My blog is probably getting boring with my endless medical updates and AI (artificial intelligence) creations. Today I'm going off course with a different subject.
Okay, I can hear the enthusiastic applause. Shame on you!
A quick update, just for the curious. I still have back/hip pain but it's a little less severe. My pain meds were increased. I still can't do any physical therapy....but fervently hoping I can in the near future. Every one here is very helpful and kind. I am well-liked (why? I don't know). I'm presently running a low fever and feeling I'm coming down with something. I hope not.
Drastic change of subject, going off course.
I have always loved antiques and have several different collections. I have an enormous collection of antique art ( which I've shared on old blog posts). Mostly oil paintings and some water colors and drawings - - from the 1800s but also some from the 1700s. About 100 things in my collection.
Unfortunately, I sold some of the art when I needed cash....but the majority of my collection is (sadly) stored away, being ravaged by mice and dampness.
I had a wonderful antique book collection - - which was "lost" or more likely stolen during my move to Tennessee.
I'll interject here to say that I'm not wealthy ( presently at below poverty level).....and I'm very frugal. I've only bought what I could afford.
One of my passions is collecting ancient jewelry. Not old, but ancient - - from the Medieval era and beyond (a few from ancient Rome). I've always been very careful to buy from reputable dealers.
I know two archaeologists whom I buy items from. One is Gabriel, who lives in Los Angeles - and was a consultant for the History Channel. Another is a man named Thor, who is currently living in Ukraine (God bless those people).
I have a impressive collection of antique rings - over forty or so - some are several hundred years old.
Also ancient crosses and pendants - Celtic, Viking, whatever (my mind muddles). In my sordid past I have often worn my pendants and rings.
Unfortunately I lost my favorite ring - - a gorgeous gold and amethyst from Italy. I have no clue what happened to it.
I happened to find some photos from my collection here on my cell phone.
A few of my rings, kept in an old Hungarian box. Some of these are several hundred years old.
A Persian ring, I'm assuming the stone is carnelian.
.....and now (drum roll ) my ancient crosses
This is the first one I ever purchased. I'm certain it's Celtic.
This Russian cross is from the 1600s. It looks better in real. I got it for a very low price, because the condition is rather poor.
Some of my favorites below - at least 500 years old and in remarkably good condition. Photos are kinda blurry.
Okay, I haven't purchased any antiques in many many years. I have no reason to. BUT.....a few weeks ago I bought this Medieval Christian Orthodox cross which is in beautiful condition.
And.....(the grand finale)
I never ever buy modern jewelry. It doesn't interest me.
But......
I was recently surfing the web (so to speak) and discovered an online jewelry shop in London. I suddenly fell in love with this ring for some unbeknownst reason. I wanted to buy it, but resisted. There's no plausible reason that I should have it. I'd be foolish to purchase it.
So yesterday I visited the London jewelry shop again. Just to look. My beloved ring......was on sale for half price!! - - - and only one was left.
What the hell. I bought it.
It wasn't very expensive. Honest.
Jon 💜 fascinating or foolish
BTW
I want to thank Jane for sending me another card ( peace, strength, healing - - I need that). She's from Strawberry Plains, Tennessee - - which I've never heard of.
Jon, sometimes, even when there’s no “good” reason for buying something, we do it because a good reason isn’t needed. Enjoyed seeing some of the things that bring you joy. The rings and crosses are amazing and I wondered if you knew the history of any or many.
ReplyDeleteI always buy things that make me feel good. It's ironic that the modern ring was on sale.
DeleteUnfortunately there's no way to find the history of these items, but it's incredible knowing how very long they've been around.
Well, I'm glad to read you are having a little relief from your pain, hopefully it will continue.
ReplyDeleteYour collection of rings and crosses is, quite impressive, ooh what tales they could tell......
Treating yourself to that lovely piece of jewelry, you deserve it.
Hugs,
~Jo
I'm hoping that somehow I can walk again and continue the therapy. I don't know how the pain can be eliminated.
DeleteI love anything that is old, and you're right - - it is fascinating to think of the tales they could tell. I never buy modern jewelry, but it was ironic that the ring was on sale.
Although I don't favor personal jewelry, your collection is surely intriguing! I'm especially taken with the crosses. So glad you followed your instincts and bought this ring. Simple pleasures don't necessarily require reason.
ReplyDeleteI never favored personal jewelry, either - especially jewelry for men. But these ancient items are really intriguing and give me a good feeling. I usually wear a pendant, and occasionally a ring.
DeleteI admittedly do some foolish things, but - heck - the ring was on sale.
Glad you are getting some pain relief. I hope it won't be too long before you can do some PT.
ReplyDeleteQuite a collection! I didn't know you collected the rings and crosses. I'm glad you were able to get that ring on sale and I'm sure it will bring you joy to have it in hand. Life is too short, right? :)
I wish I could find the root cause of the pain and eliminate it - - but at least the meds are helping a little.
DeleteIt's strange that I never really liked jewelry, but these ancient things really fascinate me.
I'm surprised that I liked the modern ring, but.....when it was on sale I couldn't resist.
I'm glad you are having a little relief from your pain, and hope it will continue.
ReplyDeleteYour collection of jewelry is fascinating.
Strawberry Plains is not on any map, we're a tiny community in East TN. We're just outside of Knoxville. Blink fast and you miss us.
Hey, Jane, what a surprise. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I've only lived in TN for ten years and I'm not familiar with many places. The name Strawberry Plains is intriguing. Now, at least I know where it is. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting side to your interests. I hadn't thought of you as collector. I like very much the pieces you're showing us here. Glad the pain level is a bit reduced, too.
ReplyDeleteI never purposely wanted to be a collector, but it sort of sneaked up on me. One antique painting led to another. Then one ancient cross...... I am fascinated by old items.
DeleteThe meds have reduced the pain slightly. At least I'm not screaming.
I like them, Jon. The rings remind me of an old friend who also collected them.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd have a ring collection. I got many of them from amateur sellers who didn't know their value.
DeleteThese pieces of ancient jewelry are indeed GORGEOUS! And, yes, I do believe that ring is carnelian.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate your love of such things. I, personally, love cameo jewelry. My grandmother handed down a REAL cameo necklace with a diamond chip in it - it is a family earldom which I will always cherish.
All the best,
- Kim
I've always had an intense fascination for old things - - even when I was a child.
DeleteWhen I was 14, I bought an antique desk from a junk shop for six dollars. I cleaned and painted it and put it in my bedroom (my father eventually threw it out).
Ancient jewelry really intrigues me. A real cameo is rare nowadays, your grandmother's necklace must be a treasure.
Thanks, Kim
The rings are like the ring of a raw ruby set in gold that my maternal grandmother wore, a wedding gift from her grandmother. My family called it her magic ring as her grandmother claimed it had mystical powers with the way light struck the raw ruby.
ReplyDelete-Rj
That's an intriguing story. It must be a beautiful ring and I believe it has mystical powers.
Delete