"Flower of Israel" Set of Eight 0.5 oz. Silver 999 Medals
From Israel's Mediterranean forest region in the north to its desert in the south, up on its hills and down in its valleys, Israel has a rich flora in relation to its size.
The "Flowers of Israel" Series struck in pure silver presents 8 of the beautiful colorful flowers in the country.
1. Poppy Anenomes
Common in Israel from the north of the country to the Negev in the south, Poppy Anenomes bloom from January to April. Their flowers are mostly red, but they can also be white and purple. In Israel, the Poppy Anemone is a protected flower and picking it is prohibited.
According to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, the Poppy Anenome is the most common and loved flower in Israel and it has indeed become an integral part of Israeli culture. Poppy Anemones appeared on the One Pound Banknote in the first Israeli Pound Banknote Series issued by the Bank of Israel in 1955, which featured landscapes of Israel. They were also the subject of the design of the Israel postage stamp designed by Zvi Narkis in 1959. In 2013, the Poppy Anemone was chosen as Israel's national flower.
2. Cyclamen
The Cyclamen is the most common tuber plant in the Middle East and in Israel it is common in the northern and central parts of the country, especially in mountain areas. The flower bends its head down in humility and hides among rocks, as if accepting its literary personification and presentation as humble and shy. The Cyclamen blossoms in October through April and its colors range from white to deep purple and pink. It is a protected flower and must not be picked.
3. Common Narcissus
The Common Narcissus has six white petals and an orange-yellow corona that gives a strong, pleasant scent. Unlike many bulbous plants, the leaves of the Narcissus are not arranged in rosettes but rather, its long, narrow leaves rise from the base of the plant. The Common Narcissus is a protected flower and is known as a swamp plant, although it also grows in soil pockets between rocks in the mountains. It is common in the Mediterranean countries as far as Iran. Found in Israel in the north to the center of Israel, it blooms from October to February.
4. Bristly Hollyhock
In Israel, the "Bristly Hollyhock" is common in the Mediterranean and Judea and Samaria regions, where annual rainfall reaches at least 400mm. The plant is covered by bristly hairs and hence its name. The flowers of the Bristly Hollyhock emerge from within its leaves and are borne by a short stem. This impressive plant grows up to 3 meters high and its flowers can measure up to 12 cm in diameter. The beautiful colors of the flowers range from pink to purple.
5. Common Caper
The Common Caper is a thorny shrub, growing in the typical Mediterranean flora region in Israel in the coastal lowlands, Judea and Samaria and the Galilee mountains. Its blossom lasts about six months, from March to September. Capers are bisexual, up to 4-6 cm in diameter and their colors are white and pink. Four petals are set in pairs and are somewhat reminiscent of a butterfly's wings.
Capers survive in harsh conditions. The plant has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years and when a shrub is cut off or even burnt, it is able to renew its growth quickly.
6. Crown Daisies
Crown Daisies grow in fields, roadsides and especially on slopes of ancient sites. It appears that the nitrogen compounds which have remained in the soil at ancient settlement sites encourage the growth of Crown Daisies and suppress other flower growth. Crown Daisies are characteristic of spring in Israel and they grow and bloom in February to May. Their color is yellow-orange and they grow up to 60cm in height. In daytime, the Crown Daisy stands upright, while at night it bends over.
7. Steven's Meadow Saffron
The "Steven's Meadow Saffron" is a protected flower that grows in all regions of Israel from the Golan Heights in the north, to the Northern Negev in the south. Blooming from October to December, its flowers are light purple and pink and shaped like a small funnel with six petals and yellow anthers. The flower grows to a height of 2 to 5cm above the ground, while an additional part of the plant is hidden underground. It is pollinated by hoverflies and honey bees.
8. Dark-purpled Iris
The Dark-purpled Iris is a protected flower which grows only in Israel. Found mainly in nature reserves, it flowers during the winter months, February to March. The origin of its name is in the color of its flowers which range from deep purple to almost black. The flower consists of three "tunnels" in each of which is a stamen. Male bees lodge in the "tunnels" at night, Pollen rubs off onto their bodies and it is being transferred to another flower the next day.
JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
Gold Jewelry
Over time, elements such as dust, perspiration, and cosmetic products can cause harm to the quality of gold jewelry and diminish its luster. Although gold tends to not tarnish in the same way as silver, lower carat gold jewelry such as 9k and 14k will typically tarnish over time, especially if the jewelry comes into regular contact with chlorine, sulfur, perspiration and other acids. This can be amended by utilizing a soft polishing cloth to both clean and shine the gold jewelry. In the case of heavy tarnishing, gold jewelry should be taken to a professional jeweler for treatment.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry tends to tarnish over time, as silver oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air, high humidity, and body acidity. Tarnishing is to be expected with silver jewelry and is not a detect, however proper care and upkeep is key to maintaining and regaining silver the original luster of silver jewelry pieces.
Proper Storage
Silver jewelry should be kept in a closed container, minimizing the exposure to the air.
Proper Care
To avoid tarnishing, remove silver jewelry (rings primarily) before coming into contact with dishwashing soap and other similar solutions, including cosmetic products such as creams and lotions, as well as perfumes. Due to the makeup, perfumes can damage gemstones such as pearls and Roman Glass, as well as tarnish jewelry. Silver jewelry should also be removed before going into the ocean, pool, jacuzzi or spas that contain chlorine or sulfur. Many take added precautions and avoid wearing silver jewelry while bathing and remove pieces while sleeping to limit exposure to the elements.
How to Treat Tarnished Silver Jewelry with a Cleaning Cloth
The simplest and most common method is to polish with a silver cleaning cloth, an inexpensive and effective solution. If the cleaning cloth is stored properly after each use, it will remain in good condition for many polishings and can be used regularly.
When using a cleaning cloth, simply hold the jewelry piece in one hand and gently polish with the other. Apply minimal pressure and continue applying pressure while cleaning until the silver returns to its original luster.
The Original, Traditional DIY Cleaning Method
Always effective and safe for silver jewelry. Always clean with care and dry all jewelry thoroughly after each cleaning. Do not use these solutions with gemstones.
- Toothpaste - In the same way you use toothpaste to brush your teeth, toothpaste is safe to use to clean dirt and debris from silver jewelry pieces.
- Dishwashing Soap - Immerse the jewelry pieces in water mixed with dishwashing soap. Allow the pieces to soak for a few minutes, remove and dry thoroughly.
- Baking Soda & Aluminum Foil - Bring together one liter of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and a single piece of aluminum foil. Drop silver jewelry into the solution for 10-15 seconds, then remove (carefully) and dry thoroughly.
Gold Plated Silver Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of gold, 0.05% actual gold or less, that coats the base layer of silver. Gold plated jewelry should be treated and cared for in the same way as silver jewelry, avoiding exposure to harmful elements and solutions.
Jewelry with Gemstones
Caring for silver and gold jewelry with gemstones requires added care, as gemstones are natural stones made of varying hardnesses and are liable to break or chip if not carefully handled. Jewelry with gemstones should be treated and cared for in the same way as all silver and gold jewelry, avoiding exposure to harmful elements and solutions. Exposure may cause harm and alter the colors of the gemstones, so added precaution to remove these jewelry pieces before certain activities is important.
As different gemstones have different physical properties, identifying your gemstone is critical before cleaning as they can react very differently to heat, light, acids and scratching. For a deep cleaning, jewelry with gemstones should be taken to a professional jeweler for treatment.
Jewelry with Ancient Coins
Over hundreds of years, throughout the different periods in the Land of Israel, metallic coins were struck by the various rulers and served as circulation coins. These ancient coins have been unearthed during archaeological excavations in Israel and dated to around 3,000 years or more ago. The coins were struck during the period from the second century BCE to the second century CE. Remaining in the depths of the earth for very many years, these coins became coated with a patina, the result of reactions to chemical compounds deep in the earth.
The ancient coins mounted in our jewelry, as well as those actually sold as ancient coins, were found in archaeological diggings in Israel and are sold by license granted by the Israel Antiquities Authority to Israel Coins and Medals Corp., in the G.R.A.S group.
Exposing the coins to water (showering, bathing in the sea, pool, high body acidity) will cause tarnishing and loss of their natural patina. Details on the coins are also liable to be rubbed away by water and a damaged coin cannot be restored or repaired.
Our Ancient Coin Jewelry has been meticulously designed and handcrafted. Each piece is absolutely unique for no one coin is exactly the same as another. Each jewelry piece deserves special attention and special care when worn.
