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Let's Talk About Rainbow Obsidian
Why Wear a Starry Bracelet? Introducing the Starry Bracelet Series, a collection of stunning, giftable bracelets for you and your loved ones!
Birthstone Chart
Birthstones are connected to zodiac signs and celestial bodies. Your specific birthstone is well-aligned to your energies, meaning it is the ideal stone for you to wear. Each birthstone has different meanings and different care instructions, so check out the chart below to find yours.
Gemstone Care Guide
Please be aware the following information is a general guide only and each individual stone should be checked for any problems that may be unique to that stone.
All gemstones need to be handled with care and the following precautions should be taken for all stones:
- Avoid abrasion by other jewellery items.
- Avoid wearing whilst doing housework, gardening or any other activity during which damage could occur.
Unless otherwise specified in the chart below, gemstones are best cleaned using a soft damp cloth or mild soapy warm water and a soft brush in a plastic container, not an open sink.
Materials with poor to fair toughness and/or poor stability should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. Extra care also needs to be taken with:
- Materials with numerous inclusions as this can affect a material's durability.
- Treated stones. Treatments can severely effect the toughness and stability of a material so reducing the overall durability of a stone.
Diamond
- avoid applying hand creams or soaps, as diamonds attract grease
- avoid sharp knocks, as diamonds could cleave or fracture
- do not burn or clean with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
Jadeite
- be aware that some treatments can weaken the structure of jadeite
- avoid heat, chemicals, acids/solvents, ultrasonic and steam cleaners
Nephrite
- avoid heat, chemicals, acids, ultrasonic and steam cleaners
Peridot
- avoid knocking on hard surfaces
- avoid contact with perfumes, hairspray, and makeup
- avoid heat, thermal shock, chemicals, acids, ultrasonic and steam cleaners, boiling
Pearl
- avoid any risk of abrasion, as pearl nacre can be scratched easily
- clean using water and cotton wool, dry with soft cloth
- avoid contact with perfumes, hairspray, and makeup
- avoid dry and hot storage conditions
- do not soak in jewelry cleaner
- keep away from acids
- avoid heat, thermal shock, chemicals, acids, ultrasonic and steam cleaners
Quartz
- avoid leaving amethyst, dyed agates, and rose quartz in strong light, as colour may fade
- avoid steam cleaners, use caution when using ultrasonic cleaners
- avoid thermal shock
- caution when using strong acids
Spinel
- caution when using ultrasonic and steam cleaners
Tourmaline
- needs frequent cleaning, as it attracts dust easily
- avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners
- caution when using heat as colour may alter and fractures could worsen
Documentation courtesy of Gem-A The Gemological Association Of Great Britain
Ding-Dong Bangle
This thin round, unlike the thickness of the regular bracelets, is very light, and can be worn alone or directly stacked. Because it makes a clanging sound when stacked together, it is also called the "jingle bracelet." The crisp "jingle" sound adds a touch of playfulness.
In ancient times, women wearing two bracelets are two together. There is a pair of pairs of rich and auspicious meaning, and the delicate two small branches are definitely more elegant and charming than one wide branch.
When i was a child, I watched The Dream of the Red Chamber. Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochao were both worn together! At the time, I thought it was very strange, but now that I wear it myself, I know that it is actually really beautiful.
Three bracelets worn together means three lives and three lifetimes! Three lives are generations of lovers and generations of relatives. Therefore, giving a relative or lover three bracelets has a significant meaning.
Should Men Wear Guanyin?
While commonly used in Buddhism, wearing Guanyin is no longer limited in Buddhists. Guanyin represents a belief in Peace, Love, Wisdom and Harmony.
Jade Guanyin is an amulet that many people love to give out as gifts to family members and friends, wishing them a lifetime of joy and happiness.
Should men or women wear Guanyin?
In the old times, men were in charge of working to provide for their families. Elders believed Guanyin would bring more power, calmness, energy and wisdom to men and as such, were a popular thing for men to wear.
Nowadays, things are much different -- women are more independent and play their role in providing for the family, so Guanyin is favourable for women as well.
What is Ammolite?
Ammonites suffered the same fate as the dinosaurs – they became extinct about 66 million years ago.
Most Ammolite is green and red. Blue and violet Ammolite is more unusual, and typically more valuable.
Pearl History and Culture
People have coveted natural pearls as symbols of wealth and status for thousands of years.
The spherical shape of some pearls led many cultures to associate this gem with the moon. In ancient China, pearls were believed to guarantee protection from fire and fire-breathing dragons. In Europe, they symbolized modesty, chastity, and purity.
Natural Pearls vs. Cultured Pearls
Natural Pearls
Natural pearls form in the bodies, or mantle tissue, of certain mollusks, usually around a microscopic irritant, and always without human help of any kind.
Cultured Pearls
The growth of cultured pearls requires human intervention and care. Today, most of the mollusks used in the culturing process are raised specifically for that purpose, although some wild mollusks are still collected and used.
How to Choose the Right Pearl: Quality Factors
Quality Factors
An assessment of the following characteristics determines the value of each type of pearl.
Luster
Pearls with high luster have sharp bright reflections on the surface.
Surface quality
The number of blemishes on a pearl's surface is evaluated to judge quality.
Shape
Spherical pearls are the most valued but symmetrical drops are also sought.
Color
Although white is most classic, appreciation has grown for more unusual natural colors.
Nacre thickness
Nacre thickness is evaluated to make sure that cultured pearls are durable as well as beautiful.
Size
Cultured pearls range from 2-16mm in diameter, depending on the mollusk used.
Matching
For pearl strands and multi-pearl pieces, how well the pearls match (or mix) affects the value.