The Power of the Hamsa

Hamsa All is Well Today I wanted to write a quick post. I’ll write these once in a while and talk about a symbol or a culture, or just a quick motivation. I began the blog and planned to continue adding to the Cultures and Symbols page,  but  honestly, it has been hard to keep Read More

Opals for Me

Opal Amy Lowell, 1874 – 1925 You are ice and fire, The touch of you burns my hands like snow. You are cold and flame. You are the crimson of Amaryllis, The silver of moon-touched magnolias. When I am with you, My heart is a frozen pond Gleaming with agitated torches. In the eighth grade, a close classmate, Read More

Sapphires

The month of September brings along many things that are important to me. School is back in session and leaves begin to yellow, signaling the beginning of my second favorite season, Fall. Most importantly, my oldest daughter is a September child. And, the Sapphire is the gem for the month. I am very fond of Read More

The Four Elements

Pre-Socratic, Greek philosopher Empedocles said All matter is made up of four elements: water, earth, air and fire. He stated that they represented the realms of the cosmos wherein all things exist and whereof all things consist. He called them the four roots. Later, Aristotle added a fifth element, ether also known as quintessence. Elements and Cultures The elements are relative to the culture and tradition of a people. In Hinduism, Read More

Peridot Is August

Peridot is the birthstone for August and the 15th anniversary gemstone. The ancient Egyptians mined it on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, and called it the gem of the sun. It is one of the few gemstones in only one color. It is the lime green tone that is most recognized.  Some believed it Read More

Ruby the Star of July

This month, the Ruby takes center stage. It is the birthstone for the month of July and the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.  Ruby Is a Star Ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species, which also includes Sapphires and can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. Read More