- home
- Meet Christine
-
shop now
- press
- blog
- loyalty rewards
-
Slowmade Podcast
There’s something mesmerizing about agates. These banded beauties feel like nature’s little time capsules—each one holding a story that began millions of years ago, deep beneath our feet.
Agates form in volcanic rock, usually in bubbles left behind by cooling lava. Over time—a lot of time—mineral-rich water flows through these hollow cavities, depositing layers of silica. As the water flows in and evaporates out, it leaves behind tiny rings of color. Layer after layer, these deposits build up into the signature banding agates are known for.
Each band can represent a slight shift in chemistry or temperature. So what you’re holding in your hand isn’t just a pretty stone—it’s a slow, rhythmic record of ancient Earth processes.
No two are ever alike. Some are soft and subtle, others vivid and wild. From creamy whites and dusky grays to hot pinks and sunset oranges, agates show us how stunning imperfection and patience can be.
What makes agates truly special is their banding—those curved or concentric layers that seem to ripple through the stone. These bands can be translucent or opaque, and they often look like watercolor paintings or tree rings frozen in time.
The colors in agates usually come from trace minerals: iron gives reds and oranges, manganese creates pinks, and so on. Some agates are dyed to enhance these colors, but the natural ones—especially those with earthy, muted tones—tend to feel more soulful and grounding.
Energetically, agates are known as balancing stones. They're thought to stabilize the aura, clear emotional blockages, and bring a sense of calm. Unlike high-frequency crystals that bring a quick burst of energy, agates are the slow burners. They’re about grounding, soothing, and helping you reconnect to your inner rhythm.
Agates are also associated with:
Emotional healing – gently releasing anger or inner tension
Courage and strength – especially when moving through fear or change
Concentration and clarity – making them great for artists, students, or anyone needing a little mental support
They’re not flashy or loud. They’re quiet companions—loyal, layered, and deeply rooted.
As a jewelry artist, I’m drawn to agates for both their wild individuality and their steady, grounding energy. Some pieces remind me of desert landscapes, stormy skies, or the swirling patterns in wood grain. I love that they carry a sense of place, a sense of time.
They’re a perfect symbol for the slowmade mindset: beautifully imperfect, layered with history, and formed over years—not moments.
If you’ve ever held a piece of geode jewelry or admired the sparkle of crystal-lined stone, you know there’s something magical about these formations. But what you might not know is how that magic is made—slowly, patiently, and entirely by nature.
Let’s peek inside the journey of a geode, from rough rock to hidden gem.
Every geode starts as an empty space. This hollow might form in volcanic rock (from trapped gas bubbles in lava) or in sedimentary rock (where organic material like tree roots or shells once lived and decayed away).
No matter how the space appears, it becomes the perfect little cave for something beautiful to grow inside.
Over time, groundwater or hydrothermal fluids seep into the cavity, carrying dissolved minerals—like quartz, calcite, or amethyst. These minerals settle onto the walls of the hollow, one tiny layer at a time.
This is the start of crystal formation.
Inside that dark, undisturbed space, crystals begin to take shape. As water continues to move through, more minerals are deposited and the crystals grow, sometimes for thousands or even millions of years.
Their final shape and color depend on the minerals present, the temperature and pressure, and how much space they have to grow.
Some geodes stay lined with tiny shimmering crystals (called druzy), while others develop large, dramatic points. Each one is entirely unique.
One of my favorite things about geodes? You can’t tell what’s inside just by looking at the outside. The rough exterior gives no hint of the sparkle, texture, or color hidden within.
That mystery is part of what makes working with geode slices and crystal-lined stones so special. When I choose a piece for a design, I’m drawn to that sense of hidden beauty—what’s been forming quietly beneath the surface for ages, now ready to be seen and worn.
When you wear a piece of jewelry that features a geode or crystal-lined stone, you’re carrying a little piece of that story: of time, transformation, and the beauty that grows in hidden places.
Whether it’s a bold geode slice or a delicate drusy accent, these stones are a reminder that true beauty often comes from within—and that some of nature’s best treasures take time.
When you see the term recycled gold, what comes to mind? Some people imagine scraps or lower-quality metal, but the truth is: recycled gold is real gold. Just like water can be purified and reused, gold can be refined and reworked—again and again—without ever losing its value or purity.
So what exactly is recycled gold, and why should we consider it over newly mined gold? Let’s dive in.
Recycled gold refers to gold that has been recovered from old jewelry, electronics, dental work, and even industrial components. It’s melted down, refined to remove impurities, and then reused in new designs. Once refined, recycled gold is chemically identical to newly mined gold. Whether it's 14k, 18k, or 24k—it’s still gold.
In short, there’s no visual or material difference between recycled and freshly mined gold. The only difference is its story.
1. It’s More Environmentally Responsible
Mining for gold is a resource-heavy process. It requires vast amounts of energy and water, and often leads to environmental degradation—deforestation, contaminated waterways, and massive carbon emissions. By choosing recycled gold, you’re reducing the demand for new mining and helping minimize its environmental impact.
2. It Avoids the Human Toll of Mining
Gold mining is not only tough on the earth—it can also be devastating for communities. Many gold mines around the world are linked to unsafe working conditions, child labor, and unethical labor practices. Choosing recycled gold helps avoid contributing to these supply chains.
3. Gold Is Infinitely Recyclable
Gold doesn’t degrade. It can be melted down and reshaped indefinitely without losing its quality. That means the gold in a vintage ring, a 1980s necklace, or even an old computer chip can be made new again—without ever needing to dig another ounce out of the earth.
Not at all.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about recycled gold—and it's simply untrue. Once refined, recycled gold is exactly the same as mined gold. The karat, color, and quality are all equal. If you’ve ever owned a beautiful vintage ring or inherited a family heirloom, you’ve already seen the lasting value of gold that’s been around the block.
In fact, many ethical jewelers intentionally source recycled gold as part of their commitment to sustainability and integrity. It’s not a downgrade—it’s a mindful choice.
In a world where we’re all trying to tread a little lighter, recycled gold offers a way to enjoy the beauty and durability of gold without the environmental and ethical costs of new mining. And that’s something worth treasuring.
Further reading and resources: Responsible Jewellery Council, World Gold Council, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Earthworks, OECD Due Diligence Guidance, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, LBMA (London Bullion Market Association), and U.S. Geological Survey
Let’s talk about pearls.
They’ve been around forever—seriously, humans have been obsessed with them for thousands of years. Unlike gemstones that have to be mined and cut, pearls just happen inside an oyster or mollusk, layer by layer, like a tiny piece of magic formed over time. There’s something about that slow, organic process that feels really special to me.
