A mango wood box with the sign of Libra, 10 × 10 cm at the base and 6 cm high. The lid is dark blue with tiny gold dots. In the middle of the cream circle stands a gold pair of scales, with flowers in both pans. Twelve sections around it hold the zodiac constellations. The lid opens on two hinges and a metal clasp keeps it shut at the front. Once open, the lid stays where it is and does not tip back. Its sides are brown wood. Made in India; you receive one box.
The only object in the zodiac
Of the twelve signs, only Libra is represented by an object, while the others are people, animals or mythical creatures. Libra season runs roughly from 23 September to 22 October, and astrology links it to Venus.
Librans are said to have a strong sense of fairness and an eye for beauty, and to find decisions hard because they weigh everything up.
An air sign at the start of autumn
Libra is an air sign, alongside Gemini and Aquarius. The Sun enters it at the autumn equinox, when day and night are roughly the same length, and many see the two pans of the scales in that.
Two rings in one place
If you and your partner take off your wedding rings at night, the two rings can stay side by side here until morning. If the rings scratch easily, lay a soft cloth underneath. It works for earrings and bracelets too, and the inside is bare wood. A dry, soft cloth is enough for cleaning; keep the box off radiators.
A Libra celebrating in late September or October will recognise their own sign on the lid. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and opal for October.