Jewelry Tips And Tricks

How to Pick Jewelry to Match Your Wedding Dress

2010-12-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

I think that the best place to start when making plans for your wedding is turn to your dreams. Let’s face it, we are women, and we've had a picture painted in our minds of how this day "should be" since we could pick buds and blooms from our mothers' rose bushes and pretend that we were brides. So we've had a pretty good idea of what we are looking for long before we actually set ourselves free in the endless sea of choices in styles, colors, themes, and even textures of the wedding world.

One of the first things that most brides will do is start to shop for their dress. Sometimes, as I did, you will find that the "Perfect Princess Dress" that you always thought you'd have, just doesn’t work for you. But this is absolutely fine, at least it will give you a place to start and you can take it from there. I would also suggest trying on everything that even slightly tickles your fancy. You may be surprised at what you like and what you do not. The only reason that I mention this in an article on choosing your jewelry is because life will be much easier if you choose your dress prior to choosing your accessories, not the other way around.

First, take into consideration the cut of your dress. A sleeveless dress can carry a different shape of necklace and allow for more space on your chest for decoration. A halter-cut may be more appropriate for a very simple, single strand necklace or you may want to skip a necklace all together and focus on a pretty pair of earrings and a bracelet. Keep in mind that these are only suggestions and make decisions that will make you happy, it is your day after all!

Second, have a good look at the way that your dress is decorated. It could have a very large pattern that covers the entire dress with sequins and pearls form head to toe. Or, it could be very simple with the only accents being in the cuts of the fabric such as different layering of materials, gathers, or pleats. The overall style of the dress is a crucial detail to consider when choosing jewelry that will compliment your ensemble. If you do not take the style of your dress into consideration, you could end up with a result that looks awkward and takes away from the over-all look that you’ve set out to accomplish.

With simpler dresses, I would suggest going with jewelry that is more elaborate such as a Swarovski Three Point Crystal Necklace. Necklaces with this much detail work well with dresses that don’t have much beadwork and really give the dress the classic statement that it deserves.

With dresses that have alot of detail, I would suggest jewelry that will follow the theme of decorations in the dress, but go with something that will not understate the dress. For a dress that has a lot of sequins and pearls over the entire bodice, a Swarovski Crystal and Single to Double Pearl Necklace would be the perfect companion.

Make sure that all of your jewelry coordinates. You don’t have to buy a set, although it would make your job of getting a classic look much easier and guarantee a flawless match. But if you decide to "mix and match" your jewelry, be sure that they have common elements, such as shapes, colors, styles or stones.

How to Selecting Jewelry For Men

2010-11-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Many women will have a hard time selecting jewelry for the men in their life to give at Christmas. It seems that there are so many occasions to give gifts throughout the year, that some women run out of speed on coming up with gift ideas by the time Christmas arrives. Jewelry is always a good choice for Christmas gift giving and men especially love to receive gold jewelry at any time of the year.

Gold jewelry is very warm and friendly and a neutral gift choice for men who are only friends. A co-worker would certainly appreciate a piece of jewelry that can be worn around the wrist and the links in the bracelet could be large enough to ensure that all observers understand that it was clearly designed for a man. A woman must still be on her toes when selecting jewelry for men because if it looks feminine in any way, the man is likely to refrain from wearing it.

A woman will feel closer to the man she grew up with if she presents him with a piece of jewelry that he is certain to wear everyday. Dad would be sure to enjoy any jewelry that comes from their little girl or boy. A parent will always cherish jewelry that is handmade by little hands during a weekend, and will be quite thrilled to get a money clip with the same little unique designs on them that were the trademark of all crafts made when the child was young.

Jewelry selections that have more meaning are the ones that can be personalized with initials or names. There are many unique shapes that can be engraved on a piece of jewelry and the person who receives this type of jewelry will always feel very special while wearing it. Some families will customize their jewelry needs so that every member of the family owns necklaces that match. The styling for the letters will be the same on each one but the personalization chosen could be very different.

Men might prefer wearing signet rings that bear one initials and this style of jewelry has been very popular in the past and will probably continue being a favorite for holiday gifts for many years to come. The styling for jewelry might change through the years, and men rely on old favorites to meet their jewelry needs. Most men will wear a low number of rings at one time, but have a choice of rings to pick from are one of the joys that men have when buying jewelry.

Selecting jewelry for men can be relatively painless if a person has a gift list in hand. Some men have a passion for natural stones and the natural choice for these people is to buy jewelry that features turquoise or onyx stones in them. The precious metals used in jewelry for men can be smooth as silk, or fashioned in a setting that turns gold into molten rock shapes. The rugged features of a man that have a passion for the outdoors might prefer gold jewelry items that are fashioned from raw gold nuggets. Getting to know the type of man that you are shopping for will help when the Christmas holiday shopping season begins.

Where to Discover Classic Jewelry

2010-10-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

There are many causes that an individual could wish to discover classic jewelry. Perhaps that is the jewelry of choice for them and this is what they wish to wear. Or perhaps they're just collectors and discovering quality vintage items is just a hobby. Another massive motivator is money. Vintage jewelry is in excessive demand and possibly you need to discover it for resale purposes. Regardless of the reason, it's apparent that competitors to accumulate good quality classic jewelry is there and it's essential to have experience and data to actually get good pieces.

So, where can you discover these vintage items? To start with you have to know what you are looking for. It isn't sufficient simply to say a bit of bijou is "vintage." A collector or entrepreneur should be somewhat of an expert in classic jewelery to essentially get a superb deal. They should be knowledgeable concerning the different eras (Art Deco, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, etc.). This is necessary to its value. As nicely as there must be some basic jeweler's information relating to the totally different markings of different valuable metals and gem stones, in addition to information of a few of the more distinguished designers for signed pieces. A signed Christian Dior piece is much more in demand than a bit that's not signed at all. And some well-known designers of the past are in larger demand than other previous designers. In essence, to get a superb deal you want to know what a very good deal is.

Where to find? Top-of-the-line locations is property sales. Look for these in the categorized add part of your native newspaper, usually posted near the tip of the week for the sale on the weekend. This is where yow will discover good high quality items and signed as well. Generally even at your native storage gross sales it's attainable you'll find some first rate items.

The subsequent best place is at consignment or Goodwill stores. What occurs loads is that somebody may die and the household will depart the estate jewellery to the store. They get to put in writing it off on their taxes and a percentage of the proceeds go to charity. Thus, right here you can find good quality items as well. If you're a connoisseur, you may give you the option to find a very helpful piece and buy it low cost as a outcome of usually these salespeople are unaware of the true worth of the jewelry.

After which of course there's the internet. Just sort into your search engine browser "vintage or vintage jewellery" and a ton of websites will appear selling all types of jewelry. They usually offer you descriptions concerning the piece. Nevertheless, be weary. It is best to have the power to maintain the jewelry and look at it with your personal bare eye and see whether it is good high quality craftsmanship or only a piece of junk. A lot is offered on the auction site eBay. Again, you must be very careful. Even with a terrific description of the item, it might not all the time be as described.

Whatever your reason for amassing antique jewelry, just keep in mind it is very important educate yourself earlier than you buy. That is true just about true for something of value that you just purchase, but with jewelry and all the variables involved it is of most importance. Go to where the treasures are hiding, after which select the golden eggs.

You should check out this blog on Vintage Jewelry Lots

Make Amazing Jewelry with Gemstone Beads

2010-09-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever made Jewelry with Gemstone Beads? You may have seen various kinds of jewelry like handmade jewelry, gold, silver jewelry, metal, diamond jewelry, fashion jewelry, body jewelry, sterling silver and gemstone jewelry. But have u ever thought that how can u make your own jewelry using gemstone beads like semi precious beads and precious beads.

You can make beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants and many more to gift your loved once. You can also wear on various occasions and daily life as well. Natural Gemstone beads are long lasting and look beautiful.

You can create a different jewelry piece, or two, to go with every outfit. Making gemstone jewelry isn't difficult, and designing each piece can be a lot of fun. Here's how to make gemstone jewelry.

Create your own design-Before threading a single bead, choose the best pattern and kind of beads you need. Create a beautiful design. If you don't have a beading board, use a small terry-cloth towel to keep the beads from rolling away. After laying out the pattern, make any final changes or adjustments.

Attach half of the jewelry clasp - Tie one half of the clasp onto the end of the beading thread. A regular double or triple knot will do. After tying the knot, put a small dot of glue or clear fingernail polish on the knot. Once the glue or nail polish has dried, use beading scissors or nail clippers to cut off the loose end as close to the knot as possible.

Thread the beads -Slide all of the gemstone beads that you set out in a pattern as above onto the beading thread using the attached needle. Once all the beads are on the thread, hold the strand up with the clasp that is already attached at the bottom. Let the beads naturally fall against each other so there are no gaps between them.

Connect the other half of the buckle- This is the hardest part of making gemstone jewelry. The thread must be pulled the knot tight and snug against the last bead to avoid any gaps. To do this, slide the clip to the thread and make a very loose knot at the base of the buckle. Put the bead knotting tool or a large pin through the center of the knot loose. Not tighten the knot carefully the work of the node to the heel so that the knotting tool or pin is comfortable against the last bead.

Lift the thread up and make sure that there are gaps. Pull the thread tight to the beads, but don't allow the knot to tighten again. Without releasing the tension on the wire through the beads, lay the thread down and start to tighten the knot while maintaining pin comfortable against the last bead. (This process is similar to tie a knot on a package with a finger to keep the knot tight. In this case, the pin is serving the same purpose as the finger on the package.) Continue pulling the thread until the knot is tight without gaps. Gently remove the pin or push the issue on the bead knotting tool. Place a small dot of glue or clear nail polish on the node. After the glue or nail polish is dry, use scissors or nail clippers to cut the beading free end close to the knot as possible.

About the Author

J-beads is world's leading wholesale gemstone beads, precious beads and semi precious beads supplier and exporter. Offer huge range of gemstone beads includes Amethyst, Tourmaline, Lemon Quartz, Iolite, Garnet, Smoky, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, other major colored Gemstones and cabochons with 100% Guarantee

Don't just wear Bridal Jewelry for the wedding

2010-09-24T22:43:00.001-07:00

Selecting the most beautiful bridal jewelry to match your dream wedding gown is so important to finishing off your bridal look. Most brides wear their bridal jewelry for the wedding day only and then store it in a jewelry box or chest, never to be worn again.

Wearing your bridal jewelry after the wedding can bring back all of the warm memories you shared with your groom on that special day. The best part of owning your bridal jewelry is that it can be worn again, cherishing that day each and every time it is worn.

A great time to “dig out” the bridal jewelry you wore for your wedding is on your anniversaries. Most couples dress up and do something special together each year to mark their wedding anniversary. Why not accessorize your formal attire with the bridal jewelry you wore on your wedding day. Most brides choose white, ivory, clear pearls or crystals. These are great for the wedding, because traditionally a bride wears a white or ivory color and these colors of pearls and crystals match the wedding gown perfectly. It happens that your crystals can be worn with any dressed up outfit, as clear crystals match everything you can wear. White or ivory pearls and crystals are just as easily matched, they look great with every color.

Surprise your groom on your next or first anniversary by wearing the bridal jewelry that you wore for your wedding day. Men don’t notice much, but the bridal jewelry that was worn for your wedding day will bring back special and treasured memories for him as well.

When you spent your allotted budget on your bridal jewelry, it didn’t mean that you had to put it away after the wedding. Wearing your bridal jewelry over and over is a great idea to make your moments together a little bit more special. Make the most of your bridal jewelry, go out and celebrate your love, wear your beautiful bridal jewelry.

What Type of Bridesmaid Jewelry To Buy

2010-08-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Your two best friends have agreed to be your bridesmaid and one of the best ways to show your gratitude is to get them bridesmaid jewelry as a gift. You need not get really expensive bridesmaid jewelry but just something that they will like and treasure for the rest of their lives. After all, it will be like a token to signify your close friendship all these years you were friends. So, here is a guide on how you could pick out the perfect jewelry to present to your bridesmaids as a thank you gift.

Lets first take a look at the rhinestone earrings bridal jewelry. Earrings makes for good gifts as it is small and easy to carry. Most women wear earrings and you only have to check if they are wearing clip on earrings or the normal ones. Rhinestone earrings will have the required glitter and yet it is reasonably priced and much more affordable than diamond earrings. You can choose from thousands of different types of earrings from stud earrings to hoops to dangling earrings to the more elaborate chandelier earrings. Then you will only need to pick out a design that both or all of your bridesmaids will like.

If earrings are too small and you want something a little larger, you can consider rhinestone bracelets bridal jewelry. Bracelets are feminine and works as friendship bands too. Instead of buying formal looking bracelets, you can always pick out something chic and trendy for your girl friends. You can also pick out charm bracelets with charms to represent the personality of each person so they essentially are not getting the same gift but are getting personalized gifts instead. For example, your clubbing girl friend who loves to dance and party will probably love a charm bracelet that has the champagne glass charm, stiletto charm, rhinestone encrusted handbag charm and even the word 'party' as one of the charms.

Now, you may not want to pick out charm bracelets so next on the list to choose is the Swarovski crystal brooch bridal jewelry. Swarovski crystals have a class of its own for this dazzling beauty when set in any type of jewelry. These crystals are like diamonds as it captures the light, fragments it and reflects light on it in rainbow colored shards of light. There's nothing as elegant as having a shiny crystal brooch on your lapel.

Finally, you can also consider rhinestone necklaces bridal jewelry. With necklaces, you can choose either sterling silver or gold chain. Then, you need to choose the rhinestone encrusted pendants that your bridesmaid will like. In this case, you can either get them all the same type of chain but when it comes to the pendant, you will need to pick pendants that suit each of them individually. It is like getting a book-shaped pendant for the party girl. Of course, you can always choose a more general type of pendants that most women will like such as butterflies, dragonflies, ribbons or a family tree pendant.

As your wedding draws near, your bridesmaids would have been extremely busy helping you planning the whole event. So, it is only right that you pick out an appreciation gift that is meaningful to them and yet won't cost you an arm and a leg. Even though your friends felt that there is no need for you to splurge on them, you should not heed them and get them something in return for all their help.

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Make Your Gold and Silver Jewelry Shine as They Never Did Before - Super Jewelry Cleaners

2010-07-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is the ornamental pieces that not only add to a woman's beauty but also has a charm of its own. But do these beautiful pieces always remain the same? No. With time, jewelry losses its actual sparkle. It starts to wear off.

Numerous factors effect this wearing off process. Many being excessive and careless usage, over exposure to natural reactive elements such as sun, water(salty and chlorinated), detergent soaps, close contact with heat and the list goes on. Such problems are mostly noticed in silver and gold jewelery.

While gold does not tarnish, rust or corrode, silver shows all the above signs with passage of time. In gold we can only notice loss of luster and sheen. For the loss of luster and sheen in gold, the super jewelry cleaners come to our rescue.

It is very important to clean our jewelry often. But it might not be as economical money wise to go to jewelry cleaners and polishers in the market, every time the need occurs. The first product offered to you by super cleaners is 'The super cleaner polisher'. These are available in cloth form as well as cream form. Cleaning is important as it removes dirt and grime. Polishing removes scratches from the surface. These cloths and creams contain small particles that remove light scratches when rubbed to the metal. One should not forget to rinse the ornament before wearing after the cleaning and polishing.

Another important product in the range of super jewelry cleaners is 'Tarn shield'. This comes to use in case of silver jewelry tarnish. For the purpose tarnish removal cloth is used. These are phosphate-free solutions and show great results right after the first use. You might find a lot of home remedies such as those involving salt, toothpaste, soda etc., prove of no help rather speed up the tarnish process. Hence it is highly discouraged.

Fascinating ornamental jewelery is with pearls. But it is surprising to know that just like gold and silver as discussed above, pearls require care too. And for this, super cleaners offer a 'pearl cleaning non detergent shampoo'. Pearls are extremely porous and thus, they lose their luster easily. All you have to do is use a clean small makeup brush to apply shampoo over every single pearl and rinse dry it with a clean soft cloth.

Diamonds, being natural grease attractors need some careful cleaning. With super cleaners 'ultrasonic dip', one can aid diamond jewelery. As you put you piece of diamond jewelry into the metal cup (provided with the dip), a cleaning reaction takes place and within seconds it is cleaned.

Jewelry with rubies, amber, jet and corals can be cleaned using the same pearl cleaner shampoo. But jewelery with jade, opals and turquoise would do with the 'dry wash cleaner' by super jewelery cleaners. It still needs to be dried immediately after the dry wash cleaning. Emeralds are way too soft and need a professional cleaning only. Hope super jewelry cleaner's help keeping your jewelry always shining and scratch free.

Quick Recap: Make your jewelry shine as they never did before with super jewelry cleaners. * Cleaning Your Gold Rings, Necklace, bracelets and other gold jewelry * Sterling silver jewelry cleaner with solutions.

About the Author
ck Recap: Make your jewelry shine as they never did before with super jewelry cleaners. * Cleaning Your Gold Rings, Necklace, bracelets and other gold jewelry * Sterling silver jewelry cleaner with solutions. Click here for more cleaners http://bravorings.com.

Be Sure To Window Shop Just Before Purchasing Jewelry

2010-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

It is really surprising the number of people that do not do a little bit of investigation before buying any sort of jewelry. It can be fairly simple actually, find out precisely what will come for and visit as many merchants as possible see if they have something equivalent and evaluate price ranges. Few people do that and it's quite challenging to understand why not. I'd guess that, it is real laziness maybe I have money to her numerous inquiries that go unanswered simply because I think nobody has attempted to study this.

The bottom line is, if you wish to not spend as much do a comparison of prices and research prices. In this current marketplace we've got there are various opportunities available and it is merely a matter of finding and taking advantage. You'll find many stores at the moment are even open to discussions this is especially true should you be buying a pricey piece.

Other suggestions you need to consider

In case you are buying this as a present you want to make certain that the individual you are buying this for has absolutely nothing similar currently. Additionally you must ensure they've simply no allergy symptoms to jewelry. It can be astonishing, only a few people consider this prior to buying a present. Some people can be allergic to gold or silver and it brings about come out in a rash, I know the last thing you'd would like is for this to occur to somebody you've purchased jewelry for.

If you are going to buy a ring make certain you are 100% certain of the dimensions just before visiting the local retailer. If at all possible bring a sample of a ring simply because they are able to inform you the exact dimensions that you are. On the other hand rings may be modified and made bigger or even smaller sized if required. But, this really is a little bit of a hassle at times inconvenient so if you possibly could get this right at the first try all the better.

Jewelry and complexion

There are generally certain kinds of jewelry that go with different complexions? By way of example, in case you are going to pay for pearls that are pink they will suit a person having a pale complexion perfectly. If the individual has a darker complexion pearl jewelry that are off white match so much better. It really is interesting, basic thing like this can make a real difference and it is something that not a lot of people even think about when purchasing a present of jewelry for somebody they love.

As you can see there are variety of stuff that you really need to think of prior to making your purchase. The very last thing I wish to accomplish is to confuse you nevertheless you need to be aware of certain things before handing over your hard-earned money to purchase a present of jewelry for somebody. You'll be surprised at the amount of money people spend on jewelry only for a never to be used due to the fact they did not take a small amount of time to think about what they were getting beforehand.

About the Author
Fran Smith is a writer providing advice on various subjects. You can visit her latest website at Pandora Style Beads which is about Pandora Charm Bracelets if you have time drop by her site for some tips and information.

Gold wedding jewelry for your special day

2010-05-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Looking for a wedding band? Congratulations on making one of your life's most important decisions. Now, where and how do you start when choosing the most important wedding jewelry? A wedding ring can be made from different metals, with silver, gold and platinum being the most common and popular choices. Silver is the most affordable. However, it is soft and prone to discolouration. Platinum, on the other hand, is the most precious and correspondingly the most expansive material. That is why gold wedding jewelry is a very popular choice.

14 karat and 18 karat gold is most commonly used for gold wedding jewelry as it will not tarnish. 14 karat gold is extremely durable and has a rich colour and lustre. 18 karat gold is slightly softer and more easily scratched but it has a richer colour compared to the 14 karat gold.

Gold comes in two colours, white and yellow gold. White gold goes well with a pure white wedding gown. White gold band matched with diamonds such as the 14 karat White Gold Diamond ring is a favourite that never goes out of style. Ice.com gold bridal collection offers a good range of white gold diamond rings. If you prefer something simple and contemporary, have a look at the white gold ring matched with a single round, emerald or princess-cut diamond. If you prefer something even more sparkly, opt for the classic 3-stone design.

Gold wedding rings are just as popular. The gold colour goes well with an ivory gown as it highlights the creamy and warm hue of the fabric. Sears also has a wide selection of rings in both white and yellow gold. In addition, it has a combination of the two, known as Two Tone Gold which is all the rage this season. Check out its vibrant Marquise and Taper cut Diamond Bridal Set in 14 karat Two Tone Gold. The trillion solitaire set amidst marquise and tapered cut diamonds is bound to gain appreciative or even envious glances. The diamonds are slotted in a 14 karat gold band to form the engagement ring and it comes with a complementary wedding band. Alternatively, the Celestial Star Round Diamond Bridal Set will also capture the splendour of your wedding day. The round diamond solitaire is set with side stones and the design details are carried onto the complementary wedding band. What a perfect match.

For the younger bride and groom, Zales gold bridal designs include an interesting Engraved Diamond Engagement Cross Ring in 14 karat gold ring. The colour from the white diamond, yellow gold and black engraving is a unique combination. For those who prefer white gold, Zales also offer the Enhanced Champange Diamond Pave Band in 14 karat white gold band. If you really want to stand out and be different, check out the Zales Enhance Black Diamond Pave Band in 14 karat white gold. Yes, you read it right, black diamonds instead of the usual sparkling white ones. What an interesting look.

Gold never goes out of style and what's more, it is an investment as the prices of gold continually increases. So if there is one item you would want to splurge on your wedding, it should be your gold wedding ring. After all, this is one item that you would be wearing and looking at every day after your wedding and your ring will serve as a wonderful reminder of your other half. Don't be overwhelmed with all the different styles available. With the internet, it is so easy to browse through all the great designs to choose your perfect wedding wear.

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Gorgeous Gold Bridesmaid Jewelry That Would Make your Bridesmaids Glow

2010-04-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Bridesmaids play a huge part in making your wedding a more memorable affair without a shout of a doubt, thus it is imperatively important that you take some time off with your girls to pick and choose the best dresses and accessories for them before your wedding day! When we speak of accessories, gold bridesmaid jewelry comes to mind immediately, as we cannot escape the thought of gold when we speak of accessories to pair with your girls' outfits. Gold practically matches any kind of outfit or other accessories, or even handbags that your bridesmaids might be carrying on your big day, thus there is no safer bet around than gold bridesmaid jewelry if you want to shop for jewelry for your girls! If you do not know where to find the finest bridesmaid jewelry made from gold out there, head over to our site, and spoil yourself with the choices that we possess, ranging from examples such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets from some of the biggest names in the jewelry world such as Sears, Zales, Jewel Sources and many others!

Leave your girls looking absolutely gorgeous and adorable when you adorn them with Sarraf.com gold bridesmaid jewelry! Displaying a wide range of jewelry and accessories in gold for you to choose from, you would without a doubt be captivated by the brilliance of Sarraf.com's designs and products, especially for bridesmaids. Sarraf.com specializes particularly in the ring-segment, where you would be able to choose from exquisite rings such as the 14k Gold Bridal Ring or the 14k Gold Marquise Solitaire Bridal Ring, both excellent options not only for brides but also for bridesmaids who want to look good during a wedding!

If you covet for excellent in quality and aesthetic values without worrying too much on the budgetary portion, then Zales gold bridesmaid jewelry is highly recommended for you! Displaying gold at its most beautiful best, choose from the conventional yellow gold or the revolutionary white gold when you opt for Zales and the designer's awesome collection of golf jewelry. Another designer that works largely on creating some of the most breathtaking rings out there today, choose from eye-catching options such as the Engraved 1/3 CT. Custom Bridal Set in 10K Gold in Stone Shape, or if that does not appeal to you, maybe the 1CT. Diamond Bridal Set in 14K Gold might!

Without a doubt one of the biggest bridal jewelry designers around, Sears and their Sears gold bridesmaid jewelry collection have never failed to impress us with their gorgeously-crafted necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings that have left many breathless, and speechless! Charming and without a doubt desirable, these collections of jewelry from Sears would make your heart flutter, especially if you are the bride or the bridesmaid! Pick and select from superb examples such as the affordable 10K Yellow Gold Two Band Bridal Set with Diamond Accents, a simple bridal set that would match your girls perfectly on your big day, or opt for the ' CT. Baguette and Round Diamond Heart Bridal Set in 10K Yellow Gold if you are not constrained by cash issues!

Make your bridesmaid beautiful on your special day by choosing the perfect pair of gold bridesmaid earrings to match their wedding-day dresses or gowns! The beauty of gold lies in the fact that the amazing color can be paired with outfits and accessories of any other shades or colors, and still looks gorgeous on its own! Take advantage of this fact by opting for stunning gold earrings for your special girls on your wedding day, and make them stand out from the crowd magnificently! Choose from outstanding options such as Kenneth Jay Lane's 22-karat gold-plated hoop earrings that proves to be an extremely glamorous pair, or if you are shopping on a tight least, try looking at Palm Beach Jewelry's Pearl 18-karat Gold over Sterling Silver Earrings that epitomizes excellent style at an exceptionally affordable price!

A bare neck is never a pretty sight, regardless of whether it is the bride or the bridesmaid that we are talking about. What better way to adorn a bare necklace that opting for a piece from our golden collection of gold bridesmaid necklaces for your girls? Get gorgeous gold necklaces to match the gowns that your girls would be adorning on your wedding day on our site by choosing from collections of some of the biggest accessory-makers in the market today such as Sears, Lanvin, Sarraf.com and Marni. Marni for instance, has an exquisite necklace called the Lily White Necklace that is both romantic and stylish, while Lanvin's Chain Pompom Necklace is a lavish piece that would undoubtedly make your girls smile in anticipation!

Make your girls glimmer and glow with beautiful gold bridesmaid jewelry such as mentioned above, and transform your wedding into a magical occasion!

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Jewelry Becomes An Instant Classic

2010-03-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Fine jewelry is the perfect way to update and accessories for this season's fashion. "Eyelet dresses, Edwardian-inspired blouses and white clothes, all the hot trends this season, provides the perfect backdrop for fine jewelry," says Helena Krodel, spokesman for the Jewelry Information Center. Whatever your style or budget, there is a piece of innovative or rare proclaims fine jewelry to perfectly suit you.

Marvelous medallions

Medallions will be on top of the traders lists. Look for versions with floral motifs, intricate carvings, filigree work or personal engraving. Grand-scale medallions mate with long thick chain-link necklaces in gold, platinum or sterling silver. More petite medallions look fresh suspended from colored gemstone necklaces, chains set with diamonds, "diamonds by the yard" or a portion of beads เ la Chanel.

One, two, three's a charm

Women can choose sweet fine jewelry instead of bracelets chock-full of hearts and stars. New styles include small treasures hanging from the hoop earrings, charms clusters on top of ring; stationed charm necklaces with unmatched charm and very long chain-link necklaces with one, two or three charms that falls well into ID ้ colle take.

Earring Extravaganza

A wild range of important earrings graced the red carpet this season. In the spring, has earring evolution comes full circle featuring chandeliers, long linear, drops, "Threads" and ear-hugging versions. Although all these variants will be somewhere in the fashion this season, the latest style in ear border is decorated with charm hoop.

Grab the ring

The fascination with cocktail rings continues, with a focus on cabochon-cut or apparently rough gems. Designers are using antique appearance or organic gemstones, rose-cut diamonds (or stones) and crystal like formations. More traditional styles still look great when they feature richly saturated gemstones and special metalsmithing techniques. Also look for the colored stones in pink and green with pink sapphire, pink and green tourmaline, peridot and tsavorite (green garnet).

Off the Cuff

In warmer weather, have cropped sleeves, and the skin is exposed, giving room for cuffs to be stacked up the arm. Some Standout styles include bracelets, to expose some skin, using organic materials like wood, mother-of-pearl, Shell and moonstone have strong details like grommets in gold; feature feminine floral petroglyphs, or make use of special materials such as platinum and diamonds , which is ideal for nice occasions.

Allyre Jewelry's 18-carat yellow-gold triple medallion necklace set with diamonds.

Basic Information About Diamonds

2010-02-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Diamonds have an Allure of them that makes them probably the most coveted gemstones in the world. They say that "diamonds are a girl's best friend", and more than likely that feelings are because of their brilliance, their sparkle, and the way they make a person feel when wearing one. But what we know as the clear and beautiful gemstones start their life as basically rocks. They must be extracted and refined and adapted into what we know as diamonds.

A diamond is a form of carbon, and its extreme hardness and light diffusion qualities make it a very useful stone for industrial purposes, in addition to its pleasant aesthetic qualities. Diamonds make excellent abrasives because they can only be scratched by other diamonds. Therefore, they are very durable and retain their brilliant flashes wonderful.

The earliest known references to the diamond comes from a sanskrit text, which dates back to around 296 BCE (BC), who described the diamond's qualities. It is generally accepted that diamonds were first mined in India, where they quickly became symbols of spirituality and holiness, decorating religious idols. Early in their history, diamonds were traded in all direction of India for their various industrial applications, including engraving and drilling, as well as for their aesthetic purposes such as ceremonies, decorations and ornaments.

There was a strict prohibition against cutting diamonds. This taboo was initiated with the early traditional uses in India, and ended up in the middle ages. By 1375, it was a guild of diamond cutters and polishers established as the technology in reshaping diamonds began to evolve. The various shapes that are developed through the years only worked to exemplify diamond beauty and brilliance, increasing their attractiveness. Today, diamonds are most known, used for decorative, such as jewelery.

There are 4 properties used as a basic description of units of diamonds, and used to determine the final value of a particular diamond. These are known as the "4 C's", or carat, clarity, color and cut. The carat is the weight that measures the mass of diamond. One carat equals approximately 0,007 ounce. The value of a diamond dramatically relative to its carat weight, because large diamonds are exceptional and in high demand for jewelry.

The clarity of a diamond measures the amount of footage of a diamond, or its internal error. Foreign objects inside the diamond or cracks cause a cloudy seen footage and a tendency to reduce the value of a diamond. A grading system used to assess clarity, based on a number of factors including the number, size, color and visibility of inclusions (diamonds are usually graded from flawless to imperfect). The higher clarity rating, the more rare the diamond (and more valuable) is.

The color of a structurally perfect diamond, and one that is free of chemicals is almost completely clear and color-free to the naked eye. This does not necessarily affect the value of a diamond, however. Some pink or blue diamonds (like the Hope Diamond, for example) considered spectacular, and therefore very valuable. A rating system for the D to Z (D = Z = colorless and light yellow) is in need of aid in color scores of diamonds.

The cut of a diamond describes how diamonds have been shaped and polished from its original state is extracted. The "cut" refers to the level of craftsmanship that has gone into the diamond and the angles that the diamond is cut. This is not the same as the shape of diamond, which describes precisely that its form. Shapes such as pear, round, marquise, princess are all familiar terms for diamond jewelry. When you buy diamond jewelry, fine Jewelry Stores will be aware of the 4 C's of diamond they carry, and will be able to give information about what gems you are interested in. Diamonds are unique and they are the ultimate souvenirs from Earth, which adds even more enticing to own one.

Basics of the alexandrite appraisal

2010-01-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

An Alexandrite assessment requires a person with a massive amount of skills, talent, dedication and knowledge. Not every person who sees a gem can understand its true value, and certainly not qualify as an Alexandrite appraisal expert. Working with and around the gems do not make any one Alexandrite appraisal expert. Status appraiser should not come with the job handling jewelry. So what makes an expert assessment Alexandrite?

Evaluation is a profession that involves responsibility. The Alexandrite appraisal determines the value of a gem or precious stone, and used later for other legalities. Because anyone can say that they are true Alexandrite assessment experts, one should be cautious and do not be fooled by a declaration. It is up to the customer to determine whether they Alexandrite appraisal done by a professional and not by anyone.

After taking courses and passed tests on the theories, ethics and product knowledge, an Alexandrite appraisal expert is almost always an educated person with lots of information, expertise and experience. A professional will continuously try to stay one step ahead of the market by teaching themselves. Viewing Alexandrite score as a passion and try to make their best efforts to make the most accurate evaluations are experts dedicated to their jobs. Most of them have been Alexandrite assessment experts from generation to generation and have seen their task with great respect. It is the kind of person you are looking for to make an Alexandrite score.

Alexandrite assessment can be done online and Randy G. Lander is the owner of a site that can help you in this direction. This may not be a traditional way to go, but it can be equally effective. Moreover, most of these experts are associated with a site that brings all these Alexandrite assessment experts in an organized way that ensures they are professional and the job is done properly and with care. If they are not linked, some other certificate proving their skills are just as good. However, the customer has to pay interest and see why the people he deals with.

What should an Alexandrite assessment contain?
-A detailed description of Alexandrite gem
-A document that accurately and completely explain the type requested value (objective) and the functional or allocated use of the assessment
-The resources and market analysis, which Alexandrite assessment is based
-The qualifications of the experts
-The date and place of Alexandrite appraisal inspection
-A signed statement that the evidence Alexandrite assessment expert has no interest in the value of the jewel, or that any interest has been made in the present report

What should not be an Alexandrite score be?
-It should not be handwritten and lack of signature of the Alexandrite score
-it should not miss the fixed fee or not to be based on the value of the jewels
-it should not miss the real purpose and mission needs
-It should not be without Alexandrite assessment expertise
Moreover, Alexandrite appraisal expert to be able and willing to defend the appraisal in court.

With these data and further research to find the right person to do an Alexandrite score will not be hard at all. The task is not complicated, but are new at something involves risks. But since this is an age of Internet, it should be easy to find out everything you need to know simply by visiting multiple sites.

A Short History of the Wristwatch

2009-12-14T18:33:00.001-08:00

Within a few centuries, clocks were used as a status symbol by those who bear them. Their precision, elegance and convenience are just some of the attributes that clocks and represents. Often they are bought solely for their aesthetic appearance. and other times they are bought because of their technical attributes like being precise to the last second or even millisecond. That is what makes clocks and watches so collectible and in some cases can command huge sums.

Whether you assemble the new high-precision clocks, or those coming from a bygone era, it is a fact that over the years this hobby has become a major trading company. And collection of watches in many circles regarded as a clever form of investment.

At the beginning of last century, the watches, which were available for men or women were first pocket watches, clocks, and then held by a pendant attached to the lining of jackets or corsets. The advent of war, industrialization, and development of sports activities, brought over new trends which extended to not only the way we dress, but how we conducted our watches.

It is said that it was a nanny who invented wrist watches at around the late 19th century, set a watch around her wrist by a silken ribbon. The first watches to be made was in fact smaller models of pocket watches, which were equipped with a leather strap. When this product hit the market newer designs started to be produced based around the same concept.

It was Louis Cartier who first such clocks we see today, when he created a watch for a flying pioneer hero by the name Santos Dumont. In year 1911, the same type of clock was on general sale. The same type of clock was the plan for what wrist watches look like this today.

Shortly after the design of wrist "clocks" began to spread from the classical round shape, which was in vogue up to that point. From classic Cartier wristwatch other brands clock began to emerge which were characterized by their shape. Movado is the perfect example of this new design when it came out with "Polyplan" shaped clock. Then came the famous and the cryptically named "clock reference n. 1593" as Patek Philippe, which had a rectangular shaped watch.

From 1913 onwards, more and more watches began to be developed in all shapes and styles. From the "gondola" watch of Patek Phillipe to Louis Cartier ' "Tank", so named because it was inspired by the shape of the English armored cars of the time. These watches are very popular. There were other numerous guard makers like Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, who along with Patek Philippe and Cartier came out with many other patterns, which are added other features to watch as the moon phases, month and day for the most part found in modern watches now.

Of course we can not mention wrist watches without mentioning the most famous of them all: the Rolex watch. In the 1920 Rolex debuted in the world of wrist watches with the elegant Rolex Prince and its revolutionary "dual time" feature made famous for having the "seconds sector" larger than the minutes. Co Jaeger Le Coultre produced an even more advanced piece called "Reverse", also very revolutionary in that it can rotate 180 degrees in its case, thus protecting the crystal and dial. It was extremely popular and was only prevented from achieving even greater success as a recession in the 1930s and the emergence of 2 World War II.

These early clocks in the 1910s to the 1930s, are what define all the makes of watches that we see and wear today. This short article has only scratched the surface of what is a very big issue that has many more see-makers with different and revolutionary design. But it's makers as Rolex, Cartier, Jaeger Le Coultre, and the other said that among the most valuable and collectible, and if you should ever be lucky enough to get one so be sure to hang on it - preferably on the wrist.

Amsterdam Diamonds

2009-09-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam is a historical place for the diamond industry. Walking the streets you will see a lot of jewelry stores and diamond firms with many leading security systems and signs reading "Sightseeing diamond".

If you go on these tours you will see some breathtaking diamonds, as well as the opportunity to see these stones being cut and polished. And if you have any money to spare, buy one for $ 4,000 to $ 400,000.

Amsterdam has a long history in the field of diamonds, and has been an important center for diamonds since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in Amsterdam in late 16. Today there are about a dozen diamond cutting facilities in the city, of which 5 are guided tours. The tours are free and are usually performed every 9-5 days.

Amsterdam has an extensive heritage in the diamond industry, and has been an important European center of diamonds from the Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the next century 16. Ultra-Orthodox Jews are still on top in the market for diamonds worldwide and distribution, and urban legend has it they hide diamonds in their beards to move through customs without being detected. The diamonds are not necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam, but the prices are quite competitive. At least you will have seen the stones in the pipeline, and when you buy from a factory you get a detailed description of the diamond you acquire so you know exactly what you're buying.

The following shops offer the famous Diamond Diamond cutting and polishing tours, and sales of finished diamonds:

Coster Diamonds
Gassan Diamonds
Stoeltie Diamonds

Van Moppes Diamonds, which was the 1st to offer guided tours.

Be sure to sample authentic Dutch food at many cafes. If you can eat a Haring "brodje" (an open-faced sandwich with salted herring) or try other seafood specialties of the cuisine of this seafaring nation.

The best time to visit Holland is spring or autumn when the summer heat and the mass of tourists have left and the leaves on the trees are not blocking the review of the monumental facades. The winters are cold and damp penetrating with a lot of rain and sleet. Because of high humidity, it feels really cold as thirty below winters common in Canada. As in the spring (March to May) and catch the Holland Flower Festival at Keukenhof.

If you are over 40, be sure to pack a pair of reading / magnifying glasses: museums, tend to use microscopic lettertypes for their descriptive plaques.

Right here are a select few of the major attractions of Amsterdam:

Anne Frank Home (Anne Frank House)
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
Van Gogh Museum
Red Light District
National Museum of Modern Art (Stedelijk Museum)
Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis (Rembrandt House)
Jewish Historical Museum (Historisch Museum Joods)
Damsquare
Sauna Deco

Amsterdam sailing
Sail Amsterdam

If you love boats, KNSM Island with its history of shipping is the place for you. Every five years this harbor area of Amsterdam hosts the Sail event. Every new edition attracts even more visitors (Sail 2000 welcomed two and a half million people). Each edition also features even more Tall Ships and even more cultural activities in the area.

The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh, the tragic artist who cut his ear and committed suicide. Find more than 200 incredible works from the hand of the Master, as well as 500 drawings and 700 written documents. Together, these provide a historical perspective in his life and art.

Amsterdam has many fascinating place Things do besides diamonds and diamond firms. After a visit I'm sure it will be so fascinated that will be determined to return.

Amethyst: A Geological Marvel

2009-09-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Geological information

Amethyst is a form of high quality quartz crystal, naturally occurring, such as clusters in a nodular stone. They are found sometimes in small vugs or cavities in volcanic rocks. The chemical name for amethyst is silicon dioxide. Amethyst gets its color through a combination of manganese and iron impurities.

The purple color comes from the presence of manganese, while the existence of iron in certain quantities controls the intensity of color. Artificial heat treatments were used to produce the popular gems known as Citrine Amethyst and Ametrine (400 and 500 degrees Celsius). Amethyst measures 7 on the Mohs' hardness.

One of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 carats and you receive the National History Museum in London. Dark stones are sometimes heated to enhance color.

Metaphysical and healing properties

New Age advocates believe that the crystal and gem healing is an art. Objects such as gems and crystals have absorbed and has inherited the power of healing life of Mother Earth. They believe that crystals and gemstones are natural and spiritual forces that can be used as a therapy for pain, stress and depression.

Amethyst has come to be known to possess healing powers purifying prolific. It acts as a healer at all levels of the mind, body and soul, and is commonly associated with peace. He has a tremendous ability to reduce the negativity and anxiety.

Placing it under her pillow is said to calm the half, promote sleep and dispel nightmares. Amethyst is also known to improve mental strength and stability. It is considered an ideal gemstone for those who are struggling with recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism.

Alongside his mental therapeutic benefits, amethyst is used as a remedy for many ailments. When used as a medical solution, amethyst is used to treat toothaches, skeletal disorders, and other bone and joint-related diseases. Amethyst also cures stomach problems, blood diseases as well as the heart and hearing problems. Amethyst crystal is used to treat nervous system problems, such as neuralgia.

Amethyst in Jewelry

Amethyst is the traditional gemstone for anniversaries 4, 6 and 17 of marriage. It is used as faceted stones and carved in various forms. Amethyst gemstones are used in necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, brooches and pendants. This stone is also highly praised in shape and other objects used as hair accessories, key rings and watches.

History

Amethyst amethustos takes its name from the Greek word meaning "not drunk". The name amethyst and its healing properties come from a Greek legend tells the story of how Dionysus, god of wine and intoxication was upset by a mortal, who has sworn revenge on all mortals who do not get drunk and celebrate.

A maiden named Amethyst was his way of paying homage to the goddess Diana, when he was captured by Dionysus furious. In those innocent was not aware of drinking and intoxication. Dionysus brought two tigers to eat her and sat with his wine to watch.

Amethyst aid called Diana, who turned Amethyst into a pillar of crystalline quartz to protect her. Seeing as Amethyst, Dionysus wept tears of wine, which stained the quartz purple create the amethyst Gemstone. Because of its name and origin of mythology, it was believed that amethyst jewelry wearer is immune to becoming intoxicated. Furthermore, amethyst used to be carved into cups with the belief that drinking it helps treat and prevent the placement.

The color purple has long been associated with royalty. Because of its color and beauty purple, the amethyst has been fostered by the real for centuries. Amethyst necklaces and jewelry were found buried in the tombs of ancient Egyptians, and was a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the Great.

It 'still in use today, with the rarest jewels that decorate the British Crown. Amethyst is mentioned in the Old Testament and the Bible, and is thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize holiness. Cardinals and Bishops of the Catholic Church wear rings with a large amethyst as part of their office. In Tibet, amethyst is a jewel sacred to Buddha.

Physical and optical

Amethyst is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Large stones could be sold in a free form, but generally amethyst is cut in certain sizes.

This semi-precious stone is unique in color. With colors ranging from pale lilac to deep purple, including a reddish hue at times, amethyst is the most valuable form of quartz. In jewelry, the deeper shades of Amethyst, which retain their transparency, are considered the most valuable.

A single Brazilian amethyst in pastel shades of lilac with rose is known as Rose de France Amethyst. It is a stone very clean and was very popular during the Victorian age. Although it is often found in antique jewelry, Rose de France Amethyst is becoming popular even today.

Geographical Information

Amethyst is found worldwide, at very affordable prices, in countries like Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, United States, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. Amethyst has been named the gem of the state of South Carolina

Amethyst deposits can be found in other countries such as Germany, Italy, Bolivia, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka. However, the quality of amethyst differs by region and source. Amethyst from South America is probably the largest African amethyst. However, Amethyst from Africa is known for the color better and deeper. Dark amethyst in small sizes is also found in Australia.

Best Jewelry Making Techniques Are Easily Learnt From The Pros

2009-08-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever considered making your own jewelry but really didn’t know any of the jewelry making techniques that it takes to make your own necklaces, bracelets, earrings or any other kind of jewelry, why not pick a book up on the subject? Or better yet, why not search the internet.

We live in the information age and there are jewelry making techniques everywhere, for making all sorts of jewelry, you just have to know where to look for them. The best place to start when looking for jewelry making techniques is with your favorite search engine.

Go Online

Use your favorite search engine and search for jewelry making techniques. If you wish, tailor the search to include your favorite type of jewelry. If, for instance, you are wanting to make Native American jewelry, you can search for Native American jewelry making techniques and you will likely be bombarded by how-to articles on the subject.

Not only will you find the jewelry making techniques to make your own jewelry, but you’re also likely to find places to get the jewelry making materials as well as a history of how the jewelry first originated. By working in this way, you are essentially following in the footsteps of people who first made the jewelry, as if you are discovering it for the first time.

Jewelry making can be a lot of fun, especially if you know the proper jewelry making techniques. You can make one type of jewelry or you can make several. You can even sell the jewelry once you get the jewelry making techniques down pat. By following in the steps of the pros, and by following their jewelry making techniques, you are undoubtedly going to be approached by at least one person wondering where you got such a piece of jewelry and also how they, themselves, can get one too.

That’s where you tell them that you made the jewelry using the latest jewelry making techniques and you could soon be in business for yourself selling great home-made jewelry.

Just make sure the site is reputable. You’ll know fairly soon, however, which sites give the best jewelry making techniques as it will all be apparent from the appearance of the jewelry you create. The best techniques create the best jewelry and vice versa. So, stick with the pros and never buy store-bought jewelry again.

Art Of Jewelry Making

2009-08-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

There are some jewelry hobbyists that exhibit their creative edge and brilliant talent when making their own jewelry designs. It is a very rewarding experience that is made quite simple through Internet jewelry websites. These fine jewelry retailers maintain an inventory of jeweler tools, castings and ring mounting devices to let a jewelry making enthusiast explore all possibilities at a reasonable price.

With so many gem choices to pick from, creative jewelry craftsman have the opportunity to cut, polish and enjoy brilliant works of art in jewelry form that they can give as gifts to special people in their life. These jewelers are very knowledgeable of what it takes to create a diamond, and are skilled craftsman when it comes to cutting multi-faceted gemstones with exquisite precision.

It’s hard to believe that an unattractive chunk of carbon could be crafted into something so beautiful. People love to wear these chunks of coal around their necks as pendants, and around their fingers as engagement rings to show the world they are truly loved.

Some jewelers like to explore all of the possibilities and keep an abundant amount of amethyst, citrine, aquamarine and garnets and other semi-precious gems on hand to fulfill custom orders that will add wonder and magic to someone’s day.

Some people have a particular stone in mind when they come in to place their custom jewelry order. They get captured by the beauty of loose gemstones that they see in a highly lit display case and hand select several gemstones to be added to their order. These extra touches of color will make a truly special wearable jewelry item that is custom ordered in their favorite setting.

The shaping of gemstones is offered in at least 15 varieties and each will prominently display the refined tastes of the particular jewelry fancier. There are heart shapes that are typically ordered by star crossed lovers who enjoy a continual reminder of how they feel for each other. The marquise, rectangle, square and round shapes fill a more traditional shape that is found in most jewelry fashions on the market today.

For creating unusual and unique shaped jewelry pieces, jewelry enthusiasts might choose a trillion cut or perhaps a triangle cut that will turn a unadorned ring band with few possibilities into a work of art in very little time at all. The rectangular Octagonal and Cushion shapes make dramatic shaped gemstones gifts for the most astute jewelry wearer in your life.

Whether you prefer a ring setting that is basket shaped, or prefer bezels with baguettes running vertical and horizontal in a swirled and very ornate jewelry creation, there are certainly many opportunities to display your favorite gemstones in exquisite styles that fit your personality.

Many people bring in their older jewelry pieces to have them remounted into exquisite settings that give new life and satisfaction to an old ring arrangement that they are no longer comfortable with. Gems such as diamonds and rubies are collectible items that families pass down as heirloom items that the entire family can enjoy with a little work by a skilled jewelry craftsman.

A Good Jewelry Cleaner Brings Back The Shine

2009-08-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Jewelry shines if it is properly cleaned and polished. People have treasures at home in the form of diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. These are often set in gold, silver or platinum. Some of the jewels are antiques that have been handed down from ancestors from one generation to the next.

Jewelry can lose its shine if it is not properly cared for with a good jewelry cleaner. Everyone with some jewelry to protect should find out about the jewelry cleaners that are available so they do not cause damage to valuable pieces.

Different types of jewelry require different types of care so jewelry owners should investigate the jewelry cleaners to make sure that they buy the best one for their jewelry. There are jewelry cleaners that simply remove the tarnish from metals such as silver that have a tendency to tarnish with time. There are strips that can be stored with some jewelry to keep the tarnish away rather than polishing these pieces regularly.

Jewel bags can eliminate some of the cleaning if these are used properly to store the precious jewels. The cost of the jewelry cleaner should be worth keeping these treasures bright and shiny.

Several Jewelry Cleaners Are Available on the Market

Jewelry cleaners will bring back the shine that was present when the pieces were first purchased, but all the cleaners should be examined carefully because some substances could damage the jewelry. Some effective jewelry cleaners are bubbling tablets that are safe for some types of jewelry. These tablets often come with a special container for just the right amount of cleanser. These are easy to take along on trips so the jewelry cleaner is available at all times.

Some of the latest technology is used to make jewelry cleaners that are sonic type boxes for cleaning jewelry. These sonic cleaners create bubbles which clean the jewelry in all the small spaces that cannot be reached easily. These get rid of grease and dirt so the jewelry sparkles once again. Some of these will clean watch bands and keys with the same machine.

Some of these machines come with timers so the jewelry is kept in the cleaner for just the right amount of time. These also come with temperature controls so the jewelry will not be harmed in the cleaning process. Some of these machines can clean with just water so there are no harmful substances such as ammonia that could damage fine jewelry.

Tips for buying exclusive jewelry

2009-07-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Buying jewelry is something that is liked very much by women all over the world. However, there are quite a few points that have to be remembered while purchasing jewelry. Jewelry is usually made from materials like gold, silver, platinum, glass, and precious gems like pearl, diamond, etc. Again, jewelry is either standard design or custom-made exclusive jewelry. Further, there are various types of ornaments like earrings, nose rings, neckwear, bangles, bracelets, anklewear, rings, etc. Since jewelry is a statement by a woman, it is always better to opt for exclusive jewelry.

Exclusive jewelry should be selected in such a manner that it accentuates the dress and the personality of the woman. The exclusive jewelry should be highly feminine and at the same time be bold, exotic, mysterious, and individualistic. Exclusive jewelry should possess excellent craftsmanship and should also be affordable. Moreover, exclusive jewelry could be either contemporary or represent a period or a culture, like Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Belgian, Italian, Asian, Indian, etc.

Gold is the most common jewelry material. For centuries, jewelry lovers and designers had equally preferred the yellow luster and the ease of working of gold into several shapes. Pure gold is normally not used but always mixed with silver or copper to increase the strength of the exclusive jewelry and to make them more durable. Gold is measured in karat. 100% pure gold is termed as 24 carat, while 18 carat is 75% gold and 14 carat is 58% gold. Platinum exclusive jewelry is highly expensive, since it is about thirty-five times rare compared to gold. However, platinum exclusive jewelry does not tarnish or fade.

It would be better to have knowledge of the precious and semi precious gems and stones before buying exclusive jewelry. Amber is formed normally from fossilized sticky resin that comes from ancient pine trees. Emerald is obtained mineral deposits and is a green gemstone. Jade is available in two types, Jadeite and Nephrite. Jade is one the hardest of gems and could be carved into various forms and sizes. Nephrite is normally green, while Jadeite is available in red, blue, green and black. Lapis Lazuli is normally blue, but sometimes could have green or violet tints. The blueness comes from the sulphur that is present in the stone. Onyx is mostly black. Pears are either from freshwater pearl oysters or cultured. Nearly 95% of available pears are of the cultured type.

Women should also know the maintenance of exclusive jewelry to avoid it getting dirty. Generally, the oils from our skin and other beauty products like lotions that are applied on the skin tarnish exclusive jewelry. However, you could use warm water containing a little dishwashing liquid to clean most of the exclusive jewelry. Soaking for a considerable time in hot soap solution is also a good practice before cleaning with hand or using a fine brush. Finally, the exclusive jewelry should be rinsed in cold water and dried with a soft cloth. However, pearl and coral should not be soaked. Jewelry of various types should be kept in separate boxes designed specially for each item.

Points to be remembered while buying pearl jewelry

2009-07-22T20:18:00.001-07:00

Natural pears are extremely rare nowadays due to pollution and over fishing. Nearly 95% of available pearls are cultured pearls only. Cultured pearls are natural products that are produced by taking the help of science to some extent. The mollusk is implanted with a nucleus for stimulating the production of nacre. Over a couple of years, the nacre layers are built and the pearl is formed. The nacre is the most important determinant in pearls because the luster of the pearls comes from the nacre. Mollusks create natural and cultured pearls in rivers, lakes and oceans. Cultured pearls are used for creating various types of pearl jewelry like necklace, ring, bangles, etc.

Imitation pearls are obtained by dipping plastic, glass or shell beads in ground fish scales. They are further lacquered to produce pearlescence. However, it would be very easy to differentiate between cultured pearls and imitation pearls. Cultured pearls possess an inner glow, while imitation pearls have only a surface shining. Further, if you rub the original pearl against your upper teeth, you would get a gritty feeling, which would not be there with the imitation pearl. These points should be remembered while buying pearl jewelry.

Pearls are usually graded as A, AA, and AAA by most of the pearl sellers. Pearls are always fashionable. Pearls are also classified as 'flawless,' 'slightly imperfect,' and 'imperfect.' Flawless pearls are hard to get and higher priced. They are called 'excellent pearls' and 'very good pearls.' Pearls with slight imperfections could be termed as 'average.' Pearls that have lot of imperfections are considered 'poor.' Further, high quality pearls would have thick nacre. Hence, no compromise should be made while buying pearl jewelry, though you should also be mindful of your budget.

You could buy pearl jewelry in the form of single strand necklaces, multi-strand necklaces, twisted pearl necklaces, ribbon bead necklaces, etc. Shell bracelets, shell pendants, shell earrings and shell rings are also available in pearl jewelry range. Pearls should always be wiped with soft cloth after using them for removing dirt and oils. They should also be stored in linen or other similar soft cloth to avoid the pearl jewelry getting scratched. Pearls require moisture and they tend to crack in dry conditions. If you feel your climate is a hot one, then keep a damp cloth in the box separately and away from the pearl jewelry. The cloth should be made wet at least twice a day. Care should be taken that pearl jewelry do not come into contact with chemicals like vinegar, chlorine bleach, ammonia, perfumes, cosmetics, hairspray, etc. Hence, pearls should be worn only after you have completed the spraying of perfume, hairspray, etc. on your skin and the makeup work is fully done. Such precautions would keep your precious pearl jewelry in good condition for a longer period.

How to Use Tanzanite to Make Sterling Silver Jewelry

2009-06-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Even in today's fast-paced world there are some things which never change. Women love their jewelry, and the more exotic and unique that jewelry can be the better. In this day and age it seems as though diamonds have become redundant. Other more colorful and difficult to acquire gems have become the jewels of choice.

Among these is the gem tanzanite. Found only in the East African country Tanzania took the world by storm in the 60's and 70's following its discovery and subsequent introduction to the New York City jeweler Tiffany's. Its color, dark blue surrounded by just a hint of purple, presented a stark, fiery and contrast to the cold fa็ade of the diamond, previously the gem chosen to grace the figure of the elite.

Part of the intrigue surrounding the use of tanzanite is its ability to appear to be a different color depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The raw form of tanzanite contains a not so aesthetically pleasing yellowish brown color. An experienced jeweler can rid themselves of this unfortunate color by placing the stone in an oven heater to 500ฐF and removing it as soon as the stone begins to turn blue. Unlike the diamond tanzanite is not a particularly hard gem, rating only 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. For this reason, it is important to take special care when working with this gem. It must never be exposed to acid and should never be washed in an ultrasonic bath.

Tanzanite possesses the ability to be cut into almost any imaginable shape and form, although it may be very difficult for even the most experienced jeweler to work with because the cleavage of this gem tends to be very pronounced in one direction. While its unique color allows it to blend with any type of metal the hints of yellow and brown found in the unheated gem may result in an unfortunate clash of setting the stone in gold. Sterling silver, on the other hand, presents a striking contrast to tanzanite in all of its forms.

Due to its unique coloring it is often most prudent to make tanzanite jewelry in sets rather than in individual pieces; it can be all but impossible to find other jewelry to coordinate with an unmatched piece. The most sought after jewelry sets include necklaces with jeweled pendants, rings and earrings. While the traditional round, square and marquis cuts serve to accent the hidden beauty of the tanzanite other, more original cuts have been created with a great deal of success. A jeweler choosing to use a bit of ingenuity can use tanzanite to create incredible, one of a kind pieces of jewelry.

Tanzanite strikingly accentuates the looks of men, women and children of any age and will bring in a sizable profit out on the open jewelry market. The very nature of this stone's exclusivity and the difficulty encountered by those attempting to obtain it make it one of the most sought after gems in the business.

All about Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant Jewelry

2009-06-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

What makes tanzanite such an extraordinary gemstone? It could be it's unusual blue aura that seems to cause it to change in different light or perhaps it is because it is so rare that you don't have to worry about everyone having a Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant.

Tanzanite as a gem has only been around for about 41 years as it was discovered in 1967. The scientific name for Tanzanite is Blue Zoisite, and the only place in the world that this deep blue crystal occurs is in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, Africa. The mining of Tanzanite is only done on a very small scale and very rarely do they find large deposits, normally only small grains are commonly found, which are then used to make Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant Jewelry.

The jewelry company Tiffany, around 1967, came up with the trade name of Tanzanite for this gem and within a short period of time was one of the first companies to present tanzanite jewelry to the general public. Since then the popularity of Tanzanite never waned and only grew as it captivated the public with its unusual beauty. The universal appeal of Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant Jewelry enchants both the young and independent as well as the discerning and mature, with its deep blue and purple tinged hue.

Only very few licensed Tanzanite merchants handle the Tanzanite trade and over 90% of all Tanzanite merchants are members of the International Colored Gemstone Association- ICA. Assuring that Tanzanite is only passed along reputable trade routes and into the hands of major reputable jewelers around the globe. You can rest assured that your captivating Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant was not subject to trade via dubious channels.

Couple this with purchasing your Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant from a reputable dealer and you should not have to worry about buying a counterfeit piece. To be even more confident about your choice, it's always a good idea to talk to several jewelers as well prior to purchasing your Sterling Silver Tanzanite pendant.

There are a few things that you need to be aware of pertaining to the care of your Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant. One of the most important is that you should never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner on your Silver Tanzanite Pendant as it can damage the stones. It is also best to avoid allowing your Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant to come in contact with acids of any kind. It is often recommended that you take a Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant into a jeweler and have it professionally cleaned at least once a year.

The Tanzanite within your Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant is a relatively fragile gem having only a value of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, compared to a diamond that is rated as 10 on Moh's hardness scale. This makes Tanzanite not a particularly hard gem, and one that will not stand up to a lot of abuse but with a little extra care your Sterling Silver Tanzanite Pendant will last many years and provide you with long-term pleasure.

Fashion Jewelry: How to Familiarize Yourself with It

2009-06-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Are interested in updating your appearance, fashion wise? If you are, your first thought may be to buy a new wardrobe. While new clothes are a great way to update your fashion appearance, did you know that clothes are not all that fashion includes? Fashion also includes fashion accessories, like jewelry. If you are looking for a relatively easy and affordable way to update your fashion, you may want to think about buying new fashion jewelry.

When it comes to buying fashion jewelry, there are many individuals who wonder what is the best way to go about researching fashion jewelry, particularly the “hottest,” jewelry trends at the moment. In all honesty, there are an unlimited number of different ways that you can go about doing so. A few of those ways are briefly touched on below.

One of the easiest ways that you can go about familiarizing yourself with the latest in fashion jewelry trends is by turning to the internet. Online, you can find a large number of online fashion websites. Many of these websites offer fashion tips, as well as cover some of the latest fashion trends in jewelry, as well as other fashion accessories. If you are looking to not just own any piece of fashion jewelry, but the latest piece of jewelry to hit the stores and make a splash, online fashion magazines are the best way to go.

In keeping with fashion magazines, you can also learn about the latest in fashion jewelry by buying printed fashion magazines. Many individual, possibly just like you, prefer buying printed fashion magazines, as opposed to reading online fashion magazines. It is hard to explain, but some people just prefer seeing things in print. The only downsides to buying fashion magazines to learn more about fashion jewelry is the cost of doing so. While affordable priced, fashion magazines can get expensive overtime and they may not necessarily cover fashion jewelry; therefore, you may want to skim through any magazines that you want to buy.

Another easy way that you can go about familiarizing yourself with popular fashion jewelry pieces and styles is by going shopping. Window shopping is a great way to learn about new, popular pieces of fashion jewelry or fashion jewelry sets. If you are shopping in a storefront retail location, you will likely find the popular fashion pieces, including fashion jewelry, displayed in the window of a fashion store or positioned on an elaborate display.

In addition to traditional window shopping, you may want to think about trying to shop or at least examine fashion jewelry pieces online. You may want to visit the online website of a popular fashion store or a well-known jewelry store. One of the biggest signs that a piece of fashion jewelry is popular or in style at the moment is if it is displayed on the front page of an online retailer’s website. This is a great way to quickly find information on what is hot and what may not be so hot in the world of fashion jewelry.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to familiarizing yourself with the latest trends in fashion jewelry. Whether you are interested in complimenting your new wardrobe with fashion jewelry or if you just want to experiment with it, you have a number of fashion jewelry research methods at your fingertips.

How to Make Your Own Jewelry Wholesale

2009-05-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Making jewelry is not only fun, it is actually very
easy. It just takes a lot of creativity, and a little skill.
In fact, you could easily start your own jewelry
wholesale company by making jewelry yourself.

There are countless books available with
instructions and ideas for jewelry making. There are
also numerous websites where you can learn how
to make your own jewelry and get ideas. In the
beginning, you will probably want to follow a few
instructions or patterns until you get the feel for it –
but eventually, you should let your creativity shine
through and design your own jewelry.

You can easily purchase all of the supplies that you
need for making your own jewelry wholesale through
wholesale sources online. Buying in bulk will get
you the best prices. You can buy cheap gems, and
high quality gems as well. Everything that you
could possibly need can be located through a
wholesale resource on the Internet!

After you’ve made several unique pieces, you
should show them to friends, family members, and
colleagues. You will be surprised at how many of
these people want you to make pieces for them as
well! Just be sure to charge, and soon enough, you
will have your very own thriving jewelry wholesale
business – simply because you learned how to
make your own jewelry wholesale.

How to Find Jewelry Wholesale Sources

2009-05-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

If you are in the jewelry business or thinking about
getting into the jewelry business, you need to find
jewelry wholesale sources. Finding these sources
isn’t as difficult as you might think – they are
everywhere, and if you have access to the Internet,
you literally have the world of jewelry wholesale at
your fingertips.

There are many wholesale company directories
available online, but you really don’t have to
purchase these to find the jewelry wholesale
companies. Instead, use the search engine and
type ‘jewelry wholesale companies’ or ‘jewelry
wholesale suppliers’ into the search box. This is
the easiest, and cheapest way to find jewelry
wholesale sources.

Start making a list of sources. You can do this on
notepad or in a spreadsheet. Keep up with which
company has the best prices on certain items,
shipping costs, contact information, and any other
information you may need in the course of doing
business.

Don’t forget the online auctions, and remember that
eBay isn’t the only online auction either! Keep your
eyes open for great deals on jewelry, and make
bulk purchases when you can.

How to Select Jewelry Wholesale

2009-05-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Selecting jewelry isn’t hard, when you can see it
and touch it. However when you purchase jewelry
wholesale, you often won’t have this opportunity
before making a purchase, since most of these
purchases are made online or through mail order.
This makes the selection process a bit harder.

Start by reading all of the information that is
supplied. Make sure that words like ‘gold plated’ or
‘faux’ are not used if you are looking for genuine
pieces. Contact the company and ask for more
information if you are unsure about anything that
you are reading as well. Make sure you are getting
wholesale prices. Look for similar pieces at the
online jewelry stores, or even at your local jewelry
stores, and compare the prices. The wholesale
price should be much lower.

Also check the refund and exchange policy of the
business you are planning to purchase from. Make
sure that there is a ‘no questions asked’ money
back guarantee, or the offer of a 100% refund if you
are not satisfied. If there is no refund policy, there
should be no deal! You can find other jewelry
wholesale from companies that do offer refunds
and exchanges.

Choosing the Shape of Your Cubic Zirconia

2009-04-29T20:52:00.001-07:00

When choosing cubic zirconia jewelry, you will be looking at the cut of the stone in combination with the design of the ring. The cut of the stone is as important as the design. The two combined together will compliment each other in a beautiful arrangement for you to wear on your hand, arm, neck or ears.

If you choose to have a piece of cubic zirconia jewelry custom-made, with a design of your own creation or a design chosen from a designer, you will want to choose the right cut of stone to enhance the design. A cubic zirconia stone will come in the same type of cuts you will see in a diamond. Diamond cutters are always trying to come up with new and unique cuts for the stones. These listed below are the most popular cuts of diamonds, gemstones and cubic zirconia.

Round Brilliant - The round brilliant is the most elegant, classic cut. The stone has been well rounded and highly polished to reflect an abundant percentage of light. Because of the brilliance of the cut of stone, could be reason for the name.

Marquise - The marquise is a long, almost slender cut of stone. It is pointed at both of ends and is slightly rounded in the middle. This cut can be made to be longer or shorter depending on the design of the ring or the preference of the client.

Princess - The princess cut is the square cut of stone. The brilliance of the stone comes from the complex cuts in the corner of the stone.

Radiant/Emerald - The radiant and the emerald are two different cuts, but a similar in various ways. They are both cut into a rectangle shape. They both have a very classic look about them. However, the radiant cut was not invented until sometime in the 1970s. The emerald cut had started loosing it's popularity in the early 1970s. The radiant cut has more complex cuts in the stone for the maximum reflection of light and brilliance.

Pear - The pear shape is also known as the teardrop shape. The cut combines the lengthened shape of the marquise cut with brilliant elegance the round cut stone.

Oval - The oval cut is a rounded, elongated cut stone. It is cut to bring out the brilliance of the stone giving it an elegant look. This cut of stone has become very popular as the center in a design of elegant pieces of jewelry.

Heart - The heart is a frivolous fun creation. The heart shape stones have been used in many different settings of earrings, necklaces and rings. Recently it has become more popular in rings especially engagement rings.

These cuts of stone are well known and are very popular when choosing cubic zirconia jewelry. When choosing cubic zirconia jewelry, you will have these stones to pick from as well as some unique cuts not mentioned here. Choose jewelry to enhance your style whether it is one of the well known cuts or a unique cut only owned and worn by you.

Jewelry Wholesale and Estate Sales

2009-02-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

Buying jewelry wholesale at estates sales is
actually quite easy. In fact, in most cases, this is
the easiest way to get very rare or old pieces at or
below jewelry wholesale prices! There is, however,
a method to the madness when it comes to walking
away with an heirloom piece at a rock bottom price!

Most people have estate sales when a person has
died. Unless the person was extremely wealthy, an
appraisal of all of the items that will be sold is not
done…and in most cases, the people holding the
sale are heirs that simply want to cash in. They
have no idea what the real value of what they are
selling is. Furthermore, these sales are often run
just like your average garage sale, with items
marked at incredibly low prices! You can literally
walk away with thousands of dollars of jewelry for
just a few dollars.

Even if the jewelry is not that valuable, the pieces
of the jewelry may be of some use to you when you
are constructing your own pieces. You can
carefully take the pieces that you buy at estate
sales apart, and save the reusable gems, chains,
settings, and other pieces. You can typically buy
these pieces far below jewelry wholesale prices!

Jewelry Wholesale and eBay Auctions

2009-02-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

eBay is a great place to find almost any item that
you can imagine. Jewelry wholesale auctions are
quite common on eBay, and in many cases, you
cannot beat the deals that are offered here.
However, there are also many con artists that
operate through eBay, and you have to use caution.

Start by reading all of the fine details about the
jewelry wholesale lots that you are purchasing. If
you still have questions, send those questions to
the seller through eBay’s website. Make sure that
you keep all of your contact with the seller through
the website so that there is documentation.

Check out the person or company that is offering
the jewelry wholesale. Look at their ratings and their
feedback. Has there been any negative feedback?
If so, you may want to reconsider your options and
look into other auctions. If the feedback is all
positive, and the seller’s rating is high, doing
business with them should not be a problem.

Make sure that you are clear about shipment costs
and the shipment time frame, as well as the
payment options offered. Usually, the buyer is
responsible for the shipment costs, and this is
added to the total and paid before the item ships.
In the case of high ticket items, insurance may
be required on the item as well. The seller seldom
pays the shipping costs.

If the jewelry wholesale is a high ticket item, such
as jewelry that is bought in bulk or rare pieces of
expensive jewelry, you should strongly consider
using the escrow service that is recommended by
eBay. If the seller recommends any escrow service
other than the one that eBay recommends, you
might not want to do business with this seller – it
could be a scam.

Beware of sniper’s on eBay! Sniping is against the
rules at eBay, but a large group of people do it
anyway. Sniping is automatic bidding, which is not
against the rules, but the software or service is
instructed to place the highest bid in the last
possible minute of the auction – leaving no time for
anyone else to place a higher bid. Again, this is
against eBay’s rules.

Instead of sniping, place your first bid at the
maximum amount that you are willing to pay for
the jewelry wholesale lot. Each time the bid is
raised, your bid will automatically be raised – until
your limit is reached. This is not sniping, and it is
a perfectly legal way to bid on auctions at eBay.

How to Select Jewelry Wholesale Beads

2009-02-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

When purchasing wholesale jewelry beads, you
must use care. You don’t want to end up with beads
that aren’t worth anything to you! Selecting beads
takes a lot of thought – we aren’t talking about
plastic beads that children use to make jewelry. We
are talking about quality beads used to make grown
up jewelry!

Avoid cheap plastic beads. This may be suitable for
some pieces, but it isn’t very durable – or very
pretty. Instead, buy glass beads or Lucite beads.
These are not only durable, they are very shiny and
pretty. They do not have the ‘cloudy’ look of plastic
beads.

Inspect the beads for imperfections if possible.
Beads that are ‘lopsided’ won’t do. Beads that are
chipped, broken, or scratched are useless. Don’t
purchase these beads no matter how cheap they
are!

Most jewelry wholesale beads are sold in bulk. In
this case, you probably won’t have the opportunity
to inspect the beads, so ask about the exchange
policy. Will you be able to exchange the beads that
are less than perfect? Depending on how the beads
are packaged and sold, and the policy of the
business selling the jewelry wholesale beads, this
may not be possible.

All You Ever Wanted To Know About Earrings But Were Afraid to Ask

2009-01-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

It is thought that earrings date back to 3000 BC where they originated in Asia and appeared in 2 formats, one being the simple hoop earring and the other the more elaborate pendant earring.

The oldest earrings ever found by archaeologists were discovered in royal graves in Iraq and date back to around 2500 BC. Gold, silver and bronze hoop earrings have also been found dating back to 2000 BC in Crete. In those days it was customary to bury jewellery with the dead.

In 16th century in the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt a type of earring called an earplug became fashionable and these fitted snugly into a wide stretched hole in the earlobe. This type of piercing is seen on the sculpture of Tutankhamen.
Poverty in the Dark ages meant that work with precious metals dwindled although some goldsmiths preserved designs that were to later emerge in 7th century Greece. The most popular earrings then there were the pendant type and they often featured a bird or likenesses of the gods Eros and Nike.

In the 2nd century during the Roman Empire, earrings became a popular way for rich women to show off their wealth and the use of precious gemstones in the jewellery also became more popular.

During the Middle Ages, earrings became less popular and practical due to the popularity of elaborate hairstyles and headdresses. In fact for a time it was considered immoral for respectable married woman not to have their heads covered in public.

In 16th century Italy, hairstyles changed with hair being swept away from the face leaving ears exposed although for another 100 years things stayed the same in England, Spain and France with the wearing of high collars keeping earrings out of fashion.

By the 17th century, earrings became very fashionable accessory for the well dressed lady across the whole of Europe. One of the most popular designs of those times were the very large heavy pendant type earrings called girandoles which were great favourites of Queen Victoria. These earrings required a substantial amount of precious metals and gemstones and so were very heavy, which meant that most people that wore them suffered from elongated earlobes.

Although earrings were popular with wealthy people throughout the ages, they were also popular with poorer people who adopted their own styles which were less elaborate and made from less expensive materials.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that earrings were completely revolutionised. Different fittings appeared such as screw and clip on as well as those for pierced ears and it also became the norm for women to wear earrings in the day and not just for special occasions. The 1960’s marked a massive change for the wearing of earrings when designs became completely unrestrained and it became common to see men also wearing earrings although most only usually wear one earring. Women began to collect earrings and with so many designs available the choices were endless.

Today the choice is even greater and the popularity of earrings increases with many people now having more than one set of piercings in which to display their jewellery. Modern materials such as titanium and different types of plastics have also become popular in the making of earrings because of their lightness, design possibilities and in the case of titanium because of its hypoallergenic qualities.

There is now a never ending choice of different types of earrings from modern trendy cheap and cheerful everyday earrings to the more expensive gold, silver or platinum earrings inlaid with diamonds and other precious gemstones.

Alexandrite jewelry for your wedding

2009-01-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Weddings are really important events for everyone and what better way to celebrate the perfect moments if not by wearing the most amazing alexandrite jewelry? The changing mysterious colors, the noble history and the rareness of the expensive alexandrite make it perfect for a wedding event. The bride would look spectacular and so would any guest at her wedding if they wore alexandrite jewelry.

Special occasions need special attention and the best way to do this is to have perfect catering and the guests to shine. While men have to wear impeccable suits, women have to be dressed with wonderful dresses and impress with special jewelry. The bride, who is the center of attention, will most likely want to wear something fascinating, to remember all her life. The most beautiful jewelry that will definitely make a person feel rare and precious is alexandrite jewelry.

The most likely to be able to give an answer to the question “Why?” is Randy G. Lander. She and her husband have been working with alexandrite for the last 10 years. Randy G. Lander is a Russian descendant and she carries on the medieval Khazars tradition of jewelry trading with an emphasis on alexandrite. She can tell you alexandrite is the rarest gemstone on earth. This is why it is more expensive than diamonds are and very appropriate for a wedding. Randy G. Lander also recommends alexandrite jewelry because of the color changing alexandrite they are made of. Weddings are events dominated by various emotions from fear of the future to share joy and happiness. Alexandrite can express every one of these emotions. The phenomenal gem can change its color depending on the intensity of light: from green, to ruby red or violet/purple. No other color changing stone has this mysterious power of change. The alexandrite truly dazzles the eye.

The alexandrite gemstone comes from the Czar Alexander II. The exquisite alexandrite jewelry was worn by Russian and German royalty. Empress Ekaterina was the first to own the alexandrite, but, due to a greedy and irresponsible caretaker of the royal vaults, some of the stones were sold to a German Prince. The German Prince gave the alexandrite jewelry as a gift to his wife. When The German Princess and Empress Ekaterina met, the mistakes of the royal caretaker were discovered and he was punished. The rest of the alexandrite jewelry was to be worn by the Empress herself.

Alexandrite jewelry still impresses scientists, gemologist, royal buyers and common buyers. The elements combined in an unmet before manner offer the alexandrite unique optical qualities and hardness. This is why alexandrite jewelry captures everyone’s attention and is the most sought jewel ornament.

Having such a story and such appreciation, the alexandrite jewelry should be the one you are wearing at your wedding or at someone else’s. A pair of earrings, a necklace or a ring made with alexandrite will make anyone stand out of a crowd. It is, after all, jewelry made for royalty and you are the Princess at your wedding.

A Guide to Buying Wholesale Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

2009-01-13T19:46:00.001-08:00

Cubic zirconia jewelry is increasing in popularity because of the improvement in the quality and the variety of jewelry styles it can be found in. If you want to make your own jewelry, you may want to look into buying your stones in bulk and at wholesale prices rather than retail. You are still able to find the shape and cut of the stones you want and in the colors you want.

Cubic zirconia is a made in a laboratory to have the same features of a diamond, so it could be used as a replacement for the diamond. Even though the hardness of the cubic zirconia is not equally to the hardness of a diamond, the cubic zirconia is still increasing in popularity because of its harness and brilliant shine. It has become of the more popular choices for a diamond replacement in jewelry. Because cubic zirconia is available in the different shapes and the variety of colors, they can be found in the most fashionable styles in all types of jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

All of the gemstones made in the laboratory carry the same traits and feature of their natural counterpart. They have become more popular for their beauty and less as a replacement of the original stone. The synthetic gemstones creating in the laboratory have the same mineral in their make up as the natural stones. The cubic zirconia however is different because its composition is to simulate a diamond. It is made with the same crystal system found in a diamond. Unlike it synthetic relatives the cubic zirconia was only found once in its natural setting and has never been found again.

The synthetic gemstones are made to emulate all types of stones, such as coral, diamond, alexandrite, emerald, sapphire, ruby, garnet, quartz, and turquoise. They can also be found in the same fashionable shapes their natural counterparts. They are available in, such as round, oval, pear, heart, and baguettes.

Even though the cubic zirconia is a diamond replacement stone in jewelry. They can also come in a large variety of colors. They are available as oval-shaped champagne stones, heart-shaped pink stones, or pear-shaped blue stones. Each colored stone is available in every shape the diamond can be found no matter the color of the cubic zirconia.

When buying wholesale stones, you want to find the high quality stone. Make sure to look at their samples for the quality of the cut, the smoothness, the hardness, and the weight. If you are unable to detect a high quality stone, enlist the assistance of a good gemologist you can trust. Even though you are trying to find the best prices in stones when looking at wholesale, do not buy second hand stones. You want the jewelry you make to wear to look like it a high quality piece of jewelry. Cubic zirconias are available in different grades such as Grade A, Grade AAA and Grade AAAAA. The Grade AAAAA offers long-lasting brilliance and sparkle, so it has become a high valued stone with consumers. If you choose to make your own jewelry, remember to make quality your top priority.

A Look At The Years of Celebrities Wearing Jewelry

2009-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

As far back as one can remember famous celebrities have been wearing the jewelry made by famous jewelry designers. Through out many eras and many styles the celebrities and jewelry designers have held a close bond. Who better to display your beautiful pieces than a beautiful celebrity that has already captured the audiences attention.

Elizabeth Taylor will always be remembered for her glamorous and beautiful look. I cannot remember any time that I have seen Elizabeth without her jewels to adorn her. This was a lady with a fashion style like no other. From gorgeous pearls adorning her face to beautiful diamonds adorning her neck. She knew how to make a fashion statement!

Ava Gardner was a woman with a glamorous fashion style that did not go unnoticed. Whether she choose to wear her best diamond earrings or her favorite Trifari necklace she always looked spectacular. There are many of us who could pick up a few tips from Ava’s flare!

Joan Crawfard and Joan Collins are another two that simply can’t be outdone. One must wonder how a women so easily learns to be that refined and beautiful at all times. Like Cleopatra it seems to be bred deep within the soul.

Let us not forget about royalty. Although not perhaps celebrities as we think of them still important figure heads that are within the public eye. How about the gorgeous jewels of the Duchess of Windsor or Umbero II of Italy. Then there was Princess Mary of Great Britain who was seldom seen without her jewelry adornments.

To more modern times, what about that beautiful engagement ring that Camela Parker Bowls was seen wearing. An outstanding piece of jewelry on a women that quite commonly presents herself in a very traditional refined style. No glamour here except for that drop dead gorgeous ring!

Whether we are talking about Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Kate Winslet, Kate Hudson, or Katie Holmes celebrities give us the opportunity to see jewelry designs in play. They instantly help develop a desire for a certain jewelry piece or look.

We’ve got plenty we can learn from the styles of celebrities. And once these designer jewelry pieces grab hold it isn’t long before someone is making a similar piece that our pocket books can afford.

So keep watching the stars for great jewelry to make your fashion statement!

A Quick Guide to Wholesale Cubic Zirconia

2009-01-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Jewelry lovers are buying cubic zirconia today more than ever thanks to the improvement in quality and the many fashionable styles available. As a jeweler or jewelry manufacturer, this gives you a tremendous opportunity to sell quality jewelry for less and cater to your customers.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is a man-made composition created to simulate, or take on the likeness of, a real diamond. Due to its hardness and beautiful shine, cubic zirconia has become the most popular substitute for diamonds on the market today. It is available in many fashionable styles, shapes and colors to fit any occasion. Cubic zirconia stones can be used in all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings.

Synthetic Gemstones

Synthetic gemstones are made in a laboratory but still carry the same properties as natural stones. These "lab gems" have become popular and actually are in greater demand today for their own beauty, not merely as a substitute for natural stones. Almost every popular gemstone has a synthetic counterpart. Customers are flocking to get the latest style of cubic zirconia or synthetic gemstone jewelry like never before.

What's the Difference?

Though both have lovely characteristics, there is a great difference between cubic zirconia and synthetic gemstones. Both are created in a lab, but synthetic gemstones are made using the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as natural stones. Lab gems also have the same mineral content as natural gems. On the other hand, cubic zirconia is created to look similar to natural stones but with different optical, physical, and chemical properties.

Types of Synthetic Gemstones

Synthetic gemstones come in many shapes and forms. They are available in coral, diamond, alexandrite, emerald, lapis lazuli, ruby, sapphire, turquoise, spinel, garnet, and quartz. There are many shapes and colors available. For example, lab blue sapphire gems and lab ruby gems come in the following shapes: heart, marquise, octagon, oval, round, trillion, square, pear, and baguette.

Cubic Zirconia Styles

Cubic zirconia resembles a diamond and is available in various shapes and colors. For instance, there are heart-shaped lavender stones, oval-shaped pink stones, pear-shaped champagne stones, and many other dazzling combinations.

Quality Checklist

When shopping for wholesale cubic zirconia or synthetic gemstones, be sure to only buy top quality stones. Ask for samples to check for quality in the following areas: cut, smoothness, hardness (cubic zirconia ranking 8.5 on Moh's Scale of Hardness), and weight. Find a reputable gemologist to help if you're not sure how to check for quality.

Don't settle for second-hand stones. Look for great wholesale prices when ordering loose cubic zirconia, or loose cz, without sacrificing quality. Your customers will know the difference. Look for the grades when buying white cubic zirconia - Grade A, Grade AAA, and Grade AAAAA. Grade AAAAA has become the most valued cubic zirconia stone because it offers long-lasting fire and sparkle.

When buying loose cubic zirconia from a wholesale supplier, remember to put quality first so your customers can enjoy long-lasting beauty.

5 Tips on How to Find the Best Wholesale Jewelry

2008-12-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

Whether you're a fashion retailer, an e-tailer, an eBay seller, or you simply want to earn some extra income selling costume jewelry, the key to success is finding great wholesale jewelry from a costume jewelry supplier. Finding high quality wholesale fashion jewelry can be an elusive quest, though, so here are five tips to get you started.

1. When it comes to wholesale jewelry, import is king.

Almost all fashion jewelry is imported, so you need to find a costume jewelry supplier that obtains jewelry from around the globe. The more sources of jewelry the supplier has, the more likely it is that you'll be able to find the variety of pieces you need at bargain prices. In addition, you'll be assured of a steady stream of new pieces and your ability to obtain the wholesale jewelry you need won't be hampered by world events that negatively impact those wholesalers with only one supply chain.

2. Find a jewelry trend spotter.

Unless you're steeped in the world of fashion, you won't be exposed to the nuances of seasonal jewelry trends. A good wholesale jewelry store will do your homework for you, and offer pieces that reflect the latest trends in jewelry design. You don't want to be stuck with chunky necklaces when fine filigree is in fashion, but you want to make sure you have enough hoop earrings when they hit the fashion runways.

3. Don't forget the classics.

Although it's important to have a variety of trendy pieces, a good wholesale costume jewelry supplier will also carry the classics, like sterling silver, cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystal, and semi-precious stone jewelry. Unless you specialize in being fashion forward, more traditional pieces are staples that will sell year-round.

4. Look for breadth and depth.

Accessories consist of more than earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, so your wholesale jewelry supplier should carry a wide variety of pieces. Anklets and toe rings are must-haves, but so are body jewelry, cell phone jewelry, hair accessories, key chain charms, and bejeweled belts.

5. Look for minimums, shipping, and customer satisfaction.

When you're shopping for wholesale jewelry, find a costume jewelry supplier that has a reasonable minimum purchase. You may not be able to - or want to - commit to investing a significant sum of money in fashion jewelry. An online wholesale jewelry store, for example, may only have a fifty-dollar minimum order, which is a perfect place to start.

In addition, it's important that the supplier you select has the merchandise in stock, rather than forcing you to wait until they receive their jewelry import. Look for a company that ships on the same business day or by the next business day at the latest.

Finally, one of the best ways to judge a wholesale jewelry supplier is by their commitment to customer satisfaction. The supplier should be able to provide you with testimonials, and attest to the importance of customer satisfaction to their business.

5 Top Tips for Buying Native American Indian Bracelets

2008-12-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

Nothing allows you to express your personality, feel closer to the spirit of traditional American culture, and add something truly unique and personal to your life like wearing an authentic Native American bracelet on your wrist. But how do you safely choose a real, attractive piece that also says the right things about you?

The wonderful craftsmanship, striking appeal, and fun originality of Native American Indian bracelets make them the top choice for the person who wants to wear something a little different than everyone else and own a unique piece of jewelry. However, the range of styles, the unknown authenticity, and the difficulty of finding the right store can make the choice difficult.

Fortunately, the selection of your Native American bracelet doesn't have to be difficult at all. Once you know a few easy points to keep in mind, you can relax and shop to your heart's content, without that fear of making the wrong choice or ending up with a bracelet that isn't right for you.

1. Turquoise bracelets come in many varieties.
Everyone has a different mental image spring up when they hear "turquoise bracelets." You may picture large stones, closely spaced and reaching orderly around the wrist. Or you may think of a circular, mandala-like arrangement of smaller blue-green stones on a centerpiece on the top of the wrist, with the band wrapping around underneath.

In fact, the use of turquoise in Native American bracelets is varied, often used in conjunction with other, multi-colored stones or clever use of silver and other metals. Often, the best piece will include one or two small turquoise pieces to accentuate other colors and textures. Then again, some pieces employ turquoise stones as their main feature, and do so with the utmost craft and beauty.

It is up to you which suits you, but you can shop secure in the knowledge that Native American turquoise retains its beauty even as other trends come and go.

2. Simplicity is beautiful.
It is entirely possible that the piece that speaks to you the best is very simple in design. Perhaps it is a silver band with a simple twisted pattern, or a restrained series of ridges. Maybe your look and personality are accented best by a bracelet with a single, large stone of turquoise or other mineral - just a splash of color to catch the eye. Complicated designs and details may look good in the shop display case, but aren't necessarily the type of Native American bracelet that suit your taste.

3. Intricacy is beautiful.
On the other hand, the intriguingly intricate designs of an elaborately-crafted bracelet can be the conversation piece that sparks confidence, inspiration, and even admiring comments from others! The obvious genius that has gone into a bracelet with clever juxtapositions of its carvings, stamps, stones and/or silverwork can be just the thing that heightens your daily experience and communicates to others just what you want to say.

4. Only shop at places that offer buyer protection.
The most comfortable, free way to shop is when you know that your purchase is backed by a reputable company. In this internet age, the best place to buy Native American bracelets is online, through websites that offer protection to the buyer.

For example, the web's premier auction house, eBay, always has hundreds of listings featuring one-of-a-kind Native American bracelets and other jewelry. eBay features an extensive system to ensure buyers are happy; you can contact the seller before bidding, check comments from the seller's previous customers, send payment safely with your credit card through PayPal, keep your private information hidden, and even appeal to eBay when an item is not as described.

Furthermore, eBay listings feature one or more pictures of the item, as well as its dimensions and, often, the piece's history. In short, you should stick to places like eBay that bring together sellers and buyers with several layers of protection for you. The biggest sites became big thanks to buyer satisfaction, which they take very seriously.

5. Nobody knows what you need like you do!
Sellers will try their best to use flowery language and convincing descriptions to get your business. However, only YOU know what is right for you. And as long as you are happy about the financial protection you as a shopper are receiving, you can tune all of that out and just get the Native American bracelet that speaks to you the loudest. YOU know which one that is... it's just a matter of looking until you find it! Look at websites like http://native-american-store.fournotes.com for the widest selection of bracelets and sellers. Choice is always good!

Whether buying a lovely Native American bracelet for yourself, or as a gift for a friend or family member, it's important to remember that there are very easy ways to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. You want to be sure the bracelet is authentic, the seller is reputable, and the design suits the person it will be adorning. Use the tips in this article and you are virtually assured of being happy with your beautiful, exclusive bracelet!

A Guide To Diamond Engagement Rings

2008-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Surprising your girlfriend with a beautiful diamond ring is a moment both of you will cherish your entire life. A once in a lifetime occasion, buying a diamond ring should be done carefully as your fianc้e will wear it everyday, showing it off to her friends and family members, flaunting your love.

The market is flooded with numerous jewelers and shops claiming to sell the most authentic and beautiful diamonds there are. To make the right choice from the plethora of designs and variety can indeed be a confusing task. It would do you good to be aware of some basic tips on buying diamond jewelry before you buy one for your girlfriend. The ‘four c’s’, color, cut, clarity and carat, are the deciding factors for a diamond’s purity and value. This king of gems comes in all colors, with white being the purest and costliest. Although it is the hardest stone available, diamond can be cut in a variety of fancy shapes and sizes. The shape and cut determines the shine of the gem.

One should choose the shape of the diamond according to your girlfriend’s personality. If she is dainty-- buy a small elegant one; tall and well-buily? go for a large squarish rock. The sparkle of the diamond often holds more importance than the rock’s size. Clarity of the diamond ensures a dazzling shine every time the light passes through the stone. Carat, or the weight of diamond, also contributes to its price and value in the market.

Educating yourself about the ‘four c’s’ will keep you from buying imitations. Even though it is conventional to spend two months salary on your engagement ring, you can buy synthetic diamonds, which will be easier on your wallet. Synthetic diamond has the same physical properties of a real diamond but is more affordable than the real one. Finally, do ask the jeweler to provide a purity certificate, which will serve as a guarantee and later help in insuring your gems.

6 Most Common Diamond Scams

2008-12-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

When it comes to diamonds, there are numerous scams to avoid. Most scams are minor, but there are some major ones that come up from time to time concerning the buying and selling of diamonds. Scams occur simply because most people who buy diamonds – for whatever reasons – don’t know that much about diamonds. Therefore, they are easily fooled.

Jewelry stores like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. Ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well. Jewelry also stores often run ‘fluorescence’ scams to varying degrees. Referring to a diamond as a blue-white diamond is such a scam. A blue-white diamond sounds very unique and special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality – even though the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special.

A common scam that most jewelry stores participate in is the Carat Total Weight scam. The tag on the piece of jewelry, usually a ring, only states the total carat weight of all diamonds in the piece, instead of listing the total weights separately for each diamond. This leads consumers to believe that the main diamond in the piece is actually bigger than it is. Ask what the total carat weight of the center stone is. Also beware of fractions. Jewelry stores are allowed to round off diamond weights. This means that if the jeweler tells you that it is a พ carat diamond, it is probably between ฝ and พ carat – but closer to พ.

Some truly unscrupulous jewelers target those who want appraisals on diamonds that were given to them as gifts or that were purchased elsewhere. They will try to tell you that the diamond is worthless, or worth less than it actually is worth – and offer to take it off your hands or trade it for a much better diamond, along with the cash to make up the difference. This is called low balling. Get a second, third, and even a forth opinion before taking any action.

Jewelry stores often run ‘fluorescence’ scams to varying degrees. Referring to a diamond as a blue-white diamond is such a scam. A blue-white diamond sounds very unique and special, but in fact, this type of diamond is of lesser quality – even though the jeweler will try to make you think you are getting something special. Jewelry stores also like to show their diamonds in bright lights. Lights make diamonds shine. Ask to see the diamond in a different, darker type of lighting as well.

Another common dirty trick is to switch the diamond you have chosen and paid for with one of lesser quality and value when you leave it to be set in a piece of jewelry, or leave a diamond ring to be sized. The only way to avoid this is to do business with one trustworthy jeweler. Avoid jewelers that you have not done business with in the past.

There are many more scams that jewelry stores commonly pull on unsuspecting consumers. Just use your best judgment, and purchase your diamonds with the utmost care and consideration.

5 tips on how to take better digital jewelry photography

2008-11-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

1) Focus your camera

In order to ensure your images are sharp, make sure you know how to focus your camera. Digital cameras with auto focus are often difficult to focus precisely, especially when shooting small objects. Make sure your read your owner's manual and understand how your camera's auto focus operates. Most digital cameras are designed to easily focus on large objects but have difficulty on small objects. It is often useful to put your camera in spot focus mode. Spot focus will give you more control over what part of a scene the camera is actually focusing on.

2) Use a tripod

Even the slightest movement while taking a picture will cause motion blur. The closer you get to an object the more obvious the motion blur becomes. Using an inexpensive tripod will make a big difference in the sharpness of your images. For really sharp images it makes sense to invest in a good, sturdy tripod. If your camera has a remote shutter release then use it, if not then use the camera's built-in timer to minimize camera shake.

3) Put your camera in aperture priority mode

To get the largest area of your subject in focus, it is good to set your camera in aperture priority mode and set the aperture to the highest number possible. The closer you get to your subject, the more important this becomes.

4) Use soft lighting

Your camera's built-in flash will rarely give good results for product photography. For soft lighting either shoot outside on an overcase day or use a light tent like the EZcube, Cubelite, or use a soft box.

5) Use image editing software

Even inexpensive software like Photoshop Elements or ACDSee can make your product photography much easier. It may seem like it's faster to use an image exactly as it was shot. But in reality, it is difficult to shoot an image precisely how you would like to appear in its final form. Image editing software allows you to crop an image, adjust it's exposure, sharpen the image and then resize it, often in less than 60 seconds.

The biggest difference between an amateur's product snapshot and a professional's product image are sharpness and lighting. Steps 1,2, and 3 will improve the sharpness of your images while Step 4 will improve your lighting. A minute spent editing an image will improve it further. Because these few steps seem so basic, it's tempting to ignore them. However, if you take time to follow them, you will see a huge improvement in the quality of your photos.

5 Tips for Buying Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Online

2008-11-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

Genuine handcrafted silver jewelry is as beautiful as it is unique. Whether you're looking for pieces to add to your collection or are shopping for gifts, there are excellent online sources for handmade earrings, pendants, rings, barrettes, and necklaces. For a wonderful buying experience, follow these five tips.

1. Find a reputable source. This may go without saying, but don't confuse commercially manufactured jewelry with handcrafted silver jewelry. The latter is made by artisans that take great pride in their work. It's helpful to look for a company that has been in business for decades, and that has been selling online for at least five years.

2. Take advantage of customization. When jewelry is handmade, it can be customized in any number of ways, from the lengths of chains to the types of gemstones used in pendants and rings. You don't need to settle for "almost good enough." Instead, you can get the piece you've always dreamed of, in exactly the right size.

3. Measure carefully. Because customized pieces generally aren't returnable, it's important to make sure that the handcrafted silver jewelry you order will fit. It only takes a few minutes to get a good measurement, and doing so will ensure that the necklace or ring you order will be exactly what you want. For rings, ask a friend to take a piece of string, put it around the knuckle or largest part of your finger, and mark the string. To determine the size, hold the string against a tape measure and compare your measurement to the website's sizing chart. If you're in between sizes, it's best to go with the larger size. You can also use string to measure for bracelet, necklace, or anklet lengths.

4. Do your gemstone research. The best online jewelry sites have a wealth of information on gemstones. Before you order, read up on the gemstones you are considering. It's important to know, for example, that aquamarine can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, but that ultrasonic and steam cleaning may damage the stone. Similarly, you may know that pearls are delicate and can easily absorb liquids, but you might not know that turquoise is also porous and can easily become stained.

If you're going to order jewelry with gemstones, it's also crucial to know whether the stones are natural or if their colors have been enhanced. Reputable artisans will freely share this information. Don't be alarmed, however, if the stones have been heated or irradiated to intensify or change their colors. Naturally colored rubies, sapphires, and topaz, for example, are extraordinarily rare; it is an accepted practice within the jewelry industry to enhance gemstone colors.

5. Invest in the real thing. Silver jewelry is gorgeous, but only if it's real silver. Make sure that the online source you select uses either sterling silver (.925 or 92.5 percent silver) or fine silver (99.9 percent pure silver). When you invest in handcrafted silver jewelry, you're not only buying a piece you will treasure, but one that is likely to become an heirloom for future generations.

‘Are All Tahitian Pearls Black?’ and Other Pearl FAQ Answers

2008-11-13T17:38:00.001-08:00

Are all Tahitian pearls black? What’s the difference between a cultured pearl and a natural pearl? Are freshwater pearls inferior to saltwater pearls? Are South Sea pearls really golden?

Good questions. With all the different pearl colors and types out there, it can be difficult to know just what you’re looking at. For those interested in buying pearls, or for gem enthusiasts who wish to learn more, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about pearls.

Are All Tahitian Pearls Black?
Not only are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they’re also not grown in Tahiti. Called “black” because of their exotic dark colors, Tahitian cultured pearls can also be gray, blue, green and brown. And they’re grown in the lagoons of small islands that are part of a group known as French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, serves as the group’s center of commerce, and not as a pearl growing mecca.

Tahitian pearls are cultivated for about two years in Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a large mollusk native to French Polynesia. One of the ways this unique oyster differs from other species is its interior shell color, which is dark. This so-called “black lipped” oyster also has black mantle edges—the “lips” that give this animal its descriptive name.

Today, the most sought-after Tahitian cultured pearls are dark green-gray to blue gray with ros้ or purple overtones. Pearl colors are determined by several factors, including variations in the host oyster, color variation of the implanted donor mussel tissue, the number and thickness of nacre layers, and variations in growing environment such as temperature and water quality. Tahitians are most often variations of gray, black, green and blue, but other colors exist.

At an average size of 8mm-14mm, Tahitian cultured pearls—especially those specimens that are gem-quality and round—are very expensive. According to the latest information from the Gemological Institute of America, up to 40 percent of implanted black-lipped oysters produce a gem-quality cultured pearl, but only about 5 percent of the pearls they produce are round. And only 1-2 percent of the entire crop will result in round cultured pearls of the finest quality. No wonder a Tahitian pearl strand is so costly! If you want to wear Tahitian cultured pearls, one way to do so without breaking the bank is to choose a pendant-style necklace with a single pearl, pearl stud earrings, a single pearl ring, or baroque (non-symmetrical) pearls. These designs are every bit as exotic and a lot more affordable than a matched strand.

What’s the difference between a cultured pearl and a natural pearl?
Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a parasite, makes its way into a pearl-producing animal such as an oyster or mollusk. To protect itself, the animal coats the irritant in nacre—a combination of organic substances that also makes up what we call mother-of pearl. Over time, the layers of nacre build up around the intruder and eventually form the organic gem we all know as the pearl.

Cultured pearls are formed in the same way as natural pearls, with one big difference: they get their start not by chance, but deliberately, when man intervenes with nature. To produce cultured pearls, a skilled technician, called a nucleator, induces the pearl-growing process by surgically placing an irritant—a mother-of-pearl bead and a piece of mantle tissue, usually—into a mollusk. The animal is then placed back into the water and monitored, cleaned, etc. until the pearl is ready to be harvested.

The Chinese have been culturing freshwater blister pearls (pearls that grow underneath the mantle on the inside of the animal’s shell) since the 13th century, but Kokichi Mikimoto, a Japanese man, is credited with developing modern pearl culturing techniques. By the early 1920s, Mikimoto was selling his cultured pearls worldwide.

Natural pearls can be very beautiful, but due to overfishing, pollution and other factors, they are a rare find indeed. Thus, nearly all pearls sold today are cultured pearls. There are two main types: freshwater and saltwater. South Sea cultured pearls, Tahitian cultured pearls and akoya cultured pearls are all types of saltwater pearls. Cultured pearls of all types can be found in jewelry stores worldwide.

Are saltwater pearls better than freshwater pearls?
It depends on who you ask, but many pearl experts today agree that freshwater cultured pearls can rival the beauty of their saltwater cousins. Due to improvements in culturing techniques, freshwater pearl farmers are producing beautiful, round, lustrous pearls that are a vast improvement over the wrinkled, rice-krispie-shaped gems that typified the freshwater pearl crop of the not-so-distant past.

Produced mainly in China, freshwater pearls are often nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only (rather than a mother-of-pearl bead). Because they do not contain a starter bead, tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls are 100% nacre. This gives them a beautiful luster and a durable surface that won’t easily flake or peel to reveal the inner bead. By contrast, pearls that are bead-nucleated and harvested too soon often have only a thin coating of nacre that will flake or peel. This is a major problem: Unlike many other gemstones, pearls cannot be polished back to perfection.

Freshwater cultured pearls come in many beautiful natural pastel colors including cream, white, yellow, orange, pink and lavender. (Universally flattering lavender pearls are very popular right now.) White pearls are bleached to enhance their natural shine. Black freshwater cultured pearls are treated with dye or heat to produce their inky color.

Overall, freshwater pearls are more plentiful than other pearl types, thus they are generally more affordable.

Are South Sea pearls really golden?
Yes. Pearls produced in the aptly named “gold-lipped” oyster (P. maxima) can be a gorgeous creamy yellow, referred to as “golden” in the trade. (The silver-lipped variety of P. maxima produces beautiful silver or white pearls.) Grown in the South Seas—which stretch from the southern coast of Southeast Asia to the northern coast of Australia—these pearls are grown in one of the biggest oysters used in pearl culturing. Because they can accept a larger bead and secrete nacre faster than their smaller counterparts, these big oysters produce large pearls of exceptional luster and beauty. South Sea pearls’ thick coating of nacre gives the gems a wonderful luster, or glow, that appears to come from deep within the pearl. The warm waters, abundant food supply and low pollution levels of the South Seas also help these oysters produce beautiful cultured pearls.

Although Australia produces 60% of the world’s South Sea cultured pearls, Indonesian farmers work more with the gold-lipped oyster, and thus produce more golden pearls. The silver-lipped variety produces equally beautiful pearls that come in white to silver and often have ros้, blue or green overtones. Aside from giving them a light wash, pearl farmers do not treat South Sea pearls after harvest.

A Girl's Jewelry Box Is Her Best Friend

2008-10-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Girls have a lot of jewelry; we all know this. Since they have a lot of jewelry they need a spot to put it in, and what better of a place to place jewelry than in a girls jewelry box? No matter what the age of the girl, a jewelry box is her best friend. This is where they can keep some of their most prized items that they own. Not only that, but to a lot of girls, owning a jewelry box is like a sign that they are growing up. That is because their mother owns a jewelry box, and their mother before that owned a jewelry box. It's always like a passage to womanhood.

Girls jewelry box products are great, because they are so much more than just a spot to hold jewelry. In fact, most of the jewelry boxes you see for women actually play music when they are opened. This adds an almost magical element to the box. There are also an endless amount of designs that you can choose from out there. Whether it's a cultured theme jewelry box or a box that is themed after your favorite cartoon character, you can bet that there is a box out there for you.

Trying to pick out a girls jewelry box that is perfect for the person you are buying it for is not too hard. The first thing that you have to worry about is the look of it. You have to make sure it fits their personality. After that, you need to look at how it is set up. You need to think about the person you are buying it for. What kind of jewelry do they have more of. If they have more rings, then you are going to want a jewelry box that has extra spots for rings. If they have a lot of necklaces, then worry about the spots for necklaces and so on. It would not do any good to get a jewelery box for someone that has a lot of spots for rings if they do not have any rings.

When it comes to girls jewelry box products, you have three main choices on how you can get one. The first choice, which is very famous in a lot of cultures, is for the dad to make one. Around the world you see this is a very special moment in the life of the girl who gets the jewelry box as a gift. Another way is to buy one at your local store. Finally, you can get one online. Now, the last two ways are going to cost about the same. Whether you get it online or get it at a store, you are going to end up paying about the same for these jewelry boxes. However, if you do choose to get them online, you may have more to choose from. This could make it easier to find a box that fits the personality of the person you are getting it for.

Also, be sure to pay close attention to the material that the box is made out of. A lot of them are made from wood, and a higher quality wood always looks best. This is something that you want, because jewelry boxes usually sit around the bedroom, and they are kind of like a decoration. The prettier the box, the prettier the look of the room.

Kelly Hunter owns and operates http://www.bestgirlsjewelrybox.com and writes about Girls Jewelry Box products.

The Necklace as Jewelry Transcends Cultures and Time

2008-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

A representation of feminine beauty and mystique, the necklace has been an integral part of a woman's decoration and beauty for ages. Whether a choker, rosary or chain, the necklace has achieved a timeless appeal. In many cultures, necklaces have marked cultural distinctions, based on ornamentation, length and attire. From Greek mythology to the French Revolution, the necklace has played a major role in cultures worldwide.

Since the dawn of time, necklaces have been fashioned from jewels, chains, rocks, metal, cloth, wood, and shells. As one of the first man-made objects for wearing around the neck, necklaces once served as an elemental piece of apparel for men and women. Prehistoric fashions that draped around the neck and torso (forming the shape of a safety pin) were used to clasp layers of clothing. Among the ancient Egyptians, necklaces formed a fundamental part of dress. For example, the Ankh was worn to symbolize the amulet of life. Egyptians also adorned their necklaces with gold, beads and jewels, which later served as temptation for grave robbers centuries later.

In ancient Rome, young boys wore a bullah, or a chain around the neck with a pouch containing an amulet. While the bullah was worn by most classes, the upper class had amulets made of gold. These necklaces were intended to provide protection as boys were considered the stronger species in need of special protection. In comparison, Roman men wore signet rings of iron or gold. These rings were used to seal official documentation. Since Roman women during these times did not enjoy the same societal status as their male counterparts, jewelry was a mechanism of showcasing their particular position in society. According to one source, when a 195 B.C. law suggested that women give their jewelry away for use in war materials, women protested in the streets. Typical jewels of the day included amber, gold, pearls, polished stones, and glass beads.

During the Medieval ages, necklaces were simple and practical. But as history progressed through the 14th through 16th centuries, jewelry in general became more glamorized, especially neckwear. Intricately designed chains and collars graced the necks of ladies.

With all the power, prestige and beauty contained within one piece of jewelry, perhaps it is not so surprising that the necklace played an integral role in the downfall of France's monarchy. Known as the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace," the incident involved the court of Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette who was implicated in a crime to swindle the crown jewelers for the cost of a very expensive diamond necklace. The scandal added to the disillusionment of France's people with their monarchy, which along with other events, eventually culminated in the French Revolution.

In the Eastern part of the world, necklaces have long been fashioned with an array of exquisite jewelry and gold. In fact, gold necklaces play a very important role in Middle Eastern dress even today. The Arabian necklace symbolizes not only an embellishment, but also a form of security and an economic marker. Islamic calligraphy and Quranic symbols are also prevalent.

Neckwear in Assam, India, is often typified with motifs of orchids and flora and fauna. Other Indian jewelry ranges from religious to domestic. In areas surrounding temples, shops sell sanctified necklaces made of scented sandalwood, silk and gold. Worn by married Hindu women, the mangal sutra symbolizes love in holy matrimony. It is made of a combination of black beads and a gold pendant.

In Africa, necklaces designed from colorful beads have been used as part of traditional attire for centuries. African neckwear has also been used to designate tribal heritage, status, and for currency exchange.

No matter the cultural destination, the necklace has been an important decoration for ages. Some cultures have even utilized the necklaces to identify cultural and class distinctions. Indeed, the necklace has played a major role in cultures worldwide.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Wish Pearl Jewelry And Black Pearl Jewelry For Different Seasons

2008-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Whether you are buying a gift for someone else or buying a piece of jewelry for yourself, there are always some types of pearl jewelry that will be ideal for you. That is because there is a wide variety of pearl jewelry to choose from - freshwater pearls, salt water pearls, cultured pearls, natural pearls, drilled pearls, and more. If you are considering buying a gift, wish pearls may be the perfect choice.

Wish pearls as gifts

First of all, what are wish pearls? Wish pearls are simply pearls that allow wishes to come true. As pearls are elegant pieces of jewelry, suitable as classy gifts, many people give pearls away to express their well meaning intentions. And the best meaning of intentions come in the form of desire for the wishes of the intended recipient to come true. Thus the label "wish pearls".

Wish pearls can come in many different types of packages. They may come in transparent boxes, cans or even jewelry kits. They are, after all, intended to be given away as gifts. And gifts can come in many different attractive packages to make them look nice and presentable. Your job, as the giver, is to find something that the intended recipient would love to own. That, in itself, is a wish come true.

But perhaps you are looking for something to add to your jewelry collection. In that case, consider the black pearls.

Black pearls as part of your jewelry collection

Black pearls, are similar to other forms of pearls, except that they are completely black in color. This unique characteristics give the black pearl its mysterious aura. There is something to be desired, some secret to be revealed. When worn, black pearls give the wearers a mysterious and strangely attractive look. It can be both a symbol of fun or a symbol of class. Due to its unique color, black pearls are often matched up with light colored clothing. This brings out the contrasting colors of the pearls and the clothing.

Like all other pearls, black pearls naturally look simple and elegant - especially those that are perfectly round. They can be cultured or natural. Natural black pearls are very rare, and therefore, compared to cultured black pearls, they are also noticeably more expensive.

But price aside, the main reason why so many people are looking to buy black pearls to add to their private collection is because black pearls offer another realm of possibilities that other colored pearls cannot offer. Besides the characteristics mentioned above, the black pearl remains as one of the most versatile piece of jewelry, capable of matching a wide variety of clothing, including fall or winter collection wear.

Finally, be reminded that pearl jewelry can come in such a wide range of designs and patterns that they can dazzle anyone. They can go in bracelets, necklaces, sit alone as a single pearl, or stranded together in strands, and present themselves in many different forms. Black pearls are no exception. So add them to your pearl jewelry collection, just as you would add to your current collection of designer wear.

Browse wish pearl jewelry and black pearl necklaces by visiting CNEPearls online store. CNEpearls sells numerous jewelry pieces, both trendy and classic, that will keep you up-to-date with the 2008 Fall/Winter fashion trends and looking your best.

CZ Jewelry Versus Diamond Jewelry

2008-09-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Honestly, there really is no real contention here, especially if you are literally in love with all kinds of jewelry. Even though some people may not openly express it, we all love that little sparkle, no matter what precious metal it is or what gemstone or mineral it shows off. Cubic zirconia jewelry, diamond jewelry, gold jewelry, silver jewelry … agate, turquoise, pearls … the list plainly goes on and on.

However, some people do find a bit of friction when it comes to the appealing cubic zirconia or cz jewelry and the ever dependable and timeless diamond jewelry. Some assert that both just can’t be of the same level. Although they both somewhat look alike, there has to be one which is, in theory, more superior. Naturally, these are two very different elements; one is naturally made while the other is man-made. So for those of you who cannot make up your minds whether you want cz jewelry or diamond jewelry, here is the full low-down:

CZ Jewelry

CZ jewelry (like diamond jewelry) never really stands alone. You will often see cz rings set on sterling silver jewelry, or a pair of cubic zirconia gems on some sterling silver earrings. CZ is a diamond stimulant, and yes, it is completely man made. This is one of the most important elements of the cubic zirconia that helps bring down the cost of the jewelry made from this material.

CZ can also be engineered in such a way that it is almost indistinguishable from real diamonds. It can look so alike to diamonds that often times only trained gemologists can actually spot the difference. However, one element of the CZ jewelry that makes it so popular among jewelry enthusiasts is its capacity to be engineered to diamond perfection – from the cut of the diamond, to the color, and finally to the clarity of the material.

Diamond Jewelry

We’ve all heard that saying, diamond is a girl’s best friend. Admittedly enough, most still believe that this statement is true. But diamonds and diamond jewelries are far too precious these days. They are definitely too pricey to buy on a whim. And not all of these so-called real diamond jewelries actually carry precious diamond in the first place. In fact, some pieces carry synthetic diamonds which are also known as lab-manufactured diamonds. There are even others which have enhanced diamonds. These pieces are natural diamonds which are enhanced via laser treatments. And yes, the primary concern here is always the price. Truly great diamonds have never been known to have depreciated in value.

Since diamonds are naturally made through a geological process there are a lot of imperfections and impurities associated with them. This is the primary reason why gemologists rank them by carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. More often than not, the diamonds that are within our budget range unfortunately end up being those that fare poorly in ranking.

So when it comes to the ultimate question of CZ jewelry versus diamond jewelry, it all really depends on you and your own preferences. If you are looking for something that looks stunning and just like a real diamond that is actually affordable, then CZ jewelry wins. However there is just something truly special about natural and real diamonds, regardless of their expensive price.

Sara Berkley is a known authority on cz jewelry. Through her company GonnaLuvIt you can find amazing deals on high-quality diamond jewelry and silver cz rings, all backed a 100% No-Hassle Money-back Guarantee.

Tips in Buying Auctioned Jewelry

2008-09-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

“ Caveat Emptor, “ let the buyers beware.

While auctioned items are juicily tempting it attaches with it a flavor that one should be aware of.... the risk. The Latin maxim “caveat emptor” warns buyers of the risk in buying. The implied warranty that goods should be of merchandise quality is not absolute. Some may be difficult to foresee and the defect might just be popping up in an unguarded moment. The risk then is borne by the buyer.

While unseen defects might be difficult to foretell, there are some tips that one could take cloaking himself against unscrupulous sellers. Catching the Fish From the Mouth Itself:

Online auction shops usually have feedback systems. A review on the auction site might yield to a clue. The feedbacks are usually posted either as a complement or a reaction to dissatisfaction. Knotting both ends... it discloses if the seller did a great job or the opposite. Pang! Just from the fish's mouth it can be gleaned which seller is risk free and not.

Choosing the Right Payment Method:

The glittering jewelry may be eye catching and one is at the point to purchase the good, how can one pay without being defrauded?

Try Paypal. Online transaction with the plastic king has always been the favorite part of a defrauding scenario. While a number of pressing charges and complaints were raised, steps were taken to out do and minimize fraud. Paying through paypal lets someone transfer a fund without divulging the credit card number. The popularity took a skyrocketing degree offering protection to fraud. Choosing between money order or checks? Money order is better although t is hard to recover the money back . Giving personal checking accounts might cause a more dangerous result in the process. The bottom line: a little step to being more cautious avoids getting wired up in tangled situation.

Getting OC:

The risk in buying always attaches to the buyer. Scrutinizing every detail is not at all bad, after all money is involved.

Check out on the shipping rates. Most scrupulous buyers doubles the shipping rate to gain more profit. If the rate is not at all equitable, why still go for the jewelry if it is worth more than the purchase price? Getting in touch with the seller sends more clues. If the seller never answered questions with loads of inquiries sent, then it is time to think over and decide if the reliability does exist. Get closer in knowing the details. Locating the buyer is best to know if it was really a good sale or not.

Stick the maxim in the head:

Auction sale are always looked up to as something risky no matter how one takes all the precautions. The rule of the thumb: USE COMMON SENSE. Items might be too good to be true, while the item look so promising and tempting, a little research would do to avoid being trapped. Why bid in something you're in doubt with?

Azhelle writes an article about Auctions to guide our auctioneers on their shopping online.

Protecting Jewelry With Jewelry Armoire

2008-09-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

When a person purchases jewelry, he or she is taking on the responsibility of protecting the said jewelry. Usually, the value of a piece of jewelry appreciates because the values of gold, diamond and other gemstones also appreciate. But this does not assure that the gold or diamond jewelry will become more expensive as time goes by. In fact, it is just as possible for the value of jewelry to depreciate. Depreciation happens when the jewelry owner neglects his or her responsibility to protect his or her jewelry collection.

To illustrate, an expensive emerald ring is bought. It is expensive because the ring contains one of the few perfectly cut emeralds. But if this emerald ring is carelessly tossed together with other rings such as diamond rings, then trouble is likely to happen. Basic material chemistry taught us that diamonds are the hardest of minerals and this means that it can easily scratch other minerals, even emeralds. The diamond can create grooves on the surface of the emerald stone as a result, the value of this blemished emerald stone plunges.

Therefore, jewelry must be protected, separated, and organized so that they don’t lead to the depreciation of each other. It is suggested that the jewelry collector obtain either a jewelry box or a jewelry armoire.

In a jewelry box or jewelry armoire, the necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches are not piled up on each other. The chains don’t get tangled and then accidentally get broken in an attempt to untangle them. For people with an extensive collection of necklaces, the far better choice is the jewelry armoire because of the hooks that will allow individual places for the necklaces. For people who collect rings, a divider must be present in either the jewelry box or jewelry armoire.

Quality jewelry boxes and jewelry armoires are lined with soft fabrics that will cushion and protect the pieces of jewelry. But it is still advised that each piece of jewelry must be carefully wrapped to ensure that dust does not accumulate on the facets and surfaces. The wrapping material can be anything that resembles tissue paper but it is less coarse.

Aside from storing the pieces of jewelry in a jewelry box or jewelry armoire, there are other helpful ways to protect these prized possessions. One way is to ensure that the jewelry is not carelessly tossed on a table or if you are in the bathroom, avoid placing it near the sink. The jewelry can get lost by getting drained into the sink. Thus, it is recommended that a person first takes off the jewelry and store them in the jewelry armoire before changing clothes.

And still another way of protecting jewelry is to keep the pieces of jewelry away from chemicals, liquids, and even water. Some gemstones do not react well when submerged in cold or hot water. Chemicals from hair sprays and gels can dull the brilliance of the diamond and make gold jewels lack luster.

When the pieces of jewelry are properly stored and protected, they can be handed down from generation to generation and their value appreciates significantly.

If you enjoy reading this, you may enjoy to read more about Brighton Jewelry and Jared Jewelers or Jewelry Armoire

Jewelry - How To Make Your Jewelry Work For You

2008-09-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

It is my job to advertise jewelry, when you buy my jewelry it is then the jewelries task to advertise you, or to bring out the best in your face and contribute to your overall appearance. This is a guide for those of us who love to buy jewelry.We are very fortunate these days to be able to buy gorgeous jewelry of good quality that does not break the budget and is not so expensive that we are afraid of wearing and enjoying it. So let’s make this jewelry work for you.

First – go through the jewelry that you already have. (Chances are that it is in a box in one tangled mess.) Lay each piece out on a soft cloth and inspect them. If they have silver or gold coatings over a base metal (i.e. not over a precious metal like 925 sterling silver) they will not keep their luster for very long. These are fine for a few special occasions but then they need to leave your jewelry box. Good only for youngsters to play dress-ups with. What you keep may need cleaning according to its metal or gem content.

Earrings – Are your most important jewelry item. They give that extra compliment to your complexion that no other piece of jewelry can give. The right earrings can make the difference between dreary and sensational.

In front of a mirror put on one earring. Look at your self from the side without an earring and then turn to the earring side. If the earring does not give your face that extra sparkle and light, put it out of your box into the kids dress-up box or have a lucky dip at your next party. They may look nice in the box but if they don’t do that ‘extra something’ for you, you don’t need them. Repeat this procedure with all of your earrings.

Your earrings need to work for you and earn their keep. You do not want people to look at you and say ‘beautiful earrings’. The earrings are to compliment you. We want someone to look at you and say ‘you look fantastic’ then they notice your complimentary jewelry, not the other way around.

Now put your jewelry into groups. This will depend on your life style and employment type. Roughly it will be casual, work and evening wear. I find the best way to store jewelry for easy access and to prevent them from scratching each other is in small clear plastic zip lock bags. When buying jewelry keep these groups in mind and buy specifically for your needs.

If you have done the above mirror test and have been honest with yourself you should now have a very good idea about what factors give your face that ‘extra’ sparkle. This will now make it easy to buy your earrings and other fine and fashion jewelry online where the price/quality ratio should be much better than you can buy elsewhere. I keep buying jewelry for myself and family. It is great for gifts. Jewelry is the feel good gift for any occasion.

Exciting Sterling Silver Plus http://www.luvitjewelry.com Sterling Silver Fashion Catalog http://www.luvitjewelry.com/catalog/index.php

Design Your Own Jewelry With Jewelry Making Kits

2008-08-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is worn by both women and men because they beautify our appearance or because they mean something important to the wearer. Whatever the cause, jewelry has been part of our lives right from the beginning in various forms. Today jewelry is worn to emphasize one’s looks or display a status, such as the engagement ring or wedding band.

Many people however, enjoy wearing jewelry because it is fun and it adds color to one’s personality. Here are a few tips on how jewelry making kits can make wearing jewelry even more enjoyable.

Custom Made to Your Requirements

The number one advantage of jewelry making kits is that they allow you to be in charge of various aspects and thus, create jewelry to fit your needs and requirements exactly. For example, you can control the length of a necklace, the colors used in making it and the number of strands. Jewelry making kits are available in your choice of materials such as beads, crystals, pearls and precious gemstones. You can choose the type of raw material you want and according to your existing skills you can also choose from the types of jewelry making kits available.

Different Types of Jewelry Making Kits

There are many types of jewelry making kits available from all inclusive kits for beginners to the more advanced types for those who already posses some jewelry making expertise. You may want to consider all the other jewelry making tools that you may need when purchasing jewelry making kits by reading the instructions and knowing what the kit includes and what it doesn’t.

Where to Shop for Jewelry Making Kits

Depending on the type of jewelry you are looking to make, you can find jewelry making kits in craft stores, specialized jewelry supply stores or online.

A Helpful Tip

You will find that making your own jewelry is fun and relaxing. However, if you are trying it for the first time it is best you start with something small and if possible with an all inclusive jewelry making kit that have a higher probability of giving you the results desired and thus preventing disappointment.

Many people give up a hobby if it does not produce results in the first attempt. This is something you want to avoid as jewelry making is enjoyable and even profitable if you decide you are good at making jewelry and want to start your own business.

Ann Marier has written many articles on family life and different general health issues. Her latest articles tell you all you need to know about jewelry making as a hobby perhaps even a part time business.

Jewelry And The Darkside: Fashionable Gothic Jewelry

2008-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

No, by jewelry and the darkside, we are not referring to Darth Vader’s dark side of the force. However, the idea of jewelry inspired by Anakin Skywalker, the Sith and his Emperor sure is tantalizing. Here, if you think more about the likes of Morticia Addams of the Addams family, then you’re on the right track. Gothic jewelry is the type of jewelry that the likes of her would wear: mysterious, brooding, yet elegant. Viewed this way, jewelry and the darkside certainly can go hand in hand.

Gothic jewelry, or darkside jewelry, as opposed to ‘light,’ evokes images of the macabre and the preternatural: vampires, the dead and undead, spirits, black magic and the black arts. As such, artisans craft items that would appeal to a person’s dark or gothic side. There is an abundance of e-commerce websites and specialty stores whose emphasis is on jewelry and the darkside. In these places, a person will be able to find gothic jewelry such as pentacle pendants, gothic cross necklaces, spider-and-web piercings, and more.

Also known as pagan jewelry, gothic body ornaments are made from many types of materials, but they are typically available in gold, sterling silver and pewter. They may come plain or be encrusted with jewels. Many pieces of gothic jewelry have their roots in esoteric sources, such as signs and symbols used in ancient Egyptian lore or those employed in Celtic rituals. Other pieces of gothic jewelry are timeless icons representing the eerie: coffin-shaped rings, heavily ornate cross brooches, earrings shaped like the heads of howling wolves.

Slave bracelets, also known as handflowers or maille bracelets, are also popular examples of gothic jewelry. These look like chain mail, or pieces of woven metal. They are different from conventional bracelets in that they are worn not just on the wrist, but on practically the whole hand, and their intricate patterns are sure to attract attention. Bib and choker necklaces are also popular gothic accessories. Catalogues of gothic jewelry oftentimes include so-called ‘poison’ rings or bracelets. These items have a small compartment where the wearer can presumably keep very small or fine materials, such as powder. Maille, chandelier or dangling earrings are also available to complete one’s overall look of mystery.

Gothic jewelry is easy to wear and can be used to dress up or dress down. They are easily available and the variety offered is endless. Because they depict arcane symbols and figures, gothic jewelry imparts a sense of mystery and secrecy. Popular among both the young and not-so-young, gothic jewelry may be dark, but not dreary; ornate, but not tawdry. In fact, it is just the opposite: jewelry and the darkside – a hauntingly beautiful combination.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Best Jewelry For 2008, Plus Celebrity Jewelry Trends

2008-08-17T21:28:00.001-07:00

Now that the holidays are officially over, and the days are getting longer, it’s time to turn your focus from shopping for other people to shopping for yourself. Late winter is the perfect time to revitalize your wardrobe and get ready for spring. The big question on every fashion-forward gal’s mind: What trends are hot this season? Last year, it was all about fussy fabrics and flouncy details, which made it hard to wear bold jewelry, which couldn’t compete. This year, all the pomp has been relegated to the back of the fashion closet, and style gurus, including me, are calling for clean, classic lines with little or no fuss.
For jewelry lovers, this spring’s sleek fashion forecast is welcome news: The minimalist styles we’re seeing all over the hottest designer runways and in top fashion magazines’ spring fashion previews are the perfect blank canvases on which to showcase our most spectacular jewelry. Now is the time to add a few fun jewelry pieces to your collection and dust off pieces that have been in hiding in your jewelry box waiting for their time to shine.

As Clairee Belcher, Olympia Dukakis’s character in Steel Magnolias said, “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” Indeed. Without further ado, here are my top six jewelry looks for spring 2008, along with the celebs who love them.

1. The pendant necklace. Like a charm bracelet, a pendant necklace is the perfect accessory if you’re looking for something to personalize. Take a chain or cord, and add anything that will give the world a glimpse of your personal style. Whether it’s a pretty stone in your favorite color, a teardrop-shaped pearl or an item that means something to you such as your grandmother’s wedding ring, a peace symbol, locket, heart or other lucky talisman, you can thread it on a chain and make it the focal piece of your ensemble. Wear the necklace long if you want to draw the eye down and create the illusion of a longer neck, or shorter if you want to accent your face. Pair the pendant necklace with an open-necked oxford, a simple dress or a vee-neck top. Jennifer Aniston has long been a fan of the pendant necklace, which is a perfect accessory for her boho vibe. For a super modern take, do like Jessica Simpson does and display your pendant on a leather cord rather than a chain.

2. Layered necklaces. After several seasons in the spotlight, the layered necklace look is still going strong. Dare we say the style might even become a classic? It’s certainly interesting, giving the eye a lot to take in, and, because it’s versatile and the combinations are endless, it works well with many different types of necklines. To pull off the look, pair a shorter, 16- or 18-inch necklace with a much longer chain—or three. For added contrast, choose different thicknesses, metals or materials. For instance, pair a pearl pendant and a long, pearl-and-chain rope. So fun because it allows you to wear two or more of your favorite necklaces at once, the layered look is favored by fashion-forward celebs like Maria Menounos and Joy Bryant.

3. Dangle earrings. While I adore diamond or pearl studs for day, dangle earrings are all the rage this season—for both day and night. Cate Blanchett and Rihanna love the style, and who can forget the huge turquoise dangle earrings Marcia Cross wore to the Emmys? Those giant blue babies, by designer Lorraine Schwartz, were the talk of the awards show! That’s because dangle earrings are anything but subtle, adding punch to any hairstyle or outfit. Just make sure you don’t wear other jewelry that will compete. Let the dangles do the talking.

4. Interlocking Hoops. Because bare skin is in this season, it’s okay to forego wearing a necklace once in a while so that your earrings (and sleek, bare neck) can be the focus. Want to be in vogue? The hot earring style right now is the interlocking triple hoop. What it is: three hoops starting at your earlobe that gradually get bigger to form a triple hoop style that’s fun—think hoops—and sophisticated—think dangle. Gold hoops are especially popular right now, as are diamonds, if you can afford them, or CZs, if you’re on a budget. Jessica Alba and Uma Thurman have both been spotted with this sassy style, so you know the triple hoop earring is a trend worth emulating.

5. Oversize hoops. Like the layered chain look, oversize hoops are here to stay. Kate Bosworth, Alicia Keys, Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl are fans of the style, and it’s no wonder: Oversize hoops have an edgy feel that adds a funky, playful, urban vibe to an otherwise staid outfit. No wonder J.Lo and Jessica Alba rock the style so often. To make the style even more exciting, choose big hoops with dangling stones in a springy color, like green aventurine, or sterling silver hoops with peridot drops.

6. Cocktail rings. Cocktail rings pack a surprisingly big punch in a terrific little package! Draw attention to your hands (and look younger) by choosing unfussy rings with one big stone rather than stones with diamonds or other detailing. Choose rings made of bold, colorful materials like turquoise, onyx, mother-of-pearl or jade. Black pearls and oversize white pearls make great cocktail rings too. Trendsetters like Eva Mendes, Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz and Catherine Zeta-Jones are all fans.

A graduate of the Gemological Institue of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. Visit her blog at http://www.amysstylecafe.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.

How To Cast Jewelry, Casting Jewelry, And Cast Jewelry Information Described

2008-08-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Casting is a process in which liquid material made from heating metals, is poured in a module, to give the liquid a desired shape. Then the liquid is cooled and a solid object in the desired shape and size is obtained. Casting Jewelry is the latest “in-thing” in the fashion markets. This jewelry is made from different materials like silver, aluminum, gold, bronze, alloy metals and even plated casting jewelry is available.

Casting Jewelry is very attractive and delicate. They are made using machines, but very finely crafted and hand made jewelry is also available in the market. This type of jewelry can be available at a very low, as well as high costs, depending on the design and material and design that you choose. Casting Jewelry is very fragile and should be handled with out most care as it can break easily. With the advent of casting jewelry, the fashion world has benefited a great deal. Today, free flowing designs, multicolored jewelry and even a special made to order jewelry is available in the market.

Before this, it was difficult to cast a metal in a desired shape but today it is as simple as it gets, all you need is a creative mind to create new designs and a group of well qualified workers and good machinery to make your own casting jewelry. This also gives you an option to make your own series of new designs. Casting jewelry is being widely used across the globe. With the prices of gold increasing day by day and with the entry of new metal jewelry like platinum, casting jewelry slowly but surely is making a mark in the fashion world. With the cost silver plated casting jewelry, the dream of wearing a new necklace or a new ear-ring everyday is a reality. You can actually afford new set of jewelry everyday. There are also costly models made of pure gold and delicate designs and with embedded diamonds that are available.

Casting Jewelry is not only about fashion, it has also opened a new avenue for small scale businesses. With proper knowledge and machinery, you can start your own company and make casting jewelry. It does not need any expensive material nor does it need a big capital. A small store room in your house will also be sufficient to set up your casting jewelry work-shop. You can then design your own range or hire a professional jewelry designer to create your range of jewelry.

Casting Jewelry has also helped the educational branch of “jewelry designing” grow considerably. Today it is considered in par with “fashion designing”. Many young students are nowadays looking at jewelry designing as a full time career.

The only draw-back of plated casting jewelry is that is they are used on daily basis, then they might lose their shine and the coated silver or gold respectively. If they come in contact with water regularly, then they can turn black. You can get them re-plated and use them. As casting jewelry is very fragile and delicate, even a slight mishap can change its shape or even break it.

Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at Metal Casting. Metal Casting Zone also has Electric Arc Furnace Information, Blast Furnace Information and a Metal Casting Blog with daily news on Metal Casting. You can Find Metal Casting Zone at www.metalcastingzone.com.

Jewelry Making Findings Can Make Or Break A Jewelry Project

2008-07-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Jewelry making findings are the essential pieces which make the bead and wire a piece of jewelry. Jewelry making findings are simply the components of any piece of jewelry; the findings consist of clasps, head pins, ear clutches, jump rings and any other manufactured or hand made component. Separate headings of ‘Findings” are listed in all jewelry making supply catalogs or websites. A craft or hobby store will have the header listed in their jewelry supply area. Jewelry making findings is a major revenue business all by itself.

Ear Wire

Ear wires are the jewelry making findings that are used to connect a beautiful earring body to the wearer’s ear. Ear wires are essential when making earrings; they are generally silver, gold and copper. There is also silver and gold plated, as well as, gold filled. The 22 gauge is the size which is most used in ear wires.

The ear wires are inexpensive to manufacture and are sold in bulk. Ear wires can also be made by hand, and this could be a way to distinguish your work from a manufactured earring. There are many books and websites which contain instructions for different patterns of ear wires.

Zip Lock Bags

Small zip lock bags are also considered jewelry making findings. Plastic zip lock bags or small fabric pouches are items which must be considered when selling your jewelry or keeping it safe. Oils and everyday pollution will harm your jewelry making findings and, therefore, must be kept in containers before and after they are made into jewelry.

Sizes of these bags depend upon your necklace, bracelet and earring projects. But jewelry making findings must always include small bags of some capacity.

Clasps

Toggle clasps, jump rings, lobster clasps, S clasps and magnetic clasps are all examples of jewelry making findings. These are all necessary components to make any necklace or bracelet work. Your beads or crystals, wire or chains and clasps is all that it takes to make a spectacular necklace or bracelet. But your findings are absolutely essential in the making of these necklaces and bracelets.

There are many more examples, but the ones that are listed above are the essential pieces. When researching for jewelry making findings, look for quality first. In jewelry making findings you really do get more ‘bang for your buck’.

Spend a little more for your findings and your customers will turn into repeat customers and you won’t turn into a jewelry repair business. When all is said and done, jewelry making findings can literally make or break your jewelry making projects.

What Bridal Jewelry Should I Wear? Wedding Jewelry By The Seasons

2008-07-23T21:20:00.001-07:00

What with the myriad details required, planning a wedding can be overwhelming and more than a little stressful. Music, favors, seating arrangements, food, attendants’ gifts…it’s enough to make a frazzled girl elope. Luckily, bridal jewelry is easy to choose if you let your personal style—and the feel of the season—shine through. Follow this handy guide for picking the right bridal jewelry to go with the time of year in which you plan to wed and you can’t go wrong.

• Winter: Planning a winter wedding? Cozy indoor winter weddings are characterized by elegance and sophistication—think a softly lit, warm, festive party with the crisp, black night air as a backdrop. Classic pearls and diamonds are your best bet here. They’ll beautifully complement the heavier drapes and fabrics of a winter bridal gown, and look just gorgeous in the glittering night. Think pearl drop earrings, diamond and pearl pendants, or a multi-strand pearl or CZ-encrusted cuff bracelet. A popular trend right now, according to Brides magazine, is to add contrast to your wedding-day white with a black belt, clutch or hair accessory. “These cool opposites combine for graphic glamour.” This cosmopolitan look is perfect for winter. A long sophisticated black pearl necklace would look especially sharp against a black-sashed gown.

• Spring: A spring wedding is the perfect opportunity to lighten up your look. The choice here? Light green gemstones like aventurine or prehnite (think the color of new shoots of grass) or freshwater cultured pearls, which come in a wide range of pastel colors that are luminously beautiful and very affordable—and perfect for a spring wedding. Lavender pearls, pink pearls, and today’s hottest color—orange pearls—are all easy to find on the Internet. Bonus: These shades are so luminously flattering (not over the top color-saturated) that they’ll make your skin glow and your features pop. If you choose something green, choose one bold piece so as not to overwhelm your dress, like an aventurine cuff bracelet or a prehnite-and-pearls necklace. For a uniform look, choose jewelry for your attendants in a matching hue and consider a matching sash. If you’re wearing a lavender pearl strand, for example, have your bridesmaids wear lavender pearl pendants or lavender pearl bracelets and perhaps a dress with a lavender sash. Or try an elegant lavender clutch.

• Summer: Summer weddings just radiate a laid-back beach vibe. (Think Drew Barrymore with flowers in her hair, boho Kate Hudson or a barefoot Julia Roberts.) If you’re getting married in July, August or September, it’s all about the sandy beaches, outdoor dance floors, and coral, mother-of-pearl, pearl and jade jewelry. If your dress is sophisticated or ornate, stick to classic pearl jewelry, but if you’re a little more laid-back, mother-of-pearl, coral and even wooden accessories, depending on the setting, can look great. Superstitious? According to WeddingChannel.com, jade symbolizes good luck, health and prosperity in many Asian cultures, but don’t buy jade jewelry for yourself—tradition dictates that it must be given to you. Timeless picks: go for a jade ring or jade necklace.

• Fall: Why opt for all classic white? While diamond and pearl jewelry is always in style for brides, today it’s acceptable to incorporate blazing reds, oranges and browns. In fact, orange is all the rage right now. To incorporate a blast of color into your wedding day jewelry, choose a pearl choker with a stunning ruby centerpiece, a pearl necklace or pearl earrings made with rich brown pearls, or earrings or a bracelet made of citrine. You’ll stand out and feel beautiful, and best of all, you’ll be able to enjoy your jewelry long after the big day is over.

Tips for buying bridal jewelry on the Internet:

• Consider the source. Who owns the site? A prominent toll-free or other contact number plus the site’s address should be clearly visible.

• Is the site secure? Only shop at sites that have a Verisign or other safe shopping seal. Check the FAQ page or the bottom of the home page for a SiteSafe™ or other logo—usually a lock—or call customer service.

• Will your information be sold to a third party? Check the site’s privacy policy.

• Check returns. A generous, 90-day money-back guarantee allows ample time for you to change your mind without remorse.

• Check shipping times. They vary, as do costs. Free shipping on a trusted carrier like UPS is a bonus.

• How happy are other customers? Check the site’s testimonials page for unbiased, third-party reviews.

• Does the site offer a free gift? Bonus! Give it to your maid of honor or mother-in-law to be.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at bridal@moonriverpearls.com for personal recommendations.

Fashion Jewelry Trends For Spring 2008-5 Ways To Make Your Jewelry “Pop”

2008-07-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

The Spring 2008 fashion jewelry trends are all about “pop”. Wondering what to wear with your trendy neon shirtdress or bold black and white safari print skirt? Don’t be afraid to continue the trend with a pop of color and style in your jewelry. The following are the top five ways to pop up your style this season.

#1 Compliment Your Color Palette: Bright colors are in this Spring. From fluorescent yellow to neon green, Spring 2008 fashion has put a sophisticated twist on the colors made popular in the 80’s. But, don’t break out your old lace gloves and rubber bracelets just yet. The modern “Material Girl” knows this Spring’s fashion jewelry trends are all about complimenting the outfit not overpowering it.

#2 Know When Less Color Is More: When wearing a solid bright color, pick jewelry in more minimal colors. For example, wear a soft orange colored pair of earrings with your neon orange dress. Gold and silver tones are also great to do this. Add a pop of style with the size of the jewelry pieces you choose. Add a chunky bracelet, a large fleur-de-lis necklace, or big hoop earrings.

#3 Pop Not Peacock: Multicolored prints are also in this year. It is not necessary to represent every color of your outfit in the jewelry you wear. Instead, choose jewelry that pulls out one color from the print. It is recommended that you pick a color that is less prevalent. This technique is a subtle way to draw the eye to both your outfit and your accessories.

#4 The Little Black Dress With A Kick: Black and white is considered the “new black” this season. Don’t make a mistake and think that you can only wear black and white accessories. After all, you don’t want to look like you stepped out of an old black and white movie. Add a pop to your look with brightly colored accessories. It’s amazing how a thick red bangle, a yellow choker, or a bright blue (yes, I said blue) pair of earrings can bring depth to a monochrome outfit. The trick is to pick one bright color and wear it sparingly. This fashion jewelry trend is fun and glamorous.

#5 Don’t Go Overboard: It is possible that you may find a great chunky jewelry set with a necklace, earrings, ring and bracelet. Although you may love all four pieces, try not to wear them all at once. Instead, pick one or two (depending on the size) jewelry pieces that will bring attention to your or your outfit’s best feature. If you are wearing a sleeveless halter dress, stack on the bracelets or a ring. Want to add emphasis to your neckline, put on a necklace.

Mixing and matching pieces is fine. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with the same size, color, or style. Wearing too much pop can turn you from a fashion jewelry trend setting diva, to grandma with each extra item you put on. Remember, the goal is to compliment your new Spring look, not distract from it.

Julia White is a content writer for http://www.fleurdelisfashions.com. For more information on items mentioned in this article, please visit http://www.fleurdelisfashions.com/necklaces.html.

Jewelry Tools and Jewelry Supply For Jewelry Casting

2008-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Casting Jewelry is an ancient skill that has been around for as long as there has been jewelry in the world. The Ancient Egyptians are usually credited with perfecting the process but casting jewelry was also practiced by meso American societies and cultures located in Asia and the Middle East. The casting process is called Lost-wax and is still very popular with craftsmen who enjoy making hand made jewelry.

By the name of the process, one can guess that wax is involved of which will be lost. While the Lost-wax process is mainly used for the casting of rings and bracelets, other items such as sculptures can also be created. Investment casting is another name of this casting jewelry method and both are acceptable terms it just depends on the speaker's preference.

The Lost-wax casting process has many benefits. When making jewelry this way, the caster will be able to make identical pieces quickly and efficiently.

There are several companies and individuals willing to cast the piece for you for a price. Many of these companies may overcharge, the cost of commerce, so if you have the resources and ability you might be better of casting your own jewelry.

Lost-wax casting involves a number of steps. If followed properly and with precision the artist will find the process enjoyable. Before you begin, you will need to come up with an idea for the piece of jewelry. Generally, the sculpture of the piece is created using wax though some prefer having a metal master copy in case of mistakes. You are going to create the mold using the original. The molds used for casting jewelry allow a great amount of detail. When the mold is finished, you are going to fill it with wax to create a wax copy which will then be coated with sand and silica. This ceramic shell will then be heated so that the wax is melted out. The wax can be reused so make sure to safely collect it during this step. The ceramic copy will be hollow and you will have to test it for holes before pouring the molten metal. Afterwards, you will lightly hammer the ceramic shell away to reveal the finished product.

The end result of the Lost-wax process is usually very detailed and exact creating a beautiful piece.

Casting jewelry can be a profitable business depending upon your skill level and creativity. This skill is diminishing as the jewelry companies switch to computerized and automatic means of creating their pieces. While this move is smart for the jewelry business as it reduces the production cost, the end result lacks a certain desirable element that hand made jewelry posses.

Casters will be able to use the mold created during the Lost-wax process a few times before a new mold has to be made. Extra care and attention has to be paid to polishing any imperfections or patching any variants during the casting process. Several things can go wrong during casting especially when you remove the mold so take care to be extra careful and attentive during this time.

Casting jewelry is a valuable skill to master and if you plan on making any money from your home foundry, this is a good place to start.

Go to Metal Casting Zone to get your free ebook on Metal Casting at Metal Casting. Metal Casting Zone also has Jewelry Casting Forum, Jewelry Tools Blog and a Metal Casting Blog with daily news on Metal Casting. You can Find Metal Casting Zone at www.metalcastingzone.com.

Slivers Of Silver: All About Personalized Sterling Jewelry

2008-06-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Majority of the people who are fond of wearing personalized sterling jewelry also own several more chains made of sterling silver, and these are usually worn in rotation regularly. Sterling silver chains are relatively affordable than chains made of other precious metals. They are also very attractive. Personalized sterling silver jewelry is one of the most versatile accessories; they can become chokers, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.

The types of personalized sterling jewelry are classified according to how they were made. The most basic one made of links to form a whole chain. This type is referred to as a Cable. Jewelers have made different variations of this basic design. One of them is the curb, which is basically just a flattened cable. The Figaro style is also flat but with three short links followed by a long, stretched-out link. Some jewelry designers like Mariner, Gucci, and Anchor have put a bar on the middle of the link. Rolos are similar to cables. They also have wide, circular links fitted closely.

Other personalized sterling silver chains can be very complex in design. They can also start out as links, but they are then built into intricate patterns. Among the more sterling silver chains that are complicated in structure are the Rope and Byzantine.

Chainmaille also possesses as a complex design. These are constructed with ring-shaped links, and can either be flat or round.

During the medieval times in Europe, chainmaille patterns are made of flat, wide strips and can be weaved to make an armor worn by knights. The weaving technique is still used nowadays for jewelry.

Chainmaille with round links is very popular today as jewelry. Some examples of the forms that chainmaille can take are Jens Pind, double rope, foxtail, Byzantine chain, and Queens chain. These are mostly made by hand because machines cannot approximate hand movements needed to assemble this design successfully.

Italy provides most of commercial silver chains available on the market today. Made by machines, they come in different styles and are of good quality. These silver chains look almost white when brand new because part of their assembly is plating them with .999 fine silver.

In America, Rhode Island can also provide jewelry with excellent quality. Unlike in Italy, Rhode Island jewelers produce these in smaller quantities and these are sold in department stores and jewelry stores carrying top-quality jewelry. Much of the chains are sold to manufacturing jewelers in bulk lengths. These will then be used to design a variety of things, like ID holders, key rings, bookmarks, and eyeglass holders.

Modern technology has enabled personalized sterling jewelry to be more popular and affordable today. With its flexibility and its ability to adapt to almost any design you want, it can make you look stylish, fashionable, and chic.

NamePlate Depot takes pride in being the trend setters of the new way of shopping. Personalized sterling jewelry and personalized jewelry in general are the perfect gift for that special occasion.

Names And Necklaces On Personalized Sterling Jewelry

2008-06-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

From putting name tags on books and notebooks, to putting names on jewelry, personalizing is becoming all the rage nowadays. It has become a popular trend for jewelers to engrave names on necklaces, bracelets, and rings to show what belongs to whom, or to give as gifts, or simply to display your name.

Many jewelers would attest that more and more people want to have names put on their accessories. Personalizing can range from buying simple pendants (or not-so-simple ones, as those that Tiffany and Co sells) to having names and words engraved on precious metals like gold and more popularly, in silver. This is usually done to display one's name, or the name of their loved one. A variety of personalized sterling name necklaces are available to suit one's budget and style.

Sterling silver wires make up the simplest kind of name necklaces. Pliable, plated wires are bent into different shapes of cursive letters. This kind of necklace has an atmosphere of being vintage and rustic because it achieves the effect of a literally written word or name. Script or cursive style is often used, and there are usually no limitations as to the length or number of letters in the name or word. These type of necklaces, being the most simple, are also the most inexpensive among the name necklaces available in the market today.

Personalized sterling name necklaces today can be fully customized. Manufacturers make these especially for the individual. The customer can choose from almost any lettering or size; the company usually has a wide variety of styles and shapes to choose from, such as multi-color, block, or script styles available for you. Names can be found on bracelets, rings, or even earrings.

Name necklaces can usually be made only with silver or gold, but customers can request for additions to make it more personal. Birthstones or precious gems can also be cast together with names to make it more significant to you. Customers can also have shapes incorporated into their names, such as hearts or stars, in order to compliment the name but not overwhelm its presentation. Some styles can also allow customers to put in two names; these are targeted to couples who want to immortalize their union. Many musicians have also added their own style to the mix; diamond-encrusted names are commonly worn by socialites and celebrities.

Personalized sterling name necklaces appeal to various age groups all around the world, but most of those who wear it are female. These necklaces can show off your name, your personality, or your loved one's name, all the while looking beautiful and fabulous.

NamePlate Depot takes pride in being the trend setters of the new way of shopping. Personalized sterling jewelry and personalized jewelry in general are the perfect gift for that special occasion.

Inspirational Jewelry - Wear Your Beliefs!

2008-06-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Inspiration is a realization that enlightens one with new energy and a positive outlook towards life. It is purely subjective. Needless to mention, the source of inspiration varies from one individual to another. Inspirational jewelry happens to be a nice and convenient way of capturing your favorite inspirational quotes that would help you wear your belief forever.

Inspirational jewelry forms a popular part of bohemian culture where you wear your own belief and display it boldly in accessories. After all, belief is something that you cling to forever and wearing them in accessories is a great way of making it a part of everyday life. Apart from embossing your favorite inspirational quote, you may also suspend pendants of your favorite symbols or totem which may very well act as your lucky charm.

A lot many people prefer to depict some elements of nature in their ornaments. This not only inspires them but is also a great way to express gratitude to Mother Earth. Instances of rich flora and fauna are also nicely portrayed in bracelets and bangles. If you are keen to pay tribute to any particular person for his or her contribution, you may decide to emboss their name or initials in your pendant or bracelets.

The very charisma of your neckpiece increases manifold if the same is festooned with an inspiring message from your beloved. Inspirational jewelries not only reinforce personal beliefs of the wearer but can be a very special gift to a recipient.

While discussing about spiritual meanings implied in these ornaments, one simply cannot overlook its importance from an aesthetic point of view. Most inspirational jewelries are nicely designed by professional designers and are customized to suit individual tastes. Popular inspirational jewelries include exotic rings, chakra necklaces and also mood rings.

Exotic rings portray bright colors which appear quite distinct and are made up of gold and silver. One may also choose to engrave some bright colored metal or gem so as to depict a vibrant combination which can very well have a marked influence in your mood and thought process. Metallic Celtic rings are also quite popular in the genre of inspirational jewelries and are popularly worn by believers of Wicca and pagan philosophy.

The discussion about inspirational jewelries would remain incomplete without the mention of crystals. Crystal jewelry stuffs are believed to possess metaphysical properties and are a powerful tool that influence human mind. Well known varieties of crystals include Amethyst, Quartz, Hematite, Jade, Jasper, Obsidian and Fluorite. These individual types of crystals play different roles in manipulating physical as well as mental wellbeing of individuals.

From time immemorial, jewelries have always adorned the beauty of a woman. Traditional jewelry accentuates the sophistication of its possessor. Contemporary jewelries on the other hand bring forth the beauty of your thoughts. Traditional ones highlight physical attributes and the trendy inspirational jewelries reflect the philosophy of one's mind.

Suzanne Macguire is an internet marketing professional expert in various industries like real estate, web design, finance, medical tourism and handcrafted jewelry

How To Grab A Bargain On Wholesale Jewelry Online

2008-05-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

A unique relation is established between the artist and the consumer through wholesale jewelry. Wholesale jewelry provides the benefit of buying good jewelry at affordable prices to everybody. This can be done because after the creation and approval of a design a mold is created which is used to produce the same design in bulk. Nowadays, you can also buy wholesale jewelry online.

The first piece of a particular piece of wholesale jewelry might be expensive, but when it is produced in bulk and with different base materials the prices are subsequently lowered. This makes it easier for the common man to buy a high-quality piece of jewelry at an affordable price. Often jewelry is machine produced and hence, the finishing might not be so good.

However, a good hand finishing can be provided to the end product, which in turn increases the price. You can also get replicas of jewelry used by celebrities at affordable prices due to production of the same in bulk for wholesale.

If you want to buy jewelry at wholesale prices on the net then you should search for the sites where jewelry is sold in bulk by many online retailers. Sites that ask for a seller's permit or tax ID are usually wholesalers. Also a wholesale site usually takes orders in bulk. This makes it easy to identify wholesalers from discount retail sellers.

Often wholesalers sell jewelry only in bulk. If you are interested in buying a single or fewer pieces of jewelry then you might have to search a little more before you get the right site. It is advisable to be careful before investing in any type of merchandise. You should find out if the company has a refund or exchange policy. This should be done so that if you are not satisfied with the product you have purchased then you can get your money back.

While searching for a particular piece of jewelry online, you should be careful to type in the right keywords to optimize your search. Suppose you want to buy a solitaire pendant, type in 'solitaire pendant wholesale only' to get only the wholesalers of solitaire pendants. Also try to type in different combinations of keywords like 'manufacturers', 'dealers' or 'distributors' to get desired results.

Another aspect to be cautious about is to get the authentication certificate from the online wholesaler. You should also be careful when buying the jewelry, as there are many sites that mention the jewelry as 'real', or 'gold plated', which means that they are not completely made of gold, only plated or coated. You should also check the feedback of the seller and the ratings to ensure that you are cracking a deal with a reputed firm.

If you are quite wary of the idea of buying jewelry online, then you can search online for the trade fairs that are going on in your neighborhood. You can buy jewelry at lower prices at these trade fairs though the prices might not be as low as wholesale prices. Another option is to join discount clubs that sell jewelry at much cheaper rates than retail.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants,

Gemstone Jewelry - An Attraction Guaranteed

2008-05-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Gemstones and similar brightly colored stones have been part of body adornment ever since man became aware of the importance of attracting the opposite sex.. On record, from the pre-historic and recorded times, are cave paintings and proof of the use of various materials in nature in jewelry making.

Gems, glass bits, stones of various colors, shells and bone have been used for jewelry in earlier times. However, of all the materials and gemstones continue to enjoy importance within the industry. The bright and opulent diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires have become common settings today. Each one is even awarded a month and certain qualities.

Diamonds were long considered the most precious of all the gemstones. Adamas was the term used to refer to this brilliant wonder. India, Botswana, Russia and Canada enjoy the revenue of this trade with other countries because of the market for this gemstone worldwide.

The gemstone is weighed, guaranteed, and certified in carats and set delicately, in varying sizes, in gold, silver and platinum jewelry. The importance of the diamond in the engagement and wedding rings is undeniable and the popular one liner "diamonds are a girl's best friend" does well for the demand.

There are a number of other gemstones set in modern jewelry too. The amethyst may have less value than the diamond enjoys because of the methods of extracting and importing adopted today, but its place within the industry is unquestionable. Women, men and teenagers the world over indulge in this beautiful gemstone jewelry. Many man-made gems are now set in place of the natural gems, like the zirconia that amply replaces the diamond as the poor man's version of the original.

In the case of gemstone jewelry, set in gold, platinum or silver, there are many different techniques used to create the different designs and offer the desired finesse. The techniques used today include polishing, the satin or matte finishing; as per demand, brushing and hammering. The aim of these processes is to ensure that the jewelry finally created, with the metal and gemstones setting, should be highly-reflective and ethnic.

The exquisite satin or matte finesse given to such jewelry enables the craftsman to tone down the shine of the metal used in the jewelry and accentuate the gemstones such as emeralds, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, zirconia, corals and pearls.

The extensive brushing process in the modern jewelry making industry is done to offer a well-textured look, with authentic brush strokes that are left behind via the brushing action which is quite similar to the common sandpaper effect. The hammering procedure in modern jewelry making makes use of a soft, rounded hammer that is specially created to give the jewelry a wavy texture.

Gemstone jewelry has been around for ages with the prime aim being to denote status, power and glamour. There have been laws in the past that actually dictated who could wear what type of gemstone jewelry! This was primarily based on rank and social status. Gone are the days when the wearing of jewelry like earrings by men was considered effeminate; today men make equal demands within the modern gemstone jewelry industry.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, gemstone fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants,

Is It Worth it To Insure Your Jewelry

2008-05-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

If you consider factors like low premium and broad coverage, then insuring your jewelry with a policy can be a worthwhile idea. There is a component of jewelry insurance within the homeowners insurance, but usually, the value for the covered jewelry is very low. So in case of a claim, it is better to have a separate insurance policy that would yield more coverage for you.

Benefits of insuring jewelry with a separate policy:

In a separate insurance policy for jewelry, each item is listed along with a short description of the value of each piece. In case you lose any jewelry piece or some damage is caused during its repair, then with the insurance you can have it repaired or replaced with the help of the descriptive list.

Jewelry insurance procedure:

The insurance industry is usually governed by the state laws. The type of language that is used in the contracts is also mandated by state laws. Before choosing a policy, make sure that you contact a local agent and get information on the procedure. A minimum premium is applicable annually, depending on the insurance company.

Always remember that your jewelry should be evaluated by a professional so that there are no errors as such when you take a new policy or get the existing policy renewed. Ask your insurance agent about the claim procedure. If you ever lose any jewelry piece then you must know whether you will be paid the appraised value or not and whether there will be any deductions.

Try and make a note so that you know whom to approach for a claim. Clarification of special causes must be done when you insure your jewelry. Try finding out if your policy will cover the entire set in case you lose just an earring. Premiums will be based on the place where you are living.

Many insurance companies charge premiums that are based on the jewelry's value. If it is very expensive, the premium will also be high. It is a good idea to get your jewelry insured from the company that has insured your car and house. This will help you in negotiation of a better deal.

There is one thing you must know about insurance companies. The amount that the claimant is paid is always a sum that will cost him to replace the item and not the value that has been insured. If the appraisal was for a particular amount, the compensation will be the cost for replacement, something less than the value insured.

If a piece is damaged, you will get an offer for repair by the company. In case of theft, you will be given a replacement with an item of the same quality. There can be several variations in the settlement options provided by different companies, so be careful. Don't think that the company will simply pay you the amount that was appraised, in case you make a claim. The value that is appraised is only the amount that the company is liable for and not what you will get.

Jewelry Buying Tips For The Clueless Male

2008-05-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

You will always find boys talking about bikes and all the electronic gadgets. They spend half their money and time purchasing video games. They prefer to go on a drive rather than shop. You would hardly find a guy who talks about jewelry.

However, with time many men have become acquainted with jewelry but a few are still clueless. Boys have seen their mothers, sisters or even girlfriends wearing jewelry, but they hardly know anything about it. There are men who compliment their women for the lovely jewelry they flaunt, but will always find themselves in a soup when it comes to gifting their girls with similar 'lovely' jewelry.

These are few tips for you clueless men.

Pearls and gold are sure to impress. However, gifting wrong jewelry will always land you in trouble. So make sure you buy the jewelry that suits the personality of the person you are giving it to. She may not necessarily like what you like. If you are giving her jewelry for the first time, you can try giving her jewelry with her birthstone.

When purchasing jewelry be patient enough and conduct a thorough check on the items you are purchasing. Be careful and keep a close check if there are any damages like scratches or cracks on the jewelry. No one likes to receive a damaged gift.

Be sure of where you want to buy the jewelry. There are many shops selling fake jewelry, so be careful and buy the jewelry only from the renowned shops. If possible take a friend along who has knowledge about the jewelry. Taking a common friend along will prove beneficial.

If you plan to buy her a ring, make sure you are aware of her accurate ring size. Out of size rings are of no use. When choosing a diamond, check the clarity, cut and the carat. Diamonds are usually colorless, but you also get diamonds in light shades of pink and yellow.

If you plan to surprise your loved one with a wedding ring make sure you choose the right design.

Once you have decided on the jewelry you want to purchase, give it a last check and get it packed.

These were tips to help men buy jewelry. Let us take a look at what guys should do when purchasing jewelry for themselves. Today not only women, but also men sport fancy jewelry. Some carry it with style and a few don't even know what will suit them. If you are among those guys who have a desire to wear jewelry, here are a few tips.

What suits others may not suit you, so don't forget that you are a different personality. If you are selecting an earring make sure to choose the size that suits your face. Men look good with silver jewelry. If you want to purchase a bracelet see to it that it suits you. Women prefer men with sober jewelry. Don't over do it with long chains. Short chains offer a formal look. And last but not the least; wear the jewelry only if you know you can carry it well.

Benefits of Jewelry Designing Courses

2008-05-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

There are number of online and off line courses in jewelry designing offered by accredited institutions. The training imparted culminates in a diploma certification and especially targets the hard-core sales professionals. The jewelry designing courses focus exclusively on essential product knowledge and tried and tested proven sales techniques. You are taught how to sell diamonds and jewelry.

The training is not directed towards technical grading, but to develop the confidence to provide accurate descriptions and deliver sales presentations. Some distance education resources also offer the courses within the environment most convenient for learning: your home. The courses are designed to enable you to apply practical skills, trust and credibility.

The courses are usually offered in the basic categories of 'Essentials' and 'Stones'.

The 'Essentials' category imparts concise sales information, to increase sales and your level of confidence. The theory is made available via engaging texts and photographs and color reference guides.

In the 'Stones' category, you are taught which metals and settings are durable. You get acquainted with manufacturing techniques like casting, die striking and electroforming.

This category is designed to enable you to have all the important information right at your fingertips and create better "sight value". You will learn how karat gold affects appeal and value and understand various cuts and stone settings. You get to discover for yourself the sales process and learn how to relate quality, rarity, and color to the gem values.

The courses are designed to make you a pro at jewelry designing and selling. By the end of the course. you will be able to access all the information and sales tips you would need to start selling more jewelry than you ever imagined! You can also take advantage of moneymaking tips on turning product knowledge into sales. You are taught how to apply practical theory to explain appearance and value effectively.

You also learn which gem shapes are the most popular and get to familiarize yourself with the best-selling types of jewelry. The online and off line courses enable you to take full advantage of the 'real world' sales tips. The guides made available to you within the course, keep information at your finger tips.

Topics like the creation and sale of exclusive Bridal Jewelry is included within the course material, which gives you ample scope to function within the target market almost immediately. The jewelry designing courses are offered via real classroom training and online courses. The fees are very minimal, in comparison to what you would be earning months down the line.

The jewelry designing taught includes the eternal traditional designs and the art of meeting customized designs. If you choose to cater to a particular target market, then the sky is the limit to the earnings possible. You could also tie up with established businesses in the industry and make your designs available to them. Or you could showcase your own collection online and encourage online sales and auctions. Jewelry designing is catching up fast as a very lucrative vocational option and one that is here to stay.

Jewelry Can Be A Multifunctional Item

2008-05-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is an expression of the human need to adorn the body and look beautiful. Through the ages, jewelry has been used for a number of reasons and to fulfill a number of functions. A few of them are listed below: Display of wealth: It is a common known fact that people who flaunt jewelry are associated with status and power in society.

Jewelry display and storage is symbolic of monetary stability. The best examples of such a show are celebrities and the "creme de la creme" of societies around the world.

Functional use: Jewelry such as clasps, pins, and buckles are associated with specific functions, the most common being the holding together of fabric. Such jewelry pieces are unisex and enable a flashy show of intricate designs.

Symbolism: Special jewelry is sometimes created to display membership or status. Artificial gold stars and the gold platted ones play a very important role to the ranks within the aviation industry and the military. Protection: In earlier times and in the mystical world of wizards, special jewelry was designed in the form of amulets and wands. The idea behind the special designs is to protect the wearer from the elements or other humans or mystical beings.

Artistic display: Jewelry is also designed as display pieces.

Most cultures all over the world have at some point or the other maintained a tradition of accumulating and hoarding large amounts of wealth in the form of jewelry. In numerous cultures, dowries or special wedding give always include jewelry, in the form of multiple chains, coins, or simply pure metal nuggets. In the earlier times, pre historic and later, jewelry was also used as currency for trade. A good example of this are the slave beads that were a common sight during the slave trade in Europe.

Many of the items of jewelry like the dedicated brooches and special buckles were initially designed purely with a specific function in mind. Somehow in time, they evolved into decorative pieces and simply to add glamour and quality. There is religion specific jewelry also available. The crucifix in Christianity and the Star of David in the case of the Jews are good examples of such jewelry pieces. In the west, it is a common practice for couples getting married to exchange specially designed 'wedding bands'.

In some cultures, the wearing of medals and amulets are supposed to symbolize the attempt to provide protection. Such jewelry is usually made with stones, plants, animal body parts or glyphs. In the case of jewelry functions, even though there are examples that highlight the fact that they are used for artistic display, the functions of symbolism, wealth and power are clearly more dominant. In the latter part of the 19th century, the work of masters like Peter Carl Faberge and Rene Lalique became famous and added to the functionality of jewelry.

Jewelry functionality differs from one part of the world to another and individually from person to person. The different types of jewelry available on the market today and the wholesale range have added to the popularity and use of the various designs.

How Various Forms Of Jewelry Add to Your Looks

2008-05-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is no longer called a woman's best friend, it is also very luring to the guys! Since the ages, jewelry is used to accessorize oneself. However, today jewelry has become a style statement for men and women, old and the young. The desire to look different and stylish has increased the use of jewelry.

Previously, jewelry was sported only on special occasions like wedding or birthdays. But if you look around now, you find many youngsters wearing jewelry to look stylish. Jewelry can be anything from rings, chains and bracelets, to earrings and the list goes on. Wearing matching jewelry, whether gold or artificial with the right attitude can work wonders on the way one looks.

A number of jewelry designs are available on the market. But be careful when you choose the design and pattern, as it shows your taste and showcases your personality. The jewelry that may work wonders on others, may not give you the same get up. Wearing jewelry at work has given women a complete make over.

Diamonds are certainly eye catchers. The person who owns them is always proud of the gleaming stones. Diamonds carved in a delicate design create a style statement. Owning a diamond is every woman's desire. Pearls are considered to be the most precious material for jewelry designing. Pearls offer a classic look, but it is very difficult to find natural pearls since the formation of the pearl within the oyster takes years. Pearls are found in different shapes and mostly used in pendants and earrings.

Though diamonds are considered as the most lovable jewelry gemstones, others are not far behind. There is a vast range of gemstones. Each considered to have a special power and effect on the person wearing it. Gemstones are mostly set in rings and enhance the beauty of fingers. Ruby, sapphire and emerald are some of the most popular and costly gemstones. Many wear these gemstones for the special power they are supposed to have and some wear them for their beauty and color. However, semi precious stones are also used by the people who love to design their own jewelry.

Birthstones are also as popular as the gemstones. Each stone is said to be connected with each month. People prefer to use the stone that goes along with their zodiac sign. Birthstones are said to make a lot of difference to ones personality.

Silver is one of the most popular metals used to make jewelry. It can be molded in any shape and worn on any outfit. Silver jewelry is very easy to wear and maintain. All the forms of jewelry like those studded with diamonds and gemstones have a world market. Gold can be used to make different forms of jewelry like the earrings, bracelets, rings and so on. Wearing matching jewelry with the right attire and the correct attitude is sure to leave you looking as stunning as possible.

Buying Exclusive Jewelry With Style

2008-05-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Jewelry shopping is the dream and indulgence of every woman, all over the world. The excitement and confusion when viewing and sorting the short listed pieces can be overwhelming. However, you need to consider certain guidelines while purchasing jewelry. The jewelry available is usually made of gold, silver, platinum or glass. These may be set with precious stones like diamond, rubies and even pearls.

The jewelry designs depend on personal preferences and could either be ready made and showcased or customized, exclusive jewelry. The showcased jewelry designs are the standard ones where many pieces of the same design are sold. Whereas, the exclusive customized jewelry is unique and made by special order only. Exclusive jewelry should always accentuate the features, attire and personality of the woman. You should consider among the feminine, bold and exotic categories.

Exclusive jewelry is created to showcase exquisite craftsmanship. You should also consider the cost factor and between contemporary and the 'culture' based designs. Among all the metals used to make exclusive jewelry, gold and platinum are the most chosen options. Gold has been indulged in for centuries and designers have always preferred the yellow luster and the malleability. Gold is almost always mixed either with silver or copper. This alloy is known to increase the strength of the jewelry.

Platinum exclusive jewelry is very expensive. Platinum is a rare metal that does not fade and lose luster. In the case of jewelry with set precious and semi precious stones, you need to look into the design and its ability to 'hold' on to the gems firmly.

You should also know your chosen gems. While amber is formed from fossilized sticky pine resin, emerald is a mineral green in color. Jade is available as Jadeite and Nephrite and is the hardest of all gems. It can be carved into various forms. Nephrite is green, while Jadeite can be red, blue, green or black. Lapis Lazuli is blue, while onyx is mostly black. Pearls can either be freshwater or cultured.

Buying jewelry is an expensive affair. Since your choice is the exclusive collection, you should also know how to maintain the exclusive jewelry. It should be protected from dirt, that is basically the residue of the body oils. You should always apply any cream, lotion or make up prior to flaunting the jewelry. Nevertheless, beauty products like lotions do get into the pieces and result in a tarnished look.

You should clean the pieces with the help of a soft brush in warm water, preferably soaked a while before cleaning. The jewelry should be dried thoroughly before storing it. The boxes for each piece should be different, especially in the case of jewelry studded with real gems.

In the case of gold plated jewelry, you should avoid contact with water. The jewelry will become dull in time, if you do use a damp cloth or wash the individual pieces. Always remember that pearls and corals should never be soaked. Jewelry is very costly but with a little care, it can last a lifetime, handed down through generations.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for exclusive diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, exclusive fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants,

Buying Diamond Jewelry

2008-05-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Some of the best relationships have been forged and studded with a gift of diamond jewelry. Over a period of time diamonds have become the symbol of long lasting love for many generations. Perhaps it has something to do with the clarity, cut, color and carat and not to mention its durability amongst gemstones. The importance of diamonds would have been lost forever had it not been for the mine workers in the African continent who found them and put a shine to it in the early 17th century. Coupled with legendary stories, myths and designer pieces that adorned Hollywood stars, diamonds have become best friends for millions of women worldwide. Every woman wants to buy at least one diamond worth her name during her lifetime and secretly wishes that this 'rockstar' be presented by the prince charming of her dreams.

How does one buy diamond jewelry? The market is full of expensive, fake, colored diamonds. There are exclusive designer stores, jewelry designers who sell single pieces, cheap diamonds, etc. Moreover diamonds now come studded in engagement rings, wedding rings and the elite solitaire that can make eyes dazzle. There is some basic information that every buyer needs to be equipped with to get value for money and the relationship! Before buying diamonds decide and define its purpose. Are you:

1. shopping for it to gift a special mate?
2. buying for yourself as a compliment for losing weight?
3. gifting it to your parents on their diamond anniversary?
4. Searching for loose diamonds to design your own jewelry?
5. coveting branded diamond pieces to make a social statement?

Once you have clarity, it becomes easier to buy this great gemstone that mankind has ever known. Genuine diamonds make the ring, necklace, bracelet, chain, earrings or anything that it is studded with, more valuable. Buying it is an investment, as it is costly. If it is of a good quality, it is an asset. Largely buying from reputed diamond stores is a good idea. The jewelers themselves choose the best diamonds and cuts to make the items. Since they have the expertise they pass the quality to the customers. Satisfied clients naturally return for more jewelry. A branded store will provide the essential service- delivery, cleaning, repair and offer guarantee on the product. If necessary they will also replace it because through their diamond jewelry, they want customers for ever.

Some of the best relationships have been forged and studded with a gift of diamond jewelry. Over a period of time diamonds have become the symbol of long lasting love for many generations.

Trendy And Unique Vintage Jewelry

2008-05-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

Are you always in search for new and most unique ways of setting fashion trends? If you want something that is not only a trendy change but also looks attractive and original, then think antique. In jewelry, retro, classic and vintage styles can never go out of fashion and style. If you are wearing the right kind of vintage jewelry, then it can help you make a long lasting impression. According to fashion experts, any woman can look stunning with a beautiful vintage jewelry piece.

This type of jewelry has always been considered collectible and very valuable, but in recent times, it has become fashionable and chic for the rich and the common man. Suddenly there is a rise in the trend of wearing retro and vintage jewelry that isn't real. If you want to access great vintage jewelry pieces then follow these tips:

1. Before you go out to buy jewelry, make sure that you have some basic idea about the history of jewelry in different fashion eras. For instance, it helps if you know the basic difference between Victorian and Art Deco jewelry. You will be able to find good items at great bargains if you have sufficient information.

2. Another way of getting good vintage jewelry pieces could be by becoming a jewelry connoisseur. You can turn yourself into a semi-expert to determine quality craftsmanship with a good observation. By doing this you will be able to determine the item's value before you buy it.

3. You can also browse through consignment shops. These shops are considered to be the best in finding good quality vintage jewelry deals. A wide variety of these jewelry pieces can be found in such stores as they are donated from a personal collection when someone passes away. In many cases, vintage jewelry is donated by people because they don't have an idea about the actual value of an item.

4. Estate sales are another good place for finding vintage jewelry. Surprisingly, such sales happen to have a wide selection of beautiful vintage jewelry pieces that are often signed and have a unique life and history.

5. Garage sales could also be of some help in finding good pieces. This might be time consuming and may not result in finding what you want. Most people will not sell good jewelry at a low price, but you might get lucky. The trick is to visit garage sales that take place in good and old neighborhoods, with some history.

6. Online sales are also effective in finding good vintage jewelry deals. There are several websites that sell vintage jewelry at a low price. Don't forget to ask for a letter of authenticity since you will not be able to study the piece on the Internet.

There are several vintage jewelry stores where you can shop for some unique pieces. No matter where you choose to buy your jewelry, ensure that you buy the best quality at a good price.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for vintage jewelry, loose diamonds, diamond rings, vintage fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants,

Tips On Cleaning Your Diamond Jewelry

2008-05-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Cleaning diamond jewelry must be done carefully to prevent damage to the diamond or other gemstone jewelry and in order to preserve its lustrous beauty. Cleaning diamond jewelry ensures the longevity of your investment and in the maintaining of the gemstones luxurious beauty for years to come.

As you wear your diamond jewelry, oils from skin contact are susceptible to build up on the surface of your precious gemstones. When the build up of oils on your jewelry occurs, proper cleaning will bring back the lustrous beauty your jewelry once had.

A common home solution that is ideal for the maintenance of your diamond gemstone is a non-abrasive cleaning agent such as in ammonia based household cleaner, often used as a window cleaner. A less chemically abrasive solution in cleaning your diamond is a mixture of one-part vinegar to two-part cold water. Dip your diamond gemstone in the cleaning solution and gently wipe in circular motions with a cotton swab. Rinse the diamond in warm water and pat dry with a lint free cloth.

Diamond gemstones that are set into a jewelry piece require special attention to its care. Not only are abrasives harmful to your gemstones but, chlorine and strong ammonia based solutions are harmful to most precious metals and can promote premature erosion of your jewelry.

Diamond jewelry settings should be cleaned with caution in order not to loosen the gemstone from the delicate posts that secure the precious stone in place. Cleaning the jewelry piece can be accomplished by mixing a solution of one-part mild liquid dishwashing soap with two-part warm water. Use a cotton swab to dip into the solution and then use small circular motions to clean the entire jewelry piece. Take exceptional care around the prongs of the setting to ensure that the gemstone stays in place and does not become loose. Thoroughly rinse the diamond jewelry piece with cool water and lightly pat dry with a lint free cloth.

Occasionally, you will come across a jewelry piece that has become encrusted with sediment due to improper storage or neglect. To bring the diamond jewelry back to life with restoring its original luster, you may want to consider using a professional jewelry cleaning solution found at many jewelry outlets in your area. An ultra sonic cleaning kit can safely remove grime buildup, which is a process of using a commercial cleaning solution and high frequency sound waves.

Although, self cleaning your diamond jewelry is practical and wise for most uses, heirloom diamond jewelry should be restored by a professional jeweler that is bonded and insured. A professional jeweler will be able to identify the alloys within the precious metals that your heirloom diamond gemstone is set in. Taking the extra precaution in preserving the value of your investment will be their first and foremost concern.

Allowing a professional jewelry cleaner perform the initial cleaning of your heirloom diamond jewelry piece will permit the jeweler to inform you of any special maintenance or repairs that your heirloom may need in order to preserve its value over the long term.

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The Diamond Is A Treasureable Piece Of Jewelry

2008-05-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Most people around the world are in agreement in at least one area. They consider diamonds to be one of the true wonders of nature, and are a sparkling gift to mankind to enjoy, revel in and treasure. The diamond is not only stunningly beautiful, it is also the hardest material known to man, both in terms of natural substances and also in the category of man-made substances.

The white, the blue or even the black diamond are much more than just a glittering jewel to enhance and enliven the fine jewelry that adorns women's and men's jewelry pieces. Indeed, diamonds are also put to work in many industrial and technology settings.

They are an essential component in industrial cutting blades which are widely used in manufacturing and construction. Diamonds are also used to help assure the precise movements of timing devices, such as watches and computer clocking devices. There is even work afoot to incorporate diamonds into computer circuitry.

One of the most attention getting aspects of these marvelous gemstones is the manner in which they seem to transform the light that passes through them. They seem to sparkle with an inner light that also flashes in a multitude of mesmerizing colors. Indeed, the diamond, in many ways actually stands alone from the other gemstones because of how it also seems to perfectly express such characteristics as wealth, abundance, strength and power.

Loose and cut diamonds are actually a form of carbon which is a chemical element and is a substance found in many other common natural items. In fact, while diamonds are the strongest, hardest and most durable type of carbon, it is also related to talc, which is the softest form of the same substance, carbon. Other types of carbon are gypsum, graphite and fluorite, to name a few.

The difference between the strength and dazzle of diamonds and other forms of carbons is simply in the formation of the atoms and how they are arranged in the different types of carbon. It is the immense pressure and intense heat that diamonds are exposed to that actually forms the diamonds and makes them into the hardest material found anywhere upon the earth.

The largest diamond that has been found to date is the Cullinan Diamond, which was found in a mine located in South Africa, as recently as 1905. The weight of the diamond when extracted from the earth was 621 grams, which translates into 3,106 carats, or more than six kilograms.

This astounding gem was later cut into nine separate gemstones, the largest of which came to be known as the Star of Africa with a weight of 550 carats. The Star of Africa is currently mounted as the centerpiece of the British Royal Scepter and is secured in the Tower of London, as part of the Royal British Crown Jewel collection.

It is estimated that about 80 percent of all diamonds brought out of the mines are not of high enough quality to be shaped, polished and set into jewelry pieces. The diamond that makes its way through the inspection, cutting, polishing and reinspection process will have undergone many steps and phases before it becomes part of a piece of fine diamond jewelry.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our diamond portal for more great information on the diamond, and leave a comment at our diamond jewelry blog.

Bridal Jewelry to fit every budget

2008-05-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

It’s really a pleasure to see two families come together and bond two souls in love. Friends and families together celebrate your wedding and when you decide on the perfect occasion, and then it’s not easy to find the perfect bridal jewelry and wedding band or the DJ that can please your crowd.

However swiftly you plan your wedding day, the final memories should last forever. You love to cherish and remember it as your perfect day, and want to look your very best, but there are many things which you need to consider before making it memorable and lasting.

Every bride wishes to look like a princess on her wedding day. Each wedding is designed carefully so that it turns out to the most memorable day for the bride and bridegroom. Marriages are fixed in the heaven but if you want the relationships to last on Earth then the marriage bonds should turn out to be a best way to bond two families into a loving relationship. Bridal jewelry plays an important part of the wedding. Nowadays bridal jewelry comes in various choices and a bride decides on choosing the right collection, to make her wedding day a romantic and unforgettable occasion. She wishes that her bridal jewelry would provide her that extra sparkle and glamour to finish her angelic look. Bridal jewelry is the most important part of the wedding and choosing perfect bridal jewelry is sometimes quite a hectic task. Bridal jewelry should always match the brides dress and should enhance her beauty. Brides generally love to get beautiful, elegant and personalized bridal jewelry. Most of the brides are generally not aware of the fact that it’s really important to select suitable bridal jewelry. Hence the family should always help her choose her bridal jewelry based on the theme of the wedding like for example if the wedding has a moonlight theme or snow white theme then it’s appropriate that the bride and the bride’s maids wear silver jewelry. Bridal jewelry should always compliment the theme. Bridal jewelry should always be photo friendly, like for example some crystals appear like black dots in photos. So if you wish to give the bride to present a sparkle effect, then try and encourage her to go in for photo friendly crystal wedding jewelry. Wedding designers Lisa and Christopher Freville insist on as many fittings beforehand to ensure the bride is completely happy with her choice. Good Luck Charms Always select bridal jewelries that enhance the bride’s shape and beauty and select jewelries that have good luck charm as everyone wants the newly wedded coupe to have a long lasting wedding isn’t it?. So from the ring to the tiaras, the jewelry should be perfect and should also match the bridesmaid jewelry sets. Bridal jewelry is always considered lucky and good fortune it the new jewelry is joined with something borrowed and something blue. Bridal jewelry can have a tiara or a broach or pendant from an older relative so that it brings in good fortune. The bride should always wear something that’s borrowed from an older relative who has had a happy marriage. Different states have traditional traditions like for example in Solihull the bride generally receives a Luckenbooth Brooch on her wedding day and then the same brooch is later pinned on to the first baby to protect the child from evil spirits. Irish people prefer to have a wedding ring that has a heart and two hands tapped with a crown. This is considered to be lucky as the heart symbolizes love and the hands symbolize friendship and the crown specifies the loyalty amongst the couple.

Hillary Templeton gives advice on dog kennels as well as all types womens health matters. Click below for more information on ruptured ovarian cysts http://www.ovariancystshelp.com

8 Tips on Starting your Own Hand-Crafted Jewelry Business

2008-04-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

For many of us crafters, hand-made jewelry is little more than a hobby. But, it's possible to turn that weekend craft project into a business. If you're considering launching a hand-crafted jewelry business, keep reading for 8 essential tips.

1. If you're just starting out, try learning by using kits or classes. Do-it-yourself (DIY) kits provide you with all the materials you need and a foundation for learning the basic structure of jewelry. However, if community college classes are available in your area, they can also be a great way to build your skill set with an expert teacher on hand to answer questions.

2. Mix and match your materials. Constructing pieces exclusively out of fine materials and expensive stones will push your product into a different price stratosphere, and launching a new line at a high price point can be difficult, at best. Keep your prices lower in the beginning by mixing finer materials with less-expensive ones. For example, try matching a fine stone with a silk bead cord, rather than a gold chain.

3. Get involved in your local jewelry community. Get out to jewelry-related events, set up tables at local craft fairs and bazaars, and generally work hard at getting your face and your brand out there. These contacts can lead to store purchases, great word-of-mouth advertising and even on-the-spot sales that become the bread and butter of your business.

4. Look for a wholesale supplier. You don't want to be buying your materials at premium retail prices. Instead, look for a wholesale supplier that can help you reduce your costs.

5. Invest in the best tools you can afford. Jewelry-making requires specific tools for jobs like crimping and handling. Always buy the best tools that you can afford.

6. Immerse yourself in the jewelry market. Read trade magazines, make regular visits to retailers and keep your eye on jewelry trends. The uninformed designer is the out-of-date designer.

7. Get a web site. Even if you're not planning to sell online, a web site is going to be your first point of contact with many of your customers. Keep it updated, fresh, and attractive.

8. When approaching shops, always look for your target market. Instead of randomly hitting all the stores in your area, approach stores that sell pieces similar to your preferences or that exhibit a similar aesthetic. You're more likely to make that sale because your pieces will be snatched up by target customers.

For information on exquisite jewelry suggestions to help enhance your natural beauty, please visit http://www.jewelryadvance.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning personal adornment ideas, such as John Hardy jewelry, cultured pearl necklaces, and many more!

Mens Jewelry make a great gift

2008-04-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Trends in Mens Jewelry Design

Most people think of jewelry as a “woman’s thing,” but the fact is that mens jewelry has been a tradition in many cultures throughout the world dating back to the Stone Age. In those days, mens jewelry consisted of necklaces made from the claws of animals or the bones of slain enemies (!) Among several North American Indian tribes, necklaces made from the wampum, or dentalia shells that were recognized as currency made such decoration practical as well.

Today, mens jewelry may also consist of necklaces, amulets and earrings. However, Mens Watches and mens diamond wedding rings are the most popular and best-selling items.

Wedding Bands Galore

There is nearly as much variety in wedding bands for men as there are for women. One of the latest trends in this area is palladium wedding bands.

While gold is traditional, it is a relatively soft metal. Palladium wedding bands are virtually indestructible, and will last for decades without scratching or tarnishing �" which is not surprising, since the melting point of palladium is almost 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Men’s Celtic wedding rings have also become popular in recent years. These are available as mens diamond wedding rings, or can be purchased without a stone mounted; they feature the traditional “knot work” patterns that are so closely associated with the art of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Time Marches On

Men’s watches are also popular, and are quite traditional as gifts from one man to another �" in recognition of a job well done, to commemorate a special occasion, or as part of a rite of passage; a century ago, the gift of a pocket watch from a father to his son was often made to mark a boy’s passage into manhood.

Wrist watches have existed for perhaps two hundred years, but until the early 20th century were considered effeminate (and were actually made for women). The advent of aviation changed all of that; pocket watches were not practical when it was necessary to keep one’s hands on the controls of primitive aircraft at all times.

Citizen watches are a popular choice. These are excellent timepieces that have been manufactured in Japan since 1918, when the company was known as the Shoshoka Watch Institute. However, they represent only one brand of fine designer watches manufactured throughout the world.

Gifts for All Occasions

Mens jewelry is a gift that is appropriate not only for weddings, but graduations, bar-mitzvahs, the holidays, and even good old-fashioned birthdays. Whether it’s designer watches or men’s diamond wedding rings, you’ll find an abundance of choices when considering mens jewelry as a gi

Jonathon Blocker specializes in diamond jewelry and watches. He is a consultant for Rokstok.com, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.

Finding good custom handcrafted jewelry

2008-04-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

Why custom handcrafted jewelry Design?

Whether it’s for wedding, engagement, anniversary or some other occasion, custom jewelry design means one-of-a-kind. When you purchase custom handcrafted jewelry, you know that the gift you are giving is truly unique, unlike any other similar piece. The best news is that custom made jewelry need not be any more expensive than mass-produced items! Read on and lear more about custom jewelry design.

It’s an Ancient Tradition

In fact, for centuries custom made jewelry was the only kind available. Custom designed jewelry made from animal claws and teeth, shells certain kinds of stones and even wood was the earliest form of adornment; paleontologists have found examples of custom made jewelry dating well back into the Stone Age, 100,000 years ago. Of course in those days and throughout most of early history, the significance of custom designed jewelry was a sign of rank, rulership, or accomplishment (as of a brave or notable deed) more often than not; only the very wealthy and/or important wore such custom handcrafted jewelry.

The Use of Precious Stones and Jewels

Humans had long known of and treasured precious and semi-precious stones and gems as well as metals for use in custom jewelry design, such as:

- Sapphire - Ruby - Emerald - Adamant (diamond) - Turquoise - Quartz - Bronze - Gold - Silver

However, custom handcrafted jewelry had to wait until mankind had learned how to work metal before its manufacture was possible.

Custom Jewelry Design Today

Custom men’s jewelry is an example of how jewelry can be used to indicate rank or �" more often, these days �" accomplishment. Most often, such custom designed jewelry for men takes the form of :

- rings - cufflinks - shirt studs - tie pins

Other custom men’s jewelry pieces such as earrings are less common, at least for formal gifts or recognition of rank or accomplishment in Western culture. Earrings for men may be completely appropriate as less formal gifts or among certain ethnic groups; in general however, earrings are a type of custom men’s jewelry that a man is most likely to purchase for himself.

Your Online Ring Designer Can Help

Thanks to the Internet, it’s possible to shop for the custom jewelry design throughout the world without ever having to leave the comforts of home!

If you are seeking a special gift for a man in your life, consider the services of an online ring designer. Such an expert in custom jewelry design can make suggestions and create that one-of-a-kind gift for any occasion.

Jonathon Blocker specializes in diamond jewelry and watches. He is a consultant for Rokstok.com, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.

How to Get Cheap Jewelry

2008-04-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is a personal adornment, which includes a necklace, ring, earring, or bracelet, made up from precious & semi precious stones, metals and other substance. Jewelry is a fashion trend for many. If you are choosing a gift for someone special, buying jewelry can be real confusing.

The value of the metal used in jewelry it makes a difference between cheap jewelry and fine jewelry. So the price mainly depends on the material used. There are impressive combinations found in fashion jewelry which are simply incredible to look at. You can find lots of imitated fashion accessory stores which are there online.

Each kind of jewelry will attract a different kind of people and should be displayed accordingly. There are many styles and types of jewelry but all the people prefer that a nice piece of jewelry should appear more pricey than it actually is. A fine piece of jewelry ensures quality design and construction, as well as a unique design.

Internet shopping is fast becoming one of the easiest ways to buy almost anything you want. Internet shopping is a way of shopping that allows shopping for required products without going to the store physically. The Internet is great because people are able to shop 24 hours a day 7 days a week without having to leave their home or work.

Online auction is done on internet for any products and services. It is the most easy and relevant type of auction which is easy to use and that can be operated from anywhere by anybody, this is convenient for those who want to sell or buy the items or property or anything. In the online auction people bid for products, things, and rights or authority.

Auction sites play the role as a marketplace for peoples who are interested for the online auctions. In the online sites simply we can find the value of item, description of item and information which is useful for us. There is no boundary of auction to buy anything, because now with this modern science we can buy through internet and there is no cost for this it is absolutely free...

Jewelry auction is a great way to save money since you can get assorted designs of jewelry at the best prices. You can get discounts up to 95%. While this strategy might not work out for the normal buyer, but it can save money for many buyers. The trustworthy online auction offers its customers a wide selection of products, reliable customer service and secure shopping environment.

A live online auction company provide the widest variety of fashionable Jewelry available on the internet today. With more than 10,000 items sold a day. Customers bid at on-line auctions, which can end anywhere from $1 to $20,000+. The number of registered users are constantly growing.

The industry of jewelry auction has been growing since past few years. The only point to keep in mind while purchasing on online jewelry auction is that you must ensure that you're buying from a trustworthy sites. You should find good reputable sites, having good reputation and who are providing good quality jewelry also providing a good reliability without cheating the customers.

If you want to get cheap jewelry. You will need to familiar with this. Live Jewelry Auction has providently detailed information for help you.

For information on cheap jewelry suggestions, please visit http://www.dualcow.com, a popular site providing great information.

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Shopping Guide

2008-04-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

Most women love shopping. They buy several clothes, bags, and shoes among others. Jewelries are also an important part of their wardrobe, and they would like to own several pieces as much as their money would allow.

Do you know that there is a kind of jewelry that can be found in almost all jewelry boxes owned by women? Yes, they are called pearls. Pearls are made up of nacre, which is manufactured by mollusks, mussels, or oysters as their defense mechanism. When a foreign body enters their shell, they immediately coat it with this iridescent material to protect their sensitive flesh. These pearls are used today as timeless jewelry pieces that complement a woman's dress.

There are two kinds of pearls as follows: 1. Freshwater pearls - grown and harvested in lakes, ponds, or rivers. 2. Seawater pearls - grown and harvested from the sea. They are named after the type of bivalve mollusks that produced them such as Tahitian, Akoya, and South Sea Pearls.

Natural pearls are those that grow without human intervention, and cultured pearls are developed when humans implant a foreign object inside the mollusk or oyster to begin the process of nacre coating. Since natural pearls are already rare, most of the pearls in the market today are cultured pearls.

Freshwater cultured pearls come in a much wider range of shapes and colors than the saltwater kind. Their colors range from champagne, white, off-white, shades of purple, mauve, pink, orange, silver and brown. Their shapes come in great variety such as:

1. Round - traditional shape often used as bridal jewelry 2. Rice - small and irregularly shaped, and with crinkled surfaces 3. Potato - irregular and oblong shaped, similar to a potato 4. Oval - egg-shaped 5. Mabe - shaped like a dome 6. Keshi - tiny pearls known as poppy seeds 7. Buttons - round but flat on one side 8. Coin - flat on both sides 9. Baroque - free form, with no pre-determined shape 10. Circle - with concave, concentric lines, also called ring pearl.

These varied freshwater pearls can be made into necklaces, bracelets or earrings. You can use it for yourself, or they can also be given as fashionable gifts. The price would depend on a lot of factors: the type of pearl, their roundness, size, and the absence of flaws. These pearls are usually measured in millimeters, varying from 5mm to 18 mm. All factors being equal, larger pearls are more expensive than smaller pearls. Also, a perfect round pearl without marks cost more than a slightly asymmetrical pearl with a mark or a flaw.

If you are looking for an affordable pearl, settle for freshwater pearls instead. They are also beautiful like seawater pearls, yet they are less expensive. Plus you can get a lot of variety to suit either your casual or formal attire.

When you are shopping for pearls, remember to check the luster. Observe it in under good light intensity to check its glow. Also make sure you examine the pearl for scratches or flaws. Choose the one that has the least markings as possible, these pearls are very sensitive and it will be difficult to find one that is completely blemish free.

For more information on freshwater pearls, pearl necklace and pearl earrings and other freshwater pearl jewelry, visit YouPearl Jewelry at www.youpearl.com

Top Ten Jewelry Cleaning Tips

2008-04-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

Fine jewelry can very easily become tarnished, dirty and dull. To keep your favorite pieces shiny, sparkling and new, proper jewelry care is the key. The wrong method of cleaning can also cause permanent damage to your jewelry! Please consider the following recommendations to ensuring a long and beautiful life for your jewelry. This list is not all inclusive and only provides warnings for some of the most common mistakes in cleaning jewelry.

Top Ten Jewelry Cleaning Tips

1. Before you start cleaning jewelry always do a quick visual check to see if there are any loose or damaged gemstones; cracked or broken metal; bent or warped prongs/tips; discolored or pitting metal. You would not want to cause any further damage.

2. Jewelry should be removed before showering or cleaning. A film can form if the soap is not washed off completely. This film will then become a magnet for dirt, dust and other contaminants.

3. Use a nub free, 100% cotton cloth and gently wipe the piece clean using only the soft pads of your fingers.

4. You can also purchase jeweler's cloths from jewelry stores. Be sure to use fresh cloths since the dirt and grit left on the cloth from a previous use will now leave scrapes and pits in the piece you are trying to clean and polish.

5. Commercial cleaners can be purchased at jewelry stores. Always remember to read the instructions on the commercial cleaners first before you attempt cleaning.

6. Never clean your jewelry in bleach! Doing this will literally breakdown your jewelry. Bleach is an oxidizing agent that will react to the metal, causing it to become very brittle. Similarly, avoid swimming pools and bathing in hot tubs as chlorine products are added to prevent bacteria growth.

7. Besides chlorine bleach, denatured alcohol, turpentine, acetone, and ammonia are harmful too. These chemicals can dull or even pit the surface on softer gemstones.

8. For best results, polish silver or gold with a jewelry polishing cloth. Use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches because of the fibers in these products.

9. An old toothbrush is very handy. Make sure that you use an old, soft bristle brush. Lightly brush at hard to reach areas while frequently applying cleaning solution.

10. Never use toothpaste or other abrasives to clean metal or stones. Some websites recommend toothpaste as a cleaner, but this is not an accepted practice by fine jewelers. The abrasives in toothpaste can damage the surface of the metal. Toothpaste will also abrade the surface on amber, lapis, turquoise and other soft stones.

By taking note of these ten simple tips, you should be able to keep your precious jewelry looking like new. Take care of your jewelry and you'll get to enjoy them for many years to come.

Jaxon Toh is the owner of GemJewelryStores.Com, providing up-to-date promotions, reviews and more on major online jewelry stores. For more tips on jewelry care and repair, get your free guide at: www.GemJewelryStores.com

Profitable Jewelry Selling

2008-04-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

If you are a jewelry designer and marketer like the author of this guide, you will probably welcome all the ideas and tips contained to help you maximise your sales at any shows or fairs, where you display your goods.

It's not enough to just sit there with jewelry for sale, even though it might be fabulous, there is a strategy needed to make maximum profit out of each venture.

In this guide you are taken, step by step, through all the things you need to know to be a retailer/wholesaler of hand made jewelry. The secret is not to be scared off by the paperwork needed. It is necessary so you might as well get to grips with it.

Do you want to do better than your competitor ? You will if you follow the tips you receive in this guide. Nobody wants to sit all day and only just about cover expenses, maybe plus a little extra. A day is a long time to just sit twiddling your thumbs. It's also another opportunity to sell which is lost if you can't make the most out of it.

The information given in the guide has been honed throughout a number of years, trial and error and watching other more successful traders and following their example.

It is possible to get people to come to your stall and to sell them something rather than just let them walk away without making a sale.

Even other jewelry designers and manufacturers have benefited from the information given in the guide. No-one knows everything and we can all learn something new.

You will be given tips about the cash side of things. How to manage it, how to protect it. What to do about accepting checks and credit card transactions.

You will be given 8 strategies for protecting your display from shoplifters. Unfortunately they are a fact of life and you don't want your stock to be just disappearing. That's just money down the drain.

All sorts of things you don't pay much attention to, such as keeping yourself comfortable whilst you are manning your stall all day, what to take with you, i.e. food and drink and what to wear for comfort. Keeping your feet comfortable. Even a point about whether you can claim tax deductions for the clothes you wear whilst selling.

Where to find out about what shows are coming up, event listings etc. How you can find out on line, how to find out whether or not the show will be worth going to.

Even how to present your booth, good pictures to have in the application. How to make your layout look the best.

You also need to keep insurance in mind. You are bound to lose something, even though you may think you are keeping a very watchful eye on things. Are you covered and can you be reimbursed ?

In fact, just about everything you need to know to make the most successful job of selling your hand made jewelry. Beat your competitors and come out with well earned profits.

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2008-04-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

Jewelery Wholesale: 10 Kt.Gold Cz Rings Wholesale

Wholesale Creative Packaging Products: You need to set yourself daily goals this is what you are going to achieve for each day. A wholesale distributor does not advertise their products and really has no need or intention of advertising their business. Wholesale clothing manufactures do indeed have factory outlet stores but they are not selling merchandise at wholesale prices. Limited service Wholesale Jeweleryrs specialize in fewer functions than Full-service Wholesale Jeweleryrs, generally allowing the producer or the customer to provide most functions. These Wholesale Jeweleryrs include Cash-and-carry companies, Trucking companies, Drop-shippers or Mail-order firms. Limited service Wholesale Jeweleryrs take title to products but usually do not provide many of the services a Full-service Wholesale Jeweleryr does, like marketing, retailer site selection or personnel training. Due to the limited nature of their services, they have lower operating costs but are also limited to lower profit margins as well.. Here again they have the same expenses as a retail store.

Wholesale Wood Picture Art Frames Open: This would facilitate you delivering heavy items such as beverages to as many as so stores in a day. As we warn throughout our site there is one constant thing in Internet Drop Shipping that you need to watch out for. Because you don't have to commit to buying thousands of the same product you can easily add variety to your own offerings. Say for instance, John is looking for a printing company to do his business cards. He search through the Internet and found quite a handful of resources. After looking at the list he decided on a company whose name sounded quite legitimate. He placed his order and waited for a few days for the reply from the company. Three days passes there was no reply. He sent another email. Still, there was no reply. He tried to call the company and was surprised to learn that a woman from a salon answered the phone. The site was a spam. Irritated he put the phone down and swears never to patronize sites from the Internet again. See imitation jewelry supplies Learn from people mistakes more like recognized tests.

Wholesale Freshwater Pearl Bead: And then you can sell the items right there either through online auctions or set a fixed price. So it is a hard task to choose the best dropship guide - as a rule all of them boast of large database of drop shippers and of thousands of brand new products directly supplied by the manufacturer's dealers. You will also need to research keywords and what words cost the least and are the most effective. Get more at Large Chinese Jewelry Boxes As we warn throughout our site there is one constant thing in Internet Drop Shipping that you need to watch out for.

Electrical Equipment Used Wholesalers: Mike wonders why you look so bedraggled. This is what makes them work. If they don't offer certificates of authenticity with their designer bags, you should expect to get an even better price on your Jewelery Wholesale bags. Many buyers are willing to use a good-quality reproduction, but you certainly should not pay designer prices for Jewelery Wholesale bags that are almost certainly not authentic. If you can make a note of the manufacturers name and website you can then go home and Google the info. Learn more at http://www.silvergoldpearl-dir.info The only difficulty the risk involved using non-secure payment methods such as Western union and Wire Transfer.

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2008-04-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

Jewelery Wholesale: Womens Health Candle Supply Koolphones Wholesale Jewelry

Wholesale Supplier Fine Fashion Jewelry: Whichever you are you should have no problem finding a wholesale sterling silver dealer to meet your specific needs. When searching for products to sell online you need to be buying from a real wholesale distributor if you want it to be worth your time and money. Sterling silver is almost always marked with the numbers '925' proving that it is the highest quality of silver available whether wholesale or retail. Wholesale Jewelery buyers are the lifeblood of every Wholesale Jewelery business. You need Wholesale Jewelery buyers to build a solid Wholesale Jewelery business. While every Wholesale Jewelery business needs different types of Wholesale Jewelery buyers, what they all need is solid long term business from these Wholesale Jewelery buyers. So how do you find these Wholesale Jewelery buyers? And once you do find them, how do you attract them to your Wholesale Jewelery business? In order to attract Wholesale Jewelery buyers you need to put yourself in their shoes. Where would you search for Wholesale Jewelery deals? If you would search using the yellow pages, then you should take an ad in the yellow pages letting prospective customers know about your Wholesale Jewelery business. If you would instead search at particular Wholesale Jewelery sites, you would want to be listed in those Wholesale Jewelery sites. See www.ebay.com . Then I was approached by a manufacturer wanting to create my merchadise from tee shirts to wall clocks.

Wholesale Jewelry Silver Beads: Now she has nothing more to sell. Let's put that another way. "We tell manufacturers we can sell their product directly to the consumer in case pack quantities directly to small mom-and-pop shops and in truckload quantities to brick-and-mortar discount retailers'" he says. The third type of appliance parts found online are those appliance parts that are customized to replace parts that have long ceased to be manufactured. These types of appliance parts are also expensive. But if you purchase Wholesale Jewelery you will be ale to save a lot of money since discounts are often given to Wholesale Jewelery purchases. See swarovski navel jewelry wholesale Many companies hold liquidation sales and clearances on a regular basis.

Wholesale Silver Jewelry Supply New York: When putting up your item for auction you can indicate a starting price which is actually below the purchasing price. These are usually pay services that search out drop shippers for you then give you access to their contacts; there are many of these on the Internet today and many are very good. It will keep you busy 25 hours a day 8 days a week to do it all by yourself. Get more at two peapod pendant Let's put that another way.

Georgia Fashion And Costume Jewelry Wholesalers: There are a hundred other details a manufacturer must work out in order to create a product and turn it out on an assembly line ready to sell. The bottom line is that regardless of how wonderful the deals may seem start slow and build up to larger orders as you become more comfortable with the process. Jewelery Wholesale rs-- Jewelery Wholesale rs are usually importers or people who buy from importers or manufacturers to sell to other Jewelery Wholesale rs or distributors, then normally don't sell to retail stores. Jewelery Wholesale rs specialize in getting good products and supplying them to Jewelery Wholesale distributors, cash and carry's and even exporters. Just remember to be confident and professional and if you don't ask you won't find out! Jumping into anything head-first without researching the potential outcome is never a good idea- you need to adequately research starting online business ventures before doing them in order to increase your chances of success and to get quick results in other words- to earn money online in your home based internet business. Learn more at http://www.jewelry-wholesalesupplies.info/loose-jewelry-wholesale/wholesale-silver-euro-bead.php So in a clean and precise conclusion becoming a distributor is not a devils work.

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10 Tips on How to Care for Gems and Jewelry

2008-04-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

A critical part of enjoying your jewelry for years to come is knowing how to protect and care for it. There is little point in paying a lot of money for beautiful gemstones that end up either lost or damaged. Keep reading for great tips that will help you maintain your jewelry and your investment.

1. Store your jewelry in a moderate, safe place. Don't store your stones or jewels anywhere that's too hot, too cold or too humid. Inside the house in a jewelry box is typically fine, but not in the freezing cold garage.

2. Keep gems, gold and silver stored separately. To avoid the pieces from scratching one another, keep the different metals and gems separate. Fine jewelry should be stored in a soft cloth or pouch as protection and never touching other stones.

3. Don't jam everything into your jewelry box. A crowded jewelry box means items can easily be damaged or misplaced. If your gem is truly valuable, it merits appropriate storage.

4. Check your fine pieces every one to two years by a reliable jeweler to see if the settings are secure. You don't want to lose a stone because of poor maintenance or a damaged ring prong.

5. Take off your jewelry before you bathe, shower or wash the dishes. Soap will leave a fine film of residue that can diminish the beauty and liveliness of a piece of jewelry. You should also protect your jewelry or remove it before and after you put on makeup. The powders and creams can leave a dulling residue on it. Additionally, a gem can easily become lost in wash or sent down a drain.

6. Don't wear fine jewelry when doing hard labor or cleaning. If you're using abrasives or hard chemicals, these can scratch your jewelry or discolor it. For example, ammonia and chlorine (both common cleaning ingredients) can cause discoloration of many metals and even dull the polish on gem stones.

7. Don't expose your jewelry to extreme temperatures. Gems like opals can be very sensitive to temperature changes, so think first before leaving a piece in an in-the-ground safe during winter or out in a car overnight.

8. Never boil jewelry. You should never boil your jewelry to clean it. The pressure can crack many stones.

9. Don't store jewelry in a safety-deposit box for long periods of time. Gems like sapphires, rubies or diamonds won't be affected by it, however stones like opals and emeralds can be adversely impacted by the dryness. Some jewelers recommend storing a damp cloth in the box with the stones to keep moisture levels up.

10. Never take off your rings or jewelry in a strange place. While you should avoid washing dishes or showering with your jewelry on, it sometimes isn't worth the risk if you're in a strange place. Too many beautiful diamond rings have been left by the side of public sinks. Remember, you can always have your stones re-polished if they become dirty, so don't take unnecessary risks away from home where a lost jewel might never be found.

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Jewelry Store Blunder

2008-04-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

Ever felt like you might have just spent too much than you felt comfortable with when spending on jewelry from some physical jewelry store? If you have, it might behoove you to remember this article about the biggest mistake consumers have happent to them when giving up money for jewelry from the mall jewelry store. Throughout this article, we will explain 'The Monster Error', what ways to avoid it, and the location to look to the later time you are thinking about buying jewelry.

The biggest mistake customers bring about when purchasing jewelry, is the location they buy their jewelry from. In most cases, they'll walk in to a jewelry store and bump into a jewelry salesman who is skilled at what they were trained for, jewelry salesmanship. What's the problem has probably crossed your mind? For the reason that when you commit yourself to obtain your jewelry from a mall jewelry store, you're not solely just paying for the jewelry. You also need to buy the jewelry storeâ€™s heating bills, electricity expenses, cleaning bills, landlord, in addition to the wages of the jewelry salesman talking to you. It's because of overhead, and the less cost of this you are forced to help pay, the better deal you are going to be able to walk away with.

Trying to think anyway you can stay away from overhead expenses? Well, it's impossible. Something you DO have the ability to do though, is to keep a more careful lookout on the amount of additional prices you hand over for the jewelry. Which location do you estimate has more overhead? The high-class jewelry store with the dressed up jewelry sales person prepared to pressure you, or a basic warehouse that keeps the exact same jewelry, with no carpet, no shimmering jewelry cases, and no high pressured jewelry sales team? Overhead is part of the argumentation, for example, why specialty foods are higher priced than normal Kroger food. Ask yourself â€˜which food store is normally set up much nicer than it's counterpart? Beginning to understand how much of your hard earned money goes into keeping a jewelry storeâ€™s electricity on?

Thinking about where to purchase jewelry and not have to pay the increasing amounts of jewelry store overhead yet? You're in luck. Online wholesale jewelry stores possess a wonderful rep of housing top brand jewelry at a much less price of the jewelry store mark up Definitely, the online wholesale jewelry store with the strongest rep is an online jewelry auction. They not only a giant option of jewelry you will ever come across online, but the cheapest markup in addition to the highest quality brands.

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2008-04-05T23:52:00.000-07:00

Jewelery Wholesale: Cheap Mobile Phone Wholesalers Uk

Nike Wholesale Apparel: 925 sterling silver jewelry to sterling silver jewelry making supplies like French wires fasteners and findings. Even if you decide to sell products in a mall market like eBay you will find that there is so much competition out there that all profits are soaked up trying to compete with each other. This means that you save on all of the products when you start to add to your product lines. Food, being a perishable item, needs to be handled carefully and food distributors have to ensure quick turnaround of inventory. The warehouse infrastructure requirement for food wholesaling and distribution is based on the type of products stored. For example, food products like canned fish and ice cream require deep freezing equipment. Wholesale Jewelery merchants maintain close relationships with their clients. The growth in Wholesale Jewelery food industry is tremendous and the outlook is promising. As long as the demand for processed, packaged and frozen food exists, the Wholesale Jewelery industry will be there to warehouse it, finance it and deliver it to retail and institutional clients.. This means that a company can set aside a particular budget for promotional products and in the end be able to increase the amount of items that they are able to receive by utilizing the availability of a wholesale supplier as opposed to a more convenient or easily accessed middle man promotional product provider.

Tool Suppliers For A Store Wholesale: There are several entrepreneurs across the globe who aspire becoming the most successful business czars. This business model has advantages: You can ship products immediately because you have total control. com's buyer base is growing about 50% per year. First of all let me tell you selling on eBay is easy, but it takes time or money. eBay has fees that you have to pay and if you want to grow quickly you will spend a lot on fees while you are learning. See micro body jewelry Here are some ways to keep yourself in the loop.

Wholesale Prices For York Gas Furnaces: One of the barriers on the way to finding a dropshipper is that some of them do not advertise themselves probably because they have their contacts already and just do not have to. If they do not explain their search methods they may not have a solid search methodology. They are not all the same. Get more at Men Earring Preference This business model has advantages: You can ship products immediately because you have total control.

Wholesale Santa Shop Items: You set it for the shape you want your eyebrows to be slap it on your forehead and press a button. Perhaps they also know what most of us are already aware of. There are many types of Jewelery Wholesale businesses. You need to find the right one that fits your style, your character, interests and personality. This article will help you find the different types of Jewelery Wholesale businesses so you can pick the right one for you. Not all Jewelery Wholesale businesses are created equal. There are many types of Jewelery Wholesale businesses, probably too many to mention. Every item that is sold or produced could be sold at Jewelery Wholesale prices. For our article we'll go over businesses that have a relatively easy barrier of entry. In other words, you don't need $100 million dollars to start them. You only have to ask! Both these methods I have personally used when tracking down specific brands and they do work! It takes a bit of confidence and a little cheekiness but it could make a real difference to your business. Learn more at http://www.silvergoldpearl-dir.info Many of us are always purchasing DVD wholesale list all over the Internet.

James is an expert in wholesale 10kt gold hoop earring for over 20 years. More sources at http://www.jewelry-wholesalesupplies.info

The Art of Jewelry in America

2008-04-03T23:52:00.001-07:00

As art jewelry comes into its own in America, galleries are clasping onto the trend and finding success with the art/jewelry mix.

Throughout the world, body ornamentation is an ancient and time-honored art form. Yet in the United States, jewelry as art has only recently come into its own.

Such art is not the series of gold tennis bracelets lined up in a glass case at the mall. Nor is it the design of a single artist whose staff puts it into mass production. These are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind works conceived and executed by the artist with all the technical elements and aesthetics that carry it across the line into the realm of fine art.

"The distinction between mass-produced jewelry and art jewelry is not just in the quantity but the design," said jewelry artist Gretchen Kubacky of Los Angeles. "I've seen some stunningly high-quality designs in a department store that wouldn't be considered fine art, and I've seen $5,000 diamond earrings that have no design quality to them. Art is in the eye of the beholder." All kinds of jewelry such as wholesale costume jewelry,fashion jewelry wholesale,wholesale jewelry,jewelry supply,pearl jewelry,body jewelry

Kubacky identifies her own work as "ethnicized contemporary" jewelry drawn from historical images, as well as craft and folk art. She uses sterling silver, high-quality stones and pearls, but she likes to mix them up, putting hand-made stones from India with cultured pearls--the fine and the not-so-fine--to create a more hand-made appearance.

"Jewelry-as-art depends on function and intimacy," wrote Carolyn Morris Bach, who exhibits her bone-and-precious metal jewelry at high-end expositions and in select fine art galleries across the country. "Every piece of jewelry that leaves the studio is entirely hand-fabricated by me. While I strive for perfection in my design and craftsmanship, I am not overly concerned that every form requires perfectly rounded edges or that every element be an exact replication of its counterpart. If this is art, it should be individual and unique and preserve for the viewer deliberate traces of the decisions for fabrication; the passage of the hands through materials."

Herein lies the realm of distinction between commercial jewelry and jewelry as fine art. Part of the departure lies in the purpose or intention behind the piece, whether it was made to be sold in quantity at a profit and ultimately worn, or if it was created for the sake of art--art that was hand crafted, using unconventional materials or traditional materials in unconventional ways. The closer the artist remains to the creative process, the closer the jewelry is to fine art.

"The difference is the same for jewelry as it is for the other decorative arts, such as glass and ceramics," said jewelry artist and photographer Douglas Steakley, who exhibits jewelry and other fine crafts at his Concepts Gallery in Carmel, Calif. "You can tell when they change into fine art because they cease being functional, or they become sculptural objects themselves," Steakley said. "Still, there remains a huge gray area of pieces that are semi-functional or are artistic but identifiable, wearable jewelry."

Steakley and his wife Jacqueline founded Concepts 15 years ago as a gallery featuring the work of jewelry artists like Carolyn Morris Bach, Sydney Lynch and more. Their criteria were that each piece had to be unique, well-developed and identifiable--the artist had to create a signature.

"Concepts hasn't changed much," he said, "except to introduce glass and photography that follow the same artistic criteria. It's a good mix. Glass, in particular, provides a nice contrast to the jewelry. It's larger, visually interesting and colorful. It's also more accessible than jewelry."

Jewelry continues to make inroads into fine art venues such as galleries, high-end shows and expos, and it is creating quite a presence in the marketplace.

Patina Gallery in Santa Fe, N.M., dedicates half of its expansive space to art jewelry and the balance to other fine crafts. Owned by Allison Barnett and directed by her husband, jewelry artist Ivan Barnett, the nearly two-year-old gallery is renowned for representing some of the finest art jewelry in the world.

"We make a huge commitment to European jewelry artists," said Ivan. "At lot of what I would call the cutting-edge of art jewelry is coming out of Europe. Theirs is a different, cleaner aesthetic. American jewelry artists are more decadent--not in a bad way--but there is a pared-down quality about the European designs. Americans are still tied a little more to the precious materials, largely because America is so market driven. Not to misrepresent the quality and aesthetic of many fine American artists, but Europeans are more closely aligned with our philosophy; creating surprises for people who have great sensibilities and want something way off the track."

For the past 23 years, the William Zimmer Gallery in Mendocino, Calif., has presented an "eclectic, expansive and imaginative collection of contemporary arts" in both traditional and craft media. Along with sculpture, painting and furniture, it specializes in fine art jewelry with work from Morris Bach, Lynch, Abrasha and others.

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Tips On Finding Vintage Jewelry

2008-03-26T09:21:00.001-07:00

Genuine vintage jewelry and new jewelry that is made to look Vintage is always in fashion. We have seen the big names in Jewelry design like Cartier who fortifies the trend with the release of their orchid line. The Orchid line from Cartier reminds us of those necklaces that we used to rummage through in our grandmother's jewelry boxes. Vintage jewelry is characterized by different styles that have inspired the era that they were in. For example, in the 1920s and 1930s when the flapper girl movement was taking hold of the social scene, we see jewelry styles like long pearl necklaces and heavily studded pendants, brooches and rings. Cocktail rings with huge stones (which have been very famous lately) are seen worn on dainty fingers to signify style and in a way financial standing.

None the less, vintage jewelry has indeed increased in popularity even though they have always been a staple in the market. Long before they got back into 'fashion's' good graces, tons of beautiful and valuable vintage jewelry have been found on sale in flee markets and street fares. The trick is to get your hands on the best ones for the lowest price possible. Below are a few tips that will help you land the best price for vintage jewelry.

TAKE THE DAY OFF - Be the whole of Sunday or the entire weekend itself, vintage jewelry shopping will definitely take up your whole day, if not more. If you are serious about having the best finds, you need to be ready in spending time looking around. Most flee markets are huge, they can cover up entire parking lots and maybe even bigger spaces, in short, when shopping for a thing in a flee market, you need to look around before you can find anything you really want - and the looking around part can take a long time. Flea markets are one good source of Vintage jewelry; another is Vintage shops located all over the country. They are most often tucked away in side streets and secluded area. If you do not know any vintage stores in your locality, then you better start looking.

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM - Well, at least attempt to bluff. Don't show too much interest. If you do find something you like, act nonchalant about it - as if it's the 100th similar piece you have seen that day. Ask casually and throw a few negative comments on the jewelry's way. Why do this? Vendors pick up on interested customers and in a place like a flea market or a vintage store where there is no fixed price; haggling is as natural as breathing. Another important thing is to haggle; these vendors sell their products for the highest possible price which means that they can still significantly lower the asking price.

KEEN EYE - Make sure that you are getting a piece that doesn't have a lot of damage. If it does, call the damage to the attention of the seller, this way he or she can give you further discount. Do not at any point purchase something that is clearly damaged and irreparable. If you do so, you are only loosing money instead of gaining something by making an investment in broken jewelry.

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Mother Of The Bride: 4 Jewelry Dos And Don'ts

2008-03-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Next to the bride herself, her lucky groom and their wedding party, you will likely get a fair amount of attention your daughter's ceremony and the reception. Keep in mind too that you will be one of the stars in the wedding album. You want to be remembered by your future grandchildren for your hip fashion sense, not your hip replacement. Take a few tips from us on how to look your best when your little girl says her vows.

1. DO: Wear modern accessories

Fashion-forward jewelry isn't about abandoning the classics. Current styles - cascade earrings, lariat necklaces and charm bracelets - have all been seen before. The trick to merging with the next generation is choosing pieces that feature colorful, interesting gemstones. Use them to bring out your eyes, pick up on a subtle color in your dress, or tie your ensemble into the wedding's color theme.

DON'T: Wear cheap ones

Don't confuse quality, contemporary, handmade jewelry with something you can find at a teenager's boutique at the mall. The basis for all beautiful jewelry - from that adorning everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Madilyn Monroe and Eleanor Roosevelt - is a sophisticated use of gold, goldfill and sterling silver.

2. DO: Celebrate your youth

Jewelry can be a great way to shave a few years off your bone structure. Pay attention to the shape of your face when you choose earrings - chandelier or cascading earrings flatter and fill negative space at the base of a heart- or oval-shaped face, while studs and short dangles elongate a round or square one. Neat, delicate necklace styles pick up on the curves of feminine collarbones, while long pendants distract from fleshier shoulders.

DON'T: Relive your youth

Resist the temptation to celebrate a little too much and go easy on the champagne. No one wants to pick the mother of the bride up off the dance floor - least of all the bride.

3. DO: Match the wedding color theme

Giving consideration to the photos and to your highly important role in this event, it's appropriate for the mother of the bride to include a small reference to the overall wedding theme. This is done most easily through gemstones, which come in all variety of color intensities and hues. For a subtle tribute, don a link bracelet with a single stone that dangles at the clasp. More conspicuously, pendant necklaces and cluster earrings can be customized to the color of your desire.

DON'T: Match the bridesmaids Avoid choosing an outfit that matches the bridal party - or worse, clashes with it. It's best to distinguish yourself on your own terms.

4. DO: Keep colors low key

Depending on the wedding style, you'll have a lot of choices to make regarding the material, length, print and warmth of your outfit. Give yourself a break on at least one decision and avoid ostentatious prints and patterns altogether. Weddings are classified by simple, solid colors, and as an honorary part of the wedding party, you should follow suit, so to speak. Pick a color that looks good on you and then glam it up with accessories, as described above.

DON'T: Wear white

Or off-white, light tan, pale rose blush, or any other color that could be confused with white from a distance. This is your daughter's day, after all. Don't let anyone forget it.

Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring hundreds of handmade jewelry designs. Customize orders ship in 3 business days. Dasha Boutique is featured in Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide and Brides.

5 Jewelry Ideas For Non-traditional Brides

2008-03-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Truth is, there are precious few ideas floating around out there for brides who want a little character in their weddings. Here, Sarah Stephens, a jewelry designer in San Francisco (where different is actually the norm), offers up 5 tips for creative accessories for unique ladies looking to tie the knot.

1. Color is Creative

At a traditional wedding, the word "bride" is really a synonym for "white." Non-traditional brides will, therefore, want to push the envelope on color. Look for jewelry replete with gemstones. Gemstones come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Pick bold blue turquoise, sapphire or apatite stones to match blue eyes; jade, peridot or emerald for red hair; and ruby, garnet or coral to match red or pink flower bouquets. Color is probably the most essential part of the non-traditional bride's accessories, as it is the most obvious display of her own personal style.

2. Big is Better

Classic brides typically choose very feminine, delicate accessories. Distinguish yourself with chunkier, bold jewelry that screams fun and personality. Long, muli-layered necklaces punctuated by colorful gemstones add character while still appearing graceful. Cuff bracelets and single strand bracelets that boast bigger gemstones can be flashy and fun, and offer the opportunity to tie in a color theme without going overboard. With earrings, forgo the traditional pearl stud and decorate your lobes with a long hoop; these designs can be decorated with petite gemstones for a truly original shape and style.

3. Earrings are Everything

There are so many earring styles to choose from, I thought this needed a bit more attention. I recommend hoops at a wedding only if they are decorated with a bit of feminine flare, as with cascading chains or dangling gemstones. Otherwise, this style has too much of a "clubby" look. I like cascade style, which is one of those timeless designs open to modern interpretation. Pick a length that complements you - long faces need longer jewelry - and wear your hair up so it doesn't get tangled. Keep in mind the color tips above, as these earrings tend to be full of gemstones that can make or break your eye color. In general I would say stay away from big, heavy studs. They weigh your earlobes down, making you appear klutzy, rather than funky.

4. No Two Rings are Alike

There are no rules that say the engagement ring has to be a diamond and the wedding band has to be as plain as possible. Choose a ring you'll truly love to wear every day of your life - one that screams personality and sentimentality all at once. One look I like is a multi-wrap in gold or silver, with a small gemstone nestled at the top, like this one. The stone allows for sentimental value - pick either your anniversary month or birthstone - or if you are getting cold feet about this whole "nontraditional" approach, you can always make it a diamond.

5. Let Your Bridesmaids Choose

If anyone has a problem with your non-traditional style of things, I'm sure it won't be the bridesmaids. Let your ladies choose their jewelry, or at least their preferred style of jewelry, from a custom-made jewelry boutique. You choose the style of earring and necklace and let them select their favorite stone and metal, or vice versa. Either way, we bet they'll wear the jewelry later and vote you Best Bride of all time!

5 Bridal Jewelry Ideas: Something Blue And Something New

2008-03-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Ladies-to-Be! Now that you've gotten him to commit, your work has only just begun. From the seating charts to guest lists to that old adage "Something old, something new..." you've got your work cut out for you. Luckily, we're pretty sure we can cut the guesswork out of finding something blue and something new with one fell swoop. Read on for a guide to our favorite blue gemstone bridal jewelry.

1. Aquamarine Cascade Earrings

Aquamarine is one of those blue gemstones that comes in a variety of shades and opacity. For brides, we like it best when the stone is fairly translucent with only a hint of blue tone. This works well with any white dress and can match bridesmaids' baby blue dresses or a Forget-Me-Not bouquet. The cascade design allows for clustering of these petite stones so the color does not go entirely unnoticed. Plus, the linear, feminine style elongates the face and draws attention to bone structure.

2. Apatite and Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Apatite stones are typically a fairly obvious but beautiful blue color. Pair them with a classic white pearl and you have two colors that not only complement each other, they are very traditionally bridal. On an earring, this combination makes the blue extremely subtle; look for a similar setup on a necklace or bracelet if you are hoping to show off the color more obviously.

3. Blue Topaz Lariat Necklace

Blue Topaz is a nearly transparent stone that is typically cut like a diamond to reflect the light on its many surfaces. The blue tone is quite subtle and is therefore a perfect token blue item on a bride. This stone works well with any jewelry, but we love it on a necklace due to its unexpected luster. Lariat necklaces can be tied in a variety of ways, allowing the bride to make it as simple or ornate as she wishes. Punctuated by this gorgeous stone, the lariat is a truly unique, graceful addition to the bride's ensemble.

4. Blue Chalcedony Bracelet

Chalcedony often has a smokier clarity to it which makes the water-like blue color more pronounced. We therefore suggest you wear it on a bracelet, where the color is more subtle and does not distract so much from the other wedding themes. A bracelet that clusters these stones around the wrist is a really gorgeous way to emphasize your thin wrists and add a small bit of ornate fun to the outfit.

5. Other Blue Gemstones

There are lots of other jewelry stones out there - including some pearls - that come in varying shades of blue. One of our favorites is Tanzanite, which is a rare, stunning stone mined only on a small strip of land in New Zealand. Sapphire is another classic, darker blue stone that really complements darker blue eyes well. Brides who don't mind strong color will also want to look at jewelry featuring kyanite. This gemstone is often multi-hued and can boast a pewter or grey tone in some cases.

Jewelry Armoires From Past To Present

2008-03-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Jewelry armoires are a variation to the big armoires that you have in your living rooms. Yes, the ones that covers up that wide screen TV when you are not using it and at the same time effectively holding you entertainment center and other gadgets. It is also a close version of the desk armoire in your study; the big closet like structure that hides the computer and all the clutter around it behind closed doors when no one is watching. Those mentioned are great examples of what an armoire is. It is a piece of furniture that is used to hold and store things that you need, but may not want to see lying around haphazardly when not in use.

The main difference between a Jewelry Armoire and those previously mentioned is the obvious fact, that instead of storing technical equipments and appliances, a Jewelry Armoire stores - well, Jewelry. This piece of furniture has been around for as long as man invented furniture. They have managed to grace the dressing rooms of the richest and most famous queens, ladies and celebrities in the past. They have truly never gone out of style and are considered as an integral part of any woman's dressing furniture.

Jewelry Armoires come in all shapes and sizes and have always been present through out history. They are made from different types of materials, but the most famous one are often wooden armoires that's stand about 4 feet high. Jewelry armoires are a great addition to your bedroom or closet furniture. It allows you storage and space without the cluttered look of an unclosed jewelry box lying on the surface of a dresser.

Armoires are manufactured in a wide array of styles, one style that is always prevalent is the baroque looking piece. Most of the armoires that are made in this style are composed of a series of shallow stacked drawers that are propped up on four cane legs. They are often made in classic woods like cherry, maple, oak and even ebony. This style of Jewelry armoire gives an approving nod towards the style of the olden days. The inevitable change in furniture style as well as the over all design of the centuries caused a change in the styles that Jewelry armoires were made; now minimalist style that sport sleek lines are also found.

Unlike their baroque counterparts, Modern styled armoires have smaller feet and are composed of stacked dresser drawers that run down the length of the armoire itself. Of course, let us not forget the whimsical and playful side to the armoire. Manufacturers have certainly not forgotten their young clients and those that are young at heart. Now, you can easily find Jewelry armoires in an array of pastel colors with some of them having whimsical fairytale book themes and characters painted on them.

No matter what style the armoire is. No matter how much jewelry it holds or where it is placed in a room. One thing is certain. The jewelry armoire has managed to secure its place in history and in the hearts of Jewelry lovers everywhere.

If you enjoy reading this, you may enjoy to read more about Brighton Jewelry and Jared Jewelers or Jewelry Armoire

Nice Costume Jewelry to Add to your Wardrobe

2008-03-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Jewelry collectors from around the world appreciate top-quality and customized jewelry offered by the most popular jewelry companies. These jewelry pieces are often of value to many collectors because they carry with it not only the quality but also the name recognition. Whether you want to buy diamonds, gold or silver, these companies will help you find exactly what you need or want. If you are interested in acquiring these top jewelry pieces, then here is some information that will help you get started in collecting this popular jewelry

The Blue Box From Tiffany: Ask any jewelry collector what brand of jewelry they think of first when they think of top-quality, and they are likely to respond Tiffany Tiffany jewelry are indeed some of the most prize and valuable of all jewelry pieces in the world. This upscale jewelry retailer offers you the highest quality of customized and designer jewelry that you are not likely to find anywhere else. Tiffany's is also an extremely popular place for hopeful grooms to purchase engagement rings that can be customized and made to fit any person. Gifts from Tiffany top the list for many women around the holidays as well. If you are looking for the highest quality brand name jewelry, then think of the blue box by Tiffany.

How About James Avery? Another popular place to buy customized designer jewelry is James Avery. James Avery offers a wide variety of sterling silver pieces and collectible items for children and adults. You can find highly prized collectible pieces, charm bracelets and charms, wedding and engagement rings for men and women, gemstones and even diamond pieces at this iconic store. If you do not have a James Avery store near you, then you can get online and shop from their full collection from the comfort of your own home. If you need a piece of jewelry customized, you can count on James Avery for this as well.

Think of Neil Lane: Another great jewelry designer that is known among the rich and famous is Neil Lane. This designer has made a name for himself by making customized designer pieces with stores located in both California and New York. You can easily find exactly what you are looking for when you shop with this very popular and exclusive jewelry store. These exquisite pieces include everything from collectible necklaces, to precious gemstone earrings and rings to engagement and anniversary jewelry, and even jewelry for children. You can also check out Neil Lane jewelry by getting on their website as well.

If you are shopping for the best designer jewelry that you can possibly find, this is only a partial list of everything that is available to you. Before you spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on these exquisite customize designer jewelry pieces, make sure you shop around and find exactly what you are looking for before buying. This is certainly jewelry that should last a lifetime income with an iron-clad guarantee. When you purchase high quality designer jewelry, you are making an investment.

Eric Slarkowski often publishes news on issues associated to weddings. Recording his experience in detailed writings, the writer affirmed his knowledge on issues related to contemporary engagement ring.

Your Jewelry Personality - 5 Possible Jewelry Styles

2008-03-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

What does your choice of jewelry say about you? Let's take the black dress you might wear to a date, to a formal dinner or for a party. How would you accessorize it? Specifically, what jewelry would you wear with it?

Consider the following style types.

1. The Diva

Drama is her thing. She wears head turning signature pieces that are dramatic, but not tacky. She favors the best that money can buy. The largest gemstones, preferably diamonds, rubies or sapphires. Her jewelry feature nothing but the best, most exquisite and expensive wearable artwork.

She might wear a stunning necklace with large gemstones, that look like they worth as much as a small island. She is likely to favour dramatic chandelier earrings with diamonds cascading down her neck.

Her jewelry is likely to be gifts from her suitors. On the other hand, she might have bought them on a whim if she has the money. If not, she pass off costume jewelry as the real thing and no one might be any wiser.

Rules don't apply to her. She makes her own rules. She could even wear an elaborate necklace and shoulder length earrings and an armful of diamond bangles and get away with it.

If she wears only a pair of earrings, you can bet those are huge diamonds worth a small fortune. Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor and Beyonce are examples of divas in terms of style.

2. The Trend Setter

She is the girl or woman who sets the trends. In school, she is likely to have a group of wannabes who would do anything to be like her. What she wears is often aped by the fashion conscious crowds. She has mind of her own and is adventurous, daring to try new accessories and gets away with combinations that might make others look silly.

Jewelry wise, she is likely to wear what others are not yet wearing. She wouldn't be caught dead wearing anything that is so last season, so the jewelry she wears probably just appeared on the fashion runways for future seasons. Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex In A City is a definite trend setter.

3. The Sporty Beauty

You know the look. Glowy skin and an athletic body. Some of the top female tennis stars are sporty beauties. As are athletic women who turn heads wherever they go. The classic Bond girl can be regarded as a sporty beauty. She might wear one or two great pieces of jewelry with a simple outfit that shows off her figure. Or she might wear something basic all the time, like a tennis bracelet or a pair of ear studs. Kournikova is a sporty beauty. As is Chris Evert who started the tennis bracelet craze.

4. The Minimalist

She might not even wear jewelry. A simple dress with an amazing cut might be all she needs. Her look may naturally beautiful or ultra sophisticated. If she does wear jewelry, she is likely to wear one elegant item at any time. Maybe a pair of pearl stud earrings. Or a pendant.

5. The Practical Fashionistica

She is smart. Unless the jewelry is a gift from a guy, she is likely to buy high quality costume jewelry to wear. After all, who could tell the difference these days. She wears what is needed to gift the outfit a boost. Likely a stunning pair of crystal earrings, a necklace that sets off her dress perfectly or whatever it takes that is within her budget.

Beads? Silver? As long is it looks good on her and goes well with the outfit.

Bracelets can make a great personal statement. What you wear tells people what you are like.

If you could have any bracelet in the world, which would be your choice? 1. tennis bracelet 2. ruby bracelets 3. sterling cuff 4. medical id bracelet 5. rhinestone bracelet Read what your choice says about you in What your bracelet says about you from http://www.buy-bracelets.com

Jewelry Crimes Of Fashion

2008-03-26T09:14:00.001-07:00

If you have been penalized more than once for committing Crimes of Fashion for "Allegedly" over accessorizing, then you best pay attention to the contents of this article. Accessories are great and the most common irresistible accessory is jewelry. Be it genuine antique jewelry that was handed down from your grandmother to your mom then to you. Or that imperiously glorious Harry Winston creation, or just the funky inexpensive fashionable baubles, no matter what that is, jewelry has to be worn right.

Different occasions require different types of jewelry. You don't go out on the streets dripping in diamonds and wearing only jeans, a basic tee and some sneakers. The only time you should find gigantic and elaborate diamonds on your neck while walking or running down the street would be if you are in a movie, wearing an equally glamorous gown, running from someone or running after the man of your dreams. Anyways, as said; wearing jewelry right can turn you into a fashion savvy glamor girl rather than fashion road kill. Below you will find some tips on how to wear jewelry right, how much to wear and when to wear it.

Wearing Jewelry Right - The type of jewelry worn should greatly depend on the event. Day jewelry should be kept simple. It should not overpower you. Even at formal, black tie or red carpet affairs, the jewelry you wear should always accentuate and compliment your style and what you are wearing. The right jewelry will make for a perfect look and make you look stunning. Too much of that might turn you into a fashion Christmas tree.

How Much Jewelry to Wear - Most women make the mistake of piling on a ton of jewelry and not making it work. Wearing too much jewelry would easily make you look cluttered and all too busy. If you do, you would be taking away the beauty of good jewelry.

Don't get us wrong, you can pile jewelry up when they go with your outfit. Like, stacking beautiful slim jewel encrusted bangles to give a fun edge to your evening gown. Stacking Bangles, maybe 2 or 3 of them can also be a great day look; warning though - if your job requires you to jot down notes then, the bangles would only slow you down.

When to Wear Jewelry - For the jewelry lover's out there, this may be the best news for you yet. You can wear jewelry anywhere. Jewelries evoke a sense of beauty to the anyone who wears it, why limit it to special or social occasions only? There's no hard written rule when you like to wear jewelries. You can even wear it to bed - though that may be a bit uncomfortable and for no good reason at all. All you have to do is to remember to wear what is appropriate and necessary for the occasion.

If you still find yourself going down the beaten path of fashion crime, just remember the immortal words of the great Coco Chanel: "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off!"

If you enjoy reading this, you may enjoy to read more about Brighton Jewelry and Jared Jewelers or Kay Jewelers

Jewelry Symbols Of Love

2008-03-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for that perfect piece of jewelry to let her know just how much she is loved, it can be helpful to know how to quickly identify the symbols that will convey your message in an instant. Whether you're buying as a gift for someone else or you simply appreciate the reminder that love, in general, is an important part of life and you want to treat yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry, there's no time like the present to start shopping.

The Claddagh is a longstanding symbol of love, which was first created during the 17th century. Recognized as a design that features a crowned heart in the center, which is being held by a pair of hands, this symbol is one of the most recognized in jewelry today. The hands are said to stand for friendship, the crown for loyalty and the heart in the center was created to symbolize, you guessed it, love.

In recent years, the circle design has become a staple in the jewelry market. Although it remains a popular trend, it has already earned the right to be called a classic. It's clean and polished design offers a simplistic symbol for a very powerful emotion - love. A circle, like a wedding band, is an unbroken line. It's continuity symbolizes an endless devotion to another, which is why it's a popular way to show someone just how much they are loved. This beautiful design, however, is not just for lovers. In fact, it can be worn by anyone who simply adores the beauty of a circle design and it can also be exchanged between friends or relatives as a gift of love.

Speaking of a classic design, the cameo is one that promises to remain so for years to come. When you look at a cameo, you see a piece of jewelry that consists of a carved profile portrait that sits atop a background of a different color. Believe it or not, this traditional image is one that also symbolizes love. It has been given by grandmothers to granddaughters, from mothers to daughters and from husbands to their wives.

If you or someone you know loves color or is born in the month of May, the emerald may have a special place in your heart. What you may not know is that this gemstone is also the stone of success and love, which makes it a perfect gift to give to show someone how much they mean to you. Whether it's an emerald ring, a pair of earrings or a necklace, this rare and precious gemstone is a favorite of many. If you can't afford the real thing or you typically shy away from gems that feature inclusions, of which a natural emerald has, you can find simulated emerald that offers an eyeclean appearance at a fraction of the cost.

If you're still in the market for a piece of jewelry that symbolizes love, you can't go wrong with the traditional image of a heart. Available in both polished, textured and covered with gemstones, this universal symbol of love is a popular pick in jewelry. Certain designs are known to convey a message without even saying a word and, when it comes to jewelry, a subtle reminder of how someone feels about you is the most precious of all.

For more information on sterling silver rings and cubic zirconia, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

5 Jewelry Personality Types - Which Is Yours?

2008-03-26T09:13:00.001-07:00

Consider the following style types.

1. The Diva

She might wear a stunning necklace with large gemstones, that look like they worth as much as a small island. She is likely to favor dramatic chandelier earrings with diamonds cascading down her neck.

Rules don't apply to her. She makes her own rules. She could even wear an elaborate necklace and shoulder length earrings and an armful of diamond bangles and get away with it.

If she wears only a pair of earrings, you can bet those are huge diamonds worth a small fortune. Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor and Beyonce are examples of divas in terms of style.

2. The Trend Setter

3. The Sporty Beauty

Or she might wear something basic all the time, like a tennis bracelet or a pair of ear studs. Kournikova is a sporty beauty. As is Chris Evert who started the tennis bracelet craze.

4. The Minimalist

5. The Practical Fashionistica

Beads? Silver? As long is it looks good on her and goes well with the outfit.

Bracelets can make a great personal statement. What you wear tells people what you are like.

If you could have any bracelet in the world, which would be your favorite?

1. tennis bracelet 2. ruby bracelets 3. sterling cuff 4. medical id bracelet 5. rhinestone bracelet

Read what your choice says about you in What your bracelet says about you from http://www.buy-bracelets.com

Jewelry Ideas To Inspire Your New Year's Resolution

2008-03-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

If you're like many people, the beginning of a new year often inspires new resolutions that you hope to achieve in the forthcoming months. It's often easy to set goals with every intent on accomplishing them, but days can quickly turn into weeks and even months. All too often, we find that time passes without us having achieved the things that we first promised ourselves we would. One way to help remind yourself of your new year's resolution is to wear something that will keep it fresh on your mind and with you every day. Jewelry is a wonderful way to inspire yourself to accomplish the goals that you set, as it will serve as a daily reminder that's always in your sight.

Does your new year's resolution involve a dream vacation that you've always wanted to take, or perhaps just a week at your favorite beach? If the shore is 'waving' through your mind, add a palm tree, flip-flop sandal or sun design to your jewelry wardrobe. If you've always dreamed of taking a safari vacation, consider an animal pendant, charm or even a pair of earrings that will make you think of your upcoming adventure.

When it comes to new year's resolutions, one of the most common is that of being healthier, getting more exercise and eating right. If that's your goal, perhaps a piece of jewelry that represents your favorite sport or activity would be ideal. Whether you prefer skiing, basketball, baseball, football, jogging or other activity, you will find the inspiration to stick with your goal each time you look at your jewelry. If you desire better health, wear a heart necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings to remind yourself to be kind to your heart by adopting a healthier lifestyle.

If you are looking to strengthen your faith, perhaps a piece of jewelry that celebrates your particular religion would be something that reminds you on a daily basis of your commitment. If happiness is what you hope to see for the upcoming year, perhaps jewelry featuring a smiling face or other symbol that makes you happy would provide a wonderful start to your day.

Last but not least, many people strive to achieve a better job or continue their education. If either of these are something that you hope to accomplish, you can start the new year off by dressing for success. As a student, perhaps a book charm or graduation cap symbol would be the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. If it's a new career that you crave, think about something that will inspire you to reach your goal and look for that image in a piece of jewelry.

In conclusion, jewelry can be a wonderful way to dress up both your wardrobe and your mood. Although the desire to make a resolution and the strength to stick with it require a great amount of determination, it never hurts to have a beautiful reminder staring at you on a daily basis. Jewelry, when worn with a purpose, can serve as both a meaningful and inspirational accessory.

For more information on sterling silver jewelry and cubic zirconia jewelry, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

How To Build A Beautiful Jewelry Collection On A Budget

2008-03-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

If you love jewelry but often find that the increasing price is just too much for your wallet to handle, you may feel as though a glamorous collection is out of reach. Luckily, sterling silver is one precious metal that remains affordable and accessible for many jewelry lovers. When combined with the beauty of cubic zirconia, the world of jewelry looks a lot 'brighter' for many who desire the elegance and sophistication that few other accessories could offer.

Before you make a purchase, shop around and compare prices. You will likely find a significant difference in the prices offered by your local jeweler versus an online retailer. Why? Due to the volume of business that an online retailer can achieve, they are often able to offer competitive prices and a wider selection than some jewelers.

Once you've chosen a jewelry retailer to shop with, check out their clearance or sale items and always use any available coupons to help with the total cost of your purchase. Believe it or not, many retailers offer discounts to first-time customers simply to allow buyers to try their products at a discounted price. Depending on the business, shoppers may be given a coupon simply for signing up with the company's newsletter or as a welcome after they register as a new customer. Either way, coupons are a great way to save some additional money and still get a fabulous look.

Speaking of saving money, you can actually earn money if you make a purchase with a credit card that offers a cashback bonus and/or reward program. Many, if not most, online retailers accept all major credit cards, which makes shopping online a fun and easy way to get a great deal and also earn a few 'rewards' in the process.

In addition to finding a terrific deal by shopping for items on sale and saving a little money by using coupons, some retailers offer shipping discounts on multiple purchases. This method can save you considerably, especially if you can buy all of your jewelry favorites at one time in order to get the absolute best deal on shipping and handling charges. For more information, check out the online retailer's policy on shipping fees.

As mentioned earlier, sterling silver and cubic zirconia have proven to be a winning combination for those who desire the look of a rich jewelry collection but may not have either the budget or the desire to spend a fortune on accessories. Because cubic zirconia can be clear or treated to mimic nearly every color of the rainbow, you can find a variety of colors that's sure to coordinate with all of your clothing separates. With such a large selection of designs at affordable prices, it's not difficult to see why cubic zirconia jewelry continues to grow in popularity.

In conclusion, it's easy to build a beautiful jewelry collection without spending a fortune. When you shop smart, you are sure to find a 'bright' pick in sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry. From earrings to rings and necklaces to bracelets, there are designs to suit every style and wallet.

For more information on sterling silver jewelry and cubic zirconia jewelry, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Tips To Caring For Your Sterling Silver & Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

2008-03-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

As women, we love our jewelry. We admire it. We wear it, and we always want it to look as terrific as the day we first bought it. Every type of jewelry, including gold and gemstones, needs to be cared for properly if it is to last a lifetime and sterling silver is no different. Also a precious metal, sterling silver is both durable and strong. When combined with the strength of cubic zirconia, jewelry lovers have one sparkling duo that is sure to last for years to come.

Tip # 1: Always put your jewelry on last.

When you're getting ready for work, school or just running daily errands, it's a good idea to put your jewelry on last. Why? Products such as perfume, hand lotion and even hair spray can cause residue to build up on your jewelry, especially rings, and can make it more challenging to clean. In addition, hand lotion can cause your gemstones to look cloudy, so make sure that it's dry before handling your jewelry and/or putting on your rings.

Tip # 2: Store your jewelry in small bags with a zip closure.

Sterling silver, over time, will tarnish. However, it's worth noting that gold can also become dull and require a quick polish, so the fact that sterling silver too will need polishing is no reason to shy away from it. One way to preserve the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry is by polishing it after each wear and placing it in a zip-loc jewelry bag. These small bags are available in all sizes, and can be found in 1" x 1" measurements and larger depending on your needs. When you're ready to enjoy your jewelry again, simply remove it from the bag and it's ready to wear.

Tip # 3: Keep your sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry out of direct light.

If possible, store your jewelry in the gift box that accompanied your purchase. You may be able to slow the tarnishing process by keeping your jewelry out of direct natural and/or indoor light.

Tip # 4: Separate your jewelry to prevent scratching.

If you own jewelry that features high polishing and/or bold designs with surfaces that would show scratches easily, store them separate from other pieces. For instance, earring posts and ring settings could create a problem for neighboring jewelry pieces if they were to be stored loosely in a jewelry box. Instead, store your jewelry in a zip-loc bag and in its original gift box as noted above. Not only is this method of storage ideal for preventing tarnish, but it will also help to prevent contact and unnecessary scratching from other pieces.

Tip # 5: Clean your jewelry with care.

When choosing a cleaner for your jewelry, make sure that it's specifically made for your type of metal and/or gemstones. For instance, some cleaners and polishing cloths are created for sterling silver and others for gold. In addition, some cleaners are not recommended for certain gemstones, so always make sure to read the directions completely before using any product on your jewelry. If in doubt, use only a combination of mild soap and water to keep your jewelry sparkling.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional advice on cleaning and/or caring for your jewelry.

For more information on cubic zirconia and cz jewelry, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com