PEARLS-"Tears from the Gods"

Yes, Ancient Cultures believed that Pearls were actually the hardened Tears from the Gods and Goddesses.
Among other myths, The Chinese believed that Pearls fell to the ground when Dragons were battling.
Ancient Arabs thought that the Moon lured Oysters to the surface and then swallowed dewdrops to then create Pearls.

The truth is just as Fantastical.
A grain of sand, or some other irritant is introduced into the sensitive lining of the Oyster Shell and to soothe that irritation, the Oyster coats layer upon layer of nacre over it. Thus creating the ONLY Gemstone to be made by an animal.

It is Ironic that this symbol of Purity, Chastity and Unblemished Perfection has been the instigator of wars amongst Persian, Arabian and Indian Rulers. They have all been known to go to War to control OysterBeds.

Having seen a Perfectly Round Lustrous Pearl it is not difficult to believe that they can bring about a sense of Calm, promote Faith, Loyalty, Truth, Purity and a sense of Goodwill.
Maybe this is why they have been traditional gifts for Brides, and 30th Anniversaries?

StoreFront Inspiration

I just finished painting the Outside of my Storefront.

It took a VERY Long time to figure out the colors.

Finally, a Friend suggested I base my color choices on Gems.

DUH! Why did I not think of something so Obvious? I started looking around the Store to see which Stones I had laying around, pairing them together. Yet, I still could not find the Right combination, until my eyes fell onto a Necklace that I had done a few years ago.

Quite a few women-Friend' Moms-that would travel from HongKong or Taipei ALWAYS had strands of the most gorgeous Tahitian Pearls, Jade and Diamonds. This piece was inspired by them. I paired Chocolate Pearls, Jade and Swarovski Crystal.

This Necklace has always made me feel good.  Centered. Grounded.

What better inspiration for my Storefront Colors?

The colors Phantom Mist, Green Water, and Silver.

I am Grateful

So it appears that the Rapture is not going to occur.

I am not Mocking.

I am Grateful.

I am Grateful that I started DeAndreaDesigns when I did, just in case the Prophets were correct.

I am Grateful the Rapture has yet to occur, so that I can continue to follow my Dream. There is So much more to do with DeAndreaDesigns-A LOT of it unknown to even myself. BUT I am excited to see it to fruition.

My tiny storefront/studio is only the Beginning. Even if it does not grow beyond into a Larger Space, or multiple locations, or even Worldwide Recognition, I will continue to live for that look in a person's eyes when they try on that piece of Jewelry that Perfectly Compliments their own Personal Style. Or a piece of Jewelry that I was able to bring into existence that they have only been able to Dream about.

In short, I am Grateful for the Gifts that were bestowed on me, and the Ability to Share them with every one of you.

I AM GRATEFUL.

Hooker Emerald Brooch

Large Emeralds are extremely rare.
Large Emeralds with few if any inclusions are VERY Rare.
Emerlads of this caliber can often be traced back to the time they were mined from the Earth.

The Muzo Mines of Columbia have a history of producing some of the BEST Emeralds known to man.
In 1815 Columbia gained it's Independence and Emerald mining fell to the State. State run Emerald Mining fell into disarray and confusion, yet a large rough crystal was discovered and sold to the head of the Ruling Family of the Ottoman Empire-Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

The Sultan had the Stone cut and polished to be worn as the center piece of his Belt Buckle.
He spent his 33 years as a Dictator with an Iron Fist-Building Railroads, Reforming the Education System and Expanding the Telegraph System. However, the younger generations were not happy with his Rule. Noting the writing on the wall, the Sultan had his Emerald belt buckle, the Hope Diamond and other Jewels smuggled out of the Country and sold to finance his life after the impending over-throw. Sadly, for him , Sultan Abdul's younger brother caught wind of this plot and not only deposed him, but seized that cash.

Their story continues on, but here we follow the Emerald to Salomon Habib in 1908. It is kept quiet and hidden until 1950 where it makes it's Commercial Debut in a Christmas Catalogue by Tiffany. Restyled as a Brooch.

In 1955 it was purchased by Janet Annenberg Hooker. Heir to Annenberg Publications-which owned TV Guide as well as Seventeen Magazine. She gave the Emerald it's name...

75 ct Hooker Emerald

In 1977, the Hooker Emerald was donated to the Smithsonian. This was Her First Large Jewelry Donation of many, resulting in the building of the "Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals" in Sept 1997.

Mrs. Hooker passed away just 3 months later.

Sacred Emerald Buddha

Not to be confused with the"Emerald Buddha" in Wat Phra Keo in the Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand.  Which is actually not Emerald at all, but Green Jasper.
In 1434 lightning struck the Palace causing some of the stucco on the walls to flake away revealing a lustrous green stone.  This led to meticulous peeling of the remainder of the stucco revealing the "Emerald Buddha"...

The Sacred Emerald Buddha

BUT...
In 1994, a large Emerald Crystal-3600cts LARGE-was found in Africa and then sent to Thailand.

Understandably, a bidding war ensued amongst dealers and designers.  The winning bidder envisioned a single sculpture of an image of Buddha.

Because of the shape of the crystal, and incidents around the World, "Harm Yhard" was chosen as the depiction.   Buddha scolding bickering Family members-in 2001 extremists of the Taliban destroyed the "Buddha of Bamiyan" in Afghanistan-seemed appropriate..."Stop quarreling amongst yourselves"

So Jadite carvers from Burma and China were screened, but because of security issues it was decided that relocating a carver from Mae Sot, Thailand was the best option. Aung Nyein,master Jadite carver,  was given the Job.

After weeks of study, planning measuring he made his first marking on the Emerald, but not before practicing on Aquamarine-because Aquamarine and Emerald are of the same gemological family-and Jadite stones.  Many weeks later Aung Nyien started the final polish with a fine Diamond Powder.

Finished in 2001, weighing 2,620ct, the "Sacred Emerald Buddha" was unveiled.

How big is 2,620ct?  6 inches high 2.62 inches wide

Talisman of the Goddess Venus-EMERALDS

And May's Birthstone.

It is somewhat appropriate that this brilliant green stone would be the associated with the month of May, and it's Season of rebirth.  As a matter of fact Ancient Egyptians would carve scenes of gardens onto larger Emeralds as symbols of Fertility and Rebirth. Ancient Romans thought that lighter colored Emeralds were "unripe" so they valued the darker, richer tones as more mature and ready for use.

"Mature Emerald"

Cultures have Prized Emeralds for millenium,  including Gods and Goddesses.

Emeralds are the Talisman of Venus, Goddess of Love and Fertility. This stone is said to Enhance Unconditional Love and Protect against unfaithfulness-it actually rumored to lose it's inner glow when the wearer is untrue.

Also associated with Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods;  therefore, it is the Stone to give to Travelers.

One more reference, this time in regards to Feng Shui-the ancient Chinese Art of attracting positive energies to your home.
Place your Emeralds in the SE corner of your room if you are interested in Wealth Energies.
                                           SW corner of your room if you are interested in Relationship Energies
                                           N  corner of your room for Personal Growth and Journeys

I guess we know where Mercury and Venus put their Emeralds.
Where are yours?