It is the time of the year again when everyone is getting busy with all the year end Christmas shopping and feasting with all our loved ones. Indeed, Christmas is such a widely celebrated festival and it can hold a different meaning for everyone. It can be a time of sinful gluttony for some, a time of reconnection of old ties, a time of quiet reflection of the year that has gone past and for believers of the Christian faith a time of thanksgiving for the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. You may wonder at some point in time who is this Jesus then that leads to the creation of so much “hype” within the Christian community? (Have you experienced this persistent neighbour or colleague that yearly without fail tries to invite you to church during Christmas?) Some may vaguely recall hearing of Jesus being the son of virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-28) and His birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel, who was sent by God. So what is so special about this virgin birth, other than this appearing utterly illogical to medical sciences? (One would have pointed out that there had been many miracles and signs recorded in the bible showcasing the omnipotence of God and even today these miracles continue to exist to encourage Christians in their walk with God)
One part of the bible, Hebrews 1:1-4 sheds light to who Jesus is and his role in the big picture of God’s love story with mankind as illustrated below.
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
It is certainly not our intention to bore you down with all the details here, but we would love to highlight to you few key facts about this baby Jesus!
-God has appointed Jesus as heir of all things. (Verse 2) This would mean all things on Earth, be it mother nature itself or man-made things like our beloved iphone all belong to Jesus---they are given by God to His Son, Jesus.
-He is the creator of the universe. (Verse 2) Jesus is the agent of creation and through Him God made everything---he universe including you and me. He was there at the beginning and he will be there at the end as the heir of everything.
-He is the radiance of God’s glory. (Verse 3) Radiance reminds us what sunlight is to the sun, so is Jesus as a reflection of who God is. He radiates the glory of God.
-He is the Exact Representation of God’s Nature. (Verse 3) Being a reflection of God, Jesus shares in the character of God on top of just other physical attributes. In fact, the Father is God and the Son is God.
-He is the Sustainer of All Things. (Verse 3) Jesus is mightier than any forces out there and we know that He has overcome the devil. He holds the universe in place by his powerful word.
-He is our saviour. (Verse 3) The death of Jesus on the cross had paid the ransom for our sins. That is why Jesus cried out, “It is finished” on the cross. What does that mean to you and I? Whatever we have done or are doing to earn “brownie point” before our creator or to achieve our own self-reformation are destined to fail. It is only by Jesus’ atoning death that we are forgiven by God.
-He is now seated at God’s Right Hand. (Verse 3) After accomplishing his work of salvation for us, we take heart that Christ has returned to heaven and sits on the seat of highest honour beside God. God is fully satisfied with the sacrifice of his Son and there is nothing that our human effort can add to that.
We take comfort and have our hope in Jesus, who as both God and man (John 1:1-5, 1:14), reigns in all things---our sufferings, injustice, poverty and etc., as well as at all times--- past, present and future. We shall leave you here as you mull over who Jesus is to you on this very special Christmas.
Ps: As we wrap up this year, we hope you have enjoyed all our monthly musings for the last four years since we established our business in 2014. Every article published here had you in mind with the hope to grow your love and appreciation for your precious jewellery and for the industry as a whole. Starting 2018, we will no longer be regularly updating our column, but rest assured if there is something worth sharing or an exciting deal coming up, we will certainly give you guys a shout out here! Here is TFL wishing you a lovely Christmas and joyous new year ahead!
Do you know that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 37 million people are living with HIV at the end of 2015? Of this, around 1.8 million are children.
1st December marks World Aids Day and it is the hope of WHO that by 2030 we could end the fight against AIDS globally. Although increasing number of people with HIV are receiving anti-viral treatment for their illness, there is is still a large proportion if people who are unable to access treatment, the majority of which are unaware of their HIV positive status. This group of people face a wide range of challenges, which include not only the opportunistic infections stemming from the lowered immune system, unbearable side effects from the medications, as well as other psychological and social stressors such as unemployment, stigma and discrimination for having the illness.
What can you do? We are partnering with Treasures from the Heart, a Christian organisation based in Cambodia, to help support and provide a living for people suffering from Aids and their families. We are launching a series of handphone pouches as well as A4 document holders that are handmade with love by our beneficiaries. They are available in both traditional and modern fabrics and in a variety of colours.
What are you waiting for? Stand in camaraderie with us today to make a difference to the lives of those underprivileged, who are fighting hard every second with Aids and its diverse complications in Cambodia.
Over the years, we have witnessed a rise in the demand for silver jewellery. According to a Jeweller magazine report, this white metal continues an upward climb into the luxury jewellery market today and has way "surpassed its poor-man’s gold reputation". Indeed, we see silver jewellery in various shapes and designs today. They no longer exist simply as a plain silver ring or bracelet like that in the "medieval days", but very often are complemented with attractive gems or plated with other exotic precious metals such as titanium, which all help to greatly enhance its value.
Dangling pearl earring (left) and matching necklace, both in 925 silver from Dolceoro (right)
Thinking of what to wear to match your outfit of the day? Ever wondered what is in season this year before 2017 comes to an end? Fret not as we source out the expert opinion and forecast on what is in style to keep you staying in the limelight wherever you go! Based on a March 2017 SilverStyles report, long drop earrings that showcased texture and occasionally combined with stones were among the bestsellers in 2016. This is set to remain in trend this year. What else? Chokers as well as layered bracelets combining thin bangles with links were in demand last year. Experts also predict that silver combined with other coloured stones or metals will revamp its appearance and do well this year. Finally, back to basics will be the best bet as it is forecast that simple styles with unique details could just melt the hearts of consumers!
Our New IN bracelets from Dolceoro! 925 plain Italian silver bracelet (left) and bracelet with gold plating (right)
We hope that you feel somewhat more "educated" as much as how we have benefited from preparing this for you. If you would like more information, especially in terms of the outlook of the silver market, do have a look at our references!
What are you waiting for? Browse and shop away with The Four Loves right now!
Adapted from:
Jeweller, Why silver jewellery continues to shine. Retrieved on 14th October, 2017, from http://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article.aspx?id=7015&h=Why-silver-jewellery-continues-to-shine-
SilverStyles, Fearless forecasts. Retrieved on 14th October, 2017, from http://www.silverstyles.com/en/Market-Watch/15725/Fearless-forecasts.html
We are back from our recent trip to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China! This year is the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem fair. Similar to previous years, it was a spectacular exhibition showcasing more than 3,600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries around the world. As photography was not allowed for most exhibits, here are just a small snippet of what we saw as we trawled through the exhibition halls for interesting and affordable items for you!
Brooch set in 18K gold, platinum and diamond by designer Yoshiko Sasase, winner of the President award from Japanese Jewellery Association; matching ring and bangle in 18K gold and diamond by designer Kazuyo Ishikawa, winner of the Mayor of Taito City award.
Gorgeous, delicate cameos jewellery made by Hong Kong based company, Unirich Jewellery
A fan of Peppa pig? You can find these adorable pieces with Larrea Joyeros, a Spanish jewellery company specialising in the manufacturing of stamping gold pieces.
Silver products are always on our mind, exquisite silver items with a vintage tinge made by Gemco
Second leg of our trip was a new extension to nearby Guangzhou province, where we visited the largest jade market in the city. It was really an experience looking a the plethora of jade products available there and learning from the experts to distinguish the different grades of jade. It is certainly a topic worth touching on in one of our monthly musing next time.
All types of jade products at Hualin Jade market in Guangzhou, China
More than 100 jade vendors packed in a small hall in the midst of the sweltering morning heat
Streets lined with shops selling jewellery-making tools, goldsmiths and other jewellery suppliers
It was definitely a rewarding trip this time both for our exposure and in shopping for the best quality bargain for you. Do visit our website or shopfront for more exciting and unique jewellery items in the months to come!
We have a beautiful collection of Opal products coming up for you next month! Before we do that, we thought you would appreciate some "basic education" to enhance your love for this fascinating gemstone.
1. Opal is from the Greek "Opallos" meaning to "see a change of colour.
2. It is a non-crystalline silica and ranks 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale of Hardness. That's why you commonly find them set in earring and brooches etc. to keep it away from the impact!
3. Opal can be found in various countries like Brazil, Mexico and Australia. 96% of the worlds precious opal comes from three isolated areas in the outback of Australia.
4. There are broadly 5 types of opal: light opal, crystal opal, boulder opal, black opal and composite opal.
5. Special-effect! What we usually witness in most opal termed as "common opal", would be a milky or pearly luster known as "opalescence". However, rare specimens of opal termed as "precious opal" produce brilliant color flashes when turned in the light. These color flashes are known as a "play-of-color."
6. Finally, the million dollar question of what determines the value of opal? The type of opal, body tone, brilliance, pattern, colour bar thickness, the play of colour are all factors taken into consideration! Generally, a solid opal (compared to a composite one), a dark body tone and a good play of colour are what buyers look out for!
July has been a busy month for us at TFL! It is the time of the year for the annual Singapore International Jewellery Expo. This is the fourth time Singapore is hosting this jewellery expo and it consisted of exhibitors from all over the world including both Asian and European countries. In order to bring to our beloved supporters more eye-catching jewellery pieces that wouldn't burn a hole in one's pocket, we spent a day at the jewellery fair to stock up a range of quality products for you in the time to come. At the end of the day, we were certainly dazzled by all the bright and sparkling precious jewellery pieces.
Some of the highlights of the fair can be found in the pictures below, that hopefully gives you a glimpse of the scintillating experience we had!
Be allured by the exquisitely Italian crafted cameo pieces by MASSIMO RAITERI
Can you find the jewels in the whimsical pumpkin land?
Precious silverwares, all delicately hand-made with the utmost precision by the Italian jewellery and watch makers BUCCELLATI
That's all for this month's musing. Stay tuned for more updates of our August product launch!
I am sure we are all familiar with the mineral Quartz, be it used to drive our watches or seen set in a wide range of fashion and fine jewellery. Here are some interesting facts about this common mineral!
1. The name quartz comes from the Greek, “krystallos,” meaning ice.
2. Quartz (SiO2) is one of the most common gemstone minerals.
3. There are many types of Quartz and we can broadly divide them into 2 categories: crystalline quartz vs. cryptocrystalline quartz
4. Crystalline quartz consists of common varieties such as Citrine, Amethyst and Rose Quartz, while cryptocrystaline quartz consists of stones such as onyx, chalcedony and Carnelian.
5. Quartz grows primarily in pegmatites (extreme igneous rocks that form during the final stage of a magma's crystallization), but can also be cultured in hydrothermal laboratories.
6. Quartz is a strong mineral (no. 7 on Mohs Hardness Scale) and exists in many different colours, making it a great choice for creating durable jewellery pieces.
7. It is the only mineral found in large quantity around different locations in the world. Some countries having all the varieties of Quartz include Brazil, United States of America and Russia.
8. Quartz varieties are usually not enhanced. However, there are few gemstones that would undergo heat treatments to improve their colour. Although quartz can be found in abundance, imitations (Silica) and synthetic forms of quartz remain present in the market today.
All you have to know to care for your beloved pearl jewellery....
1. Wiping the pearls with a damp, soft cloth after you wear them will ensure that they remain free of harmful build-up of compounds that may damage the nacre of your pearls.
2. Always keep your pearls separated from hard jewelry items such as rings or bracelets to prevent them from being scratched.
3. Pearls are best kept in a soft-cloth pouch or a soft-lined jewelry box.
4. Avoid cosmetics, sun blocks, perfumes and any beauty products containing harmful chemicals that can dull the luster of your pearls
5. Never store your pearls in an airtight environment such a a zip lock bag. Pearls are organic and do contain trace amounts of water. Storing them in an airtight environment will cause them to become brittle and damage the luster.
6. If you wear your pearls often, they should be strung about once a year to prevent strand breakage.
Adapted from pearl paradise. How to care for your pearls. Retrieved on 16th May, 2017 from https://www.pearlparadise.com/pages/how-to-care-for-your-pearls
In a few weeks' time, it comes one of the most celebrated occasion of the year--- Mother's day. A mother's love is often described as selfless and immeasurable. In fact, there are very few human relationships that can compare with that between a mother and child. Whether you are a mother, grandmother or even a spiritual mother to someone, we wish to applaud your unceasing effort in caring and protecting the child or grandchild you have.
Again, at TFL this year we have prepared something special for our beloved mothers to mark this special occasion. Our pearly collection consists of a dazzling range of items from minimalist pearl pendant-necklace set to gorgeous pearl rings---you name it, we have it!
To help you better appreciate your pearl jewellery, we thought this might be interesting and useful to you!
10 things you need to know about pearls:
1. Pearls are the only jewels created by a living animal. A natural pearl of value is found in less than 1 in every 10,000 wild oysters.
2. The word pearl derives from a Latin word for the thigh-bone, which had been given to a thigh-shaped mollusc.
3. Natural pearls form from a substance called nacre, which is produced by a mollusc in response to damage or injury.
4. Cultured pearls are formed by tricking the mollusc into producing nacre by inserting a tissue graft from a donor oyster.
5. Pearls are made mainly of calcium carbonate.
6. Pearls come in eight shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque and circled.
7. There are three major types of saltwater cultured pearls: Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea. These pearls account for approximately 5% of the total weight of global pearl production.
8. Freshwater pearls account for approximately 95% of total global pearl production but are much less valuable than saltwater pearls. China produces the overwhelming majority of freshwater pearls in pearl farms that may range from a farmer's fishpond to massive lakes filled with over a million mussels.
9. La Peregrina (Spanish for ‘the incomparable’) is one of the most famous pearls in the world. The 500-year-old pearl is pear shaped and the size of a large pigeon’s egg. Its previous owners included a King of Spain, Napoleon Bonaparte and Elizabeth Taylor.
10. Pearl was the 322nd most popular name given to newborn girls in England and Wales in 2012.
Stay tuned for the official launch of our pearly collection...
Adapted from Express. Top ten facts about pearls. Retrieved on 20th April 2017, http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/top10facts/488058/Top-10-facts-about-pearls
Adapted from National Geographic. 10 fascinating facts about pearls. Retrieved on 20th April 2017, http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/nature/10-fascinating-facts-about-pearls.aspx
"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” — Matthew 25:40 (NLT)
During a recent trip to Cambodia, the veil of our spiritual eyes seemed to be unfolded as we were exposed to the harsh reality of the poverty and suffering around us.
At the same time, we were also heartened to see the different NGOs and Christian organisations actively trying to make a difference in the lives of the Cambodian people both spiritually and physically. One such organisation is Treasures from the Heart, a Cambodian ministry of InnerCHANGE, that seeks to empower men and women with AIDS and their families, through providing skills training and employment, so that they may have the means to support themselves and their loved ones. People living with AIDS face a tremendous among of stress, ranging from the physical illness itself and all its associated complications to the psycho-social impact of the illness on one’s entire support network.
With this in mind, the toll on the sufferer’s physical health seems minuscule compared to the devastation one faces from all the disgrace and humiliation and eventual rejection by one’s friends and families.
After months of preparation, we at The Four Loves are excited and privileged to partner with Treasures from the Heart in bringing to you lovingly made coin purse and tissue bag by people with AIDS. Each item is available in either traditional or modern fabric and exudes the fighting spirit and hope in people living with AIDS.
It is our deepest desire that you will not only contribute financially towards supporting this ministry, but more importantly be part of the global effort to help de-stigmatise HIV/AIDS and make this “world a better place for you and for me and for the entire human race”.
