Garnet Birthstone Jewelry

Garnet birthstone jewelry has been known to have healing properties, due to the unique properties of the garnet stone. The red garnet have been known to improve blood circulation, reduce heart palpitations and remove toxins from the body, as a matter of fact there are still places in the world where people would wear garnet jewelry because of their belief in its healing properties. Antique garnet jewelry has also been associated to provide courage and stability to the wearer. Some ancient warriors would wear garnet gemstones whenever they would go to battle due to this particular belief. There are some who believe that garnet jewelry gives a calming effect and is known to protect the wearer from anger as the garnet would absorb the negative feelings. The same belief also says that danger may befall the wearer if the garnet would start to lose its luster.

garnet necklace

Garnet stones come in different shades - violet, orange, yellow, green, brown, black, red or colorless. Among all these shades, the most famous would be red. This is the reason why most garnet gemstone jewelry comes in this particular shade. The difference between a ruby and garnet can be determined by its color elements.

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There are a lot of websites where you can purchase garnet birthstone jewelry. These websites would be able to provide you the price as well as the design that you would be looking for. Garnet jewelry can be dramatic due to the color of the garnet stone. This is ideal when it comes to different settings. You would mostly find garnet rings, earrings and more with a mixture of diamonds and garnets, as the contrast can be most flattering to anyone who would wear it.

Antique garnet jewelry (even those that are faux antique and just styled to look vintage) is also very popular and stylish these days. In order to know that you are getting good quality garnet gemstones, it would always be wise to consult a professional prior to the purchase. This way, you would be able to know that you are getting the correct value for your money. Garnet birthstone jewelry is an excellent choice for those born in the month of January, and is a wonderful alternative to more common stones, offering a unique, vibrant and beautiful flair!

Garnet Birthstone Jewelry

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The Meaning And Significance of Birthstones by Month

Throughout the ages, people have revered gemstones as beautiful and even magical. In fact, some people used to believe that gemstones carried mystical powers and that each gemstone could bestow these powers to its wearer. For instance, a cool blue sapphire implies that the wearer is cool under pressure, while a red ruby implies that the wearer is passionate and fiery. Eventually people began to relate a given gemstone with a zodiac sign or month of the year. People born in that month of the year were thought of to possess qualities resembling that of the gemstone or "birthstone" linked to that month.

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Over the years, a certain aura of confusion arose surrounding which birthstones were associated with which months. In fact, for some months, competing birthstones arose and competed for public acceptance.

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The Modern Birthstone list contains the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list.

Listed are the Birth Months and their respected Modern Birthstones:

January - Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl

July - Ruby

August - Peridot

September - Sapphire

October - Opal

November - Yellow Topaz

December - Blue Topaz

Apart from the modern birthstones there are other birthstones like the traditional birthstones, mystical birthstones and ayurvedic birthstones.

The Traditional Birthstone are older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone list. These stones reflect societal birthstone traditions, heralding back to the 15th century. (Many jewelers have differing lists of traditional birthstones.)The Mystical Birthstone are of Tibetan origin from over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone are from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - a type of medicine used for over a thousand years.

The Star Sign stone chart below offers another slant on birthstones/planetary relationships.

Sun Sign and their respective birthstones

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)-Ruby,Agate, Garnet

Aquarius(Jan. 20-Feb. 18 )-Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst

Pisces(Feb. 19-Mar. 20)-Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone

Aries(Mar. 21-Apr. 19)-Bloodstone, Diamond

Taurus(Apr. 20-May 20)-Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald

Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20)-Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl

Cancer(Jun. 21-Jul. 22)-Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby

Leo(Jul. 23-Aug. 22)-Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx

Virgo(Aug. 23-Sep. 22)-Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22)-Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot

Scorpio(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)-Aquamarine, Topaz

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)-Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz

Gemstones have a direct effect on our lives and this has been scientifically proven. Luck can mean fortune, force that operates for good or ill. There are many forces and vibrations flowing about us all the time, and gems which are nothing but minerals have a peculiar ability to concentrate these powers or forces on our lives. these forces can be both of the positive or the negative energy. So, choosing the correct stone can make the life force much more good luck friendly. This way we can influence the forces to be kinder to us.

Gemstones have living energy. Every gemstone has several attributes. Good luck is a part of the energy of many stones. There are times it may be more helpful to use more than one stone for the luck needed. As we change our way of life our vibrations change, that is why some gemstones will work differently on the same person at different times.

The best way to know what gemstones will be lucky for you is to hold it in your hand. The gemstones help change the life force around you and that is how gemstones can change your luck.

Every gemstone signifies or symbolizes a different meaning of its own, The stones may be precious or semiprecious stones thats is why what matters is that one chooses a personal gemstone of their own.

It is common today to have a personal stone. The personal stone may be a stone associated with a zodiac sign or a birth month. A personal stone may be a gem that has been passed down in a family. A personal stone could be a stone of a person's favorite color. A personal stone can be anything that a person wants it to be as long as the feeling for the stone is deep.

I hope this information can help you select a gemstone that has personal meaning to you and will give you much joy and pleasure.

The Meaning And Significance of Birthstones by Month

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Charm Gems and Jewelry

Are you fond of collecting different types of jewelry? Did you know that gems found in jewelry have different meanings associated with it? To know more about them, read this article.

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For centuries, jewelry are not only associated with wealth, power and fame, but also correlated with good luck and love as well. When you browse through history, you can see that aside from the priceless material things like houses, cars, clothing or furniture, you can find that jewelry is the most preferred possession by women of all ages, status and ranks. It is not because they are expensive, but because it is durable and they value more the sentimentality and memories associated with it.

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You can find men giving diamond rings, gold necklaces with precious gems or bracelets with hanging trinkets to their friends and loved ones. You can also find that parents also love to give these ornaments to their children. For years, we gave and we received jewelry with precious gems, but have you ever wondered what these gems mean and what it connotes? For your information, these gems have their respective meanings and purpose like what good luck charms do to their bearer. For years, we do not even bother to know what it connotes because most of us believed that these are just ornaments that we can use to accessorize whatever clothes we wear, right? These items give more and hold more for its bearer. If you want to take advantage of its power, try reading the different gems and their meaning.

Famous gems found in jewelry:
Aquamarine - This gem is associated to Sea Goddesses because of its beautiful color. It is believed to give clarity of mind, tranquil mind and creative expression to those who wears them. It is associated with tranquility, clarity of mind and creative self-expression and ancient people used it to aid meditation.
Emerald - Ancient Greek civilization associated the gem with the Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. More so, it is believed that it can bring wealth, mental clarity, self-knowledge, truth and love to those who wears the. It is said to lift depression, promote healing and enhance the immune system of the bearer.
Garnet - Among the beads, garnet is considered the most popular because of its warm red color and its ability to complement with different skin tones, clothing and other accessories. This gem goes well with silver and gold metals. Ancient Egyptians used garnet to protect them against thieves and burglars, to enhance the imagination and to purify the body. More so, they believed that this gem is also associated with loyalty, passion and love.
Pearls - Aside from symbolizing purity and innocence, it is believed to be the tears of the Gods. According to Western culture, this gem is linked to the moon and to water.
Ruby - For centuries, ruby is believed to assist the bearers of this gem in their spiritual endeavor. It is also used to generate passion, to protect the bearer from misfortune and to inspire courage. It is also correlated with sexual energy, power, joy and wealth.
Sapphire - It is considered the "Stone of Prosperity" because of its ability to help the bearer fulfill their dreams. Ancient Greeks used it to aid in prophecy and to suppress wicked thoughts. Moreover, the gem is associated with intuition, peace and joy.
Topaz - For centuries, scholars and intellectuals used this gem to aid in their higher thinking. It is known to promote empathy, kindness and compassion. It is also used to relieve tension, to enhance awareness and to promote the feeling of joy.

With the facts and ideas mentioned beforehand, you can choose what gem is suited for you.

Charm Gems and Jewelry

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Red Crystals and Gemstones - Healing Properties of Carnelian and Red Garnet

Carnelian Ancient Egyptian Source of Renewal

garnet bracelet

Known as the Artist's Stone it activates creativity, possibly unearthing hidden talent or latent gifts. It is an excellent stone for relieving depression, grounding, overall well-being; aids in focusing thoughts, intensify concentration, increase physical energy.

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Being a part of the Red Crystal and Gemstone family, it resonates with both the Root or Basic Chakra and the Sacral Chakra. Use this wonderful stone to cleanse and balance your Base Chakra, aligning yourself with feeling more secure and grounded.

Ancient Egyptians believed Carnelian to be a source of vitality, sustaining the cycle of re-birth and renewal. There are references to the use of Carnelian in the Egyptian Book of the Dead. High Priests used this beautiful stone material for their Chalice as it is has the unique quality of retaining the vibration of that which was placed within. Many Chalices contained or had Silver linings molded to it, representing the Moon's cycles of renewal and purity of its shimmering light in the night sky.

Working with Carnelian will encourage a sense of self-trust, enabling the wearer to better discern the many choices before them. Drinking Carnelian charged water will create a sense of empowered motivation in someone who may be a bit under-motivated. It will also aid relieving depression, increasing one's sense of self-esteem and self-empowerment.

It can be used as a focal point during meditation or placed on the Third Eye to cleanse, balance and align your inner sight with that of the physical realm.

*Angelic Realm Association: Archangel Raziel whose name means "Secret of God" will assist you, when asked, to remember who you truly are.

*Healing Properties: relieves depression, stone for overall well-being, heighten concentration, increase physical energy, absorb and repel negativity.

*Vibrational Frequency: high energy, vitality, stabilizes excess nervous energy.

*Spiritual Properties: assists the Soul on along its journey through the physical plane, assists with being in the present moment.

Being a personal favorite, it is one of the many crystal and gemstone bracelets I wear daily!

Red Garnet Good Luck Stone

The Pomegranate Seed is the inspiration for the naming of this precious stone. Its unique fiery red energy is unlike any other. In days gone by, the Garnet was used to ward off demons, protecting its wearers from phantoms in the darkness of night.

Resonating with the second or Sacral Chakra, the Garnet aligns the wearer with abundance and prosperity, protection, enhancing relationships in a variety of ways, on many levels.

The vibrational energy frequency of this magnificent gemstone is that of the Third Eye, clear, bright, intense, all seeing, all-knowing, piercing through cloudy shadows of dis-belief.

The color range is deep translucent red to a very deep almost red-black color. It is often given as a token of love and fidelity.

When placed on the Third Eye during meditation, it will cleanse negative energy, and with time enable you to see more clearly whether or not you are consciously aware of your Third Eye opening. It is more than possible for an Intuitive to access their inner sight regardless of their Third Eye being open. It is highly suggested, the Garnet be cleansed and charged in the sunlight before placing it on your Third Eye Chakra. You may choose to pass your stone through incense or over the flame of a red or white candle instead of placing it in the Sun's rays. Whichever method you choose, always take proper precautions when working with candles or incense.

*Angelic Realm Association: Archangel Jophiel whose name means "Beauty of God" seeing through eyes of love, enhancing all relationships especially those of the heart. Angel Israfil whose name means "The Burning One" is also associated with this gemstone, burning away imperfections, purifying the love between two people.

*Healing Properties: personal relationships, feelings of security, passion, creativity, regulate the metabolism, feelings of lack, healing fear of the unknown.

*Vibrational Frequency: intense, piercing, fiery purification.

*Spiritual Properties: Third Eye activation, compassion, dream recall

If you wish to recall a past life or incident in this life, Garnet may assist you in healing that which has come before, bringing you to where you are in this moment with compassion and love. Take heed before delving into the past; be sure you wish to re-visit an experience or situation. It may be best to allow a professional lead you through a regression.

Red Crystals and Gemstones - Healing Properties of Carnelian and Red Garnet

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Percale Sheets - Mostly Used in Hotels For Its Fine Quality

Percale sheets are a type of bed linen that is often used as hotel sheets in establishments all over the world. To be designated "percale" a sheet must be woven in a very tight pattern. These sheets usually consist of two hundred or more threads per square inch. They are considered to be high quality, which is why they are often used in the hospitality industry. Percale does not indicate what material a sheet set is made out of, rather it refers to the weaving pattern. Percale sheets may be woven from cotton, polyester, blends, and other fiber components. They can also come in many color and pattern variations and options. Another reason why percale is often used in hotels and other businesses is that the tight weave allows the fabric to last longer, through many washings and dryings. They don't tend to wrinkle, but rather stay smooth and crisp. These qualities allow the sheets to remain comfortable for the user throughout the seasons.

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Percale sheets have a rich history. They have been made for hundreds of years, likely beginning in India in the seventeenth century.

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Percale can be purchased for home use as well. Most stores that offer bedding will have percale in stock. Garnet Hill offers Percale products from ten dollars and up. Overstock sells these sheets for .99, with the option of choosing from seven colors.

Percale sheets have a rich history, but they have progressed into the present due to their advantageous quality that makes them perfect for use as hotel sheets.

Percale Sheets - Mostly Used in Hotels For Its Fine Quality

GARNET HILL

Mineral Collecting in Maine (Part 2)

One of the unfortunate aspects of living near by a good mine is not being able to collect there. I can understand if the mine is still being worked by a company, but that is not always the case anymore. Now there are mines that are closed to collectors, because the land is owned by a private collector. This individual works the mine in their free time, hoarding any samples found in their basement. As much as I hate this, I would probably do the same thing if I had the money to do it. It still hard to think about all of those nice samples ending up in someone's basement collecting dust. Another reason that seems to becoming more and more common has to do with legal issues. Some owners of mines close them off to the public, because some bonehead sued them. In my mind if you go to a mine, fall and hurt yourself, you should live with it. Anyone in their right mind knows there is a certain amount of danger walking around mines that are no longer in operation. So, since people are afraid of being sued, they have closed off access to collectors. Irresponsible collecting methods is another reason why some mines have been closed off to the public. I contacted a land owner once for permission to collect on their land, and he granted me access. That is why it never hurts to ask, even if the mine is closed to collectors. They may be willing to consider a case by case basis. The reason he closed his mine to collecting is, is because some bonehead thought it would be appropriate to bring an excavator and some dynamite. The guy actually blasted on his land. That is enough to make any land owner bar collecting on his their land. Fortunately there are still those mine owners out there that recognize the importance of mineral collecting to the public. It is a fun, and exciting hobby that anyone can enjoy. They keep their mines open despite the prospect of being sued or morons showing up with dynamite. One such owner is the Perham family.

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The Perham family owns four mines located in the Greenwood and West Paris region located in Oxford County. These mines are the Harvard, Nubble, Tamminen, and Waisanan mines. Before heading to any one of these locations I would recommend you stop at Perhams Jewlers and check out their shop. They have all sorts of equipment for sale such as rock hammers, chisels, and gold pans. Their Jewelry is good to, but by far the number one reason to spot their is their mineral exhibit. They have samples there that have been collected over the years from their mines. They have a monster sample of smokey quartz, beryl, and tourmaline there. One could spend a good hour just looking at these samples. I do not believe any of them are for sale, and if they were, I know I could not afford one.

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The Harvard Quarry is the best in my opinion followed by the Tamminen and Waisanan quarry. If memory serves me correctly than the Nubble Quarry has the least to offer. I didn't spend much time here as all I could seem to find was biotite and muscovite mica. The Harvard Quarry was the best. I found large chunks of schroll and garnet in green orthoclase feldspar. Pockets of lepidolite can be found here as well, along with large pockets of quartz. I have also heard of gem quality apatite crystals being found below in the talice pile. The apatite was purple with wite caps. A good variety of minerals can be found here. The Tamminen mine contains good samples of beryl. From what I saw there seemed to be more of a variety of minerals here. This would be a good place to use a screen to look for some gem quality samples. I spend most of my time in these two mines. I basically lump the Tamminen and Waisanan mines together since they are so close. The list of minerals that have been found in this area are:

Clevelandite, almandine garnet, beryl, biotite, muscovite, quartz, lepidolite, montmorillonite, spodumene, topaz, vesuvianite, tourmaline, and zircon.

These are the more well known and popular minerals. A whole host of other minerals, less common can be found here as well. I have only ever found tourmaline, garnet, lepidolite, quartz, muscovite, and biotite, in any kind of abundance. Black tourmaline and garnet are the most common at the Harvard mine. The Tamminan and Waisanan Quarries seem to offer more in the way of variety. I have only ever heard of the gem quality apatite being found at the Harvard site. The book I have also does not list apatite, it lists fluorapatite. Any collecting being done at the Harvard mine should be done with care, especially when climbing around on the talice pile down below. There are large chunks of clevelandite here that can be extremely sharp. I cut myself pretty good and did not even notice until I saw the blood dripping on the rocks. All of these mines are easy to locate, but if you get lost just stop into Perham's Jewelers where they have maps.

Driving from the directions of the junction of route 117 and 118 in Norway, go west on route 118 for 0.95 miles. Turn right onto the Greenwood road and drive north west 5.3 miles. Turn right onto Richardson Hollow road and continue 0.4 miles to parking area located on the right hand side of the road. The trail to the quarry is across the road from the parking area. (Maine Mineral Localities 3rd EDT. by W.B Thompson, D.L. Joyner, R.G. Woodman, V.T. King).

Anyone that makes there way to the University of Maine in Farmington's geology department can see some samples collected from this region by the geology club. They have a real fine mineral collection to view as well.

Mineral Collecting in Maine (Part 2)

GARNET HILL

Top 10 Earrings for Christmas Gifts Guide For Your Wife, Girlfriend Or Special Someone This 2008

Earrings are a staple of fashion choices. It is, after all, an accessory which has existed in as early as 2500 B.C. The very first pair is said to be used by Egyptian royalty. And this hasn't changed since then. Women still see earrings as an essential piece to complete a look. Thus, this Christmas season, what better gift is there than a pair of earrings? Can't make up your mind on which pair? Well, run through our list of Top 10 Earrings to help you get jewelry gift ideas for Christmas 2008.

garnet jewelry

1. Round Hoop Earrings - These funky pair of hoops are versatile enough to wear on casual day trips or during celebratory night outs. You may choose between a 14K gold/yellow gold and a white gold version.

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2. Boxed Stud Earring Set - Here's a gift idea that will guarantee the recipient a different look for every day of the week. There is variety in the choice of peridot, amethyst, garnet, blue topaz, and citrine stones. Each piece is set in sterling silver framing and comes with individual boxes for each pair.

3.Yellow and White Gold Hoop Earrings - This pair shows the perfect marriage sophistication and art. There is art in the craftsmanship shown in the intertwining of the 14K yellow gold and white gold pieces. The overall finish is the sophistication of its two-tone look.

4. Karat Heart Dangle Earrings - These Karat earrings bring about a wistfulness of young love with its dangling mini-hearts. Made from pure .585 PT Karat Platinum, this is a perfect gift for the young and the young at heart.

5. Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings - Are you looking for something exotic yet elegant? Well, a pair of Tahitian pearls should be a fine choice. The black finish brings an edgy quality to the overall look. The Tahitian cultured pearls, on the other hand, are exquisite on their own accord. With this pair, you can be unique and elegant all at once. It comes inside a luxury-finished wood box.

6. Celtic Hook Earrings - From the intricate twists and loops to the pristine blue topaz, this piece would be great to wear during parties and nights at the bars. The pair is fun, ecclectic, and eye-catching and is perfect for those with converging tastes in fashion. The Celtic knotwork is from sterling silver and encases an oval blue topaz at each end.

7. Teardrop Earrings - Here's a pair that would give you a faint exotic touch. This pair features garnet teardrop-shaped stones, wrapped halfway in sterling silver marcasite. The pair is a great piece of accessory that can aptly complement a Bohemian-inspired outfit.
8. Garnet Hoop Earrings - This piece features five gem stones per earring, lined along the contours of every sterling silver frame. The garnet gemstone would look marvelous when worn to candlelit dinners, as it sparkles so similarly as red wine.

9. Butterfly Earrings - Cute and youthful; those are the words to describe this particular piece. Four gemstones consist the shape of a butterfly. Each piece is detailed, every "butterfly" even has a pair of anntenae (of sterling silver) to complete the shape of the winged creature.

10. Mesh Hoop Earrings - Classic pieces are called as such because they can go greatly with any look, occasion, and even other accessories. And this pair of mesh hoop earrings would be a worthy investment for those planning to collect classic pieces. This 14K yellow gold mesh hoop earrings would go well with any outfit. She can wear it with a flowing Grecian-style dress, a maxi dress ensemble, or with a tank top and jeans.

Top 10 Earrings for Christmas Gifts Guide For Your Wife, Girlfriend Or Special Someone This 2008

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What You Really Need To Know About Bear Hunting

When it comes to hunting there is little that comes close to the sheer excitement of bear hunting. This is particularly true in North America where there are few, if any, more dangerous animals to go after.

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Bear hunting can be a major thrill for most hunters but this excitement comes partially from the dangers associated with this particular sport.

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Typical bear hunting breeds are the brown bear, grizzly bear,and black bear and there are many areas in North America where such breeds can be legally hunted.

Before you head off on your bear hunting trip, here are some basic guidelines and advice to help make the experience more enjoyable and less risky.

First, make sure you are on the right side of the law. Check the local state regulations for where you are planning to hunt and make sure you have the correct hunting permits or licences. You also need to make sure that the season is right for the bear you are after. Additionally, some states have regulations on the number of bears that can be shot in any time period so ensure you find out all this information before you go.

Next, you will need to have the right equipment with you for several reasons. You need to be able to make a clean kill with any animal so that the creature does not suffer. A large animal such as a bear will need to be hunted with a rifle. Don't even consider the use of a bow or a shotgun. A good rifle will be at least 30 calibre. Talk to your local gun store and ensure you have the correct loads for shooting bear.

Be prepared for the environment. If you find yourself in a tight spot with a bear and need to make a hasty exit, the last thing you want to happen is that you trip or get snagged on something. Make sure you have sturdy well tracked footwear - hunting boots preferably and wear clothing that will not get easily caught in bushes or brambles.

Try to find a buddy to hunt with. Hunting such large animals is not a good idea to do on your own. Its best to have someone else hunt with you. This is particularly true if you are new to the sport. If you don't have someone obvious you can team up with then get in touch with your local hunting club or arrange a bear hunting vacation with other like minded individuals.

What You Really Need To Know About Bear Hunting

GARNET HILL

Garnet As A Jewelry Gemstone

Garnet has a long and storied history dating back to before the Bronze Age. These stones have long been prized for their beauty and brilliance. These gemstones are used in creating jewelry and are used in industrial applications for polishing grinding. Industrial garnet can be commonly found in sandpapers and other abrasive materials. The color of these stones covers almost the entire spectrum of colors from deep reds to vibrant greens and yellows.

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Where Are Garnets Found?

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Garnet is found in a surprisingly wide area of the planet, though Montana, New York and Idaho are the only areas in the United States where garnet is mined and is of an industrial quality, though gem-quality star garnet can be found in Idaho. Some other areas of the world that provide gem-quality stones include China, areas of Africa, South America, northern Europe and Thailand.

History

The name garnet actually refers to a wide variety of gemstone species, with each species representing a different base color. Initially discovered in Scandinavia and areas of the Middle East, discovery these stones dates back to around 3100 B.C. The earliest use as a gemstone seems to date back to around 400 B.C. in areas of southern Europe.

Birthstone Information

Garnet is considered to represent the month of January and is most closely associated with the astrological birth sign of Aquarius. Its significance as a birthstone is said to date back to the time of Moses and is recognized as one of the twelve original birthstones and are said to represent the original twelve tribes of Israel.

New Age Beliefs, Uses and Powers Through The Ages

Like many mineral crystals, garnet is believed to impart healing qualities to the wearer and these beliefs date back to biblical times, through the medieval period times and into the New Age. Among other beliefs during medieval times, these beautiful stones were even rumored to protect the bearer from poisons and venoms. People in the New Age community believe that garnet has healing properties that benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of the bearer with the ability to purify the body and even cure or eliminate certain diseases.

Other Names Known By

Garnets come in very wide choice of colors and are categorized by color with reds such as pyrope and almandine, oranges like Spessartite, black as in melanite and greens and yellows like grossular, demantoid and topazolite.

Artificial Forms of Enhancement

There no known enhancements possible in naturally-occurring garnet.

Color

The color of this stone varies throughout the color spectrum with the exception of blue.

General Scientific Information

The chemical names vary by species X3Y2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as nesosilicates.

Almandine garnet Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Iron Aluminum Silicate.

Androdite garnet Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Calcium Iron Silicate.

Grossular garnet Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Calcium Aluminum Silicate.

Pyrope garnet Mg3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Magnesium Aluminum Silicate.

Spessartine Mn3Al2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Manganese Aluminum Silicate

Uvarovite garnet Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3 otherwise referred to as Calcium Chromium Silicate.

Hardness measures 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.

There is no cleavage found in garnet and breaks into irregularly shaped pieces with sharp edges.

The color of this stone is said to come from irons, magnesium and calcium.

The specific gravity is approximately 3.8.

The crystalline system is isometric.

Garnet As A Jewelry Gemstone

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January Birthstones - Garnet and Auld Lang Syn

January's birthstone is garnet, a stone with an inner fire that defies even the coldest winter days. And the month of January is filled with those. January is named for Janus, the two faced Roman God of beginnings, endings, gates and doors. This is because January pays tribute to the year just past and harbingers the journeys we'll make into the New Year.

garnet pendant

As we make those journeys, whether as trips or metaphorical resolutions, no more fitting birthstone could guide us than garnet. This is because ancient cultures like the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and even Sumerians used garnet beaded jewelry as protective talismans for journeyers. The garnet appears in the bible as the fourth stone in Aaron's breastplate and Noah is said to have used a garnet lantern to guide his Ark at night.

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For those seeking garnet's sure guidance, garnet beaded jewelry is ideal. But garnet rings are particularly popular birthstone jewelry for January, because a ring represents the completion of the yearly cycle.

So what color should garnet connoisseurs wear?

Blood red garnet beaded jewelry stands out like a blooming rose against January snows; the gemstone's name itself derives from the pomegranate, a fruit with sparkling seeds that resemble garnet beads. Certainly, deep crimson is garnet's most popular and iconic shade.

But January's birthstone can be any shade, and garnet beaded jewelry can be found in a rainbow of hues. For a time, it was believed that garnets came in every color but blue, but the discovery of blue garnets in Madagascar in the 1990s put that idea to rest. Now, smoky blue garnet is amongst the most prized gems both for its rarity and its ability to change color in different light.

Unusually colored garnets each have their own names. For example, purple garnets are known as Rhodolite, mandarin orange garnets are called Spessartine, brown or black garnets are known as Andradite, and emerald green garnets go by the name of Tsavorith. This is to name only a few.

This wide variety of names for January's birthstone stems from the fact that garnet is not a single gemstone, but rather, a family of related stones. What all varieties of garnet share is a common formation and cubic crystalline structure. Garnets are uniformly brilliant, natural, and durable. Garnets are also amongst the hardest gemstones, rating between a 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, and garnet beaded jewelry is generally affordable, making an ideal birthstone.

In fact, there are no known enhancements for garnets, so it's difficult to fool a consumer with inferior quality garnet beaded jewelry. Perhaps it is this inviolable purity that turned garnet into a symbol for remembrance and faithful friendship. After all, historically, garnet has been a gift exchanged between good friends who are parting, to ensure that they meet again. January's birthstone is even said to rekindle old feelings.

Thus, in a month when we gather with family and sing of old acquaintances forgotten and never brought to mind, garnet birthstone jewelry stands as a tribute to January's two aspects-reminding us of the past and guiding us into the future.

January Birthstones - Garnet and Auld Lang Syn

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The Beauty of Bohemian Garnet Jewelry

The term "bohemian garnet" refers to a specific type of gemstone which is mined almost exclusively in the mountains of the former bohemian empire, now part of the Czech Republic. They are the "pyrope" garnet variety and have the deepest fiery red color of any in the garnet family. They also have superior clarity and high light refraction. These unique garnets have been mined in the region for over 600 years.

garnet bracelet

The bohemian garnet is valued for its beauty and used extensively in jewelry. Historically people believed that garnets had curative and uplifting effects, which helped one to overcome sorrow and feel joy. It's said that emperor Rudolf II, ruler of the holy roman empire had many unique pieces in his collection. These gems became particularly well known when they adorned the dresses of Russian Tsarinas after the fall of napoleon in 1815.

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The appearance of the bohemian garnet that is popular today originated in the late 19th century, during the victorian age. Since then bohemian garnet jewelry has developed a set of distinctive characteristics. They are typically encrusted close-set stones which are often rose cut and may be combined with lager cabochons. Traditionally the emphasis is placed on the arrangement of the stones, with minimal metal showing in the jewelry pieces.

Bohemian garnet jewelry continues to gain popularity throughout the world. Since 1953 the art cooperative garnet, located in Turnov, Czech Republic, has been manufacturing bohemian jewelry. They employ more than 500 goldsmiths and stonecutters and are reportedly the only ones that still mine the gems. The hardness and durability of garnets in general make them appealing because they are well suited for everyday wear.

Vintage and newly crafted bohemian garnet jewelry can easily be found via on-line sources and in estate jewelry stores. It's easy to become enamored after purchasing the first piece and then become a devoted collector of these beautiful stones.

The Beauty of Bohemian Garnet Jewelry

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Garnet Gemstone Jewelry - January's Birthstone

Garnet gemstones have been treasured for thousands of years and they are considered to be one of the world's most ancient gems. Use of garnets as gemstones have been traced to Egyptian artisans in 3100 B.C. Garnets were named by the ancient Greeks who thought the stone resembled a pomegranate. Garnets have been used in bracelets and brooches since the latter part of the 19th century. They have also been used as abrasives for materials such as glass, metal, plastic, wood, and leather due to their sharp fracture.

garnet

Garnet makes a popular gemstone for jewelry for several reasons. Garnets are a reasonably cost-effective gemstone. They are also known for their beauty. There are several different kinds of garnet that make up many different colors. The best known color for Garnet is reddish brown. Garnet can be found in every color except for blue. Garnet is January's birthstone and can be found in a wide variety of pieces of jewelry. They are a popular gemstone for Valentine's Day gifts and are beautiful when they are paired with diamonds.

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Their durability also make them a good choice for jewelry. Depending on the variety of the stone, they can rank between 6 and 7.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. They can be found in many different shapes and sizes. The gold are silver settings can complement the colors of garnet quite well. The violet red shades look beautiful in white gold, silver, or platinum while the reddish brown shades look best in yellow gold.

Garnet jewelry is relatively low maintenance as well. Garnet jewelry can be cleaned by soaking it warm soapy water and being gently scrubbed with a toothbrush. With proper care, garnet jewelry can last a lifetime.

Garnet Gemstone Jewelry - January's Birthstone

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Richmond's Fan District: The Secret Is Out

As spring is beginning to hit Richmond, Va., the Fan District is coming alive. People are out jogging, kids are playing on the parks and the students can be seen riding bikes throughout the Fan streets. But as life is beginning to come to life in the Fan district, one thing is for sure, the real estate market is already alive and well. In the past few months, we have seen the number of single family homes and condos on the market in the Fan District drop drastically, with seemingly little inventory coming to market.

garnet hill sheets

For the past ten to fifteen years, the Fan District in Richmond, Va., has seen steady growth as young professionals and empty nesters alike have flocked to its historic row houses. The draw has been the restaurants, stores and museums, all within a few block walk. With the expansion of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the addition of dozens of new restaurants and the growth of Carytown, the Fan became The downtown neighborhood in Richmond. Moreover, as City schools began to improve, such as Fox Elementary and Binford Middle schools, we started to see families not only stay put in the city to raise the children, but actually families moving back to the city to raise their kids in an urban environment.

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As the price of gas has continued to rise, more and more people are attracted to the urban, walkable lifestyle concept that the Fan District has to offer. Within the Fan District, you can walk to coffee shops, local markets, wine shops, art studios and shops, dozens of restaurants and bars, video stores, dry cleaners, one nationally rated hospital, multiple museums, including the Virginia Fine Arts Museum, which is currently hosting the Picasso Show, numerous urban parks, an elementary and middle school, a veterinarian clinic and even a DMV. As you can see, the Fan District is a self contained city within a city.

State of the real estate market in the Fan District

The Fan normally begins to heat up a little earlier than most parts of the city, but this year, the Spring rush has started even earlier than normal and this looks to be a very strong year. Last week alone, we saw two houses on the same block go under contract within 4 days and 1 day of listing, respectively. Another house went under contract before the agent was able to have the agent preview!

We are seeing people upgrade within the Fan, we are seeing a fair share of out-of-towners moving to town, but most impressive is the number of people moving from the counties surrounding the city into the city. In a recent open house that I held, I had 3 relocating buyers, 2 from the neighborhood and 6 groups from the counties. When asked why they wanted to leave the counties for the city, the majority wanted to be able to walk to everything, be closer to the city and wanted to feel like they lived in a true neighborhood.

As I was walking my two school age children tonight in the Fan, I was reminded of why I lived in the Fan and why I enjoy selling real estate within the Fan. Within a block of our house, we bumped into three sets of neighbors enjoying the evening on their porch. As I arrived at my friend's house to hang out with their two children on the sidewalk as our kids rode bikes, their neighbor and a teacher at my daughter's elementary school walked by on their way to a Joes Inn, a local restaurant and institution in the Fan.

The Fan District has had its ups and downs, good times and bad. Fortunately for all of us living and selling in the Fan currently, times have been pretty good lately and only seem to be getting better. The economics of the world we currently live in, coupled with the desire to live a more simple, walkable lifestyle make the Fan District a great place to live and own real estate.

Richmond's Fan District: The Secret Is Out

GARNET HILL

Jansport Rucksack - The Big Bear

I am Swedish and obviously my first language is Swedish. Now when we Swedes learn English we are subjected to American English and British English. I have seen that what I label as rucksacks are so called rucksacks in England and some other European countries whilst in America they are called Backpacks. So do we use both terms or just one term? And which out of rucksack or backpack is correct? It would be good to get some feed back on this actually so if any of you reading this article could leave your comments on this matter they would be greatly appreciated.

garnet hill sheets

For now I shall use the term rucksack as that is what I am used to and shall point you in the direction of a very good Jansport rucksack that I would like to own. Jansport was founded in 1967 and is actually the world's biggest rucksack maker that nowadays is responsible for selling nearly half of all small rucksacks in America. All the rucksacks Jansport sell come with a lifetime warranty.

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The rucksack in question is the Jansport Trail Series Big Bear 82 Rucksack. The Big Bear has all the attributes as a hiker or serious outdoor type looks for in a rucksack. It is very spacious with a 5000 cubic inch capacity. Extremely comfortable to wear due to the S-curve shoulder straps, a very special sliding harness and also side compression straps to help with the management of the load you are carrying. And to top everything off it only weighs 3 pounds and 14 ounces.

As you know, being an outdoor type, you encounter all extremes of weather that mother nature possesses and this Big Bear can deal with them all. It is constructed from 600 denier polyester and 210 boxcar dobby polyester which are extremely lightweight and very weather resistant. And to show the Big Bears versatility are the HDPE frame sheet with tubular stays, an ice axe loop, a haul loop, dual side water bottle pockets and it's bungee compression. All in all you don't need anything more from a rucksack than the Big Bear gives. Whether you call it a rucksack or backpack one thing remains and that is this Big Bear does the job.

Jansport Rucksack - The Big Bear

GARNET HILL

Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones: The First Six Chinese Horoscope Gems

When the Chinese heavenly god and the Chinese earth god decided to create Chinese Astrology and associate Chinese horoscope signs with animals of planet earth, they concluded that each Chinese horoscope sign would need a sort of a powerful material that would not only represent the sign itself, but it would also develop a strong connection, a spiritual relationship with individuals that belong to that sign.

garnet pendant

So the great Chinese gods created and collected the twelve most valuable and powerful gem stones on planet earth. These where: Garnet, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Pearl, Amethyst, Opal, Topaz, Emerald, Peridot, Citrine, Diamond and Ruby. Then by studying the attributes of the gem stones they assigned each gem to a Chinese Horoscope sign. These gem stones would protect and bring luck to the possessor. Let's talk about the attributes of the first six lucky Chinese horoscope gem stones and their association with Chinese Astrology and culture.

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Lucky gem stone: Garnet

Associated Chinese Horoscope sign: Rat

Attributes: Garnet is mostly associated with love, loyalty, passion, mental health and women's needs. Garnet usually comes in deep red colors, that is why Chinese like to call it "The Blood Stone". It is a gem stone that is very hard, which makes it suitable for wearing or for decoration purposes. Chinese use Garnet to alternatively cure severe melancholy and depression. Little pieces of Garnet are traditionally given to Chinese pregnant women to help them with their pregnancy. It is also known to stabilize a woman's menstrual cycles. A Chinese legend claims that if you tie a piece of Garnet in your front door it will protect your house against thieves.

Lucky gem stone: Aquamarine

Associated Chinese Horoscope sign: Ox

Attributes: Aquamarine is associated with peace, tranquility, physical health, women and the spirit of the goddess. Aquamarine has an one of a kind transparent blue color that will bring calmness and mental clarity. According to Chinese legends, aquamarine was created by the great Chinese god of the sea who had the form of a sea monster. Then it was given as a divine gift to the Chinese goddesses of the sea in order to charm them. It is very common for Chinese fisherman to carry a piece of aquamarine to invoke the goddesses to bring them luck and protect them when sailing. Traditional Chinese doctors use it to cure digestive problems by dropping aquamarine jewelry into glasses of water and of course removing them a few minutes later, after aquamarine has acted.

Lucky gem stone: Sapphire

Associated Chinese Horoscope sign: Tiger

Attributes: Sapphire is highly associated with guidance, and enlightenment, money, prosperity, peace of mind, leadership, inner strength and self confidence. Chinese use it to send away negative energy and wicked thoughts and bring amiability and fulfillment. Chinese legends claim that Sapphire will open your mind and show you the way to connect with your inner self and god. Sapphire is commonly used in China for concentration and visualization exercises because of its magnificent ability to inspire, and stabilize your mind. Sapphire is a gem stone associated with oracles, dreams and the art of seeing into the past and the future. Chinese call it "The Third Eye Stone" and use it to cure physical eye-diseases or improve their vision.

Lucky gem stone: Pearl

Associated Chinese Horoscope sign: Rabbit

Attributes: The Pearl is associated with purity and purification, innocence and the feminine side of people. In Chinese culture the pearl is really powerful and is considered to be "The Tear From Heaven" or "The Tear of God". A Pearl is given to young, unmarried Chinese women to help them find their soul mate. It is a gift that Chinese fathers love to give to their young daughters when they reach adolescence to guard their purity. It is also common among wealthy Chinese to drink alcohol with dissolved pearls to cure all kinds of disease and illness. The Pearl is also used as strength and energy booster.

Lucky gem stone: Amethyst

Associated Chinese horoscope sign: Dragon

Attributes: Amethyst is associated with strong intuition, the brain, wealth, peace, protection and spirituality. Chinese use it for many purposes. For example it is common to wear amethyst jewelry if you are about to drink a lot. Amethyst will protect you from drunkenness and will keep you sober. It is also used in many parts of China, against all kinds of addictions like smoking, alcohol or drugs. This magical purple gem stone is also used for spiritual purposes like meditation or divination. Chinese believe that Amethyst will increase your psychic powers and your invocation skills. Many Chinese Mediums and Astrologers (including me) always carry a piece of Amethyst with them as a divination tool. Last but not least, Amethyst is used in China as a natural medicine against insomnia and bad dreams.

Lucky gem stone: Opal

Associated Chinese horoscope sign: Snake

Attributes: Opal is associated with guidance, luck, honor, potency, visions, dreams and mind power. In many western cultures Opal is considered as a bad stone. Chinese though, believe that Opal will bring tremendous luck and abundance to those people who's lucky gem stone is Opal. It is a strange and highly mystical gem stone with strong occult powers. Chinese legends refer to Opal as "The Invisibility Stone". It is also used to receive advice from the spirits through dreams. Chinese put it under their pillows to protect them when they enter the dream world during sleep. Chinese Mediums use it for spiritual journeys and to provide guidance. Opals can change their colors from dark to bright according to the mood of the possessor or to give a message to the holder.

Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones: The First Six Chinese Horoscope Gems

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Garnet - Stone of Growth, Protection and Healing

Garnet is a workhorse in the mineral family. It has been used since ancient times for healing and protection. It has many functions, some of them known, some of them long forgotten. When you work with this mineral on a regular basis, it carries you back to the origins of the planet, the family of humanity, and your own origins here on Earth. It takes you back to the beginning of your soul's journey, and at the same time back to the Now. It is in this depth that all the layers of your own incarnations become illuminated, many layers which make up the progress of your soul along its unique path.

garnet ring

There is a depth and richness to every person, a fertile soil where growth has happened, can happen, and is always happening. Garnet puts you in touch with this growth process and connects you to those things which may be beneficial for your growth in the present moment. The goal of life is to grow, all the while knowing that there is also perfection in this particular Now.

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The ancients knew to look deep within this stone for the information needed to grow and thrive. To work with garnet for this information:

Hold it in your receptive hand (usually the left) Gaze into a candle flame, or fire if you have one available Ask to be shown the way for your own growth If there is something keeping you stuck in one place, ask to be shown the origin of this pattern

The garnet and the fire will work together to allow you to see how to proceed. You may want to write down this information to work with it. Or, if you are shown something that needs to be released, use the fire for this purpose.
Garnet has also been worn for protection, and for its physical healing and energizing capacity. You can carry a small garnet for protection from negativity and even danger. It creates a kind of energy shield around your energy field which repels negativity in any form. It has remained a prominent stone throughout the years because of its ability to protect. In ancient times it was worn on actual battle shields to keep the wearer safe from injury.

Use this stone for deep healing on all levels - physical, emotional and spiritual. Physically it is a great energizer, strengthening health and well-being. It aids in regulating heart and circulatory system, and also works with skin inflammations. It can easily be found in jewelry and worn close to the body, where it can work its healing magic.

For grounding, good health, protection and deep soul work, garnet is the stone to have.

Garnet - Stone of Growth, Protection and Healing

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Birthstone Origins: Stranger than Fiction

In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus tells the story of the Breastplate of Aaron, used in religious ceremonies. (Aaron...just in case you were absent from Sunday school that day...was the Biblical figure who performed, at Moses' direction, the miracles that confounded Pharaoh and his magicians.)

garnett shoes

Aaron's breastplate was adorned with four rows of gemstones, three gemstones in each row, in the following pattern: Sardius, topaz, carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, diamond; ligure, agate, amethyst; beryl, onyx, jasper. These twelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve positions were later co-opted by astologers who linked them to the twelve months of the calendar year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.

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The Traditional Birthstone List contains these older birthstones and represents birthstone traditions heralding back to the 15th century. The Modern Birthstone List was created by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri. Gemstone purists complained that the NAJ list was devised solely for commercial purposes (they probably didn't believe in Santa Claus either!). As a result, astrologers who prescribed gems often substituted alternate or secondary stones. The Mystical Birthstone list below originated in from Tibet over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is derived from age-old Ayurvedic Indian Medicine, a practice of native people for more than a century.

Month Modern Traditional Mystical Ayurverdic

January Garnet Garnet Emerald Garnet

February Amethyst Amethyst Amethyst Bloodstone

March Aquamarine Bloodstone Jade Bloodstone

April Diamond Diamond Opal Quartz

May Emerald Emerald Sapphire Agate

June Pearl Alexandrite Moonstone Pearl

July Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby

August Peridot Sardonyx Diamond Sapphire

Sept. Sapphire Sapphire Agate Lapis Lazuli

October Opal Tourmaline Tourmaline Jasper

November Yellow Topaz Citrine Citrine Pearl

December Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Onyx Ruby

Astrologically speaking, your place on the Zodiac is more meaningful than your birth month for tapping into your "power," which has led to the creation of the following list of "Star Stones" related to the star under which you were born, rather than the day.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Ruby, Agate, Garnet

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst,

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) - Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) - Bloodstone, Diamond

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) - Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald

Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20) - Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl

Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22) - Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby

Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22) - Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) - Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) - Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Aquamarine, Topaz

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz

So whether you choose an emerald from the Breastplate of Aaron, a moonstone from Tibet's mystical birthstone list, an opal for its ayurvedic birthstone properties, or your very own "star sign" representative...may the force (of the birthstone) be with you!

Birthstone Origins: Stranger than Fiction

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Knitted Slippers For Sale Online

Knitting is a method of making stitches through consecutive loops. This can be done either by hand or machine using various kinds of yarns. Numerous products can be made out of it such as hats, bags, purses, and even slippers. Footwear made of assorted and colorful yarns make a wonderful piece of presents both ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Since looking for one requires extra time and effort, I decided to gather few online stores for reference purposes and these are as follows:

garnet hill luggage

Zappos

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The products are made from posh materials that are moisture resistant. This prevents bacteria from accumulating, which causes odor formation.

Target

Their featured knits are slip-on ballerina slippers with textured soles. So comfortable to use since it has a lining made from faux fur and a cushioned insole. The merchandise is lightweight; hence ideal for long distance walking.

Endless

A product called the sweater knit clog slipper, this online shop specializes on comfortable footwear that is built to last. Apart from its coziness, the cut is so designed to fit the exact contour of feet.

Old Navy

Although made from 100% imported synthetic, their products are safe enough for machine wash. These are guaranteed to provide comfortable fit because of some inclusions such as fleece lining and cushioned faux suede sole.

Sears

If you want non-skid sole, try this microfiber knit slipper made from polyester. Customers are assured to get the warmth they need since they utilize only the thickest coats.

Campmor

This is where you can find a good pair that complements your sweaters. Nothing compares than wearing slip-ons made from authentic animal skins such as sheepskin. So naturally relaxing, these goods are available in various styles like stripes, solid, and combination.

Garnet Hill

Home of original creations for apparels and decors; Garnet Hill features ballet slippers that are multicolored and chunky in appearance. This type of slipper is especially designed for a safer stride due to the presence of non-slip rubber.

If you want to easily locate goods such as knitted slippers with less hassle, do not forget to check out shops online. Put comfort as your priority instead of the designs, which can sometimes be misleading.

Knitted Slippers For Sale Online

GARNET HILL

Chrome Diopside Gems

Looking for a fine green gemstone with rich color and excellent clarity? What are your choices? The traditional choice is emerald, though emerald is more famous for its color than its clarity. Tsavorite garnet came on to the market in the 1970's and became the second choice in fine green gems. High quality tsavorite not only had an excellent saturated green color, it had superior brilliance, clarity and hardness. The only problem is that tsavorite became so popular that the prices went as high or higher than emerald.

garnet ring

The next choice was a rare variety of green tourmaline known as chrome tourmaline. Like tsavorite garnet, chrome tourmaline is found in East Africa, and colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. And like tsavorite, fine chrome tourmaline is a visually pure forest green with a slightly yellowish to bluish secondary hue. But chrome tourmaline turned out to be just as scarce and expensive as tsavorite garnet.

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The only green gems left were peridot and ordinary green tourmaline. Peridot tended to the yellowish or olive green, and never had the deeper tones of tsavorite or chrome tourmaline. Ordinary green tourmaline rarely had the wonderful saturation of the rare chrome version.

This situation began to change in 1988 when a major new find of a chromium-bearing diopside was discovered in Russia. Known as chrome diopside, the material didn't really begin to reach the market until after the Berlin Wall fell at the end of 1989. But here finally was a rich green gem at an affordable price -- under 0 a carat.

The important diopside find in Russia is in eastern Siberia, close to the famous diamond mines. This diopside is colored by chromium, the same element that gives the color to ruby, emerald and alexandrite. The color was spectacular; chrome diopside literally glows with green. However, there are a few limitations to this gem. First, chrome diopside can actually suffer from too much green -- in larger sizes the tone can be very dark. Careful cutting is required in the larger sizes to keep the angles slightly shallow to improve brilliance. But in smaller sizes (under 2 carats) the color is exceptionally vivid and fresh.

The other limitation is that diopside is much softer than tsavorite garnet or tourmaline. At 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, chrome diopside is not suitable for rings. But it is well suited for earrings and pendants and looks stunning when set in gold. Diopside jewelry should be stored carefully to avoid scratches from harder stones.

Chrome Diopside Gems

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How Gemstones Get Their Colors And What Makes Them More Valuable

The colors of the gemstones are what make them look so dazzling and alluring. The most dazzling gemstones are the precious stones. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are known primarily for their bright green, red and blue colors. While sapphire is also available in colors like pink, green and yellow. Nevertheless, all gemstones have beautiful colors, which increase their exquisiteness. For instance, pearls are white, pink, red, aquamarine is bluish green, amethyst is purple, garnets are green, red, purple, and topaz is yellow and orange in color. Gems also come in different shades of colors, like blue, green or red.

garnet hill

You can choose your gemstone according to the color you like. The deepest or richest colors are the most valuable and expensive stones. Emeralds have different shades of green, but the most popular shade is the bluish green, which is the richest color. Sapphires too are found in pink, green, yellow and different shades of blue. However, the rich blue color is the most valuable and popular stone. Rubies are also found in different shades of red, while the color known, as "pigeon's blood" is the darkest and richest red available, which is very powerful. This deep red ruby is mined only in Myanmar.

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When precious stones are found in mines, they do not look as attractive as they should be. Stones are usually polished, carved and cut into different shapes and sizes for it to acquire its beauty. According to the polish of the stone, the value increases.

It is a common notion that the deeper and richer the color of the stone, the more precious and valuable it is. For instance, bright white pearls, green garnets, royal purple amethysts, yellow topaz, deep red corals are the most precious and valuable gem stones existing. A lighter colored gemstone, like a light green garnet isn't as precious as a parrot green garnet.

It is very difficult to obtain the richest color of a stone, as they are very rare. Thus most of the people settle with lighter colors, as they are easily available and very affordable. These days, people prefer a lighter garnet, or a lighter purple amethyst, as it is next to impossible to afford or find the "perfect" green or purple. As long as the gemstone is powerful and attractive people are content.

However, it is strange that diamond, which is the most expensive and exquisite gemstone, is valued by how colorless it is. Diamonds are rated according to their shine, and neutral color. If the diamond is white or pale pink, it is regarded as a low grade diamond. But if the diamond is known as a pink diamond, or a canary diamond then it is considered worthy. The most high priced diamonds are oddly, colorless.

How Gemstones Get Their Colors And What Makes Them More Valuable

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Garnet: The January Birthstone

For those who are born in the month of January, they should be familiar to their birthstone, which is garnet. It is a wonderful stone with great properties and a variety of uses. It is recognized as the birthstone for January and is used as a gem for jewelry, but it is also a material that is used in industrial processes.

garnet

Garnet is a wonderful gemstone that comes in many different shapes and colors. But there is more to garnet than being a birthstone of January. Let's take a look at some of the facts about this wonderful gem.

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The Uses of Garnet

Garnet is considered to be one of the most, if not the most versatile gems in the world market today. The use of garnet can be traced back to the ancient times, particularly the Bronze Age, when it was primarily used as an abrasive and a gemstone. Today, industrial garnet is far more valued in aggregate terms than gem garnets. The production of garnet for industrial processes is at least 50 times bigger than the production of gemstone garnet.

The first documented use of garnet for industrial processes can be traced back in 1878, when Barton Mines Corp. manufactured it as a coating for sandpaper. Today, aside from being an abrasive, it is also used to cut steel in water jets under high pressure. States like Alaska, California, Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Idaho have wonderful sources of garnet.

Garnet is also used as an indicator for determining the stages of rock formation. It is used in the process of defining the metamorphic stages of rocks. It is also used to detect the formation of igneous rocks.

Pure garnet crystals are commonly used as gemstones for jewelries. Let's take a look at the different qualities of a garnet as a gemstone.

Garnet Gemstones

Garnet gemstones come in different colors and can change colors if they are placed against different kinds of light. The more popular colors of garnet gemstones are pink to purple red or brownish red. Actually, the colors of garnet gemstones cover the color spectrum pretty well. Some people would say that one can find any color of garnet except for blue. In reality, there has been documented evidence that there exists blue garnet. A blue garnet specimen was discovered in the last decade in Bekily, Madagascar.

Almandine and Pyrope are popularly known as the most common types of garnet, and perhaps the most affordable ones. Rhodolite is also a popular type and this is usually mined in places like India, Africa, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Another type of garnet is the Tsavorite, which is usually found in Kenya and Tanzania.

History had been witness to the different mystical powers that are associated with garnet. Modern legends would tell us that garnet stones are associated with night vision and success. In the tradition of the Hebrews, garnet is believed to be one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aaron. While in Christian tradition, garnet is associated with the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and is therefore connected with the concept of salvation. It is also believed that in the story of Noah, he used a large piece of a red-colored garnet to be able to illuminate his ark during the great storm. The Quoran also refers to garnet as the light of the fourth heaven.

There are also beliefs that garnet can be used to ensure safety during trips. It is also believed that garnet can cure diseases and food poisoning.

Garnet is a gemstone that got its name from the Greek word "granatus" which literally means "grain." It refers to the likeness of the structure of the gem to a group of grains. It is also associated with the pomegranate fruit, which resembles the color of the most common garnets and whose seeds resemble the structure of the gemstone.

No matter what kind or what color of garnet we might prefer, one's thing for sure- that garnet stones are definitely versatile and beautiful. One doesn't need to use a microscope to be able to appreciate the beauty of garnet. The people who were born in January are very lucky to have garnet as their gemstone.

Garnet: The January Birthstone

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Odd Tourist Attractions in the USA

There are certainly plenty of popular places to visit in the USA. New York City, Disneyland and Disneyworld, Washington DC (and all of its museums), Boston's historical tours, San Francisco's hills, Hawaii's beaches and even Alaska's wide open spaces. But have you ever wanted to take a trip to somewhere a little wacky? Somewhere off the beaten path? Here are few things that everyone, even residents of the USA, should do at least once in their lives.

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The Extra Terrestrial Highway: The Extra Terrestrial highway can be found about an hour outside of Las Vegas and it really is one of the loneliest roads in the country. This road stretches out to nowhere across land that is so flat it will look like you are about to hit a hill-and then you never do. This road goes past Area 51 (not a tourist location and don't try to get in) and is, apparently, the site of quite a few alien visits to our little blue planet. Stop and take a look at The Mailbox-a big metal mailbox that has had messages and names scratched into it for decades. You can drop your letter for the aliens in the box or simply inscribe your name on the side. Follow up your drive with a meal at the Little A-Le-Inn and then drive back to Vegas. If you stay past dark, the view of the stars will be well worth whatever you spend on gas.

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The Top Secret Upside Down White House: This huge white house (that sits on its own roof with its floor aiming at the sky) is located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin USA. This is the largest upside down white house in the country and is quite fun to tour. Visitors walk through on dirt ceilings and look up at the "artifacts" that have been "preserved" in this archaeological dig. There are a few rooms that are right side up that are worth poking through. This is a great stop for families on long drives who need something to do with their kids. It can also be fun for locals-seeing the President sitting at an upside down desk never quite gets old!

Rock City: Rock City is located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, USA. Rock City is actually a beautiful and elaborate garden that was built by Frieda Carter (the wife of miniature golf inventor Garnet Carter). Along the trails are weird statues, gnomes and other characters from fairy tales. The trail leads through giant rock outcroppings and is so cleverly disguised that most travelers find that they have started driving right through it without meaning to. The actual trail can only be traveled by foot, but a major thoroughfare leads right past Rock City and it is absolutely worth exploring!

These are just three of the wacky places that are fun to visit in the USA. Some of the best discoveries are made by simply hopping into your car (or rental vehicle) and going for a drive beyond the borders of your town or city.

Odd Tourist Attractions in the USA

GARNET HILL

The Many Facets of Hunting for Garnets

While experienced hunters thoroughly enjoy a good day of garnet hunting, you don't have to be an experienced hunter to find these dazzling little gemstones. In fact, they are probably the best stone for the inexperienced rockhound to begin hunting for. These delightful gemstones are quite common can be found in many US states and countries around the world.. The rock which bears the garnet is very often peppered with the stones, too, so once you find a good garnet bearing area you will easily be able to take a very healthy cache home with you.

garnet bracelet

Garnets come in many varieties and the type of rocks in your chosen area will determine the type of garnet you will be collecting. The most desirable crystals will be a deep wine red to purplish, pink, or brilliant green. Even smaller crystals are quite distinct in their natural form and you will be able to recognize them when you see them.

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Your first step in garnet hunting, as with all gemstones, is to check your maps and guides. When it comes to garnets, I never worry too much about a location being "picked over" as the stones are usually so plentiful in any garnet area. Next you will want to make sure that you pack all of the equipment you need to gather the stones.

You will want to take your rock pick and mallet and a small screwdriver (1/8th of an inch blade is good) or chisel for any stones you find in the matrix rocks. I use these a bit at garnet locations as every once in a while I will see a stone still embedded in the matrix rock that I just can't pass up. Many times the rock bearing the garnet is soft and the stones can be removed easily with a small flat screwdriver or knife blade. A mallet can be used to break the rocks apart to find the stones. This is actually the hard way to get the garnets, however, and I don't usually resort to bothering with the rock itself. The tools that I use most frequently hunting for this particular type of gemstone is a spaghetti colander, a screen, and an army issue fold up shovel.

Over time garnets erode from the matrix rock. By scooping the dirt in the area of the gem bearing rock and sifting it in the colander you can easily find handfuls of gems. I use a colander for hunting gem rock as the holes are about the right size to let the stones which are smaller than I am interested in keeping fall through. If you want to spend money at a hardware store for special screens, they do have different sized meshes that will allow you to choose how large the gems must be for them to be trapped by the screen. If an area seems to have been picked over, by digging down deeper you can usually find the stones that fell and were covered before the area became popular to hunters.

After "panning" the rock area, I like to also pan the nearby streams for the gems. Garnets will wash
downstream from their source over time and are not as heavy as some other minerals so you don't need to dig too deep to find good quality stones. Water currents can erode the natural facets of the stone however, so you may find many of the crystals in water are much smoother than those from the actual rock area, depending on how long they have been there. When I choose a spot in a stream I will use the colander again to check for gem quality and sized stones.

The normal sized screen I use for concentrated gem areas in streams where the stream bed is literally pink with small garnets. You will see this in many garnet areas. Most of these little garnets are not of gem size or quality, but they make great craft supplies. These I scoop up in the screen and just put in a bucket. Later at home I separate the small stones from the rest of the sand while watching television or talking on the phone.

Once you have found a few nice gemstones to use in jewelry, you will want to read up on panning for gold so you can find a nugget that one of your new gemstones will look nice with in a ring or pendant.

The Many Facets of Hunting for Garnets

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Anton Chekhov In Yalta

Famous Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov spent nearly half of his life in small town on the south-eastern coast of the Crimean peninsula - Yalta.

garnet hill dress

In March 1897 Chekhov was diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to move to Yalta avoiding spring and autumn damp of Moscow and St. Retersburg. Chekhov wrote about Yalta, not without irony: "two most noticeable featured of the smart Yalta crowd: middle-aged ladies dressed like young women, and a great many generals..."

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In 1989 he decided to build a house there. An impractical man, he paid too much for a poor patch of land on the border of Yalta, on a mountain slope next to a Muslim cemetery. In 1899 the house was ready and Chekhov moved in with his mother and sister Masha. Very soon his thin, tall and slightly stooping figure became a familiar sight in Yalta. Over the next few years Chekhov and his family with persistent efforts planted trees and flowers in attempt to make a garden from this hilly, barren site, kept dogs and cranes. In 1900 Chekhov was delighted to have organized a small guest-house for TB sufferers.

Chekhov's numerous letters, tinged with sadness and irony, tell of his new life and the cheerful atmosphere during visits by fellow-writers, such as Ivan Bunin, Leo Tolstoy, Vladimir Korolenko and Maxim Gorky. Chekhov was usually happy to go away from Yalta to Moscow or trips abroad. In 1900, the Moscow Art Theatre company came to Yalta and its founders, Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko, paid a surprise visit to their terminally ill friend. The tour was remembered for many years and the building where they performed has miraculously survived subsequent wars and periodic reconstruction activities.

During the few years of Chekhov's life in Yalta he worked enthusiastically. There he completed two plays, The Three Sisters (1901) and The Cherry Orchard (1904), pieces that were produced by the Moscow Art Theatre, and the several famous short stories, among them the brilliant In the Ravine, The Bride, The Man in a Shell, Gooseberries, About Love and The Bishop. In Yalta Chekhov wrote probably one of his best short story, The Lady with the Dog (also known as Lady with Lapdog), a story about romantic relationship between a married man and woman in Yalta.

Modest by nature, Chekhov hardly ever thought of the level of his popularity. Only success and quickly spread popularity of The Cherry Orchard demonstrated him love of the Russian audience.

Internationally, Chekhov's work remained unknown until few years after World War I Constance Garnett translated his plays and won him the admiration of an English-speaking authors including Katherine Mansfield, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw.

In the united states, Chekhov's popularity begun mostly with the Stanislavski's method of acting approach to drama. The system has been developed by The Group Theatre and still inspires and motivates American playwright, screenwriters and actors.

Virginia Woolf wrote bout Chekhov's stories in The Common Reader (1925): "These stories are inconclusive... we need a very daring and alert sense of literature to make us hear the tune, and in particular those last notes which complete the harmony".

After his death (14 July 1904) his sister preserved the house exactly as it was in Chekhov's time and in 1926 she was appointed director of the Chekhov Museum that was set up there. During the grim 30-month German occupation in the World War II, when a German major was billeted there, she used her tact to protect the Museum from looting and she continued her guardianship right up to her death in 1954 at the age of ninety-three.

Little today remains of the Chekhov's Yalta, which suffered from a terrible earthquake in June 1927, followed by the destruction of the World War II when Soviet troops retreated from the Crimea in 19941 and recaptured the peninsula in spring 1944.

The lively Yalta now has a population of 140.000, a number swelled four times over in the summer when visitors come to stay in the hotels and sanatoriums that dot the coastline. In the evenings the seaboard promenade, stretching for several kilometres either side of the town, is filled with people enjoying the sea air, watching the ships, listening to music and visiting Chekhov museum.

Chekhov's plays became recognized around the world and made him one of the best Russian dramatists of modern days.

Anton Chekhov In Yalta

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Treasure Hunting For Star Garnets

India and Idaho are the only two places in the world that star garnets are found. They range in size from a grain of sand to golf ball in size. Star Garnets display a reflection of the light with a four or six ray star, which is caused by an inclusion of rutile in the gemstone. Idaho is the only known place where six ray star garnets are found.

garnett shoes

The U.S. Forest Service operates a star garnet gemstone collection area at Emerald Creek Idaho. For a fee of per day the treasure hunter can search for garnets and remove a maximum of five pounds of gemstones. Screen boxes, buckets and shovels are provided by the Forest Service; however you should bring drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, gloves and a container for your treasures. The treasure hunting season starts at the end of May and lasts until after Labor Day. No pets allowed.

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How Is It Done

Use the shovel and fill your five gallon plastic bucket with dirt and rocks at the mining area. Next take your bucket to the screening area and sift all of the dirt and sand leaving only the rocks. Next take your collection of rocks to one of the two sluice boxes to wash the material and look for garnets. Any rock that appears to have a shiny plastic like shine could be a garnet.

The garnets found at emerald creek are nearly opaque and will be a dark reddish or purple in color. Good quality large gemstones are rare and about one half of the gemstones you discover will not be of a quality suitable for cutting or polishing. Many of the stones will show a four ray star but the six ray star is quite rare. A good quality star garnet may fetch up to 0 per carat.

The garnet name is believed to have come from the pomegranate. Many of the ancient pieces of jewelry have clusters of red stones that do look a lot like a cluster of pomegranate seeds. Travelers often carried garnets to protect them from accidents. Legends suggest that garnets will glow at night and will protect the owner from nightmares. Noah has also been rumored to have used a garnet lantern to navigate the Ark at night.

Happy Treasure Hunting.

Treasure Hunting For Star Garnets

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RVs and Driving in Heavy Winds

If you own an RV you know the driving in heavy winds can be very tricky and even if you do not drive an RV you may have seen some time in your life an RV tipped over and destroyed on a highway. Occasionally this happens in high winds. On my current motor home I have over 250,000 miles and this is my second motor home in five years.

garnet hill sheets

During my tours around the United States of America I have been to every single state capitol building with a picture of my RV in front of it. Additionally I have been to every single city in the 48 Continental United States in the last five years with over 10,000 population. I have driven in high winds, through tropical storms and nearly been blown off the highway at least a half a dozen times.

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The best thing to do when you know there are high winds is to pull off to the side of the road at perhaps a truck stop and park going into the wind so that you do not get blown over. It is also best to slow down when driving in high winds because this allows you for more correction time if you are starting to blow off the highway.

If you are moving forward very fast and you are blown off the highway you will move at that angle off the highway even faster. Please do not drive in heavy winds in your RV and if you do or if you were stuck driving in high winds find a safe place to park and park into the wind to protect your investment. Consider this in 2006.

RVs and Driving in Heavy Winds

GARNET HILL

What Makes Garnet Jewelry Original?

Garnet jewelry is derived from certain precious stones of the same name that have been mined for decorative and industrial uses since time immemorial. The main characteristic of the stones and one that led to the coinage of the name 'garnet' is the reddish pigment that they possess upon their production. This physical feature is often transferred to the items of adornment that are made from this raw material. These include necklaces with pendants, earrings, brooches and rings among other beautiful pieces.

garnet earrings

One of the features that make garnet jewelry original is the texture. Unlike many other precious stones, they make rings that are smooth and have a floral quality on the surface. This is further emphasized by the many pendants that are made in the form of a heart and attached to the base of a necklace. This gives the wearer a substantial presence. Though they are never very large, the reddish heart always makes them conspicuous and easy to hold attention. This is because of the soft curves that form a basic part of the pieces.

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Unlike many metallic devices, the pieces enjoy versatility of use. For example, they form a beautiful part of cuff bracelets that are embedded into a clothing to form a thick appearance to the arm where the piece is worn. They can be used either in their pure form or with combination with dissimilar materials like fabrics to give a great combination.

In this respect, it is easy to sample some of the original uses of garnet jewelry. Due to its crystalline quality, it is used to make hair fasteners. The best choice for these is usually one of the brighter and harmonious hues like silver and for the more daring spirit, the classic reddish pigment. The color scheme is also determined by the color of hair of the wearer. It can also be employed as a captivating brooch as well as the compact earring that is set to the ear as one piece.

Garnet jewelry is foremost a crystal that can be cut to reflect light when used in different settings. The pieces can be hung whole from necklaces, to give the illusion of light falling on the chest. Similarly, they can be used to separate beads and give them different contrasts.

Many of these are also made in the design of sumptuous produce of nature like fruits. This practice is partly rooted in tradition, which associated the precious stone as a love potion especially when made in the form of natural things.

Characteristics to this are animal representations in pendants. Also, others utilize popular religious symbols like the cross, which form the pendant.

Garnet jewelry is available in the market today in a range of designs and shapes. Some of these are the traditional, curved and soft types with the reddish pigment that has defined the pieces for ages. Others perpetuate the versatility of the stone by coming up with the most intriguing designs. All in all this piece of adornment is primarily handmade by professional craftsmen.

What Makes Garnet Jewelry Original?

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Office Trays Do More Than Just Office Inboxes!

When it comes to an office desk, everyone would likely agree that organization contributes to productivity and job satisfaction. Such organization is due in part to having the appropriate tools to organize with. The first of such tools is the desk top trays used to organize all the various papers which cross, and accumulate on a desk. Choosing hardwood trays for organizing these papers will go one step further by definitely adding a touch of elegance to the office. No matter if you use desktop trays for storing reports for quick access or holding incoming mail until your appointed time to process it, office trays are some of the most flexible organizational instruments. In addition, they can form a key part of your overall office décor and design.
Hardwood trays are very sturdy and they can last for a lifetime; They are crafted with a number of fine finishes to match other office furniture; They are extremely versatile, as you can use them all manner of things besides paper and reports including office supplies, computer disks and CD's, and many other items.

garnet engagement rings

Desktop trays are indispensable for any office, as they successfully combine the best qualities an office accessory can have: durability, great design and maximum efficiency.

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The versatility of desk top trays isn't limited to the office area. They can easily adapt to a number of uses in your home as well. Besides looking great by matching or complimenting your home furniture and décor, here are some uses for the desk trays in your home:
Place the desk tray on the table near the front door. It is a great place to collect keys, sunglasses and mail on your way in or out. You can also use desk top trays for the phone area. A notebook, note papers and pens will be handy there, helping to organize those items that always seem to go missing when you need them most. The coffee table can also use a desktop tray. Helping with newspapers, favorite magazines and flyers to be read, they will each have a place and handy for a reading.

So, don't let the simplicity of a desk top tray be overlooked. These simple devices are brilliant at organizing a multitude of things and in many places. And the right trays can make any environment more comfortable and more satisfying!

Office Trays Do More Than Just Office Inboxes!

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Fine Amethyst Gems From Africa

The traditional source for the purple quartz known as amethyst is Brazil. Large deposits wwere found in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais in the 19th century. Amethyst occurs there in volcanic rocks in large geodes. Since the first discoveries amethyst has been found in a number of locations in Brazil, as well as across the border in Uruguay. Bolivia, famous for ametrine, also produces some amethyst.

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Though the vast majority of the amethyst in the market is from Brazil and Uruguay, gem dealers will tell you that the finest amethyst comes from Africa. The African material is mainly from Zambia in southern Africa, with some very limited production from Tanzania and Namibia.

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Though African amethyst is much less common than the vast production from South America, the quality tends to be much higher. Where much of the South American amethyst is a pale violet or mid-toned purple, the Zambian amethyst tends to a highly saturated deep purple, sometimes with blue or red flashes. The richer color is very much in demand for finer jewelry, so the African amethyst tends to sell for a premium price. The Zambian amethyst is such a saturated purple that some material has to be rejected as too dark, a problem that hardly ever occurs with South American amethyst.

Another important difference between the locations is that the African amethyst tends to be found only in smaller sizes, while the South American amethyst can be found in very large sizes, even 40 or 50 carats or more. Zambian amethyst over 10 carats is very rare. Where reasonable quality amethyst from South America typically sells for about per carat, the high quality deep purple from Zambia sells for to per carat.

High quality amethyst was first discovered in Zambia in the 1950's. The material was located in a 30 km long by 15 km wide belt in the south of the country in the Mwakambiko hills of the Mapatizya area. The current production of rough material is estimated at about 700 tons per year.

Despite the limited production, amethyst mining has become important economically. The Zambian economy was once based largely on copper mining. The economy is now diversifying and gemstone mining has the potential to be a major source of employment and foreign exchange. In addition to its high quality amethyst, Zambia has the 2nd largest emerald deposit in the world, and the Zambian emerald is famed for its deep green color and excellent clarity. The country also has significant deposits of aquamarine, tourmaline and garnet.

Fine Amethyst Gems From Africa

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Do You Know Your Birthstone? Is Yours a Precious Or Semi-Precious Stone?

I say all girls should be showered with diamonds, you won't find a more brilliant precious gemstone than the diamond. The Ruby is second after the diamond in hardness, so cheer up July babies! The Sapphire family, also as hard as the Ruby, and Emerald are considered Precious stones. All gemstones other than the Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire are called Semi-Precious, this doesn't necessarily mean less expensive, take the very popular and rare Tanzanite, for example, which can cost as much as a diamond depending on its quality. In my opinion, all precious and semi-precious stones are beautiful and valuable for different reasons and in the end which ever one you are drawn to is the one you will love to wear.

garnet bracelet

There are different charts for birthstones, here's a traditional one:
January: Garnet February: Amethyst March: Bloodstone April: Diamond May: Emerald June: Alexandrite July: Ruby August: Peridot September: Blue Sapphire October: Tourmaline November: Citrine (orange) December: Turquoise

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The more commonly known chart has birthstone changes to March, June, October, November and December:
January: Garnet February: Amethyst March: Aquamarine April: Diamond May: Emerald June: Pearl July: Ruby August: Peridot September: Blue Sapphire October: Opal November: Yellow Topaz December: Blue Topaz

The least popular color gemstone is the Peridot, the lime green color does not appeal to many and August born ladies seek out the deeper green Tourmalines. I personally like the Peridot, a fresh color to wear come Spring. Give Peridot a chance, when set in a beautiful piece, it can truly shine and make a strong statement.

There is also have a Zodiac Birthstone chart:
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) - Ruby Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 21) - Garnet Pisces (Feb 22 - March 21) - Amethyst Aries (March 22 - April 20) - Bloodstone (Jasper) Taurus (April 21 - May 21) - Sapphire Gemini (May 22 - June 21) - Agate Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Emerald Leo (July 23 - August 22) - Onyx Virgo (August 23 - Sept 22) - Carnelian Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 23) - Peridot Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 21) - Aquamarine Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) - Topaz

Precious and Semi-Precious stones are naturally formed in the Earth, thousands of years in making, the endless process of geologic changes bring various stones into being. Just think about the time, the movement and force that gives birth to mountains and new lands, the displacement of rocks and continents, the hot magma and years of cooling, all these amazing earthly changes that is continuously occurring and that bring forth all these fascinating colorful Crystals and Rocks that we then take, cut and polish into beautiful Gemstones. It's no wonder they have exercised such power over the human race from the very start. Today, you will also hear about color enhancement and treatment, most gemstones have had some sort of treatment. Did you know that the Tanzanite that you see with its royal purple blue color is truly brown in its natural state? That beautiful hue comes forth from a special heat treatment. Treatment and enhancements are common and most gemstones have had some type of treatment. A treated or enhanced stone is still a natural stone.

However, not to confuse with synthetic stones which are grown in labs. What has taken millions of years for Earth to create, today humans can speed up the process in a lab. A synthetic stone will have identical composition as the naturally occurring stone, and will be a little less expensive. Earth's creations will always have greater value. Gemstones are used to adorn the body as well as heal the body, since the beginning of the human race these colorful mesmerizing rocks have never stopped being a source of great fascination.

Do You Know Your Birthstone? Is Yours a Precious Or Semi-Precious Stone?

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