Sterling Silver Charms

Mysterious and subtle magical practices are associated with moon which colors are white and silver as the metal to be used... as it is used in our fine collection of Sterling Silver Charms, stamped, engraved or three-dimensional cast. Explore the lunar energy magic by wearing our Sterling Silver Charms with the confidence of getting better quality and durability, starting with our original designs by themselves. Most silver jewelry is easily maintained by wiping with a soft, clean cloth to retain its luster and beauty, and avoiding contact with soap, perfume, hairsprays and other cosmetics. With minimal cost and care Silver Italian Charms may add a touch of distinction to your charming presence. In Jewelry, the standard for sterling silver has remained unchanged throughout the centuries since 1300 when King Edward I of England established the early trade practice rule for silversmiths, by means of decreeing that sterling must consist of 92.5 percent pure silver metal alloyed with 7.6 percent copper. As for today, the term "sterling" refers to the composition of the metal, and not to the weight of a finished item either small or large. Sterling Silver Charms sometimes may be marked as 925, in which case meaning that 925 parts per thousand of the piece are pure silver. Silver-plated is not silver metal, just a layer of silver bonded to any other base metal, and vermeil (pronounced as "ver-may") is a special type of gold plated product, consisting of a base of sterling silver coated or plated with gold. Jewelry made of silver parts and gold parts must carry dual designations such as "Sterling and xxK". According to the law, all quality-marked silver must bear the name or an American registered trademark of the company's name or person that will stand behind such mark. It is renown that silver is much more plentiful than gold, but tends to tarnish, making it less popular as the metal to be used in some forms of jewelry. As with gold, silver is too soft that it simply cannot be used in its pure state and must be combined other metals to enhance its durability.

Italian Charms over 3500 Italian Charms online include Sterling Silver Charms

Amethyst: History and Symbols

Amethyst is popularly regarded as a gemstone. Several names have been attributed to it due to its characteristics and variety in colors. The pinkish lavender shade is called ?Rose de France.? It is the least sought after variety compared to the intense violet shade called ?Siberian? which is the most-sought after shade of all. The latter shade is usually found not just in Siberia but also in the African region of Zambia and Uruguay. Ametrine on the other hand, is a gem of Bolivia which exhibits alternating bands of citrine orange and purple. Oriental amethyst is also the name of the purple corundum as well as fine samples of amethystine quartz which does not necessarily come from the Eastern regions of the globe.

Amethyst in History and its Symbolisms

Amethyst is generally known as the birthstone of February celebrators which indirectly links it to the horoscope calendar of Pisces, Aries, Sagittarius and Aquarius. High ranking officials of the Roman Catholic sect wear rings with amethyst stones as symbolism of their offices.

From the Greek word amethystos, it literally means not drunken. This name was an offshoot of its use in ancient times as an antidote for drunkenness. This also gave rise to the practice then of carving wine goblets from amethyst. According to Greek mythology, a maiden by the name of Amethystos was being pursued by the drunken Dionysus. Amethystos prayed to the gods for protection against Dionysus? unwanted affection. Artemis, the goddess heard her prayer so she transformed the maiden into a white stone. When Dionysus realized what happened to her, he poured wine over the stone as an act of offering. This act transformed the white stone to a crystal purple.

Another mythical story about the origin of amethyst involved the god Dionysus. He was angered by an insult coming from a mere mortal. He swore that the next mortal he will come across will die through the fierce tigers he has created to carry out his revenge. An unsuspecting maiden named Amethyst happened to be on her way to make an offering to the goddess Diana. Knowing what was bound to the happen to the poor mortal, the goddess changed Amethyst to a crystalline quartz to prevent her from being ravaged by the brutal tigers. The blinded Dionysus wept after knowing what happened to the mortal and the tears trickled to the crystals turning it to a purple color.

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Amethyst is February's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it.

February's birthstone: Amethyst

Birthstone powers: Brings peace and calm to your life

Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the sixth of marriage. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally as crystals within rocks. The stones are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, Australia and in the mountains of Russia

American amethysts are mined in Maine, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Montana and Colorado. Amethyst from Maine is usually dark with North Carolina amethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Amethyst can lighten if exposed to strong sunlight for a long time. When heated to 550-560 Centigrade, the color changes to dark yellow or reddish brown. (They are then called citrines. These are more richly colored and more expensive then natural citrines)

Ideally deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes, amethysts generally range in hue from pale lilac to nearly black purple. Since purple has always been the color of royalty, amethysts abound in the ornaments of in the British Crown Jewels and in the adornments of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, as well. They have been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning royal jewelry, scepters, and crowns.

The intense violet hue of February's birthstone appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color?as a symbol of their elevated position. Purple dye was once scarce and expensive, so it was reserved for the garments of royalty, and the color came to symbolize power and status.

Sobering Thoughts with Amethyst

The Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word amethyst is derived from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. It was also claimed that amethyst had a sobering effect on those "drunk" on love?s passion.

Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. In general, the gemstone is believed to be a calming, tranquil influence that symbolizes peace.

Amethyst and Prayer

Amethyst is symbolic of piety, spirituality, and a devotion to God. The rich purple gemstones are used worldwide to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony, and they frequently found in the rings and on the rosaries worn by bishops and priests.

It is also believed that amethysts bring on pleasant dreams because they allow you to "channel" positive universal energy. As a result many people place an amethyst under their pillow before going to sleep at night to enjoy "sweet dreams" throughout the night.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of ?How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.? This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com

Madagascar Amethyst

(Variety of Quartz)
Crystallographic properties:
Trigonal System (Subdivision of the hexagonal system)
Quartz forms hexagonal prisms at the blunted ends and the head
finishing in hexagonal pyramids.

Physical properties
Hardness 7
Density 2.65 - 2.66
Refractive Index: 1.54 -1.55 + 0.009 positive uniaxial
Glare: vitreous

Chemical Composition: Faceted Amethyst
Silicium Dioxide ( SiO2 )
The colouring of amethysts is due to the presence of colour centers which come from substitution of ions of
silicon by iron ions in the crystal lattice of quartz.
The amethyst crystallizes at temperatures lower than smoky quartz for example. In Madagascar, we find it either in
the crypts of pegmatites, or in the quartzite veins in connection with those.
The geodes of the siliceous nodules of basalts contain some too.

The first have an hexagonal network, although their pattern of crystallization is only of ternary order. The seconds
have a ternary network. The elementary mesh is a rhomboedron, i.e. a parallelepiped consisted six equal
rhombuses.

A ternary axis A3 joint the tops of the regular trihedrons, three normal binary axes A2 with the ternary axis joining
the meddle of opposite horizontal corners.


Here elements of symmetry of the Trigonal system with
the oblique shape, the tetragonal scalenoedron.

It is interesting to see what becomes this tetragonal scalenoedron in others classes where the disappearance of
the symmetry planes makes decrease of half the number of the faces. We obtain a trapezohedron (One notices that
these two trapezohedrons are not superposable. It is said that they are two enantiomorphism shapes. They are
symmetrical compared to a symmetry plane.)

One speaks about right trapezohedron and left trapezohedron (just as we have a right hand and a left hand,

nonsuperposable thus enantiomorphism).


Certain minerals present sometimes left forms sometimes right forms. The most known example is that of quartz.
The distinction between left quartz and right quartz has a certain importance in the electronics industry where one
uses the piezo-electric properties of this mineral.

The negative crystals of hexagonal shape can contain liquids like water, gas, as well as rutile needles, tiny hematite
discs, goetite, fushsite or mica.


Inclusions of H2O and CO2 in an amethyst from Madagascar. Habitus type of flattened Dauphin.


This marvellous Bi-terminated amethyst of 128 grams also contains water drops in its center. Habitus type of rhomboedron.
Enlarge

The amethyst scepters are also typical in Madagascar.

Here, a scepter in the blackberry shape.
There, the stem of the scepter developed by crystallizing around it a quantity of small points in hedgehog. Length:40 mm.

Double scepter.
Enlarge

Head of scepter: 132 grams
Enlarge

Amethyst in castle on its quartz gangue. 986 grams.
Enlarge

The fact that sometimes only a thin surface layer of violet color be presents in the stone or that this color is not
homogeneous, makes often a difficult cutting. The art of lapidary is to place the color correctly in order to
make homogeneous the tone of the cut stone. The distribution of the color in a cut stone is observed simply by
immersing it in water contained in a transparent container and colourless. The color of amethyst varies from purple
reddish to purple bluish while passing by straightforwardly crimsons tone. Thus of very variable intensity, the color
is often laid out in stripes parallel to the final faces of the crystal.

Enlarge

Cutting Styles Characteristics Crystalline Systems


Amethyst Crystal 1 Amethyst Crystal 2 Amethyst Scepter Faceted Amethyst

gggems.com

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(Variety of Quartz)
Crystallographic properties:
Trigonal System (Subdivision of the hexagonal system)
Quartz forms hexagonal prisms at the blunted ends and the head
finishing in hexagonal pyramids.

Physical properties
Hardness 7
Density 2.65 - 2.66
Refractive Index: 1.54 -1.55 + 0.009 positive uniaxial
Glare: vitreous

Chemical Composition: Faceted Amethyst
Silicium Dioxide ( SiO2 )
The colouring of amethysts is due to the presence of colour centers which come from substitution of ions of
silicon by iron ions in the crystal lattice of quartz.
The amethyst crystallizes at temperatures lower than smoky quartz for example. In Madagascar, we find it either in
the crypts of pegmatites, or in the quartzite veins in connection with those.
The geodes of the siliceous nodules of basalts contain some too.

The first have an hexagonal network, although their pattern of crystallization is only of ternary order. The seconds
have a ternary network. The elementary mesh is a rhomboedron, i.e. a parallelepiped consisted six equal
rhombuses.

A ternary axis A3 joint the tops of the regular trihedrons, three normal binary axes A2 with the ternary axis joining
the meddle of opposite horizontal corners.


Here elements of symmetry of the Trigonal system with
the oblique shape, the tetragonal scalenoedron.

It is interesting to see what becomes this tetragonal scalenoedron in others classes where the disappearance of
the symmetry planes makes decrease of half the number of the faces. We obtain a trapezohedron (One notices that
these two trapezohedrons are not superposable. It is said that they are two enantiomorphism shapes. They are
symmetrical compared to a symmetry plane.)

One speaks about right trapezohedron and left trapezohedron (just as we have a right hand and a left hand,

nonsuperposable thus enantiomorphism).


Certain minerals present sometimes left forms sometimes right forms. The most known example is that of quartz.
The distinction between left quartz and right quartz has a certain importance in the electronics industry where one
uses the piezo-electric properties of this mineral.

The negative crystals of hexagonal shape can contain liquids like water, gas, as well as rutile needles, tiny hematite
discs, goetite, fushsite or mica.


Inclusions of H2O and CO2 in an amethyst from Madagascar. Habitus type of flattened Dauphin.


This marvellous Bi-terminated amethyst of 128 grams also contains water drops in its center. Habitus type of rhomboedron.
Enlarge

The amethyst scepters are also typical in Madagascar.

Here, a scepter in the blackberry shape.
There, the stem of the scepter developed by crystallizing around it a quantity of small points in hedgehog. Length:40 mm.

Double scepter.
Enlarge

Head of scepter: 132 grams
Enlarge

Amethyst in castle on its quartz gangue. 986 grams.
Enlarge

The fact that sometimes only a thin surface layer of violet color be presents in the stone or that this color is not
homogeneous, makes often a difficult cutting. The art of lapidary is to place the color correctly in order to
make homogeneous the tone of the cut stone. The distribution of the color in a cut stone is observed simply by
immersing it in water contained in a transparent container and colourless. The color of amethyst varies from purple
reddish to purple bluish while passing by straightforwardly crimsons tone. Thus of very variable intensity, the color
is often laid out in stripes parallel to the final faces of the crystal.

Enlarge

Cutting Styles Characteristics Crystalline Systems


Amethyst Crystal 1 Amethyst Crystal 2 Amethyst Scepter Faceted Amethyst

gggems.com

 

http://www.gggems.com/madagascar_amethyst.htm

The varieties of a Diamond Pendant!

 

A diamond pendant is a beautiful accessory that hangs on a piece of jewelry. Most definitely a diamond pendant is not limited to everyday apparel, but with such a great value of beauty and rarity, you'll probably want to savor wearing your pendant for a special occasion.

Here are some options of a variety of styles and occasions that a diamond pendant can be worn.

Diamond pendant necklace - The formal wear of those memorable occasions -- your high school prom, an evening at the ball, your wedding day -- must be accommodated with glamorous jewelry, including a diamond pendant necklace. With a formal evening gown, you'll want to make sure that this necklace is as alluring and fitting as the entire apparel.

Diamond pendant earrings - Earrings are a radiant choice to hold your diamond pendants. There are a variety of styles that can be selected when choosing to wear diamond pendant earring; loops that hold the pendant, earrings with the diamond pendant used as dangling decorations or simply diamond pendant studded earrings. For a formal evening, wear your hair up, so that people can pay particular attention to your diamond pendant earrings.

Diamond pendant locket - A diamond pendant locket symbolizes a sentimental treasure. Perhaps you are putting a baby picture of yourself in the locket, or that of a significant other. The pendant could contain a heart figurine or small diamond securely held inside, but exhibited for display when the locket is opened.

Diamond pendants are not just limited to these styles or occasions; they are versatile in wear. The most common uses of pendants include: wearing them on a necklace, on earrings, or even on a bracelet or anklet. Be certain that nothing will stand out more than displaying a diamond pendant on the necklace or earrings.

There are many other styles in which a diamond pendant may be worn, these were just a few. Your personal preference of diamond pendant (worn on a necklace or as earrings) may just be the most important thing you can wear, so go out and find that perfect diamond pendant for yourself!

Stephanie Tuia is a Client Account Specialist for 10X Marketing - More visitors, More Buyers, More revenue. For more information about diamond pendants, visit Harris Michael Jewelry

Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace

A diamond necklace is an elegant piece of flawless craftsmanship, and having one is almost every diamond lover's cherished dream. Recently, one of the most purchased and requested types of jewelry has been the Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace. This necklace is acquirable from many different jewelers - most of whom create an assortment of styles. Diamonds come in seven different types of settings, each displaying it in a unique style. The growing popularity of diamond necklace makes jewelers to offer better and innovative styles every fortnight.

The unmatched radiance of a diamond necklace brightens a women's personality and give her a graceful look. A prefect way to complement your women and make her feel how special is she, gift her diamond necklace. Looking for elegant and finely crafted diamond jewelry but in an affordable range, the internet can make your dream of buying diamond jewelry a reality.

Diamond necklace are available in number of unique styles, you can even design your necklace to suit your style perfectly. Although they were at one time a luxury, in modern times, diamonds have become a more common possession.

Because of the natural action needed to produce diamonds, they have forever been an extraordinary and cherished commodity, utilized as adornment and later, for industry. The Hope Diamond is in all probability the most celebrated "fancy colored diamond." The mysterious blue hue is valuated exceedingly high, because the richer the saturation of the color, the more rare.

Buying a diamond necklace is not a tough job, if you plan out well. Not all can afford to incinerate millions, and so the significant interest is budget for your diamond jewelry. Firstly you must have a clear estimate about how much you are going to spend on a diamond necklace. Once you've clear picture about your budget, you can easily decide which necklace is best for you.

For more insights and additional information about Diamond Earrings please visit our web site at http://diamonds.1tinyurl.com

Recessed Lighting and Pendant Lighting are Novel Ways to Get Attention

 

When it comes to wiring a new home before lighting, or if you are just remodeling your existing home, here are a few tips to help with your interior lighting plans. There are three types of lighting that you should keep in mind. Remember that you'll want to plan your lighting to make your home safer and easier to see and to create a pleasant atmosphere as well as help you perform specific tasks within the home easily. Regardless of what room you are lighting, whether it is bathroom lighting, kitchen lighting or track lighting, there are three needs that need to be filled. The first one is lighting for better sight. Remember to use as much natural daylight as possible, as it is the most healthiest light available. If you would like the room to absorb more light, use light-colored furnishings, ceiling surfaces and reflective louvers on your blinds, if you have any.

The second one is lighting for specific tasks. You can use pendant lighting, recessed lighting, or track lighting to focus light where you need it. Remember to keep energy savings in mind by perhaps focusing a light by a night table or near your armchair or on the kitchen counter top, instead of lighting each room very brightly.

And finally, there is lighting for pleasure. Use accent lighting to draw your eyes towards a special item or area of your home. This can be achieved by focusing three times as much light on the focal point instead of using general lighting in that room. Recessed lighting or pendant lighting is a good way to make those special items in your home more visible, without over-lighting the entire room or living area. Remember to keep your home lighting system effective. Do not purchase light bulbs based on the wattage, but think rather about how much you need, where you will need it, and what fixture will deliver the light most effectively. Keeping these items in mind, you are going to save money and have a more aesthetically-pleasing home to enjoy!

By Terry Price- Remember to visit: http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/articles_1.html for some great prices on home lighting packages. Welcome to the fascinating world of interior ceiling lights! http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/122-interior-ceiling-lights.html