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

Garnet, The Stone of Eternal Friendship

Oval Cut Almandine Garnet

Birthstones Series - January Garnet

The traditional birthstone for those born in the month of January is Garnet. It symbolizes a light heart, loyalty and enduring affections. It also signifies eternal friendship and trust, and is the perfect gift for a friend. Garnet is the Zodiac birthstone for Aquarius and the stone that celebrates the 2nd anniversary of marriage.

The word Garnet, derived from the Latin granatum which means “grain”, is possibly a reference to pomegranate because some garnet crystals resemble the red color and seeds of this fruit. There are many different myths about the origins of garnet. One such myth suggests that the garnet originated with Persephone, the Greek goddess of sunshine. Persephone was captured by Hades, the god of the underworld. Before Hades released Persephone, he wanted to guarantee her return, so he gave her some pomegranate seeds.

Most people think of the garnet as a red gemstone, but in fact, Garnet is a group of minerals

Star Garnet

that comes in a rainbow of colors, from the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the vibrant green of Tsavorite Garnet and to the most widely recognized deep red color of Pyrope Garnet. The garnet’s variety of colors comes from metals such as manganese, iron, calcium, and aluminum. Some varieties known as Star Garnet even contain mineral fibers that produce the illusion of a four or six-rayed star within the stone, an effect called “asterism”. 

Color Changing Garnet

Color-changing Garnet is an especially rare and valuable member of the garnet group of gemstones. It is highly desired for its distinct ability to change color depending on the type of light source with which it is viewed. It can have several color combinations, especially brown or orange in daylight to a pink or light red in incandescent light.

There are many forms and varieties of Garnets, categorized in six main mineral types:

ALMANDINE  (reddish brown to brown) 

ANDRADITE (brown, black or green)

GROSSULAR (colorless, orange or green) 

PYROPE (dark red to ruby red)

SPESSARTINE (orange, pink or brown) 

UVAROVITE (green)

Green garnets are most highly prized but are very rare. Emerald green and colorless stones are highly valued, followed by pure red garnets.

Varieties of Garnet

The most common crystal shape for garnets is the rhombic dodecahedron, a twelve sided crystal with diamond-shaped (rhombic) faces. This basic shape is the trademark of garnets, for no other crystal shape is so closely associated with a single mineral group like the rhombic dodecahedron is with garnets. Today, the most important sources for garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka, and India.

References to the gemstone date back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays in jewelry. In ancient Rome, signet rings with carved garnets were used to stamp the wax that secured important documents. Ancient warriors believed that garnets brought victory. The Crusaders used them as protection against wounds and accidents during their journeys. In contrast, Asiatic warriors believed that glowing garnets, used as bullets, inflicted more severe wounds.

As with many precious stones, garnets were once believed to hold medicinal powers. In Medieval times, it protected its wearer against poisons, wounds and bad dreams, and cured depression. Red garnets relieved fever, hemorrhages and inflammatory diseases.

Source: American Gem Society, Wikipedia and Earth Sky. Images courtesy of Gem Select, Gemological Institute of America and DWCustom Jewelry. Thank you!

Happy Birthday to all of you born in January!

For one-of-a-kind jewelry designs created with garnet please visit ADORA by Simona. 

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.

Birthstone Inspiration for Your Wedding Jewelry

For thousands of years, gemstones have been associated with magic and mystery. The month of your birth decides your birthstone, which is made up of a million little qualities that come together to make one gorgeous gem, just like you are! So what does your birthstone really say about you? From your quirky personality traits to your unique sense of style, these striking stones each glimmer with a little facet of you.  Read through to discover what the stars have in store for you and then head on over to ADORA by Simona to see how you can personalize and enhance your wedding jewelry through the use of beautiful birthstones. 

JANUARY - GARNET

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals found in almost all colors - red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and colorless. This gorgeous stone is known to boost self-image, soothe nerves and provide guidance in hard times (ahem, wedding planning!) If your birthstone is garnet, your friends and loved ones know you as a passionate, well-balanced person and extremely loyal friend. 

FEBRUARY - AMETHYST

Amethyst is a variety of quartz occurring in hues from light pinkish violet to deep purple. This pretty purple gem is associated with royalty, inner-peace, sincerity and security. If your birthstone is amethyst, you are known by all as courageous, honest and a jack-of-all-trades. Amethyst is also believed to ward off evil, so keep that pretty stone on hand at all times!

MARCH - AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, deriving its blue color from the presence of iron. This light blue stone symbolizes good health, eternal youth and yes, love! If your birthstone is aquamarine, you’re known as pure hearted, family-oriented and extremely protective over those you love. 

APRIL - DIAMOND

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance - a crystalline form of pure carbon that comes in several colors. Diamonds are known to symbolize everlasting love. If your birthstone is the diamond, you have a weakness for all things romantic, and tend to wear your heart on your sleeve.

MAY - EMERALD

Emerald is also a variety of beryl, colored green due to the presence of chromium and vanadium. These striking green stones speak of health and fertility and symbolize health, healing, vibrant life and intuition. If your birthstone is the emerald, you’re known by all for your quick-wit, creativity and extremely perceptive nature.

JUNE - PEARL and ALEXANDRITE

June is home to two birthstones, each stunning and unique in their own ways. Pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, produced within the tissues of living shelled mollusks. Timeless pearls symbolize modesty, success and stability in love. Alexandrite is the rare color-changing variety of chrysoberyl that appears green in daylight and red in artificial light. Alexandrite represents rare beauty and creativity. If your birthstones are Pearl and Alexandrite, you are nurturing, light-hearted and great at adapting to new situations. 

JULY - RUBY

Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, occurring in the colors pink to blood red. In astrology, ruby is associated with the Sun, and has earned the title of "King of Gems." This stunning stone symbolizes passionate love, wisdom and success, and is also believed to attract good luck to the wearer. If your birthstone is the ruby, you’re known as a natural born leader with a charismatic personality and hard-work ethic.

AUGUST - PERIDOT

Peridot is the gem-quality variant of the silicated mineral olivine. Western tradition suggests that this gorgeous green gem is known to ward off depression, negativity and enchantments. If peridot is your birthstone, you’re loved by all for your unbounded energy, contagious sense of humor and creative approach. 

SEPTEMBER - SAPPHIRE

Another variety of the mineral corundum, this regal gem occurs in a variety of different colors, ranging from a rich royal blue to pretty tones of peach and gold. Symbolizing grace, wisdom and morality, people with the sapphire birthstone are respected by all for the honesty, strength and intelligent nature.

OCTOBER - TOURMALINE and OPAL

October is characterized by two uniquely beautiful birthstones. Opal symbolizes compassion, enthusiasm and creativity while Tourmaline symbolizes friendship and humanitarianism. If your birthstones are opal and tourmaline, you are known for your optimistic, caring nature and your unique ability to empathize with all people.

NOVEMBER - TOPAZ and CITRINE

November is home to two striking birthstones, Topaz and Citrine. While topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, citrine is a variety of quartz; both occur in yellow, orange, and brown hues. Topaz symbolizes good luck, faithfulness and friendship, and Citrine symbolizes success in business, generosity and prosperity. If your birthstones are Topaz and Citrine, you are well known for your friendly, easy-going nature and your quick intellect. 

DECEMBER - TURQUOISE, TANZANITE and ZIRCON

December is characterized by not one, not two, but three beautiful blue birthstones! Turquoise is an opaque hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. This stone is linked with happiness and good fortune. Turquoise is known for its ability to heal, while all three stones represents happiness, peace of mind and good fortune. Also known to reduce headaches and promote relaxation, these stones will help keep you sane during wedding planning!

Sources:  Style Me Pretty and The Microsoft Network. 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.

Summer Solstice - A Celebration of Life

Sun rising at Stonehenge on Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice is a time of celebration of the cycle of life and of the gifts that the sun and nature have to offer. It is the longest day of the year when the power of the sun is at its strongest, and the day when the north pole is most tilted towards the sun, causing it to have the highest and longest path through the sky.  Based on the Gregorian calendar, the summer solstice occurs some time between June 20 and June 22 in the northern hemisphere, depending on the shift of the calendar. It is also known as Midsummer, Litha and the Northern Solstice because it occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere.

Nearly every agricultural society has marked the high point of summer in some way, shape or form and it has been celebrated as a life and fertility festival by Pagans, Celts and Druids for thousands of years. The travels of the sun were marked and recorded. Stone circles such as Stonehenge were oriented to highlight the rising of the sun on the day of the summer solstice. 

Although few primary sources are available detailing the practices of the ancient Celts, some information can be found in the chronicles kept by early Christian monks. Some of these writings, combined with surviving folklore, indicate that Summer Solstice was celebrated with hilltop bonfires and that it was a time to honor the space between earth and the heavens. 

In addition to the polarity between land and sky, in many cultures Summer Solstice was a time to find a balance between fire and water. European traditions celebrated this time of year by setting large wheels on fire and then rolling them down a hill into a body of water. This may be because this is when the sun is at its strongest yet also the day at which it begins to weaken. Another possibility is that the water mitigates the heat of the sun, and subordinating the sun wheel to water may prevent drought. 

Solstice comes from the Latin words "sol" and "sistere" meaning "sun stands still", a reference to how, when seen from Earth, the sun appears to pause before its position in the sky reverses direction. 

Enjoy every minute of the longest day of the year! I know I will! :)

Source: Wikipedia  and Pagan Wiccan. Thank you!