Social Design Final Project: R & D

Jenn and I have decided to use up cycling to create compressed refuse jewelery. I'm thinking organic material as well as wrapping/packaging components pressed or coated to form giant bling rings. Like garbage ring-pops without the licking, unless you're very brave.
I found an intriguing new idea I heard about from a friend about compressed heather being formed, sliced and polished. This website has these so-called heather gems for sale
http://www.twenga.co.uk/dir-Jewellery,Pendants-and-medallions,Celtic-pendant/Colour-Purple-3-18833
but this site actually explains the process:
http://www.family-crests.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=280
The result is similar to most agates but has a Celtic/Scottish ethnicity because of the use of heather.