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Shop for original, one of a kind handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in themes of peace, love, faith and belief at World Peace Jewelry. Holiday sale now in progress.

Peace Jewelry Christmas Gifts

At the top of my Christmas wish list is world peace. Though I can't expect Santa Claus to actually deliver world peace in my Christmas stocking, he could easily bring world peace in the form of jewelry. And what jewelry gift could be better than handcrafted peace jewelry.

At World Peace Jewelry we offer necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in the theme of peace. Traditional peace signs, as well as doves, and other peaceful symbols. A great way to hold peace close in your heart as an affirmation, as well as spread the joy of peace to others. Peace jewelry makes an inspiriational and very thoughtful gift that will be cherished.

World Peace Jewelry's Seek Peace Necklace is shown above. This handcrafted necklace showcases beautiful royal blue Lapis Lazuli, creamy white Mother of Pearl, dragonskin Turquoise, and natural bronze Serpentine gemstones that hand wire wrapped to gold chain. Multiple necklace pendant includes: gold traditional peace sign, a handcarved white bone flying dove, plus a fabulous intarsia world globe. This is a wonderful three dimensional handmade cloisonne planet earth. The globe's oceans are Lapis Lazuli, continents are jasper, mother of pearl, aventurine and more. Incredible details and simply fantastic.

Birds are believed to mediate between earth and heaven, the physical and spiritual worlds. A bird in flight symbolizes freedom and the spiritual development of the soul. Doves have long symbolized peace. Lapis Lazuli symbolizes inspiration and wisdom. Turquoise is a very spiritual stone which aids channeling, increases communication abilities, gives protections and inner joy and peace. Mother of Pearl is known as the stone of sincerity bringing truth to situations and loyalty to a cause. Serpentine is a protective stone that brings peace and has been known as a talisman since ancient times. Gold is associated with love. Learn more about the metaphysical properties of gemstones and the energy of symbols in World Peace Jewelry's Gemstone Guides.

This Seek Peace Necklace includes a fabulous collection of symbols and metaphysical magic for a peace necklace. See more peace necklaces, bracelets, and earring Christmas gift ideas at World Peace Jewelry. Take advantage of World Peace Jewelry's new customer discount by using this code WPJNEW during checkout to receive 10% off your entire order, including sale items, plus free standard shipping.

Bats... are a Good Thing!

A natural predator of mosquitoes, one bat can eat 1,000 of the pesky insects! Install a wooden bat house to provide bat shelter and encourage them in your yard. Enjoy a much less buggy twilight in your garden! (Not to mention the entertainment value of watching them swoop and feast!)

And.... Happy Halloween :-)

Climate Change - Blog Action Day #BAD09

The great blue heron is back again today. Statuesque, he's frozen with one leg crooked, eyes locked on some prey in the pond, ready to grab his breakfast. He'll stand there as long as it takes his hunting efforts to claim his prize. Normally it would probably be a frog, but with all the rain I suspect it's actually a fish today.

Watching him is like a meditation. Brown water flowing east. Golden brown and deep green pond bank vegetation. Shamrock green meadow background. Blue grey sky. Ripples of rain drops on the water. Melodies of the song birds flitting here and there. Whispers of wind blowing through the trees. Dark twilight blue plummage, white beard of feathers and that ridiculously fabulous top knot... the heron is poetry come to life.

If I let the dogs out, it will disrupt the scene. The heron pause from his mission, cock his head, gather himself together and launch. Spreading his magnificent wings he'll soar into the grey skies. Either he'll head on down the line of our seven spring pools or off to another of his haunts. As he glides away, I'll sigh. I'll sigh in wonder that such a huge bird can be spectacularly graceful. And I'll sigh at the gift of having seen this scene.

Living a rural country life is a special gift. There's a connectedness to the land that I suspect is rare these days. All I have to do is look out a window to feel the interwoven threads of life on this planet. What impacts Mother Earth impacts me directly. In my daily life. Not only in the contents of my larder - the results of gardening labors - but in my quality of life.

I try to be a good steward. Of the land and for my animals. I garden organically. I plant crops for wildlife, butterflies, birds, and bees. I avoid chemicals; reuse, repurpose, recycle. You know the drill. Is it enough? I'm old enough to have witnessed amazing changes in weather patterns and growing awareness of species that have already been lost. Our global climate is changing and therefore, my life is changing.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotations from Chief Seattle in 1855:

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.

We humans have managed to inflict many changes to the web of life which impact our climate and environment. Changes that, in turn, continue to cause alarming changes to our basic survival needs of food, water, air, and shelter. Changes, some of which are permanent and there's no going back. All in the name of "progress."

There's no "do over," however, It's never too late to walk more softly on this planet we call home. Going green has become a catch phrase and marketing ploy, however it can mean taking even small steps to protect life and to make sure we are not among the extinct species of the future.

I wonder about future generations. Will they be blessed with having the opportunity to witness the poetry of life? Will there still be red tailed hawks that make lazy circles in the blue sky over their fields? Will there still be honey bees buzzing in their orchards making sure fruit will be on their tables? Will the great blue herons fish in their ponds?

As for me, I'm with Mother Nature. I cannot spare her nourishment of my very soul.


Composed for Blog Action Day #BAD09

The Peace Sign and Amethyst

At World Peace Jewelry, I use many symbols and gemstone combinations to symbolize peace in my peace themed jewelry. However, my favorites are vintage traditional peace signs with amethyst.

What we know as a traditional symbol for peace was oritinally designed for the British nuclear disarmament movement. Designed and completed on February 21, 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a professional designer and artist for the April 4 march planned by the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC). The symbol itself is a combination of the semaphoric signals for the letters "N" and "D," standing for Nuclear Disarmament. Superimposing these two signs forms the shape of the peace symbol.

The symbol was later adopted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. By the late 1960's the peace sign had become an international peace symbol adopted by war protestors. Then adopted by the counterculture, it became part of the popular culture.

Amethyst has long been believed to be a transformational healing gemstone. A purifier and amplifier of healing and spiritual energies, it aids in intuition and attracts justice. The birth stone of Pisces, amethyst brings clarity to the conscious and unconscious mind. Shades of purple are traditionally a sign of royalty or richness, power and passion. Modern folklore associates the color purple with peace as in "Wear purple for peace."

Those who regularly wear an amethyst necklace are said to fascinate others with their personality and charisma. What better way to wear your values and encourage peace!

Shown above is an amethyst and gold necklace with a traditional peace sign combined with a "Dream" affirmation charm.

Browse for a peace necklace at World Peace Jewelry and use this new customer discount coupon code WPJNEW to receive a 10% discount on your entire purchase.

Peace Day ~ September 21

Today is International Day of Peace. Established by the United Nations and celebrated around the world, this is a day of non-violence and ceasefire. I have a bittersweet feeling about Peace Day. One day of peace a year is a good thing, however can we not devote more, say 365? Ah... but I'm a dreamer...

At World Peace Jewelry we're celebrating with a sale on some of our peace themed jewelry. You'll find an asssortment of necklaces, bracelets, earrings with peace signs and some with world globes. Shown above is our The World is My Country necklace. While you're browsing, take a look at our new jewelry.

We do have a special discount for new customers. When checking out of the shopping cart, enter WPJNEW (you'll see where) to receive 10% off your entire order plus free standard shipping.

Turquoise

A favorite stone of mine? All I will say is …. She who dies with the most turquoise wins… or something like that. Shown above is a turquoise and copper peace bracelet. Healing copper jewelry is such a boon for arthritis sufferers, plus it happens to be gorgeous with turquoise.

Turquoise is an aluminum acetate phosphate usually found in the seams of aluminum rich rocks in the area of copper mines. Colors range from light blue, sky blue, turquoise blue to green-blue. Turquoise can be found in Arizona, Mexico, Tibet, China, Poland and France. Some of the most beautiful turquoise is found in Arizona.

Discovered in Turkey by Crusaders, turquoise has been a popular protective gemstone since ancient time. In the thirteenth century Turquoise was said to protect the wearer from injury from falling, particularly from horseback. Turks attached the stone to the bridles of horses as amulets; it was believed to render them more surefooted and enduring. Long considered a holy stone by American Indians, they believed turquoise was a magic stone that protected against all harm. Indian legend says that a man who could go to the end of the rainbow and dig in the earth would find a turquoise. In the Middle Ages it was believed to give women a sense of happiness and contentment, while guaranteeing success and power to men.

Turquoise is beneficial for the whole body, but especially the respiratory and immune systems. Those strongly affected by pollution can find turquoise very helpful. Turquoise is also helpful with general stomachaches, rheumatism, infections, inflammation, and speeds recovery after illness.

Turquoise symbolizes beauty. It elevates goals and understanding; encourages creative problem solving. Turquoise can help you get more in tune with others and increase communication skills. Stabilizing extreme mood swings, it counteracts apathy.

With zodiacal affinity for Aquarius, Turquoise is also an important gemstone for all the zodiac signs. It is the common birthstone for December.

Explore the Gemstone Guides at World Peace Jewelry. Check out our guide to birthstones: modern, traditional, cabochon, and astralogical zodiac gemstones symbolically associated with the date of your birth. You might also want to have a look at symbols and totems, too.

The Bee

The Bee symbolizes industrious and cooperative teamwork, dilligence and a sense of order. In mediterranean civilizations, the bee was seen to be brave, chaste, industrious, clean and lives harmoniously. Symbols of purity and abstinence. In the secular world, the bee was a royal symbol and the queen bee was long regarded as a King.

The bee is also a sign of creativity, wealth and eloquence. The Egyptians used it as a symbol of regal power.

Bees are, in many cultures, a symbol of hope, and also inspire cleanliness, social organization, tireless work, honey-sweet rhetoric, intelligence and poetry.

The bee is often seen as the original source of all life and inspiratin. Looked upon as a symbol of the potency of nature, because while creating a magical elixir, known for its preservation properties, they were also pollinating flowers, increasing plant fertility, and abundance. Because of these symbolic meanings, the bee has been used as an emblem by those who wish to associate themselves with the inpiration of the Gods.

Shown above is a World Peace Jewelry bracelet featuring a honey bee surrounded by natural agate in shades of honey golden yellows. Agate is said to protect against danger, bring prosperity and prevent miscarriages. It promotes happiness and good health.

See more jewelry featuring the Bee as a symbol or totem.

Read more about bees as a symbol or totem. Read more about the healing properties and symbolism of gemstones.

The Cross - Consecration

The Cross is used not just for ornamentation, but also religious significance. The cross is a sign of consecration. For Christians it symbolizes God's act of love and atonement in Christ's sacrifice and Jesus' victory over sin and death.

Shown above is an extra long Sardonyx and Carnelian necklace that features a large Sardonyx hand cut cross that I imported from China. Exceptionally beautiful!

Sardonyx is the stone of the senses. Said to improve sensory perception and sharpen the mind. It encourages optimism and confidence, plus is said to halp bereaved people see the positive side of life again. Carnelian symbolizes activity. It promotes idealism, increases vitality and zest for life, while enhancing stability and the courage to carry out daily tasks. Read more about the properties and symbolism of gemstones.

At World Peace Jewelry we offer pieces in the theme of Faith, including crosses, WWJD (What Would Jesus Do), Angels, Judaica, Celtic and Chinese symbols of faith and religious belief.

Read more about symbols and totems at World Peace Jewelry

The Lucky Frog

Frogs symbolize good luck, abundance, transformation, and fertility. The Egyptians saw frogs as symbols of life and fertility and they worshiped the frog Goddess Heget. Greeks and Romans saw frogs as symbols of fertility and harmony. Frogs assisted their Goddess Aphrodite. The Chinese believe the spirit of the frog means healing and good forturne in business.

Shown above is a lucky jasper frog necklace combining more jasper with Botswana agate. The gemstones make a good combination with the frog totem. In the Middle Ages Jasper was the warrior's stone. It stimulates fertility, combats exhaustion and balances energies. Agate strengthens the effect of other stones. It promotes happiness and good health. Read more about the properties of gemstones.

Read more about symbols and totems or view more symbol jewelry or fertility jewelry at World Peace Jewelry.

Barns, Recycling, Repurposing

More than 4 million farms have disappeared since the 1930's. That number is stunning for a number of reasons.

We're both diehard historic preservationists and, as such, we're aware that America's barns are disappearing at an alarming rate. Long a taken-for-granted symbol of the very founding and growth of our country, barns are being torn down to make way for development. Imagine our landscape without barns.

The Natinal Trust for Historic Preservation has a program called Barn Again! which assists folks who want to restore these historic structures and adapt them for new purposes. Community centers, residences, shops, the possibilities are endless. Their site shows examples of finished projects, gives technical advice and links to grant sources.

A great example of recycling and re-purposing!

New World Peace Jewelry KIVA Loan

World Peace Jewelry's new KIVA loan recipient:

Don Mateo Miguel Turnil Tumax is 30 years old, married, and has three children. He is dedicated to the art of making traditional fabrics from his small workshop in the village of Chuipachaj de la Aldea Chipuac, which is in the town and district of Totonicap, Guatamala. He does not generate enough revenue to hire any workers. However, his current demand is growing, so he applied for a small loan to purchase raw materials. The increase in capital will result in more employment and more products from his small workshop, as well as generate additional income to give his family a better life.

Kiva Loan Update

World Peace Jewelry's loan has been repaid in full by Catherine Birungi's Group.

You may remember that Catherine is twenty-five years old and married with one nine-year-old child. She rents a one-room house with her family. She doesn?t have access to electricity or piped water. Catherine has a market stall, and that is how she makes a living. She rents her stall at $9.25 a month and gets about twenty customers a day. She buys her produce from Nakawa market and works seven days a week. She has worked at this business for three years now. Prior to this she was frying edibles. This is her seventh loan since she joined MCDT, a Kiva field partner, and has been with them for four years, working with the same group members. Catherine used her loan to buy boxes of tomatoes and also to start buying directly from farmers. She hopes to build a house from her savings.

For more information about such loans, visit KIVA on the web.

Energy Savings

Worried about energy costs - in money and our planet? Consider the following:

• American homeowners are eligible to receive $1500 in federal tax credits this year and next toward the cost of a new furnace or other energy-saving improvements. Click for details.
• Seal leaky windows, doors, and attics against drafts and energy losss.
• Consider replacing lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Unplug coffeeepots, TVs and other small appliances that consume electricty even when they're not in active use or use power strips that cut the power automatically.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Wash full loads of laundry and use cold water. Air dry when possible.
• Check your faucets and fix leaking ones. Install aerators and low-flow showerheads.
• Use drip hoses to water your garden plantings.

Meat Eating Contributes to Climate Change

One of my favorite resources is the Organic Consumers Association and I receive their e-newsletter. It never fails to get me thinking. A recent post is a good example.

It highlights a Washington Post article which summarized a number of recent reports indicating that one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint or greenhouse gas pollution is to reduce your meat consumption. [In the interests of full disclosure, I should note that we are not vegans.]

According the the article:

• A Carnegie Melon study found that the average American would benefit the planet more by being vegetarian one day per week than by switching to a totally local diet
• A University of Chicago study found that switching to a vegan diet would have a bigger impact than trading your gas guzzler for a Prius.
• The head of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, recommended that people give up meat one day a week to take pressure off the atmosphere.
• According to a 2006 United Nations report, livestock accounts for 18 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Americans seem okay being told they should recycle, drive less, and weatherize their homes, but something short-circuits when you ask them to reduce their meat consumption

Gardening Organically

Did you know it's estimated that approximately seven million wild birds are killed each and every year due to pesticide use by homeowners?

Did you know that to make 200 bags of chemical fertilizer it take the same amount of natural gas that could heat the average American home for a year?

Did you know that each year Americans use more than 800 million gallons of gasoline to mow and trim their lawns?

Tips:

• Save money and conserve resources by gardening organically.
• Have your soil tested and add only what is really needed.
• Can you say compost? Add a top dressing of compost twice a year.
• Spray with compost tea and fish emulsion - natural fertilizers.
• Mulch your grass clippings. Clippings are high in nutrients and will reduce the need for additonal fertilizer by 25 %.
• Consider replacing your gasoline lawnmower with a reel or electric one.

Save the planet. Just say no to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

USDA Wants Genetic Engineering Allowed in Organic

"In reality, the divide between organics and biotechnology is an artificial construction maintained by ideology rather than science. A governmental decision to change organic regulations to permit the use of biotechnology could have far-reaching policy implications for global agriculture. Allowing producers to gain organic certification for biotech crops could encourage the development of a new type of environmentally sustainable agricultural production with greater benefits for the consumer."
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, "The Unexplored Potential of Organic-Biotech Production," May 26, 2009

Visit the Organic Consumers Association for more information.

Amazing Amber

Beautiful Natural Amber...

My first trip to an outdoor market in Russia, I thought I might be in heaven. I’ve always been drawn to amber and there it was - aplenty and in every size and shape. And where better to behold it than outdoors in glorious sunshine. Shown above is a necklace combining Baltic amber and carnelian for a firey statement.

Amber is composed of fossilized resin that formed from the sap of primeval amber pine trees. It often contains mummified insects or organic matter that have been petrified with it. It’s colors range from light yellow to reddish brown, though it can also be white, blue and greenish. It can be opaque or transparent. Some of the darker clear types can look like honey.

The Greeks called it elektron, meaning sun-gold. Sophocles explained the origin of Amber as the tears shed over the death of Meleager by Indian birds. Nicias explained Amber as being the juice of the brilliant rays of the setting sun that were congealed in the sea and then cast up upon the shore.

In ancient times amber was highly prized for its talismanic powers. This stone was plentiful and the first substance used by man for decoration and is found in Stone Age deposits as talismans or amulets. Today it can be found in the Baltic coast, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and the Dominican Republic.

With its ability to draw out negative energy, it allows the body to heal itself. Used to stimulate the metabolism and treat skin ailments, Amber should be worn in direct contact with the skin. Amber necklaces are often recommended for allergic respiratory problems. It is also good for treating rheumatism and strengthening the heart muscles.
Amber symbolizes success and arouses a feeling of joy and well-being in the wearer. It is said to ease stress, improve decision-making, and strengthen memory.

With zodiacal affinity with Leo, Amber is also an important gemstone for Gemini, Virgo and Capricorn

Read more about the properties of gemstones, symbols and totems at World Peace Jewelry.

New Earrings

New Earrings! Sterling silver peace signs, Chinese harmony symbols, turquoise world globes and more!

Christmas in July Sale

Our annual Christmas in July Sale is now in progress! Shop now for the best selection. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings with peace signs, crosses, hearts, fertility goddesses, fairies and more!

The Buck Moon

July is the time of the Buck Moon. This is the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. July is also called the Full Thunder Moon because thunderstorms are most frequent furing this time.

Political Plunder

Who is Spending What on Lobbying?

The following totals are for the first quarter of 2009:

1) $42 Million: Health Care, Health Insurance, & Pharma
2) $31 Million: Oil
3) $20 Million: War
4) $17 Million: Telecoms
5) $15 Million: Financial
6) $10 Million: Automotive
7) $7 Million: Life Insurance
8) $6 Million: Biotech

Source: the Organic Consumers Association.

About Copper

Gary swears by his copper bracelet and ring for his “tennis elbow.” I’ve used copper for menstrual cramps, as well as cramping in my fingers from wire-wrapping jewelry. Add to that, I simply like the look of it!

Shown is a copper ankle bracelet with peridot jade and ocean jasper.

Copper is a metal ore found all over the world. The color ranges from orange to soft red-brown to a deep brick red. Copper was probably one of the first metals used to make objects by man. Tools found can be traced back to fourth millennium.

Used for its healing properties since the Middle Ages, copper is used for many ailments, especially inflammation. Used to alleviate menstruation cramps, it also can prevent calcification of the joints. To use its healing powers, Copper is best worn directly on the skin.

Copper encourages a positive attitude and self-confidence. It improves decision making and brings harmony among members of a family.

View healing copper jewelry at World Peace Jewelry.

New Fertility Bracelets

Don't miss our new fertility bracelets! Most feature a primitive fertility Goddess charm; one features a charming handmade bunny rabbit. All feature gemstones that encourage or promote fertility. Check our gemstone guides for more information. In addition, many of our other jewelry pieces support the intention of fertility - simply do a site search and you'll find all the pieces with those gems. Browse our new jewelry now!

View Fertility and Goddess jewelry at World Peace Jewelry. Read more about symbols and totems.

New Copper Ankle Bracelets

I just finished adding several new copper ankle bracelets to my shop. Many are unisex and could be worn by men or women. Others are very feminine with charming hand carved mother of pearl flowers. All are perfect for the stress of arthritis discomfort!

New Peace Bracelets

What's your color? Scarlet red - as in coral? Pretty pink - as in rhodonite? Peaceful purple, as in amethyst? Tawny swirls of Tigers Eye? How about red white and blue Americana?

I've just added those, plus a lively turquoise and red coral piece and another in my Crayola bomb series!

Beautiful peace sign bracelets in silver! Shop now!

Sodalite - Enhance your creativity!

I don’t know why I don’t work with sodalite more often. When I do, I’m always struck by its beauty. In the necklace shown above, I've combined it with big round beads of white jade.

Sodalite is a quartz sodium-calcium compound. The color is deep, dark blue with white inclusions of calcium. It can be found in Brazil, Africa, China, and the United States.

Since ancient times Sodalite has been the stone of artists, singers, and those in creative endeavors. In ancient Greece artists carried sodalite to develop their creative skills.

An excellent stone for reducing high blood pressure, Sodalite has a regulatory effect on the thyroid and all glandular functions, including diabetes. It is said to be effective in combating the effects of natural and artificial radiation.

Believed to promote inspiration and creativity while providing protection, Sodalite symbolizes self-confidence and loyalty. It promotes spiritual harmony and is good stone for calming hot-tempered people.

Sodalite has a zodiacal affinity for Sagittarius.

Read more about gemstones, symbols and totems at World Peace Jewelry

New Copper Ankle Bracelets

Lots of new jewelry now in our online shop!

Perfect for fun at the beach... copper ankle bracelets, accented with so many gemstones: turquoise, clear quartz, carnelian, jade, fluorite, goldstone, lapis lazuli, amazonite, citrine and more! Plus coordinating copper bracelets in coral, fluorite, and more. Copper is so good for the joints and inflamation. Get ready for summer fun now!

And, don't miss some spectacular new necklaces. How about navy and royal blue sodalite with white jade in big chunky beads? Or how about unusal forest jasper chunky rectangles combined with Russian jade? Have you been looking for a good horse - life force - totem? We've got just the thing in turquoise or in jade!

Shop now!

Consider Carnelian for Zest of Life

One of my personal favorites, Carnelian always makes me feel so good when I'm wearing it. Shown above is a copper ankle bracelet with natural carnelian.

Carnelian is a kind of quartz. Traces of iron give Carnelian its blood red color. Colors range from yellow, orange, red, brown and in between. It can be found in Brazil, Uruguay, India, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

Carnelian is one of the oldest protective stone in history. The Egyptians carried it about their person as a source of energy and for renewal of vitality. In ancient Egypt it was placed in tombs as a magic armor for life after death. Carnelian is mentioned in the Bible as being used for ornamentation on breastplates for priests and soldiers.

The earth is often used as a symbol for fertility and Carnelian, in tune with the earth’s energy, strongly influences the reproductive organs. A good purifier for both the liver and the blood, it also stimulates good digestion.

Carnelian symbolizes activity and curiosity. It increases the wearer’s zest for life and improving motivation.
With zodiacal affinity with Taurus, Carnelian is also an important stone for Aries, Gemini, Virgo, Leo and Capricorn.

Project Fogbank

This is just too "rich" not to share. It's from News of the Weird, collected from the mainstream press by Chuck Shepherd and published in the June 2009 issue of Funny Times.

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration recently postponed its crucial program to rejuvenate quarter-century-old Trident missile warheads because no one can remember how to make a key component of the weapons (codenamed "Fogbank"), according to a report of the Government Accountability Office. The GAO found that, despite concern over the bonbs' safety and reliability, NNSA could not replicate the manufacturing process because all knowledgeable personnel have left the agency and no written records were kept. Said one commentator, "This is like James Bond destroying his instructions as soon as he's read them." The GAO report came two months after the German Interior Ministry reported to Parliament that over a 10-year period, it had lost 332 secret files that were in fact so secret that no one in the Ministry could recall what was in them.

New Peace Necklaces

I've just finished adding some new pieces to my online shop. Several peace necklaces - some with earrings - plus some fabulous lucky red coral koi earrings!

We've also got a new sale on some beautiful necklaces! Don't miss out!

Planting Peace

Planting Peace is a national and international network of organic and socially responsible consumers who wish to protect Gaia/Mother Earth, put an end to war and military madness, and green and re-localize the global economy.

Working to build a powerful coalition that brings about cooperation and synergy between the anti-war movement, the climate crisis movement, and the organic community.

Sponsored by the Organic Consumers Organization, Planting Peace is a resource center for news and activities that seek to build a powerful coalition to bring about cooperation and synergy between the peace movement, the climate crisis movement, and the organic community.

Peace Angels and White Doves

I've been having some great fun creating some new peace necklaces. Carved bone flying white doves... handmade ceramic angels... black crows... gemstone carved feathers... turquoise, jasper, mother of pearl, silver, gold, brass, and much more! See them now!

New Peace Bracelets!

New Peace Bracelets - in silver and brass with turquoise, jade, jasper and more!

See all our bracelets & ankle bracelets!

Our New KIVA Loan - To Uganda

Our new KIVA loan is going to a cooperative of women in Kampala, Uganda: Catherine, Victo, Angella, and Norah.

Catherine, the leader, is twenty-five years old and married with one nine-year-old child. She and her family live in a one room house with no access to electricity or piped water.

Here's what else KIVA has to say: Catherine has a stall, and that is how she makes a living. She rents her stall at $9.25 a month and gets about twenty customers a day. She buys her produce from Nakawa market and works seven days a week. She has worked at this business for three years now. Prior to this she was frying edibles. This is her seventh loan since she joined MCDT, a Kiva field partner, and has been with them for four years, working with the same group members. Catherine wants to use this loan to buy boxes of tomatoes and also to start buying directly from farmers. She hopes to build a house from her savings.

We'll keep you posted on their progress. We're thrilled to be able to participate in this micro-lending program thanks to your purchases from World Peace Jewelry. We believe we can change the world by doing just one little thing at a time.

Our KIVA Loan Repaid!

How wonderful it is to say that our KIVA loan has been repaid in full by Victor, a weaver in Ayacucho, Peru

Victor is a member of the Confianza (Trust) Village Bank. He is 30 years old and lives with his girlfriend and their daughter. Victor and his brothers own a workshop where they make weavings on a loom. They then sell their weavings in a local market. Victor has been working as an artisan for 14 years. Victor requested a loan of 1000 soles to buy wool and dyes for his weavings, as well as to buy new heddles for his looms, since they need to be replaced periodically and his have gotten worn out. Victor's goal for the future is to export his work to sell. He may be able to do this through FINCA Peru Exports, a branch of FINCA that works with artisans to sell their work internationally.

Earth Day Sale!

Special Earth Day Sale at World Peace Jewelry!

Shop Now!

New Jewelry!

We have new jewelry pieces in our online shop. Bold scarab necklaces, copper ankle bracelets, an assortment of honey bee bracelets, and new peace sign earrings and necklaces. Be sure to check out our Spring Fever Sale!

Yesterday in the studio, I worked on an interesting jasper necklace with the American Indian folklore theme of crows bring good news. Multiple pendants include a wonderful ceramic three dimensional black crow, hand carved brecciated jasper feather, plus a silver peace symbol. And to my delight the postman delivered my new pendants from Hong Kong, including some beautiful gemstone crosses. This spring I seem to have more ideas than I have time to bring them to fruition! It's a good "problem" to have.

Clean Water

1.1 billion people worldwide have no access to clean drinking water.

One thing you can do is participate in a program that distributes PUR packets that make potentially deadly water drinkable. As little as a one dollar donation provides a child drinking water for 30 days.

New Jewelry on our Site

New earring and necklaces available now.

New Jewelry

New Peace Bracelets

It's true that some of my peace jewelry has a definite bohemian, vintage, even - dare I say it - hippy flavor... certainly not all of it!

You don't want to look like an escapee from the 60's and 70's? But you want to wear your anti-war sentiments? No problem! Click here to see more of our new bracelets - earrings, too.

Miss Landmine

Though I'm not much on following beauty pageants, this one stopped me in my tracks. I had no idea there was a Miss Landmine pageant. An annual event, contestants all are disabled from landmine explosions. This year's event will be held in Cambodia and is sponsored by the European Union, the Norwegian Arts Council, and others. Entrants will be chosen as winners based on their confidence, beauty, and commitment to fighting landmine use. Two winners will receive a new prostheses. Check it out.

Chinese New Year of the Ox

Happy New Year!

Today begins the Chinese Year of the Ox. The second sign of the Chinese zodiac, the Ox symbolizes new beginnings. The Ox signifies building to last and slow but sure action. Things we begin now will have long term, lasting consequences, so we must make good choices.

Like last year, the year of the Rat, this is an Earth year. The difference is this one is yin rather than yang. Therefore it should be less tumultuous. On a personal level, better results should be achieved by reacting to circumstances and going with the flow, as opposed to aggressively charging forward and initiating a lot of action.

According to Chinese astrologists, 2009 will be a period of lasting accomplishments. This is true for individuals, societies and the human race in general. There may be times when motivation appears to be lacking. In fact the big challenge everyone faces is to generate the enthusiasm and desire to act. Those individuals and organizations that do will create enduring benefits for themselves and the world.

Climate Watch & the Bird Count

Mark your calendars for February 13-16!

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a four-day event that engages people of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It's free, fun, and easy and it helps the birds.

Participants count birds for as long as they wish during a four day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report their counts, they fill out an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count on the web. As the count progresses, anyone with Internet access can explore what is being reported from their own towns or anywhere in the United States and Canada.

They can also see how this year's numbers compare with those from previous years.Scientists learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time.

Here are some of the questions scientist hope to answer with this year's count:

• How will this winter's snow and cold temperatures influence bird populations?


• Where are winter finches and other species that appear in large numbers during some years but not others?


• How will the timing of birds' migrations compare with past years?


• How are bird diseases, such as West Nile virus, affecting birds in different regions?


• What kinds of differences in bird diversity are apparent in cities versus suburban, rural, and natural areas?


• Are any birds undergoing worrisome declines that point to the need for conservation attention?
  

Scientists use the counts, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, to give us an immense picture of our winter birds. Each year that these data are collected makes them more meaningful and allows scientists to investigate far-reaching questions about the health of our planet.

Sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audobon Society

Kiva Update

We been notified that our most recent Kiva loan recipient (Victor, a weaver in Peru) has begun to repay his loan! That's great news and means we'll be able to help another loan applicant soon.

2008 was an incredible year for Kiva. In December alone $3,827,400 was loaned to entrepreneurs and gift certificates totaling $2,156,125 were purchased.

World Peace Jewelry is proud to be a Kiva Loaner. Since it's beginning just over 3 years ago Kiva has raised $55,521,085 and 125,496 entrepreneurs have been funded in 156 countries with a repayment rate of 97%.

Kiva - loans that change lives!

New Totem Necklaces

New Necklaces

Scarab & Hummingbird Totems

- Check them out at World Peace Jewelry -

GMO Food

This just in from the Organic Consumers Organization:

Although genetically modified (GM) corn is banned in most of the world, it has been approved as "safe" for human consumption in the U.S. for 12 years and is now likely unknowingly consumed, in one form or another, by more than 90% of Americans on a regular basis. But a recent series of peer-reviewed studies were published in 2008 confirming previous studies indicating potentially severe health and environmental problems associated with the biotech crops. Recent alarming scientific research includes:

1) A new long term study by the Austrian government confirms previous findings that consumption of GM corn, for as little as 20 weeks, can damage the reproductive system, lower fertility rates and increase illness and death rates in offspring.

2) Researchers in Mexico reported in December that some popular varieties of GM corn negatively affect the learning response of bees. Scientists say this may be an indicator of the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, a recent catastrophic and mysterious die-off of as much as 30% of the world's honey bee population in the past couple of years.

3) In Italy, scientists published a study that put the biotech industry in a public relations tailspin. In the study, laboratory tests showed a direct connection between consumption of GM corn and a damaged immune system.

In the U.S., food products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) do not have to be labeled as such. This is a big problem, considering more than 90% of surveyed consumers say they would avoid products with these ingredients and since most packaged foods on grocery store shelves already contain hidden GMOs. Although Obama stated publicly in his campaign that he supports mandatory labeling for genetically engineered foods, OCA believes we will have to keep the pressure on if he is to fulfill this promise. In the meantime, here are some quick tips to help you avoid GMO ingredients and "Frankenfoods."

1) Look for products that voluntarily label themselves as GMO or GE-free.

2) Buy Organic: Products certified as "Organic" are not allowed to contain genetically modified ingredients.

3) Avoid non-organic products that contain the most common genetically engineered ingredients: corn (corn syrup, corn meal, corn oil, etc.), fructose, dextrose, glucose, modified food starch, ingredients including the word "soy" (soy flour, soy lecithin, etc.), vegetable oil, vegetable protein, canola oil (also called rapeseed oil), cottonseed oil, and sugar from sugar beets.

Food for Thought

A friend recently sent this to me and with the new presidential inaugeration looming, I found it to be too interesting not to share.

Harry Truman After The Presidency:

Harry Truman, from Missouri , was a different kind of President. He probably made as many important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 43 Presidents. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

Historians have written the only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . On top of that, his wife inherited the house from her Mother.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There were no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, 'You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale.'

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, 'I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise.'

He never owned his own home and as president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, 'My choices early in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference.'