Archives for October 2021

All Hallows Eve

Better known to us as Halloween, All Hallows Eve dates back to the day of the Celtic festival of Samhain. The day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the winter which was associated with death. They believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on this day and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. The Celts built large bonfires and wore costumes to ward off the ghosts.

In the 9^th century the Catholic church made November 2 All Soul’s Day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain with bonfires, costumes and parades. The celebration was also called All-hallows and the night before All-Hallows Eve which eventually became Halloween.

In the United States, during colonial times, this time was a celebration of the harvest and featured stories of the dead, dancing and singing and mischief making. It wasn’t until the second half of the 19^th century that Halloween was popularized around the whole country.

Do you have special jewelry you like to wear to celebrate Halloween or fall? Share on our Facebook page!

Styles of Jewelry

While there are many styles of jewelry, we’ll focus on four – Vintage, Classic, Modern and Artisan.

Vintage: With inspiration from eras past like Victorian or Edwardian, vintage jewelry often has intricate metalwork and gem placement. Ornate, decorative effects, like halo and pave settings, intricate side diamonds and milgrain beaded accents are part of this style. Not to be confused with Antique jewelry which was made more than 100 years ago, vintage jewelry was made between 50 and 100 years ago.
Classic: These are not bound by past eras, but have timeless appeal and blur the lines between modern minimalism and old-world extravagance. Designs include solitaire rings, three stone gem settings and princess cut diamonds.
Modern/Contemporary: This style began in the early 1960s and is considered artistic, fun and self-expressing. It is when jewelry made the move from status symbol to an accessory. Modern jewelry often includes a mix of media used to create it and popular new styles which change with the decade.
Artisan: These original, handmade pieces are one of a kind. They often include a blending of metals and lesser-known gems.

What is your style? Share your favorite piece with us on our Facebook page. And stop in to Bridgewaters to see how you can expand your jewelry collection.

The Yin Yang Symbol

A very popular symbol in jewelry, the Yin Yang which dates back to ancient China, represents the idea that an equal balance creates harmony. The two opposite characteristics, the Yin represented in black as the feminine side and Yang represented in white as the masculine side, complement each other and represent the interconnectedness of the world, in particular, the natural world. There are no straight lines dividing the symbol, but a soft S-shape, showing how yin and yang are connected and constantly flowing in and out of each other. The small circle of the other color within shows that nothing is absolute – there is a little yin in yang and vice versa. The circle which surrounds the elements represents the entirety of the universe, everything we know and all the things we don’t understand.

The Yin Yang symbol is perfect for anyone, as it is unisex. The Yin represents femininity, night, the moon and shadow while the Yang represents masculinity, day, the sun and light, among many other things. It is a great choice for couples to show the balance and harmony in their relationship or for best friends.

Looking for the perfect gift for your partner or best friend or just something beautiful for yourself? Stop in to Bridgewater Jewelers to find your perfect piece.

Opal and Pink Tourmaline

Those born in October have both a modern and traditional birthstone. October features both opals (traditional) as well as pink tourmaline (modern).

Opal’s name originates from the Greek word opallios which means “to see a change in color.” The rainbow of colors seen in opals come from its composition of microscopic silica spheres diffracting light to display the colors of the rainbow. Not all opals have this rainbow of colors – those that do are called “precious opals” and those that do not are “common opals.” Opals are a more delicate gem and should be stored away from high temperatures and low humidity. They scratch easily, so placement in a padded cloth bag helps to keep them safe.

Tourmaline comes in many colors and its name comes from the Sinhalese words tura mali which mean “stone of mixed colors.” No two tourmaline gemstones are alike, so it is really a one of kind gift. Pink tourmaline is associated with compassion and gentleness and embodies love. It is also the gift for the eighth wedding anniversary.

Visit Bridgewater Jewelers to find your perfect gemstone!