Jewelers of America announce new August Birthstone.

Jewelers of America has just announced they have added Spinel to the official August Birthstone lineup. Now, you might ask what gives them the authority to do this?  Jewelers of America is credited with the establishment the official list of birthstone list in 1912.  Which has gone faily uncontested eversince. Thus, they have the power and own the history.

Going further back in time, gemstones have been assigned to the astrological signs, and even before to the 12 tribes of Israel.  For a great history of birthstones, check out GemSelect's article here: 

http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/birthstone-history.php  

Now, back to the spinel..  Here at Ironstone's Heritage Museum, we always thought light green was the August Birthstone. But, according to this article ...

"Here’s a quick guide to what makes spinel special and why it’s now recognized as a birthstone for August." ... "For those looking for an alternative to higher priced rubies and sapphires, spinel may be the best choice."  

Forget the time honored tradition of lunar symbolism and holistic qualities of the selection of stones as one's birthright, lets go direct into commercialism? Wait, just typo? ... OK. 

From our inhouse research, Spinel has been used as the birthstone for July on an international level for quite a long time.  When we first put together our in house list of birthstones, out of respect for our many international visitors (who actually called us out on our limited list) we have always had spinel listed for July. If you check it out, although the exact stones don't always match the official American birthstone list, colors have remained pretty much the same internationally. 

Jewelers of American is an outstanding source for jewelers and buyers, we were just a bit confused by this article.  Take a look yourself at the full article which was actually putblished June 2 of this year, and I only now discovered it.


http://www.jewelers.org/ja/marketing/resources/marketing-news/590-what-makes-spinel-special?utm_source=prnj&utm_medium=em&utm_campaign=spinel

Well, that was fun!

July 2nd. Independence Celebration was a big hit again this year.

First band up wandered the grounds playing awesome accoustics to the grateful crowds.  As the generators were unloaded, and the stage bands struck up some toons, out on the dance floor more dancers than we have seen in past years were having a ball!  

People were meeting their lawn neighbors, singing along or just visiting with friends, family and neighbors. Amazing what can happen when all cell service is down!  Seems one of the many fires that day took out two towers and left everyone without.  they actually had to spend the day talking to each other or doing something other than text or play on social media.

While up front all looked well, behind the scenes was chaos. Organized chaos mind you. With no power, all the food & beverage vendors were scrambling for generators to keep on functioning.

Ironstone crews were busy relocating massive light towers to locations deemed most critical come dusk, hooking up generators to keep everything running smooth, finding a lost ice delivery truck, the list goes on and on, but all ended with another amazing fire works display that just never ended!

We will all remember this year's event for some time to come.

Now, lets get ready for our first concert!

Independence Celebration!

Come Celebrate Independence Day with us here at Ironstone on Saturday, July 2.  Gates will open at 2:00 PM. There is a $15 entry fee for each adults and $5 for young people between the ages of 6 - 12. 5 years and under are free.  Cash only to get through the gate. Parking is free.  

Again, this year the kids can have fun on bounce houses, climbing wall, face painters and jugglers tricks. Volunteers from PAWS will be monitoring the bounce houses again this year. So, do stop by and show your support to that wonderful organization.

Adults will enjoy live music featuring some of the Sierras favorite bands.  Lots of food & beverage concessions.  No off site food or beverages are permitted, so please leave the ice chest at home.  

The fireworks will begin after sunset. We are excited to have the same fireworks company that has been "wowing" us for years. Here again to out-do last years show if that could be possible.

Weather reports it will be a warm day, so wear your big floppy sun hats and lather up with lotion. And lets have fun!  

See you Saturday!

Collector Dolls

Ironstone Heritage Museum has acquired several lovely collector dolls.

We are posting them on Craig's list for sale as we don't have room for them here in the Museum and don't want them to sit in boxes too long.  Prices range from $35 to $95.   Below are a few photos of a couple.