If you have planned for a wedding and yet your budget can't let you afford that perfect wedding you desire for your wedding, you can find a variety of quality wedding jewelry for less than you thought would be possible. Below are a few tips for finding a piece are relatively cheap prices.

Consider Buying on eBay.

eBay has whatever you can think of in terms of wedding jewelry. There are numerous inexpensive wedding jewelry available through auction or eBay stores. Different wedding jewelry is constantly being listed on eBay. Available on eBay are many inexpensive accessories to choose from.

Go for inexpensive pearls.

Consider going for freshwater cultured pearls which are much cheaper than the other types. Pearl-shaped crystals are also cheaper. Do not try to be what you can't be.

Opt for silver or gold-plated.

Jewelry which is silver or gold-plated can be another option. The difference in quality between silver and gold may not be so obvious to an average observer. You can get away with it.

Consider buying replicas.

Replica stones can be very difficult to distinguish from a distance and to the haphazard eye, can be indistinguishable from real stones. If you have identified a piece of jewelry that you like but you can't afford, you can get a similar piece with expensive materials and yet good looking at an affordable price.

Ask for a discount from your store.

Ask for discounts if you plan to buy several pieces from your store. Do not fear to make an offer on a piece you like. Many online stores, designers and other independent traders can relax their price if you bargain.

Rent jewelry for your wedding.

If you can't afford a piece of jewelry you want for your wedding, renting one for the ceremony and reception is just fine.

Craft your own jewelry.

You can use craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Ben Franklin. These stores have aisles devoted to jewelry-making supplies which you can use. There are also several supplies listed on eBay that you can use for making your own jewelry. This can minimize costs.

Consider borrowing.

With stressed budget, wearing a jewelry piece borrowed from your mom, aunt, friend and even your grandmother can do wonders as well.

You now have no reason to acquire your favorite piece without hurting your budget.

Always remember to use these tips to get that perfect jewelry for your big day.

Where can you find affordable bridal jewelry and wedding jewelry sets for your special day? Click here to find more than 3,000 chic and discounted bridal pearl jewelry line includes bridal necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more.

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The amazing beauty of pearls has dazzled many women around the world for centuries. From high celebrities to models, from princesses to queens and career women to regular folks these natural gems, true wonderful gifts from Mother Nature, have all enjoyed, admired and worn this awesome looking jewelry all the times along with their fancy designer outfits.

Pearl necklace of princess length typically is 16" to 18" strand and is classic and very popular jewelry item. They come in brilliant white, ivory, black, cream, pink and golden colors. Most jewelers sell from grade A to AAA depending upon quality and priced accordingly. Top of the line quality pearls are graded as AAA for their sheer color brilliance, perfect round shape and high thick nacre and comparatively sell at higher price.

Princess Diana had gorgeous lemon color dress studded with beautiful pearls and many stores have all kinds of princess style dresses and costume to meet the ever-growing demands of fashionable women.

To film and television lovers, there is a most popular Chinese TV series created, "Huan Zhu Ge Ge", also known as Princess Pearl in English. It is a television-adaptation of Qiong Yao's novel-series of the same name. In fact, the series broke China's TV record with the highest ratings ever, achieving almost 50% viewer ship in all local TV stations.

Whether you are fan lovers of pearl princess, love to wear princess style crowning fabulous looking dresses or just like wearing gorgeous and the lustrous pearl jewelry, there are many ways to enjoy life as it comes.

Pearls are indeed wonderful gift ideas for loved ones. If one is looking for a nice gift for graduation, anniversary, birthday, wedding or any other special events, these true natural gems are indeed a good choice and are very much affordable than ever before. Brides love wearing these splendid pearl necklaces on wedding day when they are marrying the prince charming - every girl's dream!

Pearls and Pearl Jewelry - Quality Par Excellence:
http://www.pearlprincess.com

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What is a journey and what, specifically, does the word mean to you? Perhaps it’s a spiritual journey or lifelong dream that needs fulfilling or maybe it marks the beginning of a new adventure within a relationship or marriage. We all have different ideas as to what a journey means to us and, when it comes to celebrating that definition, journey jewelry is very appropriate.

If you aren’t familiar with the style of journey jewelry, it features a lazy ‘S’ design and is studded with gemstones. The most common gems to align the journey pendant and earrings is that of a diamond, but customer demand has sparked the recreation of journey jewelry using sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Sterling silver, which is a precious metal, and the world’s finest diamond simulant come together to offer an affordable alternative for jewelry shoppers.

There are a number of reasons why someone may gift a piece of journey jewelry to someone that they love. Perhaps your daughter is going away to college and you want to wish her luck along her journey, or maybe she is starting a new job and the symbol will be appropriate for her new adventure. If someone that you know is getting married, journey jewelry will make a wonderful gift. As a wedding gift from the groom to the bride, this type of jewelry will be symbolic of the new lifelong journey that the two of you will be embarking on together. A mom-to-be will also appreciate the meaning of journey jewelry as pregnancy, itself, is quite the journey.

By its very design, journey jewelry is clean, classic and simple. Although very modern in its design, the idea is one that will remain timeless for years to come. When you purchase sterling silver and cubic zirconia journey jewelry, you will still be able to enjoy the same classic style as that offered in diamond jewelry, but at a very reasonable price. In addition, you will get a bolder presence by way of gemstone weight when purchasing cubic zirconia as opposed to diamonds, which are very expensive. Because they are the world’s finest diamond simulant, cubic zirconia’s have a reputation to live up to. As such, they are cut and measured in the same way that a diamond is and, in most cases, are eyeclean whereas natural diamonds have inclusions or may even appear cloudy. A cubic zirconia has plenty of clarity to allow for light to shine through and reflect from every facet, which makes it an attractive find for many jewelry connoisseurs.

In conclusion, journey jewelry is the perfect way to celebrate a pending adventure, celebrate the reaching of a milestone or simply enjoy the beauty of one of today’s hottest jewelry designs. For Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries or simply just to let her know that she is thought of, journey jewelry is the perfect gift. If you are treating yourself to something special, don’t hesitate to make it a piece of journey jewelry. Whether it’s a necklace or earrings, being good to yourself is one of the best journeys of all.

For more information on cubic zirconia jewelry and sterling silver jewelry, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

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Bridal jewelry can consist of many different types of jewelry. Wedding rings, engagement rings, wedding bands, and a host of other accessories such as pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and jewelry for men such as diamond studs, cuff links, watches and more can all be considered part of a bridal jewelry collection that will be worn by you and your wedding party on your big day. Fine jewelry is available at your convenience both online and at fine jewelry stores near you.

The focus of your search for wedding jewelry sets will undoubtedly be the wedding ring. Wedding rings come in a wide range of materials, and you will have a great variety of gemstones from which you will choose the focal point of the ring. Diamonds are the traditional choice, and they symbolize a lovely and long-lasting remembrance of your wedding ceremony and vows.

There are many options when it comes to the purchase of wedding jewelry sets of rings. The rings come in different types of metals. You might choose from gold or platinum. Once the metal for the ring is selected, you can then decide on whether you wish to choose from finished jewelry or a semi mount. Finished jewelry is what you will see displayed at jewelry stores, and as the name implies the ring has a gemstone mounted in place and is ready to be worn immediately. Semi mounts refer to rings that have open mounts, allowing you the opportunity to select a loose gemstone and have it mounted. With a semi mount, you can customize your ring more easily by selecting a gemstone of the color and cut that you prefer.

The diamonds showing prominently in diamond engagement rings and other components of wedding jewelry sets may consist of clear or colored diamonds. Diamonds can come in a wide selection of colors, adding an unexpected and pleasant surprise for the center of diamond engagement rings. Depending on the rarity of the color, colored diamonds can be in the same price range as clear diamonds or more expensive.

Diamond engagement rings are just one of the types of jewelry that you will wear on your wedding day. Depending on the neckline of your wedding gown, you might want to highlight it by wearing a diamond pendant necklace. A bracelet at the wrist that features diamonds will add a little more sparkle to the exchange of rings. You may also decide to give a great gift to your wedding party by getting matching necklaces for the women and matching cuff links for the men, which they can wear for the ceremony and then wear as a lasting remembrance of your appreciation. All manner of bridal jewelry can be explored at your leisure online, and then seen in person at stores so you can be sure that you like what you are getting.

Susan Slobac has years of experience in the fine jewelry industry. She specializes in assisting couples in the selection of bridal jewelry and wedding jewelry sets

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Summer season calls for summer fashion and accessories are essential pieces in your outfits. Few fashion jewelry and accessories shops regard summer as a season of good profits and put up for sale appealing products for the customers.

A particular type of jewelry that always exists during summer season is theme jewelry. This kind of jewelry does not expire to fashion trends and is very much loved by the consumers. Think about a Yorkie pendant for your pup, a shoe pendant for shoe lovers, a replica of the Statue of Liberty where something memorable happened. Think of the countless memories and instances theme jewelry could be unforgettable for you. It could also be wholesaled on any tourist location, outdoor events, and so on.

Best Brand is the top-selling brand in quality theme jewelry. They produce pendants, earrings and charm bracelets that would definitely touch their customers' hearts. Intricacy of details of these jewelries immediately attracts its consumers especially with its apparent theme. Their complex processes give the uniqueness of their products. The details are likely replicas of jewelries made in past eras. Silver and brass are used for a good overall end product of nice chokers and other jewelry.

There are a lot of crowd-puller events with loads of numerous potential buyers. Summer means various themes of rodeos, garden shows, sporting events, outdoor concerts, and festivals. This is a great chance for vendors to put up theme jewelry as thus greater opportunities to do business and gain good profits with sure customers.

In certain events like craft shows, flea markets, church and school festivals, there are various themes that can be put up thus many sentimental people will definitely look for various sentimental stuffs. Tourists will definitely want the perfect gift, the memorable souvenir, or the meaningful jewelry that would prove of the tourist's presence in that certain spot. Theme jewelry does not bend with the ever-changing fashion trends and this is what makes theme jewelry a timeless kind of accessory.

The opportunity for self-expression is what sells theme jewelry.

Theme jewelry really stands out with almost all consumers. Wholesale jewelry shopping could never be great without hunting for the captivating and enchanting appeal of theme jewelry.

Buy wholesale products online via 100% verified wholesale suppliers. Brought to you by Salehoo wholesalers with more than 40 years of experience.

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There are many reasons that a person would want to buy a Porsche Watch. The number one reason would be for the looks of these unique Porsche watches.

Porsche Design Replica watches have been a piece of quality since there inception. Most often they sell well because of there design and quality of craftsmanship.

But what about price? I commend you if you have a lot of money and can afford $20,000 or £10,000 in the UK. The average person cannot afford this great sum of currency. So where do they turn for a Porsche Watch?

They turn to the site that has the best quality price and bang for there Dollar or Pound. Turning to the retailer online is the best way they can find the best Porsche watch for sale.

In this instance wouldn't it be better to get the best for your $899 or £499? That's where your quality and our reputation as the best supplier on the Internet come in.

Don't just throw your money away, Deal with a company you can trust. No matter if your in the US, Canada or UK or in the EU. We can help you to get the best quality Swiss Replica Watches in the business.

See which style you like the best and let good information and quality of our products be your guide. Were here to serve you the customer first and believe in taking pride in that.

We have 2 Porsche Design Replica Watches to choose from:

1. Porsche Design Replica Watch - Flat Six P6340 Auto Chrono - CD-Porsche-Design Available in 3 Colors

2. Porsche Design Replica Watch - Indicator - CD-Porsche-Design-004

We want you to be our customer for years to come. So come pic out a new Porsche watch today. You will be impressed with it's quality and workmanship. You'll love your new watch for years to come.

For a better look at good high quality Swiss Replica Watches

See this Porsche Design Replica Watch

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Shawn Burgy - EzineArticles Expert Author

Pink diamond engagement rings offer a unique blend of traditional taste plus some personality. Many brides want a diamond engagement ring because it is a symbol of love and commitment, but they also want a unique ring that is one-of-a-kind.

Pink diamonds are a great way to bring a unique taste to a ring that cannot be matched by the traditional colorless diamonds. Fancy colored diamonds are very rare, and also very expensive. These gemstones contain minerals within the stone that create the color. There are only a few places in the world that mine pink diamonds, and if you have the pocketbook to pay for a pink diamond then it is the perfect choice for you.

But, many people do not have the cash to pay for a pink diamond engagement ring, so instead they may choose to have a fake fancy color diamond-- meaning that the color is man-made, it is created to look just like the real gemstone.

Some couples choose a pink diamond engagement ring to symbolize their love, and they have the ring setting designed uniquely for the stone that is used. Combining a pink diamond with other smaller, colorless diamonds creates a brilliant ring. The smaller clear diamonds will add an accent to the main stone, which in turn brings out even more of the pink color.

One of the biggest advantages to owning a pink diamond engagement ring, is that you know that the gemstone is going to hold it's value well-- and probably even become more valuable over time. The supply of pink diamonds is quickly depleting, so these special gemstones will become more and more valuable as time goes on.

The most important aspect of purchasing a diamond engagement ring is that you find the perfect ring for you-- match the design and style to your own personality and taste. There are many ring options out there, take your time to find your perfect ring. Visit our website for more information about engagement rings: http://www.qualityvintageengagementrings.com

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Classic white pearls are a must fashion accessory for every woman's wardrobe. They are so versatile that they can be worn for any formal affair to create an elegant look , or worn casually with jeans and a simple blouse. They are complimented nicely with sterling silver or gold, and combine well with an assortment of other gemstones. In nature, you can find pearls in shades of pink, brown or black. And now you can purchase pearls in an assortment of colors and finishes. Metallic finishes are currently very popular. They give pearls a brilliant shine and an iridescent look.

How a Pearl is Formed

A pearl is produced as a mollusk secretes layers of nacre or mother-of-pearl around an irritant. If the irritant is a natural grit or sand that makes it's way into the mollusk, the pearl is a natural pearl and is rare and expensive. If the irritant is placed inside the mollusk by human intervention, it is considered a cultured pearl. Layers of nacre gradually build up over years and form a spherical, oblong, or irregular shaped pearl depending on the original shape of the irritant. The thicker the nacre, the more durable the pearl.

Tips for How to Clean Pearls

Pearls are delicate and brittle no matter how thick the nacre. With proper care they can last between 100-150 years. The best way to clean pearls is:

* to dust them off and wipe them with a damp cloth.
* never clean them with harsh chemicals, including jewelry cleaners, or a sonic cleaner.
* take off your pearl jewelry when you apply make-up, perfume, or lotion on your hands
* if they do get dirty, they can be washed with a mild solution of soap and water.


The surface of a pearl can also scratch easily so how you store your pearls is important also. Try not to store them with other jewelry that may damage the surface.

Mary Ann Testagrossa

http://www.WireJewelryBlog.com
http://www.WireJewelryStore.com

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Mary Ann Testagrossa - EzineArticles Expert Author

Celtic jewelry and designs have been popular for many years and are well known for their intricate and flowing patterns. Celtic jewelry itself is an ancient form of design, with different styles of interconnected lines and symbols that all display the early belief that everything in the world worked together and in harmony.

Different knots, shapes and patterns have come to symbolize different aspects of Celtic belief and culture, although most people today are not aware of all the history behind the pieces. Below are a few of the common patterns and symbols used in Celtic jewelry and their modern or ancient meanings:

Celtic Cross - the original Celtic cross is actually different than the cross associated with Christianity and the modern Christian churches. The Celtic cross has four equally long arms and is always traditionally in front of or enclosed by a circle. This represents the four elements of the world, earth, air, water and fire and the circle of course represents the interconnectedness of the four elements.

Spirals - a very common pattern, sometimes completed with such fine detail they seem to be hypnotic, the spiral indicates birth and the expansion of all living things through life. It is also the symbol of the sun, which is needed for life and growth. A clockwise spiral is the winter sun and a counterclockwise spiral the summer sun. Two spirals going opposite directions back to back are similar to other symbols that indicate balance and good and evil, birth and death and yin and yang.

Chevrons - this looks somewhat like stylized heart shapes but they are connected from the point of one chevron to the widest or top part of the other. They are often used as a repetitive pattern or border type pattern and represent strength and power.

Rope Work - this finely detailed pattern looks like a flat braid or woven piece of rope. It is typically used to provide a border or central pattern on rings and bracelets. The rope work symbol is often paired with crosses and spirals to create a flowing and almost undulating pattern.

Knots - single or double knots are common in the patterns of Celtic design and represent togetherness, loyalty and connection. The knots are formed with no apparent beginning or end and may have also been used to symbolize the eternity of the world. The first Celtic knot patterns were believed to have been developed around 450 AD.

Much of the history and exact meaning behind different Celtic jewelry patterns has been lost and can only be speculated on. Unfortunately there was no written record of what each of the various knots and patterns originally represented and any stories or legends have been long lost. Some basic meanings, such as the three cornered symbol or the trinity knot is found in more than just Celtic jewelry and design and is likely representative of the human body, mind and spirit or of the more Christian representation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Regardless of the exact meaning behind the Celtic jewelry patterns, it is impossible not to be impressed with the workmanship and detail that goes into creating these infinite patterns. Celtic jewelry is not available everywhere, but with a bit of looking around you are likely to find a piece that really captures your imagination and will make a great addition to your jewelry collection.

Amy Carrington is a fashion maven and an editor at http://www.SorellaJewelry.com Sorella creates personalized jewelry with the names, words, dates and Chinese symbols that matter to you.

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Diamond belly rings are extremely popular and that is largely due to the trend set by many celebrities. We look to celebrities for fashion advice, the latest looks and to see what is popular at the moment in all aspects of life. So when we see celebrities such as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton wearing fashionable body jewelry such as navel jewelry, it often makes us want to copy that exact look.

Why Diamond Belly Rings Caught On

The main reason why diamond navel jewelry have become so popular is because it does look fantastic. Britney Spears in particular has made it look sexy and feminine. In fact a number of female celebrities have made women everywhere look at belly button rings in a completely different way.

Wearing short tops that clearly show off sexy diamond belly rings is all the rage among celebrities. Jessica Alba, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears and Beyonce Knowles have all made the belly button ring sexy. The great thing is - you do not have to be a celebrity to copy the look.

While celebrities may wear only the best and most expensive diamond navel rings, you can still purchase affordable diamond navel rings that look just as good. The most popular tend to be bar belly rings which show off a nice diamond in your belly button. If you really don't have a lot of money and you cannot afford real diamond navel jewelry then you could always turn to cubic zirconia. That is basically fake diamond belly rings, but they still look good. However, if you can afford it then it would be better to purchase real diamond navel jewelry.

Overall celebrities have made diamond belly button rings popular and it is no wonder why. They look fantastic and their quality is second to none. So if you have just had your naval pierced then it would definitely be a good idea to follow that celebrity trend and look into diamond belly button rings today!

Looking for gorgeous Diamond Belly Rings? Look no further - visit Belly Button Rings Guide right now!

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Questioning the authenticity of a diamond is common today, especially with today's technology and some very good diamond imitations. If you purchase a diamond you should purchase it from a reputable place. If you receive a diamond as a gift from a friend or loved one, don't feel guilty if the question of authenticity lingers in the back of your mind. After all, the person who gave you the gift supposedly made a substantial investment. They deserve to know if they didn't get what they paid for. So if you feel the need to make sure the diamond that you have is real, there are some ways that you can test it. If you are concerned that you may insult the person who gave you the gift, these tests can, and probably should be, done discretely.

Use a diamond tester

This is an electronic tester that is reliable for indicating if a diamond is real or a stimulant. However you should be aware that moissanite is the only stone than can fool the electronic diamond tester.

Transparency Test

This is a very simple test that anyone can do. If the diamond is not mounted, turn it upside down and place it on a piece of newspaper. You should not be able to read the print through the stone. If the printed matter from the newspaper is legible then you may assume that the diamond is not authentic.

The Fog Test

This is another easy to do test. Place the diamond close to your mouth and let it fog up like a mirror would. If it stays fogged for more than 2-4 seconds the diamond is not real. A real diamond will disperse the heat instantly, so it will be clear by the time you look at it. However, there is one problem with this test. Some jewelers will cap cubic zirconium with real diamond and this is something that will not be revealed with this test.

Use an Ultra Violet Light

Many diamonds will exhibit blue fluorescence under an ultra violet or black light, so the presence of a medium to strong blue will confirm that it is real. The absence of blue, however, does not necessarily mean it is fake. It could simply be a better quality diamond. If you see a very slight green, yellow, or gray fluorescence under ultraviolet light, it may be moissanite.

You will probably want to use at least two of the above tests if you want to check your diamond for authenticity. Hopefully these tests will put your mind at ease and you won't be disappointed.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop at these sites for Real diamond gems, fashion jewelry, earrings.

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At last, the largest diamond in the world had found a worthy contender. Under preliminary forecasts of experts the weight of the new diamond-champion is one 1.5 kg.

Before now the largest diamond in the world was the Cullinan diamond. This diamond was found in the British province Transvaal (nowadays the Republic of South Africa) in 1905. The weight of the ex-champion Cullinan is 3106 carat (621.2 gr.). The diamond was named for Sir Thomas Cullinan, who had discovered the Premier in Transvaal three years earlier. The diamond amazes not only by its size but also its cleanliness, absence of mineral inclusions, cracks, and bubbles.

The Cullinan diamond was presented to the reigning British monarch, King Edward VII, in 1907. It's interesting that diamond represents a splinter (about 1/3 part) of larger diamond, but it haven't found till now.

The diamond was cut into 9 large stones and about 100 smaller ones by I.J. Asscher and Company of Amsterdam. The Cullinan diamond decorates the brow of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain about one hundred years.

Nowadays, the 7000-carat diamond (1.5 kg) was found in the same country. Under armed guard the new diamond will be delivered in Johannesburg, the capital of the Republic of South Africa, where diamond will be determined its exact weight and the size with a help of special technical equipment.

What company possesses this precious find? It is not yet announced. However, during all last century the leadership in world production of diamonds belonged to giant De Beers who supervised about 65 % of all diamond market till now.

Today the Republic of South Africa takes fifth place in extraction of rough diamonds in the world, giving place only to Australia, Botswana, Russia and Congo.

Russia also does not giving in a diamond race. So, the diamond-mining company Alrosa has a quarter of world's diamond mining.

In the beginning of August a big deposit of rough diamonds was discovered in Yakutia. Russia's diamond giant Alrosa has discovered a big deposit of rough diamonds in Yakutia. The worth of its reserves is estimated at $3.5 billion. The deposit of such extent was last discovered in Yakutia ten years ago.

The new Verkhne-Munskoe deposit unites three kimberlite pipes located 130 kilometers from Udachninsky Mining and Processing Plant of Alrosa. The deposit is forecasted to last for 25 years, yielding from 1.2 million tons to 2 million tons of stones.

In terms of geological survey, Alrosa has outmatched the best indicators of former Soviet Union, the company announced in the news release of April 2007. Nowadays, for instance, Alrosa is setting up the 4th exploration expedition in the northern part of Yakutia's diamond province.

It is mentioned that Russia had became the first country in volume of export of rough diamonds in 2005. To tell the truth, the Russian Federation had taken the top position only by physical volume of the diamonds taken out abroad. The leader in the finance of export had become the Botswana (25 % of world's diamond export). It is supposed that in 2007 Russia will increase considerably in turnover because of the opening of new diamond fields.

What are Star Rubies?

Star Rubies are a rare variety of the gemstone Ruby. These magnificent gems display a sharp six-rayed star which seems to glide and shimmer magically across the surface of the gem when the latter is moved. This is caused due to an optical phenomenon known as "Asterism". The star is best visible when the star ruby is seen in a single light source such as sunlight and spotlight.

What causes the Star-Effect?

Star-effect or "asterism" is caused by the dense inclusions of tiny fibers of rutile (also known as "silk"). The stars are caused by the light reflecting from needle-like inclusions of rutile aligned perpendicular to the rays of the star. However, since rutile is always present in star rubies, they are never completely transparent. Infact, star ruby is one of those few gemstones which actually requires inclusions (i.e. rutile).

Are Star Rubies rare?

Today, out of every 100 rough corundum (ruby and sapphire) mined; only three will have stars apparent after being cut into cabochons. Out of these three, one will have a poor color but a good star, one will have a poor star but a good color. Only one out of hundred will have both a good star and a good color!

Most original sources of star rubies such as Mogok (Burma) have run out of supplies. Worldwide production today is yielding a very small quantity of fine stars (especially in sizes above 5 carats). Star rubies are becoming rare as most rough today is cut into faceted stones after heating instead of being cut into cabochons to display the star.

Star Ruby Myths and Legends:

Traditionally, star rubies were worn by knights in the battlefields to protect themselves from the enemy. Local tales in Karnataka (India) say that if it is worn as a visible pendant or as a headgear then anyone who faces you as an enemy looses half his valour. The power of star ruby is said to be the highest during full moon.

Star Ruby is said to pep up internal strength, ward off tensions, distress the mind and drive away stress related problems like migraine, insomnia, and hysteria. The healing powers of gemstones remain a controversial issue, but are mentioned since ages by healers, shamans and medicine men. Whether it's a fact or a placebo effect doesn't matter, if it helps.

Famous Star Rubies:

The Delong Star Ruby resides in the Natural History Museum in New York City. It weighs 100.32 carats. Discovered in Burma during the early part of the twentieth century, it was sold by Martin Ehrmann to Edith Haggin DeLong, who donated it to the museum. In 1964 the Delong Star Ruby was the object of an infamous burglary, carried out by Jack Murphy, known as Murph the Surf, and two other men. It was then ransomed and recovered. The Delong Star was found at a designated drop off site - a phone booth in Florida.

The Rosser Reeves Ruby is one of the world's largest and finest star rubies. Weighing 138.7 carats, it is not only clearer and more translucent that the Delong Star, but also possesses a sharp six-rayed star. This Sri Lankan stone is renowned for its great color and well-defined star pattern. Advertising mogul Rosser Reeves, who donated the piece to the Smithsonian in 1965, carried it around as a lucky stone, referring to it as his baby. He often stated that he had acquired the stone at an auction in Istanbul in the mid-1950s. He actually bought the stone from Robert C. Nelson Jr. of New York who was acting on behalf of Firestone & Parson of Boston. Firestone & Parson were selling the stone for Mr. Paul Fisher of New York. Mr. Robert Fisher, Paul's father, had bought the ruby at an auction in London in 1953. At the time the ruby then weighed just over 140 carats, but was very heavily scratched, and a few carats were removed in the repolishing. The repolishing also helped to center the stone's star. Articles in the New York World-Telegram and The Sun in 1953 mentioned this fabulous gemstone.

Zodiac / Birthstone Information:

Ruby is the birthstone for July, and the Capricornzodiac sign. The top quality of ruby is Star Ruby. Ruby is also used to celebrate a couple's 15th and 40th anniversaries.

What to Look for while buying a Star Ruby:

The value of Star rubies is basically influenced by two things: (a) The strength and sharpness of the star, (b) Intensity and attractiveness of body colour.

Sharpness of the Star:The star should be sharp and silvery / milky white. The best way to test the sharpness of the star is to look at the star ruby in sunlight with the dome facing the sun. All six prongs should be straight and equally prominent. The complete star should be centered in the middle of the gem, but should also be able to glide effortlessly around the cabochon.

Colour of the gemstone:Generally rubies are red. But star ruby is usually not red. Most star rubies are available in pinkish-red, purplish-red or purplish-brown colour. Red Rubies with a perfect star are very very rare and may cost a fortune.

Cutting:Cutting is very important to exhibit the star effect in ruby. They need to be cut into medium to high, domed cabochons to get the perfect star effect. The cabochons must be round or oval-shaped. The stone should not be too flat on the top or too heavy on the bottom. Many bottoms of stars are kept unpolished so that the light is trapped inside the gemstone.

Caring about your star ruby:

Though there are very few chemicals that attack Star Rubies, it is best to clean your star ruby with warm soap water and a toothbrush. Cleaning your Star Ruby in Ultrasonic cleaners is not recommended.

Treatments & Synthetics:

Genuine Star Rubies are usually not heat treated because heating can dissolve the rutile (silk) which causes the star to form in the first place.

Beware of Synthetic (Lab-made) Star Rubies! Synthetic star rubies jump out as way too perfect looking, i.e. a perfect star, a super clean stone, and great color. In natural star rubies the distribution of colour is often uneven, in stripes and spots - which is the best way to judge with the naked eye whether the star ruby is natural or synthetic. However, sometimes it may be a tough task to distinguish between natural and synthetic gems and if you run into any such stone, be sure to ask for a Reputed Gem Laboratory certificate from the seller. No doubt synthetic star rubies are much cheaper than natural ones, but they may offer little or no resale value.

Advise on Star Ruby Jewellery:

Star Rubies are available in all forms of jewellery. However, Star Ruby Rings and Pendants are usually preferred. To maximize its astrological and healing effects, it is advised that the gemstone should be mounted in jewellery in such a way that the bottom of the stone touches to skin. Star Ruby can also be kept as a loose gemstone. Rubies look best in Yellow Gold Jewellery, though it really depends on the choice of the wearer.

Gold has been and continues to be a highly desirable metal. Whether for its beauty in jewelry, or value in coins and bullion, solid gold is very expensive and the price is climbing. The expense of gold naturally limits the number of people who can own it. But gold has been used in other ways that can utilize the beauty of it without the incredible expense of solid gold.

Gilding is used to cover large areas with a thin layer of gold. Gold hammered into very thin sheets called 'gold 'leaf' is attached with adhesives. Gilding is also done with gold dust mixed into a paste with other substances. Items are also covered with thicker sheets of gold by hammering and forming it around the item. This is called gold rolled. With the application of heat and pressure, gold sheets are fused to the object. This is known as gold filled. But the most used process, especially for intricate jewelry, is gold electroplating.

Commercial applications for the electroplating of gold and silver began in the early 19th century. Simply put, electroplating works by immersing a metal object into a solution that has microscopic particles of gold suspended within it. A small electric charge is run through the metal object, and the particles of gold are 'attracted' to the object and bond with it. This very thin layer of gold can vary in thickness, and is measured in millionths of an inch, or micro inches . Most common gold plated objects have a coating that is 7 to 20 micro inches, and can be 10 to 14k gold.

Vermeil (pronounced 'vermay') gold is a much thicker layer that is at least 100 micro inches thick. Vermeil gold jewelry is much more durable than regular gold plated jewelry, where the coating is so thin that it is easily worn off. Regular gold plated jewelry is usually done over lesser metals such as brass. Vermeil gold jewelry is always at least 14k gold and is done over sterling silver. It is very high quality, and has the beauty of gold without the high price of solid gold

What do loose diamonds have in common with a pile of coal? More than you might think; in fact in geological terms, loose diamonds are nothing more than glorified lumps of coal. The differences are:

- the arrangement of the carbon atoms

- how each material is formed

Even when it comes to the formation of diamonds, the difference between processes is one of degree rather than mechanics. Here then is some interesting information for potential buyers of wholesale certified diamonds.

Carbon is Carbon

Some may remember an episode of the old "Superman" TV series from the 1950s in which Clark Kent created a diamond by compacting a lump of coal in his fist. While it is doubtful that even the "Man of Steel" could exert such preternatural geologic forces as take place deep in the earth, the concept illustrated was essentially correct - those loose diamonds that eventually wind up at diamond dealers who sell them to jewelers are made of carbon that has been subjected to extremely high pressures of 60 kilobars (for comparison, that's 60,000 times normal air pressure at sea level) and temperatures of over 2300 degrees Fahrenheit (structural steel melts at around 1520° F)!

The pressure and heat needed to create diamond is found only at the earth's lithosphere where the crust meets the upper mantle - about 90 - 240 miles beneath the surface. Diamonds can also form when a meteorite strikes the surface of the earth, creating similar conditions or are carried on within the meteorite (some diamonds do come from outer space!).

Coal on the other hand is formed from the decaying remains of ancient plant matter that has also been compressed by geologic forces, but much closer to the surface. In chemical terms, carbon atoms that make up carbon molecules are arranged in a flat, hexagonal pattern, making them much more brittle. In diamond however, they are arranged in a tetrahedral, or box-like structure. This is what accounts for the hardness of loose diamonds.

Can One Turn Into the Other?

Eventually, if a coal deposit sinks low enough into the earth and is subjected to high pressure and temperature, it can become diamond. Theoretically, diamond could also change into coal, if kept free of chemical reactions that color the gems and stabilize the surface, then subjected to a vacuum. This is unlikely outside of controlled laboratory conditions, however.

A watch is an important part of your wardrobe. It can say a lot about you,what you do for a living or what you do in your free time. When buying a watch there are a few basic things you will want to consider. Deciding on a band, a watch face style and what kind of extra features you want it a great way to narrow down search. Picking the perfect watch can be as easy as following these simple tips.

It's all About Your Style

The first thing to do when choosing any watch is take a quick survey of your life. Are you an action packed outdoors kind of man who is athletic and always on the go? Or are you a businessman who's day is filled with meetings, luncheons, conferences and dinners. Your watch should resemble the lifestyle you lead for fashion and functional purposes. If you find your self outside or engaged in physical activities and labor, you may want to purchase a sportier watch that can hold it's own and offers helpful functions like a compass or a stop clock. Likewise if you often dress in a suit and tie or have an affinity for the classy and sophisticated, you watch should reflect that. Instead of the tech savvy watches you may want a watch that fits with a certain appearance. Do a quick survey of your personality and style these there

* Band: The watch band is the strap that holds the time piece onto your wrist. There are several types of bands including leather, metal, and material. If you are a sports minded or outdoors kinda man then your best bet would be one of the material bands that offer a little more versatility and protection from the elements or from sweat induced by physical activity. However, for a watch that can be worn for everyday life as well as for special occasions you may want to look for one with a leather or metal band.

If you choose a metal or leather band your options include silver, gold, or stainless steel as well as various leathers. Take a quick look at your wardrobe and accessories. You should choose a watch band that will compliment or match the majority of clothing you own. If you find you fill your closet with a lot of neutral colors then you may benefit from a watch with a leather band in black, tan, or brown. Men who spend a lot of time in suits would look best in a silver or stainless steel band. Gold bands are rarely easy to pull off and can come off as rather pompous so unless you're really in love with gold or your know it's absolutely your color steer clear of this band.

* The Face: The face of your watch is the centerpiece. There are plenty of watch faces to choose from and your final choice will come down to a very personal decision. When looking for a watch face, you may want to consider a few things. The first is the size of your wrist. Watch faces come in several sizes and can look different on each individual. If you have a small to medium size wrist then you would want to choose a corresponding watch face. Men with larger wrists and hand will want larger watch faces. Watch faces that are too big or small for your stature may look ridiculous.

The next thing you want to consider when choosing a watch face is the time display. There are a few basic displays. Decide if you prefer an analogue or digital display. The first appears classier but for many the easy reading digital is just as sufficient. If you just can't decide what kind to get some offer the best of both worlds with a digital display inside a analogue watch face. While those are the general difference in watch faces there are several displays making choosing a watch face the hardest part. Look for ones that suit your personality.

* The Extras: In the world of watches it's the extras that will help you make your final decision. These are the fine details that make your watch perfect for you. Look for things like waterproofing, watch face details like dual clocks for separate time zones, alarms, and date features. You can go from the ornate with embellished faces, images, hands, and numbers or you can go for classic an simple; the decision is all yours.

Antonio - You never told me you want pearls!

Catherine - Do I have to mention that women love jewelries? Its like asking for an approval that the sun rises in the east!

A discourse from "The Legend of Zorro", that re-establishes a well known fact once again, that jewelries are close to every feminine heart.

Reshuffling and reversing the pages of history would lead us to the origin of the traditional Indian fashion jewelry. But the right point of start is still a mere blur. The story of Indian fashion jewelry can be dated back to the Vedic era. The holy Ramayana and the Mahabharata are replete with descriptions of ornaments worn by both men and women of that age. Infact even before the discovery of metals Indians are said to have adorned themselves with wooden jewelries and other materials which are easily available. To talk about civilization, Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilization bears evidence of Indian fashion jewelry. By the 3rd century B.C. India became the leading exporter of gemstones, and that was a benchmark in the history of Indian jewelry.

During the ancient ages Indian Gods and Goddesses are crafted with rich and ornate temple jewelry, a trend still existent. Eventually those intricate filigree designs of Indian jewelry were being sported with by the women folk and it got absorbed into the bridal trousseau and worn on special occasions. The traditional Indian jewelry could be branched into three categories - spiritual, bridal wear and temple jewelry. But with the flow of time all of them merged into one and took the form of Indian fashion jewelry.

Indian fashion jewelry was given a royal patronage from the ancient times. But it reached its highest peak during the Mughal era. Men usually are the goldsmiths in India, traditionally, and a variety of names were given to them as per the region they belong to.

Fashion jewelry in India is being made for almost every part of the body, ranging from the 'tika' for the forehead to the ring for the toe, a testimony to the love of jewelry and to the splendid skills of the Indian jewelers. In a broader aspect, jewelry in India was being handcrafted not only for humans but also for the ceremonial elephants and horses.

In the modern era, Indian fashion jewelry is creating a new history for itself. Indian fashion jewelry is a rage among the recent generation and despite the tag of 'feminine' being attached to jewelry, both guys and gals are sporting with funky and traditional Indian jewelry. Be it the bold thumb rings or the sleek ear and nose rings, be it purely ethnic or purely funky Indian fashion jewelry is gearing its speed, expanding its domain at its best.

The common motifs in the traditional Indian jewelry were inspired by mythology and despite the fickle dictates fashion they remain essentially the same today. However, modern Indian jewelers are experimenting with a wide range of design, representing many things - love of nature and animals, spiritual beings, history, humor.....imagination at its best.

An important landmark in the history of Indian fashion jewelry is the expansion of the domain of raw materials used in its making. Besides gold and other metal jewelry, jute, beads, stones, conch shells, wood, plant seeds, etc are also used in the making of Indian fashion jewelry. These are setting a new trend in the modern fashion scenario.....befitting jewelries with the kind of attire you put on, be it funky or traditional.

Indian fashion jewelry is much more than just a tool of aesthetic appeal: rather it is a symbol of divine abundance and material blessings, tinged with fashion, updated with each passing day. A trend that started at the beginning of the civilization, may be at a more remote past, has been going strong till date and will definitely create new ripples in the near future with some more fusions, bifurcations, improvisations and new imaginations.....a new history of Indian fashion jewelry on the making.