The Chinese New Year starts January 23, 2012 and this year is the Year of the Dragon. The New Year is a time to welcome longevity, wealth, and luck and will be highlighted by the characteristics of the dragon. In Chinese tradition, each year is dedicated to a specific animal comprising the Chinese zodiac, and it is believed that when a year falls on a specific animal year, that year adopts the animal’s characteristics. Unlike the perception of the dragon in western thought as an evil and destructive entity, the Chinese revere the dragon as a symbol of power, superiority, and luck. Therefore, 2012 is predicted to be a year of prosperity and luck along with the characteristics of the dragon personality: excitement, passion, and unpredictability. Read More

The labradorite stone was discovered on St. Paul Island in Labrador, Canada in 1770. It is a blue-green stone that emits a beautiful play of colors when hit with light referred to as labradorescence. Dependent upon what angle light hits the stone, color changes vary from sea blue, gold, violet, orange, and red. Read More