Garnet Birthstone for January

The birthstone for January is Garnet. Although most people know the colors for their own birth month (and probably several others as well), I’m sure there are only a few who know what the colors represent and the folklore and mythology behind the color! It’s interesting to know the beliefs people once held and some probably still do!

Pomegranate Seeds

The deep red of garnet is supposed to resemble pomegranate seeds. Actually, the name garnet is derived from  granatum, which is the latin word for pomegranate seeds.

In Greek mythology, the pomegranate was given as a sign for unending love and passion.

In ancient times, people would wear garnet while traveling because they believed it would light up their night and protect them from things such as nightmares and accidents.

In the middle ages, people thought it would help keep them from being poisoned. Royalty, who were big wearers of garnet, would drop a garnet into their drink so they would not be poisoned.

The Symbolism of garnet is for a  quick return to a separated love, fertility and feminine life force.

To care for garnet, wash in warm soapy water and rinse. Dry well.

If anyone else has any tidbits of lore (or fact) for garnets, please leave your comments. I’d love to learn more!

Blue-Zircon Birthstone for December

This lovely blue colored gemstone is the birthstone for december. Not to be confused with blue cubic zirconia, which is a manmade gem, blue zircon is a natural gem.

Some lore that goes along with blue zircon is that it helps ease childbirth pain, protects against nightmares, helps you to have peace with yourself,  provide wisdom, honor and riches, and loss of luster is a warning of danger.

Zircon comes from the Persian word zargun which means golden color (zircon comes in many colors).

Zircon is one of the oldest gemstones known. Clear zircon is a natural gemstone replacement for diamonds because of its brilliant fire and hardness.

Contact me for your custom birthstone jewelry!

My fellow creators know exactly what I’m talking about. Skeins of yarn turned into a sweater, scarf, afghan, and so much more! A pile of wood turned into a house, a shelf, cabinet, and the list goes on! Fabric and thread turns into clothing, quilts, and endless possibilities!

All of these are amazing to me, but, I think wire jewelry creation is so much more so! I think the reason is we have all seen how all the other creations came about, but, wire jewelry creation is not as well-known. We are so used to going to the local or even large chain jewelers and purchasing jewelry items that were made from molds. Thousands of the same items exactly replicated.  Nothing is made by a single person, created especially for your special moment, or unique to you that no one else will ever have.

That is exactly what wire jewelry creation does! Everything we make, we make by hand. We don’t use any solder or glue! You can receive a very special piece of jewelry, hand crafted from the creator’s heart, just for you!

These photos show how a few items are created into something beautiful!

These are the items I used to create the finished ring pictured below

In the picture above, I started out with some argentium silver wire, cubic zirconia, czech glass beads, and a snapset to hold the cz stone. As I went along, I decided which beads would look best and where I felt they should be in conjunction with the set cz.

In the photo below, the finished ring. Amazing!

Finished cocktail ring

Finished cocktail ring~another view

Topaz~Birthstone for November

The gemstone for November is Topaz.  I used to be disappointed that I was born in November and was stuck with this stone while other had such beautiful gems they could call their own. I have since learned to appreciate this seemingly plain stone and actually think it’s quite beautiful. Topaz is actually a rare and expensive gemstone. A lot of the gemstones that claim to be topaz is actually the more affordable gemstone citrine which is a variety of quartz.

Some legends and lore claim that topaz is good for the eye sight, changes color in the presence of  food poisoning, increases strength, gives invisibility during emergencies, spark creativity,  help attract love, improve mood, and in the healing of physical and emotional pain.

Topaz is a very hard gemstone, close to diamond, but does split easily so you should be careful with your topaz jewelry not to hit it hard on anything.

Topaz Swarovski Crystals as well as citrine make a great substitute for the gemstone topaz.  

Topaz Swarovski Crystal Earrings

Opal

The beautiful fiery opal is the birthstone for October. This stone is actually hardened gel of silica and water.  The word Opal comes from a Sanskrit word that means precious stone. 

 This stone that has a rainbow play of color is said to  spark creativity and help people relish life. At one time in Greece, opals were just as valuable as diamonds and also worn as jewelry by the Romans.

In the middle ages it was thought that opals could bring good luck because it was believed that it contained all the qualities of gemstones which color appears in its fire.

Opals must be well maintained as if it is allowed to dry out it will crack. It is best to store in a sealed plastic bag when not wearing so as to keep it hydrated. Always wait to put your opal jewelry on until you are completely finished with your hair and make up as these chemicals may destroy your opal.

Opal Triplet Ring

Sapphire-September Birthstone

Blue sapphire is the birthstone for September. Why put the word blue in front of sapphire? Well, it’s because not all sapphire is blue! Sapphire can be colorless, pink, green,  black, purple, yellow, orange, and of course the ever popular blue. 

It was believed by the Persian Rulers that the reason the sky was blue was because of the reflection of sapphire stones. It was also used to ward of sickness and for safety during travel. 

In the middle ages, people wore sapphire as a way to keep wicked thoughts away and encourage pure thoughts. It is thought to bring out creativity as well as being known for new love and commitment. 

Sapphire is mentioned 9 times in the Bible in the books of Exodus, Job, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Revelation. 

Queen's Jewels

I figured I would take this little break and give you THE most AWESOME mexican recipe there ever was (at least til I find another, lol)!

I got this recipe off of allrecipes.com so I can’t take credit for it. I don’t remember whose recipe it originally was to give credit to the proper person, sorry!, but I did make small changes after making it the first time.

Chipotle Chicken-YUM!

Be sure to read the whole recipe before beginning as I will have tips at the end that will help you decide pepper quantity and other suggestions

Chipotle Chicken

1 bag boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2c milk
2c sour cream
1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
4tbsp chicken bullion paste (I use Better than Bullion by Superior Touch)
2tbsp margarine

Bake chicken until done. Meanwhile, in blender, puree milk, sour cream, bullion, and peppers (I use whole can, but if you don’t like hot, use 2-3 peppers) until smooth. Melt margarine in large pan and add sauce & heat. Add cooked chicken and simmer 20-30 mins.

*Serve with refried beans, spanish rice, sour cream, and guacamole. Tortillas optional

*Tip:  you can use whole can of peppers but if you’re a mild-medium person, don’t scoop any extra sauce onto chicken when serving. It’ll still be spicy but the more sauce you scoop, the hotter it will be. If you don’t like any hot, only use a couple of peppers. You’ll know after the first time what works for you

*Tip: you can cook the meat and sauce and save for next day-has more flavor.

*Tip: This makes a lot of sauce so you can even make more chicken the next day and reuse the leftover sauce. If you don’t want to make that much just cut sauce recipe in half.

This is my family’s favorite dish and it’s really easy to make.

Hope you try this recipe and enjoy it! Let me know how you like it!

Peridot-Birthstone for August

Peridot, a lovely olive-green stone, is believed to balance the emotions and mind thus bringing good health, restful sleep, and peace to relationships. It is also known as the stone of compassion and thereby attracts love, calms anger, and frees the mind of jealousy.

Legend has it that if peridot is set in gold it will become a strong amulet that will have the power to annihilate nightmares. One catch to the power of the peridot though, is that it is said it must be worn on the right arm in order for it to have its greatest potential. Peridot will also protect you from the evil eye. So with that being said, apparently everyone with teenagers should have a peridot set in gold worn on their right arm at ALL times lol!

Medium Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Ring

Ruby-Birthstone for July

Ruby, a rare and valuable gemstone, is the birthstone for the month of July. They have many shades of red from pinkish to purplish to brownish red. The most valuable of all ruby colors is called pigeon’s blood, it is pure red in color with a touch of blood. The pigeon’s blood ruby at one time was known as ‘blood drops from the heart of mother earth’.  Another fascinating fact of rubies is that its color varies depending on the direction you are viewing it.

The ruby’s value is mentioned in the Bible: “ Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31. Any man can agree with that!

Rubies have been used to protect against illness and misfortune by the Burmese. Another belief  in the ancient times was that the future could be predicted by someone just by the color of the ruby they were wearing changing. The belief of the Hindus was that the ruby burned with an internal fire and they called it ‘the king of precious stones’.

A few other legends of the ruby is that it would bring to the wearer romance, energy, friendship, peace, and courage. No wonder it was the gemstone of royalty.

14K Love Drops

An alternative to the precious ruby for birthstone jewelry is Swarovski’s siam. Beautiful deep red in color and as usual, Swarovski’s sparkle makes it a perfect substitute.

Siam

alexandrite-Birthstone for June

This month’s birthstone, alexandrite, is actually a rare and expensive gem. This gemstone was named after Alexander the II since it was discovered on his birthday.

What make this gem so unique is its color changing properties. Unlike the imitation gem pictured above, genuine alexandrite is actually green in daylight and light red in artificial light. Examples are in the picture below:

alexandrite

Genuine alexandrite is so rare and expensive that very few people actually own one. Almost every stone out there that is labeled as alexandrite is imitation, especially if it’s purple. Since it is so rare , there is really no legends or myths that I could find pertaining to this stone. I guess one thing is for sure, if you own one, you’re loaded!

Another substitute for alexandrite for June’s birthstone would be Swarovski’s light amethyst crystal:

Light Amethyst

Light Amethyst Cross Drops