Quaker Wedding Customs

For those who think that modern weddings have become too much about the spectacle and not enough about the meaning of marriage, you maybe pleased to learn that it is not always the case. The Quakers, members of the Religious Society of Friends, have a very different tradition when it comes to weddings. If you have never attended a Quaker wedding, this is what you can expect...

One of the main principles of the Quaker religion is simplicity in brief cheap discount jewelry. Right off the bat, you can see why this would place them at odds with the extravaganzas that many couples find necessary to celebrate their union. The point of a marriage between two friends is the religious and spiritual, not the legal implications of becoming husband and wife. In fact, in a Quaker ceremony, there is no officiant, because it is believed that only God can marry a man and a woman (or two men or two women, for that matter; some same-sex couples have Quaker marriage ceremonies).

The first step when a Quaker couple decides to be married is that they declare their intentions to their Meeting and Lovely Cubic Zirconia Lady Earrings. They will then meet with a committee that will help to determine that they are indeed ready to be married, and may also assist them with making the arrangements. This is in a way similar to the pre-nuptial counseling required of Catholics, and is certainly something that all couples could benefit from.

A Quaker marriage ceremony is very, very different than most American weddings. There is no fanfare, and in fact, the ceremony is similar to a regular Meeting of the Friends. One of the things that will seem very unfamiliar to a non-Quaker guest is the amount of silence that is part of the Meeting. The bride and groom will sit at the front of the Meeting house until they feel moved to stand and exchange their promises to one another. The length of the silent period can be as long as one hour, which is intended to be a time for quiet reflection and prayer. This is quite typical for a Quaker service, but might be very awkward for anyone used to the music, readings, and rituals that are part of most other religious ceremonies.

Following the exchange of "promises" or "declarations" (the Quakers do not call them "vows"), the bride and groom will sign the Quaker Wedding Certificate, which is one of the most important parts of the ceremony. The Wedding Certificate is usually very beautifully made, with calligraphy and elaborate illustrations. At the end of the Meeting, all of the assembled guests will sign the Certificate, and the newlyweds will hang it in their home as a reminder of the declarations that they made. In California and Pennsylvania, the Quaker Wedding Certificate has been considered to be an acceptable substitute for a state-issued marriage license, but in most places the official document is also required for the marriage to be legal.

Following the wedding, there is generally some sort of reception, sometimes with music and alcohol, but not always (most Quakers are teetotalers). It is interesting to note that although still known for their beautiful simplicity, some Quaker couples are including some elements of the standard American wedding in their marriage ceremony. Though it is not part of the Quaker tradition, some brides today are choosing to wear a white dress and wedding jewelry, and to walk down the aisle to meet her groom. In addition, some Quaker brides and grooms now exchange wedding bands, although a piece of jewelry was not part of the Quaker service in the past.

Even with the addition of some of the mainstream American wedding customs, Quaker weddings are still singular for their simplicity and their silence. It is a beautiful tradition that is intended to highlight what is truly significant about a marriage, rather than allowing the emphasis to shift to the external trappings of a wedding.

Jewelry Making Books - Learn the Secrets of Stunning Jewelry

Nothing make me feel special more than a new pice of jewelry to wear, and I love the process of Jewelry making (or Jewellery making - depending on where you come from) and learning new techniques Coz cheap online jewelry. Everything that I know I learnt from Jewelry Making Books.

Jewelry has been an important aspect of human culture since prehistorical times, it not only enhances a persons beauty, it is full of all sorts of messages about the wearer's social status and personality. Because of its value as a symbol jewelry has an impact on society. Most cultures have at some stage used Jewelry as a means of storing wealth. When jewelry is made from gold, platinum and silver, embedded with diamonds and precious gems, it certainly is an investment. Although sentimental value often interferes with resale value!

Would you like to accessorize like the rich and famous without paying an arm and a leg? You can if you make your own jewelry. Jewelry can look stunning and lift your spirits without being a financial investment. Not only that it can be a relaxing hobby, or a profitable business.

I have been making jewelry since I was a young child, first with plastic beads, then friendship bracelets. I still love the patterns and colours of friendship bracelets, as well as the symbolic significance of giving and receiving them. There are a number of books about making jewelry with kids, as well as jewelry making books written for children themselves so cheap jewelry wholesalers.

Let your personality shine through your jewelry. Mass produced jewelry is boring, and lacks any individuality. Usually the size is too big, or the color is too dark, or it just looks cheap. What I love about making my own jewelry is that I can choose colours to match my outfit, I can create pieces that fit me not some standard size, and most of all they are unique.

Anyone can achieve fantastic results, no matter what age, level of skill or artistic ability. If you feel that you lack the creativeness to achieve pleasing results then I suggest beading would be a fantastic place to start. There are a number of beading books for beginners, which contain patterns that you can follow.

Perhaps you have been making jewelry for a while and have run out of jewelry making ideas. I get many of my ideas from books. When I run out of inspiration I learn a new jewelry making technique and my enthusiasm and creativeness goes through the roof. If you are an experienced jewelry maker check out a book with more advanced techniques, take it to the next level.

So whatever you age, experience and artistic ability you can produce stunning results making your own jewelry, and I encourage you to give it a go. There are jewelry making books available for people at all levels, they will expand your horizons, and guide you in creating your unique creative piece of jewelry.

Peridot - Gemstone Found On Earth and Mars

What makes a Peridot unique? Peridot is found in a number of places on Earth. It can also be found on Mars. Peridot, or evening emerald as sometimes it is called, is the softest gemstone. This is probably why it is less popular than the other gemstones. It is vibrant green in color and is best seen at dusk. It is very refreshing to look at and it has a soothing and calming effect.

Peridot in History

Peridot is the gemstone for August. It is also the 16th anniversary gemstone. Ancients believed it to have the power to reduce a person's anxiety, helps create a successful marriage, change dreams into reality, keeps away nightmares and evil spirits, and gives power to enable a person to communicate well. Peridot, when transparent, would come in variety of colors, ranging from light yellowish green to deep olive color. Like emeralds, the greener the color, the higher the value of a peridot stone.

Judging Peridot Quality

Peridot tends to be clearer than emerald and it comes in various shapes, sizes and hues. The quality is good and its value is higher if the texture and surface is clear and the color is deep green. It has a rather oily and greasy appearance. Like an emerald, a peridot could have bubbles, flaws and inclusions, so clarity is very important in looking for a good quality stone.

Care must be taken when using peridot as jewelry. It is a sensitive gemstone and can be damaged by improper use and care. Avoid excesses of temperature and be aware that acids and over use can damage the stone. However, Peridot is an exciting and fashionable gemstone that will enhance any person.