Getting Ready for Spring!

Getting Ready for Spring!

Here at the Silver Rose, we are experiencing sunlight! A rare and unexpected occurrence in the Northwest at the end of February. We have had a few days of uninterrupted sunshine and warm temperatures (in the 50s!) and this has inspired thoughts of gardening.

Last week, we planted several types of flower seeds using potting soil and cardboard egg cartons. I'm looking forward to the sweet peas and blue poppies :) At the end of this week, we're going to sprout some spinach and tomato plants. There is still some frost on the ground so our little sprouts will remain in their egg cartons for a few weeks before transplantation.

I love having fresh cut flowers and fresh veggies straight out of the garden & this Spring is shaping up to be a real bloomer :) I'm excited about tasting the fruits and veggies of our labor. Our garden will serve several purposes for us here at the SR: saving some $$$, helping to protect the environment by reducing green-house gasses (fewer trucks on the road delivering our veggies & during photosynthesis plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen) & recycling our egg cartons. Small steps, but steps to make a difference!

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. Its name comes from Lat. aqua marina, "water of the sea" and it is a blue or turquoise variety of beryl. It occurs at most localities which yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from Russia. The gem-gravel placer deposits of Sri Lanka contain aquamarine.

35% off Aquamarine Beads!

* Enter promo code: 35AquaFeb

* Website purchases only, eBay items excluded

* Limited to stock on hand

* Sale begins February 15 and ends February 18 at 11:59PM Eastern (GMT-4:00)

See our Aquamarine beads here.

Storing and Caring for your Jewelry

Whether it is an heirloom or a new personal creation, our jewelry is precious to us! Here are some easy steps to take to ensure a long and shiny life for your jewels.

• Always store pieces separately so that they won't damage or scratch each other.
• Put jewelry on after applying make-up, perfume, or hairspray. Often these items contain chemicals that can damage your jewelry.
• Remember to remove jewelry before swimming, soaking in a hot-tub, gardening, washing dishes, exercising or other strenuous activity.
• Pieces strung on silk or thread (i.e. pearl necklaces, bracelets) should be stored flat as they do stretch over time.
• Store Silver pieces in re-sealable bags due to the fact that oxygen causes Silver to oxidize (tarnish)
• Pearls and opals, however, should not be stored in plastic because they need to "breathe."
• Wipe all pieces with soft 100% cotton cloth after wearing and before storage.
• Clean jewelry regularly with mildly sudsy water, rinse really well, and pat dry with a soft cloth.
• Do not use commercial cleaners on the following stones: Amber, Aquamarine, Coral, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Opal, Pearls, Shell & Turquoise

February Birthstones - Amethyst & Bloodstone

The Traditional, Modern and Ayurvedic birthstone for the month of February is Amethyst. Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name comes from the Ancient Greek a- ("not") and methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale & can be various shade of purple, violet, to lavender.

The Mystical birthstone for February is Bloodstone. The mineral heliotrope, also known as bloodstone, is a form of chalcedony. The "classic" bloodstone is green chalcedony with red inclusions of iron oxide or red jasper. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The red spots were once thought during the Middle Ages to be drops of Christ's blood, and that the stone held special powers. See our Bloodstone beads here.