Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Yoga Just Got THIS Much More Beautiful: Adida's Amriya

I just fell in love, again.

These shoes make me wish I didn't quit ballet classes in junior high, and make me want to sign up for yoga again!

The structure of the shoe makes techno/modern come together with delicate beauty.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Closed During Relocation =)

Just a note:

Wishgiving.com will be closed while we move to a new server. Look forward to a new & improved site.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

March Birthstones: Aquamarine & Bloodstone

March is when nature truly begins to bloom. Its birthstones, Aquamarine and Bloodstone, reflect this time of year. Aquamarine's delicate, translucent colors are reminiscent of dew drops, and Bloodstone's vibrant and rich colors mimic colors of the first blooms.

I always love learning more about the story behind gemstones. They truly are a gift from nature. Here's a brief summary of what I've found (more information can be found at International Colored Gemstone Association):

---

-Aquamarine-

According to an ancient saga, Aquamarines were first found in the treasure chest of mermaids. Since then, Aquamarine has been considered as the sailor's lucky stone. Ancient traditions say that wearing Aquamarine brings a happy marriage--bringing the woman joy and wealth.

Healing and spiritual uses include clarity of perception and eyesight, releasing old patterns and conditioning, flow of creativity, inspiration, peace of mind, multidimensional experience, protection, courage, centering, purification, cleansing, reducing fears and sharpening intuition.

Aquamarine is a part of the Beryl family, and is closely related to the Emerald gemstone. Its colors range from a pale blue to a to a bolder sea blue.

-Bloodstone-
Some say that Bloodstone's name originated in ancient times from its appearance. The appearance of the gem perhaps reminded them of the red setting sun mirrored in the ocean. Medieval Christians carved scenes of crucifixion and matyrs in Bloodstone, thus dubbing the Bloodstons as the "Martyr's Gem". According to legend, Bloodstone was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained the stone at the foot of the cross.

Healing and spiritual uses include creativity, strength, vitality, circulation, building energy, higher knowledge, courage, purification, detoxification, divination, weather prediction, shrinking tumors and strengthening the heart.

Today, it is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. It is relatively difficult to find Bloodstone on the market.

---

It is exciting to know that gemstones we appreciate for their beauty have such awe-inspiring, spiritual histories behind them. When wearing Aquamarine, I feel a thrill thinking that they were first worn by mermaids. It adds meaning to the pieces we create in the studio.

Here are some March birthstone pieces that I particularly admire:

Aquamarine Teardrops & Pearls Silver Necklace



Dark Aquamarine Elegance Necklace



Bloodstone & Crystals Silver Necklace


Bloodstone & Silver Heart Leather Necklace