For those looking for a unique engagement ring, jade is an unusual and unexpected choice. The ancient ornamental mineral is revered in Chinese culture for its healing properties.
With many colours to choose from and good durability, this compelling stone will make an amazing centre for your ring.
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Jade refers to two separate mineral: nephrite and jadeite, which are both metamorphic rocks made up of tiny interlocking mineral crystals. The stone appears in various colours, including green, white, orange, yellow, lavender and black. However, the most valued shade is semi-transparent emerald green.
They often have a unique, streaked colouration that provides a compelling visual texture. The tones in nephrite tend to be more muted than that of jadeite, which is also the rarer of the two.
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Early Spanish explorers named the stone after the Spanish expression ‘piedra de ijada’ which translates literally to ‘stone of the pain in the side’. They were inspired to choose this name after finding Central American natives holding the stone to their sides to relieve pain. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs are believed to have used jade for medicinal purposes, as well as to create jewellery, ornaments and religious artefacts.
Historically, jade has been used since the time of prehistoric humans, who fashioned it into weapons, tools, ornaments and ritual objects.
Sometimes, carvings were etched onto the stone to invoke the powers of heaven and earth.
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The stone has long been considered heavenly. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the philosopher Confucius wrote that it is like a virtue and it’s brightness represents heaven. In fact, a flat disc of jade with a hole in the middle, known as a ‘bi’, is symbolic of heaven in Chinese culture.
The stone is called ‘yu’ in China, which means heavenly or imperial. This explains why jade is often considered the imperial gem in Chinese culture, and has been found in the tombs of Shang kings.
The stone is also symbolic of prosperity, success and good luck. The Chinese associate the stone with a clarity of mind and purity of spirit. They often carve specific shapes using the stone to represent motifs. For example, a bat is symbolic of happiness, a butterfly of long life and a peach of immortality.
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The stone is quite tough and durable, making it a good choice for an engagement ring stone. Jadeite ranks a 6.5 to 7 and Nephrite a 6.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Its quality is determined by looking at five key factors: colour, transparency, texture, cut and carat weight.
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The Nigerian wedding industry is massive. Couples typically spend big bucks to make sure their special day is perfect. However, the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a loss of millions, and leave small businesses with no way to support themselves.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy in terms of nominal GDP, and the wedding industry contributes greatly to this. Using statistics from 2017, a report from TNS Global suggests that the industry could be worth as much as $17 million.
“The Nigerian events industry is estimated to be among the most extravagant in the world. According to TNS Global, 17 million dollars was spent on parties in Lagos over a five months period in 2013. Statistics have it that an average Nigerian company or middle-class family spends over 15,000 dollars per event,” said Professor Okoli Fidelis Chukwuma.
According to Nairametrics, weddings can cost anywhere between half a million Naira (R22 263) to over 100 million Naira (R4 452 766) depending on the financial background of each couple. These events are typically massive, with hundreds of guests in attendance.
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With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this industry has essentially been halted. Large public gatherings are currently not allowed, forcing many couples to tie the knot online through video conferencing platforms.
Those who do continue with in-person weddings have minimised their big days considerably. CEO of event management firm Unik Ushering Agency, Aderonke Adebamibola told Naiametrics that business has slowed down as a result.
“Now, we even have to convince them to use one or two ushers for their events because they believe they don’t need ushers for 20 or 30 guests. Caterers cannot even cook a half bag of rice now because of the number of guests. This means that they are also paid less for their services, even if they expend the same energy and time” said Adebamibola to Nairametrics.
Nigeria has 29 286 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 11 828 recovered and 654 deaths.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of the wedding industry, and many will struggle to fit the new normal.
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When we think of royal weddings, very specific images come to mind. We think of Princess Diana’s extravagant gown with its never-ending train or Megan Markle’s classic bateau…
Jessica Simpson and her husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday [July 5]. Simpson wrote a heartfelt message to her husband on Instagram in celebration of the occasion.
The singer posted a photo of the two of them holding a crystal butterfly, which was an anniversary gift from Johnson.
“Eric Johnson, my Husband, I love you. 6yrs ago today I married my perfect soulmate. Our unity was written in God’s sky of colliding stars. Together we manifest dreams, nurture desire, and hold space. Destined, it always has been and always will be, forevermore. Also, anyone who knows me at all knows that this crystal butterfly is my dream gift ?, wrote Simpson, adding the quote “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
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They met in May 2010 through friends. At the time Johnson’s divorce was not yet finalized however he had been separated from his wife at the time since October 2009.
By November 2010, they were engaged. According to E! News Johnson proposed on November 11, at 11:11am, with “Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin playing in the background and rose petals scattered on the ground.
The pair got married in a glamorous $1.4 million wedding ceremony in July 5, 2014 that took place at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California.
They are now parents to three children, Maxwell Drew (8), Ace Knut (7), and Birdie Mae (1).
Image: Instagram / Jessica Simpson
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For many brides, the finishing touch to perfect their wedding look is a tiara. Bridal tiaras add regal glamour and elegance to your look, as well as a touch of whimsy.
Tiara’s or crowns are also known as diadems, which comes from the Greek word ‘diadein’ meaning ‘to bind around’. Historically, royal families from the ancient Egyptians to the the Ancient Greeks love this accessory as a symbol of power and status. Traditionally, they were worn by royalty but nowadays anyone can rock this look.
Interestingly enough, there are ways to properly wear a tiara. If you plan to top your tresses with this accessory, keep these tips in mind.
Consider the shape of your face
If you have a long face, you might want to steer clear of especially pointy tiaras that can add even more length. If you have a round face, a round tiara will make your head look even more circular. The best course of action is to choose a tiara that is different to your face shape.
Regardless of the shape of your face, make sure to opt for a tiara with an oval frame so that it sits more comfortably on your head. Ideally, the front of the tiara should slightly lean forward as this will help frame your face.
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Placement matters
When putting your crown on, be conscious of where you place it and use your fingers as a guide. To find your best placement, put your thumb on the centre of your chin and your index finger in between your eyebrows. Maintain that distance, then move your thumb to where your index finger was placed. Your index finger should now be a few centimetres from your hairline, marking the spot where the base of your tiara should be.
The centre of the jewel work on the crown must align with the centre of your face.
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Stay with me
Don’t put your tiara on until your hair is completely styled, especially if you are adding any gels or lacquers to your hair. If you put your tiara on before this, you run the risk of making it greasy.
Another rule of thumb is to wear your tiara with day old hair, ideally without conditioner, as this provides more grip to keep it in place all day. You might even need to use clear thread to sow your tiara into your bridal style if you plan on any activities like a choreographed dance.
Remember to not attach your veil to your headpiece, as it could add more weight and cause your tiara to drag out of place. Instead, attach your veil to you actual hair.
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