| Phianite - Synthetic Diamond | Jan 18, 2008 |
Nowadays there are opportunities to imitate natural stones and gems. One of the stones created in such a way is called phianite.
The stone has its own character. When they add some alloys they can create stones of unique colors that doesn't exist in nature or to achieve some unusual optic effects such as color change depending on light. But even made in amethyst color phianite creates a very special image of a stone.
By its beauty phianite exceeds diamond and by color spectrum can be in rivalry with amethyst, garnet and zirconium.
The stone can shine in a different way depending on how light falls. This property together with different tints give the possibility to imitate natural precious stones and create new original tints for the stones.
They found a method to create synthetic gems in 1970.
You know it is very difficult to differ a phianite from a diamond especially if it is very small in size. But of course it is possible to define it using special equipment. For example phianite is heavier than the majority of other gems including a diamond and its “ribs”are slightly rounded that also makes it different from a diamond.
Be certain that phianites are exceptionally beautiful high quality stones that produce marvelous effect with their gorgeous shine especially under sun rays. Phianite is great in any way especially if taken into consideration that its price is not so biting as price for real diamonds.
| New Exclusive Patek Phillipe Watch | Dec 26, 2007 |
The case of the new Patek Philippe Ref. 5971, crafted entirely in 950 platinum, is a real masterpiece of horology and the art of jewelery. In fact, a platinum watch's case represents a real challenge for case-makers as this metal is not easy to work as it resists such procedures as milling, punching, drilling and polishing. However, a platinum case is characterized by impressive weight and unique color.
The new Patek Philippe watch sports a lot of peculiarities. You will probably be surprised to see a small diamond inserted between the lugs at 6 o'clock. The timepiece has a broadened bezel paved with magnificent perfectly-set 36 white Top Wesselton baguette diamonds.
The watch is powered by the mechanical caliber CH 27-70 Q movement, appreciated as one of the most beautiful classic column- wheel chronograph mechanisms ever produced. Nouvelle Lemania manufactured the ebauche exclusively for the company. The ebauche, further refined at the Patek Philippe workshops, is equipped with a perpetual calendar that accounts automatically the different days' number in every month, and even leap years. The movement gladdens the eye with its irresistible aesthetic appeal and immaculate finish. The mechanism, ticking at a rate of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour, comprises 353 individual parts. The chronograph function measures time intervals with one-fifth of a second accuracy.
The timepiece has been developed with two different case backs - a solid-platinum back and a sapphire-crystal one.
The black dial of Ref. 5971 reveals a great variety of time indications. The two white-gold leaf-like hands indicate hours and minutes, while the slender center sweep hand indicates the chronograph seconds. There are two tiny apertures positioned at 12 o'clock for featuring the date and month of the perpetual calendar. The subsidiary dials feature the following:
- the running seconds and the 24-hour indicator at 9 o'clock,
- the chronograph's 30-minute counter and the leap-year display found at 3 o'clock,
- the analog date and the moon phase positioned at 6 o'clock.
Due to the organized layout, the dial is characterized by superb legibility. Matching the case, the dial is also nicely accented with diamonds. You will notice a baguette diamond set at 12 o'clock and serves as the keystone of a wreath formed by six round-shaped hour-marker diamonds in white-gold chatons.
The watch goes on a shiny black alligator strap with platinum prong buckle embellished with six baguette diamonds. The new Ref. 5971 chronograph represents the brand's only haute joaillerie timepiece relevant to the Grand Complications category.
| Exclusive DE BETHUNE Timepiece for Ladies - Beauty and Functionality in One | Nov 15, 2007 |
Following the success of the DB S unveiled in 2005, De Bethune has presented its new originally designed watch - the DB L. The timepiece proves the brand's remarkable skills in uniting traditional watchmaking values with the present-day requirements.
The De Bethune DB L is housed in a white gold 45 mm x 42.5 mm case featuring palladium and ogival-shaped diamond-set lugs and screw-down crown set with diamonds. Based upon the traditional features of the brand's watch collection, the dial of the watch is distinguished by utmost elegance and a refined subtlety displayed by objects relevant to well-maintained tradition in French watchmaking.
The dial of the De Bethune DB L has been completed on a silvered gold base to create its brilliance and an exceptional effect. It is composed of 24 finely assembled pieces and amazing 520 diamonds, as well as 12 cabochon sapphires.
The moon phase indicator is found at 12 o'clock. The brand's patented mechanism is visible through a spherical moon that turns on its own axis that is completely covered by 88 diamonds and 91 sapphires. This serves as a remarkably precise reproduction of the movements of the moon.
As for the hours, they are composed of 12 precious-sapphires spheres, while the watch's exclusively flame-shaped skeleton hands are crafted in blued steel. The dial protected by a sapphire crystal with a special anti-reflective treatment provides supreme readability under any light conditions.
In the heart of the De Bethune DB L there beats a mechanical movement - De Bethune Caliber 2014. The mechanism has been developed according to the new exclusive system that consisits of a titanium balance bridge, as well as titanium-platinum balance wheel equipped with a triple shock-absorber. The double-barrel auto-regulator of the movement offers an 8-day (192-hour) power-reserve presented through a sector found at 6 o'clock with a retractable hand.
The De Bethune DB L is secured to the wrist with help of the crocodile leather bracelet with 18K gold buckle that is attached to the case in a unique way to perfectly fit the shape of the wrist.
| Mother-of-pearl - Great Option for Jewels | Oct 09, 2007 |
Pearl is a precious stone of organic origin that is formed when an external body occasionally appears inside a mollusk. The object starts to be covered with many layers of mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl consists of very small crystals that produce a rainbow effect.
Mother-of-pearl has been well known to people from ancient times. In ancient Egypt mother-of-pearl was widely use to create necklaces, earrings, bracelets, different ware due to its amazing beauty and easiness of processing.
In Ancient Rome mother-of-pearl was a symbol of power and wisdom, they thought that it brings happiness. There were times when jewelers created all jewelry pieces using mother-of-pearl.
Mother-of-pearl is greatly combined with other precious stones accentuating their color but without loosing its own charm and beauty. Earlier queens worn amazingly beautiful necklaces made of mother-of-pearl.
As for its color it can be rainbow-like with different colorful tints (blue and pink are the most precious), golden, silver, green, violet, black. Transparency of mother-of-pearl: it can be both transparent or not. Its shine is matte and beautiful.
There are a number of places where it is possible to find pearl all around the world . You should also know that jewels made of mother-of-pearl are in the height of fashion now. If you consider yourself to be a fashion lady remember that you should have at least one jewel made of mother-of-pearl in your jewelry box. Such kind of jewels look great but of course pay attention whether it is suitable to your attire.
| Charoit - What's this? | Sep 11, 2007 |
Charoit - have you ever heard such a name before? To tell you the truth I didn't. But now I've found out some interesting information about it.
So, charoit is one of the most beautiful but unfortunately very rare stones existed in our planet.
Charoit is a new mineral opened by a Russian scientist in 1964. The single minefield of this unique stone is situated in Yakutia. Fibrous crystals of this mineral create unusual and unique prints often with silk or mother-of-pearl glitter. Due to its uniqueness, bright violet color and very rare even for gems beauty, charoit has quickly become popular all around the world.
As it is a very rare gem, it becomes more and more difficult to find it and buy. That is the reason demand exceeds supply many times.
Charoit has quickly conquered the world market. Jewelers buy charoit to create from it jewelry pieces for high society, elite, people of business and art.
Because of the extreme rarity of charoit, you can probably guess that the prices for jewelry pieces made of it are enormous. For example, a vase made of charoit 30 cm length costs from 12 to 16 000 dollars depending on the sort of stone and its color. Vases of unusual shape that are rare items of XX century and massive samples of the gem are desirable items for auctions and galleries.
It is a pity that such a beauty is so rare and is also so expensive. But probably it is not worth being upset because there are plenty of other stones and gems - very beautiful and unique. And the price for them is not so biting. But if you are a real amateur of charoit's beauty I wish you good look in your searches!
| Mystic World of Gems | Jul 04, 2007 |
From ancient time people have known that minerals and earth materials can greatly influence upon human organism. People believe that when a person wears or looks at a particular stone it cures from many diseases. Even in ancient times doctors widely used precious stones in their practice.
There are several methods how to use stones. For example it is possible to hold it in hands for 20 minutes, to wear it close to the place you feel pain in or make massage with the help of stones.
Turquoise
Turquoise possesses really unique properties. It is very useful to put on this stone if you have to appear in front of the public with a speech. Beads made of turquoise cure from respiration organs diseases and have a good influence upon heart. This stone is great for young people but it is not so good for old ones.
Amethyst
Amethyst has a drastic curing effect. If you put it under your pillow you will have a good and healthy dream. The stone can cure from a strong headache if you put it on your forehead. And one more amazing property of this great stone: they say that people born in October can be cured from drunkenness just due to the amethyst.
Malachite
Malachite is very useful if you have arthritis and rheumatism. It makes your complexion more beautiful. The stone has a positive influence upon men that consider themselves to be emotionally reserved.
Ruby
Ruby stimulates immune resistance. It also helps to get rid of depression. It is a great for hypo tensive people. Besides its curing properties it is also a very beautiful stone.
| Moon Stone | Jun 19, 2007 |
Moon stone strike us with the amazing light play that is why it is called this way. Earlier they thought that twinkle is related to moon phases. Moon stones from Sri Lanka – classic country of the stones – twinkle by soft blue color on the almost transparent background.
Indian specimens have very unusual play of light and shade on the basic brown, green, orange and beige colors. These obscure colors and twinkle make moon stone ideal for sensitive and feminine jewelry pieces.
This precious stone was loved 100 years ago during Art Nouveau period. French jeweler Rene Lalique used it in his pieces that you can see today only in museums and private collections.
In India a moon stone is considered to be curing and magic that brings good and pleasant dreams. In Arab countries it is considered to be a symbol of fertility and women fix it to their clothing. They also think that moon stone wearing has a good influence upon your intuition.
When you decide to buy a moon stone you can meet the difference in prices. The price is defined by the intensity of color, size and transparency of the stone. Great blue moon stones have striking three-dimensional color deepness, that is visible when the stone is turned.
Such pieces are highly appreciated by collectors because of their rarity and of course are expensive. Multicolored Indian moon stones as a rule are cheaper than classic blue moon stones that is why everybody can choose a stone to correspond to his/her taste and budget.
Moon stones are nature jewels with very sensitive and attractive charm. Soft twinkle that makes a moon stone so desirable is discovered while wearing them.
Where this unique twinkle comes from ?
A light twinkle of moon stones is an amazing phenomena in the world of precious stones. There is a scientific explanation to this: twinkling is caused by the inner structure of the stone.
Falling light rays refract in the stone and dissipates. This way a unique light phenomenon appears and it makes the moon stone so special and desirable. This beautiful precious stone has its weak places. It is not very firm one.
| Martin Braun Notos Watch – For Sky-Navigators | May 30, 2007 |
Is it enough for a timepiece to provide reliable timekeeping? Many watchmakers would say – no. They create watches that boast intricate complications from the realms of micro-mechanics. Martin Braun is one of the genius horologists exploring the mysteries of timekeeping. Martin Braun has been especially interested in a line of watches measuring 'clock' time in relation to 'solar' time – a reading accounting for the sun movement.
Braun has developed an amazing line of astronomical watches bearing the names of Greek gods. The timepieces have been greatly appreciated at BaselWorld. Initially there appeared the Eos watch named after the god of dawn. It indicated the sunrise and sunset time in the time zone of its owner. The timepiece has been followed by the creation of the Boreas, with the display of the equation of time; the Heliozentric, indicating the position of the earth in relation to the sun; and the Astriaios, featuring the sunrise-sunset time as well as the world-position system.
Notos is the latest step in the evolution of Martin Braun's watch line inspired by Greek deities. It inherited the name of the god of the South Wind. The timepiece's peculiarity is its declination complication that displays the line of latitude upon which the sun is positioned at noon in the time zone of the watch's owner. Braun has also updated the equation of time display, having improved its readability due to a new control disk, invented specially for the Notos.
The dial of the Notos watch has been developed in two variations, applying exotic materials – black onyx or white cocolong, a rare stone found in South America. The stones are really difficult to work. The brand's watchmakers had to use a lithography method o manufacturing. The complete dial construction requires 35 steps and 20 hours of work.
The Notos's case measures 42 mm in diameter. The complicated timepiece is available in stainless steel, 18k rose-gold, and platinum. It is 30-meters water-resistant. The watch comes on a padded black alligator strap. Martin Braun has also developed a special limited edition of four platinum Notos watches, each featuring a different dial treatment. A special telescope, sexton and celestial map will accompany the exclusive creations. According to Martin Brown these are tools required for navigating the Seven Seas.
| Interesting About Corals | May 15, 2007 |
Coral is a great material to create jewelry pieces. It is a material that has a special charm, a real incarnation of summer, sun and sea.
There are a lot of places where corals live. But when people speak of coral reefs, they first of all think of coral reefs and atolls situated in South Sea and Australia. They really can be called one of prodigies of nature. But these are not those corals who are protected. They use such corals as for instance “corallium rubrum” and “corallium japonicum”as a material to produce jewelry pieces.
As well as pearl it belongs to organic materials. You should know that corals and pearl are very similar in their chemical structure so it is a real miracle that nature created them absolutely different in their look: bright red corals and snow-white pearl.
It is also interesting that corals are not obligatory red even if red color is considered to be typical for them. There are even white, blue and black corals in nature! But the most loved and popular are red corals. The most fashionable are considered to be black and golden corals. As for blue ones, they are extremely rare. Very expensive are blue colors - “angel skin”.
Corals are rather soft that is why your jewelry piece made of coral can be damaged. In order to avoid this you should know that corals do not like cosmetics, hot water and bright light. Take care of your coral jewels and if necessary take it to a jeweler.
From ancient times people have used corals as protective stones. People have been wearing corals to protect themselves from evil spirits as talismans. They also help in family life.
Corals inspire fashion designers all around the world. So don't be afraid to touch this wonderful world of gorgeous corals!
| Ill-fated Blood Diamonds | May 01, 2007 |
Blood diamonds – this way it is possible to call precious stones that are wrapped in a number of dark legends and human dramas. The most gorgeous, beautiful and expensive solitaires often became pitiless killers and broke a lot of people's lives.
There is even a world history of fatal diamonds existed.
But probably the most dramatic diamond is considered to be Hope Diamond. For a long period of time rich and poor people, emperors and peasants, thieves and just men went crazy looking at that unique stone.
The first victim of the stone became a Hindu priest who came under its spell more than 500 years ago. He stole it from an eye of an Indian idol standing in temple but was caught and died in tortures.
Soon after it the diamond appeared in Europe in 1642. It was in hands of a French smuggler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. He got a lot of money for the diamond. But his son lost all his money. Jean-Baptiste sold everything he had to help his son. Tavernier went to India to try his luck once again but was broken to pieces by a pack of wild dogs.
Then King Louis XIV became the stone's owner. Soon after it the king died and the country remained poor and with military conflicts.
It is amazing but three more members of royal family died after they put the diamond into their crown.
Then the diamond traveled all around Europe and then got to Henry Thomas Hope – a wealthy Irish banker. Namely he gave the name to the diamond. His grandson died in complete poverty.
The blood trace of Hope Diamond was over only when famous American jeweler Harry Winston bought it and gave it to Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
All the biggest diamonds of the world have been cursed. They even say that namely because of Blue Tavernier famous Titanic went down.
Nevertheless people still strive to possess them because greediness and passion for money will never die.
| Today Snake, Tomorrow Butterfly | Apr 15, 2007 |
Trying on a new pair of earrings or a bracelet we forget our problems at least for some time and are in the state of joy that is very useful for our mind.
We perceive, see and behave in a different way. That is why before the important meeting with your chief do not be nervous in vain but better try on a pair of earrings you recently bought.
With the help of bijouterie we can change our mood as Madlen Olbrite does. From her childhood she has been collecting brooches of different shapes and kinds. All those around her know for sure – what she has on her jacket the same is in her heart. It can be a brooch-snake or a huge butterfly. All Madlen Olbrite's colleagues already know her favorite bijouterie and can judge about her mood: a brooch looking as a red-golden ball tells about her energetic mood, a brooch in shape of a hat with stars and stripes demonstrates love of country, an angel means peaceful mood.
Go to Sleep or Loose Weight with a Stone
The color of a stone has a different influence upon us; yellow color imposes us to immediately start acting, but if we choose a bracelet with bright red stone there is a chance to have twice more power. If you want to loose weight you should choose a ring, a bracelet or a pendant with stones of a fashionable this season blue color you will feel how your appetite will slow down because there is nothing eatable of this color in nature. Instead of one more deodorant it is better to buy bijouterie with
Some insertions of crystals and stones of pink color. According to psychologists this is the most fragrant one.
By the way your desire to take off your jewels together with your attire and put them into your jewelry box is not quite right. You can leave your ring or a bracelet if there is at least one precious natural stones.
It is known that majority of them are powerful means to sleep well.
Look at your favorite bijouterie and hold it and you will feel how your stress reduces and how your body relaxes after a hard working day.
A necklace or a bracelet made of wood can also be of use to you. Wood contains oils that
Compatibility Test
Do you know that people can be divided into gold and silver? Human qualities have nothing to do with it. The way how we bear different surfaces divide humanity into two almost equal parts. A silver ring can cause allergy. What to do in this case? To put on gold necklace – if you are gold person it will certainly work.
Medical professionals of different kinds use bijouterie ways of treatment. The legend that it is possible to return sight just by piercing ears is only a beautiful fairy tale. But earrings can really calm you down (but if you choose clips do not wear them more than 4-5 hours. There is a bijouterie zone responding for our spiritual harmony). The heavier earrings are the more quiet you are.
Those who create bijouterie started treating people by creating bijouterie from mollusk shells. Scientists have found out that this material contains some properties that have a powerful anesthetic effect. Those who love mother-of-pearl hair clips, bracelets and brooches do not use anesthetic often.
| Stardust on Your Wrist | Feb 26, 2007 |
Symbol comes first: While looking for the astrological or astronomical pieces, people are usually interested in the background of one thing or another. It is not the planet signs, symbols of Zodiac or the multifunctional complicated devices that they are keen on. People appreciate the very symbolic meaning of the thing. Or I can even say - a symbol of what had long become a mythology.
And there are people sharing this point of view or having quite a similar approach. Wolfgang Steinkruger, great designer and the general manager of Sothis Company understood it long time ago. Wolfgang Steinkruger doesn't deny the fact that observing the night vault of heaven made him pay attention to the old time connection set by the people between the Earth and stars motion. It has got a hypnotizing impact on him.
Sothis is a divine personification of the star Sirius in the Big Dog constellation. To get the real value of the product of any company, and especially of the watch company you need to know something about its background. That is the company's history of foundation, its main aesthetic values and so on.
The star Sirius is the brightest one in northerly winter sky. When the Egyptian calendar was introduced, it meant the astronomical beginning of the New Year.
Origins and technologies
The origin of the significant and harmonious name Sothis can be found in Bielefelds. Bielefelds is the metropolis at the edge of Teutoburg Forest. The main designer and owner of Sothis Wolfgang Steinkruger established himself as a world known manufacturer of timepieces within the shortest time. Sothis has got serious mechanical development, such as the moon phase used in the model range 'Spirit of Moon' or 'Stardust'.
Unique design
Superior ornamentation and refined engraving of the Stardust timepiece along with its gold plated rotor makes this timepiece a real treasure for true connoisseurs of original design. The depiction of stars as well as the deep blue color of the 'Stardust' watch dial makes it really precious from the aesthetic point of view. White, detailed watch scale and yellow color of the second hands makes an obvious but beautiful reminiscence to the night starry sky, when the sky is cloudless and the Moon surrounded by the stars is looking at the Earth inhabitants like a mythological deity.
Dial of the Stardust watch is whether black or silver. Stardust model features leather strap with deployment buckle. Like many other unique and original timepieces, Stardust collection represents a limited edition of five hundred pieces.
Hidden universe
Another great detail of the Stardust model is a sapphire glass on the back side of the watch. The back case of Sothis timepiece being transparent makes it possible for the owner to observe the most amazing peculiarity of the watch - work of the movement. The Sothis constellation engraved on the back case creates the impression of the Milky Way passing before the eyes of an observer, which offers a perfect opportunity to draw an analogy between the watch movement and the universe.
I think Stardust watch by Sothis is a great stylized timepiece worth of the careful attention. Stardust watch is am amazing follower of the old astrological and astronomical traditions of watchmaking.
| One of the Greatest Jewelry Houses in the World | Jan 23, 2007 |
Carrera y Carrera is the most famous jewelry house in Spain. Nowadays it is one of five biggest world jewelry companies and the single company that creates jewelry pieces for Spanish royal family by their orders.
The history of Carrera y Carrera has begun more than a century ago. That was the time of Madrid flourishing - it was considered to be one of six most important cities of Europe. That time there were 320 rich Spanish aristocratic families and 270 of them lived in Madrid. In 1885 a young man Satorio Carrera left his native town and moved to Paris to realize his cherished dream. He opened a small jewelry workshop. It turned out to be a very profitable business. That was the reason his son continued it and became one of the most famous Spanish jewelers.
He created the unique style that laid foundation of Carrera y Carrera traditions. He created a lot of jewels with animalistic motives and became one of the creators of the style popular that time and called "animalier".
His favorite subjects were flowers, mysterious panthers and beautiful butterflies that were especially loved by aristocratic women. Later the next generation of famous family wanted to create something really special and different from jewels of other jewelry houses. They decided to combine jewelry art and sculpture in jewelry pieces. That combination was so great that it has become the company's visiting card. The first company's collection made a revolution in jewelry world. And it has always been a remarkable event.
Nowadays Manuel Carrera is called "Spanish Faberge". It's impossible to mix up Carrera jewels with somebody else's. Each collection of the House has its history and symbol.
Carrera y Carrera jewels have always been famous by unusual animalistic motives - among mostly loved company's animals are panthers, dolphins, swans, turtles, horses and even ladybirds.
Carrera y Carrera jewelers think that animals have become a kind of talismans that bring luck to their owners.
Nowadays there are more than 12 thousands jewelry designs. All jewels are launched in limited editions, and just imagine - each item has its own serial number.
The brand's know-how is combination of mat and polished surfaces of generous metals that increases the impression from refined design.
And you know today the House creates not only evening models but also for everyday wear.
| Your Wrist Planetarium | Jan 19, 2007 |
Any great watch is remarkable for some unique functions, as well as special details of the timepiece that attract people's attention. In case of astro-watches, for example, it is whether a matter of their design related to astronomy or their functions. There must be something about the watch to make a customer purchase it, and it should work otherwise… nothing is going to come of it.
Christiaan van der Klaauw
Astronomical timepieces always featured mechanical movements: there is a long history of watchmaking behind them. Christiaan van der Klaauw is a Holland watchmaker who dealt with the mechanics. Even though now he is a maker of wristwatches, he started his career in 1974 with creating exclusive clocks. Christiaan van der Klaauw's mechanical creations have always been characterized by timeless design, which is not an exaggeration at all.
It is enough to take a close look at his watches to understand that these mechanical masterpieces won't be out of date, say, in a hundred years from now. Van der Klaauw has always been keen on the astronomy and the watches that he makes are a result of his old interest. His passion for astronomy and his inimitable skill of watchmaker have become the trademarks of his Company.
Van der Klaauw's absolutely unbelievable creation is called Planetarium 2000. This timepiece represents the tiniest planetarium in the whole world! As you know Planetarium is a screen where different celestial bodies, such as stars, planets etc. are displayed. These celestial bodies move in a realistic way to render the motion of heaven, in other words, the revolution of the planets around the sun. Well, in our case it is our solar system.
This tiny mechanical planetarium is considered to be a step forward in mechanical watchmaking not just because of its movement, yet its perfect design. To give you the idea of the Planetarium's specific features, I will list them below:
Speaking about the Planetarium watch materials and details, needless to say they all are top quality items, starting from the clasp of the watch up to its dial:
By the way
You should also know that Christiaan van der Klaauw is a winner of numerous medals and awards for his horological masterpieces. In 1990 he became an honorary member of Swiss Academy 'Horology of the Independent Creators'. Now, van der Klaauw concentrates only on high quality timepieces. The workshop where he works is distinguished by the dust free environment. This is another reason for the top quality of van der Klaauw's watches.
| How to Choose Jewels with Gems for Your Loved One | Jan 15, 2007 |
Does your loved one prefer wearing jewels with semiprecious stones? Are you going to make a great gift for her - but don't know what to choose?
You know, it's possible to devote a lot of pages to any of gems. The history of every semiprecious stone is not just very interesting but useful. Precious stones or gems are known for a great number of years.
A gem has had three main designations:
A man has noticed the beauty of gems many years ago. Archeologists say that men and women embellished themselves, all their necessary objects and weapon with gems. It was 7-10 000 years ago!
Nowadays people like not only beautiful but rare things. But nature is rather avaricious to give us a lot of gems.
If speaking about fashion, they say that it's impossible to keep up with it. And it fully concerns the world gem market as well. Nowadays people are also crazy about precious stones.
It's the matter of taste to choose a gem for your loved one. But some tips won't be superfluous here.
First of all don't be in a hurry with the choice. Also, don't buy gems with defects, even the slightest ones.
They say that the general number of stones you put on shouldn’t be equal to 2, 4, 8, 13. Every gem will bring joy to a person who is able to appreciate beauty. But the number of jewelry pieces with gems should be minimum.
Beautiful gems as well as beautiful works of art can't bear competition.
Several jewels on a man's fingers tell about pathology, but as for women - tell about the lack of aesthetic taste.
Remember - the best value have gems presented from the bottom of the heart. Especially great are semiprecious stones that you get from your loved ones or close relatives. They have energy of kindness from previous generations.
According to the old legends, stolen gems have rather negative than positive properties.
One of the most wide spread ways to choose a gem is a person's astrology sign Some people like to wear jewels with gems that are in correspondence with the color of their eyes.
Gems have always been surrounded by a great number of legends and beliefs about their charmlike power. The rightly chosen gem cures, protects, and helps in everything.
If you want your loved woman to wear gems - choose them according to your own taste and prosperity.
| Topaz and Other Gems | Jan 09, 2007 |
According to an old legend there was just initial stone sky - the protector of the world at the very beginning. It was split when evil came to the Earth. Small pieces fell on the Earth as gems.
Since that time, a gem, being a piece of firm sky, protects its wearer, takes care of him/her and brings joy and pleasure those around the person.
Moreover, money becomes cheaper with time but everything is on the contrary with gems. Often small jewelry pieces are equivalents of big a capital that is comfortable to keep and to give to the next generations.
Love for jewelry has arisen in the early childhood. Being a small girl, she looks at her mother's jewelry with admiration and tries on mom's golden earrings, rings and shining bracelets. With the increase of years this passion doesn't disappear.
Jewelry made of gold remains one of the greatest gifts for a loved one. In addition, every woman always wants to add something special into her jewelry box.
This season jewelry pieces made of gold with gems are very fashionable. Especially when they shine with all the colors of the rainbow and when they're in harmony with the outfit - be it a light summer dress or a business suit.
Thanks to its durability and rich color palette, citrine is widely used in jewelry pieces of any style.
They say that this light cheerful gem develops life ware and symbolizes brightness and life completeness.
Earrings or a ring with blue or beige topaz occupy a special place among jewelry pieces with gems.
Topaz is one of the most beautiful gems that first of all attracts by its special inner play of light, shine and plenty of color tints.
It's possible to find blueness of the sky and golden tints of sun light, some sparkling wine tints and light transparency of morning dew.
You know, topaz was considered to have some magic power. People believed that those who worn jewelry with this gem became generous and kind. Moreover, they were certain that it helped in career and love affairs.
Just look at this gorgeous topaz jewelry set. It certainly is great for a very romantic and tender woman.
| Zodiac Timepiece | Dec 29, 2006 |
Nobody's surprised anymore by the complicated watches of different kinds. Chronometers, tourbillions, moon phase indicators, repetition watches, eternal calendars etc. But I'm sure that nobody ever dreamt to have a special watch predicting the future.
"It is nonsense", you say and I would be of the same opinion if I didn't know they really exist. You can say: "It's a modern digital multifunctional innovation. It is another crafty invention of some Japanese watch brand." Wrong. The timepiece that I'm going to tell you about is a unique watch invented and created in the 19th century by the Spanish masters with use of technique of the glorified Damask art.
The signs on Zodiac that were used from time immemorial for predictions of the future, for behavior analysis and personal characteristics of people are placed on the bottom plate of this astrological timepiece.
The numerals indicating hours are engraved in the motionless ring symbolizing an orbit of a celestial body. The hands soaring in the space are slowly moving across the starry sky and the sun rotates around its axis keeping time with a second hand.
Speaking of the materials, it is 18 and 24 carat gold used for manufacturing of the Zodiac watch. 18 carat gold is made of an alloy of 24 carat gold and silver, having a greenish shade.
Other materials are browning copper, gold plated brass, wood.
of the inlaid pattern.
Another timepiece was made with the use of the same technique.
The numerals indicating hours and minutes are placed on the planets located around the crystal celestial star. Hands are moving across the starry sky from a planet to a planet, while sun is rotating around its axis keeping in time with a second hand.
Speaking of the materials, it is 18 and 24 carat gold used
for manufacturing of the Parade of planets watch.
18 carat gold is made of an alloy of 24 carat gold and silver, having a greenish shade. Other materials are browning copper, gold plated brass, wood.
I believe these astrological timepieces are going to give pleasure to both people who are fond of astrology and horology. In this case we could say that astrology and horology go hand in hand.
This is a great fusion of art and science, and what's more we shouldn't skip the aesthetical element. These amazing creations look beautiful and precious at the same time combining jewelry approach with the outstanding innovations.
| Mikimoto Triumph | Dec 25, 2006 |
They say that pearls bring longevity and luck. If it's true then luck is somewhere close because pearl is in fashion nowadays. And who else if not a Mikimoto jewelry company knows it very well. Nobody in the world has such a perfect pearl as Mikimoto.
Recently pearl was considered to be a customary attribute of old ladies-millionaires but has turned into a favorite toy of jewelers. Nowadays different colors of pearl are in fashion - black, grey, violet and especially yellow and pink. The most relevant are necklaces made of different pearls. As Mikimoto President Toyohiko Mikimoto says, it should be ideally for every woman to have a string of pearls from 80 to 182 cm length. Have you already guessed the reason? So, its happy owner will have the opportunity not only to turn her necklace around for several times but nicely tie it round her waist.
Of course not every fashion lady can have it: the simplest string of Tahitian or Philippine pearl costs several thousands of dollars. Of course if it's not from Mikimoto. Pearl from Mikimoto will cost you far more expensive. It can be easily explained: Mikimoto chooses only the best pearl for its jewelry pieces - only 3 per cent of general amount of pearl they grow on their special farms.
You know in 1839 the company's founder began growing pearl for the first time in the world. Since that time he is called the king of pearl. But Mikimoto company is famous not just by its pearl beauty and quality but by unusual execution of jewels from it. The company's craftsmen have learned how to put precious stones into pearls.
Mikimoto has a precise copy of a Greys Kelly necklace - it's a simple string of snow-white pearl of middle size costs 20 thousands of dollars.
It possible to choose other precise copies of jewels belonging to a Hollywood beauty who conquered the heart of Monaco's Prince. The basic motive of the collection is precious clasp in form of a scarlet rose. Mikimoto plays with this idea not only in a necklace but in earrings, rings and brooches.
You know Oscar de La Renta considers pearls to be an incarnation of femininity. The necklace created by his drawings is a combination of gorgeous pearls and platinum with hundreds of small diamonds. It's a real chic and elegancy. But Carolina Herrera is certain that it's just impossible to manage without pearls in evening outfits for women. She is the author of unusual necklace-collar: huge pearls of irregular shape remind islands that are lost in the ocean of very small emeralds and diamonds.
| De Grisogono Carnival Fruit | Dec 18, 2006 |
Do you like fruit? I am sure you do. Fruit are the most tasty and health-giving fruit. They're so bright and cheerful and have a great and unusual taste! They are full of vitamins. It's possible to eat a lot of them without being afraid to gain weight.
But how great they look in beds?! Bright, tasty and useful - a great combination! What of them to choose? What of them to taste? Strawberry, apples, melons, grapes, cherries, bananas, oranges, kiwis, watermelons and a lot of others.
But you know some restless psychologists have found a dependence of a person's character and fruit he/she loves. Would you like to find out something interesting about yourself? So, for example people who prefer oranges are very active and prefer being in the center of everybody's attention. Pears are loved by optimists. Those who adore apples are rather conservative people while strawberry lovers are very jealous. Very kind and sincere people prefer cherries.
Of course it's up to you to believe in it or not. Anyway, it's a very interesting and funny occupation to read about the interconnection between people and fruit. And don't forget how useful they are for your organisms.
People's love for fruit is enormous. Some of them even create jewelry pieces in form of colorful fruits. Those cool and gorgeous and very beautiful jewels are amazing. They are great for people of all ages. They help adults to be more optimistic and cheerful.
Fruit de Grisogono is one of my most loved collections. It appeared not so long time ago. To be more precise when all the progressive humanity celebrated 10-th anniversary of that great jewelry house.
De Grisogono Fruit jewelry pieces (there are melon, watermelon, apple, pear, cherry, orange made of gold, gems and precious stones) can seem very simple things but they're very symbolic if look deeper.
They can be special for those who love carnivals and masks, who are very optimistic and has a Ferrari. There's also a subject of a forbidden fruit there.
To tell you the truth I have some jewelry pieces -fruit in my jewelry-box. But I'd like to have a real collection of fruit - jewels. It's great to have such a nice and pleasant hobby, how do you think?
A fruit-jewelry item can be a great gift for any person you love.
| Astrological Watch Wonder | Dec 15, 2006 |
For how many centuries people are trying to see their destiny by the sky, by the various planet positions relative to the Sun and the Moon - nobody could say, I suppose. In other words, Astrology exists for as long as the very Earth exists. And while looking through the morning newspaper or watching TV, it is a frequent case to come across the weekly, daily or monthly horoscope.
My inquiry
So, it is something natural that I've started asking myself questions about the data source for these sorts of forecasts. That is, what was it and where it was taken from?
Important facts to get the point
Among all the imaginary coordinate lines used by the astronomers and navigators to map the sky, maybe the most important one is the ecliptic, the noticeable path the Sun passes through the sky as a result of the Earth's revolution around it.
The Sun moves in its yearly journey through the space with the ecliptic as its path, because of the Earth's annual revolution around it. Thus, from the technical point of view the ecliptic represents the projection of the plane of the Earth's orbit out towards the sky.
However, taking into account the fact that the Moon and planets of solar system also follow the orbits which planes aren't really different from the Earth's one, these planets, being visible in the sky, always stay rather close to the ecliptic line. Our solar system can be regarded as a flat plane where the majority of the planets move just about the same planet.
Zodiac
As a rule, the Moon and planets are not located right on the ecliptic line, for they are not positioned precisely in the same orbital level surface as Earth, but stretch out within several degrees of it and shape a sort of thin stripe encircling the whole sky which is called Zodiac. The ecliptic line is right in the mid of the Zodiac.
Zodiac is formed by twelve constellations passing through it. The word 'zodiac' takes its origin from the ancient Greek, meaning 'animal circle'. It also linked to the word 'zoo' which comes from the fact that the majority of the constellations are named after animals, such as Leo - the Lion, Taurus - the Bull and Cancer - the Crab. The above mentioned names, easily recognizable on sky charts are well-known to horoscope lovers. Who knows, perhaps, it'll be difficult to identify them in the real sky.
If it were possible to see the stars during the day, we'd see the Sun slowly drifting from one constellation of the Zodiac to another, making a full circle around the sky per year.
Ancient times
During the ancient times astrologers could understand position of the Sun on the Zodiac by noting, which is the last constellation of the Zodiac to rise ahead of the Sun or the first to set after it. Evidently, our Sun had to be somewhere in between. Thus, each month there was a certain constellation receiving the name 'House of the Sun'. The same way each monthly period of the year got its 'sign of the Zodiac'.
Taking all these facts into consideration, there were many different personalities, I would even say master-spirits, trying to create a mechanical device that could display all the Zodiac signs or the position of the Moon and the Sun in the sky. A lot of efforts were made to achieve even the very minor results in this field. But when I think of an astrological device combining all the above listed functions, it is the only thing that comes to my mind - Tellurium J. Kepler timepiece.
Your wrist astrology
Tellurium J. Kepler watch by Ulysse Nardin is an avant-garde wristwatch rotating the Earth in its true geographical shape seen from above the North Pole. A bendable spring is stretched from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn to reveal the part of the Earth which is lit by the Sun. This spring also indicates the time and place of sunrise and sunset. Another amazing peculiarity is that the Moon rotates around the Earth.
The so-called 'dragon' hand indicates the sun and the moon eclipses. It takes the whole year for a perpetual calendar to complete one turn.
Functions
There are some more functional and design details to be told about. The diameter of this Ulysse Nardin's timepiece is 43 mm. The case is wholly made of platinum. Tellurium J. Kepler watch features a special automatic movement manually finished and engraved by the Company's masters. The power reserve of this timepiece is approximately 42 hours. Certainly, it doesn't need any winding for it is entirely self-winding. The glass used in manufacturing Johannes Kepler watch is a sapphire crystal highest quality glass. The strap of this timepiece is made of crocodile leather. The water resistance of Tellurium J. Kepler timepiece comes to 30 meters.
Design
The design of Tellurium J. Kepler watch is as magnificent as its complicated movement. There is a central dial displaying shapes of the world continents. It is a genuine enamel cloisonne dial. The color of its background is violet, while the continents are depicted in green, yellow and brown (for differences in relief).
The narrow band around the central dial features horoscope signs and months. Where the eclipse line starts there's a brighter violet area, and it's absolutely black where it ends. There are four big hour markers on the platinum elegant bezel of the timepiece for 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours, they are indicated by Roman numerals. The rest of markers on the bezel are Arabic. What's more, the color of the engraved numerals is exactly the same as a prevailing color of the dial - violet.
No doubt that this timepiece is a top of horology art, a perfect result of Ulysse Nardin's watch masters' intensive efforts, enabling you, literally to be in the center of the world and be aware of all the astronomy and astrology events. I'm in love with Tellurium 'Johannes Kepler' timepiece, and you?