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Gemstones with Health Benefits Since ancient times

Gemstones with Health BenefitsSince ancient times, people have believed gems could have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones with health benefits.
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HomeLearning CenterGemologyThe Lighter Side of GemologyGemstones with Health BenefitsBy International Gem SocietyFor millennia, people have used gemstones principally for ornamental purposes. However, in both ancient and modern times, cultures all over the world have also believed that gems can have healing properties. Let’s take a look at some popular gemstones and the health benefits they’re said to bring.carnelian carved gemstone – Ancient RomeIn ancient times, healers believed carnelian gemstones could be used to treat ailments of the blood. This carnelian ring stone features a carving of Asclepius, the Roman god of medicine. Late Roman Republican or Imperial period, 1st century BCE to 3rd century CEWhat’s the Best Way to Use Gemstones with Health Benefits?Some people use gems as part of their spiritual practices. They incorporate gems into rituals to restore energy fields, gain peace, and promote love and safety. In some belief systems, practitioners actually place gemstones on certain areas of the body to promote healing. For most people, however, simply wearing a piece of jewelry made with a specific gem is sufficient. The gem doesn’t need to come into direct contact with your skin.

Most gems are perfectly safe to wear as jewelry stones. (Of course, some are more durable than others). However, a few gems — very few, like realgar and ekanite — may contain heavy metals and/or radioactive elements in amounts that could cause harm if worn. Close, prolonged exposure to such gems would likely outweigh any health benefits you could possibly hope to gain.
Some crystal healers prepare potions with gems or place gems in the patient’s mouth. In these cases, avoid any acid-soluble gems as well, even if they don’t contain any known toxic materials. Your stomach acids may react dangerously to impurities in these gems.

Consult our table on gemstone toxicity to learn more.

AmberAmber – gemstones with health benefitsAmberPeople have prized amber as a jewelry stone since prehistoric times. Amber is an organic gem, formed from the hardened resin of ancient pine trees. Some pieces of amber contain spectacular inclusions of insects and other animals. These connections with trees and animals have fostered a strong association between amber and Nature.

Amber will also become electrically charged if rubbed against wool or silk, reinforcing a connection with the “spark of life.”
Yellow, brown, or red colored amber is believed by some to be a powerful gemstone with uses ranging from treating headaches and stress to promoting self-expression. It’s also said to promote cleansing and purification, which may help to bring illnesses out of the body and alleviate pain so that the wearer can heal.
Amber Bracelet

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Ukrainian Embroidery

It’s Old History

Research says that the Scythians (7th BC – 3rd BC), an ancient nomadic people who lived in the territory of modern Ukraine, wore embroidered clothes: long sleeve tunics, long trousers, and belts. The Scythians used different patterns as talismans; that is why they adorned with embroidery clothes and weapons, ritual items (connected to their pagan beliefs and mythological thinking), helmets, and shields.

Photo: Element from the Scythian cup the 4th BC

Then the tradition to embroider clothes travelled further in time. In the 11th century in Kyivan Rus, there was a school where girls learned how to embroider shirts with silver and gold. During the 15th to 19th centuries, foreign travellers mentioned the beauty and originality of the embroideries from the land we now call Ukraine. For decades, women from every part of society have embroidered shirts for the whole family.

Picture 1: Prince’s clothes.

Picture 2. «З лісу». Антоніна Маєвська. 1893

Only in the second half of the 20th century, mass production started, and now everyone can buy a vyshyvanka, either hand made or made by machine.

2. Symbolism

The word (a noun) “vyshyvanka” (вишива́нка) comes from the verb “vyshyvaty” (вишива́ти – to embroider, шити – to sew).

Our ancestors drew their destiny using symbols of the Sun, Earth, Universe and Family, reproducing them on fabrics, creating mysterious ancestral characters as amulets, as a family code. Some ornaments protected you from misfortune and evil spirits; others give you good luck, strong health, prosperity, and a good harvest.

3. The Meaning of Patterns

There are plant, floral, geometric, and zoomorphic ornamentations. In every region of Ukraine, traditionally, we can see different symbols and patterns on embroideries.

Plant and floral ornamentations are typical for the central, southern and eastern parts of Ukraine.

Guelder rose – is a symbol of Ukraine, beauty, and love. They usually adorn the wedding dresses and shirts, young people clothes.

Oak leaves are a holy tree in ancient Slavic beliefs, a symbol of strength and masculinity; men usually had this pattern on their shirts.

Rose – a symbol of spiritual love (любо́в) and romantic love (коха́ння). Typical for women’s vyshyvanka.

Poppy flowers – a symbol that carries the memories from the family’s past, represents Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Geometric ornamentation is typical for many regions but traditionally more in western Ukraine. Usage of geometric patterns connected to the natural landscapes and people’s world views.

The tree of life depicts roots – the past, the trunk – the present, and the crown – the future. This ornament symbolizes the family tree, where each branch, each leaf or flower, mean someone from the family.

Triangles – represents the Holy Trinity and is the most intense Christian defence. In pre-Christian times symbolized the three elements – water, fire and air, the three levels of being.

An eight-pointed star or mallow consists of masculine and feminine symbols. The joining of these two entities naturally gives life.

Sigmas are symbols of waters that give life to everything on the Earth. Shirts embroidered with these symbols should protect human from negative influences.

Swarga is an archaic symbol of sun worship that represented the hearth, home, and family fortune.

The embroidery of animals and birds are ritual symbols. For example, just birds symbolize guards; doves represent the sky, peace, and romantic love; swallow – spring, new life, new couples; storks are supposed to protect newborns and toddlers.

4. Contemporaneity

Different kinds of embroideries existed almost in all places. Still, Ukraine is a country where vyshyvanka became a national symbol, which had a long transformation and very organically entered the modern fashion.

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5 Ways to Give Leather a Weathered Look

For many years, bag crafters and designers have used leather for many reasons. Leather is a tough and durable material and has been readily available in the market. The process of curating and assembling leather is relatively easy among the traditional bag makers. Fast forward to today’s fashion industry, other bag materials have been rising in popularity. However, leather sticks around and is still loved by industry experts and bag collectors.

When properly cared for, leather would last for decades, making them a sustainable investment. Here are the reasons why you should prefer leather bags among others:

NATURAL

In contrast to synthetic materials, a tote bag crafted from leather can be considered naturally made since leather bags do not use as many chemicals as synthetic or faux bags do. Authentic leather is made from natural materials, breathable, flexible, and is truly luxurious, which explains why it always come with a high price tag. On the other hand, faux-leather is stern and because it’s synthetic it doesn’t have the natural flexibility that real leather has.

Another reason why leather bags are sustainable investments is that they are timeless pieces. By now, you may have seen stores displaying leather backpacks, handbags, and purses time and time again. They never run out of style, and people continue using them for any occasion and purpose. Its unique sense of elegance and sophistication really proves that it’s really value for your money. The appeal of genuine leather bags is perpetual, and it ages extremely well.

TIMELESS
Another reason why leather bags are sustainable investments is that they are timeless pieces. By now, you may have seen stores displaying leather backpack, handbags, and purses time and time again. They never run out of style, and people continue using them for any occasion and purpose. Its unique sense of elegance and sophistication really proves that it’s really value for your money. The appeal of genuine leather bags is perpetual, and it ages extremely well.

DURABLE
Leather bags are very strong and durable compared to synthetic bags. Investing in a single leather bag is a smart and practical choice than buying countless low-quality bags that would most likely not last for long. In addition to its stylish look, leather has remained a popular material for bags due to its sturdiness. Plus, they’re a great addition to any outfit that will make an impact on your professional style.

Authentic leather bags are made with precision and strength. The expert craftsmanship and use of genuine leather guarantees your bag will last a lifetime. You can use your leather bag every single day with no fear of getting it torn, because you’re confident with its quality. A simple messenger bag from handmade leather won’t only be durable but it will also look good in any style and any season.

WATER-RESISTANT
The natural aspects of leather make it ideal for bags and purses. Aside from their scent and patina, they’re also built to be water-resistant. Depending on the leather bag, some are made to be treated with special components and processes to resist water effectively.

Additionally, leather contains anti-fungal properties, which lessens the chances for mildew or molds to grow when the bag gets wet or becomes stained. Your leather bag can be easily cleaned and restored back to its original condition with just a few wipes of a wet cloth or tissue paper.

BREATHABLE
Even though you get caught in a drizzle, using a leather bag can still provide protection to your belongings. However, do note that while a leather bag can resist water at some point, it’s not appropriate to say it’s waterproof. It does stand against moisture effectively, which allows it to be more breathable than other kind of bags. Even when stained or exposed in rainwater, your leather bag retains its breathability feature, eliminating any foul smell caused by stuck water.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Many companies struggle with implementing responsible waste disposal practices. And fortunately, leather has the upper hand in reducing waste products from a large industry worldwide. Leather-making uses fewer chemicals than industries that produce synthetic materials to treat leather hides. This environmentally friendly procedure is enough reason for you to keep on buying leather bags in the future.

CONCLUSION
As you hunt for the perfect bag to reward yourself or gift to someone, you should prioritize considering the material over anything else. Investing in leather seems the most sustainable and ideal choice, especially for the above reasons. You or your gift recipient will definitely be able to utilize and maximize the great benefits of a leather bag for so many years that it’s even possible for them to last a lifetime.