Gemstones

Glittering, sparkling gemstones have been prized and sought after for years. People wear a variety of these gemstones, mostly based on personal preference. Usually it’s based on the color, value, size, and overall beauty of the stone. However, some people choose the gems they wear because the gem is their birthstone.

There is some question about when the idea of birthstones was established. It is thought that birthstones are an adapted version of the Breastplate of Aaron. The Breastplate of Aaron is described in the Bible in the book of Exodus. The breastplate was inlaid with twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The stones- sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, ligure, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper- were later thought to have special powers relating to astrological signs. If a stone was worn during the time corresponding to the sign, then the stone would lend healing powers to the wearer. It is believed that this idea of birthstones is modern; scholars trace the idea back to Poland during the 18th century, when Jewish gem traders arrived. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers officially designated each month with a stone, which are the ones used today.

In addition to the modern birthstones, there are also traditional birthstones, zodiac birthstones, and Hebrew/Old Testament birthstones, among others. The birthstones designated to each month are often the same; however, some months may have an additional birthstone. Birthstones are believed to carry many magical properties, both helpful and harmful. It has been said that if one wears a birthstone other than their own, then they will be cursed. Conversely, if one wears their own birthstone, then they will be given healing properties, as well as personality traits associated with the gem. For example, since I was born in February, my birthstone is the amethyst. The amethyst has been said to strengthen relationships and give those who wear it courage. Those with an amethyst as their birthstone are said to be intelligent and clever, sensitive, and stubborn.

While some may not believe in birthstones and their properties, it’s still really interesting to look at all the different beliefs. Also, birthstones are really pretty, which of course makes everything better.






Information:
http://www.almanac.com/content/birthstones-and-their-meanings
http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/birthstone-history.php
http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/2894/your-childs-birthstone-and-personality

Picture:
http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Gemstones/Gemstones-Look-Best-Together/Birthstone-Gems-Look-Good-Together.html

Glitter Makes Everything Better

Lots of the materials that you would use in a craft project are pretty; however, I think glitter is the prettiest out of all of them.  I mean, it’s sparkly and comes in a million colors.  How much better can it get?  Many people think that same way I do as the use of glitter dates back 30,000 years ago to the time of cavemen.  Scientists have found cave drawings that have been painted with mica, which was used because of its reflective particles.  Glitter was used in the Hindu festival Holi, which celebrated the beginning of spring.  Powdered mica was a part of the colored mixture thrown on those that participated in the festivities.  It has also been discovered that women in Ancient Greece painted their faces with a glittery white powder that was made from lead.  This often caused lead poisoning and eventually death, so I wouldn't recommend doing that.  Forms of glitter were also used to achieve sparkly white faces in Ancient Rome and China; it was still in use in England during the Renaissance.

Now, glitter is made out of tiny flecks of stone, glass, or most commonly, plastic.  Polyester is the most common ingredient in modern glitter.  In 1934, Henry Ruschmann opened Meadowbrook Glitter in New Jersey, which is the world’s leading supplier of glitter.  They make their glitter out of sheets of plastic or metallic foils cut into tiny pieces.  This allows for more surface area on the glitter, making it more sparkly and pretty.  In addition to the numerous ways to make glitter, there is a multitude of types.  It is classified based on the way it is cut, meaning how fine and the shape, and whether it is opaque, translucent, or transparent.  It also comes as glitter glue, spray glitter, brush on glitter, and liquid squeeze on.  Whichever glitter you choose to use, it will be sure to add plenty of sparkle to your life.  

Citations:

- http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-glitter.htm

- http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/crafts/articles/2005/12/02/20051202glitter1202boxes.html

- http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5189223_glitter-made_.html

Pictures:

Glitter Pots: www.artglitter.com

Cherry Blossoms

                Now that it’s getting to be spring, I always look forward to all of the pretty new flowers and trees that will grow again.  My favorite of these is probably the Japanese Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C.  The trees were a gift from Japan to the United States to symbolize friendship between the two countries.  In 1910, 2,000 trees were shipped the United States to be planted along the Potomac River.  Sadly, these trees were found to be infected with bugs; this led to another shipment of trees from Japan, which was even larger.  In 1912, 3,020 cherry trees of various types were shipped to Washington D.C.  The first lady of the time, Helen Herron Taft, who was instrumental in getting the trees to Washington, and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador planted the first two trees on the bank of the Tidal Basin.  Japan later donated a gift of another 3,800 trees in 1965.  The cherry blossoms have grown to be a large part of Washington D.C. in the spring. 

There is the Cherry Blossom Festival, which was first celebrated in 1935.  The festival begins at a different time each year, depending on when the blossoms bloom.  This year it is March 20 through April 14.  It has expanded to include a Cherry Blossom Parade and a Cherry Blossom Pageant.  I went to the see the cherry blossoms when I was younger, and it was one of the prettiest things I've ever seen.  The trees are absolutely full of blossoms, and they fall to the ground like pink snow.  We collected the cherry blossoms in film canisters, and it was so neat to see all of the different cherry blossom-themed activities in Washington.  I hope to go again this year, but it is definitely something everyone should see at least once.  

Information: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/bloom-watch/

http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-blossom-history.htm

Picture: washington.org

Lovely Lilly

 For 50 years, Lilly Pulitzer’s designs have been an icon of socialite and preppy living.  Originally, the dresses were created for Pulitzer to hide the stains from her juice stand in Palm Beach.  Pulitzer became president of her own business, Lilly Pulitzer, Inc., in 1959. The company sold simple shift dresses in bright designs and patterns.  They became popular after friend and first lady Jackie Kennedy was shown wearing one of her designs on a LIFE magazine cover in 1962.  
 Lilly’s iconic designs are filled with bright colors and bold patterns, which is why I love them so much.  I always enjoy wearing bright colors because it reminds me of summer, which is probably my favorite season.  Not all of the dresses are obnoxiously colored either, which can be a nice change. There are also prints for different sororities, with a wide range of items that includes useful cups and cute totes. I love how Pulitzer has also widened her design forte in her regular designs to include bedding, shoes, accessories, and tons of other options. She also makes planners, which I really love as a type-A person. Pulitzer is also still very involved in the design process, which I think is really interesting. Although she is no longer president of the company, she is still a creative consultant and approves all of the new designs.



Lilly Pulitzer Background
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilly_Pulitzer

Images:
Sailor's Valentine Background: www.pinterest.com

Infinity

 

  Right around now, before Valentine’s Day, is when everybody starts thinking about jewelry, candy, and all kinds of other pretty presents.  Personally, I think the best present you could get would be an infinity ring.  It may be a fad right now, but I love the idea of an infinity ring as a symbol for your relationship.

  The infinity symbol was first used for math in 1655 by John Wallis; however, it had been used by Romans before that.  It is used to describe three different categories.  Mathematical infinity, physical infinity, which describes space and time, and “absolute” infinity, describing God.  That’s great and all, but I don’t like math at all.  Beyond that, what’s romantic about math? Absolutely nothing.  But that’s not the only way the infinity sign is used.  In ancient Indian culture, the infinity sign is described as a symbol of unity in relationships and perfection.  And of course, infinity is not limited by time or space, which is essentially forever.  That’s something everyone wants in their relationship.

  Personally, I just love the way infinity rings look.  I think the symbol itself is really pretty, and it’s only made prettier by the meaning behind it.  That’s part of the reasons I love infinity rings. Not only are they pretty in general, but the meaning is pretty too.  

"A Brief History of the Concept of Infinity" University of Connecticut 2/4/13
http://homepage.uconn.edu/alozano/talks/infinity/infinityhistory.html

"Infinity Pendant Meaning" eHow 2/4/13
ehow.com/about_6638871_infinity-pendant-meaning.html

Infinity Ring Picture 2/7/13
http://indulgy.com/post/ykOVwtrnF1/infinity-ring

Everything Pretty

  Not everyone may think pretty things are important, but I do.  I think if everything’s pretty, it can do a lot to make you happy, or at least it works that way for me.  Any of my friends would be able to tell you how much I love pretty things, and how I’m always talking about them.  I love anything sparkly, pearls, bows, clothes, any and all Lilly Pulitzer things; I guess that’s just part of me being a preppy girly-girl.  But it’s not just superficial things that I find pretty.  Days, what’s outside, even ideas can be pretty to me.  What’s important is finding what you think is pretty, and surrounding yourself with it.

  Right now, I think that the snow is so pretty.  It's probably because it hardly snowed at all last Friday, and I really want it to. I love the way that it just covers everything in this sparkly blanket of pure white. (See, I threw sparkly in there. Anything that sparkles is pretty!) The icicles are really pretty too, with the way they just decorate trees and roofs with their glittery spikes.  The snow makes everything clean and new; it creates a whole new world.  I find that to be really neat because snow is just frozen water, yet it completely transforms everything.  That’s another thing; snow is made out of frozen water, which is pretty boring if you ask me.  Yet, when it’s snow, it’s all glittery and perfect, just because it did a simple thing like freeze.  I love that something so simple can be so pretty; not everything pretty has to be complicated.