Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Sterling Silver


Sterling Silver

Pure silver, also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily damaged so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more durable product. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper.

Although any metal can make up the 7.5 percent non-silver portion of sterling, centuries of experimentation have shown copper to be its best companion, improving the metal's hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful colour.

The small amount of copper added to sterling has very little effect on the metal's value. Instead, the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the intricacy of the design.

Care

With proper care, your fine quality silver will last a lifetime. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your silver jewellery either in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewellery box. Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage silver.

Clean Your Silver Regularly

Care should also be taken to prevent silver tarnish build-up, a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the ambient air. To clean your silver, use polishes formulated specifically to remove tarnish. You can find fine silver polishes, solutions, or cloths appropriate to remove tarnish at most hardware stores or specialty craft stores. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible.

Although wearing your silver jewellery often is the best way to prevent tarnish from building up, regular cleanings of all your silver items will prevent tarnish and keep your silver bright and sparkling.
Source: http://www.bluenile.co.uk/silver-jewelry/silver-education

Lemon Jade the New Jade


Gemstone :
Lemon Jade is the trade name for the light yellow-green variety of Serpentine.

Lemon jade is also commonly known as “New” Jade.

History & Lore :
Serpentine's name is widely believed believed to either be derived from its serpent-like colors and patterns, or because of the old myth that these gemstones were effective protection from venomous snake bites.

The Maori tribes of New Zealand carved beautiful sculptures from local Serpentine. These were called 'tangiwai', meaning “tears”.

Serpentine mined in Afghanistan, where it is known as 'sang-i-yashm', has been used
for decorative purposes for many generations.

Serpentine is used industrially for a number of purposes including building materials, thermal and electrical insulation, and railway ballasts. The more attractive and durable Serpentine varieties used for gem purposes are termed “precious” or “noble” Serpentine.

Source: http://www.gemtradenet.com/Education/lemon_jade.aspx

The Mother of all Pearls


  • Intimately connected to the sea - represents the tides of emotion
  • An easy flow of feelings and sensitivities to others
  • Connected to family and particularly motherhood
  • Harmony in relationships
  • The play and variety of colors represent change as the beauty of existence
Source: http://crystal-cure.com/jewelry-mop.html

Wear rhodonite to increase balance, stability, trust and understanding


Rhodonite is a balancing stone that helps clear the psychic centers. The color brings balance to the heart chakra, the darker colors within the pink hue are stabilizing and grounding.

Wear rhodonite to increase balance, stability, trust and understanding in your romantic relationship.

Named for the classic romantic symbol, the rose, rhodonite is especially beneficial to romantic relationships.

Source:http://crystal-cure.com/jewelry-brac-rhodonite.html

Howlite teaches patience

Focusing on a piece of howlite can assist in journeying outside the body and gaining insight from past lives. Placed on the third eye, it opens memories of previous times and lifetimes.

Howlite teaches patience

Place a howlite stone in your pocket to absorb your own anger - or another's anger that is directed toward you. It helps to overcome critical or selfish behaviour.

Healing properties of howlite

  • Relieves insomnia
  • Balances calcium levels
  • Strengthens teeth and bones
Source: http://crystal-cure.com/howlite.html

Rutilated quartz as Cupid's darts, Venus hair stone and Fleches d'amour.

Brings forth each person's strengths, originality, aids sleep, relate to others.

Rutile is said to intensify the metaphysical properties of its host crystal and to enhance one's understanding of difficult situations. It is also said to enhance creativity and to relieve depression and loneliness.

Rutilated quartz is said to slow down the aging process and is said to be a strong healer.


Source: http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/rutilated-quartz.htm

The myth of jade

Jade – a gemstone of unique symbolic energy, and unique in the myths that surround it. With its beauty and wide-ranging expressiveness, jade has held a special attraction for mankind for thousands of years.

What is jade?

'Jade', or yu, as it is called in China, is strictly speaking a generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. The name is derived from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada', loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as 'lapis nephriticus'. That, indeed, is where the term 'nephrite' came from.


Symbolic energy and beauty, the traditional and the modern are combined in jade in a particularly harmonious way. And in gemstone therapy it is said that jade 'stimulates creativity and mental agility on the one hand, while also having a balancing and harmonising effect.' So this beautiful gemstone brings us joy, vivacity and happiness all at the same time – and what, in our times, could we possibly need more?

Source:http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/jade.html

Pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness.

red pearl is natural but cultivated pearl produced by a mollusk after the intentional introduction of a foreign object inside the creature's shell.

Birthstone: Pearl and cultured pearl along with alexandrite and moonstone are birthstones of Gemini (Twins): May 21 - June 21.

Wedding anniversary: Freshwater Pearl is the anniversary gemstone for the 1st year of marriage;
Pearl is the anniversary gemstone for the 12th and 30th year of marriage.

Varieties: Jewelers commonly refer to saltwater pearls as Oriental pearls and to those produced by freshwater mollusks as freshwater pearls.


Healing ability: Perls eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems.

Mystical power: Pearl is said to help one see themselves and help improve self-worth. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness.
Source: http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/pearls.html

The Garnet is a stone of vitality and passion.

The name's origin: Garnets were so called by the ancient Greeks since color reminded them of the pomegranate seed or granatum.

Birthstone: The garnet is considered to be the birthstone for Capricornus (Goat): Dec. 22 - Jan. 19.

Healing ability: Garnet is an excellent assistance for blood deficiency diseases. It stimulates bloodstream and pituitary gland, relieves rheumatism and arthritis pain.
Garnet combats depression and lethargy. Garnet also stimulates the spleen properly. Garnet protects against depression and impure thoughts. Cures fever and promotes good health.

Mystical power: Garnet should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion stimulates the sexual drive. Garnet gives energy and courage. It is said to encourage robust good health and sexual desire, enhance the wearer's imagination. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It also offers protection to the traveler.
Source:http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/garnet.html

Turquoise brings happiness and good fortune.



The name's origin: The name turquoise undoubtedly comes from turc (Turkish in French) as it was transported to Europe through Turkey.

Birthstone: Turquoise along with zircon are birthstones of Sagittarius (Archer): Nov. 22-Dec. 21.

Wedding anniversary: Turquoise is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th year of marriage.
Healing ability: Turquoise is said to be a guard against all diseases. It assist in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening.

Mystical power: Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color. In the 13th century,turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling, especially from horses.
Turquoise is also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. It's said that turquoise attracts healing spirits, making it a premier healing stone.
Believed to be a protective stone, turquoise is worn to guard against violence and accidents. Turquoise is also a valuable amulet for travelers.
Source:http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/turquoise.html

Jasper brings joy into life.


The name's origin: The name jasper is from the Greek iaspis.

Healing ability: Medicinal values were long attributed to jasper, including a belief that wearing it strengthened the stomach. Jasper was also believed to cure gynecological problems.

Mystical power: Leopard skin Jasper is said to bring one what they need. Poppy Jasper is said to help bring joy into life. Opalite Jasper is said to help one sleep.
Jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites.
Source:http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/jasper.html

Malachite -- a talisman for children.

The name's origin: Malachite derives its name from Greek word malakos - soft. According to another theory the word malachite comes from Greek malhe, which means grass.

Wedding anniversary: Malachite is the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage.


Healing ability: Malachite is said to aid in the regeneration of body cells, creates calm and peace, and aids one's sleep.

Mystical power: A gorgeous stone, Malachite is worn by many to detect impending danger. This beautiful green stone offers bands of varying hues and is believed by many to lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life. It is also believed that malachite gives knowledge and patience. Malachite is used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. It is attached to infant's cradles.
Source: http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/malachite.html

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Handmade gift pouches

All jewelleries are packaged in this handmade and beautiful gift pouches.