June 2009

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Caring for Your Handmade Gemstone Jewelry

It's really quite easy to care for your handmade gemstone and pearl jewelry.

1. Wear your jewelry often - it keeps the silver from tarnishing.

2. Tarnish can be removed by using a treated cloth that can be purchased at most jewelry and department stores. Avoid rubbing the stones with this cloth.

3. Store your jewelry carefully in a place where it won't bang into other objects.

4. Don't exercise vigorously while you're wearing your jewelry to protect it from body oils and perspiration.

June 30, 2009

Jewelry care

Handmade turquoise jewelry - some thoughts about turquoise

Handmade Turquoise Necklace - Fox Turquoise

There's nothing like handmade turquoise jewelry. I'm a bit of a turquoise nut, although I by no means consider myself to be an expert.

Turquoise is mined in many locations around the world, and has been used throughout history as an adornment, in religious rituals and as a healing stone.

June 24, 2009

Fox turquoise

Bear Flag Day at Sonoma Plaza

Yesterday there was much merriment at Sonoma Plaza as the re-enactment of the Bear Flag rebellion took place at the amphitheater. The amphitheater was overflowing with people enraptured with the fine acting portraying that momentous day. Actually the whole thing was a lot of fun for all. The costumes were great, they seemed authentic to me. Men wore funny hats and carried old rifles, women wore pretty long dresses and kids played on the side of the stage as the rebellion was taking place.

Bear Flag rebellion re-enactment(Click image for a larger picture)

There are many events that take place in the Plaza throughout the year, especially in the warmer months. It seems like every day is a celebration. Bear Flag day is no exception. There were several booths selling food and beer - there was lots of beer - there were artists selling their fine works of art. As with many fun events people were squeezing through the crowd.

Inching our way - it wasn't really that bad!

June 15, 2009

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The Bear Flag Revolt

In the early 1800s most of California was under Mexican rule. On June 14, 1846 a group of Anglo settlers who were variously described as ragtag drunkards to patriots seized the Mexican commandante-general in Sonoma and declared California the Bear Flag Republic with Sonoma as it's capital. The Bear Flag was raised that same day.On June 23, the US Army arrived and took command, replacing the Bear Flag with the Stars and Stripes. A monument to the rebels still stands in the Northeast corner of Sonoma Plaza.Bear Flag Day is celebrated and reenacted every year on Sonoma Plaza.

June 10, 2009

Bear flag revolt

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis, also called lapis lazuli, is a rock, not a mineral, because it is made up of several minerals, including calcite, sodalite and pyrite. It's a complicated gem, and the structure can vary considerably, which affects the hardness, specific gravity and color. The main component is the mineral lazurite, which can account for up to 60 percent of the structure.

June 7, 2009