I had not a slightest idea that there were watches having to do with astrology. All these astrological signs, predictions etc. were the things that I could hardly associate with horology. So you can imagine my astonishment when I found out that astrological timepieces had a long history.
As it usually happens I discovered this by chance, simply looking through a watch magazine. There wasn't too much information there about it, just a reference to some museum in the southern Germany. At this point I decided to start my own research. Here are some results and historical information on the topic.
The first timepiece of this kind that I found was a chamber clock of the unknown maker. It was situated in the above mentioned museum. This astroclock was totally made of iron and known to be one of the earliest domestic clocks in Europe. First astroclocks appeared in Germany and Switzerland in the 16th century.
Speaking about clock's movement - iron was used for both pivots and wheels. The astroclock dial and side doors were iron too.
This astroclock was distinguished from the rest of clocks of that period of time. For example, there were two different bells striking hours and quarters. The window on the top of the dial indicated both a deity and an astrological symbol for each day of the week. Each day of the week had a different planet related to as its symbol.
There was also another interesting fact, this time dealing with gems and crystals. The ancient Indian texts called "Vedas" contain a lot of descriptions and practical information about gemstones. And it's seems to be mysterious that these sacred texts give details of gems' astrological use while particular gems' properties are recognized in the world of modern technologies, such as quartz crystals used in the watches.
Another interesting clock museum was opened in one of Vienna's oldest houses and can be proud of its amazing clock collection of the first chronometers and sundials. It was the 16th century when clocks became widely used on the building elevations both as functional devices and decorations.
There's an astronomical clock showing moon phases and planets' paths, however, the museum star is considered to be an astrological clock manufactured by the Augustinian friar David a Sancto Cajetano. This talented monk, I would even say, monk of genius created a world clock with solar and lunar eclipses, featuring the calendar to the year 9999!
read more
I must admit that blue is my favorite color. That's the reason I have a lot of blue clothing in my closet. Of course this color is not only my favorite but it suits me very well because I'm a blonde with blue eyes.
As I'm an inquisitive person, I've found out what the meaning of blue color is and how it influences an individual.
So, it turns out that blue color is often regarded as a symbol of spirituality, friendship, informality and mutuality. Despite of energetic red color, the influence of blue is more restrict and it disposes people to reverie.
Infinity, eternity, truth, allegiance, faith, purity, spiritual and intellectual life - these are the associations that appear in many ancient cultures and express general idea that blue color is the most quiet and less material of all colors.
Today I've found something really special. These are beautiful earrings with sapphires and diamonds set in platinum. Earrings look gorgeous and they would look great with my blue clothing. Of course they are appropriate not for everyday wear but for special occasions.
Just imagine - a gorgeous blue gown and these beautiful earrings in match. Really queen-worth look!
But I can just dream about this jeweler's work of art. I must admit that their price is excessive and it's possible to buy something that look similar but cost cheaper.
As for sapphires, these are really amazing stones! Moreover, as I've found out they have a magic influence on a person who wears them.
Sapphire is a charm of faith, love and hope. It gives wisdom, chastity and faithfulness.
In general people believe that sapphires help open all the doors including the door of life promotion. It opens a special path in front of a person. Moreover it helps in personal developing.
And the most unusual information I've found is that sapphire softens Gods' anger and is one of the most loved oblation by them. The gem has a great influence upon individuals' spirituality. But sapphire is bad for egoists and people with dark thoughts.
Believe it or not - it's a personal business. But such beautiful earrings with platinum, diamonds and sapphires will certainly make any woman look stunning.
Hey, get away from that TV set! Don't waste your time counting the hours till you read your horoscope on some TV channel. Life's short, so make a trip somewhere and don't worry about anything because now you can have your horoscope on your wrist. I'm talking bout a timepieces able to display everything you need to know about your horoscope.
This model will surely be appreciated by every skeptic. The Astronomy Watch is easy to use and it is fun as well. Daily life will be enriched thanks to the abilities of the watch to bring some tips on luck, love, health and many others. I've found out that the function of the watch called IrDA Matching allows you to play the game of matching prediction with some persons around you.
While traveling, you can find your soul mate predicted by the horoscope on the watch. The latter is able to help you not only with luck and health but with money as well. With the moon situated over Venus and Pluto in the ascendant this timepiece can do miracles.
If to speak in official terms then the watch is able to display the daily overview as well as Love, Luck and Health Indexes. You may enter your name, gender, day of birth, phone number as well as your e-mail address. You may also set wallpaper that suits you. The other additional functions include: contrast setting, partial and full saving of power, key tone and the background selection on local time mode of the patter of the horoscope.
Some useful functions you may also consider the display of the world time, the included alarm and timer as well as the calendar and horoscope. Thus you have a watch that besides making you everyday life easier may improve it. I'm almost sure that your days will get better and you will know what to expect and when is "your day".
My aunt is a passionate lover of jewelry pieces made of turquoise. She always wears turquoise jewels.
We never have the problem what to present her with because she prefers gifts in form of turquoise jewelry.
The same thing happened this year when we gifted her with gorgeous turquoise set consisting of a ring and earrings.
As it was her anniversary we decided to make more expensive gift than usually. That was the reason besides turquoise the ring was made of white gold and was decorated with 24 diamonds. That modern elegant ring added charm, some mystery and beauty to its wearer.
As for earrings, they were also made of white gold and decorated with 40 diamonds. Shine and chic of diamonds in combination with turquoise looked great.
Tibet inhabitants considered turquoise not a stone but live God's creature. According to ancient Persian legends and beliefs, turquoise was made of bones of people died because of love.
Despite fashion trends, turquoise has always been considered a stone of health, happiness and good luck.
My aunt told me that turquoise didn’t like cosmetics (creams, perfumes), sweat, and oils. When she washed her hands, she took rings off.
Turquoise was considered to be the stone of victory and happiness. It was a military talisman and in some countries symbolized wealth and in some symbolized love, eternal youth and eternal hopes.
One interesting detail: if your turquoise changes its color, it means that adultery threatens you. But sometimes the change of color can be caused by non observance of some elementary rules.
Turquoise jewels are amazingly beautiful. They strike everybody's imagination. A woman with turquoise jewelry will always be noticed.
It seems to me my passionate-turquoise-jewelry-lover aunt has passed me her love for her hobby.
I've begun noticing turquoise everywhere it's sold. My aunt even promised to transmit me all her great turquoise collection.
Of course when we presented our dear aunt with such a gorgeous white gold jewelry set with her lovely turquoise and diamonds for her anniversary, she was on the top of the world. 
Now she puts on her wonderful set for special occasions - when she is on a wedding ceremony or goes to the theatre.
And you know what - she is in the centre of everybody's attention then.
Do you believe in astrology? Nowadays there're people who can't live without astrological prognosis. Their life fully depends on what some astrologers say. Sometimes they don't go to work because they read in a morning newspaper that it will be an unlucky day for them.
As for me it's a kind of stupid. Though, opinions differ.
I think astrology can be a kind of nice hobby because nobody can predict future.
It's interesting sometimes to read what will happen with you this day or week. And how cool and amazing when all predicted realize!
But this hobby shouldn't become a mania, agree? Otherwise it'll be very difficult to live and to communicate with people.
There's a tendency to think that some gems are good for some people and for some not. Everything depends on the month the person was born.
So, let's speak about emeralds.
Jewelry pieces with emerald are very beautiful and refined.
Emerald is a jewelry stone of the highest class. Some beautiful dark green pieces are appreciated even more than diamonds.
This gem is used to create the most expensive jewels. They think that emerald brings happiness only people with pure soul even if he/she is illiterate. It doesn't help in information gathering and doesn't bring happiness smart and educated people.
Emerald is good for people with intuition, for people who are connected with the secrets of another world - spiritists, mediums.
And you know what - the gem can give unhampered contacts with the nether world. A kind of thrilling, agree?
So, emerald has a great influence on people born under Pieces and Cancer astrology signs.
But remember - it's bad for Scorpios and Capricorns.
Emerald is a gem for sincere people with open feelings and thoughts.
It doesn't bear duality and confusion. And it doesn't bear lie.
This gem brings liars not only bad luck but physical and mental diseases.
Emerald is considered to be a talisman for all mothers and seamen.
Specialists recommend wearing jewelry with this gem around the neck - it protects young people from debauch. And it is well known that green color has a very bad influence on people's mind.
To tell you the truth, I'm going to buy something beautiful with emeralds soon. I like this beautiful gem and jewelry pieces with it.
And who knows - probably it will really help me somehow? Anyway, I know for sure that emerald will add charm to me.
What do you think of when you look at these gorgeous earrings? As for me, I have an impression that they combine luxury of Renaissance époque and modern jewelry art traditions.
Just have a look: in the center of irregular shape ellipse that is made of white gold and that is decorated with the spreading of magic black diamonds, a very bright red sapphire is shining. And this sapphire is in form of the heart.
An amazing color palette adds solemnity to the whole jewelry piece.
Earrings are made of white gold with 42 black diamonds and two red sapphires.
By the way, do you know something about sapphires? I've found out a lot of interesting information about these gems.
For instance, it was used as a talisman to protect from wanderers, diseases; it brought peace, joy and wisdom. Sapphire is also considered to be the stone of prosperity and as a good alternative to a diamond.
You know sapphire can be a very good option of an engagement ring. For instance, Charles Prince of Wales presented Princes Diana with an engagement ring - but not with diamond but sapphire!
Besides, this stone is great for people born in September. It's also recommended as a gift for spouses who celebrate 50 or 45 years from their wedding. (Oh, my god - 50 years one and the same person - is it possible?)
According to a hindoo legend, sapphire is a gem for Taurus. But Arab people think it represents Gemini.
And this gem-charm strengthens power of a person over other people. It's a talisman of faith, hope that gives wisdom in everything an individual strives for.
Sapphires give eternity, chastity, modesty and justice. But there is a small nuance here - sapphires with spots, cracks and muddy parts are dangerous.
One more important thing - stones of the first water are fully transparent.
Sapphire helps in promotion, in any development of a personality. The gem connects people with space, with the universe and even leads to God.
Though, this gem is useless for those who are selfish and have bad thoughts and evil souls.
Ok, I think you're overfull with information. It's better just to go and buy some beautiful jewels with sapphires.
I'm sure you won't regret having some precious jewels of this kind, am I right?
I've always adored original things, shoes and clothes. It also concerns jewelry pieces. I have a real collection of very nice items.
For instance, I bought a very original ring recently. At least I think it's original.
Just look at the picture - this is a real incarnation of the latest fashion trends.
Its design is creative and abstract. Everybody sees in it what he/she likes. Complete freedom of interpretation.
It has a small pendant with black diamonds in a white gold setting. And as for me it's extremely elegant. Do you think the same?
It's certainly a piece of jewelry for self-confident people. And you know what - this ring is not just a jewel but expression of life style in a jewelry piece.
The ring is made of white gold. As for the best friends of all women (of course I mean diamonds) - the ring is decorated with 28 black diamonds.
And I have no doubts that this cool ring should be worn with the appropriate outfit.
When I bought the ring, I also saw that there were a cool pendant and earrings with black diamonds of the same design in the boutique. But how do you think, can I live calm if I know that I can make the whole jewelry set to match my ring?
I didn't have the possibility to buy all the items I liked at once but I hope to make it as soon as possible.
This is one of my rules - to buy original jewelry pieces in a set. But sometimes I'm in reduced circumstances that's why I try to gradually realize my plan.
And you know I like my scheme. Of course it would be better to buy everything at once but that's ok - the most important thing is to finally collect all the jewelry pieces to create a small collection.
You know when I wear the ring, people notice this original jewel and I see admiration on their faces. Of course, more observant are women. One woman even paid a compliment to me. She told me that she especially liked black diamonds and thought that those who worn black diamonds had a very good taste.
Of course it was pleasant to hear that, agree?
Have you ever heard an ancient Persian legend telling about the appearance of precious stones? Just imagine - according to this legend the gems were created by Satan after he had noticed Eve feasting her eyes on colorful flowers growing in the Gardens of Eden. Satan created precious stones to feature the most gorgeous colors that were supposed to arouse in people's hearts the feeling of cupidity and temptation.
But I believe that sometimes precious stones may have rather a positive effect upon a person - it is just necessary to consider some peculiarities of stones before you wear a jewelry piece embellished by them. The choice of jewelry should be suggested not only by its future owner's taste.
A Gem, an Amulet or a Remedy?
I'm sure you are aware that since the ancient times there have been numerous superstitions and beliefs begotten by the existence of precious stones. A gem served not just as a piece of jewelry but also as a powerful amulet that brought good luck, kept away from misfortune and illnesses.
Sometimes it even pointed that its owner belonged to the certain occupation. Quite often the gems were chosen according to a person's occupation. A painter was advised to wear tourmaline, sailors took emeralds to be protected from any danger, and priests relied upon amethyst.
People also spread the belief in therapeutic effect of gems. In the middle ages a goldsmith took double responsibilities - besides being a craftsman, he was also a kind of a doctor who could choose a suitable gem for his clients. The chosen gem was believed to treat body and sole malaises.
What about amulets in everyday life? Emeralds are believed to strengthen feelings of people in love. Moonstones help to overcome obstacles in love. Venturesome players should take alexandrite. Pregnant women should wear emeralds.
Gems and Signs of Zodiac
The astrologists claim that every precious stone should be referred to a certain sign of the zodiac. The sign of the zodiac implied wearing jewelry pieces with corresponding gems, as other types of gems could bear bad influence upon a person's destiny.
No doubt there is something mysterious about precious stones. Having read all the information above, I have decided to choose jewelry pieces with gems for me and my friends according to the sign of zodiac. If you are interested - here is the guideline:
Aries: An ambitious and firm of purpose Aries who often becomes a leader in everything he does, should give preference to diamonds, garnets, and rubies. These gems will bring Aries good luck.
Taurus: A cheerful, high-minded, affable Taurus is characterized by tolerance, and persistence that helps to overcome any difficulty. Taurus's destiny will be blessed by wearing heaven-colored stones - turquoise and sapphire.
Gemini: Gemini's nature unites good and evil. A Gemini is often good-hearted, truthful, and generous but he or she may suddenly become short-tempered and spiteful. If a Gemini puts a piece of jewelry embellished by agate on one's left hand, he or she will be protected from one's evil features of character. Chrysoprase will add peace of mind to their nature. Beryl will arouse good feelings.
Cancer: Dreamy, shy, often in changeable mood, a Cancer appreciates beautiful things. A Cancer should choose as an amulet moonstone, emerald, cat-s eye and pearls.
Leo: Powerful and ambitious, a Leo should wear jewelry pieces with gems of yellow color - amber, olivine, chrysolite and topaz.
Virgo: An even-tempered, pedantic Virgo will be protected by wearing nephritis and carnelian. To make these gems more powerful it is necessary to set them in silver or platinum, but not in gold.
Libra: A kind-hearted, but sometimes light-headed and careless Libra should choose jewelry pieces with fire opal and lasurite.
Scorpio: An ambitious, persistent, intelligent Scorpio is often attracted by power. The best precious gems for Scorpio are aquamarine, coral, and carbuncle. A Scorpio's great amulet will become a snake-shaped ring or a bracelet.
Sagittarius: The main characteristics of a Sagittarius's nature are charm, courage and even impudence. Their gems are amethyst, topaz, and chrysolite.
Capricorn: a Capricorn is often a serious, industrious person that meets a lot of difficulties on one's way. People of this zodiac sigh are advised to wear jewelry with purple rubies, dark onyx and green copper.
Aquarius: Gentleness, generosity, kindness of an Aquarius attracts a lot of people. Amethyst, sapphire, opal, turquoise will bring luck to an Aquarius.
Pisces: A Pisces is greatly attracted by the world of poetry, music and literature. People born with this sign of zodiac are often interested in magic. Sea pearls and amethyst will bring luck to Pisces.
Yes, that is right! Brad Pitt, the Sex God himself has designed this model in collaboration with Damiani manufacturers. Apart from being the super actor and a style icon, he can also design his own wedding ring. How romantic! And how corny (or can I judge)!
The preparations for the big day
Damiani jewelry pieces are worldwide famous for their quality and unforeseen designs. Damiani Collections won over 18 International Awards. That is something no other brand achieved yet. Super-Stars like Penelope Cruz, Nastasia Kinski and Milla Jovovich wear Damiani creations.
The famous ex-couple, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, while planning their wedding, more than 5 years ago, decided to order their rings from Damiani. Their choice was not accidental.
What is so special about the rings?
Brad Pitt let Damiani know about his idea of creating the rings. Apparently he wanted something simple, but with diamonds. It should not look too expensive and the diamonds were supposed to be hidden from the public eye.
Look at the picture - the rings are exactly what Brad wanted them to be. They are synonymous to the word perfection from my point of view.
What the scandal was all about
Unfortunately, these beautiful rings' reputation was a bit shaken up by the scandal produced later. In Press there appeared the news that the couple wanted to sue the brand for creating a number of similar products to their wedding rings.
Damiani commented that it was a big misunderstanding caused by the couple's agents. In fact the rings turned up to be so good that Damiani proposed Brad to design more rings, while Jennifer was meant to advertise them. This way the scandal turned up to be an advertising campaign.
Why you should be careful with the rings
The fact that these rings are gorgeous is undeniable. There is no couple with refined taste that would not appreciate the ring's grace and sophistication.
I guess that there is no point of me telling you that Brad and Jen are not a couple anymore. Even people in the Jungle know already that Angelina Jolie is his new lady. No Damiani rings are seen on Brad or Jen since.
Some people can say that these rings that once meant "love forever" today can mean only "divorce". So unless you really plan on staying forever and you look like Angelina, these rings will be great for you. Otherwise be careful, as Brad-Jen curse can spread. Ouch – spooky…