Amethyst – February’s Birthstone

APPEARANCE

Amethyst is recognized by its alluring purple color that scientists believe comes from the stones natural radioactive properties and its long pyramidal crystals combined with its elemental iron makeup. However, though always purple, Amethyst exists in a wide variety of violet shades and is known to change color both when viewed in different lighting conditions as well as when heated.

HISTORY

Ancient Greeks believed that the Amethyst could avert the effects of alcohol, and crushed Amethyst would even be mixed in one’s drink to accomplish this cause. Amethyst has also been thought to protect its wearer from disease, violence and anger and the stone was believed to endow its wearer with intelligence, sobriety and clear thought.Being a widely available and brilliantly colorful variety of quartz, Amethyst has been used for sculpture and jewelry throughout history. According the Greek mythology, the origin of the amethyst resides with the Greek God of wine and celebration, Dionysus (Bacchus).

Dionysus had become drunk with red wine and wished to inflict his wrath on anyone who did not engage his gifts of intoxication. Infuriated, he decided to take his wrath out on a young virgin named Amethyst. When Amethyst cried out to the goddess Diana for help, Diana quickly turned the maiden into a white, glimmering stone (quartz) so that she could not be harmed. Feeling remorse for his actions, Dionysus began to weep with sorrow, his tears dripping into his goblet of wine. As the goblet tipped and overturned, the tear-laden wine spilled onto the white rock turning it into the purple quartz we now call Amethyst.

The name Amethyst is also of Greek origin, meaning “not drunken”, from a- "not" and methyskein- "make drunk" and from methys- "wine".

MODERN TIMES

In more recent times, Amethyst has served as a symbol for richness and royalty and is still believed to have soothing effects for those who suffer from addictions. It is also the birthstone for the month of February and is used to celebrate both the sixth and sometimes the fourth wedding anniversaries. Bearing a Mohs’ Hardness rating of 7, the Amethyst is fairly hard and remains an affordable and beautiful stone that is widely available in a variety of cuts and jewelry applications. Amethyst rings, pendants and earrings are all very popular and are also available in Black Hills Gold.

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009 To Be Crowned

Blackhawk, South Dakota will host the Coronation celebration for the crowing of Courtney Smith, Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009. During the ceremony, Tara Trask , Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2008 will give her farewell speech and then present Courtney with the coveted crown.

The next stop for Courtney will be the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and then its onto 2009 Miss Rodeo America pageant held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its been a long road for Courtney but she has met the challenge with fortitude and grace, winning the categories of horsemanship, speech, appearance, personality, and the written test award.

Courtney is the daughter of Tom and Deanna Smith of Rapid City and we wish to congratulate both Courtney and her parents on her achievement. Great job Courtney! And good luck in Las Vegas!

Garnet – January’s Birthstone

This first in a series of twelve short essays on birthstones is devoted to the Garnet, January’s Birthstone.


APPEARANCE

The Garnet is typically recognized by its deep, rusty-red color but there are actually over 29 known varieties of them. While they all have essentially the same cubic crystalline structure, the different types of Garnets vary in chemical makeup and other physical properties resulting in colors that range across the spectrum. While it’s true that the deep red variety is the most commonly occurring, the color of Garnet can range from earth tones to yellow, orange, red and even vibrant green, such as the brilliant Tsavorite. Because of these chemical and physical properties, the only color that Garnets are not available in is blue.

HISTORY

The mythology of the Garnet can be traced back to ancient Greece where it was believed that Garnets held many special powers. The Romans associated the Garnet with Mars, the god of war. Warriors throughout the ages believed that the Garnet could inflict mortal wounds on their enemies and also protect its bearer from illness and peril. And it is believed that Noah used a lantern made of Garnet to safely steer his ark through the darkness of night.

The name Garnet is derived from the name of the pomegranate fruit, the Latin term being “granatus”, meaning “seed”. Garnets resemble the seeds of a pomegranate and in nature are typically found in clusters, as are the pomegranate seeds.

Further reference to the pomegranate can be found in the Greek myth of Persephone, the maiden daughter of Zeus. The myth says that Persephone was abducted by Hades, ruler of the underworld. Zeus dispatched Hermes to return her, but by the time she was rescued, she had eaten the sweet seeds of the pomegranate, obligating her to spend the winter months with her new husband, Hades. Persephone’s return to Hades caused the winter to arrive for three months. In the spring, when Persephone rises up to be with her mother, the seasonal growth cycle of plants begins. This annual, eternal, devoted return is associated with deep love and so the gift of pomegranate seeds, or the Garnet, represents a gift of love.

MODERN TIMES

Today, the Garnet still maintains its ancient lore and is used to celebrate the second wedding anniversary. It is also the birthstone for the month of January and is therefore a favorite of Aquarians and Capricorns. But the Garnet is an exceptional choice for year-round use by all. Bearing a Mohs’ Hardness rating of between 7 and 7.5, the Garnet is fairly hard and resistant to everyday wear and tear.

And though it is somewhat susceptible to impact fracture, the garnet lends itself well to use in Garnet rings, Garnet pendants and Garnet earrings, which also make very sensible, attractive and popular gifts.

2009 Miss Rodeo America Given The Landstroms Crown

The results are in and the next Miss Rodeo America has been crowned! The 2009 leading lady of professional rodeo is Maegan Ridley, of Alta Loma, California.

Along with a plethora of exquisite prizes, including clothing and matching jewelry, Miss Ridley was also awarded the timeless Landstroms tiara.

Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations has provided the official Miss Rodeo America crown every year since 1965. Miss Rodeo America Inc. was developed in 1955 to each year select a qualified Miss Rodeo America as an ambassador of good will promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and American western traditions.

Read the whole story.

How to wear your Black Hills Gold Heart Ring

Nothing shows love and sincere friendship more than a beautiful Black Hills Gold heart ring. Of course, you can wear your Black Hills Gold heart ring on any finger and in any direction you like! But if you want to make your ring even more special, one option is to wear it like the Irish Claddagh ring.

You can wear your Black Hills Gold heart ring on your right hand with the heart facing outward to tell the world your heart has not been won. But worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, you show you have friendship and love under consideration. And worn on your left hand with the heart facing inward, it means that two loves have joined forever.

Click here to but this beautiful Heart Ring

Some will wear the ring on their right hand with the heart facing inward as a sign of friendship prior to marriage, and then switch the ring onto their left ring finger during the wedding ceremony to show that their hearts have been joined forever.

Just what are Earring Jackets and are they available in Black Hills Gold?

Earring jackets are special earrings that are made with a hole in their center allowing you to insert the post of your favorite stud earring through. The stud passes through the "jacket" and attaches to your ear creating an entirely new look.

All Landstroms dangle-style Black Hills Gold earrings can be special-ordered as earring jackets.

If you had a set of only three or four earring jackets, think of the number of combinations you would have with all the stud earrings you already own! Or simply a great way to dress up your favorite pair of stud earrings.

How to clean Black Hills Gold Jewelry

The key to beautiful Black Hills Gold Jewelry is keeping it clean!

There are a number of commercial cleaners available for cleaning gold and silver jewelry , but a thorough scrubbing with a mild soap does a fine job. For lockets, bangles and hoops, use a very mild soap solution and avoid immersing. Follow with a warm water rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

Gems such as pearls and opals should be delicately cleaned using only warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using detergents, abrasives or excessive heat.

Hand lotions and everyday cosmetics contain substances that can cause the surface of the leaves to darken. Frequent, thorough cleaning should prevent this. As your Black Hills Jewelry ages, it will develop a unique patina over the years and will become a cherished heirloom for generations.