Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sapphires in Design Ideas
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Tale of Birthstones - September in Sapphires
This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of September, Blue Sapphire.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Birthstone Color: Deep Blue
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September and the gem designated for the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary; a star sapphire is typically given on the 65th wedding anniversary. A gift of Sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness.
Mystical Powers of the birthstone: Sapphires were once believed to be protection against snakes. It was said that if poisonous reptiles and spiders were placed in a jar containing the stone, the creatures would immediately die. The French of the 13th century believed that sapphire transformed stupidity to wisdom, and irritability to good temper.
Main sources of Aquamarine: Sapphire is mined in Australia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Other producers are Burma, Kampuchea, Kenya and Tanzania.
Interesting Facts: The Sapphire is second only to the Diamond in hardness, making it a durable gemstone for setting into jewelry. As nourishing to the soul as gazing up at the sky on a summer day, this brilliant blue gemstone is truly a heavenly choice!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Mixed Media Art with Peridots - August birthstone
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Peridots Egyptian Cuisine
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Peridot in Design Ideas
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Tale of Birthstones - August in Peridots
This month, we are focusing on the birthstone of August, Peridot.
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.
August Birthstone: Peridot
Birthstone Color: Yellow Green
Alternative Birthstone: Sardonyx
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the gem designated for the 16th wedding anniversary. Peridot is a mineral named Olivine, which is found in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive.
Mystical Powers of the birthstone: The green crystal was considered protective against evil and when set in gold, especially help against night terrors. It was ground to powder and used as a remedy for asthma and as a cure for thirst brought on by fever.
Main sources of Peridots: Peridot comes from the ancient source of Zebirget Island in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt. Today, peridot is mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.
Interesting Facts: It is not certain where the word ,peridot, derived from originally. It is either from the French word peritot which means unclear or from the Arabic word faridat which means gem. In either case, peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an estimated four thousand years.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Mixed Media Art with Rubies - July birthstone
This week, I have chosen four mixed media art samples that wonderfully & artfully incorporated this strong color. Enjoy!