Shopgemstones.com has just developed an innovative online test to determine which gemstone is best for a person. People can take a 10 question, multiple choice test, answering questions about their health, astrological sign, personality traits, birth month, and life values.
The gem test on Shopgemstones.com, located at http://www.shopgemstones.com/gemstonetest.html, was created and perfected over a period of several months.
The Shopgemstones staff researched the healing and energetic properties of different gemstones, according to modern crystal healing and ancient gemstone uses. They then categorized the data they collected according to which aspect of a person's life it affected. The test is free and can be taken by anyone.
Sarah Moore, founder of Shopgemstones.com and co-creator of the test said, "People often purchase jewelry based on their birthstone. This shows that people are aware that certain stones may be more suited to them. However, there are so many more factors to take into account when determining with gemstone is the best fit."
Ms. Moore added: "This test is designed to be enjoyable, but also deep and thought provoking. Our hope is that people will complete the test knowing themselves better, and having a more complete sense of which gemstone they should shop for and why."
Exports of jewelry from India, the world's largest producer, climbed 24 percent in the five months ended August as overseas sales of diamonds rose.
Exports reached $7.75 billion, compared with $6.24 billion a year ago, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council said on its Web site. India shipped gems and jewelry worth $1.87 billion last month compared with $1.43 billion a year earlier.
Gold demand from India almost doubled in the three months ended June 30 to 317.2 tons as faster-than-expected economic expansion and plans to double jewelry exports in the next five years sparked purchases and investment demand.
Diamond exports rose 25 percent to $5.1 billion and jewelry sales gained 24 percent to $2.2 billion in the five months ended August. Sales of gemstones rose 11 percent to $99 million, while shipments of rough diamonds rose 12 percent to $222 million from year ago, the council said.
India's exports of gems and jewelry rose 3 percent to $17 billion in the year ended March from $16.6 billion a year ago, according to council's Web site.
Rare opal find worth thousands in Coober Pedy
A Coober Pedy opal miner has found a deposit that is rare for the area and is expected to fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A few handfuls of semi-black opal have been dug up at Allen's Rise, 60 kilometres south of the outback town.
Coober Pedy opal shop owner and miner John Dunstan says the find was in an area where he used to fossick.
"I left a claim down there a couple of months ago, I cancelled it and moved to another spot and a couple of friends of mine went in there and decided to carry on a bit further and they found a nice parcel and actually I'm happy for them, good luck to them," he said.
"I like everybody to find opal up here."
August Birthstone - Peridot
August Birthstone - Peridot: "The August birthstone is the amazing peridot. This gemstone was first discovered over two thousand years ago. However, the origin of the stone has been a mystery for many years because there were no records made at the tame.
In the 19th century, the mysterious island where the Peridot originated, Zeberget, was finally discovered off the coast of Egypt. Before that, Peridot was so rare that it became legendary."
King Kong Toys
King Kong Toys: As with any major kid’s movie hit, there’s a whole new line of King Kong toys and gadgets for children to choose from.
Most of these are miniatures of the mighty Kong. Kids love them as they can recreate scenes from their favorite movie. What can be more rewarding than showing your friends what the king of beasts can do?
But there are also toys based on the other characters in the movie and the beasts on Skull Island, the fabulous place where the oversized gorilla originates from. They are just as extraordinary, guaranteed to make youngsters play for hours in a row.
June Birthstone - Pearl
June Birthstone: For most of us, when we hear June, the things that come to mind are the summer, our favorite vacation spots and the overwhelming happiness floating in the atmosphere. But one thing with which it also associated is the pearl, which has been the official June birthstone for many centuries.
In the ancient mythologies, the pearl was associated with the moon, as it was believed that pearls were born out of teardrops of moon that fell into the ocean.
May Birthstone - Emerald
May Birthstone: May’s birthstone is the extraordinary Emerald. Emeralds were discovered approximately 4000 years and have since been prized by connoisseurs and sought by the rich and powerful. Cleopatra herself had and extraordinary collection of emeralds mined at the Red Sea, which she wore lavishly.
When the Spanish arrived in the Americas, they were surprised to find that the Aztecs and Incas also possessed these gems, and that they used them as cult objects.
April Birthstone - Diamond
April Birthstone: April is the most privileged month in the year because it had diamond as its birthstone. Diamonds are the most expensive precious stones because they have the most extraordinary properties in the mineral kingdom. And they look good with almost any outfit, being the first choice for many Hollywood actresses such as Cindy Crawford or Halle Berry.
Most diamond are more than a hundred million years old, some even three billion years old. They are the oldest gemstones known to man.
March birthstone - Aquamarine
March birthstone: March’s birthstone is Aquamarine, a great member of the beryl gemstone family. It’s been used in jewelry manufacturing since the third century BC. Because of its water like colors, it has been called for hundreds of years “The sailor’s stone”. It was thought that it protected sailors and travelers over seas.
From the first time aquamarine was discovered in India more than two thousands years ago, people have attributed various magical and spiritual properties. The Hindus used it to spark mental clarity and develop public speaking capabilities.
February Birthstone - Amethyst
February Birthstone: "The February birthstone is amethyst, a gemstone with an overwhelming history of associated magical properties. Since it was fist discovered 5000 years ago in the ancient Egypt, people have attributed it with all sorts of amuletic qualities. Few other gems get so much attention.
In the antiquity, the Egyptians strongly believed that amethyst could prevent the owner from being poisoned. The high ranking officials wore them a lot because of the rivalry that existed for their position."
January Birthstone - Garnet
January Birthstone - Garnet: "January�s birthstone is a wonderful colored gem called �garnet�. Due to its relative abundance compared to other precious stones, garnet jewels are significantly more affordable and make great gifts. It is said that it is the number one choice for anniversaries.
Its name comes from �granatus�, the roman word for �seed�. This association was made because some garnet varieties look strikingly similar to pomegranate seeds."
Silk flower firm puts down roots in Madison
Silk flower firm puts down roots in Madison: A silky new Madison business specializing in faux floral design and home decor opened in October.
Gardot Silk Design, formerly of Decatur, opened at 1593-C Hughes Road.
Howard said the business name was derived by combining the birthstones of herself and her husband, Mark, who works at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. "Years ago, I used to work at a jewelry store," said Howard, whose birthstone is a
garnet. Her husband's
birthstone is a peridot. The couple is considering a move to Madison, she said.
