Ms. Ann's Garnets And The January Surprise

 

Classic Garnet Cluster Ring

Over Christmas Dinner it finally occurred to me that Ms. Ann must be a January baby, because she only wears Garnet jewelry--that month’s birthstone.   I remember thinking ‘Hmmm… that so unusual for any woman, let alone a young gal to exclusively, only, wear birthstone jewelry.’

Her jewelry look is demure, usually classic Mozambique, coffee or tea colored,  garnet cluster designs in earrings and bracelets.    She’s a pretty and demure girl who’s also NASA smart.   I like that about her: there’s no riff-raff going on here.



A Rare Style of Big Bead Garnets

Too bad we didn’t realize her real style  when we all went jewelry shopping for her gift a few Christmases ago. 

 

And I do mean “We”. 

 

 

 

 Lil Loren enlisted the aid of his Mom, grandmother and me to help him select the perfect jewelry gift for Ms. Ann.

After the sales clerk reminded us, gently, that our selections were “too old” for a young girl, we shut-up and left Lil Loren to his own devices to select a gift.    If I recall, he settled-on sapphire earrings.   Sapphire is his grandmother's birthstone.

He made a good choice.    I’d like to think that it was because I previously told him that a good girlfriend is rare and precious.

And that’s the compelling thing about rich red Bordeaux colored garnet jewelry, it’s always  rare and precious looking despite being inexpensive and very accessible.

At one time there were 2 jewelry stores in Chicago that sold nothing but exquisite red rhodolite, berry-colored, garnet jewelry - One on Michigan Avenue and the other on Howard Street.  Go figure!

But I’ve seen paintings of Queens, like Elizabeth I and Victoria wearing garnet jewelry.  I recall a photo of Elizabeth Taylor wearing garnets.

 These were women who could afford  royal jewelry or luxury designs but chose to wear garnets when it suited them.

Ms. Ann said "Yes".

I’m beyond happy that Lil’ Loren and Ms. Ann chose each other.  So let’s forget about the garnet birthstone jewelry momentarily.  I want to see  video and photos of that diamond engagement ring.

 

 

Finding Platinum Jewelry

Just window shopping for bling made with the noble metal platinum seems to be getting a little easier these days.   This is especially true if you aren’t looking for wedding jewelry and you just want a casual platinum neck chain, bracelet or ring.

 

The Platinum Hip-Hop chain I secretly desire

 

I saw  some hot buys for pure platinum jewelry on a TV shopping channel right after Christmas.   Yeah! On TV!

 I bought a chain for my small platinum cross. It was thin, but still had that subtle, sultry white glittery glow of platinum.    I was given the cross several years ago, but I could never find an affordable chain for it.

 So I always wore it with white 14k gold.

 

The commodity price of platinum, along with gold,  has been falling over the past 12 months.   In January 2014, the price per ounce is  $1,412 per ounce,  down from $1,740 a year ago. (Source Monex).

 

So look at platinum jewelry again,   the price is easier on the eyes now!

 

 

Timkat 2014 Festival Is Coming

This year on January 19,  2014 Ethiopian Eastern Orthodox Christians will start celebrating their world famous religious festival: Timkat.   The festival will held on palace grounds and baths in Gondar, Ethiopia.



Ethiopian Christian Crosses



Ethiopian Priest With Ancient Bible Manuscript



Detail of an Ethiopian Ancient Manuscript Page



The Biblical reference for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity is Acts 8: 26-40 in which Philip witnesses to an high-ranking Ethiopian. 






Gondar Palace Bath Area Before Timkat

Each year, Ethiopian Christians celebrate the baptism of   Jesus  and this Ethiopian during the Timkat Festival.