Quartz Crystal

These are uncertain times. With the financial crisis, more and more people are resorting to crime as a means of making money. Add to that the rising numbers of drug use, and you’ve got a potentially big crime spree in the city. That is why you should keep your valuables safe.

Keep your money in a bank and withdraw only amounts as needed. Keep your jewelry in a safe; don’t leave your crystal jewelry on your nightstand or dressing table. If you don’t have a safe, keep your jewelry under lock and key in your cabinet. This will at least stall any would be thief instead of simply letting him run away with your jewelry box scott free. Constantly check your alarm systems, lock your doors securely before you leave, and for goodness sake, do not leave your spare key under your doormat or in your mailbox.

When people talk about appreciating nature, they are often referring to observation of wildlife, weather patterns or picturesque mountain scenes. In fact, nature’s splendid grandeur extends below the surface of the earth as well. Many of the most distinctive, eye-catching gemstones have been mined from the earth’s crust and fashioned into wearable jewelry.

The astonishing tiger’s eye gem is just one of these. The tiger’s eye gets its name from the unique bands of red and black stone that interweave throughout its middle. Technically speaking, the red is a deposit of jasper and the black is hematite. From a jewelry enthusiast’s standpoint, however, the mineral contents of gemstone bracelets aren’t as important as their visual appeal.

The origin of birthstones actually can be traced back about 6,000 years to Moses wandering in the desert. Every tribe of Israel, and there were twelve of them, had a different stone represented in the Hosen or breastplate of Aaron.

The stones were: (Stones will change according to what translation of the bible you use)

Carnelion /Ruby Reuben Symbol of love and marriage; aids conception, pregnancy and birth

Peridot Simeon Brings blessing of joy and abundance to your life

Emerald Levi Symbol of generosity, modesty and kindness

Turquoise Judah Leads to success in business affairs

Lapis Lazuli Issachar Symbol of honesty and clarity of thought

Quartz Zebulon Bestows strength; symbolizes purity and the love of truth

Jacinth/Topaz Dan Stimulates creativity; brings on to self-fulfillment

Agate Naphtali Has a special calming effect

Amethyst Gad Symbol of spiritual strength; guards against negative energies

Chrysolite Asher Purifies both body and soul; brings inner peace

Onyx Joseph Strengthens one’s courage and self-control

Jasper Benjamin Bestows physical strength; raises self-esteem

Years of study, argument, reasoning and all sorts of questioning has gone into the meaning of the stones. Then when you realize that according to scriptures this is just the tip of the use of semi-precious stones and other stones we have no idea what they were, well, it is fascinating.

In the meantime, the above list just might give you some kind of idea why that piece of Onyx on the mantle really seems to do something for you and or why that Emerald just seems “right” on your hand.

This article contributed by a dear friend.  Thank you Kelly

The process of evaluating a gemstone is a bit more complicated than the novice would suspect. Jewel collectors frequently judge stones according to their hue, saturation and tone. When you refer to the aesthetic aspects of a gem, you should use the proper nomenclature. Don’t remark upon a gem’s “color,” but do admire its brilliant “hue.”

Saturation is merely a measure of the gem’s intensity or purity. A highly saturated piece will feature a brilliant luster. Finally, a gem’s tone can be judged by examining the lightness or darkness of its hue. Now that you’ve picked up a few pointers about evaluating gemstone jewelry, you can shop with confidence. Remember that knowledge is power and you can never learn too much about gorgeous jewelry.