Being June is the traditional month for weddings, I would like to send an article about the histories of the engagement and wedding rings for your reading pleasure.

The History of the Engagement Ring

For centuries, the engagement, or betrothal ring has been a symbol for the promise of a fine future together. This promise was sealed with the giving and the
accepting of an engagement ring.  

The diamond engagement ring, has been popular since 1477, but other rings have been used throughout the centuries to mark engagements too. These being created
from different metals, or set with the fashionable stone of that time period, or of a popular stone of a particular culture.  

Gem stones rings were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Often, the first letter of the stones within the setting spelled out the name of the giver or a word:
such as, "Harry" (hematite, aquamarine, ruby, rhodochrosite, yellow zircon). Or,  "dearest" (diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, epidote, sapphire, turquoise).

Also known and popular, was the "Gimmal Ring". This ring had three parts, including two clasped hands. During a couple's engagement, one "hand" ring was worn
by the bride, the other worn by the groom. The third part, usually just a band, was worn by a witness.  All three parts were reunited becoming the bride's wedding
ring, on the day of their marriage.

For today's engagement ring, diamonds are usually the first choice among brides, because of the diamond's beauty and durability.

The History of the Wedding Ring

At the conclusion of a contract, ancient Romans exchanged rings. In the beginning this exchange was only for business or commercial contracts. Over a period of
time, it began to include betrothal contracts as well.

After the husband-to-be and the father had settled the terms of dowry, the bride-to-be received a ring. The same ring was used during the wedding ceremony.
During the second or third centuries, Christians began giving wedding rings inscribed with the symbols of their faith. In Middle Ages (12th to 14th centuries) the
ring became part of the wedding ceremony. As the priest recited the marriage vows he would touch the bride's fingers, starting with the thumb, saying "In the name
of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen." As he ended with "Amen," he slipped the ring onto the brides finger.

This platinum-set diamond ring is from the Elizabeth Collection of House of Taylor Jewelry, a Los Angeles-based international jewelry company whose principal
shareholders include movie legend Elizabeth Taylor. The 5.98-carat oval-cut diamond in its center is “internally flawless” and surrounded by 3.96 carats of round
brilliant diamonds in a floral design. Of course, star power doesn't come cheap. This ring will cost you a cool $1.3 million.
(House of Taylor Jewelry)


World’s Most Expensive Wedding Dress
2008
Yes, the much-in news blingy silhouette is a platinum wedding dress featured in London as part of the Hatton Garden Jewellery Week. Bearing a price tag of
£240,000 (352,451.69 USD) almost ten-times the price of standard weddings dresses making up to shows, the ultra-luxurious dress is designed by Italian Mauro
Adami using 40 meters (43.7 yards) of textile spun from silk and platinum thread.

(I think I'll purchase two)


Traditional Stone Anniversary Gifts

1st    Rose Beryl
2nd   Crystal  
3rd    Chrysoprase  
4th    Moonstone  
5th    Carnelian  
6th    Peridot  
7th    Coral  
8th    Opal  
9th    Citrine  
10th  Turquoise  
11th  Garnet  
12th  Amethyst  
13th  Agate  
14th  Ivory  
15th  Blue Topaz  
25th  Silver  
30th  Pearl  
35th  Jade  
40th  Ruby  
45th  Sapphire  
50th  Golden Topaz
55th  Emerald  
60th  Diamond  

On Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfnRuMyvo0A
Rose Quartz

:Scientific Rose Quartz:
Of all the desirable varieties of the Quartz mineral, Rose Quartz hold that honorary position.

Quartz, made of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) combined together as SiO2, is the most common mineral on Earth and is established in nearly every geological
environment, or at least a constituent of almost every rock type. Having essentially the same chemical composition and crystalline structure, the differences between
the varieties only depends on formation methods,  grain size, and impurities which give rise to varying colors and color patterns. Quartz, mainly transparent to
translucent, is characterized by its glass-like appearance (shiny luster).

Rose Quartz's pink to rose red coloring is caused by iron and titanium impurities within.

:Rose Quartz Sources:
Madagascar; India; Germany; South Dakota, USA. Most of the worlds supply of good quality Rose Quartz now comes from Brazil.

:Metaphysical Uses Of Rose Quartz:
Opens up the heart for both giving and receiving love, to self, family, platonic, and romantic.
A nurturing stone.
Soothes negative influences.
Aids those to feel worthy.
Helps dealing with issues of the emotions.
Removes fears, resentments and anger.
Brings forth contentment.
Help in reconciliation with family or friends.
Rids guilt.
Allow one to communicate internally with personal Spirit Guides.
Helps one to be able to love themselves.
Aids those striving for deep inner healing.
Used to ease the transition in dying.
Restores environmental as well as emotional harmony after chaotic, traumatic or crisis situations.
A stone to keep close as 'comfort food' or 'teddy bear'  for those dealing with a "broken heart."
Brings forth positive attitude changes.
It is a wonderful gift to give a friend, showing how important friendship is.
Is stated to be a helpful aid for dream recall and dream work. And also brings forth clarity of dreams.
Releases childhood traumas of issues of neglect,  the lack of parental love and abused self-esteem.
Allows one to be in touch with basic self.

:Physical Uses Of Rose Quartz:
Soothes sore ribs.
Stimulates the lungs.
Eases childbirth.
Used in treatments for alleviating addictions.
Benefits the heart and the circulatory system.
Aids the thymus gland.
A great weight loss stone.
Helps those wanting to start or expand a family bringing forth fertility.
Eases sinus headaches.
Said to help those suffering from fibromyalgia.
Stimulates proper kidney function.
Helps those dealing with sexual dysfunction.
Eases sore throats and ear aches.
Slows signs of aging as it reduces wrinkles.
Alleviates depression.

On video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxM6RlLHliM
Moonstone

:Scientific Moonstone:
Moonstone belongs to the family of minerals known as feldspars,  important groups of silicate minerals commonly formed in rock and composed of two feldspar
species, orthoclase and albite, which then becomes the newly formed mineral occurring in alternating layers.

The most common Moonstone is of the mineral adularia which are believed to be named for the bluish-white spots within them.  For when held up to light, they
project a silvery play of color, much like the moon. When the stone is moved about, silvery rays appear to glide around, much like moonbeams playing over water.
This phenomenon is called "adularescence."

Moonstone's colors range from Blue, Clear, Peach, Green, Greyish, Brownish-black, White, and Yellow.

Peach Moonstone has a play of cream, peach, and pearly-gray color.

:Metaphysical Uses Of Moonstone:
Is a wonderful stone for women, as it helps to balance the hormones, particularly for women going through menopause.
This mineral is a very personal stone, as it is a reflection of the person who owns it.
Helps change the structures of our lives on all levels which makes it a great New Beginning's stone.
It enhances intuition, stimulates psychic abilities.
Is known as the Travelers Crystal;  protection from unknown dangers.
Moonstone helps in past-life work, including regression therapy.
Brings forth creativity with insight and perception.
Provides us with discernment and empathy it also promotes lucid dreaming.
Removes negativity from all the Chakras.
Meditating with Moonstone helps our understanding in the purpose and meaning of cycles in our lives.
A talisman for good fortune.
Said to aid in bringing forth harmonious relationships.
Promotes inspiration.
Brings success in business matters.
This is a stone of rejuvenation.
This stone helps one with clarifying any vision brought forth.
Helps dissolve old patterns and habits.
Stimulates confidence and composure, calms overreactions.
Said to help to bring about all your hopes and wishes.
Is a stone of inner growth and strength.
Promotes lucid dreaming.
Moonstone is the stone of the goddess Diana. The most powerful time to use the Moonstone in rituals or ceremonies,  is in a full moon.
Often Moonstone is considered to be a woman's stone, but it can be very beneficial to men in opening the emotional self.

Peach Moonstone brings soothing relief to emotional issues.  
Especially helpful for Indigo Children.
Eliminates worry or fear.
Brings forth tenderness to the surface.

:Physical Uses Of Moonstone:
Relieves stress.
Supports the digestive system.
Reported to be useful for calming effects on the hyperactive child.
Stimulates the functioning of the pineal gland.

On Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E9-oOEIHKM
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Bloodstone
Chemical Composition: SiO2 with impurities  Silicon Dioxide
Astrology Signs: Aries, Pisces, Libra
Element: Fires: Water, Air
Numerology: 4   Dignified   Trustworthy

:Scientific Bloodstone:
This cryptocrystalline mineral, more properly known as green Chalcedony, is a form of silica quartz that form in lumps of very tiny quartz crystals and Morganite.
The name of Bloodstone is derived from it's small red specks, resembling blood, on it's dark green background. The red speckles are caused by iron oxides.
There are two types of Bloodstone:
Plasma is very deep green. Opaque.  Very little or no red in it, and may have yellowish spots.
Heliotrope,  from Greek helios, Sun, trepein, to turn is lighter green. Somewhat translucent. Has red spots in it.
During the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone was believed to have healing powers to cure tumors and stop bleeding. The stones were crushed into powder and mixed
with honey and egg whites. Alchemists also used this mineral to cure blood poisoning, and draw out the poison from venomous snakebites.

:Bloodstone Sources:
India; Brazil; China; Australia; USA.

:Metaphysical Uses Of Bloodstone:
Helps with remaining calm in survival situations.
Brings forth success in business.
Lessens confusion and anxiety thus bringing on mental and emotional renewal.
Grounding stone.
Drives away night demons, night terrors, nightmares.
Brings forth self-confidence.
Enhances creativity.
Good Luck and Good Fortune stone.
Use to calm chaotic situations.
Said to smooth the way with legal issues.
Brings courage its wearer.
Balances spiritual forces.
Powerful tool for warding off the evil eye.
Guards against deception.
Increases intellect.
A good meditation stone.
Considered an "enabling stone" that brings the owner the things he/she desires.
Promotes will power, thus making this a great stone for ridding additions and for those on a diet.
A protection stone.
Promotes generosity towards others.
Rids mental stress of physical traumas.
Revitalizes love, relationships and friendships.

:Physical Uses Of Bloodstone:
Brings forth physical strength.
Helpful in treating  blood pressure, cardiovascular system, anemia and other blood diseases.
Used in the treatment for endocrine system.
Aids proper kidney and bladder functions.
Calms post-surgical issues.
Aids in heart functions.
Stimulates the spleen.
Said to aid those having bone marrow concerns.

On Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHQbw6OhmAM
Iron Pyrite

:Scientific Iron Pyrite:
Pyrite, named from the Greek  "Pyr"  meaning fire, (which occurs when you strike pyrite with a metal object because it will spark) is a minor ore of sulphur. The
color is brassy yellow, which makes it often mistaken for gold.
Iron Pyrite occurs in sedimentary, magmatic, metamorphic, and hydrothermal deposits. It is mostly formed as a cube, but can be found in octahedron,
pyritohedron, and combinations of all of these shapes. Pyrite is often found around quartz, gold, galena, fluorite, calcite, and sphalerite. It is so common in the
earth's crust that it can be found in almost every possible environment.
Pyrite Chispas  is the cheapest grade of pyrite. It is the kind that most tourist rock shops carry. Mined from the Las Chispas Mine, Arizpe, Sonora, Mexico and the
Huanzala mine, Huanuco Dept., Dos de Mayo Province. Huallanca Dist., Peru.  These knobby pieces of Pyrite are an interesting collector's must to the cubed Iron
Pyrite.

:Iron Pyrite Sources:
Virtually worldwide. It has been found in ancient civilizations by archaeologists in Greece, Rome, and Peru.
Most notable occurrences are from Utah, Illinois, Colorado, Arkansas, Pennsylvania and Missouri/USA; Peru; Germany; Russia; Spain and South Africa.

:Iron Pyrite In Lore:
Most people have heard of "Fools Gold" - the nick-name for Iron Pyrite. Many miners in the gold rush days were fooled by pyrite due to its uncanny resemblance to
the desired gold of their seekings. The Miners were not to fond of  Iron Pyrite for this reason, and because it also caused mine fires when exposed to air and water.
Pyrite was polished by the Native Americans, and cultures of ancient Mexico, to be used as mirrors to discern the future, as well as in healing tools and amulets.
Before the 1800's, the Pyrite was highly favored as a decorative stone as its hardness holds sharp edges and fine shapes for many years. Favorite ornaments carved
from Iron Pyrite were Rosettes, shoe buckles, rings and snuff boxes to name a few.
The Iron Pyrite's biggest use occurred during World War II when sulfur was in demand as a strategic chemical, that being sulfuric acid, and North American sulfur
mines were drying up. A sulfide deposit near Ducktown, Tenn. was found to contain pyrite as well as other sulfides such as pyrrhotite and pentlandite in sufficient
quantities as to produce the necessary sulfur.

:Iron Pyrite In Metaphysical Uses:
Governing the 3rd Chakra - Solar Plexus - Iron Pyrite represents physical perfection.
Pyrite will prevent negative energies from entering and altering your physical, emotional, and mental aspects.
Used for Scrying.
Makes an excellent meditation tool.
Use to illuminate and clarify what is really happening in your life and see the changes you need to make.  
Aids mental activity by balancing creative and intuitive impulses with practical impulses. A great stone for those who work with complex concepts in business,
education, or the arts.
Helps improve  memory by aiding concentration, learning, and understanding.
Improves communication skills by ordering your thoughts and connecting them with concrete concepts and by helping one to communicate more openly and
honestly and by stimulating cooperation in groups.
Eases depression.
Carry a Pyrite with you to boost your self confidence.

:Iron Pyrite In Physical Uses:
Benefits the respiratory system, circulatory system.
Helps ease eye strain and sore eyes.
Pyrite will help ease menstrual discomforts and balance your hormonal rhythms.
Said to facilitate more efficient transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood.
Aids the digestive system by lessening the irritation caused by the ingested toxins.
Lowers fever.
A good stone to carry for protection if you do any type of dangerous work.
Pyrite can help build up defenses against infectious diseases - A good stone for Doctors and Nurses and even teachers of those who work with young children.
Stimulates the cardiovascular system.
Eases throat problems.
It is a great crystal for treating physical burnout by placing the Iron Pyrite on the solar plexus to achieve maximum energizing results.
As an elixir Pyrite aids digestion.

:Pyrite vs Gold Notes and Tips:
For those of you who are desirous of purchasing gold, please know that Pyrite can be easily mistaken for gold.
A quick test is to take the piece suspected of being gold and gently bite it. If it flakes, it's pyrite. If it bends--you've got true gold.
Pyrite is about 5 times heavier than water, but  gold  is about 19 times heavier than water. Gold also has a more orange or darker yellow appearance, while Pyrite
tends to appear more tin-like in color.

On Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmNxk_EWKjE