#tanzanite culture

[artemlegere]

Between the Two my Heart is Balanced

Artist: Lubaina Himid CBE RA born 1954

Date: 1991

Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas

Collection: TATE Britain

Description

Between the Two My Heart is Balanced 1991 is a large painting depicting two women at sea in a small grey boat. Rendered in thick strokes of acrylic paint, the scene is painted from a vantage point inside the boat, facing the two women. The women, who are both black, are dressed in African-style clothing: the figure on the left wears a check-patterned dress and a tall black headdress, and her companion wears a bright red dress and headdress. At the back of the boat, visible between the bodies of the two women, is a pile of flat, coloured objects. The woman on the left is shown in profile, turning towards her companion while dropping some small blue objects over the edge of the boat into the sea with one hand. She holds a multicoloured item from the stacked pile with the other hand, which is raised to her eye-level. The woman on the right is shown frontally, but her eyes are turned to her left. Her face bears a pensive expression and she tosses small blue objects between her hands, while further pieces can be seen blowing from the boat into the sea to her left. In the background, the water is represented using turquoise, dark green and white paint. The horizon is very near to the top of the picture, so that the cream-coloured sky occupies a shallow band across the upper edge of the canvas. The scene is mostly made up from patches of colour and large, visible brushstrokes, and there is little detail shown. Although the women are depicted in a very flat, frontal style, the shape of the boat and the gradually diminishing size of the waves lend the scene an appearance of depth.

According to the artist, the pile of coloured objects that stands between the two women in this work, which occupies the position taken by the male figure in Tissot’s etching, represent maps. That the women appear to be tearing these maps into pieces might be seen as a rejection of forms of knowledge and navigation traditionally controlled by white men. Himid has described the painting along these lines, stating in 2001 that it is ‘a musing on what would happen if black women got together and started to try to destroy maps and charts – to undo what has been done’ (quoted in Rice 2003, p.75).

Himid was born in Zanzibar in Tanzania but moved to England shortly after her birth, and her paintings, woodcuts, installations, works on paper and curatorial projects have often emphasised the contribution of African migrants to the development of European culture. The African-style clothing worn by the women travelling in the boat in this painting suggests a connection with journeys from Africa and the complex cultural politics that are the result of such voyages. As the art historian Alan Rice has suggested, ‘This utopic, calm scene depicts the survival of African culture despite the intervention of slavery and colonialism. The women take control mid-ocean consigning Western charts, which have been the bane of enslaved blacks – crucially allowing Europeans to steer more accurately between African and American slave ports – to the depths of the sea’ (Rice 2003, p.75).

[necromxncerart]

Cringetober[but it's December] Day 7: Pinterest Art Base

Meet Lapis Lazuli[she/her] and Tanzanite[she/they], my Steven Universe Gemsonas. Their stories are long and complicated, so I'll try to keep it simple. In Era 3, they meet each other, but their stories take place before then.

Lapis was made with extra gold and gifted as a decoration to a Commander Emerald from Blue Diamond. Emerald had a deep fondness for Lapis, and enjoyed showing her new companion all the wonders of the universe. They both admired all living beings. Eventually Emerald was shattered for this non-perfect mentality, and Lapis was relocated to a planet to terraform it. But she fell in love with the planet, and missing her beloved Emerald, decided to fight for the planet she loved. Thankfully she was just dropped and forgotten on the planet, never having to interact with any other gems until Era 3.

Tanzanite was a guard gem who was cracked during an alien attack and lost a shard of her gem. She was turned into an experiment by Yellow Diamond and her broken piece was replaced with part of a Warrior Kyanite. The gem and body is mostly Tanzanite, but the gem shard on her cheek is Kyanite, who, before Era 3, was considered "the fun police". Even though they're two very different gems, they've decided to remain together in a their bastardized version of fusion, because they are very fond of each other.

base by Witchynade: https://www.deviantart.com/witchynade-shop/art/BASE-2-Couple-736533690

[scorchieart]

Hello Scorchie! May i request headcanons for Rio and Silvio about what their ideal solo vacation would be? I know requests are up to 3 princes so you can pick a third! Or just the two would be good. Thank you!

Silvio, Rio, & Keith's Solo Vacations

It's been over a year, but this was the perfect weekend for me to finally tackle this one. I chose Keith for the third since I'm rereading his route atm. Hope you enjoy!

Silvio Ricci

Where does the man who travels the world for work go on vacation?

As if Silvio would know. He throws a dart at whatever map Carlo is studying at the time. Anything will work as long as it’s away from the palace. Far far away.

“It’s got a hole, genius.” Silvio flicks a gold coin into the scholar’s dumbfounded face and swipes the map. A remote island off the coast of Tanzanite? That’ll do nicely. 

Packs extremely light. “If I need it, I’ll buy it there” outlook.

Doesn’t bother to tell anyone where he’s going. If it’s that important, they would have told him before he left, right? Of course, he didn’t bother to tell anyone he was leaving in the first place…

Weather so fair and route so straightforward Silvio could navigate with his eyes closed. Hm? Yes, of course he’d be captaining his own ship. This is his vacation, after all.

Familiar scents of coin and opportunity waft into his face as soon as he touches shore. He wipes his nose on his sleeve and steers away from the marketplace, heading straight for the bungalow he purchased on his last visit here. He is on vacation, after all.

He left the crew with orders to do as they pleased during their stay, so Silvio spent the first five days alone hiking, fishing, swimming, rafting, rope weaving, sandcastle building, sandcastle destroying, bonfire starting, out-of-control-bonfire extinguishing, spontaneous karaoking…

He isn’t lonely!

… Just bored.

Maybe a trip to town wouldn’t be too bad. It was time to restock some home essentials. To fully enjoy the vacation, of course. 

Is exceedingly aware of tourist traps but doesn’t use that as an excuse to avoid the locals. When he finally psyches himself up, Silvio peruses the stalls and bazaars of the area, pockets a-jangle in all their musical monetary glory.

It just so happens he didn’t pack a toothbrush, and the repeated fish dinners stung his nostrils with each breath he took. Not his fault the miswak salesman was more than happy to offload his entire month’s stock to Silvio’s hygienic cause.

And Silvio only packed two outfits for the trip; one to wear while the other washed. It would be a shame not to indulge in the rich styles of the locals, all the dozens of combinations of colors and fabrics and textures. Oh, and can’t forget the accessories either.

But before he could try even a single piece on, how could Silvio be expected to properly experience his vacation to the fullest when the bathhouse could use an extra steam room? Or two? Plus retiling. And since they were entertaining a foreign prince, why not go for the full remodel? It would only be rude for Silvio not to invest in such an essential aspect of their culture during his stay.

By the time Silvio leaves, the island’s commerce, businesses, and quality of life are thriving. Neighboring lands scramble to enlist their best cartographers to balloon maps of their territories to ludicrous proportions and send them as gifts of goodwill to the brilliant scholar of Benitoite Palace.

Rio Ortiz

Weeks of pleading, several doctor’s visits, and a few near-collapse scares. But the final nail in the coffin is the imperial order issued by all eight princes to take some time off away from the palace. An overworked body and mind are ill-suited to properly serving a mistress, after all.

Several more days of convincing are needed before Rio agrees to go on this vacation alone. “Focus on yourself and do the things you like,” you tell him.

But what he likes are all the things you like. Wouldn’t thinking about you the entire trip be counterproductive then? Maybe he should just take a staycation…

Rio wakes the next morning in a carriage bound for Rhodolite’s southern region. In his coat pocket he finds a small coin purse and a note: “Until the season ends. And not a day sooner.” It is signed by Sariel Noir, Mr. Akatsuki, and you.

(Aww, he got your autograph. First souvenir.)

At last the carriage stops in a small village near the Jadean border. What it lacks in size it makes up for in charm: the homes cluster around an inviting inn like the rings of a conch shell, a café abuts a humble bookshop near the town hall, and children freely splash in a shallow pond just beyond the last row of houses.

After checking into the inn and depositing the bags he certainly didn’t pack, Rio spends the day exploring the town that would be his home for the next three weeks. 

He orders a black tea at the café and, after a brief chat, teaches the owner how to best brew your favorite warm beverages. The owner thanks him, waves the tea fee, and gifts a sachet of Jadean herbs that, when steeped in hot water, can cure a man’s drowsiness instantly. (Second souvenir.)

Next is the bookshop, and Rio spends the rest of the afternoon helping the seller rearrange her shelves by language of origin and genre, as Mr. Akatsuki recommended was best for stores catering to cross-kingdom travelers. The seller thanks him, lets him sit on the store’s comfiest couch, and gifts a collection of unpublished short stories and folk tales from across the south of Rhodolite. (Third souvenir.)

Upon returning to the inn that night, he is greeted by the staff scrambling up and down the building attempting to stave off a rat infestation. Rio quickly drops his gifts off in his room (hidden in the pockets of those bags he certainly didn’t pack), runs back to the lobby, and pulls up his sleeves. In under an hour, the entire pack of rodents is safely captured in a cage and released into the field just beyond the pond. Rio always disliked “exterminating” rodents in view of Sariel. The inn staff is so grateful they tell him he is welcome to stay his entire trip free of charge.

When the three weeks are up and the carriage returns to collect him, the driver gawks at the bursting bags Rio certainly overpacked.  “Just how much money did those princes give you?” the driver asks. 

Rio pulls the coin purse out of his pocket for the second time on the trip and gives it a jingly shake. “I dunno. Never opened it.”

Keith Howell

Solo vacations are practically nonexistent in Keith’s life. There is always another presence tagging along, hovering at arm’s length like a kindred soul, no matter the time or place or how hard he tries to slip away.

That’s right — Dill is always up for an adventurous getaway!

Easy for a bird to say (chirp), but a prince cannot simply spread his wings and take flight whenever the urge strikes. What would his family, his kingdom, other kingdoms say if they learned Keith Howell played skippy? 

No, that wouldn’t do. He sits at his desk and prepares dozens of personalized letters, each individual one copied twice in case the originals get lost in transit. In them, he details his intentions to take one month of next year’s summer away from the palace for the express purpose of individual scientific study, promises his prompt return before the annual goodwill summit’s opening ceremonies, and apologizes for any inconveniences the trip will cause.

Dill angrily pecks Keith’s hand whenever he slips up and starts writing the location they will be heading to. It can’t be a proper vacation unless they are totally off the grid.

Eleven months and excessive worst-case scenario planning later, Keith and Dill set out on their trip. Their destination: an uninhabited province in the valley region near Obsidian.

They pack enough food to feed five men and five birds for five weeks. Similar precautions are taken for shelter, clothing, first aid, and other travel essentials. The list is checked and rechecked each time they stop to build camp.  

Keith only considers turning back twice.

The journey would normally take less than a week, but the pair plotted their course to pass through several special botanical landmarks to check in on the exotic collections there, extending the voyage to take up nearly half their one-month timeline. Dill allows these extended detours since the satisfaction on Keith’s face whenever he sees a tree or bush or fungus thriving is a form of self-care in itself.

Their final destination sits in a crater at the cusp of the valley. Centuries ago, a meteor crashed into the mountainside, carving out a chunk from the earth at such an unnatural angle that it perpetually disrupted the biosphere of the resulting crater from its surrounding region. Keith once read about the region and how its unique evolution rendered it ill-suited for animal life and knew instantly he wanted to study it in person one day.

And that day finally arrived. With his feathered friend on one shoulder and a bag full of fresh field journals and researching tools on the other, Keith marches into the no-man’s land with a beaming expression Dill would describe as more remarkable than any of the organisms they encountered on the trip.

One week after the pair’s promised return date, and not a soul complains when Keith interrupts the goodwill summit with his late arrival, politely requests all inquiries wait another week for him to respond to, and promptly heads straight to his room for the longest, most blissful sleep of his life, all the while hugging his filled journals to his chest and tracking mud and Dill along behind him.

Silvio takes a vacation from his vacation. The village takes a vacation during Rio's vacation. Keith takes a staycation after his vacation.

[dark-frosted-heart]

Stuff from Clavis' route of the abstinence event (禁欲野獣Level∞) on JP

mildly nsfw toward the end

Clavis you don't just ask someone if they prefer a guy who's a dom, gentle, or has terrible habits while she's eating

Emma tells Clavis that he's all of the above so she can't pick just one

Why'd he ask that? So that he knows how to reward her for doing well with her diplomacy lessons so far. Clavis has been pretty Spartan with the lessons

Achroite has their own form of table manners

Her next lessons are going to be about the religious practices of each country.

Emma runs away from Clavis when he simply places a hand on her shoulder. Why? Because of all the lessons lately, they haven't had the time to be intimate so even the slightest touch turns her on.

Emma lies awake at night and stares at Clavis' sleeping face. As she's thinking about how strung up she is, Clavis wakes up and scares Emma.

Clavis offers to help her sleep. He pulls Emma into a hug and rhythmically pats her back which just immediately makes her feel hot.

Clavis then suddenly pinches her ear, notices how red they are, and wonders what's up with her. Emma's having a hard time not making any sounds with how he plays with her ear and then strokes his fingers up and down her back. She's so hyperaware of his touch.

A hell lot of weeks pass and one day the two head to Rhodolite castle. Clavis plans to teach Emma the dances of countries outside of Rhodolite's neighbors. After all, they have widely different cultures.

Just one problem. Dancing involves touching. So Emma hesitates when he offers his hand.

Clavis: You're worried that you'll be distracted by this beautiful face, aren't you?

They start with Tanzanite, where dancing started. Unfortunately for Emma, there's no room for Jesus in this dance style. She gets distracted by the way the fingers on her hips move. It's all part of the dance, Clavis claims.

Actually no, that was a lie.

The two stare at each other for a while and then Emma makes the first move by kissing him. Clavis just stands there dumbfounded and Emma's about to take back what she did when he crushes his lips against hers.

Clavis blames Emma for making things hard for him these past weeks because of how she looked at him.

Clavis isn't in agony, he's horny. It's just that he's good at hiding it. Remember, this man did hold back from going all the way with Emma until they were engaged.

They're making out nonstop in the dance hall when they're interrupted by the sound of maids coming in. So the two hide behind a pillar before anyone sees them. As the maids extinguish the lights, Emma prays that they don't catch them.

Meanwhile, Clavis starts kissing her again and places his knee between her legs to keep her upright. And it hits the right spot so Emma kisses him back to keep herself from moaning

Emma wants to stop kissing but at the same time doesn't

After the maids have left, the two Clavis' room in the castle.

In the time they've undressed, Emma's tied Clavis' hands behind his back because his touches were practically killing her.

Clavis may not be able to use his hands, but that doesn't stop him from burying his face in Emma's boobs. He still has his mouth. Emma you should've gagged him.

[aishangotome]

Sariel Noir: Even If The Country Were To Fall

From A Hidden Oath: King of the BEAST (2024 Election) - Collection Event

—

One night -

Emma visited my room, so I closed the book I had been reading, also as a sign that I was finished with my work.

Emma: What were you looking into?

Sariel: Here.

I handed her the large and small metal rings that were on my desk, and Emma looked at them with interest.

Emma: Are they....bracelets?

Sariel: That's probably what they are. I heard they were excavated near the border of Jade the other day.

Sariel: Judging from the inscribed characters, they seem to be Tanzanite relics... but they're troublesome.

I put my hand on a book of ancient Tanzanite script that I had brought from the library and sighed.

Sariel: If these are valuable items... and if they were used in religious ceremonies, returning them is a definite possibility.

Sariel: In that country, ancient ritual tools have meaning beyond archaeological artifacts.

Emma: ...

Perhaps feeling that it was too sacred to touch, Emma gently placed the bracelets back in their original place.

Emma: Near the border of Jade... that's quite a distance from Tanzanite.

Emma: I wonder how the bracelets were found in such a place? Was there a lot of trade back then?

Sariel: Or perhaps they came inland for some reason...

Sariel: There's no way to know now.

Ancient relics are sometimes found even on Rhodolite.

But no matter how magnificent the relics they left behind, it's a fact that the country itself has perished.

(Come to think of it, I had a similar connection, though not with an ancient country.)

*flashback*

King: ...We were both "searching for a place to die" back then, when we met, having been "born in the wrong place."

King: If I had told you about my origins sooner, you would have been satisfied with the answer you sought.

King: And you would have gone far away, chasing after the vestiges of a fallen nation.

*flashback over*

Sariel: .............

(Hm...?)

Emma is staring intently at the bracelets, still interested, it seems.

Sariel: Would you like to try deciphering them for me? I'm sure you've read through books on ancient script.

Emma: I've never read a book on ancient Tanzanite script...!

Emma: But somehow... I feel like these belonged to a couple, or lovers.

Sariel: Oh? Why do you think so?

Emma: I don't have any proof, but since they're a pair of bracelets, one large and one small, I thought they might belong to a man and a woman.

Emma: And earlier, you said, "They might have come inland for some reason."

Emma: So I thought, maybe they eloped.

(I see, I hadn't considered that...)

I had thought the owners of the bracelets might have fled inland because they couldn't stay in their country, but the reasons I came up with were all persecution or exile. I hadn't thought of a couple eloping.

(Items imbued with the love of a couple, or lovers...)

(Thinking about it that way, these cursed bracelets suddenly seem warm.)

Sariel: Emma. How would you interpret the ancient script engraved on these bracelets?

Emma: Huh...?

Sariel: Feel free to interpret it as you like.

Emma put her hand to her mouth and pondered like a scholar -

Emma: Let's see... maybe it says "I love you" or "forever."

Sariel: ...Haha.

Emma: Hey, don't laugh! You said I could interpret it however I like.

Sariel: I'm sorry. It was more straightforward than I expected, so I...

("I love you forever," huh?)

(If these bracelets really belonged to lovers, I'm sure they'd be surprised.)

(That someone from a different country, hundreds of years in the future, with a different culture and language...)

(Has deciphered the feelings embedded in the bracelets.)

Emma: ...? What's wrong?

Noticing my gaze, Emma tilts her head in wonder.

Sariel: It's nothing.

(Even hundreds of years from now... even if the entire continent becomes a different country...)

(I'm sure someone like you in the future will decipher my feelings.)

(Ah, if that's the case...)

Sariel: I think I'll return these bracelets to where they were found.

Emma: You're not returning them to Tanzanite?

Sariel: It's better to leave them be for the sake of "the two of them."

Emma: My interpretation was just a guess, so don't take it too seriously!

Emma: If they really are important and it becomes a diplomatic issue with Tanzanite...

Sariel: They've been left alone for a long time, so it should be fine.

I put the book on ancient Tanzanite script on the edge of the desk and put the bracelets in a drawer.

Sariel: Now, it's all well and good to reminisce about unknown lovers from the past, but...

Sariel: You also need to take care of your fiancé in front of you.

I stood up and gently touched Emma's cheek.

Emma: ...

As Emma nuzzled my hand affectionately, my love for her grew even stronger.

(This happy moment may also be just a fleeting event in the flow of time.)

(But even if this country perishes and I become nothing, I will continue to love you.)

(Because you are my one and only, forever.)

As if to confirm that Emma is here, I kiss her.

And so, I spent a peaceful time with my beloved, with whom I will continue to walk together from now on.

FIN

[glacialswordsman-a]

starter | @crimsononiarataki | plot call

"Drop anchor!"

The command shouted out from the captain of the ship carried out through the docks of Ritou and had garnered the attention of some while most others continued doing what they were doing on the piers. While the sailors of the ship busied themselves with mooring her, a person's head of midnight locks peeked out from below deck before they finally made their way up top. With a deep breath, a tanzanite-colored eye shaped into a crescent upon the sight that greeted the newcomer. The gorgeous reds of the maple trees contrasted beautifully with the deep emerald tiles that lined the buildings, and the clear blue sky above them hadn't a cloud in sight.

Kaeya's breath was taken.

The traveler had regaled him with tales of their adventures in Inazuma when they briefly reunited in Sumeru. He gave the blond outlander all his attention as they and their fairy companion animatedly went on about the trials and tribulations they endured; how they ultimately ended the war between the Shogunate and the Resistance, as well as abolished the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees. This led the Cavalry Captain to ponder... he still has time that he could use up. He had finished all his work and cleared a couple backlogs that had been a thorn in the Knights' side, earning him vacation days. Usually he hates idling his time away, but this has been a nice change of pace, going on his own little 'world tour'.

Thus, here he is now. He had to hand it to the traveler, they really know how to tell their tales and spark wanderlust within the Cavalry Captain. It was a little frightening at first, going out on his own so far away from the place he's called home for nearly all his life; and yet, he no longer feels that fear now that he has made his way along the docks and towards customs.

Fishermen, merchants, sailors, and artisans alike hustled and bustled along the port of the entry island of Inazuma. Most people here seemed to be foreigners just like him, having set up shop in Ritou long before the Decree ended. It was a sort of comfort, knowing he wasn’t the only fish out of water. Well, he still is compared to people who’ve hunkered down here for a while, but he’s been reading up on some informative books upon the culture and language in Inazuma during his travels from Sumeru, to Liyue, and finally to the land of the Electro Archon. Hopefully he won’t stick out too much.

The process at customs was—not fun, to say the least. Despite the borders being reopened, the process itself to enter the nation was still grueling and tedious. It took nearly an hour, if only due to the line and how thorough the Kanjou Commission Ashigaru were when it came to checking luggage. The nation may be welcoming foreigners again, but they still seemed to be rather strict with making sure nothing illegal was being imported; rightfully so, of course.

Once he was finally freed from customs and given his welcomes to Inazuma, the Cavalry Captain released a long breath that had been buried deep within ever since the start of his voyage. It renewed his strength and excitement, his eye simply twinkling with near childlike wonder. He began to think on where to start, before hearing his stomach grumble loudly. Ah.

Perhaps lunch is in order.

[melinaedition]

Gemstones Coloring Book for Kids: Sparkle, Learn, and Color Your Way Through the World of Gems:

Here’s a list of 25 of the most popular gemstones

Diamond

Ruby

Sapphire

Emerald

Amethyst

Opal

Topaz

Garnet

Aquamarine

Peridot

Tanzanite

Citrine

Tourmaline

Jade

Lapis Lazuli

Moonstone

Onyx

Turquoise

Alexandrite

Zircon

Morganite

Spinel

Carnelian

Bloodstone

Chrysoprase

These gemstones are valued for their beauty, rarity, and cultural significance across different societies.

[andrewmoocow]

Steven Universe Snake Eyes chapter 5: Be Prepared (originally posted on September 25, 2023)

AN: We only have one chapter to go before the big halfway point, and I got quite a few things planned for it. We'll be getting the long-awaited rematch between Steven and Black Rutile, the beginning of the end of the Rutile Rebels, the true nature of Prince Nosiop's plans for the universe, and many more. Tensions will run high as the story reaches the second half, and the endgame will be the most epic that Alternate Future has seen yet. Now without further ado, let's get things started.

Synopsis: Black Rutile and her subordinates find themselves caught in a scheme by the insidious heir to Serpentes's throne to conquer the universe, and Black Rutile is all too eager to get in on the plan for the sake of revenge.

Cast:

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Jason Marsden as Prince Nosiop Jormagundr

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball, Doc, Navy, Army, Leggy

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Casey Lee Williams as Cat's Eye

Gina Torres as Andesine

Avi Roque as Cinnabar

Awkwafina as Kyanite

Allison Janney as Pyrite

Kimberly Brooks as Dalmatian Jasper

Zehra Fazal as Zoisite

Lena Hall as Bloodstone

Jodie Whittaker as Xenotime

Barbara Dunkelman as Amber

Kristen Schaal as Howlite

Idina Menzel as Amazonite

Halsey as Tanzanite

Mia Barron as Apatite

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Kari Wahlgren as Pyrope

Melissa Fahn as Demantoid

Hayley Kiyoko as Morganite

Keith David as Pyth

Cissy Jones as Princess Naja Jormagundr

Aurelio Voltaire as King Cobralan Jormagundrr

Shirley Millner as Queen Constricta Jormagundr

Zach Callison as Steven

Zach Steel as Ronaldo

Atticus Shaffer as Peedee

Matthew Moy as Lars

Julissa Aguirre as Lady Imagineer

John Mulaney as Flipso

--

Prince Nosiop Jormagundr wasn't always the way he was today. When he was a young snake, Nosiop was a prince with big dreams for the future of his race. However, not everyone was willing to listen to him because he was so young, but he didn't let that deter him. One year, during the 419,982nd annual Contest of Champions, Nosiop tried once again to plead his case to his father.

"Conquering the Ood? Surely you jest, my boy!" King Cobralan objected to what his son had just said as the two slithered through the castle halls. "You know we'd be no match for their psychic abilities! It would be utterly stupid!"

"But please, Father, our lives could be so much easier with a hivemind serving us!" Nosiop stated, but his father still wouldn't listen. "In fact, tons of races and planets would be of great use to our people, like the Shamoians, the Mooninites, and the Watchdogs. Maybe we could even abduct ourselves a few Gems!"

"Enough, my son." Cobralan urged his future successor. "I can see you have big ideas, but unfortunately, they don't align with our culture. Now, I'm going to speak with the Universal Lords for a bit. You go off and have fun at the Contest with your mother and your baby sister." He then began to slither away. "I'll see you again soon."

Although Cobralan left the conversation with a smile, Nosiop wasn't as happy as his father. "He just doesn't get it!" Nosiop grumbled angrily. "We could be perfect conquerors, just the two of us ruling the universe as father and son!"

"It truly is a shame that your father wouldn't give you the time of day," Pyth said as he appeared behind Nosiop. "My father was like that too when I was your age. Unlike yours, however, he didn't live long enough to see things my way."

"Are you suggesting I kill my father?" Nosiop asked curiously, causing Pyth to laugh at the idea.

"No, my boy, I'm way past killing parents!" Pyth chuckled loudly. "What do you think I am, Uncle Claudius?!" After another round of laughter, Pyth decided to get serious as he put a hand on the young prince's shoulder. "Come with me, child. There are many things I wish to teach you."

Nosiop obediently followed the royal family's grand vizier down the hallways and into a hidden room within the castle walls. As loyal as he was to his father, the prince of the Slytherophidians often believed that Pyth was more of a dad to him because of how much they agreed with each other on certain topics, chief among them being what should the future holds for their race.

--

"Let's hear it for the Andesine Armada, the new and improved rebellion against the Crystal Gems!" Andesine cried as her new subordinates chanted her name to celebrate her and Cinnabar's victory against Rigby Starglow and Captain Gearfeet. "Today is a most momentous occasion in our time together. With Black Rutile no longer fit to lead our cabal of insurgents against the tyranny of the Crystal Gems, I have proven myself more than worthy of replacing her and instating myself as a gentle guiding hand in our grand mission." The Armada all cheered in excitement. "Under my leadership, not only shall we finally put the Crystal Gems out of their misery, but Black Rutile will soon be next!" Her new subordinates cheered again. "And furthermore, with the Diamonds temporarily out of commission, this shall be an ample opportunity for us to race back to Homeworld when no one's looking and seize power for ourselves!"

"But what if Black Rutile hears us?" Holly Blue asked nervously while looking left and right.

"Stuff and nonsense, we're behind closed doors here." Aquamarine snidely declared. "There's no way she can find us." Just then, the doors to the Andesine Armada's quarters opened behind Aquamarine, and in came Black Rutile with Nosiop and Pyth, much to the other Gems' shock as they tried silently begging her to shut up. "Of course, that is if she hasn't been brainwashed by Steven right about now."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting anything?" Black Rutile abruptly interrupted Aquamarine's bravado, sending chills down her spine as she turned to face her former master. "So, this is what you've all been doing, huh?"

"Uh, my Rutile, this isn't what it looks like!" Cinnabar awkwardly apologized to her old mentor. "Andesine and I were just playing a little game of follow the leader!"

"A likely story." Black Rutile replied while pulling out her bowie knife. "Tell me more about this Andesine Armada you've all been bragging about."

"Should you tell her, or should I?" Tanzanite asked Amazonite.

"No, I value my life too much to even talk to her right now," Amazonite replied fearfully, casting an illusion to hide herself from Black Rutile.

"Now, everyone, let's just calm down here and talk things out." Amber tried to ease the tension, but Black Rutile quickly shoved her out of the way to confront Cinnabar and Andesine.

"I'm going to assume this was all your idea, Andesine." Black Rutile said to her old friend. "After all, your name is literally in the team name!"

"No, it wasn't, it was Kyanite's idea!" Andesine tried to shift the blame onto someone else.

"Hey, I've only been here a few minutes!" Kyanite cried. "What's going on?!"

"Please forgive us, Black Rutile, but we simply believe you can no longer lead us into battle." Cinnabar firmly stated. "Your exile to Earth has turned you soft and pathetic, and you are perfectly aware of it yet never once bothered to fix it!"

"I did!" Black Rutile exclaimed. "I tried allying with a Steven from another universe where I'm the good guy, I struck a bargain with an extra-dimensional jester, and I even used the Internet to turn humanity against the Crystal Gems!"

"But that's the thing, dearie," Pyrite stated while filing her nails. "You failed at every single one of those." She added while poking Black Rutile in the chest with her nail filer. "For all your planning and thinking you're one step ahead of everybody, you fail to realize that you're just as flawed as the rest of us."

"Is that so?" Black Rutile said before turning the knife into her massive sword. "How's this for flawed?!" With a mighty swing, Cinnabar and Andesine were sliced in two and poofed, to the horror of the other Gems around them.

"Boss, no!" Bloodstone yelled in horror as she raced to scoop up Cinnabar's inactive gem while Howlite did the same to her superior's.

"Now then, anyone else care to join them?" Black Rutile smirked while menacingly pointing her sword at the surviving resistance members. Although they were more willing to speak up to their fallen superior, this ragtag band of Gems had every right to keep their mouths shut until one of them spoke up.

"All hail Black Rutile!" Eyeball chanted vigorously. "All hail Black Rutile! Come on, guys!"

"All hail Black Rutile! All hail Black Rutile!" the other members of the newly rechristened Rutile Rebels joined Eyeball in cheering for their new leader.

"Now that's more like it!" Black Rutile laughed evilly while sneering at Cinnabar and Andesine's followers mourning the loss of their leaders. "Now that I've reinstated myself as your fearless leader, allow me to introduce a new acquaintance I've made in my time here." She motioned for Nosiop to step forward. "This is Prince Nosiop of the Jormagundr royal family, and much like me, he also desires a new era for his people."

"Yes indeed, I now present to you a grand idea for the Slytherophidian race," Nosiop stated. "With all of you at my side, we can overthrow my good-for-nothing father and instill myself as not just the new ruler of his empire but as the most powerful Universal Lord there is."

"Are you crazy?!" Holly Blue yelled. "You'd be a fool to challenge a Universal Lord, especially if it's your father, Nosiop!"

"My father is yesterday's message, a clapped-out and distracted regime." Nosiop began singing to the Gem rebels. "Whose failings undoubtedly presage the need for a different dream. Yes, serpentine times are a-changing, meaning you must do so too. My vision is clear and wide-ranging and even encompasses you."

"So, prepare for the coup of the century. Prepare for the murkiest scam." Black Rutile also began singing, and far more intensely than Nosiop, as if she was using the song to air out her insecurities. "Meticulous planning and tenacity spanning centuries of denial is simply why I'll be empress! Undisputed, respected, saluted, and seen for the visionary I am! Yes, my gem and ambitions are bared. Be prepared!"

"Yeah, be prepared, we'll be prepared!" Zoisite exclaimed. "Uh, for what?"

"For the death of my father and the beginning of a new era for Serpentes!" Nosiop loudly announced.

"What do we do, make him sick?" Dalmatian Jasper asked before Pyth coiled his tail around her neck.

"No, you fool, we're going to kill him." Pyth proclaimed.

"And Steven, too." Black Rutile added sinisterly before DJ was dropped to the ground.

"Splendid idea!" Xenotime cheered. "Who needs either of them?!"

"Idiots, there will still be someone to rule!" Nosiop yelled. "Together, Black Rutile and I shall conquer the universe together using the power of the Lapidarist, who has the power to reset all Gems to their basic functions!"

"Wait, really?" Emerald asked nervously, not having a clue as to what Nosiop was talking about.

"Yes, you would all be rejuvenated on a massive scale, so to speak." Nosiop grinned with a hiss. "With her powers, I shall have myself an unstoppable army to overthrow my family and conquer all that I see! Now, who's with me?!"

Despite the dire circumstances this would place not just them but all Gemkind in by wiping everything that made them the Gems they are today, the Rutile Rebels had no choice but to agree out of fear for their lives. However, some were still nervous about how Black Rutile would play a part in this, especially after how she heartlessly poofed two of her most loyal subordinates. "All hail Black Rutile and King Nosiop! All hail Black Rutile and King Nosiop!"

"So, prepare for a glorious future!" Black Rutile announced as the Rutile Rebels chanted, 'Be prepared!'. "Be prepared for a universal golden age!"

"And like any other who'd murder their father!" Eyeball laughed before Aquamarine pulled her fusion partner aside.

"If we don't spread rumors, she'll feed us and groom us!" Aquamarine stated.

"When we've got friends in high places, we hold all the aces!" the Rutile Rebels and a few snake guards chanted harmoniously.

"So don't try and rattle my scales." Nosiop snidely added.

"Oh, imagine if anyone dared!" the chorus cried out. "BE PREPARED!"

"So prepare for the coup of the century!" Nosiop and Black Rutile sang together. "Be prepared for the murkiest scam!"

"Meticulous planning, tenacity planning!" Nosiop proclaimed.

"Centuries of denial is simply why we'll!" Black Rutile added.

"Rule supreme undisputed, respected, saluted, and seen for the visionaries we are!" the villainous duo declared. "Yes, our gems, fangs, and ambitions are bared; be prepared!"

"Yes, our gems, fangs, and ambitions are bared!" Aquamarine, Eyeball, Holly Blue, and Cat's Eye, who have all loyally followed their leader despite everything that's happened, sang together.

"Be prepared!" the newly-formed union of the Rutile Rebels and Nosiop's followers announced, sealing their alliance with a shared evil laugh.

"Pleasure to be working alongside you, partner." Black Rutile said as she and Nosiop shook hands.

"The pleasure's all mine, partner." Nosiop hissed while covertly crossing two scaly fingers behind his back, which implied he desires to stab Black Rutile in the back when she least expected it.

--

"And that's the whole story of how we got here," Ronaldo said to Peedee elsewhere in the Ouraborium. "Though I'm pretty sure I didn't need to tell you all that since you did hitch a ride with us."

"You are definitely right on that one," Peedee answered.

"So why did you do it?" Steven asked. "What would Mr. Fryman say?"

"He said I should keep an eye on him no matter what," Peedee replied firmly. "And if that means hitching a ride with you guys on a spaceship heading for an alien planet in another galaxy, then I'll do it, no problemo. Plus, it would be nice to participate in one of your big adventures, Steven."

"It's nice to have you join in, too, Peedee," Steven said to his old friend with a hand on his shoulder. "But be warned, this planet is insanely deadly. You might be forced to fight for your life in a gladiatorial death match where you might die if you aren't careful!"

"Luckily, you got your big brother to protect you!" Ronaldo exclaimed excitedly while raising his sword.

"Yeah, good luck with that." Peedee dryly remarked, recalling Ronaldo's cowardice in his fight against the Decimator.

"Yeah, ditto." The three boys heard the voice of none other than Lars say as he walked up behind them. "Hey Steven, long time no see. Sorry we had to meet again like this."

"Lars, did they capture you too?!" Steven exclaimed at the undead human before him. "Oh no, where are the Off-Colors? Are they in trouble?!"

"Don't worry, they're fine," Lars assured Steven. "They're just stuck in a cell somewhere since none of them can fight per se. They only want me since I can't really die." Before Lars can continue, he suddenly noticed Ronaldo and Peedee standing behind Steven. "Wait, Ronaldo?! How and when did you and Peedee get here?!"

"We followed Steven here!" Ronaldo answered, smiling. "I was vindicated upon learning that the snake people, I mean, Slytherophidians, were real all along, like many of my theories, and I came along to gather as much info as I could about their people so I could spread them to the humans!"

"And I came along to keep Ronaldo from accidentally killing himself," Peedee added. "So, how's your space adventures been going?"

"That's actually a funny story. The Off-Colors and I were journeying to Wasprus when we got abducted." Lars revealed to the two humans. "Once their guards noticed that I'm basically invincible after experimenting on me, they said they wanted to keep me here forever so I'll keep fighting for as long as the universe lives."

An intercom crackled to life as if the Slytherophidians heard Lars' explanation. "For our next fight, we shall be pitting the one and only Lars of the Stars against the flying dreamer Lady Imagineer!" the voice of Queen Constricta announced. "Now, Lars, be sure you're as ready as you'll ever be because Ms. Imagineer is a very tough opponent."

"Well, speak of the devil." Lars muttered in surprise as the guards moved him to the arena. "Wish me luck, guys! I'm going to need it!"

"Good luck, Lars!" Steven hollered as Lars got further away from him and the Fryman brothers.

--

"Nosiop, are you there?" Naja called for her older brother while slinking through the castle halls. "Where are you? Father is getting worried and wants to see you." Unfortunately, her big brother did not answer. "Come on, Nosey, where are you?"

"Looking for someone, my dear?" Aquamarine asked as she fluttered down and landed on the floor next to Naja. "I once felt lost, too, but then I realized I had someone right by my side this whole time."

"You're one of those Rutile Rebels, aren't you?" Naja asked Aquamarine. "What do you want with me?"

"Oh, how very astute, your grace," Aquamarine replied with a mocking curtsy. "Now then, you were looking for someone, right?"

"Yes, I'm looking for Nosiop," Naja stated. "Have you seen him?"

"I am right here, dearest Naja." Nosiop hissed as he, Pyth, and Black Rutile emerged from the shadows. "Oh, I am so sorry that my sweet baby sister was so scared her big brother wasn't there to keep her safe. Then again, you were always pretty scared but always tried hiding it by acting like the showman you want to be."

"He does raise a good point there, princess." Black Rutile snidely added before cupping Naja's face in her hand. "You ever feel like your old man and the queen have been holding you back from reaching your full potential, Naja?"

"Nosiop, what are you doing fraternizing with Black Rutile?!" Naja asked hurriedly. "You know she's an intergalactic criminal imprisoned for multiple counts of attempted genocide! Stay away from her!"

"Oh please, you threaten to destroy one planet multiple times, and everyone treats you like the bad guy." Black Rutile rolled her eyes in disgust. "Anyways, your brother isn't fraternizing with me. I'M fraternizing with HIM. As it turns out, the two of us have something in common, and we became close quite instantly."

"Perhaps you'd like to join us on our little crusade." Nosiop offered while taking his sister's hand. "Together, the two of us can rule the universe side by side as brother and sister with an unstoppable Gem army at our command, and no one will have to judge you for what you really are!"

"What are you saying?" Naja asked, growing more concerned for her big brother's mental status by the second.

"I'm saying that Mother and Father are holding us back!" Nosiop yelled in his sister's face, momentarily flicking his forked tongue at her. "I have legitimately good ideas for our people, but no one ever takes me seriously! But Black Rutile, on the other hand, truly understands my suffering, for she has encountered the same problems as I!"

"Indeed, I was made an outcast because I disagreed with the current status quo of my race." Black Rutile added, trying to look as innocent as possible with a pout and big, pleading eyes toward Naja. "I was even betrayed by my friends who started thinking little of me, but I changed that quickly."

"I know where this is going, and I refuse to take part in it!" Naja exclaimed as she tried to escape the oncoming swarm of Rutile Rebels. "Father will hear about this!"

"Well, excuse me, Princess, but I think not." Black Rutile hissed angrily. "Rubies, seize her!"

"Yes, my Rutile!" the Rubies obediently chorused as they jumped up and tackled Naja to the ground. "Princess has been secured!"

"Excellent, little Rubies." Pyth purred eagerly. "Now, please show the dear princess to her room until further notice." He gave orders with a sadistic smile. "Wouldn't want her getting in the way by telling everybody."

"You won't get away with this!" Naja yelled angrily as the Rubies dragged her away. "Steven will find out!" As Nosiop watched the Rubies carry off his sister, he turned away in shame at having to betray his sister like this. But alas, their worldviews had no choice but to clash as he still had far grander designs in mind, and she didn't play a role in them. With a heavy sigh, the visionary prince looked to his new Gem ally and his royal vizier, who looked back at him with sinister smiles.

--

Meanwhile, in the Ouraborium, Lars had been pitted against the flying dreamer Lady Imagineer in combat, but despite his moderate skill in combat, the donut boy turned undead space hero was outmatched in every way possible.

"Stay still, for Pete's sake!" Lars groaned as he tried catching up with Lady Imagineer's airborne acrobatics. "Just because I'm human doesn't mean I can't beat you!"

"But that's what makes your race so fun, Lars!" Imagineer laughed sweetly. "You have so much potential; you just need to learn not to waste it!"

"Yeah, that's my sister up there!" the reality-warping trickster Flipso cheered for Lady Imagineer while conjuring up a smartphone to record the fight with. "You're doing amazing, sweetie!" Suddenly, Solaris Noctua turned his gaze to find Flipso in the audience below where he and the other Universal Lords were seated. Flipso immediately hid himself by disguising himself as a Slytherophidian. "Gotta keep up appearances."

"Quit flying around so much!" Lars yelled as he tried using his portal powers to scream his way to Lady Imagineer, but she was far too quick on her feet for him to keep up.

"Gonna have to catch me first!" Imagineer giggled before conjuring up an illusion of Sadie that made Lars blush, distracting him long enough for the space pirate to realize he was now falling to the ground. "I can also conjure up illusions based on what I find in your mind."

"YOU SUUUUUUUUCK!" Lars screamed before he landed on the ground with a loud thud, prompting the audience to chant.

"FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM! FINISH HIM!" the Slytherophidians cheered as Lady Imagineer floated down to where Lars landed and helped him up.

"Ugh, my back." Lars groaned in pain as he shuffled away. "This is probably the second most humiliating moment in my life, right after Steven possessing my body."

"Oh, come on, Lars, at least you had fun, right?" Lady Imagineer asked with a cute smile.

"Yeah, maybe it was a little fun." Lars laughed dryly before continuing his walk of shame.

--

"Oh, my back." Lars groaned in pain as he struggled back to the quarters the Jormagundr royal family gifted him upon his arrival on Serpentes and slumped on the closest velveteen couch to sleep his troubles away. "Oh, sweet Velveteen Rabbit. Take me away on your Edwardian adventures."

"Anything the matter, Lars?" Emerald asked while walking in and stroking Lars's aching back.

"Just lost to Lady Imagineer," Lars said while turning his head to face Emerald. "What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to comfort an 'old friend' of mine in these trying times," Emerald replied. "Seeing you so humiliated like that, while it was cathartic to see you feel how you always made me feel back in the day, it just pained me to see a worthy opponent go down like that."

"What are you saying?" Lars asked, not expecting a good answer at all.

"I'm saying is that Steven has ruined your life for long enough!" Emerald exclaimed. "First, he repeatedly robs you of your dignity, then he takes you away from your home planet where you were forced to die for him, and now you're fighting for your life on another alien planet! And you're expected to become his friend after all that?!"

"You're wrong!" Lars yelled as he bolted up, briefly yelping in pain. "Yeah, Steven and I got off on the wrong foot, but he still willingly gave up everything for the wellbeing of others, even me, and I returned the favor! Now, I'm living the dream as a badass space hero like in the old TV shows with a bizarro found family of Off-Colors!"

"That's what I hated about you, Lars, outside of the fact you stole my favorite ship and got away with it," Emerald stated while pulling out her spiked club from her gem, now pulsating with electricity as she pointed it at Lars. "You're way too human!" She swung her club at Lars, who deflected it with a kick.

"No, I'm just human enough!" Lars smirked before punching Emerald's face and knocking her down. "What's with the change in attitude? Last time I saw you, you were willing to face punishment for your crimes."

"Things have changed. Though I wanted to atone, eventually, I grew tired of Black Rutile's wailing and believed my failures were because of her." Emerald revealed. "Ditto for Demantoid, Pyrope, and Morganite as well."

"Guess old habits die hard, I suppose," Lars muttered before Emerald tried taking him by surprise with another swing of her club, but Lars dodged in the nick of time and sent her flying towards the wall with a combo of fists and feet. As Emerald lay injured against the wall, Demantoid, Pyrope, and Morganite raced to see what was happening.

"Emerald, what happened here?!" Morganite asked while helping the renowned pilot to her feet.

"Seems like I got a little shortsighted again." Emerald laughed weakly. "At least I tried to get one over on him."

"This won't be the last you'll see of us, Lars of the Stars," Demantoid said to Lars. "When next we meet, you will face the full might of the Rutile Rebels."

"And I'll be onto you like a Langdon Cobb movie." Lars replied firmly.

"Do any of you have a clue as to what he said?" Pyrope asked while the three Gems carried Emerald away, to which Demantoid and Morganite responded with hushed confusion.

--

In the Crystal Gems' room in the arena, Steven was sitting worriedly on the couch with Peedee as Ronaldo paced around the sofa, thinking about Lars's loss and how it would affect them. "Well, there goes Lars." Ronaldo declared bluntly. "Either of you got any bright ideas?"

"I'm not sure what to do now," Peedee replied. "I mean, what chance do we have now that the Diamonds have been poofed and Lars is out of commission? In fact, where are the Crystal Gems?"

"Off being forced to fight more innocent aliens," Steven added. "Speaking of which, I wonder how Black Rutile is doing."

"Attention all combatants, our next fight is a very special one!" Constricta's voice announced through the arena's PA system. "For quite possibly the biggest show yet in the Contest of Champions, we give you Steven Universe versus Black Rutile!"

"What?!" the three boys yelled while Black Rutile stormed into the room with an evil laugh.

"I see you just heard my big surprise for you, Steven!" Black Rutile announced joyfully. "As arranged by my dear friend Prince Nosiop, we shall have our long-awaited rematch, and I'll finally get the chance to destroy you once and for all!"

"No one destroys a boy like you, my Rutile," Aquamarine said while perched on Black Rutile's shoulder. "See you soon, Steven." The two Gems laughed as Black Rutile turned around and left, leaving Steven horrified at what he had just heard.

"This is not good; this is not good at all," Steven muttered nervously. "Everyone here already hates me because I don't want to kill people, so they'll no doubt be rooting for Black Rutile to destroy me! What do I do?!"

"Hey, don't fret, Steven, just believe in yourself," Ronaldo suggested. "Believe in the Ronaldo who believes in you."

"He's right," Peedee added. "Some people can't believe in themselves until someone believes in them first. Remember that no matter what, everyone back at Beach City has your back."

"Thanks, guys," Steven said with his eyes closed. "But I guess I have no other choice." He opened his eyes, revealing that one of them now had a diamond-shaped pupil.

--

And so, we finally reach the halfway point of Snake Eyes with the long-awaited rematch between Steven and Black Rutile, allowing them to finally settle the score after their numerous fights in Alternate Future. And this time, Black Rutile won't just decide to give up on Steven and let him wallow in shame, she's going in for the kill and has a lot of issues left over she'll use their upcoming fight for. How will things turn out? Find out next week.

[diegosouzalions]

Can you tell me a little more about the Radical Group?

Omg, this is so old, I'm surprised anyone remembered that. But okay:

Radical Group would be pirate Gems that disturbed and took away the peace of Purple Diamond's crew. They did this at the command of a Tanzanite (which is a split part of Purple's Gem). Purple's aerial vessel, worked like a Little Homeschool, only showing each place on Earth, showing the Gems different cultures. And since Tanzanite became an enemy of the Crystal Gems for some reasons, she wanted to destroy them, starting with Purple Diamond and her crew. Then the Radical Group formed, Gems who were against Era 3 came together to destroy everything about Little Homeschool.

[aduialel]

This depends entirely on how birthstone is defined and the source of information - by month (modern or traditional and what is the time frame), by zodiac (e.g. Western, Chinese/Eastern, Vedic, Celtic) or by day of the week you were born. And if you add different cultural interpretations, I'm sure everyone finds one they like.

The list below is definitely not perfect by any means because the web is full of different interpretations and sites. A fun addition is that terms birthstone and lucky stone are interchangable.

Mine looks like this and I like the variety.

Day: ruby, emerald

Birth hour (probably western): onyx

Western by sign (tropical): ruby

Western by sign and my native country (Finnish, not birthstone but rather "lucky stone"): jasper, onyx chalcedony, garnet, hematite, rhodochrosite, sodalite, moonstone, tourmaline, clear quartz, obsidian

Western by time frame: 15th–20th century; bloodstone, ruby -  U.S. (1912); turquoise, lapis lazuli -  UK (2013); tanzanite, turquoise - U.S. (2019); turquoise, zircon, tanzanite

Western by month: turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, beryl

Chinese by year sign: diamond, smoky quartz, hematite, agate, tiger's eye, carnelian, bronzite, cat's eye, chrysoberyl, citrine, eudialyte, golden rutilated quartz, golden topaz, manganocalcite, moonstone, rainbow fluorite, septaria, silver rutilated quartz, tiger iron, white noble opal, yellow citrine

Chinese by element: topaz

Chinese by animal and gender: chrysoberyl, chrysoprase, sapphire

Vedic by planet ruler: blue sapphire

Vedic by month: turquoise, tanzanite, blue zircon, topaz

Vedic by ascendant (rising sign): diamond, sapphire, emerald, blue sapphire

Celtic by month: turquoise

Celtic by birth sign: clear quartz

I’ve never met anyone who likes their birthstone. Reblog + put in the tags what yours is, if you like it and what birthstone you’d rather have.

[gembleu]

Timeless Elegance: Why Sapphire Engagement Rings Are a Perfect Choice

When it comes to symbolizing love, loyalty, and a lifetime of commitment, sapphire engagement rings stand out as a timeless choice. With their stunning hues and deep cultural significance, these gemstones are capturing the hearts of modern romantics.

At Gembleu, we offer a breathtaking collection of sapphire engagement rings designed to make your proposal truly unforgettable.

The Allure of Sapphire Engagement Rings

Unparalleled Beauty and Versatility

Sapphires, traditionally associated with a rich blue color, also come in a spectrum of shades, including pink, yellow, and white. This variety allows couples to choose a ring that reflects their unique style and story. Whether set in a classic solitaire design or accented with diamonds, sapphire rings exude elegance and sophistication.

A Gemstone Steeped in History

Sapphires have been cherished for centuries for their symbolism of wisdom, virtue, and faithfulness. They were often used in royal and noble jewelry, making them a fitting choice for a modern-day queen.

Durability and Longevity

Rated 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphires are incredibly durable and perfect for everyday wear. Their resilience ensures that your engagement ring will remain as stunning as the day you first put it on.

Why Choose Sapphire Over Diamonds?

While diamonds have long been the traditional choice for engagement rings, sapphires offer a distinctive and vibrant alternative. Their bold colors can make a statement, and they often come at a more accessible price point, allowing you to invest in a larger or more unique stone.

Sapphire Settings to Suit Every Taste

Classic Solitaire

A single sapphire set in a simple band lets the gemstone’s beauty shine.

Halo Designs

Surrounding a sapphire with a halo of diamonds amplifies its brilliance and creates a glamorous look.

Vintage-Inspired Styles

Ornate detailing and intricate settings evoke a sense of old-world charm.

Mixed Gemstones

Pairing sapphires with diamonds or other colored gemstones creates a unique and eye-catching design.

Find Your Dream Sapphire Engagement Ring at Gembleu

At Gembleu, we pride ourselves on offering an exquisite selection of sapphire engagement rings crafted with exceptional artistry. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or an elaborate masterpiece, our collection caters to every preference.

Customization Options

Looking for something truly one-of-a-kind? Work with our experts to design a custom sapphire engagement ring that embodies your love story.

Caring for Your Sapphire Engagement Ring

To keep your sapphire ring looking its best:

Clean it regularly with a soft brush and mild soapy water.

Store it in a separate compartment to avoid scratches.

Have it inspected periodically to ensure the setting is secure.

Conclusion

Sapphire engagement rings are more than just a stunning piece of jewelry—they are a symbol of enduring love and individuality. With their timeless appeal, exceptional durability, and vibrant colors, they offer an unforgettable way to begin your forever.

Explore our collection of tanzanite engagement rings today at Gembleu and find the ring that speaks to your heart.

[navpreetkaur1326]

2025 Resolution: Flaunt With Fine Color Jewels Gemstone Jewelry

Thinking of quintessential new years eve jewelry that fits your style for the upcoming year? As we embark on the connotation of 2025, it wouldn’t be wrong to think of exquisite new year jewelry that enhances your style. It’s the new year, and you are not alone if you are spending New Year’s Eve indulging in the ritual of penning down a list of resolutions. Creating a new year’s resolution has been ingrained in our culture so and so that it is inevitable. Moreover, new years are ideal to think of buying a new piece of jewelry for yourself or your loved ones.

It’s time to steal the deal as Fine Color Jewels Gemstone Jewelry offer an assured bargain on elite gemstone jewelry. Engross yourself with trending gemstone jewelry and feed the swanky person in you. Jewelry worth creating a fashion statement is mentioned hither.

Flaunt Your News Year’s Style With Gemstone Jewelry

The most joyous moment of any event is inescapable DEALS and SALES. Therefore, fine Color Jewels offers great value on the latest new year jewelry edition. Our new year’s eve jewelry is here to make you aww over every earring, ring, and pendant. If you are obsessed with trendy jewels and gemstones, this write-up is worth your time.

1- Created Alexandrite Dangling Rhodium Heart Earrings

Looking for a perfect way to fall in love all over again?

Created Alexandrite Dangling Rhodium Heart Earrings are a gorgeous piece of new year’s earrings. Embedded with a heart-shaped stone, this gemstone jewelry is here to woo you away.

2- Genuine Sapphire Bracelet with Natural White Zircon

Speculations suggest that 2025 is all about substantial opportunities. And believe us, investing in the Genuine Sapphire Bracelet with Natural White Zircon would be your chance of a lifetime.

The sapphire stones are exceptionally shaped by our experts that dangle around your wrist. These oval-shaped stones are fixed elegantly on a 925 sterling silver chain. The bracelet makes the perfect new years eve jewelry.

3- Emerald Butterfly Pendant Necklace in 925 Sterling Silver

Emerald is a symbol of rebirth, and a butterfly symbolizes transformation and hope. Since it is the beginning of a new year, FCJ jewelry could help in achieving new heights.

Pick Emerald Butterfly Pendant Necklace in 925 Sterling Silver as your new year’s eve jewelry. It is ingrained with a precious stone, as emerald is associated with the Greek Goddess ‘Venus.’ This new year’s Gemstone jewelry could be pristine to wear all year round.

4- Genuine Sapphire Pendant Necklace in 925 Sterling Silver

A fabulous sapphire pendant necklace is your simple must-have new years eve jewelry.

Wearing blue sapphire is known to provide hope, faith, and truth. The Genuine Sapphire Pendant Necklace in 925 Sterling Silver could be your chance to be seen like a royal, and Sapphire stones are even rarer than diamonds. Make sure to get your hands on this stunning sapphire pendant necklace as your new year Gemstone jewelry.

5- Petite Sterling Silver Citrine Bracelet

These golden shining Citrine stones fixed on a silver chain would make you fall in love with this new years eve jewelry all over again.

If you are thinking of unique new year jewelry that is elegant yet minimalistic, go for this Petite Sterling Silver Citrine Bracelet. The eye-catching hue and round stone increase durability and make the jewelry an ideal piece for daily wear and tear.

6- Sterling Silver White Topaz and Moissanite Ring

Subtle yet chic! The Sterling Silver White Topaz and Moissanite Ring is exceptional because of its three-stone design. It would be wonderful to add this ring to your collection of new year jewelry.

Silver Topaz is a feel-good gem that attracts positivity and makes the owner attract positivity and good vibes. Add this charm to your Gemstone jewelry box this year.

7- Sterling Silver Oval Tanzanite Bracelet

It’s a new year and you must add a Sterling Silver Oval Tanzanite Bracelet to your collection of new years eve jewelry as this gem is cherished for its soothing hue and strength.

The zeal of 2025 is all about cool colors and royal hues, so grab your Sterling Silver Oval Tanzanite Bracelet also gift the bracelet to your lady love.

8- Rose Gold Plated Silver Baguette White Topaz Gemstone Ring

On the lookout for a gleaming piece of new year jewelry? Add the Rose Gold Plated Silver Baguette White Topaz Gemstone Ring to your new year’s jewelry box.

Encrusted with white topaz, this shiny and glistening rind would make your heart flutter.

Fine Color Jewels offers a bewitching collection of new year jewelry. Make sure you seal the deal with the ongoing offers on premium quality jewelry.

Don’t miss out on signing up for our newsletter for more updates on new collections, sales, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter and get a free ring.

Source: Fine Color Jewels

[timelesslifetreasures]

Gemstones By Their Colour: And What They Symbolise

What are Gemstones?

Gemstones are natural and organic minerals meticulously polished and shaped to become stunning, valuable pieces to adorn. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and different kinds of patterns. Gemstones are culturally and emotionally significant and are widely used in rings, pendants, collectibles, decorations, etc. 

History of Gemstones: 

Ages ago, civilizations used gemstones for protection and decoration. In the Middle Ages, gemstones were used in religious artifacts and certain jewelry-related pieces like crowns. With the rise of the modern era, the demand for gemstones rose, and gemstones became more accessible to the general public. Gemstones are now available across the globe, and they are now ethically sourced to promote sustainability. 

Orange Gemstone: Garnet

Garnet is known to generate powerful and high spiritual vibrations, which can work as a healing ailment for the wearer. This orange gemstone symbolizes passion, love, and good energy. It promotes self-confidence and overall mental and emotional balance. Garnet is the birthstone of January, making it a perfect gift for January borns. 

Green Gemstone: Emerald

The green gemstone Emerald embodies clarity, truth, and rebirth. This green gemstone, with its eye-catching hues followed by rich history, is one of the most cherished gemstones since historic times. Emeralds carry an iconic vivid, rich green colour, which is a delight for jewelers and collectors. 

Pink Gemstone: Tourmaline

Pink Tourmaline is not just a beautiful gemstone but carries mental and emotional properties as well, meaning it draws you toward its beauty and helps you connect with it emotionally. This cherished colour makes it a perfect addition to your jewelry collection, be it rings or necklaces. 

Violet Gemstone: Tanzanite

This exquisite violet stone is quite rare and not as available as other gemstones like diamonds. Tanzanite is nearly impossible to find anywhere else than Tanzania. Tanzanite, to enhance its vibrant purple or violet hues, are heated, resulting in higher market price of them.

Red Gemstone: Ruby

These red stones are believed to elevate the wearer’s motivation and drive, and promote higher emotional well-being. Rubies deep red blood-like colour symbolises love, deep emotions, intense feels, and desires. This red gemstone is associated with July, making it a perfect gift if you have a birthday gift to choose from and any special occasion. 

Blue Gemstone: Sapphire

Saphhire with its striking blue and violet hues makes it cherished by the people, as it also carries spiritual powers helping with growth, transformation, success and calming ocean-like energies. Tanzanite can be enchanting and inspiring for the people looking to add a mesmerizing touch to their collection. 

Conclusion: 

To conclude, these colorful gemstones are not just aesthetically pleasing but they carry significant meanings and symbolizations too. They have several calming, peace-inviting, and relaxing properties too. Timeless Life Treasures by Kae Louise brings you gemstones that are perfect if you are looking for healings for ailments, mental and emotional peace, and raising your spiritual vibrations. Dive into the wide world of these natural colorful gemstones and get you or your loved ones this thoroughly examined and certified by GIA Graduate Gemologist Professional now!

Original source:

[piperjistic]

“Aren’t you glad it’s raining?” The villain murmured. “It does so improve the aesthetics of you breaking my heart…”

Wraith said to the dog. The dog that betrayed her trust. The only dog that could do this to her, her dear Shadow.

They destroyed a precious symbol of their villainy. One— No, the most expensive caper displayed as a vase dazzled in blood red diamonds (not literally blood diamonds, we have standards here), tanzanite, larimar, a dash of mali garnet and tourmaline.

She danced through every shadow, room corners and dragged those who opposed them to the floor unconscious.

It wasn’t even just a bedazzled vase, it was mural of culture. The Sky brimming in the deep blue of tanzanite, clashing with red diamonds as the sea, which creeped up on shore where larimar splashed as seafoam. Upon this beach was a woman dressed in black opals walked upon sand of the brown garnet, watching with the sun of tourmaline. The edges of the yellow sun, a faint red as tourmaline never disappointed in its bicolor theatrics.

Behind the woman was a town, it wasn’t dazzling but the architecture and detail was worth mentioning, out of earthware clay no less.

This was a beautiful work of art that anyone, even Wraith would treat with the utmost respect. It was made out of love and the essence of their culture.

But now, it was just stone shattered on the floor with a bunch of shiny pebbles laying around it.

There was no way to fix this— with their current skillset anyways. And that won’t be changing anytime soon. They direct their stare back to dog, harsh and frowning.

“How will you atone Shadow?” The dog tilts its head. She kneels down, grabbing their chin, staring deep into those black eyes. “Well?”

Shadow licks her face. They wag their tail excitedly, their master finally allowing them to reach her face for affection.

Wraith could only laugh, accepting the licks. “Awww, I can’t stay mad at you ❤️!”

Shadow barks happily. The supervillain smiles and scratches their partner in crime’s head before popping back up, rejuvenated. “Alright, now let’s go catch a body!”

Woof!” She flashes her talon gloves before walking towards the exit. Shadow quickly follows, ready for the run they might take.

It’s not all bad. She could maybe superglue it later. And put it on a higher and more sturdier pedestal. She sighs, glancing at her happy dog.

“Everyone has a shadow, and tries to run away from it, but sometimes, it might just catchup.”

— • —

Thought process used to write this: Silly bullshit go brrrr

I love gemstones

Prompt #2942

“Aren’t you glad it’s raining?” the villain murmured. “It does so improve the aesthetics of you breaking my heart.”

[luxuryjewellerybrands]

Indulge in Luxury Glam Galore with The Best Jewellery Brand

Jewellery embodies the essence of fashion and elegance, offering timeless luxury that enhances every moment with its exquisite sparkle. It transforms special celebrations, turning them into unforgettable experiences. Crafted with meticulous artistry on precious metals, each piece seamlessly combines the brilliance of diamonds with the rich hues of precious gemstones, creating opulent aesthetics. Beyond its captivating beauty, jewellery serves as a reflection of personal style and individuality, making each piece not just an accessory but a true expression of oneself.

So, if you are looking to add such a work of art to your treasure trove, visit Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang, one of the best jewellery brands in India. Their luxury jewellery collections redefine your look and occasion into a mesmerising experience. Read on to explore how.

Proficient craftsmanship Luxury jewellery is defined by its precise artistry, blending significant elements such as culture, tradition, self-expression, rich combinations, grace, and sophistication. In simple terms, each piece tells a unique story with meticulous attention to detail. From the cut of the gemstone to its placement and setting, every aspect reflects fine craftsmanship and finish. So, when you choose such jewellery, you are not just buying a piece but acquiring a legacy of excellence and artistry that only luxury jewelry brands in India can provide.

A symphony of premium materials

The creation of luxury jewellery only relies on the finest materials, like gold, platinum, and silver. With a luxury canvas, these metals ensure the combination with precious metals reflects rarity and glam in galore. This includes diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, tanzanites, etc. So, if you want to adorn yourself with such a glamorous symphony, visit Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang, renowned as one of the luxury jewellery brands in India.

Unique designs for every style Luxury jewellery brands ensure every fashion style indulges in premium glitter and shimmers. Whether you prefer classic and timeless pieces or go for bold and contemporary statements, they provide you with a fine collection to meet your desires perfectly. Explore the extensive range of designs offered by one of the luxury jewelry brands in India, Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang.

Apart from the above-mentioned aspects, luxury jewellery contributes to: • Transforming special celebrations into unforgettable experiences. • Enhancing your status and prestige. • Helping you create a unique, signature style. • Redefining your look and perfectly complementing special ensembles.

Final Words! Take pleasure in the luxury jewellery of Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang, one of the best jewellery brands in India, where timeless craftsmanship meets opulent design. Each piece reflects precision, blending the finest materials like gold and precious gemstones to create a legacy of style and sophistication. From transforming celebrations to elevating personal style, Hazoorilal’s unique designs redefine luxury, making every moment unforgettable.

[wexarethewalkingxdead]

Cat’s Eye, Citrine, Jasper, Onyx, Kyanite, Zircon, Tanzanite (for Carol 🩵)

Gemstone Headcanons - Another set of questions aligned to gemstones to help develop characters! Send in some gemstones to learn more about the muse(s)! - @aerospectrum

Cat’s Eye: What sorts of things soothes them when they’re worked up?

Carol needs time to cool off. She needs space to decompress. She's not much on physical things calming her down. Time and space are the only things she needs.

Citrine: How open are they to new ideas or cultures?

Carol is willing to try anything once. If she likes it, then cool. If not, she will absolutely still be respectful.

Jasper: What do they typically do to relax?

Carol will read or work on a puzzle or an art project.

Kyanite: What is their temper like?

Carol's temper is absolutely a quiet fire. Most people will rarely see her coming.

Onyx: How do they handle hostility from others, whether verbally or physically?

Carol is always watching. She pays attention and makes plans accordingly. She can be terrifying with her calmly delivered threats. And she can be terrifying with how sickeningly sweet she can be.

Tanzanite: Do they heal quickly or do bruises and cuts tend to heal slowly?

Carol heals moderately. It's not quick but it's not fast either. It's somewhere in the middle.