Anyone Have a Good Resource for Stone ID’s?

by Andrea.
(Denver, Colorado, USA)

I have some questions regarding identifying some stones.

While I don’t have an actual business, I am trying to visit various shows & craft fairs that I can find around my area, to get ideas what types of jewelry people are selling and how they have set-up their booths & displays.

I am also working on trying to develop my own ‘style’ in the hopes of eventually being able to take part in a show or fair.

I buy newer, old, and very old pieces, take them apart and use them in my own creations but I am more often than not, stumped as to the stone that might be in these pieces.

I can recognize most of the more common components, turquoise, MOP, etc., but how can I identify what else might be in the piece?

I’m more familiar with glass beads, Czech, Picasso, etc., but I like to have a brief description of what is in the earring or bracelet I am making, and I’m not always sure. While there are a few bead/stones stores in town, I don’t feel comfortable hauling in even a few stones and asking them to help identify them.

Can anyone direct me to some internet sites or good books that might be helpful in this area?

Thanking you in advance and thank you Rena for your wonderful site!

Andrea