Happy New Year for New Beginnings

Volume 23 | JANUARY, 2023

Greetings!

Another year begins and we're slowly getting into the swing of things... It's always nice to take a break to rest and slow down at the end of the year, but the last week of 2002 ended for us in Vancouver with a heavy dump of snow and our working hard to dig ourselves out. No worries though, the best part of all that hard work was to get inside for hot chocolate and devour some of my home-baked cookies and Christmas cupcakes.

We have to find time to remind ourselves to reach out to our friends and families and spend time together if we can, to share good cheer, hearty drinks, play games and laugh out loud!

Also, a good time to look forward on the new year and do all the things that we didn't have time to do last year and to put them on the top of our list! One day and one step at a time.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao Tzu

22 January 2023

first day of the 15 daysLunar

New Year celebration

In the Chinese culture, the rabbit is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve animals. It symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. People who are born in the year of the rabbit are calm and peaceful. They avoid fighting and arguing at all times, but are artistic and have good taste in life.

Granville Island Public Market Dates

January 12 to 14, 2023

(Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm)

February 3 to 5, 2023

(Friday to Sunday., 10am to 6pm)

FREE Parking before 11am & after 6pm

. . . Trending . . .

A New Year for that New Beginning feeling

As 2023 begins, we feel refreshed and invigorated at the thought of a “new start” or a “clean slate” to our lives - unblemished by life’s challenges and hardships.

We just feel encouraged and inspired.

Jade, as a symbol of serenity and purity, is a perfect stone to embellish this sentiment. As a protective stone, jade keeps the wearer from harm and brings harmony. Jade is also believed to attract good luck and friendship.

BC Jade Rings

Top Left: Woven Jade ring $250

Top Right: Size 6.5

Sq. Flower Jade ring $200

Bottom: Size 6

Sq. Stacker Jade & 14kt $280

Classic Jade Inukshuk Necklace

Sterling silver, Chinese Jade Bead & bezel set CZ stone - 18" chain $200

Chinese Jade Jewelry

Left: Silver set unpolished jade with pearl necklace

18" silver chain $250

Right: Silver Chinese Jade Button Ring Size 8.5 $100

What is the difference between Nephrite and Jadeite Jade?

The name "Jade" actually applies to two completely different stones, nephrite and jadeite. They are both strong, colourful gemstones that have been prized by various cultures around the world for thousands of years. British Columbia is home to the largest deposit of nephrite jade in the world.

Nephrite Jade (BC Jade), a silicate of calcium and magnesium, is found in many countries, predominantly in Western Canada. Nephrite is prized for its special qualities — its extreme toughness, (the toughest of any natural stone), its alluring translucency and its smooth polished feel. Colors of Nephrite Jade range from pure white to all different shades of green.

Jadeite Jade (a silicate of sodium and aluminum) is a comparatively new Jade introduced to China from Burma in 1784. Gem quality Jadeite is extremely rare and thus extremely expensive. Often mislabeled as "Chinese Jade," (it was never found in China), Jadeite is slightly harder than Nephrite. Colours of Jadeite range from white to black with intense "apple" greens and lavender being the most sought after. Jadeite is often colour enhanced and expert advice should be sought when investing in Jadeite jewelry.

Shop Chi's Creations Jewelry & Book your Free Consultation

GARNET

JANUARY Birthstone

Garnet, an Ancient Gemstone

People have used garnets for jewelry and decorative objects for millennia. It's one of the oldest known gemstones. Archeologists have recovered garnet necklaces and talismans from Ancient Egyptian tombs and mummies. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also highly valued this gem. They used garnet signet rings to seal important documents as well as for a variety of jewelry pieces and other items.

In fact, the word "garnet" comes from the Latin word granatus for seed or grain, most likely a reference to the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. Indeed, some garnets do resemble pomegranate seeds in color, size, and shape.

Garnets, Blood, and Life Force

Since ancient times, garnet's traditional red color was associated with the heart and blood. Thus, people believed garnet's mystical purview included the power to counter melancholy, stir the heart to great deeds, prevent hemorrhage and improve circulation.

Large Stacking Ring with Garnet

Large scribbled silver stacking with 14kt gold wire & setting with 6mm Garnet stone.

Size 7.5 - $450

Skinny Woven Ring with Color Stones

Series of Skinny Woven Rings with different

color stones set in 18kt gold. $280 each

Antique Garnet Pyrope Hair Comb

While there are many different species and varieties of garnet that come in many colors, perhaps the most well-known is pyrope garnet. Usually deep red, this gem is featured in the antique pyrope hair comb containing garnets from Czech Republic, a stunning and historic example of pyrope’s beauty and GIA’s famous birthstone for January babies.

Antique Garnet pyrope hair comb

Celebrate JANUARY Birthdays & 2nd Anniversaries

GIA Information About Garnet

From Chi's Bench ... Repurposed Delights

Let me help you tell your stories!

I delight in giving new life to tired jewelry with my "re-purposed" designs.

Creating new expressions from family legacy pieces are so heart-warming

when I can be part of their journey ...

An engagement ring, family ring or necklace - they all combine wonderful memories, bringing happiness to both me and everyone involved!

Lily's Repurposed Happy Rings

Lilly was thrilled to have her

three traditional rings transformed

into a new collection of my most popular ring designs and a matching diamond earring.

Lily's New Legacy Treasures!

Jody's Repurpose Projects

Jody wanted a transformation of her old

pieces that she wasn't not wearing ... but she didn't want to just add more rings. She wanted to create something that she can wear and enjoy all the time.

We worked on a new Pendant and a spectacular bling ring

combining her lovely stones and diamonds.

A new look for keeps!