The Earth has produced a veritable rainbow of precious and semi-precious gemstones and through the ages mankind has taken these beautiful stones and incorporated them into jewellery making. Certain stones hold particular significance for many cultures and some are prized above others for their rarity or beauty. But it isn’t just diamonds and rubies that command our attention – semi-precious stones have their own, intrinsic beauty and can be used in any form of jewellery making.

Gemstones can be at the centre of a piece or they can act as a compliment to a design. The simplest way to use gemstones in jewellery making is to use gemstone beads, which come ready-drilled for easy application. A simple string of semi-precious turquoise beads interspersed with silver spacers can produce a simple but stunning necklace that can be worn with any outfit. By using the same pattern in a bracelet and a pair of earrings you can create a matching set that compliments each component perfectly. If you’re looking for a deeper effect, then the gold-flecked, colbalt blue of lapis lazuli is an ideal choice. This stunning gemstone is so highly regarded that it is used for more expensive commercial jewellery making, as well as being readily available to the hobbyist.

Almost everyone wears at least one ring, and if you look in any woman’s jewellery box you will find an array of gemstones set into various designs. From a simple but elegant solitaire diamond ring to a cluster of garnets, gemstones have been used to adorn the fingers of both rich and poor for thousands of years. Findings and settings are easily obtainable from any good jewellery supplier, and it is a simple matter of finding a cabochon or faceted gemstone to fit the setting and then marrying up the two. It doesn’t have to be diamonds all the time – the vivid green and black stripes of malachite make an eye-catching ring at a budget price that is suitable for any occasion and can be a real conversation starter.

Necklaces are where gemstones really come into their own. A delicate filigree design of deep red garnets or green peridot can add a dash of freshness and elegance to a summer wardrobe, whereas a plain cabochon of amber set in silver and worn as a black velvet choker is the ultimate in evening elegance. One of the most popular gemstones is the vibrant rainbow of the opal. This incredible stone reflects every colour imaginable and changes constantly, making some high quality opals almost seem alive. Opal works with silver particularly well and is easily obtainable both as a finished gem or, if you’re feeling a little more ambitious, as an uncut stone that can be cut and polished to reveal the hidden beauty inside. A ring set with an opal catches the light and the eyes of everyone who looks at it, although there are some superstitions attached to its use that may put some people off!

Gemstones have never been out of favour and offer a world of possibilities in jewellery making. They can be used for any project, large or small, and is available in a variety of prices making it possible to incorporate into your designs even at beginner’s level.

By: Adam Hunter

In a previous article of mine I mentioned the fact that personal photographs do not sell. That is photographs of weddings and family occasions or some other family or friends event; even when they are well taken.

This begs the questions of what type of photograph sells? Research is very necessary, but it is not the only way. Research is required to define your market, but what if the market was looking for polar bears. Are you going to travel to the ice lands in anticipation of meeting a polar bear? Then are you hoping to take its picture, and get away before it eats you? No, I don't think so. Yes do your research to get a feel for the subject, but there are other, easier ways of defining a photographing niche for yourself.

First you need to think closer to home; in fact look closer within yourself. What is it that you like? Where do you like going? What do you like to do? Answer those questions and you will be on your way to finding your own particular niche. Could it be that simple? Yes take my word for it, I will now explain.

As I do not know you, I will tell you how I found my own particular niche. I have lived in the South West of Scotland most of my life. I love the sea, and the ships, and I am a great fan of water sports. I also like the country side, and I love wildlife. I like these things because they represent me and who I am. I do not live in a city, so to take photographs of magnificent city buildings I would have to travel, and find the time and money to get there. Once in a city, I would not feel comfortable, and I would not enjoy it. I prefer the sea in all her "moods", except when I am in a boat. I like the country side because it is only yards from my house. I know nothing else, so why waste that knowledge and experience.

Coming from Scotland, I take it for granted, and you maybe surprised to hear that I am not impressed by it, particularly when it rains; it rains constantly. In fact, the only way we know summer from winter is by the temperature of the rain. Now since I started communicating globally on the internet, I soon found out that most people have different view points of Scotland. I found people like to see the green fields, the wild life, the history, the quaintness of it, because they had nothing to compare it with. Coupled with good solid research, I changed my attitude and started taking photographs of Scotland at its best, and these photographs are appreciated. In fact I still find it hard to accept that they are so much in demand.

Some times we just cannot see the wood for the tress. There is no way I would have thought that my own backyard was requested, but it is. I therefore have absolutely no doubt, that wherever you live in the world, there will be many aspect to your region that are worldly unique, and appreciated by others who live in totally different climates. Here then then is your starting point for taking serious photographs.

Take that one stage further, what are your hobbies? If you are interested in a hobby, the chances are that others are interested in that same hobby also. Unless it is a hobby that is local to your region, you will find that most hobbies' travel globally and hereby can be a second niche you can concentrate on.

Do you like to travel? Well most of us do, but most of us travel on vacation only. When you travel to your holiday destination, you will probably like taking photographs. When I go to London, say, I take photographs like everyone else. In fact everybody and their dog that travels to London takes photographs, including the dog.

What makes you unique is you. It would be your interpretation of London that would be different from everyone else's. Only through your eyes could you take a picture that would sell. It is the individual in you that determines the angle and quality of the shot. If your interpretation was tuned into the buyers market then you would make a fortune doing what you would be doing anyway.

Everybody has there own uniqueness, and it is that distinctiveness that determines the ensuing photograph. Your interpretation of an image will be different to every other photographer. In fact, because you are new to an area, you are putting a fresh interpretation onto an image. Now as long as the quality of your photographs are good enough, your interpretation has every chance of being accepted.

Do you think it is only the local pro's who can take a good quality photograph of your holiday destination? You will therefore have to question that question. If, for example, I were to see an excellent photograph of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, how would I know whether it was taken by a local Londoner or a simple tourist like you and me? The chances are that it would be taken by a tourist. Ok maybe a tourist on a mission, but a tourist anyway.

I have now mentioned three niches that you could specialize in. Your locale; your hobbies; and you holiday destination. I do not know about you, but these three niches are all I need and all I will ever need. I have thought about going into micro photography, macro photography, still photography, sports photography, etc etc, but why bother. There are more subjects 20 miles from my front door than I can exhaust in a life time.

If you cannot see this about yourself, you need a shake. Start by making a list of everything in your area that you can photograph. This list will start short, but if you keep adding to this list as time get on; it is going to be a hell of a long list. You will find that there are so many things you can photograph, only a few miles from your house. So you should be encouraged by your three local niches, once you have given them some thought; and by the way, your excitement shows in the overall quality of your photographs so start enjoying your local area, and it will start enjoying you!

By: Gordon McCulloch