#jewelleryfacts365 239/365 Gem fact

Bixbite is the red variety of Beryl, and is classified in the same  family as Emerald. This very rare gemstone was mined only at the Wah  Wah Mountains deposit in Utah and this deposit is finished for now. The  last operators had to totally restore the site when they passed on their  option. Anyone wishing to go back and re-open the mine will spend  millions just removing the overburden. There may still be red beryl in  the ground but it hasn't proven to be economical to pull it out. The  largest stones in the world are less than 3cts. in weight and there is  zero new production. A fine top color bixbite, even a slightly included  one could fetch prices exceeding even the best 1ct. sized diamonds.

Bixbite

#naturesgems

Morganite

#jewelleryfacts365 238/365

Some suggest that since Neanderthal times gifts were exchanged as tokens of a special relationship. However the origin of an actual ring being given as a token of love appears to date back to Ancient Egypt, about 5000 years ago. We know this through archaeological evidence which found hieroglyphics depicting wedding bands.

The Egyptian grooms would take plant stems from reeds and rushes, and they’d twist and plait them into rings and bracelets which would then be presented to their brides.

It is believed the Egyptians considered the circular shape a symbol of ever-lasting love and good omens, as it is also the shape of the holy Sun and the Moon.

The hole in the centre of the ring was symbolic of the unknown things to come in their new life as a married couple.

Like many of us today, the Egyptians wore their wedding ring on the 4th finger of the left hand. The origin of this custom is from the belief that there was a vein running from this ring finger, all the way to the heart. So by wearing a ring on this finger you are saying that the person who gave you that ring has a direct link to your heart.

(source)

Bead Day

TUTORIAL by Mikki Ferrugiaro
Carousel Too Rolled Edge Peyote Bangles

#jewelleryfacts365 237/365 Silver fact

In the 15th century a gift of jewelry was often sent from the father of the bride to father of the groom, proposing the intent to marry off his daughter.

Silver ring

Jewellery masterpieces

Michelle Ong & Carnet

#jewelleryfacts365 236/365 Silver fact

Hippocrates wrote that silver had beneficial healing and anti disease properties. The expression 'born with a silver spoon in their mouth' stems from health rather than wealth status, as children fed with silver utensils were believed to be healthier.

Antique Victorian Silver Leaf Caddy Spoon with Grape and Vine Pattern

#jewelleryfacts365 235/365 Silver fact

There are impurities that naturally occur in silver at the molecular level. These impurities consist of other metals - usually copper, but traces of other metals can also be found. These trace impurities are insignificant, and would be too costly to remove - so .999 silver is considered pure.

#naturesgems

Amethyst stalactite trunk

#jewelleryfacts365 234/365 Gem fact

The most common species of tourmaline is schorl, (brownish or black in colour). It may account for 95% or more of all tourmaline in nature.

Black tourmaline