Topaz

Topaz gets its name from the Greek word topazion, which may originate from the Sanskrit 'tapas' meaning, " fire." The name might also come from the name of the Egyptian island of Topazios (now St John's Island) in the Red Sea. The Latin writer Pliny the Elder used the island's name for a yellowish green stone found there, and it soon became the name for most yellow stones. Topaz was once predominantly found there but is now also found in Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Burma, and Mexico.

This gem has an exceptionally wide colour range , it includes tones of yellow , blue , green , pink , orange , red and wine.

Yellow Topaz is the birthstone for the month of November and is the gem of 23rd anniversary. Blue topaz is the birthstone of December and is the gem of 4th anniversary.

Almost every birthstone has many different myths surrounding it. These myths can make the gemstone seem much more interesting, and can cause you to develop a much greater appreciation for them. Some of these myths are simply interesting to learn about, as many of them make a lot of sense. Topaz is certainly no exception, as there are a number of different myths about this gemstone.

One of the first myths in regards to Topaz is where the gemstone got its colour. The Egyptians believed that Topaz got its colour from the Sun God who they called Ra. Due to this myth; the Topaz became an incredibly valuable gemstone in Egypt, as it had been touched by one of their Gods. Interestingly enough, the Egyptians were not the only ones who felt that Topaz got its colour from the sun. The Romans also felt the same way. They believed that there was some type of association between the colour of this gemstone and the sun. The fact that Topaz is commonly found in shades of yellow and orange makes this myth seem quite understandable. It does almost appear as though the sun's rays caused it to turn the colour that it is. 

Perhaps Topaz's close association with the sun is the reason that its mystical properties were only believed to occur during certain times of the month. It was believed that the closer it was during the month to the full moon, the more powerful the mystical properties that Topaz had to offer would be. When the moon was not visible at all, it was believed that the mystical properties that Topaz has to offer would be incredibly weak. Topaz is the only gemstone which was believed to follow the moon's pattern in terms of its mystical properties. 

In India Topaz holds great importance in Jyotish Vidya as the stone with the Sun's fire ensconced within it. In ancient India, Sanskrit scholars found this gem to represent the 'fire' (tapas) of the Sun. In Hinduism the Sun is synonymous with God hence its value among gems is unparalleled.

The Greeks believed that this gemstone has the power to enhance the strength of the wearer and Egyptians wore it to protect themselves from injuries. Romans believed that it had the power to improve the weak eye sight. In the middle ages, this transcendental gemstone was believed to cure mental and physical disorders.

Blue Topaz stones are rarely found in the crust of the earth . The naturally occurring Blue Topaz are pale or light blue in colour.
The alluring Blue Topaz gemstone belongs to the family of silicate minerals. The Topaz gemstone is very hard and may chip or break into pieces in a sharp blow. 

 The Programa Royal Collection is a natural heritage gem collection based in Madrid, Spain. One of its most famous gemstones is the Marbella Topaz, the world's biggest blue topaz. At 8,225 carats and expertly cut into an oval shape, it is breathtakingly pure and transparent. The Marbella Topaz can be admired at the Programa Royal's Art Natura complex in Madrid.

Topaz is an alluring gemstone.  Whether yellow or deep orange, blue or iridescently glowing flakes of red , the Topaz is a gem par excellence! Besides its mystical and healing qualities Topaz is a radiant gem that adds colour and mystery to the personality of a woman of beauty. When set with other gemstones and worn; such an exclusive piece raises the value of the wearer to that of Royalty! 

The Romance Of Amethyst

Amethyst the purple gemstone is synonymous with beauty chastity and royalty. It is the official birthstone of the month of February and the zodiac sign of Pieces. 

It is a stone of romanticism and love..   

Everything is beautiful when jewellery and mythology come together.  

In Greek Mythology this is the story of the amethyst: 

Dionysus, the god of intoxication and of wine was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.

Hence even today to prove your love for the cynosure of your affection a gift of jewellery studded with amethysts says it all!

Amethyst is a semi-precious gemstone.  It is a purple-colour stone that comes from the quartz family.  It is actually the most expensive variety of quartz.  The stone has been a popular stone in jewellery since Egyptian times. 

Amethyst's royal lineage begins in Egypt's 12^th Dynasty. An amethyst and gold heart scarab was discovered in the tomb of Amenemhet II. Amethyst beads were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Cleopatra wore an amethyst ring engraved with the image of the Persian god Mithras. 

                                                           
Tibetans consider amethyst sacred to the Buddha and make prayer beads from it. 

In the middle Ages, it was considered a symbol of royalty and used to decorate English regalia. England's oldest Crown Jewel is an amethyst worn in the 11^th century by Edward the Confessor. Queen Elizabeth the 1^st had a highly prized amethyst necklace, and to this day superb amethysts decorate coronation regalia.

In the Old World amethyst was considered one of the Cardinal Gems; in that it was one of the five gemstones considered precious above all others, 

When we think about amethyst, its extraordinary Purple colour comes to mind; a rich and sumptuous; a royal radiant purple. From its earliest discovery, amethyst's sumptuous shade has cast a spell, one that bewitches even today. Its gorgeous hue represents royalty, passion, daring, fashion, and dreaminess.

Most Amethyst came to Europe all the way from Brazil. It was scarce, very expensive, and considered a precious stone – at times even more valuable than diamonds. Then in 1799, large amethyst deposits were found in Russia's Ural Mountains, and amethyst's price declined. Still, only the wealthy could afford it.

Today, amethyst is plentiful and modestly priced. Yet its allure remains whether featured alone or accented by a wide array of gems – everything from  sapphires, ruby, emerald, and diamond to citrine, peridot, and topaz .                                               
  When worn by a woman of substance; the purple colour of Amethyst reflects and lends its chastised hues to her beauty! 

Coral ..... The Jewel Of The Ocean

Coral Reefs are a symphony of spectacular colours deeply embedded in what look like 'rain forests' in the lagoons and floors of the ocean.

The distinctiveness of the Coral lies in the extraordinary formation of its numerous irregularly shaped branches. Coral grows slowly, hidden away in the depths of these so called oceanic rain-forests sheltered from currents and warm sunlight. It is then sculpted and treasured as a precious jewel.

The hard skeleton of red coral branches is naturally matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range of warm reddish pink colours from pale pink to deep red; the word corals is also used to name such colours. 

From these myriads of reefs resplendent in hues of intense Red, Orange, White, Gold, Pinkish Orange, and Black; and owing to its intense and permanent coloration and glossiness, precious coral skeletons have been harvested since antiquity for decorative use,precious gems and jewellery.

Coral jewellery has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials and continues to be made to the present day. It was especially popular during the Victorian age. The striking colour and intricate shape of its skeleton make coral one of nature's marvels.

Coral Gemstones are found in Algeria, Tunisia, Spain, Italy, France, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and India

Coral has a history of Romanticism, Magic and Mysticism attached to it.

Found in the lagoons of the Pacific around Hawaii it invokes Romantic images of slowly gyrating voluptuous Polynesian women with garlands of corals around their necks and circlets of corals on their wrists; dancing to the slow sweet melody of this magical island.

In Ancient Egypt it mesmerised the Pharaohs with its Magical promises of an ensured 'Afterlife' and Supreme Power, Health and Wealth in the 'Now'. 

In Mystical India its deep red and orange hues invoked astrological positive Influence of Mangal or Mars on the lives of the people who possessed this precious gem. 

Some Qualities of a good Coral Gemstone:
- Vibrant red or orange colour 
- Regular shape and even surface 
- Even colour tone
- Free of dents, holes, or perforations 
- Smooth

Each coral gemstone colour has its own distinct quality. 

Black Coral -- is exotic and dramatic and has long been considered to guard against misfortune. 

Pink Coral -- is delicate and is said to bring good health.                                                                

Red Coral -- is an astrological talisman                                                                                       

Orange Coral -- is best described as rich and romantic.

Gold Coral -- with its mysterious inner light is the rarest of all corals.

  

Corals add essence to the Romantic, Mysterious and Magical elusiveness of a beautiful woman!

Woman's Desire ...... Pearls

                                                             

 "All art is autobiographical. The pearl is the oyster's autobiography." 

- Federico Fellini

The most ancient of gems discovered by man is the pearl!

Right from when a poor ancient fisherman fishing in the seas off the coast of his native island found a cache of oysters and as he pried them open;  in one such mollusk he found a beautiful softly shining pearl!  

Till today when pearls are abundantly available all over the world its romanticism still inspires man.  Its preciousness has peppered the history of mankind. 

Pearl was the only gem found in a living organism and hence is a gift of Nature and God. 

As an idea or concept germinates inside the human brain and flowers into a shining blessing for humanity; so also does the pearl germinate in the innards of living mollusks.

Layers of protective iridescent nacre covering an irritant inside an oyster take over a period of three to seven years to give birth to a beautifully glowing pearl. 

The most valuable pearls are perfectly symmetrical relatively large and naturally produced. They have a shimmering iridescence which is called orient lustre. The principle oyster beds lay in the Persian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka and in the Red Sea. Chinese pearls come mainly from fresh water rivers and ponds whereas Japanese pearls are found near the coast in salt water. 

There are many types of Pearls.

Natural pearls

Cultured Pearls

Baroque Pearls

Biwa pearls

Blister Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

South Sea Pearls.

Fresh water pearls 

Seed pearls

Pearls are, indeed always appropriate—though not just for queens and celebrities. Traditionally, pearls are the proper gift for 30th anniversaries, but all women love and enjoy them any time. 

Every woman deserves to wear pearls! Pearls are precious; the heart's desire of a woman. Pearls send a silent signal of a woman's mood:

When she is Happy she wears them white. 

When sad she wears them small. 

When wanton its black. 

When feisty it's pink all the way! 

When she dances she wears them in ropes around the neck!

When she mourns they stud her earlobes.

When in command they are a single string.

And when she marries they embellish her nuptial robes. 

A woman earns her pearls. As the Chinese proverb goes:

"Pearls lie not on the seashore. If thou desirest one thou must dive for it." 

There is just one piece of jewellery that is equally becoming to everybody, lovely with almost every ensemble, appropriate for almost any occasion, and indispensable in every woman's wardrobe....Pearls!

Pearls are considered to be beautiful lustrous gems which bespeak of grace and dignity. 

They have always adorned the persona of Women of Grace and Class!

Pearl is the Venus of Gems!

Gudi Padwa ....... The Indian New Year

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. Even today in this technology oriented world; where India is one of the front players be it brain power or creative technological firsts to the world, this ancient land's culture and traditions have stood the test of global 'takeover' by the worldwide onslaught of technology!

Where most countries have surrendered to the Georgian Calendar, absorbing its yearly festivals as their own; India still adheres to its ancient traditions of festivals within its borders. 

It is often said that India is a Country with countries within. Each state of India is unique in its language, food, customs, attire, jewellery, fashions and even festivals. There is not only one New Year which is celebrated in India. 

Gudi Padwa is an Indian festival that marks the beginning of the New Year and the harvest season for the people of Maharashtra. Gudi is the word used to refer to Brahma's flag (which is hoisted on this day) while Padwa is derived from the Sanskrit word Paddava or Paddavo which refers to the first day of the bright phase of the moon. This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra, according to the Hindu calendar, which usually falls during March-April according to the Gregorian calendar. This day is also symbolic of the season of Vasant or spring in India. Besides Maharashtra Gudi Padwa is a festival celebrated with much fervour in Western and Southern India and some parts of East India as well. It is known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Yugadi in Karnataka, Bihu in Assam and Poila Baisakh in West Bengal. Other communities such as the Konkanis and Sindhis observe it under the names Sanvsar Padvo and Cheti Chand, respectively. 

The hoisting of the "Gudi" is the main ritual of the festival. The Gudi is a long bamboo pole to the tip of which is tied a bright green or yellow silk cloth adorned with brocade (zari). Over this is tied gathi (a type of sweet), neem leaves, coconuts, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of marigold flowers that signify a rich harvest. On this is placed an empty, inverted vase (tambya) made of brass, copper or silver and held up to the sky. On the festive day, the people of Maharashtra follow a tradition of erecting a gudi on the right side of the main entrance of their houses or in the localities. Then, they draw intricate rangoli designs on the floor before it. Thereupon, everyone eagerly waits to usher in the New Year. The flag has a symbolic significance. Scriptures mention that it was on a Gudi Padwa day that Lord Brahma created the universe. Hence, this flag is called 'the flag of Brahma' (Brahmadhvaj). After the Gudi is set up, everyone worships it and performs a prayer in honour of Lord Brahma.  The 'Brahmadhvaj' is a symbol of victory and prosperity. It is believed that hoisting the Gudi outside ones home wards off any evil influences, making way for good luck and prosperity.

Like in any other festival, people dress up in their gorgeous best on Gudi Padwa. New apparels are specially bought for the occasion as it is a time for family gatherings. Early in the morning of the festive day, people wear new clothes, jewellery, and traditional saris. They adorn their houses with colourful rangoli and offer oblations to God, praying to Him for a prosperous new year. 

We at Manini wish not only our Maharashtrian patrons; but all our esteemed Indian clientele prosperity and happiness on this auspicious day.