The Mystique of Pearls

Anne Boleyn, Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II -- these powerful women, and more, comprise the list of that elite clique of females all throughout history that have worn fascinating pearl jewelry. Pearls top the list of the most popular of gemstones. These precious bounties from rivers, seas and oceans are natural gifts of mother earth. Since time immemorial, the transformation of these gemstones into pearl earrings, rings, necklaces, pins and brooches has made pearl jewelry a much-loved possession by women of all ages, from all ages.

Men and women alike are mesmerized by pearl jewelry. Legends out of our historic past tell of Cleopatra and her love affair with pearls, of the Roman practice to mix love potions with pearls, of ancient Chinese people believing that pearls have magical powers to protect against dragons. The pearl’s silk-like luster and elegant simplicity symbolizes modesty, chastity and purity in Europe.

Perhaps the most classic and most practical pearl jewelry is the pearl necklace. Worn over the neck of a woman in a red dress, and she turns into an enchanting temptress. Worn over a simple black dress and she is the picture of elegance. Worn over naked skin, and pearl jewelry seem to respond to the warmth of contact, taking on an almost pinkish hue, alive and seeming to beat as one with the heart. Pearl jewelry can even be combined with other gemstones like diamonds, can be worn even in jeans, and still the effect is stunning and dramatic.

Photo courtesy of www.topazery.com

No Ordinary Ring

An engagement ring is an important trifle. That something so little could mean a change of two people’s lives -- that in itself is what is wondrous about the engagement ring. It is a concrete manifestation of love and commitment, a hope expressed in a tangible way, a promise of many future possibilities in one simple band of metal and gem. When the time comes for lovers to seal their commitment, no less than the most special engagement ring should be involved.

To come across such an exceptional engagement ring is like an epiphany of sorts. Out of the many jewelry stores online, Topazery has such an engagement ring that effortlessly calls to lovers because of its breath-taking beauty. Called the “Circle of Light” engagement ring, it is a depiction of heavenly bodies joining together exquisitely in an elegant circle. The myriad of tiny stars and the radiating diamond in the center lends an ethereal aura to the trinket. The round full cut diamond is the focal point of the antique-styled ring, and delicate cutwork gives it a lacy and fragile feel. But the white gold band conveys strength and solidity, making this engagement ring a fascinating study in contrast.

Gazing at the ring, a poem seems to come alive in one’s soul, saying that this is exactly what love is all about: delicately fragile and need to be carefully nurtured; magical and wondrous, and need to be experienced fully; lasting and transcending and could withstand the vagaries of time.

Photo courtesy of http://www.topazery.com/

The Jewels of Egypt’s Pharaohs

If you search for special art pieces on the web chances are high you will come across Egyptian jewelries. They are unique, mysterious and just the mention of the phrase conjures the exotic land of the Pharaohs. All those splendor and grandeur of days long ago. You ponder over the immense power that could build the pyramids and leave it standing even until now. Then you began to think that such magnificent beings maybe similarly clothed and bejeweled. And indeed you are correct. Thousands of internet sites devote themselves to all manners of jewelries worn by the Egyptian Pharaohs, and one of the jewelries that really made an impact in history and whose craft secrets are preserved until now are the cartouche.

The Egyptian cartouche once exclusively adorned the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. These jewels are crafted with the pharaoh's name by Nile artists, carving their names in beautiful hieroglyphs in gold or silver. The word cartouche is French for 'gun cartridge'. During Napoleon's occupation of Egypt, his soldiers called the oval-shaped ornaments 'cartouche' because it reminded them of the shape of their bullets. During those times, no one could decipher hieroglyphic writings carved into the cartouche jewelries, so the term stuck and remained associated with the shape of these rare pieces of Egyptian jewelry.

Nowadays, the cartouche is indeed a touching gift when given to loved ones. It is a piece of jewelry that is commonly crafted to represent the recipient's name in hieroglyphic symbols. Today, the glory of Pharaohs and Egyptian Queens can be captured by ordinary persons as well by the simple adornment of the cartouche.

Photo: http://www.nilestone.com/

Taking Care of Antique Jewelries

Everyone loves jewelries. Who doesn’t? It is one of the material possessions that equate to how wealthy one really is. It screams status, success, privilege! Yet beyond this, jewelries also carry memories. Particularly vintage antique jewelries. They are beautiful and breath-taking, and their value is higher because they speak of history, of a past that cannot anymore be recalled except through this tangible evidence.

It is heart-breaking to lose even one of these vintage gems, or even watch as they fall apart. That is why utmost care should be done to preserve them and prevent them from harm. As precious as these antique jewelries are, they are also fragile most of the time. Here are some tips to take care of these antique jewelries:

• 
  Protect from dust by storing them carefully in soft pouches or those lined jewelry boxes, keeping them dry and cool. If possible, think about storing them in fire-proof or theft-proof places as well.
• 
  Your vintage jewelries will withstand the test of time but eventually, they will encounter dust somehow, hence there is a need to clean them periodically. If you prefer to forego the services of a professional jewelry cleaner, and want to clean them yourself, use a mild cleaning agent or mild soapy water. Use a soft brush to dust off the pieces. Be very gentle to avoid scratching.
• 
  After a cleaning process, make sure you dry them properly, because moisture of any amount will lead to deterioration of your precious antique jewelry.

Remember, jewelries are precious material possession, and antique jewelries are even more so because of the history behind them. Hang on to them by taking care of them as wisely as you can.

First Time

There's always a first time for everything. Today is significant for me because this is my first day to publish an actual blog!!!

So what? You may ask. What's the big deal? It is a big deal for me because I am one of those writer-types who is very reluctant to have others read the stuff I write. Isn't that weird or what? Are there any kindred spirits that can relate to what I'm saying?

Writing for me is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. Every time I write it is like that. A pure baring of spirit in all its rawness, hiding nothing, holding nothing back. And so everytime someone reads my articles it feels like I am exposing my very soul. I feel naked. And very vulnerable.

So how much more a blog, where users can easily post comments that can be either hurtful or glorifying. I guess this first day blog is actually a brave step forward. To expose my soul and let it be seared or scarred, or uplifted and soaring.

One step forward. . .