DRUZY

Druzy (also can be spelled drusy) is a group of crystals embedded in the surface of a stone. The color of the crystals varies depending on which mineral has formed to make the crystals. Druzy is formed when warm water from the ground containing dissolved minerals pushes up into porous stones and then cools allowing the minerals to crystallize in the pores in the stones. Some people attribute metaphysical properties to druzy, but you can just enjoy its beauty whether or not you believe in that.

If you want to read more about druzy I would recommend What Is Druzy, and How Does It Form? (geologyin.com) in Geology or Druzy: Meanings, Properties, and Benefits - Gemstagram in Gemstagram or Druzy - Drusy - Druzies - Druse - Facts, Lore, History, Myths and Pictures (bernardine.com) in Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry.

If you would like to purchase the druzy bracelet pictured above, click DRUZY ROUND STONE BRACELET (beadshaper.com) at the BEADSHAPER web site.

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TASSELS

A tassel is a cluster of strands of any material hanging from an object. Tassels have been known since ancient times. According to the Hebrew Bible, God commanded the Hebrews (via Moses) to wear fringes (tassels) on the corners of their garments as a reminder to observe God’s commandments. Tassels were used as ornaments on clothing in Europe, especially France during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. They also have been used to embellish jewelry. They are also traditionally used on graduation hats. The tasseled pendant necklace pictured above can be purchased on the Beadshaper web site at RED BEADKNOT PENDANT TASSLE NECKLACE (beadshaper.com) . A similar tasseled pendant necklace can be purchased at Elegant Bead Crochet Necklace with Pendant and Tassle (beadshaper.com)

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PI AND BRACELETS

Pi is a factor which is used to calculate the circumference of a circle if you know the diameter or to calculate the diameter if you know the circumference. Pi is approximately 3.14. If you know the diameter, multiply it by 3.14 to get the circumference. If you know the circumference, divide it by 3.14 to get the diameter. Pi was known in ancient times in Babylonia and Egypt. It probably was used to calculate dimensions of circular pieces of land. So, what does pi have to do with bracelets? If you know the diameter of a bracelet, multiply that number by 3.14 to get the circumference of the bracelet or divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter. The diameter is the line that goes straight across a circle and the circumference is the line that goes around the edge of the circle. Remember the diameter should be from the inner surface of the bracelet to get the inner circumference which is what you need to match your wrist. To get the circumference of your wrist (the inner circumference of the bracelet), wrap a string around your wrist, marking with a pen where the wrapped part ends, and then measure the wrapped part. The bracelet shown in the above photo can be purchased at AUTUMN NIGHT BRACELET 

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HISTORY OF BRACELETS

Bracelets date back to prehistoric times when bones, shells, seeds, pieces of wood, and stones were strung on cords of plant material. These beads were often thought to have protective power for the person wearing them. The ancient Egyptians developed bracelets into elaborate jewelry pieces with precious stones attached to gold and silver. The Egyptians wore bracelets to show their status in society and believed that when they died they would be place in the proper place in the afterworld according to their jewelry. The Romans made very elaborate designs in the metal of their bracelets. In Medieval Europe, Christians adopted many pagan customs of their ancestors including the wearing of protective amulets on their bracelets to ward off evil spirits. Charm bracelets became popular in Victorian times for decorative rather than utilitarian purposes. The popularity of bracelets for beauty continues to today.

The contemporary bracelet pictured above can be purchased at REGAL BLUESTONE BRACELET 

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FIRST POSSIBLE BAIL

A bail in jewelry is a loop which can connect 2 parts of a jewelry piece. In a pendant necklace it is at the top of the pendant or at the bottom of the necklace. The earliest known image of a human being and probably the earliest known bail is a statue discovered in Germany in 2008 known as the Hohele Fels figurine which is estimated to be 40,000 years old. There is no head, but at the top of the body there is small loop. This loop is possibly a bail through which a cord could be threaded making a necklace. It is possible that the head is not present because it might have been made of a perishable material that disintegrated over the years.

The picture above is of a handcrafted lampwork glass bead crowned with a silver bail in which one can thread a chain or cord to make a pendant necklace. It can be purchased at BLUE FLOWERS AT NIGHT GLASS PENDANT WITH BAIL   

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HISTORY OF FISH

Fish scales were used in primitive times because of their availability (byproducts of cleaning fish for eating) and beauty (shiny and at times colorful). The whole fish as a symbol originated in various cultures. The fish was worn as a symbol of fertility and birth in various pagan cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Celts, as well as others). The ancient Polynesians wore fish hooks as jewelry to symbolize prosperity and health because, as island people, they derived those benefits from the ocean. This custom has been particularly popular among the Maoris of New Zealand and has been continued in the Hawaiian culture. The fish is popular in Christian jewelry. It was a secret symbol used by the ancient Christians in Roman times to identify each other. They consider fishing a symbol of missionary activity, but the pagan Romans did not detect it as such because it was also a pagan symbol.
You can see beautiful flamework glass fish beads for jewelry making at SANDY STRIPES FISH PENDANT WITH BALE (beadshaper.com)

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HISTORY OF WINE STOPPERS

It has been known since ancient times that wine that is stored over time has to be protected from the air to prevent spoilage by oxygenation. The ancient Egyptians used clay to seal their wine bottles. The ancient Greeks and later Romans stored wine in vase shaped vessels called amphora. We don't have examples of the stoppers which were used to seal them because the stoppers were made of perishable materials. A French monk named Dom Perignon started the widespread use of cork as a stopper for wine bottles in 1698 which is still commonly used today. 

Bottles made of various materials known as decanters have been used for serving wine since ancient times. The ancient Romans began making decanters out of glass, and the Venetians reintroduced the concept of making decanters of glass during the Renaissance. The English in the 1700s began using glass stoppers. Once the cork is removed from a bottle it is difficult to put it back in. Today, wine stoppers used after the cork is removed are often made of glass or metal. Elaborate wine stoppers are often decorated with glass beads or other adornments. 
The wine stopper pictured above can be purchased at RED BEAD BOTTLE STOPPER - Beaded Tools - Handcrafted Lampwork Glass Beads, Pendants, and Wirewrap, Viking Knit, and Bead Crochet Jewelry. (beadshaper.com)

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