The Hidden Meanings Of European And American Charms

Starting at the inception of the 20th century and extending until the 1960s,
it was a mark of the middle-class that young girls be given a charm bracelet before
they reached puberty. At every holiday or anniversary, a new charm is added to the
bracelet, often by the relative who had given the original bracelet.

The demand for charms is ancient; only the method of marketing them is relatively
recent. Not all the charms on these bracelets were lucky emblems -- equally common
were hobby-related and school-related charms. In fact, the number of charms available,
and the ordinariness of many of them -- a telephone, a car, a cheerleader's megaphone,
a windmill -- may have devalued the word "charm" in the English language, so that
today it's often misunderstood that if someone refers to "charms" when that person
means "amulets."

The French, in particular, had a list of charms called "Le Langage de Porte Bonheur"
("The Language of Good Luck Charms") and included 10 charms that symbolized:

* An elephant: "Felicite" (happiness)

* A heart: "Amour" (love)

* A four-leaf clover: "Bonheur" (luck)

* A horsehoe magnet: "Argent" (silver -- or money, due to the magnet's "drawing"
power)

* A die, showing seven spots: "Veine" (games of chance; gambler's luck)

* The number 13: "Joie" (joy; the usual use of this number is as general luck or
gambler's luck)

* A pig: "Prosperite" (prosperity)

* A hamsa hand: "Richesse" (riches; this is not accurate -- the hamsa hand protects
against the evil eye

* A horseshoe: "Fidelite" (fidelity; not entirely accurate -- the usual meaning
is attraction or "drawing")

* A pansy: "Souvenir" (remembrance; it belongs more properly to the "language of
flowers")

During the 20th century American charm bracelet at left features a variety of
lucky charms in a bright mix of brass, copper, sterling silver, and gold-plated
metal. This bracelet is typical of the kind of jewelry worn by adolescent girls
in the 1950s and 1960s, collected charm by charm while traveling through the tourist
traps, flea markets, jewelry stores and yard sales. Many of the more modern American
charms symbolize:

* A silver heart engraved with initials: love for the named individual

* A brass heart pierced by an arrow: smitten romantic love

* A silver horseshoe: attraction or "drawing" luck

* A gold wishbone set with a pearl: wishes come true

* A silver horseshoe on which is placed a wishbone, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe
and the words "Good Luck": good luck

* A gold and green enameled four-leaf clover: luck

* A silver money bag with a $ sign: wealth

* A copper horseshoe on which is placed a four-leaf clover: good luck

* A brass heart padlock: faithful love

* A silver spread of playing cards: gambling luck

* A gold double horseshoe set with an artificial diamond: money luck

* A brass money bag marked 1000: wealth

* A silver horseshoe: attraction or "drawing" luckOther popular 20th century charms
often found on European and American charm bracelets include:* A swastika: luck
(pre-Nazi Germany)

* Twin hearts pierced by a single arrow: reciprocated love

* An Amanita muscaria mushroom: luck

* A chimney sweep or his ladder and brush: luck

* A "Lucky Buddha": luck

* A black cat: gambling luck

And although unrelated to European and American charm bracelets -- but probably
made to meet Occidental rather than Far East tastes -- are, what are know as, Chinese
charm bracelets, made with glass beads, jade carvings, and metal amulets strung
on black cord and tied around the wrist.

Following similar design lines to Chinese charm bracelets, Pandora Jewelry invented
a new system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which added a new dimension in collecting
jewelry. This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one
of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has
brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America.

Each item in our collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and
14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones
and cultured pearls.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information,
contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.

Authorized distributed of beautiful
pandora
bracelets and beads

Italian Charms

Italian charms refer mainly to Italian jewelry. They are the rage not only among
teenagers but also among adults. People buy them to wear, collect or display.

Italian charms are often available in different styles. If you are buying in
bulk, heavy discounts can be had on these purchases. Italian charms can be purchased
online also. A number of web sites have come up during the last few years. These
online merchants deal in a vast variety of Italian charms.

Italian charms are available in different price ranges. Some of the expensive
and exclusive items are also resold. The secondhand Italian charms are also getting
quite popular. But before purchasing the latter, one should be sure about the quality.

It is always better to compare products offered by various designers before taking
a final decision. The comparison has to be made in terms of design, material and
prices. An Italian charm that looks good may not be actually that good.

If you can buy an Italian charm from a local designer or seller, you can replace
it if it doesn't meet the promised standards. Interestingly, a large number of merchandisers
have started purchasing Italian charms from outside Italy. These Italian charms
are produced at factories in China, and often compromise with the quality. Thus
there is always a possibility that the Italian charm you purchased recently was
shipped from Beijing.

If you want a genuine Italian charm, you should try out one of the several exclusive
showrooms of Italian charms, which have sprung all over the world during the last
few years. Many of these charms are also available in jewelry and department stores.

Italian Charms
provides detailed information on Italian Charms, Custom Italian Charms, Italian
Bracelet Charms, Wholesale Italian Charms and more. Italian Charms is affiliated
with Fallen Angels

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

Cheap Italian Charms

The cheapest Italian charms are made of brass and there are many places to buy them. It is advisable to buy Italian charms from reputed retailers to get value for money. Most of the cheap charms are made of brass and care must be exercised to prevent them from tarnishing. Most Italian charms are ornamental in nature and thus require extra care in inspecting the springs of the links. One thumb rule for potential buyers of cheap Italian charms is that the tighter the links, the better the charm.

An Italian charm is a piece of semi-precious jewelry, consisting of two pieces of iron or copper base plates that are plated with 18K gold and enamel. These base metals are used for sturdiness as also gold plating lasts for a long time on these metals. Semiprecious stones such as lapis and garnets are sometimes used to decorate the charm but mostly zirconium, better known as CZ, is the choice of charm makers. After decoration with stones, the charm is painted with enamel. This enamel is never fired onto the char, but painted. After careful sorting of the charms, the best are selected and soldered onto a link.

Cheap Italian charms and bracelets allow for self-expression. The assembling and wearing of any particular interlocking links can represent an individual's favorite passions. Italian charms are the in-thing in jewelry, available in a multitude of designs and representing different elements. The popular Italian charm designs include places, food, colleges, animals, cartoons, sports, phrases and birthday cakes, to name a few.

The cost of Italian charms starts from an affordable $4.95 and may go up to $29.00 at times. It is advisable to buy cheaper Italian charms from reputed stores, as there are always discount deals available, with some that go as high as 50 percent. The wide range of design and price choices suit most budgets and occasions, making cheap Italian charms the ideal gift idea for self and loved ones alike.

Italian Charms provides detailed information on Italian Charms, Custom Italian Charms, Italian Bracelet Charms, Wholesale Italian Charms and more. Italian Charms is affiliated with Fallen Angels

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.

Tiffany Pendant Lighting - Upward Versus Downlight

Tiffany pendant lighting options are as varied as they are beautiful. The storied and infamous tradition of glass-art lighting creations has been carried on to perfection by such manufacturers as Medya Tiffany and Dale Tiffany, Inc. While these are not the only companies manufacturing Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures, both of these companies do employ the same techniques and high quality materials used over a century ago when Louis Tiffany was still creating his masterpieces. However, while the quality of Tiffany pendant lighting made by reputable manufacturers may not be in doubt, the type of fixture to purchase may be causing some confusion.

Tiffany pendant lighting can be found in two basic varieties: upward or downlight. Upward Tiffany pendants are designed so that the light is bounced off of the ceiling and then reflected back downwards into the room. In other words, the upward Tiffany pendants are inverted so that their bulbs and shades both face the ceiling.

For Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures designed in the downlight style, the bulbs and the lampshades (or enclosures) are facing downward and directly illuminate objects below. Other than the directionality of illumination, there really is no other significant differences between the two varieties of pendant styles. However, this subtle difference is enough to make it worth your time to understand how it may affect the lighting in your home.

Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures made in the upward design are actually more traditional. Pendants were designed based upon the chandelier which originally used candles instead of bulbs to provide the illumination. Thus, the candles stood upward and light was reflected back off the ceiling downward. This is an indirect form of ambient lighting and one of its benefits is a reduction in glare.

For Tiffany pendants manufactured with a downlight design, there is indeed a tendency for increased glare. However, this possibility is minimized by the colored art glass shades which tend to diffuse light gently and thus reduce the possibility for glare. However, a downlight Tiffany pendant will better illuminate objects below but may not provide the same level of overall ambient lighting as an upward pendant.

Things will be better illuminated beneath the fixture but the corners of the room may appear darker because light is not first bounced off the ceiling. When the light is directed towards the ceiling, it is diffracted better so that all aspects of the room receive better ambient lighting. In downward pendants, the light is more focused but less distributed.

Quality Tiffany pendant lighting is available from a number of reputable manufacturers who construct the fixtures to the same or better standards than those employed when the art-glass fixtures were first being created. Innovations and demand have led to Tiffany pendants that are available in both upward and downlight varieties. Each type of pendant offers advantages and disadvantages when compared to one another but both are excellent lighting choices for you home. Deciding which Tiffany pendant lighting fixture is best for your home will depend on your particular ambient lighting needs, the size of your space, and the other furnishings in the d?cor.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.tiffany-lamps-store.com. Her store offers product and information about Tiffany Lighting and beautiful Dale Tiffany Lighting as well as stained glass windows and fireplace screens that add beauty and richness to your home.

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

Turning Your Home On to Pendant Lights

Sure, pendant lights are a great way to light up your living room or kitchen, but did you ever consider styling your living space around them? Sounds absurd, but hear me out. If your place lacks furniture, the proper amount of lighting will turn your pad into a livable social haven perfect for celebrity style soirees. (However, if you have an overabundance of furniture, no amount of lighting will save you, but that's another story we'll work on later).

Consider the following scenarios: let's say you live in a place that happens to have cathedral ceilings (lucky you!) and you're looking to add some vibrant but not overly dramatic lighting into your home. Stick with contemporary styles that work in a variety of rooms and homes, preferably something with scavo vintage glass or with marblesque glass diffusers and finished in either a chrome or non-patina bronzes. Stay away from narrow, coniferous-shaped, and boxy shades unless you're looking to give your home a mod, Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-inspired ambiance.

If you live in a smaller space like a high-rise loft in the city or a studio apartment, and you're looking to jazz up your place with an urban-contemporary/artsy edge, I suggest going for anything with bold color and unusual shapes. Glass, PVC, silk shades in a variety of styles will truly transform your home. A word of advice if you're taking this route - less is more. Granted, there's a lot more versatility when it comes to choosing the perfect pendant light for your place, but don't go too over-the-top, honey; there's a fine line between edgy and kitsch, and trust me, you don't want to go kitsch!

What's great about pendant lights is that if you hang them in corner spaces or skewed from the absolute center of any room, your space automatically turns into a living art exhibit. Group about three or four ceiling pendants together, or line them up in a curvilinear fashion and, bam! Glorious light in your life (and home, of course)!

For a variety of stylish pendant lights and wall sconce visit Eco-lights.com.