November Eco-Blog + Gemstones Myths, Legends and Facts (back by popular demand!)

Hello Eco-Followers,

Happy November! Wow what a hectic month we have had here at Eco925. With the latest Winter instalment of our website and the addition of over 40 new jewellery lines to our website. We are very proud of some of the new concepts and by the look of our order file, they seem to be going down a treat. We particularity enjoyed creating the small and large set of Celtic pendants made of silver. It takes some time to create the oxidising effect between the runes, but the finished results are worth it. See for yourselves:

We also had the chance this month to build a complete set of our sunflower range, one of our favourite designs to make. The petal detail casts well, but always needs to be hand finished by lightly etching the fine lines.

We have also received one or two emails from some clients asking if we will be continuing our gemstones Myths, Legends and facts in our coming blogs. The answer is yes, starting back with this months Topaz we will be getting back into the swing of monthly blogging with gemstone facts and fun.

The Mystical World Of Topaz

The birthstone of November, Topaz is a Gemstone from the Orthorhombic crystal system. It comes in a variety of colours such as red, pink, yellow, brown, blue and colourless. It has also been know to come in green, but this is quite rare and carries a hefty price point. The most frequently seen colour on the market tends to be the blue topaz, desired as it often gives an iridescent appearance. The blue that is desired is usually an intense colouration with a darker body colour than aquamarine. Nearly all topaz sold in this colour has undergone treatment to attain the desired colour. In most cases it is a combination of both heat treatment and irradiation (but don't fear it certainly not radioactive).

Heat treatment is also used to get pink topaz, by heating the yellow or brown gemstones which contain the transition (colouring) element Chromium.

Traditionally it was desirable to have Topaz in its rough crystal form, to be kept in the household, as it was believed by many to radiate good health for those in the dwelling. The Greeks in particular were very fond of the topaz gemstone deriving its namesake from the red sea island Topazios (now called Zabargad). They believed that the gemstone would bring great strength in their battles.

Caring for topaz

It is well worth mentioning that topaz does not take kindly to being ultrasonically cleaned. Although it has a moh's hardness of 8 it is advised to clean them with a dull toothbrush, fairy liquid and hot water. Workshop wise, Topaz has a tendency to thermal shock, so its best to either unset or wrap it up really well before attempting to heat any metal. If you happen to have a yellow topaz, try not to leave it sitting in the window, or near sunbeds or any kind of U.V light. It likely that its been treated by irradiation, meaning there is a good chance it will speed up the colour fading from the gemstone.

Well that it from us here for another month, I hope you enjoyed and stay in touch for our Christmas special. I will leave you with a stunning picture sent into us by one of our valued customers Lara, wearing her Eco-Friendly Nautilus shell on her wedding day.

Love and Peace

Eco925

Plastic bag oragami

Hello Eco-followers,

I know its been a little while since we posted, but as you can see our new webpage is up and running! We hope you like the new site and the editions of the green wedding page and the Eco-silver page. We thought we would keep it light hearted with this post and share with you a fun picture we have come up with on how to fold up the supermarket 5 pence bag. Enjoy not having those pesky bags jumping out the draw!

Love and Peace

Eco925

Hello Eco-Followers,

Welcome to our July Edition of the Eco-Blog. Wow what a energetic month June has been, As you may have seen through our social media, it has been all go at Eco925. We have had the pleasure of creating jaw dropping new Eco Friendly Jewellery lines for you all. From our Stunning new Fibonacci inspired Amber pendant, to our small and subtle Celtic Rose Silver Earrings.

We also got to create one of our more artistic lines this month. Our Pointer whistle pendant which is an ETSY exclusive line of ours. I have been told that it has been gifted to a very dedicated dog trainer. If you have a picture L we'd love you to send it in to us.

As not to break from our short lived tradition, this month we are going to have a look into the birthstone of July the Ruby. Well known to jewellers worldwide, the Ruby is affectionately named one of the 'Big Four' gemstones and can carry a hefty market price. With localities all around the world from Myammar (Burma) to Sri Lanka (Ceylon). This part of the Corundum family occurs as bright red , red, purplish or brownish-red and deep pinkish-red colours.

Folk law and Mythology suggests that during the 16th century that Ruby gave control of passions, drove out evil thoughts, secured possessions to their rightful owner, brought peace and preserved bodily strength and health.

In the past many red stones that showed a similar hardness were also often called rubies e.g. Spinels or Garnets. But as our understanding and knowledge of gemstones improved materials became recognized by their own right.

The most famous example of this is the discovery that the Black Price's Ruby, set above the Cullinan II Diamond in the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom, is not a Ruby at all! In fact it is a Spinel weighing 170 carats (that's the size of a chicken egg).




Ruby is also one of the gemstones that posses the ability that when it is highly included with rutile needles at certain angles can display Asterism or 'Star' effect. When the stone is rotated the star always follows the line of vision.

Caring for Rubies:

Rubies are tough and durable, so they do not require any special care. To clean your rubies, just use warm soapy water with a soft old toothbrush to agitate the dirt under the setting. Then just wipe with a soft dry cloth. It is important to ensure that if you have a treated Ruby then you should only use a dry cloth to clean. As the fracture filling or diffusion treatments may become damaged. As with most jewellery, ultra sonic cleaners are not recommended. It is also better not to expose your ruby jewellery to acids of jewellery cleaner. Also ensure that you keep it in a separate compartment in your jewellery box to your other jewellery as it is still susceptible to scratching.

Well that's it for now from us here at Eco925 we hope you have enjoyed our article. If you have any questions or enquiries we would love to here from you. This month we will leave you with an image of one of our treasured customers enjoying their new jewellery:

Thank you Amelia for sending a picture and leaving a wonderful testimonial. 

Love and Peace

Eco925

U.S.A , U.K and E.U Ring size chart

Hello Eco Bloggers,

We have composed an extra post this month. We have found that some customers wanted information of ring size differences for certain countries. So here is a little table for you:

June Eco-Blog 2015

Welcome to our June edition of the Eco-Blog. This month we are going to be looking closely at pearls. With a little bit of Mythology and folklaw about their origins and how to care for them:

There are many myths regarding the origin of pearls. One of the earliest myths is from the Hindu culture. In the Hindu book of the Rigveda, Krishna descended into the ocean and discovered the first pearl, which he gave to his daughter on her wedding day. In the Hindu culture, pearls are associated with the Moon, and symbolize purity and love. Many legends relate the pearl to the Moon. In one myth, the Moon bathes in the ocean, and its light attracts oysters to the surface, so that it might impregnate them with dew. Old Arabian, Greek, and Roman legends tell us that the pearl is formed when dewdrops filled with Moonlight fall to the ocean and are swallowed by oysters. The Persians believed the same thing, but they also believed that imperfections found in pearls were due to thunder in the sky. Chinese myths tell of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fight, and of pearls conceived within the brains of dragons.

Pearls have always been associated with love. The Greeks and Romans believed that wearing pearls promoted marital bliss, and the bond between Psyche and Cupid was often depicted by a strand of pearls. Venus (Aprodite) was believed to have been born from an oyster in the sea, like a pearl. In one Polynesian legend, Oro, the god of peace and fertility, offered a pearl to the princess of Bora Bora as a token of his love. Pearls are also often associated with tears. Many legends say that pearls are the tears of gods, and the Greeks believed that wearing pearls would prevent a newlywed woman from crying. One legend says that the tears of Adam and Eve created a lake that bore pearls.

The pearl is almost always associated with the moon, and is usually considered to be feminine in nature. It is said to strengthen the astrological effects of the moon. It is often associated with brides and with weddings, which may date all the way back to the legend about Krishna and his daughter's wedding. Pearls protect brides from widowhood, and ensure faithfulness and a happpy conjugal life. They are also thought to quicken the laws of karma and to strengthen loving relationships. 

Pearls are also said to bring about wealth, good fortune, and wisdom through experience. They are said to enhance the beauty of women and keep them forever young. They help wearers see themselves more clearly, so that they might improve themselves. They are also said to calm the emotions of wearers, so that they might maintain mental stability. Pearls are often assosicated with purity and innocence, and therefore protect the innocent. They are often said to protect children. Many authorities say that pearls should never be worn with diamonds. 

Caring for your pearls:

Pearls are organic gemstones that are vulnerable to acid, alkaline and extremes of humidity. To preserve your pearls' radiance, avoid letting them come into contact with cosmetics, hair spray, or perfume. Always put on your jewelry as a final touch, after applying make-up and styling hair. The pearl's luster can also be harmed by perspiration. To prevent this, before returning your pearls to the jewelry box, wipe them gently with a soft cloth.

Pearls are exceptionally cohesive and shock-resistant, but may be scratched by contact with sharp objects or other gemstones. To prevent tangles and scratches, fasten clasps and pins, then lay each item out separately in a compartmentalized jewelry box. When carrying jewelry, use a protective jewelry pouch. Leaving pearl jewelry in a security box for long periods may cause pearls to dehydrate, so enjoy them frequently. There is a saying that "pearls want to be worn," and it is true!

If the radiance of your jewellery appears to be fading, take it to a specialist. Ultrasonic cleaners should never be used with pearl jewelry as it can damage the pearls. The same goes for using any sort of Gold or Silver Cleaning liquids and dips. It is best to clean the metal with a dry Silver or Gold cloth to remove any tarnishing. 

To celebrate the month of June we are exhibiting a number of new pearl lines. From Freshwater Black pearls to Coloured Pearl Bracelets. You can find them at www.eco925.com or on our etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Eco925

May Eco-Blog Emerald Mythology/Caring for Emeralds

Hello Eco-Followers,

 

Welcome to this months eco-blog on Emerald folklaw. It has been commonly said that Emerald is the birthstone of hope and has been adorned by many different cultures around the world. Most famously they were worn by Celoparta who beleived they would protect her from snake bites. There are even a number of references to Emeralds being ground up and used as a cure for poor sight. More modern law suggests that Emeralds can secure love, attracts wealth and insight profitable dreaming. The origin of the word emerald is said to be a Sanskrit word meaning "green".

We will also share a little advice on emeralds, as they need to be cared for. Due to their construct, as well as a number of modern gemstone treatments, we advise not to put your Emerald jewellery in any kind of ultrasonic cleaning bath. Further still, we advise against using any gold cleaning agents because the chemicals can unstablise dyes, fracture fillings and coatings (the most common emerald treatments). Instead we recommend cleaning your Emerald with good old fashion soapy

water (well fairy liquid and luke-warm water). Using a soft bristle toothbrush to clean behind the setting. This could be an old worn toothbrush or a babies toothbrush.

If you need any further jewellery advice or you would like to see us feature any perticular stone, please get in touch us via our contact page here:

http://www.eco925.com/#!eco925-contact/c24ju

Love and Peace

Eco925

Eco925 Eco-blog April 2015 Diamond mythology

Happy April to all our #ecofriendly followers. I'm sure the Lucky ladies born this month know that this months birthstone is #diamond.

 

So to celebrate here are some diamond #mythology's: Diamonds are said to bring purity, harmony, love and abundance to those who adorn them.

 

In the medieval ages it was commonly believed that diamonds would protect you from the plague and the Greek's believed it could cure poisons.

 

As always you can find our stunning Jewellery and monthly mythology here at www.eco925.com