Valentine's Day
This newsletter is going out a bit early because I will be in Tucson starting January 27th. Our office will be open and orders processed as usual, so not to worry. If you are planning to be in Tucson for the Gem and Jewelry Show, please visit us at Gem Mall, Booth 301 from January 31 to February 13.

Our January special, 20% off all orders over $150, is still going on. There's still almost a week left before the end of our best promotion of the year.

In mid-february, I'll be putting a huge amount of new jewelry on the site: the unsold merchandise from Tucson. These specialty items will be priced low to move quickly. I'll send out a brief email to alert everyone once they are up and available.

Article: The Allure of Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the anniversary stone for the 6th year of marriage.

There is a Greek myth associated with this purple colored member of the quartz family, from which the stone derives its name. Dionysius, the Greek god of intoxication was angered one day by a mortal and vowed to take out his rage on the next mortal that he saw. Along came a beautiful maiden named Amethyst, on her way to pay homage to the goddess Diana. Dionysius created some fierce tigers to do his dirty work, and as they were about to pounce on the unsuspecting young woman, Diana intervened. She turned Amethyst into a stunning quartz statue, making her impervious to the claws of the tigers. Upon seeing the beautiful statue, Dionysius wept tears of wine that stained the statue purple.

As a result, it has long been held that amethyst protects one from intoxication. It is still a symbol of sobriety for those who wear it. Some even say it will prevent baldness (I should be so lucky)! It was also thought to encourage celibacy, and since the Middle Ages it has been popular with members of the clergy.

Amethyst, being purple, has also been associated with royalty. The crown Jewels of England feature many large amethysts, among other stones.

It is the most important member of the quartz family for jewelry making. This stone ranges in color from lilac to deep purple. The darker the colors are considered more valuable. Amethyst is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina and some African countries. Brazilian amethyst tends to come in larger sizes, but the African variety is most often of a darker color. Some very dark amethyst is also mined in Australia, but these come mostly in small sizes.

Amethyst is a strong, durable stone. It goes well with both casual and formal attire, so it can be worn every day in almost any situation.

We carry a huge variety of jewelry in Amethyst. It is second in popularity only to Rainbow Moonstone...

Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show (Reprint)
This is the largest gem and jewelry show in the country, and possibly in the world. The whole town of Tucson becomes one big jewelry show with wholesale exhibitors from all over the world displaying their wares at very competitive prices. At the show, which is held at more than 30 venues around town, you can find everything from crystals and fossils to beads to finished jewelry. For more info, visit http://www.tucsonshowguide.com/tsg/

We will be exhibiting in the Gem Mall, booth #301. We are bringing in over 300 lbs. of silver jewelry specially made for this show. Many of the items displayed will be one-of-a-kind pieces. Special care has been taken to produce the highest quality goods, most of which will be sold by weight. Please call 888-408-0072, or email us if you need info.

Article: Be my Valentine...
ValentineÕs Day is just around the corner. For retailers, it represents a small uptick in an otherwise slow winter quarter. The post holiday doldrums can be broken, if only for a week or so, with a well-presented promotion geared toward this holiday.

So we know ValentineÕs Day is for lovers, but what are the origins of this holiday? Gifts, candy and flowers are exchanged every February 14th in the name of St. Valentine, but who was this guy?

There are at least three saints recognized by the Catholic Church named Valentine or Valentinius. The history of Valentine's Day is lost to the ages. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When the emperor decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers.

Valentine, a priest in the young Christian church, defied the emperor and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was ordered put to death.

Another story says that Valentine was killed for helping early Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were beaten and tortured. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, he wrote her a letter which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a romantic figure.

For retailers, packaging your promotion can really help sales. Groupings of similar items works very well. Our nesting silk bags from Vietnam are inexpensive and offer a three-in-one gift that is appealing and useful. We also have matching bags for evening or everyday use.

Offering some sort of packaging simplifies the process, especially for those with limited imagination or gift wrapping skills. Our silk sari coin purses are a great way to package small items for the customer looking for a quick solution to the Valentine's Day dilemma.

Hope to see you in Tucson in February. Be sure to take advantage of our 20% off sale this month... This is our best deal of the year!

Aloha,

Mike McGinnis
Whirled Planet
888-408-0072
http://indiasilver.com/store.asp