News
Gender-neutral fashion
A look at gender-fluid and gender-neutral fashion Ideas with some news about a new player in the gender-neutral gender fashion market but first. Gender fluid and gender-neutral shoppers refuse to allow gender to hold them back when it comes to the search for something to wear that will look good on them. The fashion industry is listening and in spite of the anatomical and physical differences in male and female clothing that makes the search for good fitting clothing a challenge we here at Giftkone invite you to take a look at some of the great-looking clothing choices some of our affiliates have to offer.
So whether you're a curvy tomboy looking for something lose fitting in a boyfriend fit, or an outfit with a casual relaxed fit, like something you might find at the Banana Republic I have taken the time to put together a collection of gender-neutral fashion choices worth taking a look at.
Now that news I mentioned above about the gender natural fashion. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its numerous startup companies that dot the famous Silicon Valley, well it has come to our attention here at Giftkone that one of the new bay area startups, that doesn’t dabble in electronics, is a fashion-related startup company called Re-Inc. The company is headed by Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. Soccer Star who had become known for being a gender equality activist. Megan was one of the stars in the U.S. World Cup Victor.
Her new startup will offer gender-neutral fashion and lifestyle brands to a bay area that is no stranger to fashion trends. Megan along with some of her teammates ( Christen Press, Tobin Heath, and Meghan Klingenberg) are champions of diversity and inclusion and are ready to present fashion that is taking a new look at gender norms. Their goal is to produce gender-neutral clothing fashion that will trend and hopefully make this new startup financially independent.
Anyone who has shopped to add clothing pieces to their gender-neutral wardrobe knows that shopping for the gender-fluid/neutral clothing can be complicated, but it doesn't need to be, especially when you know where to shop so let me suggest the Banana Republic for good looking, nice fitting gender-neutral clothing fashion.
Wildfang is a good choice for men's suits that will look good on a feminine/masculine or androgynous body frame, and hopefully, after visiting our Fashion Ideas page on this website you will find all of the clothing fashion and fashion-ideas we have to offer, useful.
There are a lot of legends and lore surrounding the practice of wearing birthstones. A lot of people believe that the idea of wearing birthstones started out as a marketing ploy by companies selling jewelry, and in these commercial super media times that would not be a good guess, but the reason behind the practice goes much, much deeper than that. The practice of wearing birthstones is actually rooted in astrology and religion. This post explores some of the myths behind the practice of sporting a birthstone.
One of the earliest stories connected to the practice of wearing birthstones came from the Christian Bible, the book of Exodus to be exact. The Breastplate of Aaron is described to have been mounted with twelve precious stones: ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx, and jasper. These twelve stones represented each of the twelve tribes of the Hebrews.
Other ancient cultures, like the Hellenics and the Babylonians in particular, have associated certain precious stones with their gods and goddesses, and later on with the planets and the stars represented in astrological signs. These stones were given attributes relating to the astrological signs they are linked with, as well as supernatural, protective powers. To wear the particular gemstone associated with a particular month on that given month is to invoke the protection offered by the powers of the stone.
Over the years and as Christianity came to rise, the Church tried to downplay astrology in the lives of the flock, and so wearing gemstones came to represent guardian angels and the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ instead. The idea that gemstones have the power to protect its wearer was nonetheless retained. However, since only wealthy people can afford to own a different gemstone for each month, most people have adopted the practice of wearing just the gemstone that represents the month of their birth. Since that time gemstones have been referred to as birthstones.
For the meaning behind the wearing of birthstones here are the different birthstones for each month of the Gregorian calendar and the meaning behind these stones.
For the month of January. Garnet is the birthstone, the bright red color of the garnet is associated with blood and thus, was thought to bestow good health upon its wearer. The garnet is also said to provide protection against nightmares and against the dangers posed by being alone in the dark. A person who favors the garnet is said to possess great patience and the capacity to endure hardships. The person whose birthstone is the garnet is consistent with his or her deeds and blessed with a creative mind.
For the month of February. A person born in the month of February has the amethyst for his or her birthstone. Amethyst is said to bestow, among other things, peace and clarity of the mind to its wearer. This gem also brings its wearer a heightened sense of self-awareness and intuition.
In the month of March. The person born in March, aquamarine is his or her birthstone. This stone is said to nurture friendliness in its wearer’s personality, making him a fierce and loyal comrade and companion. Because of its sea-blue color, the aquamarine is said to grant its wearer protection when she goes swimming traveling by water.
For the month of April. The diamond, the stone of strength offers longevity and innocence and is the birthstone of people born in April. Because the diamond is the hardest gemstone, it symbolizes success and excellence and is believed to bring forth good fortune. The diamond is also said to bring forth the purity of its wearer and encourages them to be truthful always.
For the month of May. People born in May the gemstone of peace and healing is – the emerald. It's believed that wearers of emeralds are granted good health and protection against illness. Wearers of emeralds are also said to have a higher level of foresight and to possess the natural ability to communicate well with others.
For the month of June. Pearls, produced by oysters and therefore the only gemstones that come from a living creature, is the birthstone of people born in June. In the Western world, June is the month of weddings, and so the pearl has come to be associated with successful marriages, as well as with faith, loyalty, and tranquility in life.
In the month of July, the sanguine ruby is the birthstone. Because of its blood-red color, the ruby is considered to be the gemstone for courage, strength, and vitality. It's also said to nurture in its wearer integrity and contentment in his- or herself. The ruby is also said to inspire people to seek harmony with others.
People born in August have the peridot as their birthstone. The peridot is said to bestow a heightened sense of dignity upon its wearer, and to bring upon her good fortune. It is also believed to provide him protection against evil intentions and against the terrors of the night.
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. It is a gemstone that is thought to build wisdom and clarity of thought in its wearer, as well as allow him or his discernment to see the truth no matter how deeply it is buried. The sapphire also inspires her to develop serenity and tranquility in their soul.
The birthstone for October is the opal. The opal, with its varying colors, is associated with depth in emotions. A person who wears the opal is granted the ability to feel deeply for his or her fellow person, to look at life with hope, and to burn subtly with an inner fire.
For the month of November. Topaz, is the birthstone, a gemstone that represents health in the body as well as health in the mind. Wearing the topaz is said to hasten a person’s ability to heal their own body in times of illness or injury. It is also thought to nurture practicality and creativity in its wearer.
Wearing the turquoise, the birthstone of December is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the wearer in time for the coming New Year. The turquoise is also said to banish negative vibrations that can hinder the wearer’s happiness and good fortune.
The practice of wearing birthstones goes deep beyond any marketing ploy. Wearing a birthstone is a practice of ancient origins, with deep religious and astrological roots. Birthstones are one of the most versatile gifts to give any season for any occasion.
Just about any time is the right time for a wedding, if you ask me, even though most weddings do tend to take place during the summer months. This post is all about choosing and delivering (or rather having delivered) the perfect wedding cake should this part of the wedding plan, ordering the wedding cake, becomes your responsibility.
When you're ready to select a wedding cake, you should arrange to meet with at least three bakers and actually taste their products. If you have attended or are planning on attending a bridal show, you can easily and quickly take care of this, taste-test-task at the show.
If you have a certain look you are going for with your wedding cake, be sure to bring a picture of what you would like when meeting with bakers. It's also a good idea to bring along your cake topper if you already have it as well as fabric swatches of the bridesmaid’s dresses. Also, be prepared to give the baker an estimated number of guests that you are expecting.
When you meet with the baker, be sure to ask to see a portfolio of pictures that have been taken of the baker’s previous work. In addition, always check references before you make the final decision. When you are reviewing a baker’s contract, be sure to note the following; you should immediately see the name, contact person, location, and phone numbers for the bakery. The cake size, shape, and number of tiers must be on the contract. Be sure that the cake flavor(s), fillings, and icing are noted and that all returnable items are clearly stated.
When you are interviewing the bakers, ask each one the same questions so that you do not forget anything and so that you can make an accurate comparison. Some things to inquire about are the set-up and take-down of the table where the cake will be, who will put the cake topper on the cake, who will place napkins, plates, flowers, etc. on the table, and who will direct the cutting of the cake?
Also, find out where the cake will be stored (preferably out of direct sunlight), who will be in charge of boxing up the cake top and you want to receive the cake? What arrangements will be made for the left-over cake, and who will cut the cake and distribute it? Cutting a wedding cake is much trickier than it looks and must be done by someone who is familiar with the process.
Be sure that the number of guests the cake is to serve is on the contract when the cake was ordered. When the cake will be delivered and assembled, what the set-up fee is if applicable, and the due dates for deposits and balances.
In closing, choosing a cake can really be a lot of fun. You have the chance to sample some goodies and make some light-hearted decisions about fillings, flavors, and decorations. However, in the process, make sure you are noting all of the details that need to be covered so that you are confident in your baker’s ability to deliver the product that you are expecting.
"Isn't jewelry romantic by its very nature, I asked myself?"
After overhearing a woman talk about how beautiful some of the jewelry, she was wearing made her feel, I think that to some degree it's true. Jewelry can make you feel even better about yourself, but we wear jewelry for any number of reasons that are not strictly romantic. To look sophisticated, and professional, to impress our friends and neighbors.
So, what about the romance of jewelry?
Something more like, the dictionary definition of jewelry:
"A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life"
Romantic jewelry is that jewelry that makes you feel special, like a princess or a prince. That special jewelry that takes you out of your normal humdrum life every time you put it on and makes you feel extra special.
Perhaps that is why gold is such a popular metal for jewelry. I love silver and platinum and there are other metals (titanium comes to mind) that make great jewelry, but there is nothing like the romance of gold. To wear gold is to wear the jewelry of kings and queens. In ancient Egypt, only the pharaohs and those especially favored by the pharaohs were permitted to wear gold. This feeling of being special and above the fray has continued to the modern-day. If you want to feel like royalty (or if you want to give a gift that says you think of your beloved as a king or queen), gold is the answer.
Another form of jewel that inspires feelings of romance are pearls, emeralds and rubies... and, of course, for many people, diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Somehow though diamonds don't seem to have the same warmth and romance as the other stones. Diamonds were not historically valued as highly as they are today. Much of the romance that has been generated around diamonds is due to De Beers in the early part of the 20th century instituting a brilliant and very effective advertising campaign... so I will leave diamonds for another post.
On the other hand, pearls feel wonderful against your skin. They are sensuous and mysterious. To look deeply into a fine pearl is like looking into eternity. There is also something intriguing about a pearl, knowing that it came not from the cold hard ground, but from a living industrious mollusk.
Pearls have been prized in all time periods and all cultures. Historically baroque pearls (large irregularly shaped pearls) were used to make wonderful and fantastic jewelry by embellishing them with gold and gems. Frequently these took the shape of Neptune or other Greek gods, sirens, beautiful women, and animals. The Canning Jewel in the Victoria and Albert Museum is a famous and elaborate use of a baroque as the base for a handsome merman.
Black pearls, particularly Tahitian black pearls have become very popular in recent years. They come in a range of colors from spectacular purples and greens, through pinks to sophisticated browns. All are lovely and the range of colors gives them a great deal of flexibility in choosing just the right pearl for your outfit and fashion mood. The most beautiful black pearl necklace I've seen was from Morrison's a small manufacturing jeweler in Berkeley. The pearls were arranged in a rainbow strung together so that each color melted into the one next to it, talk about stunning. And of course, what could be more romantic than pearls from Tahiti?
(By the way, if you wear pearls, do wear them against your skin, it is good for them, but be sure that you do not wear any perfume, scent or lotion, at least not where it might contact your pearls, okay?)
Emeralds and rubies are traditionally the emperor and empress of gems. Perhaps it is their vibrant colors that inspired our ancestors. Certainly, that vivid blood red and cool serpent green are hard to ignore. Even today emeralds and rubies of equal size and quality are more expensive than equivalent diamonds are.
In Victorian times colored gems were used to spell out love messages. Sometimes this made for interesting and not necessarily attractive settings, but it is very romantic. For instance, a piece of jewelry might have these gems in order:
LOVE: Lapis, Opal, Vermeil, and Emerald. REGARD: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, along with Ruby and Diamond.
The shape of jewelry too can harbor a romantic message. Hearts and clasped hands, hands holding a heart and cupids are self-explanatory, but some shapes are a bit more subtle.
For many cultures, including the Romans and the Victorians, snakes were a symbol of enduring love. A snake biting its own tail to form a circle is a particularly potent symbol of everlasting love. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring -- at the beginning of a long and celebrated marriage.
Interestingly lizards and frogs were (and perhaps still are) also symbols of wedded happiness. Perhaps this explains the continuing popularity of jewelry depicting these wiggly creatures.
Jewelry in the shape of flowers may also be symbolic. To quote Ophelia "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember: and there are pansies. That’s for thoughts."
Other flowers commonly found in jewelry are daisies for innocence, roses for the growth and continuation of love, and bouquets expressing the commingling and compatibility of marriage. When you are considering the perfect gift from that next anniversary, rather than the common "anniversary ring" how about a more romantic bouquet pendant?
So the next time you are looking through your jewel box before that special tryst or looking for the perfect gift for the perfect lover, consider the symbolic romance of jewelry and gems.
A look at gender-fluid and gender-neutral fashion Ideas with some news about a new player in the gender-neutral gender fashion market but first. Gender fluid and gender-neutral shoppers refuse to allow gender to hold them back when it comes to the search for something to wear that will look good on them. The fashion industry is listening and in spite of the anatomical and physical differences in male and female clothing that makes the search for good fitting clothing a challenge we here at Giftkone invite you to take a look at some of the great-looking clothing choices some of our affiliates have to offer.
So whether you're a curvy tomboy looking for something lose fitting in a boyfriend fit, or an outfit with a casual relaxed fit, like something you might find at the Banana Republic I have taken the time to put together a collection of gender-neutral fashion choices worth taking a look at.
Now that news I mentioned above about the gender natural fashion. The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its numerous startup companies that dot the famous Silicon Valley, well it has come to our attention here at Giftkone that one of the new bay area startups, that doesn’t dabble in electronics, is a fashion-related startup company called Re-Inc. The company is headed by Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. Soccer Star who had become known for being a gender equality activist. Megan was one of the stars in the U.S. World Cup Victor.
Her new startup will offer gender-neutral fashion and lifestyle brands to a bay area that is no stranger to fashion trends. Megan along with some of her teammates ( Christen Press, Tobin Heath, and Meghan Klingenberg) are champions of diversity and inclusion and are ready to present fashion that is taking a new look at gender norms. Their goal is to produce gender-neutral clothing fashion that will trend and hopefully make this new startup financially independent.
Anyone who has shopped to add clothing pieces to their gender-neutral wardrobe knows that shopping for the gender-fluid/neutral clothing can be complicated, but it doesn't need to be, especially when you know where to shop so let me suggest the Banana Republic for good looking, nice fitting gender-neutral clothing fashion.
Wildfang is a good choice for men's suits that will look good on a feminine/masculine or androgynous body frame, and hopefully, after visiting our Fashion Ideas page on this website you will find all of the clothing fashion and fashion-ideas we have to offer, useful.
There are a lot of legends and lore surrounding the practice of wearing birthstones. A lot of people believe that the idea of wearing birthstones started out as a marketing ploy by companies selling jewelry, and in these commercial super media times that would not be a good guess, but the reason behind the practice goes much, much deeper than that. The practice of wearing birthstones is actually rooted in astrology and religion. This post explores some of the myths behind the practice of sporting a birthstone.
One of the earliest stories connected to the practice of wearing birthstones came from the Christian Bible, the book of Exodus to be exact. The Breastplate of Aaron is described to have been mounted with twelve precious stones: ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx, and jasper. These twelve stones represented each of the twelve tribes of the Hebrews.
Other ancient cultures, like the Hellenics and the Babylonians in particular, have associated certain precious stones with their gods and goddesses, and later on with the planets and the stars represented in astrological signs. These stones were given attributes relating to the astrological signs they are linked with, as well as supernatural, protective powers. To wear the particular gemstone associated with a particular month on that given month is to invoke the protection offered by the powers of the stone.
Over the years and as Christianity came to rise, the Church tried to downplay astrology in the lives of the flock, and so wearing gemstones came to represent guardian angels and the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ instead. The idea that gemstones have the power to protect its wearer was nonetheless retained. However, since only wealthy people can afford to own a different gemstone for each month, most people have adopted the practice of wearing just the gemstone that represents the month of their birth. Since that time gemstones have been referred to as birthstones.
For the meaning behind the wearing of birthstones here are the different birthstones for each month of the Gregorian calendar and the meaning behind these stones.
For the month of January. Garnet is the birthstone, the bright red color of the garnet is associated with blood and thus, was thought to bestow good health upon its wearer. The garnet is also said to provide protection against nightmares and against the dangers posed by being alone in the dark. A person who favors the garnet is said to possess great patience and the capacity to endure hardships. The person whose birthstone is the garnet is consistent with his or her deeds and blessed with a creative mind.
For the month of February. A person born in the month of February has the amethyst for his or her birthstone. Amethyst is said to bestow, among other things, peace and clarity of the mind to its wearer. This gem also brings its wearer a heightened sense of self-awareness and intuition.
In the month of March. The person born in March, aquamarine is his or her birthstone. This stone is said to nurture friendliness in its wearer’s personality, making him a fierce and loyal comrade and companion. Because of its sea-blue color, the aquamarine is said to grant its wearer protection when she goes swimming traveling by water.
For the month of April. The diamond, the stone of strength offers longevity and innocence and is the birthstone of people born in April. Because the diamond is the hardest gemstone, it symbolizes success and excellence and is believed to bring forth good fortune. The diamond is also said to bring forth the purity of its wearer and encourages them to be truthful always.
For the month of May. People born in May the gemstone of peace and healing is – the emerald. It's believed that wearers of emeralds are granted good health and protection against illness. Wearers of emeralds are also said to have a higher level of foresight and to possess the natural ability to communicate well with others.
For the month of June. Pearls, produced by oysters and therefore the only gemstones that come from a living creature, is the birthstone of people born in June. In the Western world, June is the month of weddings, and so the pearl has come to be associated with successful marriages, as well as with faith, loyalty, and tranquility in life.
In the month of July, the sanguine ruby is the birthstone. Because of its blood-red color, the ruby is considered to be the gemstone for courage, strength, and vitality. It's also said to nurture in its wearer integrity and contentment in his- or herself. The ruby is also said to inspire people to seek harmony with others.
People born in August have the peridot as their birthstone. The peridot is said to bestow a heightened sense of dignity upon its wearer, and to bring upon her good fortune. It is also believed to provide him protection against evil intentions and against the terrors of the night.
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. It is a gemstone that is thought to build wisdom and clarity of thought in its wearer, as well as allow him or his discernment to see the truth no matter how deeply it is buried. The sapphire also inspires her to develop serenity and tranquility in their soul.
The birthstone for October is the opal. The opal, with its varying colors, is associated with depth in emotions. A person who wears the opal is granted the ability to feel deeply for his or her fellow person, to look at life with hope, and to burn subtly with an inner fire.
For the month of November. Topaz, is the birthstone, a gemstone that represents health in the body as well as health in the mind. Wearing the topaz is said to hasten a person’s ability to heal their own body in times of illness or injury. It is also thought to nurture practicality and creativity in its wearer.
Wearing the turquoise, the birthstone of December is believed to bring luck and prosperity to the wearer in time for the coming New Year. The turquoise is also said to banish negative vibrations that can hinder the wearer’s happiness and good fortune.
The practice of wearing birthstones goes deep beyond any marketing ploy. Wearing a birthstone is a practice of ancient origins, with deep religious and astrological roots. Birthstones are one of the most versatile gifts to give any season for any occasion.
Just about any time is the right time for a wedding, if you ask me, even though most weddings do tend to take place during the summer months. This post is all about choosing and delivering (or rather having delivered) the perfect wedding cake should this part of the wedding plan, ordering the wedding cake, becomes your responsibility.
When you're ready to select a wedding cake, you should arrange to meet with at least three bakers and actually taste their products. If you have attended or are planning on attending a bridal show, you can easily and quickly take care of this, taste-test-task at the show.
If you have a certain look you are going for with your wedding cake, be sure to bring a picture of what you would like when meeting with bakers. It's also a good idea to bring along your cake topper if you already have it as well as fabric swatches of the bridesmaid’s dresses. Also, be prepared to give the baker an estimated number of guests that you are expecting.
When you meet with the baker, be sure to ask to see a portfolio of pictures that have been taken of the baker’s previous work. In addition, always check references before you make the final decision. When you are reviewing a baker’s contract, be sure to note the following; you should immediately see the name, contact person, location, and phone numbers for the bakery. The cake size, shape, and number of tiers must be on the contract. Be sure that the cake flavor(s), fillings, and icing are noted and that all returnable items are clearly stated.
When you are interviewing the bakers, ask each one the same questions so that you do not forget anything and so that you can make an accurate comparison. Some things to inquire about are the set-up and take-down of the table where the cake will be, who will put the cake topper on the cake, who will place napkins, plates, flowers, etc. on the table, and who will direct the cutting of the cake?
Also, find out where the cake will be stored (preferably out of direct sunlight), who will be in charge of boxing up the cake top and you want to receive the cake? What arrangements will be made for the left-over cake, and who will cut the cake and distribute it? Cutting a wedding cake is much trickier than it looks and must be done by someone who is familiar with the process.
Be sure that the number of guests the cake is to serve is on the contract when the cake was ordered. When the cake will be delivered and assembled, what the set-up fee is if applicable, and the due dates for deposits and balances.
In closing, choosing a cake can really be a lot of fun. You have the chance to sample some goodies and make some light-hearted decisions about fillings, flavors, and decorations. However, in the process, make sure you are noting all of the details that need to be covered so that you are confident in your baker’s ability to deliver the product that you are expecting.
"Isn't jewelry romantic by its very nature, I asked myself?"
After overhearing a woman talk about how beautiful some of the jewelry, she was wearing made her feel, I think that to some degree it's true. Jewelry can make you feel even better about yourself, but we wear jewelry for any number of reasons that are not strictly romantic. To look sophisticated, and professional, to impress our friends and neighbors.
So, what about the romance of jewelry?
Something more like, the dictionary definition of jewelry:
"A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life"
Romantic jewelry is that jewelry that makes you feel special, like a princess or a prince. That special jewelry that takes you out of your normal humdrum life every time you put it on and makes you feel extra special.
Perhaps that is why gold is such a popular metal for jewelry. I love silver and platinum and there are other metals (titanium comes to mind) that make great jewelry, but there is nothing like the romance of gold. To wear gold is to wear the jewelry of kings and queens. In ancient Egypt, only the pharaohs and those especially favored by the pharaohs were permitted to wear gold. This feeling of being special and above the fray has continued to the modern-day. If you want to feel like royalty (or if you want to give a gift that says you think of your beloved as a king or queen), gold is the answer.
Another form of jewel that inspires feelings of romance are pearls, emeralds and rubies... and, of course, for many people, diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Somehow though diamonds don't seem to have the same warmth and romance as the other stones. Diamonds were not historically valued as highly as they are today. Much of the romance that has been generated around diamonds is due to De Beers in the early part of the 20th century instituting a brilliant and very effective advertising campaign... so I will leave diamonds for another post.
On the other hand, pearls feel wonderful against your skin. They are sensuous and mysterious. To look deeply into a fine pearl is like looking into eternity. There is also something intriguing about a pearl, knowing that it came not from the cold hard ground, but from a living industrious mollusk.
Pearls have been prized in all time periods and all cultures. Historically baroque pearls (large irregularly shaped pearls) were used to make wonderful and fantastic jewelry by embellishing them with gold and gems. Frequently these took the shape of Neptune or other Greek gods, sirens, beautiful women, and animals. The Canning Jewel in the Victoria and Albert Museum is a famous and elaborate use of a baroque as the base for a handsome merman.
Black pearls, particularly Tahitian black pearls have become very popular in recent years. They come in a range of colors from spectacular purples and greens, through pinks to sophisticated browns. All are lovely and the range of colors gives them a great deal of flexibility in choosing just the right pearl for your outfit and fashion mood. The most beautiful black pearl necklace I've seen was from Morrison's a small manufacturing jeweler in Berkeley. The pearls were arranged in a rainbow strung together so that each color melted into the one next to it, talk about stunning. And of course, what could be more romantic than pearls from Tahiti?
(By the way, if you wear pearls, do wear them against your skin, it is good for them, but be sure that you do not wear any perfume, scent or lotion, at least not where it might contact your pearls, okay?)
Emeralds and rubies are traditionally the emperor and empress of gems. Perhaps it is their vibrant colors that inspired our ancestors. Certainly, that vivid blood red and cool serpent green are hard to ignore. Even today emeralds and rubies of equal size and quality are more expensive than equivalent diamonds are.
In Victorian times colored gems were used to spell out love messages. Sometimes this made for interesting and not necessarily attractive settings, but it is very romantic. For instance, a piece of jewelry might have these gems in order:
LOVE: Lapis, Opal, Vermeil, and Emerald. REGARD: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, along with Ruby and Diamond.
The shape of jewelry too can harbor a romantic message. Hearts and clasped hands, hands holding a heart and cupids are self-explanatory, but some shapes are a bit more subtle.
For many cultures, including the Romans and the Victorians, snakes were a symbol of enduring love. A snake biting its own tail to form a circle is a particularly potent symbol of everlasting love. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring -- at the beginning of a long and celebrated marriage.
Interestingly lizards and frogs were (and perhaps still are) also symbols of wedded happiness. Perhaps this explains the continuing popularity of jewelry depicting these wiggly creatures.
Jewelry in the shape of flowers may also be symbolic. To quote Ophelia "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember: and there are pansies. That’s for thoughts."
Other flowers commonly found in jewelry are daisies for innocence, roses for the growth and continuation of love, and bouquets expressing the commingling and compatibility of marriage. When you are considering the perfect gift from that next anniversary, rather than the common "anniversary ring" how about a more romantic bouquet pendant?
So the next time you are looking through your jewel box before that special tryst or looking for the perfect gift for the perfect lover, consider the symbolic romance of jewelry and gems.
