Gold rush, Chinese New Year sees new demand for gold

Retailers across Asia are gearing up for a round of last minute shopping as the Chinese New Year draws closer, and as the Ashleigh Nghiem reports, people aren't just stocking up on clothes and food, but a precious metal as well.

Retailers are gearing up for a round of last minute shopping as the Lunar New Year draws closer.

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon starts Monday, 23 January.

And as the BBC's Ashleigh Nghiem reports, people aren't just stocking up on new clothes and food but gold as well.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16643789


www.JewelryDays.com
My Life Is Beautiful

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.

~Dale Evans

Jewelry Days

December Birth Flower: Narcissus aka Daffodil

Narcissus is from the Narcissistic youth of Greek mythology called Narkissos.
It is mostly common to the Mediterranean region but there are a few found in Asia and China.

The Narcissus has a trumpet shaped corona that is surrounded by a ring of petals. They are also poisonous and can be fatal if eaten so no parts of the flower should be ingested.

Colors:

• White
• Yellow
• Orange

December: Narcissus
Alternate: Holly

Fun and interesting fact: When comparing the Daffodil, Jonquil, and the "Narcissus", it is important to remember that both the Daffodil and Jonquil are a part of the Narcissus genus. However while the names "Daffodil" and "Narcissus" can be used interchangeably, a Jonquil is a completely different plant down to the shape of the petals and leaves.

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Debbie P.

My life is beautiful

www.jewelrydays.com

Sources: babiesonline

Birthstone for the month of December: Blue Topaz

If cold December gave you birth,

The month of snow and ice and mirth,

Place on your hand a turquoise blue;

Success will bless whate'er you do.

Blue Topaz was derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire. It was considered to have cooling properties by ancient civilizations, it cools boiling water and also calm hot tempers as well.

Healing Powers:

• Cures insanity
• Asthma
• Weak Vision
• Insomnia
  

Sources:

• Brazil
• Nigeria
• Sri Lanka
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• China
• United States
  

Blue Topaz is symbolic: love and fidelity.

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Debbie P.

"My life is beautiful"

www.jewelrydays.com

Sources: Aboutbirthstones.com
Wikipedia.com

Birthstone for the month of November: TOPAZ

Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire or Greek word "topazos" meaning "green gemstone" . Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. Topaz has been known for at least 2000 years and is one of the gemstones which form the foundations of the twelve gates of the Holy City of the New Jerusalem.

Orange is the traditional November birthstone and a symbol of friendship

and the state gemstone for the US state of Utah.

Orange Topaz is Utah's state gemstone.

Blue Topaz is the hardest

Color and Varieties:

Pure topaz is colorless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities.

typical topaz is wine, yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, blue brown

• Wine
• Yellow
• Pale Gray
• Reddish-Orange
• Blue Brown

can also be made :

• White
• Pale Green
• Blue
• Gold pink (rare)
• Reddish Yellow
• Opaque
  
• Transparent/Translucent
  

Localities:

• Ilmen mountains of Russia
• Afghanistan
• Sri Lanka
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Norway
• Pakistan
• Italy
• Sweden
• Japan
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Flinders Island
• Australia
• Nigeria
• United States

During Middle Ages topaz was thought to strengthen mind and prevent mental disorders as well as sudden death, it was also considered a "cooling" gem. it also has the ability to quickly cool boiling water and flaring tempers.
As medication, topaz was used to cure fever.

Alternate Birthstone: Citrine

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Debbie P.
My Life is beautiful
www.jewelrydays.com

Sources: gemologyonline
wikipedia
jewelryformother

Birthflower for the Month of October: COSMOS

Cosmos is the Greek word for Harmony or ordered universe. Cosmos is native to scrub and meadow where you can mostly find in Mexico, Florida and the Southern United States, Arizona, Central America and to South America in the north to Paraguay in the south.

They can grow up to 0.3–2 m tall and color varies between different species.

Cosmos are also a pest free plant which helps keep bugs at a minimum in gardens, they grow well in dry, hot climates like Texas.

Some Species of Cosmos:

• Cosmos atrosanguineus (Hook) - Chocolate Cosmos

• Cosmos bipinnatus (Cav) - Garden Cosmos

• Cosmos Caudatus (Kunth) - Ulam Raja

• Cosmos Parviflorus (Jacq.) Pers. - Southwestern Cosmos

• Cosmos Scabiosoides (Kunth)

• Cosmos Sulphureuss (Cav.) - Sulphur Cosmos

COSMOS: Modesty. Associated with the 2nd Wedding Anniversary.


Fun and interesting fact: The Cosmos got its name from the Spanish priests grew the Cosmos in their gardens in Mexico. The evenly placed petals led them to christen the flower with the name it is now known by.

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Debbie P.
My Life is beautiful
www.jewelrydays.com

Sources: Wikipedia.com
babiesonline.com
birthstones.org

Birthstone for the month of October: OPAL

Opal is derived from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. Opal was also called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. Ancient monarchs treasured Opals for their beauty and for their presumed protective powers.

This Gemstone contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.

There are two types of Opal: Common & Precious

Color & Varieties:

• Black Opal ~ from the Lighting Ridge region of Northern New South Wales, is the most rare and valuable Opal.
  
• Boulder Opal ~ occurs in the boulder opal belt, an area between the New South Wales border and Northern Queensland.
  

Sources:

Alternate Birthstone:

• Southern Australia
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Czechoslovakia
• Nevada

Opal has been love and passion, as well as desire and eroticism
Healing Properties:

• Treating infections & fevers
• Help strengthen memory
• Purifies blood and kidneys
• Regulates insulin
• Eases Childbirth
• Alleviates PMS
• Beneficial for eyes
  

Alternate Birthstone: Pink Tourmaline


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Debbie P.
My life is beautiful
www.jewelrydays.com

Sources: Bernardine.com
jewelsforme.com