7 Lucky Charms that Make Perfect Irish Wedding Gifts

Giving Irish wedding gifts, as with so many wedding customs in Ireland, is steeped in magical folklore and old-fashioned Irish superstition.

Deciding what gift to give your friends on their big day will be easier once you learn about a few of Ireland's traditional wedding gifts and what they signify.

The Bell
Whether the bell be made of pewter, brass, porcelain, or crystal, it will ward off the evil spirits that may be lurking to trip up the newlyweds.

Also known as a "make-up bell" or "wedding bell", it helps the Bride and Groom stay ever-mindful of their wedding vows and the love they shared on their wedding day. So whenever they are upset with each other one of them can ring the bell instead of walking away.

The Magic Hanky
There is a wonderful Irish wedding custom for the bride to carry a "magic" hanky on her wedding day.

After the nuptials, she keeps it in a special place saves it for her firstborn's christening, to dry her baby's face. A variation of this Irish wedding tradition is for the hanky to be converted into a christening bonnet, then converted back into a hanky for that child's wedding day.

The Wedding Coin
Another old Irish wedding tradition is for the Groom to give his Bride a coin after they exchange rings, as a symbol of prosperity. This custom originated back when the Groom would pay money to the Bride's family to bring them good fortune and joy.

A modern interpretation of this custom is for the Bride and Groom to exchange coins. They say if the coins touch each other during the exchange, the Bride and Groom will be blessed with many children.

The Lucky Horseshoe
The horseshoe has always been associated with good luck in Irish folklore. Brides traditionally carry a horseshoe with them on their wedding day for good luck.

After they set up their home together, the horseshoe is hung over their front door to continue to ward off evil and despair. Just remember, if you give the couple a horseshoe, give it to them with the "U" facing up - this way it stops the luck from draining out!

Other good luck charms that make great Irish wedding gifts include:

• Salt and Pepper Shakers
  So their home will never be without food.
• Wine Glasses
  So they will always have plenty to drink.
• Candlestick Holders
  So their home will always have light.

Giving gifts is an important part of the culture of hospitality in Ireland. So if you have been invited to an Irish wedding, it's important to choose your wedding gifts wisely. Hopefully some of these traditional Irish wedding gifts have given you some ideas.

Deborah Felker is the editor of Fantasy-Ireland.com, featuring in-depth articles about the meaning of Irish and Celtic symbols and many articles to help plan Irish and Celtic weddings

The Amazing February Birthstone - Amethyst

Amethyst is the February birthstone. It is characterized by its purple color but it has other variations from light to deep purple and when subdued to hot temperature it changes to yellow. The yellow colored amethyst is called "burnt amethyst".

Composition of Amethyst

Amethyst is composed of a variety of quartz mineral which is abundant on earth. Quartz makes up 12% of the crust of our planet which appears in the form of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks.

Historical Background

Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" which means sober or not drunken. It was believed that the name was given after the color of a wine. This precious stone was said to be used by warriors to avoid intoxication during wars. If you drink wine from amethyst cup, you will be safe from being drunk.

In the early years, the gemstone was thought to be worn by royalties and monarchs. Purple then signifies the color of highness and power. Along the line, the famous Cleopatra was said to have amethyst rings and St. Valentine let his assistant Cupid to wear an engraved pendant made from Amethyst.

Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that Amethyst can dispel evil thoughts and can lead to high intelligence. It has also been mentioned in the Holy Bible that this gem has been one among the 12 stones beautifying the clothes of high priests of Yahweh. Rosaries during those times are made mostly from amethysts. In Tibet, this stone is deemed sacred to Buddha.

Geographic Distribution

Amethyst can be mined in South American countries such Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as African countries such as in Zambia, Argentina, Namibia, etc.

Here is a list of specific localities from where to find amethyst:

1. Guerrero, Mexico - the stones here are darker and in deep purple. The amethysts found here are considered to be one of most precious amethyst in the world.

2. Vera Cruz Mexico - amethysts here are pale crystallized and have grown in light colored rocks.

3. Maraba, Brazil - the crystals are not fine and in medium or pale colors. These amethysts are often cut and carved.

4. Rio Grande de Sul Brazil - the stones from large volcanic rocks and appears to be quite large.

5. Thunder Bay, Canada - amethyst here is formed from metamorphic rocks and is unique.

6. Uruguay - characterized by brown or gray exterior

7. Africa - there are large stones but are not attractive; however the interior color is clear thus cut pieces from this locality is admired and priced.

8. Maine, USA - they are not available for distribution these days

9. North Carolina, USA - the color of amethysts here are blue-violet

Generally, amethysts of South America are available in larger sizes than in African countries, but the latter?s stones have finer color and more saturated. On the other hand, amethysts in very dark colors are available on Australian regions.

Amethyst can also be found in the localities of United States and Canada. Few mentioned places are Texas, Pennsylvania, Carolina and Ontario. The stones found here are not fine thus are not usually use for jewelries.

Amethyst is available widely in different shapes and dimensions; fancy shapes are also available but generally, the stones are cut in a standard size.

Metaphysical Characteristics

Amethyst is said to be powerful and can the following benefits to the owner:

- Brings calmness and serenity.

- It can enhance a person?s ability to learn new ideas faster.

- Can stabilize minds and a balance of emotional, mental and physical states.

- A person can be tough and good in business.

- It can get rid of all the toxins from the body and can treat arthritis. Other disorders that can be treated are problems in nervous and digestive system. it can also build up the immune system

Amethyst is the gemstone for those under the zodiac signs of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. It is also the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.

Amethyst, like other gems have its historical details being decipher from as far as 25,000 years ago. These stones are characterized by its beautiful color and thus quite expensive. Learning through birthstone will give us many information; some quite factual and others fictional; one thing is for sure, studying this birthstone is very interesting!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.artisan-jewelry-online.com where you can learn more about jewelry and gems.

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

Pendant Lighting Layout - How To

 

Pendant lighting has gained a great deal of popularity for use in kitchens over the last few years. A common place to install them is over an island or peninsula. One of the most frequent questions I see is how high do I hang them and how do I space them out? Both questions can be answered in several ways and as with any home design aspect there is no absolute or right answer. There is however some guidelines to use that can help you make the right decision.

One consideration on the height is with the fixture you choose. If a fixture has an open bottom and it is installed to high, it can become very annoying looking up into the light bulb all the time. By the same token, a fixture that is designed so that the top is not made to be viewed, if installed too low, can be very unappealing. There is an average height you can use as a guide, about 68" - 72" off the floor to the very bottom of the fixture. This puts the fixture at about eye level for the average person. The reason there is no correct answer is in a house where everyone is 6' 4" and taller this height would most likely be too low.

Over a dining room table this same rule can be applied. A little tip or word to the wise. If your fixture is going to be installed before there is actually a table under it put something there in its place. It could be a large box, bench, folding table or a chair. It will save someone a trip to the hospital for stitches after walking into the fixture or a broken fixture.

Spacing the pendants when there is more than one is a matter of a little mathematics. The most common mistake is to just split the space into even sections but that is not entirely correct and I'll explain why. Let's say your island is 60" long and you have two pendants. A common thought would be to split the space into three sections that are even. This would give you each fixture 20" off the ends and 20" between them. A better choice would be 15" off each end and 30" between them. Why is that you ask? Well for one thing you'll see it is more visually appealing. The other reason is the light spread on most pendants is in the shape of a circle. If you can imagine the actual light that falls on the counter area picture two circles of light. To best illuminate the counter we want the edge of the circle to hit the edge of the counter. The other two edges should meet or overlap in the middle.

If you are not sure what it is I am describing take a look at the link below and view the diagrams along with the explanation.

For more info on How to layout Pendant Lighting visit: http://www.forteelectric.com/PendantLayout.html Paul Forte is a licensed electrical contractor with over 25 years of experience in residential lighting. If you would like some lighting ideas for your project contact Paul or visit his website http://forteelectric.com