Did you know there are still color-changing aspects of amethyst that scientists still haven’t figured out? Spiritually, its an extremely powerful gem, hailing from the quartz family.
Here’s some more info that you may not know (from Gemstone.org)
For many thousands of years, the most striking representative of the quartz family has been a jewel coveted by princes both ecclesiastical and secular. Moses described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the official robes of the High Priest of the Jews, and the Russian Empress Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners into the Urals to look for it. In popular belief, the amethyst offers protection against drunkenness – for the Greek words ‘amethystos’ mean ‘not intoxicated’ in translation. A more apt stone for the month of February, particularly if there is to be plenty going on in the way of carnival celebrations, could thus hardly be wished for.
Apart from these powers, gemstone therapists say that the amethyst has a sobering and cleansing effect. Amethyst has also been said to quell excessive stomach acid and, according to Hildegard von Bingen, served to combat insect bites and beautify the skin.
If you ever lived in New York, you know space is a precious commodity. But leave it to New Yorkers to come up with many creative ways to maximize their often small habitats.
If you’re a thrift store connoisseur, you have undoubtedly stumbled across a fair amount of costume jewelry. But is it worth buying? Maeven owner Amy Yee reveals her secret thrift store shopping technique.
Costume Jewelry
“My rule on costume jewelry (and buying any vintage for that matter) is to buy what you really love. And while there are certainly collectible brand names, just as there are for anything fashion-related, there are plenty of beautiful, high-quality, unsigned pieces that are great buys. Plus, jewelry always fits! It’s an easy way to incorporate vintage into an outfit without taking a big risk.”
Many of us feel pressured to get a whole new outfit, new jewelry, new everything, for New Year’s Eve. But why not exploit your own wardrobe and jewelry box? Most of us have a lot of sparkly, festive pieces that we probably forgot existed! As this video points out, it doesn’t take a lot of time or money to add some dazzle to your outfit and work with what you already have.
If you want to know what’s new, hip and utterly gorgeous, take a moment and wander about Vogue Closet, a “behind the scenes” look at Vogue contributors and what they’re wearing. Beautifully produced yet rather simple in approach.
In this video, Vogue’s fashion writer shares her favorite item—an over-sized ID bracelet balanced with a signet ring as heirloom statement pieces for her future daughter.
Work parties often require a little balancing act when it comes to dressing. You can’t just let it all “hang out” but you can take some liberties you wouldn’t normally. Often jewelry is a perfect answer, since it can jazz up a basic outfit (like that simple black dress) quickly and easily.
For office holiday parties, it’s important to not show off too much skin. While a sleeveless dress is perfectly appropriate, it’s best to keep the hemlines at or just slightly above the knee, and necklines away from any cleavage situations, however, don’t despair over finding a more covered-up look! Using lace as a kind of peek-a-boo element at the shoulders or the hemline is a great way to be stylish and formal, while also work appropriate. Lace also adds a rich texture to any garment that’s great for the holidays, and a great alternative to this season’s sequin embellished frocks that might be too formal for an office affair.
Enamel jewelry has been around a long time. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to stone objects, pottery, and occasionally metals. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Georgians, and Chinese also used enamel on metal objects.
What is it exactly?
Enameling is the fusion of a special powdered glass to metals. The result can vary according to the designer, but here are some beautiful examples from various designers:
