As an admirer of nature, I delight in the whimsical uniqueness of elements of the planet. Forests, for example, with trees of maturity, new growth, and decaying logs covered with moss -- it's all chaotic and beautiful! When it comes to creating my jewelry, I don't expect, or even seek, perfection. In selecting gemstones, I find the imperfections can make a piece more beautiful.

I love that we call imperfections in gemstones, "inclusions." Gemstone inclusions are often used to help identify a specific gem. Like fingerprints, each gemstone has its own unique internal structure. Due to the individual characteristics of each gem, no two gemstones are alike. Whether it's the weight, dimensions, color, purities or impurities, a gemstone is unique as a snowflake. Formed by nature, inclusions can make the most intriguing of gems even more uncommon.

Internal gem inclusions can be classified in several ways: solid, liquid, gaseous, or optical. What occurs in the process of creation of gemstones, is what makes the variety and uniqueness of Earth's treasures.

Important takeaway: imperfections are beautiful and can make the gemstone rare and more valuable, rather than simply flawed. I wonder what might happen if we looked at ourselves with "inclusions" and honor the unique beauty we naturally Be?