The Shape of the Heart: Where did the symbol come from?

As with every Valentine's Day, people are presenting their loved ones with heart-shaped cards, candies and trinkets. But how did the heart shape become the unanimous symbol for love? The answers you'll get for this question are quite different and varied depending on who you ask.
During the seventh century B.C. in the city-state of Cyrene there was a plant called silphium that is now extinct. It was mostly used for seasoning but was also used for off-label use with things like birth control and mood enhancement. The plant was so important to the economy though, that coins were minted so that they would depict a seedpod which looked like the heart shape that we commonly know today.

One of the original and most well respected stories goes that this heart like symbol was first associated with sex and then, eventually, with love.

The Catholic Church contends that the heart shape and symbol did not appear until the 17th century, when Saint Margaret Mary Alocoque had a vision in which it was surrounded by thorns. This symbol eventually would become known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was associated with complete and utter love and devotion. It would begin to appear on many stained-glass windows in churches and in other church iconography. While the Sacred Heart symbol may have popularized the heart shape to the masses, the majority of scholars agree that it existed MUCH earlier than in the 1600's.

Still other accounts suggest that the modern heart symbol's origin comes from botched attempts at drawing an actual human heart. Many ancient scholars and philosophers viewed the heart as the center for all human passions. The medieval tradition of courtly love setups may have further reinforced the shape's association with the idea of romance. Indeed, the modern day heart symbol and all that it stands for could be a combination of all of these things that have occurred throughout our history.

So instead of worrying about where abouts the heart symbol came from and how we can better understand it, just enjoy that it has become an integral part of our society and buy that special someone a nice, jewelry gift littered with the heart symbol we all know and love!

Why gemstone jewelry is becoming more popular with men

Until recently, men didn’t really wear gemstone jewelry as much as women did. This could have been due to a variety of factors, the biggest one being that gemstone jewelry was primarily viewed as women’s only jewelry. However with the help of the Internet and a culture that really only wants things that are stylish instead of regarding former taboos, gemstone jewelry is now incredibly popular among men and would make a great holiday gift for any man in your life!

The gemstone rings are easily the most popular jewelry among men. This can be fastened with any gemstone and color imaginable and would look both stunning and fashionable at the same time. There are also a wide variety of styles available including the donello, swirl solitaire, nugget twist and inset rings. All of the styles offer the perfect complement to any male personality and will show him that you care and were thoughtful when buying his present.

Even if your gift isn’t for the holidays, there’s no reason to worry that men’s gemstone rings aren’t fashionable. Not only do they suggest sophistication and style but if you happen to be a single male who wants to capture the attention of the ladies than some gemstone jewelry may be the answer. Saying that it says your wealthy aside, there’s nothing that a women loves than a stylish man who coordinates all aspects of his appearance. Attention to detail is a good thing, especially when your details are breathtaking and fresh.

Never mind the fact that gemstone jewelry is a great conversation starter. Whether the particular gem, birthstone month, style, or cut is discussed it will always give you an extra option to start a conversation with the apple of your eye. So whether or not you’re looking for a gift for yourself or a male loved one, getting some gemstone jewelry is definitely the way to go. There are several different styles and options available so the strain on your wallet will barely even be noticed at all but your style and taste will. If you’d like to do a bit of research on the different gem types that are available then feel free to browse our vast and detailed database. Every possible thing you could ever want to know about each and every gem is answered in there and it can prove to be a wonderful resource when you’re looking for a stylish male gemstone ring or other piece of jewelry.

In conclusion, as we move forward into the future, the popularity of male gemstone jewelry will only get bigger it seems. And with good reason! Has anyone ever said that women should be the only ones able to wear and appreciate high quality, beautiful gemstone jewelry? Exactly! So get with the program and get yourself or your man some gemstone jewelry today!

Birthstone jewelry – A great gift for teenage girls

Birthstone jewelry is the best answer for the people who are confused what to gift for their beloved teenage girls. A gift has to be personal and should make the receiver happy and feel special. Birthstone jewelry commands mystical attraction among teenage girls. Throughout the ages, birthstone jewelry is believed to confer protection and special power to individuals who wear them. The birthstone jewelry was also widely used by many ancient cultures. Even today, birthstone jewelry continues to be a great gift idea and craze among teenage girls. Birthstone jewelry bestow and strengthen the teenage girls with all the essential feminine qualities like sincerity, creativity, luck, constancy, innocence and courage, etc.,

Birthstone jewelry adorns the teenage girls and makes them simply beautiful. Any girl would heartily welcome a gift of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and pendants. Gift of birthstone jewelry becomes more meaningful as first piece of nice jewelry for teens and young girls. A birthstone pendant with a gold chain or even small jeweled earrings can enthuse and inspire young girls who are celebrating Bat Mitzvah, First Communion, Sweet Sixteen or simply enjoying their Quincinera. A bracelet or ring with a birthstone will make her smile and become happy each time she the girl looks at it. For example, Brilliant purple amethyst February amethyst birthstone matches the persons who are born on February. The February gemstones have long been an important part of crown jewels. The wide availability and beauty make such birthstone jewelry very popular even today. High quality types of birthstone jewelry include wide variety and color.

Birthstone jewelry with pendants or bracelet makes a better gift. The gift makes the teenage girls look really cute. While considering giving birthstone jewelry as a gift to a teenage girl, it is very important to first decide about the budget. For example, a bracelet would be more expensive than pendant.

A teenage girl is a center of attraction for everybody in a party. Every girl dreams to look beautiful in social events. Birthstone jewelry is a perfect gift to adorn a teenage girl and make her more beautiful with dazzling looks. Gift of esthetic and rare birthstone jewelry are worthy of remembrance throughout lifetime.