The Legends Surrounding Chinese Jade

Why did the Chinese love nephrite?

The Chinese loved nephrite jade, their stone of heaven. There are many different legends around this type of jade.

One story states that when man was first put onto the earth they were surrounded by savage animals and were at their mercy. When the dwarf god saw mans peril he created jade axes and cast them from the heavens for man to find. When these weapons were found man dubbed them the stone of heaven.

The Legend of He Shi Bi

The legend goes that a man name Bian He was out near the town where he resided when he came across a beautiful, rough piece of Chinese jade. So impressed with his own find he went to the ruler of the lands with the stone.

Believing that Bian He was false, the ruled had one of his legs cut off and Bian went home in shame. Soon after this ruler died He went to the next leader with his find.

The other ruler of the lands also believed that Bian was playing him false and had his other leg cut off.

God only knows why Bian was so adamant. This ruler soon passed on and Bian was not deterred. He approached the next ruler with his find. The ruler believed Bian and had the stone immediately sent to his royal sculptors. They were amazed at the find. This piece of jade ended up being the highest quality nephrite jade ever found, a perfect and flawless piece of pure white jade. It was dubbed the He Shi Bi, or “The Royal Disc of He”.

This piece of Chinese jade has many legends surrounding it. Wars were fought over this single piece of jade and was eventually carved into the Imperial Seal of China. This seal was believed by the people of a United China to be the divine blessing of the gods, and therefore whoever possessed it was the leader of China.

After much turmoil surrounding this stone it is now lost to history. What a wonder it would be if it was found for the whole world to behold.

Jadeite imported from Burma

These legends all surround nephrite jade. In more recent history jade was discovered in Burma and was imported into China. The jade from here is high quality and in the 1700s it was discovered to differ slightly in mineral composition from nephrite. It was dubbed jadeite, another form of jade.

Collecting Old Mercury Dimes

History of Mercury Dimes

The Mercury, or Winged Liberty Head Dime, was minted in the United States between 1916 and 1945, when FDR’s death caused a movement to commemorate him on a coin. The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty wearing a winged helmet. This was supposed to symbolize freedom of thought, but generally, people associated the wings with the ancient god Mercury. The reverse side of the coin depicts a Roman fasces, which is a bundle of rods, symbolizing authority, and olive branch, symbolizing peace. Mercury dimes, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, were minted in all three US Mints. Now worth much more than face value, they are now a sought after item in coin collecting circles. There are many rare Mercury Dimes for sale on auction sites such as eBay and many bargains that can be found when purchasing the rarer Mercury Dimes minted on key dates.

Why Collect Mercury Dimes?

This humble dime was in circulation during two World Wars and the Great Depression, adding lots of meaning for history buffs. If only they could talk! They are considered by many to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing coins of this time period. Coin collecting is a fun hobby, and investing in coins can be quite profitable. As time passes, Mercury dimes values and rarity can only increase. If you would like to collect something that will appreciate and can be passed on for generations, consider building a collection of rare Mercury dimes.

Rare Mercury Dimes

The low mintage of the 1916-D has made this date the most sought after of the Mercury Dimes. After that comes the 1942-D or the 1942 overdate coin, meaning the 1942 date was restruck over the 1941 date. Other key dates and mints for this coin are 1921, 1921-D, 1926-S, and 1931-S. In general, search for the oldest coins in the best condition that you can afford. There are many rare Mercury dimes for sale at local coin shops or flea markets, as well as on Internet sites like eBay or those geared toward coin collecting.

Mercury Dimes Values

A coin has worth from its metal composition, rarity, and desirability. On the market, a coin is truly only worth what someone is willing to pay. In terms of metal value, even in relatively poor condition, these coins are worth around $1.00 each. As the price of silver fluctuates, so will the metal value of these coins. That said, if someone is searching for a coin from a specific year to complete a collection, they might be willing to pay a premium price.

Drinking in Style: Collectible Beer Steins

If you have always wondered why your collectible beer steins had lids on them, wonder no more.  The lid was equipped as a sanitary measure and to prevent bugs from getting into your beer as you drank.  Modern beer steins do not have the lid and since their invention in the days of folklore they have progressed in design and function.  If you were to visit Germany, the home of the beer stein, you might find a remnant of the original designs in tourist aimed Alehouses, but on the whole they are now noting more than a great collectible.

That being said, who does not want a great collectible beer stein?  The vast collection of shot glasses found in souvenir shops and airport rip-off counters scream, “I didn’t care what you would really like, I just felt guilty bringing you nothing back at all.”  But if you bring home classic, stoneware, collectible beer stein to a loved one, you will not be disappointed by the joy in their eyes.

You know you have found a good buy when it has a hand crafted painting, etching or portrayal of German or Bavarian art around its exterior wall.  A pewter lid then, will top it off (no pun intended) in fine style.  The more decorative the stein is, the higher its collector value will be, and that means it will sell for a higher price too.  But do not be tricked by an earthenware construction.  You will easily be able to discern the difference between real stone or porcelain and earthenware.  A small knock on the wall of the stein will reveal everything you need to know.  If it feels like it absorbed some of the shock of your knuckle, it is not the real deal.

Lastly, if you plan on drinking from your collection for special occasions remember not to wash these dishes with the rest.  In fact, traditional steins of the stone variety were rarely washed if ever.  They are like your grandparents old cast iron pan.  The sum total of the uses adds to the future flavors.

Finding Collectibles to Sell Online

Sometimes cleaning out all of those old boxes in the attic can do more than stir memories and clear space.  Sometimes, those old boxes and crates are veritable treasure chests of valuable merchandise that people around the world are looking to purchase.  Many old items that have been locked away in storage make a grand re-appearance every day in the collectibles category of eBay.  It is difficult to predict what will sell well when you come across an old relic, but checking out the completed listings can be a fun way to build yourself a list of hot collectible items.  Once you have built this list, you are just a short step away from drawing yourself a treasure map of where to get your hands on the old collectible items people want to purchase.

Most people automatically think of items like vintage dolls or fine china when they think of hot selling collectibles.  The truth is, there are people who collect almost anything you can imagine.  For an eBay re-seller, finding learning about the uncommon items is a key to success.  People who try to buy and sell only the well known collectible items will often find themselves having a difficult time beating the crowds to the merchandise they want to purchase at estate and garage sales.

So, if you do not have any of the old collectibles people like, where should you find them?  Honestly, the best places are often the corners of garage sales and estate sales where others do not want to bother visiting.  These little hot spots often hold treasures that were tossed into boxes and then forgotten about.  Many sellers just assume that no one would want such old merchandise.  If you do your homework, studying eBay’s completed listings, you will be able to separate out anything valuable in no time flat, and probably buy it for a great price.

How To Choose A Butterfly Net

Once you’ve made the decision to study and admire butterflies, you have start thinking seriously about buying a butterfly net. It’s an important tool for anyone who wants to get closer to butterflies, and you don’t want to acquire the wrong one.

Consider the purchase first from the butterfly’s perspective. These creatures have delicate wings – if they are hurt in any way, the butterfly could lose its ability to fly and take care of itself. Therefore, you should choose a butterfly net that’s made from a lightweight mesh that won’t injure the butterfly’s wings.

The handle of your butterfly net needs to be neither too long nor too short. If it’s too long, you’ll lose your ability to control the net and end up flailing uselessly. If it’s too short, the butterfly will spook too easily when you approach.

Need a Butterfly Net?

If you can, experiment with the net a little. See how it fits into your hand. See what kind of control you have when you lift it. It should feel natural to you – almost like an extension of your arm.

The loop at the end of the handle – which is the opening of the net, and where the net attaches to the handle – should also be large enough to comfortably settle over the butterfly. Look for a diameter of approximately ten inches. Again, if it’s too small you’ll risk clubbing the butterfly rather than trapping it. And if it’s too large, it will be unwieldy in your hand.

Be careful when you use the net. Don’t swing it in broad arcs that might hit a fellow butterfly student! Move it swiftly but also gently – it’s better to miss the butterfly than to injure it. Remember, your goal is to study and admire butterflies but always with respect. Capture butterflies when they are resting – trying to get them while flying is too hard and risky.

Keep those tips in mind and you should get a lot of satisfying use out of your new butterfly net.

What is Your Coin Collection Worth?

Many people like to start a coin collection for their children, or grandchildren to get them interested in history or simply as an investment for their future. These collections are usually held by parents or grandparents until the child reaches a certain age and they inherit these coins.

If you’re fortunate enough to own a coin collection you should consider having them valued. Unfortunately unless your coins are very rare or are of a high grade (condition) it is unlikely they will be worth that much. Most coins are not that valuable. If you think about it most coins were mass produced even in the time of the Romans so they are not as rare as many people believe.

There are four factors that have the greatest impact on the value of a coin. The first is scarcity or how rare a coin is. For example a 1877 Indian head cent can sell for hundreds of dollars while an 1865 Indian head might sell for only 10 or 20 dollars because the later is more common and so there is less demand.

Also a coin is not rare simply because it is old. Rarity is determined by how many of these coins were minted at the time and have survived until this day. It can also be determined by condition. While there may be many ancient greek coins for sale such as the common drachma most of these coins will be in bad shape and heavily corroded. However the same coin considered to be in pristine condition would be considered rare and be of much higher value.

Grade
The condition of a coin is another important factor in determining a coins value and is often referred to as the grade of a coin. The grade of a coin can be measured using a grading system called the Sheldon Scale developed by Dr. William Sheldon in 1979. The system has wide acceptance among both collectors and dealers and it has become popular to send coins to grading services to grade them based on this scale.

Demand
Even relatively common coins can have higher demand if lots of people collect them. For example Morgan Dollars minted from 1878 to 1904 are common but they are the most popular, researched and documented US coins of all time which is why there are plenty of professionally graded Morgan coins available and a lot of people wanting to collect them.

Precious Metal Content
Gold and silver coins rarely sell for less than their scrap or melt value unless their condition is extremely poor. However silver and gold coins have appreciated in value considerably in the last few years so buying a coin containing a precious metal can add extra value. There are many gold coins for sale on Ebay but be sure to buy only professionally graded or “slabbed” coins. Those are coins in plastic capsules (slabs) that have been graded and authenticated by such services as PCGS or NGC.

Before trying to sell your collection check out what other coins of the same type are selling for on auction sites like eBay. However the only true way of knowing how much your coin collection is worth is to actually try and sell it and see whether there is anyone out there who is willing to pay you for it.

Right Hand Rings – Design and Patterns

Right hand rings are the rings that worn on our right hand fingers. However not every right hand ring is called as wedding ring or engagement ring. More and more designs and patterns of right hand rings offered in the market everyday. However, which type of right hand ring is considered as the best ring for the season? The answer is hard to judge as they are carrying different kind of patterns and designs.

The most common types of designs for right hand rings are the plain simple right hand ring. There are no diamond and other gemstones to compliment the rings. Nevertheless some right hand rings are designed with fun and horror patterns which suitable to use on special occasions like Halloween party and school annual party.

Leather duffle bag – The Completion

Leather duffle bag is made from solid leather. However some cheaper quality of leather duffle bag are made from materials like PVC and rayon. Nevertheless, a quality leather duffle bag still go back to solid leather duffle bag. No matter which kind of leather duffle bags that you will going to choose, go for solid leather duffle bag is an ideal selection.

Leather duffle bag like black leather duffle bag and brown leather duffle bag has been completed with comprehensive and quality features. These features are inclusive of like zip closure, center lock, interior and exterior locked pockets. These features are important upon completion to make sure the bag is really practical in use. Lock especially, is a necessity item while you are traveling with this leather duffle bag.

Comfort Trip with Weekend Duffle Bags

Get weekend duffle bags for your trip! Weekend duffle bags are the perfect container to store trip necessities like torch lights, cloths, pants, towels and snacks. Weekend duffle bags also normally featured with many extra pockets for you to fill extra items like shower foams and facial foam. Thus weekend duffle bags served as the best case for you to carry over the other items for your husband, wife and kids.

Weekend duffle bags generally are made from waterproof canvas. However some weekend duffle bags are made from leather and nylons. No matter which kind of weekend duffle bags that you select, the most important features of a good weekend duffle bags are they must be durable in use. Generally a good weekend duffle bag can last for more than five years.

Mini Backpacks – Features

Mini backpacks are the common use bag. No matter for man woman, this mini backpack bag is the most convenient and portable shoulder bag. People love to bring them as these mini backpacks are hands-free. There’s no burden for carrying them. Mini backpacks like leather mini backpack and black mini backpack are received good responses from the market. Every year mass quantity of mini backpacks are produced to cater the increasing demand on these mini backpacks. Jansport mini backpack is one of the good examples.Besides, mini backpacks are develop in many versions and patterns to offer more options for consumers. Some mini backpack bag has been designed with beautiful patterns and graphics to boot up the sales of these bags.Thus, mini backpacks will forever support by many people.