 - 70% = $50.40

Deal of the Week - Lapis Heart Dangle Earrings

2010-08-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Denim Hearts dangle from a French Earwire - the perfect gift!
Were: $27 Now: $8.10
Item #28-2000

Design @ Nine - Edy Rose Jim

2010-08-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Edy Rose is the go to girl extraordinaire here at Desert Rose Trading – no doubt. She is not only our direct line to our manufacturer, but she is our direct line to every design and sometimes to each other. She takes every idea and pulls it into action. Without Edy Rose you would not get to see the designs that our team comes up with. Needless to say she has touched every item and given it a crucial blessing.

Growing up here in western New Mexico Edy Rose encompasses the contemporary Southwestern aesthetic. Being from a small Indian reservation west of Albuquerque, she came to find herself in the “Big City” of Albuquerque. She is a member of the Navajo tribe and visits home as often as she can. You may ask – Why “Edy Rose” – well her father’s name is Edward and her mother’s name is Rose – therefore Edy Rose came to be. I have never asked her where her daughters beautiful name comes from, Taya, but I’m sure that the story is as beautiful as hers.

A wonderful New Mexico view of Edy Rose's home in Naschitti.

Being here at Desert Rose – especially on the crazy days – we all wonder “how did we end up here?” I asked Edy Rose & learned something new. “I truly wasn’t looking into falling into the jewelry biz, but have come from a string-line of it. My father is an excellent silversmith and my mother is a great jewelry stringer & inlayer. I’ve been around jewelry my whole life, as long as I can remember, so it’s all meant to be."

Edy Rose's dream place.

Deal of the Week - Black Agate & Pearl Earrings

2010-08-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Black Agate & Pearl Post Earrings
was $36 now $10.80
Item #29-2372

Journey - Animal Lover Yvette Burke & the Hugs and Kisses Animal Fund

2010-08-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

On Jay’s travels you must know that he makes many friends. If we’re lucky enough here, we get to call them friends as well and one of my absolute favorites is Yvette Burke. I mention this because today someone asked if I could post a picture of my kitty Bobo here on the blog. The mention reminded me how many of Jay’s friends are animal lover’s too. Yvette is so much an animal lover that she donates much of her time to a non for profit Humane Organization called Hugs & Kisses Animal Fund.

Bobo - I rescued him living on the street begging for Italian food. Needless to say, he's more into cat food than linguine.

Almost every time I talk with her she has a new pet or two that she’s fostering. Last week just after she rescued a cat family – mom, dad and a few kittens – her own cat Mynxie got into the action and unfortunately was injured. The cat was literally trying to save some of the kittens who had gone up into a tree and when she was trying to get down was injured. Now that’s a family full of dedication.

I couldn't resist - I had to share a picture of my little brother "Big Al".

Design @ Nine - Brian Bruce the Master

2010-08-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

With at least 20 some years experience in silversmithing there is no job impossible for Mr. Bruce. He is our ultimate creator of all things silver and stone. I’m lucky enough to have a sneek peek at all his creations everyday – I wish I could share a few with you right now, but if you’re patient Jay will share with you in due time.

Brian using a jewelers saw - pretty tricky!

Brian grew up here in Albuquerque and just out of high school he studied and worked in the automotive industry. After a few years he was introduced to the world of jewelry fabrication and the rest is history. Being a self taught silversmith, his imagination really does know no boundaries.

I love creating things. Taking basic items like silver & stone and creating a piece of wearable art is the ultimate. The challenge of jewelry design keeps me inspired every day.

One of my favorite rooms in our building is his shop. Here you will find a library of rough stones, various lapidary machines, “the torch”, design idea’s in the works and the best scrubbing hand soap man has to offer. What can I say – I love that room.

The "Stone Saw".

Silver works in progress

Being the only man in the building here at Desert Rose Trading he is often taken from the bench and moved to the task of removing unwanted guests around the building – spiders, lizards and crickets to name a few. Truly his patience is great being around 20 or so women every day. Needless to say - he’s the best sport ever.

Brian with his wonderful daughter Nicole

Away from work if you don’t see or find him fishing, bowling or golfing then he must be camping. The outdoors is where he collects himself and regenerates himself for creating.

Deal of the Week - Leopard Ocean Jasper Necklace

2010-08-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Leopard Ocean Jasper Necklace
was $65 now $19.50
Item #28-5481

Journey - Eat, Pray, Love

2010-08-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

With the “Eat, Pray, Love” craze that’s just about everywhere you look these days - I wanted to add to it and take a moment to mention that you don’t have to go to exotic places to find yourself enjoying life. This week at Desert Rose we celebrated two birthdays – both of which were on the same day. So needless to say we had cake for breakfast and cake in the afternoon.

The morning cake was a chocolate covered in chocolate.

The afternoon cake was a Tress Leches.
Both of them were handmade by one of our “extended” family members here at DRT.

I mention this not only for the awesome cakes and company we shared, but with the book & movie craze I wondered how many people were longing to escape their lives to go on a personal journey. When I was about twenty years old my father said to me “No matter where you go, there you are.” Of course I didn’t quite get it at the time, but now I truly take it to heart. You don’t have to search all that much to find joy in life – you just have to take a moment to realize you are enjoying it. Happy weekend!

Can You Dig? India Green Sand

2010-08-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

India Green Sand Rough

Indian Green Sand Country of Origin - India

The Indian Green Sand stone is a form of aventurine. It is rich in chrome-like mica, which is no wonder that it’s found near a mica mine. Aventurine is a form of quartz, characterized by its translucency and the presence of mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glistening effect. The most common color of aventurine is green, but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue, or gray. The mostly dark green with metallic glittery appearance is caused by inclusions of mica. Red to gold-brown is caused by the inclusion of hematite leaves. Because aventurine is a rock, its physical properties vary. Aventurine which is often banded and has an overabundance of fuchsite may render it opaque, in which case it may be mistaken for malachite at first glance.

India Green Sand Cabochons

Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Austria, Russia and Tanzania. The majority of green and blue-green aventurine originates in India, Creamy white, gray and orange material is found in Chile, Spain and Russia. Strawberry Aventurine is reddish brown and mined in Brazil. Main markets for aventurine are landscape stone, building stone, aquaria, monuments, and jewelry. India is the leading producer of muscovite mica or potassium mica in the world. As a country, India is rich in natural resources. It produces and works with roughly 100 minerals, which are an important source for earning foreign exchange as well as satisfying domestic needs. While mining those natural mineral resources, miners often find beautiful and valuable gemstones such as this.

August Sale

2010-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Our August Sale is Growing! - we have added new items to our outlet and site.
Don't forget to friend us on facebook for info about our weekly deals and monthly giveaways.

Deal of the Week - August 9

2010-08-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

You are going to love these earrings! Perfect for a gift for yourself or that special someone else.
Red Sea Bamboo Coral Earrings - dangle from a French earwire
was $104 now $31.20
Item Number 29-2086

Design @ Nine - Stacie Chavez

2010-08-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Many words come to mind when Stacie is mentioned, but the biggest one that outshines all the rest is “Sister”. We began our jewelry journey together when we started a small jewelry production company in the early 2000’s appropriately called Sisters, Inc. We later ended up here, with our then neighbor, Jay King & Desert Rose Trading. We don’t have titles at DRT so it’s difficult to explain everything each of us does –
Even though she is my sister, I look to this woman in ways that go way beyond family. You will never find her without a phone in hand or ear – we tease her about this – but often she has a few lines open at once trying to arrange a huge shipment of stones from a miner in Chile to a processor in Arizona to our manufacturer overseas. Like a Hindu goddess of the now, she is a communications expert, jewelry designer & master of the business. When you see a sparkle in a design you can be sure that Miss Stacie put it there. But Stacie can tell you what’s what, herself:

Stacie on the travel in Hawaii

I have loved jewelry and accessories for all of my life, so it is fair to say that I have my “dream” job. I found my love of being a rock hound at a very early age. I was blessed with an incredible Grandfather and Father that loved to go out and rock hunt. We would stop along any country road and turn over rocks for hours – I actually saw my first rattle snake on one of those trips. My love for jewelry and designing also came from my Grandfather. He had a lapidary shop set up in his garage and every Birthday and Christmas we would get some unique piece of jewelry that he had made especially for us. I still can remember the smell of the water when it hit the grinding stone. I would sit with him for hours out in his garage while he cut and polished stones. I believe that is where my love of stones evolved from. I still kick myself for not taking geology in college – I think I would have been a natural at.

Grandpa's handmade turquoise rings & a polished agate.

I have been with Desert Rose team for almost 7 years. We have a very unique group of people and I think it is safe to say we are one great big family. I get to work with some incredibly talented people on a daily basis and I cannot believe how we each in turn elevate one another to new levels.

Working with Jay over the years has been an incredible journey. I have been blessed with having had the experience to travel and learn from the man and the master. He has shown me some amazing places and I am truly thankful and grateful for getting to do what I do on a daily basis.
I am very lucky that I landed in the Southwest and get to be where I am – I traveled all the way from Maine to make my way to this time and space.

Smith & Wesson

"King of the Log!"

I have two sons in college, so it has been lonely at home – so I have filled a couple of extra spaces with two Great Pyrenees puppies, “Smith” and “Wesson”. I don’t know if it is because I am older or because I am more mature – yea right – but I have enjoyed these two big dogs beyond belief – I am so in love with the two “big guys” – I can hardly stand it.

Thank you for supporting us!

Stacie with Mr. Dooley - a baby Alpaca.

The Farm Family

Miss Leila - the cutie pie butterball Alapaca.

Can You Dig? Flowering Tube Onyx

2010-08-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, someone asked me "What is Tube Onyx?" - and honestly I had no idea. So, I did a little research & here's what I found:

Tube Onyx
Country of Origin – U.S.A. (Utah)

Onyx was a common term in the TAG area and the Ozarks during the 19th and early 20th century. It was used for certain kinds of calcite or flowstone which are banded, similar to true onyx. The true onyx is also banded, and looks very similar, so the main difference is; onyx is composed of quartz, cave onyx is composed of calcite, so needless to say cave onyx is a softer stone.

The calcite concentrations in caves are banded as they are deposited very slowly, layer by layer. These are referred to as speleothems. The color depends on the climate outside, which changes continually, and the amount of pigments like iron oxide brought in by the water. So they have typically brown, beige, white and transparent banding. Much rarer are other colors like blue and green, which are typically based on copper oxides.

Flowstones are composed of sheet like deposits of calcite formed where water flows down the walls or along the floors of a cave. They are typically found in "solution” or limestone caves. However, they may form in any type of cave where mineral rich water enters.

Flowering Tube Onyx Unpolished - photo from Yuku

Flowing films of water that move along floors or down positive-sloping cave walls build up layers of calcium carbonate (calcite), aragonite, gypsum, or other cave minerals. These minerals are dissolved in the water and are deposited when the water loses its dissolved carbon dioxide through the mechanism of agitation, meaning it can no longer hold the minerals in solution. The flowstone forms when thin layers of these deposits build on each other, sometimes becoming rounder as the deposit gets thicker. There are two common forms of Flowstones, Tufa and Travertine. Tufa is usually formed via the precipitation of calcium carbonate and is spongy or porous in nature. Travertine is a calcium carbonate deposit often formed in creeks or rivers its nature is laminated and oftentimes includes such structures as stalagmites and stalactites.

The deposits may grade into thin sheets called "draperies" or "curtains" where they go over overhanging portions of the wall. Some draperies are translucent, and some have brown and beige layers that look much like “cave bacon”.

Polished Tube Onyx Cab - photo from Flicker

As in interesting note: Though flowstones are among the largest of speleothems, they can still be damaged by a single touch. The oil from human fingers causes the water to avoid the area, which then dries out. Flowstones are also good identifiers of periods of past droughts, since they need some form of water to precipitate, the lack of that water for long periods of time can leave traces in the rock record via flowstones. (most of this information came from Wikkipedia.com)

Tips of the Trade: Jewelry Care – “The Dreaded Tarnish”

2010-08-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a letter from a customer who was concerned that the silver was “flaking” off her earrings. I asked her to send the pair to us so we could see what was happening with them. When we received the earrings I was relieved to find that the “flaking” was only oxidation - otherwise known as “the dreaded tarnish”. When silver meets oxygen it reacts. This reaction can be seen on the surface of the silver that expresses a darker color – it could be yellow to black.

Center Left - Shiny Silver..........Center Right - Tarnished Silver

I think that is one of the best things about silver – you can clean it and it always looks as good as new. So here are a few tips in preserving your shiny silver and avoiding “the dreaded tarnish”:

~Never dip your DRT jewelry – especially if it has stone. The chemicals can dull or even destroy your stones.
~Before & after wearing your pieces make sure to wipe them with a jewelry cloth.
~Store your pieces in an air tight bag or in a tarnish fighting jewelry case.
~Never wear your jewelry in the pool, while bathing or primping or while you’re cleaning. There are harsh chemicals out there just waiting to get the chance to put the dull on your fabulous pieces.

Just so you know, the reason why I had her send the jewelry to me was much to my concern this meant that she thought we plated our jewelry when she said “flaking” – on the contrary. All of our jewelry is made of fine, .925 silver which hasn’t been plated nor surfaced in any way.

Design @ Nine - Jill Erickson

2010-08-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, since I am the writer of the blog and most of our content and direct contact with the outside world here at www.desertrosedirect.com I guess I should introduce myself first – I’m Jill Erickson. I started with Desert Rose Trading over six years ago. Before here, I was one of those” lifers” in school. I studied everything from creative writing to biological anthropology and ended up with an arts degree– even now I’m thinking that I would like to study mechanical engineering (it never stops). During my last semester at school, jewelry appeared to me to be a great idea for Christmas gifts – I trying to give something to everyone & so I taught myself how to wire wrap. Needless to say, I was hooked! Since then I’ve taught myself to fabricate and create one of a kind pieces. Some of which have been incorporated into the long list of designs here at DRT.

When I create I think of the women close to me & imagine what they may like – my mother, who I love making jewelry for, loves everything, so with her it’s an easy match. I don’t blame her for adoring it all – she’s right – everything is beautiful. From turquoise to jasper to agates I can keep on opening up books or bags of rough and find something that I haven’t seen or known before. Every day really is an adventure here.

Usually I’m the girl behind the scenes, so…

This is me on a good day.

This is my favorite stone today - Maroon Birds Eye Rholite. My favorite changes often!

I grew up & live in New Mexico. The mountains (esp The Sandia's), big skies and a forever horizon just to the west always feels like home.

Can you Dig? Geodes

2010-08-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

After creating a weekly deal with our geode pendants & getting the chance to look at all these fantastic stone pendants, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize how truly unique this find is. Our geodes came from Mexico where we have worked closely with the miner for years on many projects. These small orbs are handpicked, sized and sorted. Each formed in an ocean floor volcano, which is now in Chihuahua, Mexico. Rarely are there ever two alike & why would you want them to be? With either or both crystal formations or addition of agate bands, the color range from white, to pinks, to red or light blue – maybe even black. I’m truly smitten. Can you tell?

In Tucson during the gem & mineral show companies haul in giant cathedral geodes - here are a few that are still in crates - these happen to be amethyst.

Smaller geodes can be "barreled" - the shelf in the background holds cut and polished agate geodes that can be used as home decor.

Here are a few more of the larger geodes - at this show there was a geode the size of a small truck, really, that was placed at the doors. We took pictures but apparently didn't archive them well. Ooops!

While I was looking up info on these pendants I ran across some info regarding how they are formed which is pretty interesting stuff. There are two theory’s on how these orbs are formed. One is formed in Lava & the other is formed in Dolomite. Since there is no easy way to explain how they are formed, here is a thorough explanation I picked up from ehow.com that I found to be quite interesting:

While experts don't know for certain how geodes are actually formed, there are theories among geologists about the processes that take place. There are generally two types of geodes. One geode is made out of lava. The other is made from dolomite, a limestone-like sedimentary rock. Each geode is created through different processes. All geodes, no matter how they are formed, must contain hollow bodies in which crystals can form.

Some geodes are formed out of molten lava rocks. After the molten rocks cool, they create gasses that, when dissolved, turn into bubbles. These bubbles turn into cavities once the rocks harden. The early stages of these cavities are called thunder eggs. According to experts, the minerals that form into crystals may have flowed into these cavities in two ways. Either the minerals could have come from the hot water flowing through the cracks in the lava rocks as they cooled, or they could have been deposited much later as mineral groundwater. However the convention minerals such as quartz are introduced into the thunder egg through a flow of water, thus creating the opportunity for crystals to form.

The formation of geodes from dolomite is much more complicated that those formed out of lava rocks. The theory of how dolomite geodes are formed came from geologist Robert Maliva in 1987. His theory goes that the geode cavity formed from a small, hard spheroid that later dissolved and became a cavity, a process that began over 350 million years ago in the warm, shallow waters that once covered what is now the central United States region. Lime sediments grew in the warm saltwater. When the saltwater interacted with sediments rich in calcite, the calcite metastasized into the minerals dolomite and anhydrite.

The anhydrite then turned into hard spheroid bodies inside the dolomite. Meanwhile, the dolomite changed from sediment into a hard rock. Anhydrite will dissolve even in the slightest amounts of acid in water. Thus, after acidic water was introduced, outer areas of the anhydrite broke away and were replaced with quartz, which were in the beginning only small fibers of crystal. The centers of the anhydrite bodies were then dispersed completely. Quartz was fed through the rock from water rich with minerals, forming the crystals that grow inside. Over time, the rocks disintegrated, leaving the dolomite to open the elements and causing it to dissolve. The hardened quartz then separated from the dolomite, turning into geodes formed on the ground.

Deal of the Week - August 2

2010-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

You can't beat this price for something so wonderfully unique.
Geode pendant on a four strand neoprene cord.
was $60 now only $18
Item Number 28-5083

Stone of the Week – Turquoise of Course!

2010-07-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

I was just checking out the September 2010 issue of Cowboys & Indians and much to my surprise I came upon a wonderful U.S. turquoise feature story. The author of the article, Dean Krakel, discusses three or so turquoise mines which are here in New Mexico & in Arizona. He not only covers the history of the mines, but as well features three miners who still look after their claims in these areas. Wonderful ~

Here is a quick paragraph from the article:

“There is no other stone like turquoise,“ he says (referring to Doug Magnus owner of the Alicia Lode, Castilian and the Tiffany mine). “The color and beauty of it are unique. It’s mysterious and spiritual. The ground here is alive because of it.” Discharged from the Army in 1968, Magnus came to Santa Fe in search of something he couldn’t name. Inspired by Native American artistry and the concho belts worn by Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, Magnus began making his own silver jewelry because he was too poor to buy it.

Try to pick up this issue & you will fall in love with turquoise again, and again, and again.

Design @ Nine - Jay King’s Behind the Scenes Machine

2010-07-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well you know all about our designs, right? Or do you… Jay has mentioned his Design @ Nine team many times on his show, so we would like to showcase these extremely talented people so you know who’s who & what’s what. Each week we will be featuring a facet of what goes on in our world so you can be the first to know what our inspirations are & where they come from. Who knows you may even get a sneak peak at an upcoming jewelry delight.

We want to welcome you to Desert Rose Trading – Design @ Nine

Desert Rose Trading July Events

2010-07-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

July is our Turquoise Event month! All month long enjoy 30% off all Turquoise Designs online....www.desertrosedirect.com

Annndddd......don't miss our very own Jay King in his "Mine Finds by Jay King" show on

HSN July 21st!

Last but not least, we are offering another fabulous class on July 17th!

Site Wide sale at Desert Rose...www.DesertRoseDirect.com

2010-06-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

What's in store for June you ask? SITE WIDE SALE!!!! 40% off EVERYTHING!!! Semi-Annual Sale. Start shopping now.......
http://www.desertrosedirect.com/

Turquoise...read about this amazing stone.

2010-05-12T12:38:00.001-07:00

So many of you are posting that your favorite stone is turquoise, we can't blame you at all!! Its definitely a top ten for us as well. Here is a great link to Wikipedia that tells everything you ever wanted to know about this fantastic stone. Enjoy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turquoise

Desert Rose Trading at the Oasis Gift Show

2010-04-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the Oasis wholesale gift market in Albuquerque a couple weeks ago. Made lots of new friends, opened new accounts to carry our line, and most importantly got to mingle with some of our fans. Here are just a few pics of our booth. We promise next time to take pics with us in them. Hope to see you at the next market.

The Team at Desert Rose Direct
http://www.desertrosedirect.com/
www.facebook.com/drtrading

Our May Jewelry Giveaway is here!

2010-04-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok...so here we go! The Contest for May is....Post what your favorite stone is and why on our facebook wall. That's it! Start posting now and don't stop until May 31st. You can post multiple times with different stones, and the winner will be drawn at random on the 31st.

Click here to view our Facebook page and leave a post.

Click here to view these amazing earrings on our website.

Desert Rose Trading Winner Announced

2010-03-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

We want to congratulate Sandra Miller for winning the Desert Rose Trading March Jewelry Giveaway. Sandra was among many that entered the contest, and she was randomly chosen today. Sandra won a stunning Anhui Turquoise Concho Pendant. Concho inspired, green anhui turquoise pendant is accented with silver stampings. The pendant measures 2 1/2" long.
Retail value $196.00!
Click here to view the item won

Click here to shop Desert Rose Direct

Desert Rose Trading Jewelry Giveaway!

2010-03-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

You still have time to enter....just post a comment on our facebook fans page about how you love our jewelry....and you will be entered to win a beautiful sterling silver and turquoise pendant. Desert Rose is the home of Jay King, and we are proudly bringing you new and unique creations all the time. Enter today to win, you have until March 26th. Click here to enter.

March Specials and Jewelry Giveaway on Desert Rose Direct

2010-03-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

Jay King at the Tucson Gem show and Filming for his upcoming HSN show

2010-02-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

If you follow Jay King and Desert Rose Trading at all, you know that Jay is a busy, busy man! During the recent Tucson Gem and Mineral show, Desert Rose Trading had a booth, and Jay was there for a bit. He however was also, filming for an upcoming HSN Show, as well as taking helicopter rides, and working with Vendors. Heres a little sneak peak of his journey.

Shop the Desert Rose collection at: http://www.desertrosedirect.com/

Desert Rose Trading is connecting with you...

2010-02-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to announce that we are finally joining the social movement and connecting with you on our Blog, facebook, and twitter. We can't wait to hear from you, see your pics, and keep up updated on news with Desert Rose Trading, Desert Rose Direct, and Mine Finds by Jay King. Here are the link to follow:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drtrading
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DesertRoseDirec
Blog: http://desertrosetrading.blogspot.com/
Shop: http://www.desertrosedirect.com/

*Desert Rose Direct features our sterling silver and natural stone creations that can be purchased retail or if you have a store, wholesale. Shop today: http://www.desertrosedirect.com/

Thank you to our loyal customers for your continued support! Here's to the next phase in Desert Rose Trading!