With spring in full swing, it's a great time to take stock of how we balance our busy lives. And as we quickly approach the Vernal Equinox, it has never been a better time to enjoy the beautiful weather and appreciate all the things that make us happy.

But what exactly is the Vernal Equinox and how is it celebrated? Below, we break down why the equinox is important and how you can celebrate with some of our favorite equinox jewelry from Olivia Ewing Jewelry.

WHAT IS THE VERNAL EQUINOX?

The vernal equinox, also known as the spring equinox, is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year, usually on March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. During the vernal equinox, the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the entire planet.

The term "equinox" is derived from the Latin words "aequus," which means equal, and "nox," which means night.

Today, the vernal equinox has been celebrated as the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. However, because of time differences, the first day of Spring may fall on different dates in various regions.

For example, in 2020 the Vernal Equinox (and thus the first day of Spring) occurred on March 19th in New York City, and Australia, which is 16 hours ahead of NYC, experienced the Vernal Equinox and the First day of Spring on March 20th.

The vernal equinox has been celebrated by cultures around the world for thousands of years, with many traditional festivals and rituals marking the occasion. In ancient cultures, the equinox was seen as a time of rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings, and was often associated with fertility, agriculture, and the start of the planting season.

IS THERE A SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE TO THE VERNAL EQUINOX?

In most present-day cultures and societies, the Vernal Equinox is considered a celestial event of note that marks the first day of Spring, and outside of rejoicing at the prospect of sunnier days to come, does not hold much significance. However, certain sub-groups will still tap into the historical and spiritual traditions in celebrating the Equinox.

Indigenous cultures across the Americas celebrate the Vernal Equinox as a time of balance and harmony. They take time to honor the natural cycles of the Earth and offer thanks for the renewal of life that comes with the Spring.

Many Pagan and Wiccan traditions celebrate Ostara on the Equinox. One of the eight Sabbats, Ostara celebrates the Anglo-Saxon goddess of Spring, Eostre. Celebrations can include planting flowers and hunting for eggs, which -in addition to bunnies are the symbols of Eostre.

If this all sounds familiar, it’s because it is! Christians adopted and adapted Ostara celebrations to help Pagans more easily convert to Christianity. Ostara became Easter (derived from Eostre) - the celebration of the day Jesus Christ was resurrected after being crucified, and many of the same traditions and symbols, like Egg hunts and bunnies, were carried over.

If you’re looking to celebrate the Vernal Equinox try taking time to meditate about the nature of spring, the coming of the light, and the natural balance that the Equinox brings.

Of course, one of our favorite ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox is buy adorning ourselves with stunning equinox jewelry. With a variety of rejuvenating spiritual properties, these Spring-appropriate gems are sure to put a pep in your step this Equinox.

JUNIPER AQUAMARINE AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING

Much like the Vernal Equinox itself, our Juniper Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring provides just the right balance of playful details with a strong and commanding presence. A pear-cut aquamarine gleams from its secure four-prong setting while a cluster of glittering melee diamonds glitter from its side.

The solid gold or platinum band has been cast from a real foraged Ashe Juniper sprig which allows for all of the organic natural splendor to be perfectly realized in precious metal.

Aquamarine has long been believed to be an excellent gemstone for providing an extra dose of physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and is useful when moving through a period of change. So, if you are looking for a stunning piece of jewelry that can help you balance the changing of times then look no further than the Juniper Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring.

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FEYRE GODDESS OPAL CLUSTER RING

The Feyre Goddess Opal Cluster Ring is a delicate and beautiful piece that will make you feel like you're blooming.

Its center opal stone is luminescent with soft sheens of peach, purple, yellow, and green hues that flash colorfully in the sunlight. Like aquamarine, opal is known to boost balance while also amplifying one's higher hope and divine purity.

On either side of the opal, three melee diamonds brilliantly sparkle, adding just enough sparkle to keep things bright without blinding you with their brightness. All of this is exquisitely set within two rustic bands that have been masterfully intertwined, creating a ring that is as symbolic as it is beautiful.

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NAPLES MORGANITE HALF-HALO RING

Like the sun rising on an early spring morning, our Naples Morganite Half-Halo ring emits stunning peachy-pink hues that are sure to take the breath from even the sternest onlooker.

A solid rose, yellow, and white gold or platinum band, cast from a real foraged twig, highlights the brilliant round cut morganite center stone - creating a half-halo that sparkles with four delicate diamonds.

A gemstone of great and divine love, morganite encourages an eternal spring of deep compassion and love. This stunning ring is the perfect complement to the woman who enjoys awakening at the first rays of light and basking in its warmth throughout the day.

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UNION MONTANA SAPPHIRE FOUR STONE RING

It wouldn't feel like springtime without incorporating vibrant blues, purples, and teals into your daily style and our Union Montana Sapphire Four Stone Ring is the perfect ring to do just that.

This stunning and wearable work of art fits easily on the finger and contains four brilliant Montana sapphires in variegated shades of blue, teal, and purple. Like a robin's blue egg, the cheery-blue-hued stones reflect the changing of the season and the equal balance of day and night.

Set within a solid gold or platinum band, the Union Montana Sapphire Four Stone Ring has been polished smooth for a comfortable fit and is able to effortlessly complement your style regardless of the occasion.

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KNOX MORGANITE THREE STONE RING

A braided twig band, inspired by Celtic knots and realized in solid gold or platinum gently cradles two sparkling diamonds and a dazzling center morganite.

The three stones represent the past, present, and future: one stone for each point in time. It's a timeless piece that will always look elegant on your finger. Likewise, Celtic knots have long symbolized loyalty, love, and faith and are celebrated for the infinite nature of the structure of the knot. When both of these elements are combined, the resulting ring is a beautiful symbol of your enduring love, passion, and fidelity from today until tomorrow and the day after.

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JUNIPER OPAL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING

A pearlescent opal flashes in the rays of the springtime sun while an asymmetrical splash of melee diamonds compliment its beams with an equally commanding flash in our Juniper Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring.

Cast from the foraged twigs of an Ashe Juniper, the solid gold or platinum band maintains delicate detailing around the entire band. Each immaculate bud and twig is perfectly encapsulated within expertly handcrafted precious metals.

Perfect for the woman in your life who loves to shine bright, the Juniper Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring is sure to deliver the dazzle.

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FIND YOUR PERFECT EQUINOX JEWELRY AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

Celebrate the upcoming Vernal Equinox with an exquisite ring from Olivia Ewing Jewelry.

Handcrafted with love and passion, Olivia Ewing Jewelry is designed to be worn for a lifetime. With designs that are elegant, effortless, and timeless, their suitable for special occasions or everyday wear.

So whether you're looking for a ring that will add a touch of sparkle to your ensemble or something more understated that will complement your natural style, you'll find it here at Olivia Ewing Jewelry.

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