May’s Birthstone: Enduring Emerald
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
May’s birthstone is emerald, a green gemstone that heralds the lush landscape of spring. May is a month in which flowers blossom, grass unfolds, and everything seems new again. Emerald is a stone that capture’s all spring’s verdant splendor, ranging in color between a bluish jungle green to chartreuse. The stone and the month are a perfect pairing.
Yet, for all of its exotic allure, emerald stones are simply a green variety of beryl. Aquamarine, another type of colored beryl, is the sister stone to May’s birthstone. But unlike aquamarine, emeralds are notorious for their flaws.
Though emerald clocks in at a respectable 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, its frequent flaws and inclusions make it less durable than many birthstones; emeralds are more prone to cracking than similar stones of the same size. To disguise the flaws and enhance the appearance of the stone, most emeralds are treated today with colorless oils and resins. Unfortunately, this means that they cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and you have to be careful even washing your hands if you’re wearing an emerald birthstone ring.
May’s birthstone has a rich history and lore that spans the globe. Emerald once betokened power and rule in ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Cleopatra famously mined them in Egypt, and rulers from India to Persia and beyond rushed to buy them. The ancient Roman writer Pliny once famously observed of emerald that “Nothing greens greener.”
But emerald’s history isn’t just limited to the cradle of civilization. The discovery of the new world revealed that emeralds were prized in the Americas as well. In 1532, Conquistidor Pizzaro captured the Inca King of Peru who named among his treasures an emerald crown. Cortez also loaded boats with emeralds to bring back to Europe.
In addition to their historical importance, emeralds also have religious significance. The bible names emerald as one of the birthstones in the breastplate of Aaron, representing the tribe of Judah. Emerald has importance to Christianity as well. Italy boasts of a Holy Grail cup made of emeralds that was captured during the crusades and which is said to have been used by Christ at the Last Supper.
The Koran also describes heaven’s garden as being carpeted with emeralds, and the famous ‘Mogul Emerald’ has prayers engraved in it. The Hindus revere emeralds for their supposed healing properties and its name in Indian means “the green of growing things.”
From the old world to the new, emerald’s rich religious and cultural history made it a prized stone in ages past, but our love affair with May’s birthstone still endures. In fact, high quality emeralds are worth more than diamonds by carat weight. Perhaps it is the vast depth of emerald green that calls to us, or maybe, as the ancients believed, the stone is simply soothing to the eye. Whatever accounts for our fascination, emerald is like spring captured in a stone and that makes it the perfect birthstone for May.
Links
February’s Birthstone: The Romance of Amethyst
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
Amethyst is February’s birthstone. Some might wonder whether amethyst’s rich violet hue is appropriate for a month associated with red roses and candy hearts. But as it happens, the legend of Saint Valentine says that he wore an amethyst ring carved in the shape of cupid. Amethyst beads, with their grape purple tints, have been associated with love, fertility and romance long before pink Hallmark Cards took February’s center stage.
In fact, before the legend of Saint Valentine and his amethyst ring, there was the legend of Cleopatra and hers. Though Egyptian pharaohs generally adorned their tombs with amethysts, Cleopatra wore hers on a spectacular ring symbolizing love, light and life. Cleopatra was thought to be the incarnation of Isis by Egyptians, and some Romans thought she was the incarnation of Venus, Goddess of Love. With her amethyst ring, Cleopatra was said to have ensorcelled not one, but two powerful Roman generals: Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Perhaps it is for this reason that Roman wives came to believe that amethyst beaded jewelry would assure their husband’s devotion.
Moreover, the story that gives February’s birthstone its name is a romantic tragedy. Dionysus, the Greek god of fertility and wine, fell in love with a maiden named Amethyst. When the maiden refused the drunken god’s affections, she was turned to quartz. But when the God saw the girl thus, he was overcome with love and sorrow. He wept upon her statue and his wine-purple tears stained the stone forever.
Thereafter, ancient people’s thought that amethyst had the power to prevent intoxication. Cups and goblets were carved from amethyst to protect against drunkenness. Amethyst’s reputation for being able to grant its wearer a clear head, promote feelings of love, and ensure devotion made it a popular stone amongst the early clergy. Amethyst beads adorned crucifixes worn by bishops and cardinals, but Catholicism wasn’t the only religion to prize February’s birthstone. Amethysts are also Buddha’s gemstone and treasured in Tibet.
Amethyst beaded jewelry can be as pale as lilac or as vibrant as lilac–versatile colors that compliment most skin tones. Moreover, February’s birthstone registers as a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means that it’s durable. In fact, amethyst’s beauty and durability ensured that it was once amongst the most expensive gemstones, but due to large deposits found in the modern era, amethyst birthstones are now affordable on any budget. One drawback to February’s birthstone, however, is that daylight can change its color. Purple amethysts can be restored by means of radiation, but to preserve the intense royal color, it’s best not to wear amethyst beaded jewelry when sunbathing or otherwise exposed to intense light.
In modern times, February has become a month of sober reflection. We acknowledge the accomplishments of African Americans during February because it is Black History Month. We remember our great leaders on President’s Day, and we show our appreciation for the ones we love on St. Valentine’s Day. So too has amethyst become a modern symbol of clear-headedness and an open heart, which makes it an ideal birthstone for those born under the sign of Aquarius.
Links:
What Mood are You?
written for SWCreations by Lisa A. Vella
In the 1970’s a new and interesting kind of jewelry became one of the biggest fads of the decade to hit the market. It was the first piece of jewelry that could supposedly tell what mood its wearer was in. This piece of jewelry was the mood ring—it was fun, it was fresh, and it was totally cool if you owned one! Today, mood jewelry comes in more than just the original form of mood rings. There are now necklaces, earrings, toe rings, and most recently, beads to become bracelets. Regardless of form, however, mood jewelry has an interesting history.
It is a bit uncertain as to who actually invented the mood ring. One story says that in the 1960’s a man named Marvin Wernick invented it. He had supposedly gotten the idea while watching a doctor friend of his apply a thermotropic strip to a child’s forehead during an emergency. The strip changed color according to how hot the strip became. After giving it some thought, Wernick, a jewelry designer by trade, realized that he could turn this into a fun invention for ordinary use. It wasn’t long before the mood ring came about.
Still others attribute the arrival of the mood ring to a man named Joshua Reynolds, who was also the inventor of the Thighmaster.
Apart from who invented it, it still works the same. The stone of the ring itself is either a hollow piece of glass filled with liquid thermotropic crystals, or a clear glass stone that sits on a sheet of liquid crystals. These crystals reflect different wavelengths of light based on the body temperature of the person who is wearing it. The stone then changes color according to the body temperature.
So how can you tell the mood by a person’s body temperature? People’s body temperatures tend to vary based on what mood they are in. For example, if a person feels stressed their body temperatures often drop. If that person is wearing the mood ring, it would typically be represented by the ring changing from the neutral green to black. When one is very happy, or even in love, body temperature rises, and the ring should change from the neutral green to dark blue or purple.
Whether mood jewelry actually works or not remains to be seen. There are a few different variables that can render them inaccurate. For one thing, individual companies calibrate the temperature of their rings slightly differently, so sometimes the colors are not completely universal. Another thing to keep in mind is that not everyone’s body temperature is the same in certain situations, like extreme stress or when in love. The following is a list of colors and their general meanings:
- Brown: Anxious, nervous, fearful
- Black: Stressed, tense or feeling harried
- Grey: Extremely nervous or anxious, scared
- Amber: Slightly nervous or anxious
- Green: Neutral reading, normal, not under great stress
- Blue-green: Emotionally charged, somewhat relaxed
- Blue: Relaxed, At ease, calm, lovable
- Dark Blue/Purple: Very happy, in love, passionate, romantic
Regardless of who invented it or how accurate they are, mood jewelry is still great fun to both own and wear. It is attractive, stylish and comes in many different forms. So why don’t you try it out for yourself, test out the accuracy—see what mood you are in! After all, that is part of the fun of owning mood jewelry.
January’s Birthstone
Garnet and Auld Lang Syn
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
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.
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
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
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.
Resources:
Garnets
January Birthstones
December’s Birthstone: Turquoise and Blue Topaz
Cool Blue Turquoise:
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
Turquoise is December’s birthstone, blue as a winter sky or a Christmas forest. These cool turquoise shades have endeared December’s birthstone to cultures from antiquity to today. Even though this opaque gemstone brings to mind the native tribes of the American Southwest, historically, the largest source of turquoise beaded jewelry was the Middle East.
Iran was the single greatest source of quality turquoise, and December’s birthstone was prized by the Egyptians as far back as the First Dynasty. Indeed, turquoise is a regal stone that has adorned the rulers of Persia, Egypt, Israel, and China. Even on the other side of the world, turquoise beaded jewelry was considered fit for Aztec royalty and chiefs of the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes.
For all these civilizations, turquoise was held in esteem not just for its peaceful hues, but because they believed that the gemstone worked as a talisman to clear the mind, enhance good health and protect the wearer from dark forces. In fact, the legends surrounding turquoise all revolve around the gemstone’s reputed ability to bring cheer and dispel darkness. This might be one of the qualities that makes turquoise the ideal birthstone for December — Seasonal Depression Awareness Month.
When given as a gift, turquoise beaded jewelry is meant to endow the recipient with great happiness throughout the year. Certainly, the cool blue that is most prized in turquoise cannot help but be a soothing balm to weary winter spirits. But the green tints that bring to mind placid Caribbean seas add warmth to the season.
In ancient times, Egyptian turquoise was said to be greener than the gemstones found in Iran. Then, as now, green turquoise beaded jewelry was less prized than the blue. The difference in color is caused by the presence of copper and iron. The more copper is present in the turquoise, the bluer it will be. If more iron is present, the turquoise beaded jewelry will appear greener
Whether green or blue, December’s Birthstone requires some special care. Scoring below six on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, even turquoise beaded jewelry can fracture easily. If turquoise jewelry is exposed to cosmetics, perfumes, or even skin oils, the appearance of the stone can change dramatically. Turquoise stones and beaded jewelry needs protection from the elements and is seldom faceted. (If one desires a more traditional translucent December birthstone, the alternative is icy blue topaz.)
To enhance the appearance and durability of turquoise, even the ancients treated their polished turquoise beaded jewelry with wax. In modern times, jewelers often seal turquoise gemstones in a synthetic resin. But even more radical treatments have been devised that can devalue December’s birthstone for the unwary buyer. Perhaps this is why some experts claim that high quality turquoise is now rarer than any other precious gem, including diamonds.
But for those who were born in December, many beautiful and affordable turquoise beaded jewelry and inlaid stone options are available. After all, December brings with it the winter solstice when the sun’s ebb on the sea’s horizon finally reverses course. That makes turquoise, a gemstone that encompasses notions of both sea and sky, a most fitting birthstone for December’s devotees.
Relevant Links:
Wikipedia’s entry on Turquoise
International Colored Gemstone Organization
November’s Citrine and Topaz:
Birthstones with a Sunny Disposition
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
With fallen leaves swirling on chill winds, November marks our last fond farewell to warmer days. As trees turn color and people get cozy with spiced cider, the gemstones for this month are bound to bring seasonal cheer. Citrine and yellow topaz are November’s birthstones, heralding the harvest with their warm and sunny hues.
Topaz is one of the oldest and most revered ornamental gemstones in the world. The ancient Egyptians believed that the bright and beautiful stones were glowing drops of light cast to earth by the sun god Ra. The Romans attributed the golden gleam of topaz to Jupiter, their god of light and sky. And in the Bible, topaz was one of the twelve named gemstones set into the breastplate of Aaron.
In fact, at one time, all yellow stones were called topaz.
Topaz runs the gamut of autumn shades from the pale yellow of a chardonnay to ambered honey or a vibrant pumpkin orange. Topaz will not scratch because it is extremely hard (rating an 8 on the Mohs scale), but it also has what is known as “perfect cleavage.” This means that it can chip easily, which, combined with its expense, may be why many people with November birthdays prefer citrine.
Citrine, November’s other birthstone, is sometimes indistinguishable from topaz to the untrained eye. Citrine has often been sold to fool consumers under the names golden topaz, Madeira topaz, Brazilian topaz, Bahia topaz, and citrine topaz.
But as closely as citrine and topaz resemble each other, they are very different gemstones. In fact, citrine’s sister gemstone is actually the amethyst. Both citrine and amethyst are varieties of quartz. Amethyst can be heat treated until the purple color turns amber when it can then be sold as citrine. Of course, the same phenomenon occurs in nature when purple amethyst crystals are exposed to hot centers in the earth and transformed into citrine. So the distinction between the two gemstones is largely a function of color. (When a gemstone combines amethyst and citrine together, it is known as ametrine.)
But while citrine, amethyst, and ametrine are essentially the same stone, the two November birthstones, citrine and topaz, are entirely different minerals.
Of the two, citrine is more common. Ranging in color from a bright lemon yellow to a deep tawny brown, citrine brings out the gleam in any gold setting. Along its color spectrum, citrine even encompasses cinnamon orange and a shade of red that is reminiscent of Madeira wine.
There are not many yellow gemstones in the world, and of those that exist, citrine is the most affordable. It is also extremely durable. Citrine’s hardness measures 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes citrine largely impervious to scratches. But more importantly, its crystalline properties make citrine difficult to chip.
Historically, both yellow topaz and citrine were said to bring light and clarity of mind to those who owned them. Yellow topaz and citrine were both worn to gladden hearts, banish fear, and to help see through deception. Even in the contemporary world, these gemstones are known to evoke images of autumn gourds, roaring fires, sunflowers, and melted butter over cobs of corn. So what better way to commemorate the month of November than with one of these elegant birthstones?
Resources:
Healing Qualities of Gemstones
Citrine Crystals
Citrine on Wikipedia
Topaz on Wikipedia
More about the Month of November
October’s Birthstone: Spooky Tales of Pink Tourmaline
Opals and Pink Tourmaline
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
There are two October birthstones: opals and pink tourmaline. But while opals are more famous and certainly have their charm, pink tourmaline’s spooky qualities make it the perfect birthstone for the month in which we revel in ghost stories and the supernatural.
You see, pink tourmaline shares a unique quality with all tourmaline gemstones—it’s pyroelectric and piezoelectric. That means that when heated or put under pressure, tourmaline gemstones take on an electric charge and can actually pull things towards them. If you vigorously rub and warm up your pink tourmaline birthstone jewelry, it can “magically” attract nearby bits of paper and dust. It might even make the hairs on your arm stand on end!
But spooky action at a distance isn’t the only haunting quality of this October birthstone. Tourmaline jewelry can also appear to be different colors when viewed from different angles. The scientific explanation for this is pleochroism, an optical phenomenon in which light wavelengths are absorbed and bent in different degrees as they pass through the crystal. The mundane result, however, is that a set of birthstone jewelry is mystical and ever changing. Is it any wonder that tourmaline gemstones have been considered magical since ancient times?
Amongst gemstones, tourmaline is available in the widest variety of colors. The Egyptians even told a tale that tourmaline passed over a rainbow on its journey to earth and called it the gemstone of the rainbow.
There are even varieties of color in pink tourmaline itself. One of the most popular varieties is called “watermelon tourmaline.” Watermelon tourmaline is green on the outside, giving way to a slight white rind, and then a brilliant pink or red interior. When October’s birthstone displays three colors, as it does with watermelon tourmaline, it’s known as multicolored tourmaline. If it displays only two colors, then it’s known as bicolored tourmaline.
Because tourmaline gemstones come in every color under the sun, special names have been invented to distinguish them. For example, blue tourmaline is known as indigolite and green tourmaline is known as verdelite, so when shopping for your October Birthstone, keep in mind that pink tourmaline also has another name: rubellite. (For jewelers and gemstone enthusiasts, a true rubellite is a variety that does not change colors depending on the light source or viewing angle, but pink tourmaline might be sold as rubellite anyway.)
Tourmaline is the official mineral of Maine. It’s quarried there and in a variety of other locations all around the world, so October’s birthstone is available in almost all price ranges. It can even be irradiated to give it a more intense color.
Tourmaline ranges between 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale; that makes it ideal for birthstone jewelry, which must both be durable and wear well. (October’s other birthstone, opal, is not as hard as tourmaline, and can become brittle and break easily. Also, whereas pink tourmaline can be faceted for more traditional jewelry settings, opals are best polished and smooth.)
Remember too that if transparent rubellite or multicolored watermelon tourmaline is not your style, you can even find October’s birthstone in a cat’s eye pattern. And if that’s not perfect for the month that celebrates Halloween, what is?
SWCreations Artist Spotlight - Body Divine This is the first in a series of interviews designed to spotlight women who run creative businesses from home while rearing their children. Michelle Hurd has agreed to visit with us for this interview. I think that you’ll agree that shehas a fascinating story.
An Interview With Body Divine’s Michelle Hurd
written for SWCreations by Laura Spencer
This is the first in a series of interviews designed to spotlight women who run creative businesses from home while rearing their children. Body Divine’s Michelle Hurd has agreed to visit with us for this interview. I think that you’ll agree that she has a fascinating story.
Body Divine has specialized in soaps, moisturizers, and home spa products made with only natural ingredients and essential oils for over seven years.
As Michelle says, “Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It requires care just like our heart. To strengthen the heart we exercise it. Our skin’s health is directly related to its moisture content. It needs vitamins and minerals (food), and TLC! I have formulated my products with natural ingredients that provide this.
Here is Michelle’s story:
SWCreations: How long have you been selling natural skin care?
Michelle: I began to research the art of soapmaking in 2000 just for fun. Shortly after that one of my sons had several different rashes over the majority of his body. After many visits to doctors, who treated him with steroids, I took matters into my own hands. By changing his diet and using completely natural soap, lotions, and bath salts (that I made myself) his skin condition cleared up. Friends started requesting the soap!
I studied Chemical Engineering in college for several years, so I understand chemistry. Creating soaps, lotions, body scrubs, and masks that have beneficial properties and feed the skin cells was fascinating. I continued my education and experimentation and developed a line of products that are used by naturopaths and other health care providers. I began studying about healing the skin when my other son suffered third degree burns over 17% of his body. Certain oils and essential oils help the skin’s cells grow and affect both scar tissue and skin color.
SWCreations: What sparked your interest in essential oils?
Michelle: The natural healing properties of essential oils and the fact that they are soothing, both physically and mentally. I just take a whiff of lavender essential oil and my shoulders relax and pleasant thoughts can come to me. I use essential oils/aromatherapy for minor illnesses for my family such as colds, stomachaches, headaches, insect bites, and as insect repellent. I also use them for relaxation. I started learning about aromatherapy in the early 90s.
SWCreations: What makes your soaps and lotions unique?
Michelle: There are unique properties in each oil I use in formulating my products. I use aromatherapy principles in selecting scents and botanicals that are in the products. Some soaps are for fun and provide TLC, some soaps soothe the skin, others are formulated to help things like eczema and dry skin bumps or deter insects. The Bath salts provide minerals and relaxation . While the soaps sound functional, they are made beautifully with natural colorants. You will feel the difference on your skin. My soap bars last much longer than commercially made soap bars. The image and professionalism of the products differentiate them as well. My ability to communicate the benefits and educate the consumer is what sets Body Divine apart.
SWCreations: Do you have a favorite oil or soap, and why?
Michelle: I am indebted to Emu oil — it gave my older son added elasticity (reducing the amount of skin grafts) and softened the scar tissue. I have an Emu soap bar, which is lovely and healing! My favorite soap bar is the Massage bar. It is a timesaver — you get cleaned while you soothe your muscles with a massage. I love it on my feet. The best oil for your skin is Olive oil and I use it in all my soaps and scrubs. By itself it is too thick and can clog pores, but mixed with other ingredients it provides a breathable, protective layer for your skin.
SWCreations: What was your biggest challenge that you had in setting up your business?
Michelle: My biggest challenge has been juggling my craving for knowledge and product development with the need to educate people about my products and take care of the business. Those two aspects of business require different skills.
SWCreations: What is your day as a home business owner like?
Michelle: It was overly full until I established work hours to keep myself from checking emails one more time, and so on. I have a separate room at home for Body Divine HQ. I try to leave work at work!
SWCreations: What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment?
Michelle: Personally, my biggest accomplishment has been raising two sons (aged 10 and 12). Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is that I have developed Healthy Skin seminars in order to educate people about ingredients in commercial products, what to look for in natural products, what that means, and the top five chemicals to avoid in skin care today. It is, in a nutshell, education.
SWCreations: Do you have any exciting plans “in the works” that you’d care to share
with the readers?
Michelle: My lastest product is a lotion stick, a “solid” lotion. It looks like a giant lip balm. The heat from your body melts the oils into your skin so you have a protective layer on your skin and just the right amount of moisturizer. Ingredients include emu, jojoba, avocado, mango and shea. Look for November issue of Texas Monthly magazine. They will showcase several Body Divine products in their “Holiday Wish List” section.
SWCreations: Where do you see your business in five years? In ten years?
Michelle: In the next five years, I hope to continue to improve the effectiveness of my products and develop complementary products. In ten years the kids will be gone - expansion time!
SWCreations: Do you have any advice for others who might be interested in setting up their own business?
Michelle: There is a difference between crafting and owning a business. Make sure that you want to own a business. It can quickly own you! Start off slowly to test the water. Create an image for your business through consistency of a logo, business cards, written documents, the Internet. Join support groups such as the American Business Women Association, your local Chamber of Commerce, and groups in your area of interest. Think positive! Ask for help.
The Facts about Domestic Abuse
written for SWCreations by Lisa Vella
Domestic Abuse Awarness Bracelets
Most often, abuse occurs in cycles and being familiar with that cycle may help you or someone you know escape from a bad situation. The cycle always begins with abuse, which can be psychological, physical, sexual, or economic. After the abuse occurs, the abuser feels guilt, but not about what he has done to his partner. His main concern lies with being caught. He rationalizes or makes excuses for what he has done, often accusing his partner of pushing him to do it. In order to regain control over the relationship and keep his partner from leaving, he then reverts to “normal behavior.” He may pretend that he did nothing at all, or he may treat his partner like gold—causing her to feel that there really is hope for a happy life together. This is often referred to as the honeymoon phase. Once normalcy is reestablished, the abuser begins to fantasize and plan out the next time he will abuse his partner. He creates a plan, a set-up, which his victim will fall into so that he has what he thinks is a legitimate excuse to abuse her again. Then the cycle starts all over again.
There are many signs to look for that indicate whether you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse. There are those based on inner feelings and those based on the abusive partners behaviors.
Signs of abuse based on your own inner feelings:
· Fear of partner
· Fear of angering partner
· Feelings that you deserve to be mistreated
· Feelings of helplessness
· Feeling that you are the crazy one
Signs of abuse based on abusive partners behaviors:
· Partner humiliates and criticizes you frequently
· Ignores you or makes you feel like your input is not valuable
· Blames you for his own abusive behavior
· Threatens to leave you
· Threatens to commit suicide if you leave
· Threatens to take your children away
· Acts overly jealous or possessive
· Controls where you are going and who you are going with
· Limits your access to money, or transportation
· Constantly checks up on you
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, the cycle can and must be broken. Nobody deserves to be mistreated, and help is available. The only way to break the cycle is to leave. Many women think that is impossible, but it isn’t. There are a lot of government or privately funded agencies that will help find shelter for women and their children as well as protect them from a dangerous partner. Other sources are 24-hour hotlines, shelters, legal services, and counseling. These services are often free. Always remember that if you are in a dangerous situation you can dial 911.
Domestic abuse is a terrible thing, but it’s important to remember that nobody has to endure it—and nobody ever should. It’s a condition that is growing ever prevalent in the United States and no two cases are exactly the same. It comes in many forms and each is painful, scarring, and immobilizing in its own way. If you are a victim or you suspect you know someone who is, then reach out and break the cycle right away.
“Emotional wounds are not as visible but can cause deadly health problems.” - Stephanie A White
Jade: Two Gemstones for Two Empires
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
To tell the story of jade is really to tell the tale of two ancient empires: the Chinese and the Mayans. Both cultures prized jade’s beauty above all other gems and precious metals. Both the Mayans and the Chinese used carved jade beads to make jewelry and they also carved jade creations into tools and weapons. These two ancient empires prized not just the green stones that are popular today, but also black jade, purple jade and blue jade too.
Confucius once likened jade to virtue, and the gemstone took on important cultural significance in China. To express their fascination, the Chinese had a saying: “Gold has value, but jade is invaluable.”
The Chinese were not the only ones to feel this way. Jade was revered so highly by the Mayans and their Mesoamerican heirs that Aztec Emperor Montezuma once sent Cortez four jade beads in tribute. When the Conquistador dismissed the jade beads as nothing more than colored rocks, it’s said that Montezuma was greatly relieved to send gold instead!
Jadeite and Nephrite: Twin Stones
The jade prized by the Mayans and Mesoamericans was actually a substance known as jadeite–formed in metamorphic rocks. Across the sea in China, valuable carved jade weapons, jewelry and ritual talismans were actually made of an entirely different substance: nephrite.
While the Mesoamericans loved green jadeite, white “mutton fat jade” made of nephrite was the most valuable jade in China.
Mutton fat jade is also sometimes called “ancient jade” to distinguish it from the jadeite that has been imported into China in the course of the past two centuries. In actuality, both gemstones have ancient roots in different parts of the world and their use goes back to prehistoric times.
Both jadeite and nephrite come in a wide variety of colors, are extremely tough, and can be fashioned into carved jade weapons and implements that some say are stronger than steel. (Nephrite is actually harder to break than jadeite because of its chemical structure, but both stones hover near the same number on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.)
Considering the similarities between nephrite and jadeite, it should be no surprise that when trade routes opened between the old world and the new, they were sold interchangeably as raw, polished or carved jade. Gemologists were unable to distinguish between the two varieties until the 19th century because they look so much alike and have very similar physical properties. (Perhaps it is no accident that these twin stones are associated with the astrological sign Gemini.)
Jadeite versus Nephrite
Unfortunately, there are meaningful differences between jadeite and nephrite when it comes to jewelry or collecting antique carved jade.
Polished nephrite has a waxy finish whereas polished jadeite can shine like glass. As a general rule, paler stones are usually nephrite and the more brightly colored ones are jadeite. Most importantly, jadeite is rarer than nephrite and therefore, more expensive. (If you’re shopping for carved jade, jewelry or other keepsakes, most of what you’ll find is made of nephrite.)
East versus West
“Imperial Green” jadeite is said to be the most expensive gemstone in the world. A stone can command tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Because the color has so much to do with the price, distinguishing between jades has given rise to a host of descriptive names. Dark green semi-translucent jadeite is called “Yunan Jade” whereas yellowish green jadeite is known as “Apple Jade” and white jadeite with green inclusions is called “Moss-in-Snow Jade.”
To Westerners, the most attractive, valuable and sought after types are the imperial green jade, spinach green jade, and apple jade. To Easterners, however, white mutton fat jade still holds the most magic. (Mutton fat jade can be clear, off-white or even yellow. At its best, mutton fat jade is also smooth and milky.)
Modern Jewelry
Imperial green jade and mutton fat jade are only the most well-known types. Because jade comes in a wide variety of colors and price ranges, it’s a popular choice for gemstone jewelry.
It can be dyed, so jewelry lovers can enjoy carved jade beads in a host of ornamental settings from necklaces to anklets to coordinate with every outfit. Blood red jade (also known as “Man Jade”) is very stylish. Pink and purple jade make for versatile and affordable choices in pendants, rings and bracelets. And black jade is an excellent alternative to onyx.
We no longer use carved jade to make weapons and farming implements, but the magical aura of jade still lingers. Like the Mayans and Chinese Empires before us, we cannot help but be enchanted by its beauty and glorious past.
Jade Links:
International Colored Gemstone Association
Jade and its Historic and Modern Meanings for Trade
Gemstone Gifts- Jade Gemstone Meanings
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