Today we welcome November—and her birthstone, the Citrine.
The Citrine is a pale yellow variety of quartz. Its sunny color is thanks to the iron content within the chemical structure of the gemstone. And Citrine's sunniness was not lost on Greeks—who first used the stone around 300 BC—who believed that the gemstone could help alleviate depression. At the time, Citrine was very rare, thus expensive, opulent and luxurious. As larger deposits were later discovered and mined (notably in Brazil), the gemstone became more common and fell within reach of more and more admirers.
New Age practitioners believe that Citrines will clean the blood and detoxify the body. Besides counteracting depression, Citrines are believed to have a healthful effect on the kidneys and urinary tract. They are also thought to have a "balancing effect" when worn while taking toxic pharmaceuticals. And they are sometimes called "The Merchant's Stone," for they are believed to attract money and wealth.
The small Art Deco ice bowl, shown above, was made in France in the 1930's or 1940's. It's not citrine, rather it's citrine glass. Not large, it will comfortably serve the ice needs of three Americans or five Europeans. It would also make a lovely vase for a collection of cut flowers. Please click on the photo above to learn more about this piece.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248