Amethyst, The Crystal With A Mysterious Energy

Oval Cut Amethyst

Birthstones Series - February Amethyst 

The official birthstone for the month of February is Amethyst, a gemstone that has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate and soothe the mind and emotions. Amethyst has always been associated with the month of February and it is said to be the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love. It carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.

The Greek word "amethystos" may be translated as "not drunken", from the Greek a- "not" + methustos "intoxicated".  In Ancient times, Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why ancient Greeks and Romans routinely studded their goblets with Amethyst believing that wine drunk from an Amethyst cup was powerless to intoxicate.

The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from the Greeks. Dionysus, the Greek god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, got angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself.  He decreed that the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethystos on her way to worship at the shrine of Artemis. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the goddess and was saved by her by being turned into a pillar of clear, white crystal. Dionysus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lovely purple hue.

 

The Empress of Uruguay

By today’s classifications amethyst is a semiprecious stone, but to the ancients it was a “Gem of Fire,” a precious stone worth at times in history as much as a Diamond. It belongs to the microcrystalline branch of quartz and it occurs in primary hues from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple (due to iron and aluminum impurities), sometimes exhibiting red and blue secondary hues. The best varieties of Amethysts can be found in Siberia, Sri Lanka, Brazil and the Far East. Green quartz is sometimes incorrectly called green amethyst, which is a misnomer and not an appropriate name for the material, the proper terminology being Prasiolite.

Situated just an hour from the Cairns international Airport on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, The Crystal Caves are home to the world’s biggest Amethyst Geode, “The Empress of Uruguay”. At well over 11 feet tall and weighing 2.5 tons, its size is certainly impressive but it is the sheer beauty of the tens of thousands of perfect, deep purple Amethyst crystals that nature has formed naturally inside, that truly amaze everyone who sees her.

Ametrine

An interesting gemstone from the same family (and a favorite of mine) is Ametrine, a natural bicolor combination of amethyst and citrine. Color band combinations in ametrine can range from pale-violet to deep-purple and from pale-yellow to gold-brown. The colors of the zones visible within Ametrine are caused by different oxidation states of iron within the crystal, which occurred due to temperature changes across the crystal during its formation.

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone, a crystal with a mysterious energy. It is said to be a meditative and calming stone that works in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes to provide calm, balance, patience, and peace.

Sources: Wikipedia, Gem Select and Crystal Vaults. Images courtesy of Gem Select and Panoramio 

Happy Birthday to all of you born in February!

ABOUT ADORA: The journey to selecting the jewelry for your Special Day can be a daunting task, so why not let us custom-design a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours. ADORA can bring your vision to life using the same elegant and refreshing style that goes into all of our designs. Handcrafted and completely personalized, we will work closely with you to tailor your jewelry ideas to your needs in order to create the perfect pieces for your Big Day, whether your theme is elegant, vintage, rustic or beach. From matching necklaces for your Bridesmaids or a stunning pair of earrings for yourself, to a unique piece for the Mother of the Bride/Groom and the perfectly delicate bracelet for the Flower Girl, we can do it all. For Customized Jewelry Packages for the Entire Bridal Party, please visit ADORA by Simona's New "Ever After" Collection.

For quality one-of-a-kind jewelry created with Amethyst please visit ADORA by Simona. 

Pearl, The Natural Wonder

Birthstones Series - June Pearl

The month of June is associated with the beginning of summer and carefree weekends spent at favorite vacation spots.  But for the past 100 years, one other thing that is associated with June is the pearl.  Pearl is the official birthstone for the month of June as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birthstone for the Sun Signs of Gemini and Cancer.

Pearls are the oldest jewels known to man, and the only gem made by a living creature.  Since the beginning of time, pearls have been revered as one of the world's most beautiful and magical gems, and throughout the ages, with their warm inner glow and shimmering iridescence, have been one of the most highly prized and sought-after natural wonders.

An organic gem, pearls are formed inside mollusks like oysters and mussels. They are formed when an irritant such as a tiny stone or bit of sand gets inside the mollusk's shell. A lustrous substance, called nacre, is secreted around the object to protect the soft internal surface of the mollusk. As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant, a pearl is formed. Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers produces a characteristic iridescent luster. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years.

Pearls are unlike other gemstones because they do not have to be cut and polished to enhance their natural beauty—they grow into it on their own. No wonder pearls have been prized for their beauty, perfection, and rarity!

Nobody knows when someone first pried open an oyster and found a pearl. Although there are many stories about the discovery of pearls, the one I like the most is that more than likely the first pearl was discovered when a prehistoric man chipped his tooth when he bit into an oyster that contained a pearl.  With its soft, rainbow-hued inner radiance, that first pearl must have seemed like a magical gift from the gods.

For thousands of years, pearls have been the exclusive gemstones of royalty and nobility in every culture. The oldest surviving pearl necklace is nearly 2,000 years old and was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian Princess.  In China, they were used for over five thousand years to decorate the crowns of emperors, the robes of noblewomen, and the sacred statues of the Buddha.

In ancient Rome and medieval France, only the aristocracy were allowed to wear pearls. In Elizabethan England, only royalty could wear them. Pearls became associated with wealth, status, and power, and ordinary people began to desire them as symbols of these things.

Fascinating myths and legends are associated with the pearl.  Throughout their history, different cultures have assigned various meanings to pearls.  Early Chinese myths told of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fought. Ancient legend says that pearls were thought to be the tears of the gods. Pearls have been considered ideal wedding jewelry for centuries because they symbolize purity and innocence. The Greeks believed that wearing pearls would promote marital bliss and prevent newlywed brides from crying. An Old Arabic legend romantically explains that the pearls formed when moonlight-filled dew drops descended from the sky into the oceans and were swallowed by oysters.  Another legend has the Hindu god Krishna discovering pearls when he plucks the first one from the sea and presents it to his daughter on her wedding day.  The Ancient Hebrews believed that pearls had been used by God to decorate the Garden of Eden. Roman ladies believed that pearls were lucky and attracted wealth. In China, pearls are symbolic of the incomparable beauty of the legendary pearl maiden, XiShi (or Shecy).

Throughout all of recorded history, pearls were far too valuable and rare for any but the royalty and aristocracy to afford. However, due to advances in pearl cultivation, growing and harvesting technology, pearls are now affordable and accessible to everyone. Today, you can wear a string of pearls that two hundred years ago only a queen could wear.

Pearls are still cherished today as lovely jewelry. They make tasteful gifts, and are usually passed down as treasured heirlooms for generations.  

Happy Birthday to all of you born in June!

Sources:  Gem Select, Crystal Vaults and American Gem Society. Thank you!  

ABOUT ADORA: The journey to selecting the jewelry for your Special Day can be a daunting task, so why not let us custom-design a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours. ADORA can bring your vision to life using the same elegant and refreshing style that goes into all of our designs. Handcrafted and completely personalized, we will work closely with you to tailor your jewelry ideas to your needs in order to create the perfect pieces for your Big Day, whether your theme is elegant, vintage, rustic or beach. From matching necklaces for your Bridesmaids or a stunning pair of earrings for yourself, to a unique piece for the Mother of the Bride/Groom and the perfectly delicate bracelet for the Flower Girl, we can do it all. For Customized Jewelry Packages for the Entire Bridal Party, please visit ADORA by Simona's New "Ever After" Collection

11 Unexpected Bridal Trends for 2018

This season designers are reinterpreting bridal looks in new, vintage-inspired, and completely unexpected ways. As the Bridal Fashion Week started unfolding, the runways saw gorgeous Fall Collections from designers like Oscar de la Renta, Lela Rose, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Elie Saab and Reem Acra, just to name a few of my favorites.  

1.  Color

While white is still a favorite, it is no longer a must when it comes to a wedding dress. Off-White, ivory, cream, champagne are the familiar choices, but with pink, gold and light blue coming strongly from behind, there's more than just the right color when finding the perfect wedding dress.

2.  Black Accents

A surprising trend! This high-contrast detail is an easy way to add interest to any white dress. From black ribbons, gloves, belts, hairpieces, and other accessories, the sky is the limit on how brides can accessorize by incorporating this unexpected style.

3.  Oversized bows

Turn an ordinary wedding dress into something out of the ordinary with an extra large bow and add chic simplicity with mass appeal. 

4.  Casual

Now you can stay comfy on your wedding day without missing the mark, and even wear those pants that you love so much. Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and even elegantly tailored pants adorned with giant bows were all over the runways.

5.  Veils

Veils are getting an update with ingenious styling tricks. Embellished with a sparkly brooch and wrapped around the neck like a necklace, worn across the shoulders like a modern shawl, or attached to the back of your dress in a flowing display are new ways of wearing veils.

 6.  3D Florals

Use flowers to get graphic in the sweetest way possible. Three-dimensional embellishments add texture to a plain white dress, and ensure a clean yet unforgettable style. 

7.  Gloves

Gloves are a classic, yet rarely used accessory in association with a wedding gown. Try a classic satin pair, or modernize it with a dainty wrist-length style.

8.  Extreme Sleeves

Softly ruffled cap sleeves, long sleeves, wide sleeves and cut-out shoulders bring a feminine (and flattering) flair, and add movement while blowing gently in the wind.

9.  Capes and Capelets

Short, cropped, or full length, they not only look good, but also add that extra “something” that transforms an ordinary dress into a distinctive gown.  And for the bride who’s always cold, it’s got you “covered”.

10.  Victorian Elegance

The fashion of the Victorian era marks femininity at its finest with flounces, ruffles, and intricate lacework and it is brought back in modern ways by designers like Luisa Beccaria, Vera Wang and Galia Lahav.

 11.  Non-Traditional Jewelry

And last but not least, throw the traditional out the window and go for a bold shoulder necklace that can complete your bridal look in more ways than one. 

Sources:  Elle and Glamour. Images courtesy of Pinterest. Thank you!  

ABOUT ADORA: The journey to selecting the jewelry for your Special Day can be a daunting task, so why not let us custom-design a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours. ADORA can bring your vision to life using the same elegant and refreshing style that goes into all of our designs. Handcrafted and completely personalized, we will work closely with you to tailor your jewelry ideas to your needs in order to create the perfect pieces for your Big Day, whether your theme is elegant, vintage, rustic or beach. From matching necklaces for your Bridesmaids or a stunning pair of earrings for yourself, to a unique piece for the Mother of the Bride/Groom and the perfectly delicate bracelet for the Flower Girl, we can do it all. For Customized Jewelry Packages for the Entire Bridal Party, please visit ADORA by Simona's New "Ever After" Collection