Citrine

Citrine is November’s birthstone and the 13th anniversary gemstone. It is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange in color.  Its yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals. These transparent crystals are found in all sizes as geodes, points, and clusters. The largest producer of this quality Read More

Garnet Is Perfect for January

The Garnet is such a beautiful stone and to me, undervalued and under-appreciated. I love them! My jewelry collection is filled with the precious stone. This deep hued gem is the birthstone for January and it is given as a second, wedding anniversary gift. Most of us know and recognize it for its rich, deep Read More

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

Topaz, November’s Birthstone

Topaz is November’s birthstone. Use the blue variety to celebrate the fourth wedding anniversary. It is a colorless gem that has aluminum fluoro-hydroxy silicate. Impurities may vary the intensity of color. Most of the gems are wine, yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, or blue brown. Blue Topaz does occur in nature, but is rare and almost 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