WHY IS A ROLEX SO EXPENSIVE?

A fair question. And, once you understand the full work and quality put into a Rolex you will understand just how valuable they really are. Let me share a few points with you.  It takes a great deal of time for a master craftsman to create this watch. The movements themselves are the heart of the Rolex and all the movements are hand assembled and tested. Not only is the manufacturing done by hand so to is the cleaning and polishing. Even the hour markers are set individually by hand. They focus on material and science to perfect them and to create great accuracy. Rolex regularly adds new improvements into the movements to stay above all others in the market of luxury mechanical watches.  Additionally, Rolex has its own R and D laboratory to develop new techniques and better manufacturing methods . Rolex uses only the finest quality materials so that all their watches run and function correctly and accurately.  Rolex doesn’t use standard stainless steel they use only 904L instead. It is harder and has much more shine making it more difficult to work on. The dial is made of white gold and the bezels are ceramic. Smaller details like the hour marker themselves are sandblasted platinum.  No shortcuts are taken on Rolex watches and every detail counts on this luxury watch.

When you focus on Rolex compared to other brands, your getting more for every dollar you pay. Rolex focuses on quality and workmanship and of course the value and reputation it up holds in the luxury watch market. Rolex prices are priced higher but for a very good reason. Looking at the economies scale of prices Rolex is very competitively priced amongst other brands. Rolex  makes a million watches a year but still control all aspects of the manufacturing process down to every last detail like melting down their own gold and steel. You may think that Rolex is expensive but once you break down the craftsmanship and the materials it’s worth it for this high quality timeless timepiece. 

WHERE DOES GOLD COME FROM?

A question that scientists believe they finally have an answer to. They believe that gold was not formed on earth, but is actually made in space. Scientist believe that gold came to earth by giant meteorites that  struck the planet over 200 million years. These meteorites were packed with gold and other metals that bombarded the surface during the formation of the planet and molten iron sank to its center to make the core taking gold and platinum with it. The closer it is to the surface the more recent a meteorite has struck.

Although a diamond can be artificially produced, there is no way to do so with gold and only so much is available to us. Of course some scientist believe that gold mining in outer space may be open to explore in the future, such big ideas are far too expensive to be explored at this moment. Maybe if the supply and demand was high enough, plus prices continuing to climb it could be something to explore and do. Until then we have small-scale miners who remaining searching near the surface. 

Water erosion actually helps form gold veins that originally formed millions of years ago. Hot water and pressure combined to melt gold will push more amounts of Gold closer to the surface for us to find. Once it cools those gold veins fill the natural cracks in rocks. Even the microscopic veins are sometimes quite significant and the high-grade deposits can be mined very profitable. 

Finding gold is key. Most gold is still floating around in the earth’s center or under the ocean and has still yet to be discovered. Gold can be found pretty much anywhere but to find a significant amount is where they have to find the more active parts of earth. Originally gold that was found by accident, it was just stumbled upon near streams or deposits near hills and mountains. The erosion process near large bodies of water reveals large deposits while streams that cut through rocks have the smaller amounts. Gold is one of the most sought out minerals in the world.

BIRTHSTONE

Many people wear a specific birthstone according to their month. Others wear them for the meaning behind the stone color and what they symbolize.. Certain stones are believed to have a healing power of bringing good health to those that wear them. Here is a breakdown of each stone by month and what each symbolizes.

Garnet, the birthstone for January. Is a symbol of faith, love and constancy. It is said that because of those attributes it may prevent nightmares and provide guidance from the darkness you may be lead to. Wearing a garnet may increase your self-image or will power and energy levels, while more anxious people may feel calmer and at ease. Traditionally believed to keep travelers safer on trips and, is also known for its healing powers.  Garnets are believed to boost your energy and help you feel less drained. Also, it may help you feel more stabilized whether it’s externally or physically. Since garnets are believed to boost your energy it’s also associated with the healing process speeding it up and helping to cleanse and re-energizes the chakras.

Amethyst, the birthstone for February. Is a symbol that is known for strong relationships and courage. At one point in time only royalty were able to wear this stone. The ancient Greeks believed it guarded them against intoxication because amethyst came from the Greek word amethystos meaning “sober”. While purple amethysts are meant to mean peace, temperance, serenity and royalty. It is also believed that it is a symbol of protection and power to overcome difficulty. It helps with self-control and helps strengthen a bond to love.

Healers wore amethyst because they believed that it had the power to focus their energy. They were known to wear amethyst in a silver necklace so they would be able to hold it while healing someone. Also, they would place an amethyst where the person needed the healing.  Amethyst was commonly used for problems in the blood or for breathing problems and were placed in clusters to help the air in your surroundings be clean and positive.

Aquamarine, the birthstone for March. Sailors believed aquamarine protected them against dangers from the ocean. Pale blue aquamarines are said to be associated with good health, youth, love and hope. The gem was also known to help reawaken the love in a marriage, build courage, and increase happiness. The soothing blue color is also believed to bring clarity and release negative energy. Aquamarines calming energies reduce stress and relaxes the mind. It is believed to shield and cleanse your aura and align the chakras. Also popular for expecting mothers to guard mother and baby from harm and it’s said to discourage miscarriages. Aquamarines are also believed to help with sore throats, swollen glands and thyroid issues. It help regulates hormones and boost immune systems.

Diamond, the birthstone for April. The diamond is a symbol of love, of course. It was once believed that it brings you courage. A diamond is a symbol of purity, innocence, eternity and courage. In ancient times diamonds were said to be tears of God’s. The diamond has beauty and brilliance and the birthstones meaning is true love, strength and romance. Hence, why they’re  used in engagement rings. The diamond is supposed to be an energy amplifier. It said to bring you endurance and enhance the power of other crystals. It purifies and detoxifies your body, also rebalances your metabolism. Diamonds are believed to enhance your stamina, strength and treat allergies and chronic conditions. Diamonds help with vertigo and are said to benefit your brain.

Emerald, the birthstone for May. The emerald was said to have been Cleopatra’s favorite gem. Traditionally, it  has been associated with fertility, rebirth and love. It was even dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Although, today it is known to signify wisdom, growth and patience. Emeralds have a greater healing power and are believed to help with many things like heart, lungs, spine and muscular systems. They have detoxifying effect on the liver and diabetes. Not to mention they aid in recovery from infections and help sooth the eyes and improve vision.

Pearl, the birthstone for June. Pearls are traditionally a symbol of purity. They are worn to suggest chastity, modesty and a stable marriage. Ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Also, pearls were worn to calm your mind and to help control anger. Some people even wear them to succeed in work and be more creative. Pearls are believed to ease childbirth and increase fertility. Also, for treating digestive disorders,  protecting the organs, and to  improve the skin.

Ruby, the birthstone for July. Red rubies are tokens of harmony and peace. Ancient Hindus regarded them as the “king of gems”. The deep red color signifies love and passion. It is believed to attract good fortune while protecting you from evil. The ruby is also associated with protection, enthusiasm, contentment, success, integrity and strength.The ruby overcomes exhaustion and lethargy. The ruby is believed to detoxify your body along with your blood and lymphatic system. It also stimulates your adrenals, kidneys, reproductive organs, spleen;  as well as treating restricted blood flow.

Peridot, the birthstone for August. Peridot,sometimes called  the evening emerald, symbolizes strength and if set in gold will protect wearer from evil dreams. Also, to protect from enchantments, and depression by wearing or carrying this gem. Once believed that this gem was the volcanic ashes were the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess.It is said that peridot can banish lethargy, apathy and exhaustion, while strengthens the immune system, metabolism and benefits the skin. It aids the intestinal tract, treats ulcers, and aids in disorders with the heart, thymus, lungs, and gallbladder. And, to even help with insomnia and digestion.

Sapphire, the birthstone for September. Sapphire is associated with faith, honesty, wisdom and serenity. It increases mental clarity and enhances spirituality in a person. Sapphires are said to promote pure emotions and purity of mind. It opens the mind to beauty and love, while clearing the mind of unwanted thoughts. Traditionally it was a favorite stone of priest and kings because it symbolizes purity and wisdom. It was once said that a venomous snake would die if placed in a vessel made of sapphires. Sapphires are believed to treat blood disorders, combat excessive bleeding and strengthen the walls of veins. Also used for cellular disorders, regulate the glands, and calm overactive body systems.

Opal, the birthstone for October. Opal is a derivation of the Latin word opalus, which means precious jewel.  The opal represents hope, innocence and is believed to bring happiness and healing to all.  Necklaces with opals were worn to repel evil and protect eyesight. Opals are said to strengthen memory and increase the will to live.  They treat infections, cleanse the blood, and regulate insulin. Even eases childbirth and alleviates PMS.

Topaz, the birthstone for November. Topaz is named after the island Topazos. It is said to symbolize love and affection. Also consistency, faithfulness and friendship. They offer protection to travelers and support good mental health. Topaz aids digestion and combats eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. It fortifies the nerves and stimulates the metabolism, is soothing for physical pain, and promotes calm emotions

Turquoise, the birthstone for December. This birthstone symbolizes fortune, good luck, friendship, happiness, peace and patience. It is said to bring mental peace and relax the mind. Turquoise represent a happy life filled with good fortune. Ancient practitioners believed that the turquoise would change color when the wearer was ill.

The stone aids in absorption of nutrients and enhances the immune system. It is also believed that the stone can stimulate the regeneration of tissue and heal the whole body. That it contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. Turquoise is believed to be a healing stone, so there are many things it is said to heal. Even neutralizing acidity in the body and helping with infections.

As you can see all these stones have different meaning or even the same just a different mixture as to what does what. Many sayings are dated back to ancient times.  Whether you wear them according to your birthstone or to enhance your life with their healing properties, we hope this information was helpful to our readers.