I have a small, compact device that helps me determine the authenticity of the beads and gemstones I sell. The machine is called a Presidium Gem Tester II. It runs on electricity or battery power (2 AAs). The technique is called thermal conductivity scale (TCS) testing. The scale reads Glass at one end (left side) and Diamond/Moissainte (right side) on the other. In between glass and diamond is a number of other semiprecious gemstones, including garnet, tourmaline, iolite; chyrsoprase, emerald, nephrite (greens); tanzanite, aquamarine; quartz, amethyst, citrine; jadeite, spinel; topaz; ruth, sapphire. (The red CAL stands for calibrate.)
To help me “measure” and record a reading of the thermal conductivity of the stones, I have decided to give them values from 0 – 6 (see the arched bars on top, like a rainbow). The first arched bar on the top left I will call value 1, next to the right is 2, and so on, until we get to the far right, which is 6 for diamond/moissanite. I will test three times, and use different beads from the same strand.
Each value (1-5) will be divided into quarters. So each stone will have a reading of a whole number (e.g. aquamarine could read as 2.0), or a portion of a whole number (e.g. jadeite could read at 2.75).
I will keep this listing updated as I test new stones.
AGATE: Bamboo Leaf (matte), 2.0; Black banded agate, 2.0; Yellow Fire Crackle Agate, 1.75
(An observation about agate: When the bead is broken, it looks like a glass substance. It is very shiny.)
AMETHYST (purple quartz): 2.5
CITRINE (yellow quartz): 2.5
HEMATITE: 3.0
JASPER (dalmation): 1.5-1.75
LAPIS LAZULI: 0.5
MOONSTONE: white with blue flash, rainbow, 0 – 0.25
QUARTZ (clear): 2.5
RHODOCHROSITE: 2.0
SHUNGITE: 2.25
SUNSTONE: 0.5
TIGER’S EYE: Natural matte, 2.25
To be identified:
Black stone 1 (opaque with minor white veining): 2.75-3.0
Black stone 2 (opaque with tiny chipped divits): 0.5
Testing the stone with the Presidium isn’t the only test I do to determine authenticity. There are other ways to examine beads, too!
If you would like to see my jewelry and gifts, check out “Gentle Angel Treasures” on Facebook and Instagram (@gatreasures).
SKULL: Power to think, ward off illness, strength, intelligence. The symbol of the skull reminds us to live life to its fullest. Encourages is to reflect on our mortality. While the skull acts as a reminder of death, it also carries an important message. Your time is limited, so you should make the most of it. Seize every day you have and live life to the fullest. Skulls can also symbolize the power of life. Skulls can be a symbol of toughness.
SNAIL: Self-Assurance, healing, change, fertility
SNAKE: Fertility, rejuvenation, rebirth and the cycle of life, immortality, heightened perception, wisdom, and healing
SPOON: Strength; It’s okay to say No. Some people living with chronic illness, mental health issues, or neurodivergent diagnoses use something called Spoon Theory to manage energy levels on a daily basis. This Spoon Theory “Spoonie” charm is meant to symbolize your strength, but it is also meant to serve as a reminder that it is OK to say “no” because you just don’t have enough spoons in one day. In the disability community, wearing a spoon necklace can mean solidarity.
STAR: Courage and purity of spirit, to reach for the stars with dreams and desires
STARFISH: Patience, Healing, sensitive
SUITCASE: To help reduce your problems
SUN: Healer of people, uplifting, positive life giving, happiness
SUNFLOWER: Adoration, loyalty, and longevity
SWALLOW: Love, safety, security, compassion
SWAN: Dreams, love, grace, union, partnership
SWIMMER: Get to know, appreciate yourself more
TAPE MEASURE: Evaluation, judgement
TEAPOT: Friendship
TEETH: Change in emotion, helps you to stay away from harmful people
TIGER: Ability to trust yourself
TOADSTOOL: Happiness
TRAIN: To help you stay on track
TREE OF LIFE: Life, family, generations, growth. Family strength and ties, link between heaven and earth
As a good luck charm: This wise, gentle, kind, and strong little sea turtle is a natural navigator and will help you navigate life, bringing you good luck.
UNICORN: Purity, innocence, and enchantment
RAINDROP: Raindrops represent renewal. Raindrops symbolize getting rid of unhelpful ideas and feelings. Water symbolizes purification, rejuvenation, and rebirth. Water may erase previous mistakes and help you discover your real self.
THANK YOU for all your continued support. We are making the world a better place, one special gift at a time!
We have been working hard at sourcing out the very best for the shop. I strive to have good quality at reasonable prices. I think I have the lowest prices on semiprecious gemstone bracelets around! Now I am getting ready for the busy holiday season of Christmas and giving, believe it or not!
I have also enjoyed selling my items at markets around Winnipeg and Manitoba and meeting lots of new people. 🙂
I also have physical copies of my books written by Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW (nonfiction, self-help, and education)
Custom orders available.
I also do restringing and minor jewelry cleaning and repair.
Most items are handmade and handcrafted here in Winnipeg, Manitoba! Some items are upcycled or renewed (this will be noted on my items that this applies to). All items are packaged with love.
Check out the Gentle Angel Treasures Shop on Square (it’s my catalog of sorts, thanks to Linda Homenick for the suggestion!). We have over 700 items/categories listed for your browsing pleasure – https://gentleangeltreasures.square.site. If you see something you like, contact me and I will make sure to get it to you!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @gatreasures to see what’s new and what I am up to.
Contact me, Angela Gentile on all social media sites, by phone/text 204-298-1012, or email: gentleangeltreasures@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Angela G. Gentile, BSW, MSW 