In ancient Greece Rosemary was thought to improve
mind and memory and later came to signify
remembrance. It was also featured at weddings as a
sign of fidelity and was often carried in a bride's
bouquet. It is also a popular kitchen herb.
Pearls
Throughout history, the pearl, with its warm inner glow
and shimmering iridescence, has been one of the most
highly prized and sought after gems. In ancient Rome,
pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth
and social standing. The Greeks held the pearl in high
esteem for both its unrivaled beauty and its association
with love and marriage.
A natural pearl begins life as a foreign object, such as a
parasite or piece of sand, that accidentally becomes
lodged in the oyster's soft inner body where it cannot be
expelled. In an effort to ease this irritant, the oyster's
body takes defensive action and begins to secrete a
smooth, hard crystalline substance around the irritant in
order to protect itself. This substance is called nacre.
As long as the irritant remains within its body, the oyster
will continue to secrete layer upon layer of nacre
around the irritant. After a few years, the irritant will be
totally encased by the silky crystalline coatings. The
result is the lovely and lustrous gem called a pearl.
Cultured pearls are formed by oysters in an almost
identical fashion, except that man surgically implants the
irritant - a small piece of polished shell - in the oyster,
rather than leaving it to chance. The process from then
on is the same as with natural pearls.
Handmade of cast bronze with Freshwater pearls and
then patinaed.
Made in the USA
Pearls should not be exposed to water, cleansers, excessive perspiration or prolonged sunlight. They may be cleaned with a soft cloth. Sterling silver will tarnish over time. To clean, use a polishing cloth, commercial cleaner or sprinkle a fair amount of dry baking powder on a soft cloth. Rub carefully to avoid scratching stones or glass components. When done, shake the powder off.
