4. Give the gem in an obnoxiously large package surrounding a slightly smaller package and an even smaller package and so on until she finds her precious present deep inside.
5. Stop her in her tracks by placing the gem at a stop along the way in her daily routine. On her toothbrush, seat of the car, pillow or her favorite sofa. Attach a note to the jewelry box with the words, “I’m looking for a lost home.” Then include instructions on how to care for the lost gemstone, like: “love, soapy warm water scrubs, and regular outings.”
Featured October Birthstone: Opal
Pop quiz: what do you call the effect of turning
Opal (definition of) in the light so it makes that sparkling rainbow color effect? Answer: opalising! (Easy, right?). So if you’re thinking about impressing a loved one in October, or any other time,
opal jewelry (the original opaliser) is a spectacular way to do it.
Opal’s incredible sheen has impressed people throughout the centuries, sparking a number of fantastical fables about its origins. Mostly found in Australia, Opal is, according to Aboriginal legend, what was left behind in the footprints of the Creator when He came to tread upon the Earth.
The
opal birthstone is a soft stone, which require a certain level of moisture lest they become brittle and crack. Keep Opals away from hot and dry places of storage. In fact, one great way to care for an opal is to wear it! The moisture from your skin helps keep the Opal soft and vibrant.
November: Topaz
Mythology surrounding the
topaz birthstone has it as a sort of sentry stone. Regarded as a protective gem,
Topaz (definition of) is said to forewarn its bearer of poisonous substances and guard her from sudden death. Interestingly, Topaz is among the gemstones embedded into Jerusalem’s 12 Holy Gates.
Its sparkling hues of bright baby blue and london blue make Topaz visually stunning, with lesser-known varieties splaying out into browns, pinks, reds, transparent crystal and blues.
Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning, as
Topaz jewelry will crack if exposed to dramatic temperature change. Instead, use a cloth and warm water to care for the stone.
December: TanzaniteThe tanzanite birthstone is a rare gem found only amidst bizarre geological formations surging up from the expansive plains of northern Tanzania. Technically, it is just a blue Zoisite crystal. But the astonishing richness of its color prompted jewelers put it into a class of its own; they named this breathtaking blue wonder after its native Tanzania.
Tanzanite jewelry’s striking azure overlaid with mysterious violet can endow its wearer an aura of spunky, yet elegant confidence and authority. A stubborn stone, jewelers take great pains to cut against its defined cleavage and cook out the naturally occurring brownish tint – without cracking the stone. Combined with its rarity, this painstaking process makes the gem worth its weight in…tanzanite.
Tanzanite is delicate which should be gently cleaned with lukewarm water and a cloth. Avoid commercial and ultrasonic cleansing.
Good Luck on the Test!You’ve studied hard, and we’re confident you’ll make the Holiday grade. For your studying convenience, here’s a quick reference list of the most important points you’ve learned:
1. Shop Early, by November or October
2. If you must shop in December, the very last day to do so is December 22nd.
3. Use any one of our 5 gift giving tips, or take them as inspiration. This will add an extra splash to the exciting gift you’re giving. 4. Plan ahead – give a matching piece of jewelry for each Holiday throughout the season.
5. Interesting facts about Opal, Topaz and Tanzanite – if you can casually mention a few fun facts, she’ll be that much more impressed!
Thanks for brushing up on the Fall 2006 Newsletter. Good luck on the test – we’ll see you in Winter!
Summer 2006 