The History Of Coral Jewelry

I read a very facilitating article from my latest issue of Beachcombing Magazine and wanted to share it with you as it really raises awareness of the importance of sustainable practices when using items from the ocean. Here it is in it's entirety.

by Meg Carter

The ocean and beach have never failed to provide an endless stream of inspiration for artists. Since the beginning of history, ocean and beach found objects and shapes have found their way into songs, paintings, architecture, sculpture, and many other artistic works. Jewelry in particular has seen the ocean's influence in design and material. Among these inspirations is coral. With a broad past, an interesting story, and an uncertain future. Red, pink, orange, and black are among the most sought after colors of coral used in jewelry. These colors are typically found in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Hawaii, near the Strait of Gibraltar, at the Cape Verde Islands (located off the coast of West Africa), off the coast of Portugal, and around Japan and Taiwan. Harvested coral is usually cut and polished into cabochons, shaped into beads or carved. The part of coral that is used for jewelry is actually not the living organism, but rather its carbonate secretions, which form the structure that the polyps live on, and although it is not the living part of the animal, it is essential for its survival. 

La infanta Ana Nlauricia de Austria, Juan Pantoja de la Cruz, 1602

In 77 AD, Pliny the Elder wrote in depth about coral in one of the earliest encyclopedias, Naturalis Historia (Natural History). Pliny describes the most valued coral as the reddest and most branchy. Red coral, corallium rubrum, was thought to have amulet powers for warding off dangers. It was also viewed as a thing of beauty and powerfully religious. During this period, Pliny claims that the Gauls used coral as ornamentation on their swords, shields, and helmets. The power of coral also followed into medicinal purposes. Reduced to powder or by burning and ingesting, it was said to help with ailments such as bladder problems, fever, ulcers, and scarring. The value of coral was so high that it was not commonly traded where it was harvested but rather brought to wealthier areas to trade. Coral used as an amulet spread far around the world. In 7000 Years of Jewelry, Hugh Tait describes coral as "a material to which in the ancient world great amuletic powers had been attributed. It was said, according to Greek mythology, to have originated as the spurts of blood gushing forth after Medusa's head had been severed by Perseus." Hundreds of years ago, coral was thought to be a protection against magic spells, especially for children. From Spain to Italy in historical portraits, infants are shown holding coral branches. 

Throughout the centuries, coral has held steady as a medium in jewelry. According to the book Gems and Gemstones by Lance Grande Allison Augustyn, "The use of coral as a gemstone is an extremely ancient practice, going back at least 25,000 years. Coral has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and prehistoric European burial sites: Coral can be found in historic jewelry from Tibet as early as the 17th century. The Italians have always been known for their exquisite jewelry, and their use of coral is no exception. Through the 1800s and 1900s elaborate coral carvings were produced in Naples and throughout Italy. Techniques and styles from Italy spilled over to the U.S. in the late 1800s when jeweler Tiffany & Co. began using coral in their pieces. Today, coral has a different appeal. "Living Coral" has been announced as Pantone's 2019 

color of tile year. "Living Coral" (whether Pantone intended it or not) is an ironic title when it conies to the story of coral. Pantone describes the color as an animating and life affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge:' Although Pantone is describing the color, the actual marine invertebrates are definitely struggling with the "life-affirming" part. 

The world's coral reefs are threatened by pollution, over-harvesting, and climate change Several species of coral have been declared endangered and are now regulated, and more than 180 countries restrict the export of red coral harvested after 1969. 
Today, the use of coral in jewelry is controversial. Coral jewelry is still popular, and vintage pieces fetch astronomical prices at auction. While some jewelers continue to use coral in their designs, many jewelers only use coral re-purposed from vintage pieces and others have stopped creating coral jewelry altogether. In 2002, Tiffany & Co. stopped using natural coral in all of their jewelry designs. Along with this change, they have also played an active role in coral conservation. Over the past 16 years, Tiffany has donated $75 million to organizations dedicated to stewardship of natural resources, including coral and marine conservation. The jewelry industry has done damage to the world's coral reefs over hundreds of years, but changes going forward will make a difference. With fewer jewelers using coral, the reefs will have a better chance of recovering. And, until then, coral lovers can buy beautiful antique coral jewelry pieces, or if they're lucky, see coral living in the wild. 
source: Beachcombing Magazine

See a beautiful Coral Reef inspired necklace at Handmade Jewelry Haven.

Coral Reef Necklace

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Thoughts on Valentine's Day

Love, Cupid, hearts, chocolates, cards and flowers are everywhere--it's Valentine's Day! On February 14, Americans celebrate love and friendship. But where did this holiday of affection come from?

The origins of Valentine's Day are murky. We do know that the ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the 15th of February. With the introduction of Christianity, the holiday moved to the 14th of February--the saint day that celebrated several early Christian martyrs named Valentine. But somewhere along the way, Valentine's Day came to represent romance. You can watch a romantic movie right here, "The Kiss," produced by Thomas Edison back in 1900. The romance we associate with Valentine's Day may spring from the medieval belief that birds select their mates on February 14th. During the Middle Ages, human lovebirds recited verse or prose to one another in honor of the day. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" wrote William Shakespeare. 
Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning expressed love this way:

How do I love thee; let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach. . .

Do you write poetry? We also hear these sentiments in love songs, such as this funny old tune, "Aba Daba Honeymoon." How many love songs can you think of that could send your message on Valentine's Day? 

"Will you be my Valentine?" Nowadays, people often ask this of their loved ones in greeting cards. Probably the first greeting cards, handmade valentines, appeared in the 16th century. As early as 1800, companies began mass-producing cards. Initially these cards were 
hand-colored by factory workers. By the early 20th century even fancy lace and 
ribbon-strewn cards were created by machine. Perhaps you will give or receive a card today or celebrate your family or that special someone in another way. Valentine's Day also gives people a chance to reflect on the meaning of love. What do you think makes true love? 

Source: America's Library

Come express YOUR love to your special someone with a unique, one of a kind, jewelry piece from Handmade Jewelry Haven. You will forever have her heart!

Heart Bracelet

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Fashion Trends We're Watching In 2019

FlaxandSymbol

The 2018 obsession with all things celestial was all-encompassing, and while the universe still captures our collective imagination, next year we’re excited to bring a little more of our attention back down to Earth, embracing the bounty of inspiration right here on our home planet. “We’re officially declaring 2019 the year of being real,” explains Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “And Etsy sellers are leading the charge with all-natural products, a focus on sustainability, and decor cues sourced straight from Mother Earth.” From warm sandstone hues to pretty pressed flowers, the trends topping next year’s list encourage us to celebrate all the awesomeness around us—and we mean all of it. (That’s right: maximalism is back, too!) “We’re calling it now: Burnt orange is

Zaful

about to be everywhere,” says Dayna. “I’m excited to see this earthy hue take over our homes and outfits.” So if you need us, we’ll be lounging on the couch in our new favorite burnt orange linen jumpsuit, nestled under a cozy burnt orange printed throw, admiring our growing collection of burnt orange statement earrings—and making Dayna’s dreams come true.

And it's true! Last weekend I took my 13 year old daughter out for a little 'mommy-daughter time' at the mall and after stopping for coffee we started window shopping to pick up a few items of clothing for her. Well I thought I was back in 1970 with Burnt Oranges and Earth Tones being the dominant colors and corduroy mini skirts being the main clothing item to adorn all the long legged mannequins from one side of the mall to the other, and in every isle! I thought I heard Austin Powers exclaim 'Just GROOVY Baby!!' in a couple of the stores.

So come visit us at Handmade Jewelry Haven to get YOUR groove on with one of our Dragon Bracelets or perhaps a one of a kind Seaglass Necklace!
(source: Etsy Blog)

Brown Seaglass Necklace

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Beachcombing Magazine Review

I thought I would share with you my thoughts on my newest magazine subscription.

I haven't subscribed to magazines for many years as, well, the internet came along, and it had an abundant array of stuff to read, and it was 'free'.
However, as some of you know, I decided to join the Bead Society of Palm Beach (which I am loving - another post :) and all of the lovely ladies there told me that I just haven't LIVED until I subscribed to Bead and Button. Which I did. In fact, I enjoy getting that magazine so much that I also got a subscription to 'Antique Bottle & Glass Collector' magazine - mainly to try and help identify seaglass shards that I find. So when I got a notification about Beachcombing Magazine, I immediately subscribed.

Well, to tell you I love it would be an understatement! It was a little on the pricey side for me at almost $40 for an annual subscription, however after receiving the magazine, I now think they have under-priced themselves! The magazine is easily twice the size of a standard magazine and it is just beautifully put together. The professionally photographed images are big and bright and the articles were intriguing.

One of the things I loved about this inaugural issue was the introduction of the contributors along with how to reach them on social media. I followed a few of them and to my surprise, some followed back and some I conversed with, such as Jason Sandy, who is an American 'Mudlarker' in London. Don't know what a 'Mudlarker' is? I didn't either! But I found out that they are very similar to Seaglassers, as they search through mud at low tide along rivers for artifacts. His article in the magazine was aptly named, 'Pirates Of The River Thames'. He can be found on Instagram @jasonmudlark . 


Another great article was 'The Collector Interview' with Leilani Yee. Her GORGEOUS collections of shells and seaglass from her home state of Hawaii were just breathtaking!

The featured item in this issue was Yellow Seaglass. Yellow is one of the rarest colors of seaglass that can be found, maybe 1 in every 6000 pieces found! The article had wonderful full color photos and great facts on its make and origin.

Really I could go on and on about this magazine and would highly recommend you getting this for yourself or perhaps someone you know that is a Beachcomber?
You can subscribe here: Beachcoming Magazine.


Be sure to come check out some Handmade Seaglass Jewelry at Handmade Jewelry Haven!

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Happy New Year on a Wordless Wednesday!

Here's to wishing everyone a Happy New Year from us to you!

What are YOU hoping for this year?

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January's Birthstone with Gift Guide!

The word “garnet” comes from the 14th Century Middle English word “gernet” meaning dark red. The word is derived from Latin “granatum” which means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone’s resemblance to the beautifully red seeds of the pomegranate.

The garnet is found all over the world, including Wyoming, Czech Republic, Greece, Russian, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and India.

The folklore on garnet is extensive. Legend has it that the garnet can bring peace, prosperity and good health to the home. Some even called it the “Gem of Faith,” and it’s believed that to those who wear it and do good, more good will come. (Conversely, it was also said to bring very bad fortune to those who commit bad acts while wearing it.)

The garnet also symbolized deep and lasting friendship. With that legend in mind, give a garnet to someone whose friendship you deeply value.

The garnet is so durable, remnants of garnet jewelry can be found as far back as the Bronze Age. Other references go back to 3100 BC when the Egyptians used garnet as inlays in their jewelry and carvings. The Egyptians even said it was the symbol of life. The garnet was very popular with the Romans in the 3rd and 4th Century.

This gemstone was also used as a talisman for protection both by warriors going into battle and to those who wanted to ward off pestilence and plague. Some ancient healers and wise men even placed garnets in wounds and praised its healing powers.

Garnet jewelry has been a fixture throughout the ages. Garnets were often used as signet rings in ancient Rome, and the nobility favored garnets in the Middle Ages.

The Victorians made garnets very popular during that time period. Some of the loveliest garnet jewelry from that era mimics its pomegranate namesake, with clusters of tiny red gems forming a larger statement piece.

Today, the garnet can be found in a range of jewelry pieces and styles, from beautiful rings to stunning tiaras. Since the garnet can come in a range of colors, rare garnets in green or blue make breathtaking pieces, especially in pendants or drop earrings.
Source: The American Gem Society

Are you stumped on what to get that special someone born in January?
Let us send you a free January Gift Guide!

Email Address

Also check out our Garnet colored Red Dragon Bracelet at Handmade Jewelry Haven!

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August means Back To School

So we give so much of our time and energy to our kids, especially during the summer when you are trying to keep them busy while secretly praying for school to start.

Trust me, I know, I have been there...who am I kidding, I am STILL there! With TWO teens, you would think it would be a little easier, however, in reality, it just brings a different set of challenges.

Then comes August...the BIG BANG at the end of the summer when it is time to pull out the wallet and get all those supplies! If you have more than one child...then you know, by the time you are done with all that shopping, nothing sounds better than dropping on your sofa at the end of the day with a nice glass of wine! 

Well, why not treat YOURSELF this year with a beautiful Back-To-School Jewelry piece from Handmade Jewelry Haven? I mean...you really DO deserve a little something just for yourself right? Self therapy if you will (it is certainly cheaper!).

Dragon Bracelet

If you are one of those loving spouses that work, while your significant other stayed home all summer...well THIS is the way to say, THANK YOU!!!!

You will never look more fashionable dropping off the wee ones in the car pool lane on that first day of school!

I have another treat for you too....
Need a back to school checklist? Download our FREE one here.....

Get your back to school List's here!

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Find out about August's Birthstone here!

I have a fascination with birthstones and August's even more so as it is one of three months 

in our calendar that have not one - but THREE gemstones! They are: The Peridot, the Sardonyx, and the Spinel. 
August did not always have three birthstones, in fact, the other two were only added in 2016, because...well, why not! But seriously, each stone is represented by certain qualities that align with each birth month and as more and more precious stones come into being, I expect that you will see more birth months being associated with more than one stone.
But isn't that the fun of it? If you don't like one...well now you have a couple more to choose from!

For the sake of time and space, this year we will concentrate on the Peridot. 

BIRTHSTONE FACTS & FOLKLORE
Peridot has been found in volcanic lava in Hawaii and in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. 
It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. 

In the 1700s, a meteorite that landed in Siberia contained many Peridot crystals that were large enough to be used for jewelry.
When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares. 
Peridot is believed to help depression. If you dream that you find a Peridot while digging in the garden, you will have an unexpected visitor.

Though peridot is widely recognized by its brilliant lime green glow, the origin of this gem’s name is unclear. Most scholars agree that the word “peridot” is derived from the Arabic faridat which means “gem,” but some believe it’s rooted in the Greek word peridona, meaning “giving plenty.” Perhaps that’s why peridot is associated with prosperity and good fortune. 

Peridot is the rare gem-quality variety of the common mineral olivine, which forms deep inside the earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. Rarely, peridot is also found inside meteorites. 

Peridot’s signature green color comes from the composition of the mineral itself—rather than from trace impurities, as with many gems. That’s why this is one of few stones that only comes in one color, though shades may vary from yellowish-green to olive to brownish-green, depending how much iron is present.

Most of the world’s peridot supply comes from the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. Other sources are China, Myanmar, Pakistan and Africa.

Peridot only measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so while the raw crystal is prone to cracking during cutting, the finished gemstones are fairly robust and easy to wear.

Also known as “the Evening Emerald” because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day, peridot is said to possess healing properties that protect against nightmares and evil, ensuring peace and happiness. Babies born in August are lucky to be guarded by peridot’s good fortune.

Peridot jewelry dates back as far as the second millennium BC. These ancient Egyptian gems came from deposits on a small volcanic island in the Red Sea called Topazios, now known as St. John’s Island or Zabargad.

Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” believing it protected its wearer from terrors of the night. Egyptian priests believed that it harnessed the power of nature, and used goblets encrusted with it to commune with their nature gods.

Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have actually been peridot. Through medieval times, people continued to confuse these two green gems. The 200-carat gems adorning one of the shrines in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were long believed to be emeralds as well, but they are also peridots.

Peridot colored Seaglass

This gemstone saw a revival in the 1990s when new deposits were discovered in Pakistan, producing some of the finest peridots ever found. Some of these “Kashmir peridots” measured more than 100 carats.

The most productive peridot deposit in the world is located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. An estimated 80 to 95 percent of the world’s peridot supply is found here. 


Thanks to these rich deposits, the modern demand for Peridots can now be met easily, giving people born in August affordable options for wearing this beautiful green birthstone.

If you are not into gem stones per se hop on over to Handmade Jewelry Haven's website to see some beautiful green peridot colored alternatives to wear!
source; The Farmers Almanac; The American Gemstone Society

Get a FREE Gift Guide for People born in August here!

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Cobalt Sea Glass - Where does it come from?

One of my personal favorite colors of seaglass is dark blue, otherwise known as Cobalt or Cornflower Blue. There is something about that bright yet deep blue color that is just so....well...relaxing. 

Cobalt has been in use before Roman times with the discovery of the cobalt mines in Central Africa. Did you know that Minnesota has the biggest supply of Cobalt in the US?

Cobalt and Cornflower Blue are made by adding Cobalt Oxide to molten glass and was originally made to protect the contents of a bottle from the sun. Exposure to bright light or sun could change the effectiveness of a medicine that was in a bottle. Cornflower Blue was made primarily for Milk Of Magnesia bottles where cobalt was reserved for bottles that contained poison. As there were many types and brands of poison produced throughout history, the Cornflower Blue of the Milk Of Magnesia bottle became the harder to find of the two. Both colors rank as 'Rare' on the Seaglass Rarity Color Chart.
(source: Pure Sea Glass)

Who knows....maybe I find it so calming as that is the feeling you get after taking Milk Of Magnesia!

My Milk Of Magnesia Bottle probably dates anywhere from 1928 to the late 1930's due to the 'M' stamp (Maryland Glass Company), and the sideways number 8.
(source: Society For Historical Archaeology)

So after ceremoniously finishing a bottle of Milk Of Magnesia, the bottle is tossed into the nearest dump and some of this refuse is hauled out to sea and dumped, or perhaps it gets buried in a land fill that is next to the ocean and then it starts to erode into the sea with the coming and going of the tides - think Dead Horse Bay (see an earlier blog post on this place here). After about 20-50 years of tumbling around on the ocean floor it gets broken and sanded down and WHA LAH! Blue Seaglass is born! 

Then some very lucky person, such as myself, finds it along the Jersey Shore and makes a beautiful necklace for some lucky person to wear...such as yourself!

Blue Milk Of Magnesia Seaglass Necklace 

To see more beautiful Seaglass Jewelry, visit Handmade Jewelry Haven here!

To learn some more interesting history of the Milk Of Magnesia history and to see some beautiful examples of blue seaglass, I have a cool downloadable .pdf.
Just tell me where to send it!

Get your free download here!

Also, come watch our short video on Cobalt Seaglass here!

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Wordless Wednessday- Cobalt Seaglass

Just a little teaser for another great Seaglass post! 
Can you guess what it is going to be about?

Blue Seaglass Candy

Blue Seaglass Necklace

To see more of our nautically inspired jewelry, visit Handmade Jewelry Haven here!

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