History of Valentine's Day

According to church tradition St. Valentine was a priest near Rome around 270 A.D. The heyday of Roman empire was coming to an end. When Claudius II became the emperor, he felt that married men were too emotionally attached to their families, and would not make good soldiers, so he banned marriage. Valentine seeing the trauma of young lovers, met them in a secret place, and joined them in matrimony anyway. Claudius heard about Valentine and had him arrested. However, the emperor was impressed with the young priest's conviction, and attempted to convert him over to the roman gods. Valentine refused and even attempted to convert Claudius, knowing the consequences. On February 24, 270, Valentine was executed. While Valentine was in prison awaiting his fate, he came in spoke with his jailor who had a blind daughter. He requested that Valentine heal his daughter. Through his faith he miraculously restored the sight of the girl. Just before his execution, he asked for a pen and paper, and signed a farewell message to her, "From Your Valentine," a phrase we still know today. Valentine became a Patron Saint, and spiritual overseer of an annual involving young Romans offering the women they admired, and wished to court, handwritten greetings of affection on February 14. The greeting cards acquired St.Valentine's name. The Valentine's Day card spread with Christianity, and is now celebrated all over the world. Gifts and tokens of affection have become a tradition with chocolates and jewelry taking the forefront. Today anyone who is special to someone in any way may receive a gift.

Forest House has a special line of Valentine themed jewelry available through our catalogs. (Sorry, we ate all the chocolate)

FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE

Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can be found in every corner of the Earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry. Today, while Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine material can be found elsewhere, especially in Zambia.

NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONES

November
Topaz and Citrine
Two gems are appropriate for November birthdays - Topaz and Citrine.
Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquity were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones.
Citrine, the other birthstone for November is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plentiful in nature. Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.

Know your Necklace Lengths

Choker ~ 14 to 16 inches

Princess ~ 18 inches
Matinee ~ 20 to 24 inches
Opera ~ 28 to 32 inches
Rope ~ More than 32 inches

OCTOBER BIRTHSTONES

Opal: Creativity, spontaneity, relationships, memory, happy dreams and changes.
Opals are delicate. If an opal is allowed to dry, it will crack. They do not need special care while stored. If you live in a very dry climate take some precautions. Keeping them in a tight plastic bag, with a damp piece of cotton or fabric will prevent dehydration. Because of their water content, opals are also highly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Opals do not mind being hot or cold, it is the rate of change that damages them. You need to avoid situations like going from a warm house to the winter's cold. Simply wearing an opal under clothing will protect them. Clean your opals using a soft cloth, a mild detergent, and room temperature water. Then rinse the jewels to remove any residue. Opals are best suited for earrings, brooches, and pendants that receive little contact with harder objects like a ring would. If you do get an opal ring, choose a setting that protects it from coming in contact with other objects. If you wear an opal ring on a regular basis, it will require occasional repolishing. Keeping it for special occasions will reduce the risk of damage. Opals are porous and absorb liquids.
Tourmaline: Energizing, soul-searching, releasing.
Available in a rainbow of colors and color combinations. Legend says tourmaline inspires artistic expression and enhances your intuition. The last empress of China, loved pink tourmaline above all other gemstones. She imported tons of tourmaline from Southern California in the early twentieth century, creating a gem rush in San Diego during the period.
In addition to unusually varied beauty, tourmaline has unusual electrical properties. Crystals acquire a polarized electrical charge when heated or compressed. This property has also made tourmaline the latest miracle ingredient in moisturizers: manufacturers claim the gem helps pull pollutants from your skin.
Tourmaline is durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.