From Chi's Bench

Volume 42 | November 2024

November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum

The Chrysanthemum is the only birth flower of November and has a long history, dating back to 15th century China when it was first cultivated. It symbolizes joy, longevity, and loyalty.

It also happens to be the official flower for celebrating a 13th wedding anniversary, if that applies to you or someone you know.

Hello Chi Cheng,

As the leaves change and temperatures drop ... the cooler, damp air reminds us that Winter is near and, soon, we will prepare the holiday celebrations and gift giving season again!

This is a very different October and November for me as I'm not gearing up for the large Christmas shows ... like Circle Craft Christmas Market. Very different after 18 years. Its a sign of change!

We had a wonderful "Canadian" Thanksgiving with family and friends ... no turkey for me but we always love to do a baked ham with homemade apple sauce and sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows - YUM!

New pieces ... in progress!

Peanut's sweater weather

morning walk at Cleveland Dam,

enjoying the Fall colors!

I have officially retired from Circle Craft Christmas Market after 18 years! Please come see me in person at Granville Market or at my Studio.

2024 Vancouver Granville Island Public Market Dates

November 8 to 10, 2024

(Friday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm)

November 21 to 23, 2024

(Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm)

December 12 to 15, 2024

(Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm)

Great Gifts Ferry Building Gallery

Ambleside, West Vancouver

Nov 15 to Dec 15, 2024

11am to 5pm - Closed Mon & Tuesday

New Gallery Shop where you can find jewelry, postcards, artist's prints, handcrafted goods, chocolate and so much more by local artists!

Located inside the Ferry Building

1414 Argyle Ave, Ambleside, W. Van

Info: Ferry Building Gallery

Winter Gift Gallery - Seymour Art Gallery

Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Seymour Art Gallery

Nov. 12 to Dec. 24, 2024

10 am to 5pm - Open 7 days

Shop local this holiday season! We’ve brought together an amazing group of artists to inspire your holiday shopping. Find unique, handmade gifts like ceramics, jewelry, paintings, textiles, and much more. Your support helps local artists and our non-profit art gallery!

Exhibition Reception:

Sunday, Nov 24, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Info: Seymour Art Gallery

. . . Trending . . .

Citrine Shell Necklace

and matching Earrings

Top Right:

Silver shell earrings with

3 mini dangle citrines studs

$100 Pair

Bottom:

Silver shell necklace with

3 mini citrines, 18" chain $100

Stone Inukshuk Necklaces

Left: Silver slider with pearl & large labradorite necklace $150

Middle left: Inukshuk slider tube, with pearl & tanzanite necklace $150

Middle Right: Inukshuk slider with CZ stones and Chinese Jade necklace $200

Right: Bubble Aquamarine necklace, silver & 18kt gold

18" chain $120

Silver Citrine Necklaces

Left:

Silver hammered open ring with

3 mini citrines necklace - 18" $60

Middle:

Silver hammered ring with

3 mini dangle citrines $60

Right:

Silver shell with 3 mini citrine dangles, 18" chain $100

Visit my Chi's Creations website

NOVEMBER Birthstone

CITRINE

One of the most joyful crystals around, citrine oozes positive energy, helping you manifest your dreams, heal childhood wounds, find clarity, and so much more.

This November birthstone is the transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, which has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Citrine has been a popular gemstone since ancient times and has shared a history of mistaken identities with the other November birthstone, topaz. As a result, people thought citrine had the same powers as topaz. They believed the citrine birthstone could soothe tempers and calm the wearer.

The ancient Greeks carved rock crystal ornaments that glistened like permafrost. Roman pontiffs wore rings set with massive purple amethysts, and citrine has been reported in Roman jewelry. It was particularly popular in colorful Scottish jewelry from the Victorian era. Citrine, believed to derive from the French word for “lemon” (citron), is given for the thirteenth wedding anniversary.

Ray of Sunshine with Citrine Rings

Top Left & Bottom Right: Skinny square ring with 18kt gold bezel set Citrine $230

Top Middle: Large silver stacking ring with

18kt bezel set Citrine Size 7.5 $390

Left: Large silver stacking ring with

18kt bezel set Citrine Size 7.5 $450

Right: Large silver square stacking ring with 18kt gold bezel set Citrine Size 8 $480

Rings can be made to order in different sizes

Classic Woven Styles with Citrines

Left: Skinny woven ring with 18kt gold set

with Citrine Sizes 4 to 9, $280

Bottom: Silver woven disc (1") necklace with 18kt

gold set Citrine, 18" silver chain $250

Rings can be made to order in different sizes

The Legendary Malaga Citrine

The Malaga Citrine is one of the world's largest faceted citrine gemstones in the world. It weighs an astonishing 20,200 carats! Photo was widely circulated as a press photo in 2010. The Malaga Citrine maintains its importance as one of the world's largest faceted citrine gemstones in the world. Weighing an astonishing 20,200 carats, the oval-cut gemstone possesses exceptional color, clarity, and transparency.

INFO of the Malaga Citrine

Celebrate November Birthstone and 13th Anniversary with Citrine

GIA Information on Citrine

Location ... Location ... Location

Brazil, Madagascar, Bolivia, Russia, and African countries like Tanzania,

Namibia, and Zambia

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!

Grandma's Legacy Stacking Rings

This is still one of my favorite repurposing

projects – creating new family heirlooms!

Grandma Lillian asked me to transform her past citrine treasures into 3 citrine stacking rings.

She can enjoy wearing them now and, in time, gift individual rings to her grand-daughters, who also share November birthdays with her! By engraving their names in each ring, we make sure there is no fighting over who gets which!