We can break down the price ranges of the different gem varieties into five basic categories: Traditional Gemstones, New Classics, Connoisseur Gems, Collector Gemstones and Affordable Gems.

These categories have basic price ranges. Lower quality stones, or stones with less popular colors, may cost less. Meanwhile, stones with particularly fine quality or color may cost more. These price ranges are meant to give you a general idea of the price relationship between the different varieties of gemstones.

New Classics
Then there are the gemstones that are the rising stars of the jewelry industry: tanzanite, tourmaline, aquamarine, imperial topaz, and tsavorite garnet. These gemstones are usually available in standardized sizes, but you really should look at some of the fine, larger single stones to see why they have so many fans.

Gems in this category range from $50 to $1,000 per carat, for an average-to-good-quality one-carat stone. As a perfect example, tsavorite easily can reach $3,000 per carat.

Connoisseur Gems
These are gemstones that have a more specialized market because they are more of a rarity. They include black opal, jadeite, pink topaz, chrysoberyl cat's-eye, fancy colored sapphires, and rare stones like demantoid garnet and alexandrite, which are practically “extinct” in rough form.

These gemstones are highly prized, with prices that range from $250 to $5,000 per carat. For instance, an alexandrite with a good color change will command at least $10,000, even in a one-carat size.

Collector's Gems
These are not available in quantity to be marketed effectively, so you get a lot of beauty for the money. This category includes spinels, zircons, moonstones, morganites and other beryls, along with many other rare gemstones.

Red and hot pink spinels can command a few thousand dollars per carat, but most of the gems in this category will sell for hundreds, not thousands, even those specimens with excellent color.

Affordable Gemstones
The more affordable gems combine great color with surprisingly reasonable prices and good availability.

These stones include some old favorites, as well as some new ones: amethyst, white opal, citrine, ametrine, peridot, rhodolite garnet, blue topaz, iolite, chrome diopside, kunzite, andalusite, and many ornamental gemstones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx, chrysoprase, nephrite jade, and amber.

Prices for these gemstone range between $5 and $100 per carat for a one-carat stone.

The highest quality cultured pearl necklaces are those produced and created by Mikimoto. These pearls are known for their unparalleled beauty and brilliance. It is said that once you wear Mikimoto pearls, any other kind of pearl will seem second-rate. Mikimoto pearls are so refined in quality that its fans include the royal families of Britain and Japan, Marilyn Monroe and Monaco’s Princess Grace.

Here are some information on what Mikimoto cultured pearls are, where they came from and how to buy them.

How pearls are formed

A pearl is the result of an oyster or mollusks’ reaction to an irritant that invades its shell. To try to protect itself, the mollusk secretes a crystalline substance called nacre which builds up in layers upon layers, surrounding the irritant. When this happens, a pearl is born.

Pearls have been cultured for centuries not just in Japan, but in other countries as well. Much of the products result to semispherical pearls, also called mabe pearls from the oyster that grew them, and not in the more coveted spherical pearls. It was Kokichi Mikimoto who developed a special technique to induce oysters to create a round pearl.

The man behind the name

Cultured pearls as we know them, owe a lot to Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who perfected the pearl culturing method that is still used today. Contrary to popular belief, he did not invent the industry although he did play a very significant role in advancing the techniques which contributed to the improvement in cultured pearl quality.

Mikimoto, the son of a noodle restaurant owner, was born in 1885 in Toba City, Japan. He was first introduced to pearls when he started raising oysters. Around this time, Japan was already trading pearls with other countries and pearl oysters were in danger of becoming over-harvested. Mikimoto decided to concentrate on experiments in seeding oysters and producing pearls.

The first endeavors were failures. Mikimoto and his colleagues repeatedly encountered disappointing results, due in part to uncontrollable factors like water temperature and red tide. But this did nothing to dissuade Mikimoto from his dream.

His efforts paid off eventually. On July 11, 1893, with his wife Ume, he discovered a beautiful pearl in one of his oysters. He never looked back since. By the time he died in 1954, the highly honored Mikimoto had successfully advocated and promoted cultured pearls and opened markets all over the world. Today, his name is synonymous to the highest quality cultured pearls.

Buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace

Pearl necklaces come in several lengths. From the shortest to the longest, they are: collar (10”-13”), choker (14”-16”), princess (18”-20”), matinee (20”-24”), opera (28”-34”) and rope (37” and longer). The length of the pearl necklace will depend on the woman’s age, body composition and neck size, although an 18 to 24-inch pearl necklace is a good length for anyone. Generally speaking, the longer the necklace, the more it ‘elongates’ the neck.

The mark of “M”

Every jewelry created by Mikimoto including pearl necklaces, has an “M” stamped on its setting. This is a guarantee of quality. However, in some cases, the mark of “M” will only guarantee that the setting is genuine and not the pearls, which can be replaced and restrung.

A caveat: there is a black market for Mikimoto clasps, where original Mikimoto clasps are used for cheaper or imitation-quality pearls. Beware also of ‘closeout’ Mikimoto sales, even if they come in ‘new’ 18k gold.

The best way to distinguish a true high-quality Mikimoto pearl from other pearls is to look for a unique road map or line pattern on the surface of the pearls under a 10x magnifying lens. Experienced jewelers can recognize this. On your own, you will want to find genuine Mikimoto pearls to compare with your intended purchase. Once you see the difference, true Mikimoto pearls are easily recognizable.

You might also encounter pearl necklaces that are labeled ‘Mikimoto quality’. This is misleading. These are not pearls produced under the patented Mikimoto process. True Mikimoto pearl necklaces are those produced under stringent conditions in Ise in Honshu, Japan.

Akoya vs. Mikimoto

Another fine quality pearl is akoya pearls, although this is a general term used to refer to saltwater pearls. These are not Mikimoto pearls and they don’t cost the same.

Grading method

Mikimoto pearls are rated using four grades, with AAA being the highest. There are 4 sub-grades starting with AAA1. Highest-grade pearls are those with the best luster and reflective quality, almost mirror-like, while lower-grade pearls are those with reasonably clear reflection.

When buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace, be sure to ask for grading certificates. This is not only good for insurance, but it is also a guarantee that what you are paying for is a true Mikimoto pearl necklace.

Red - Pink
If all you see is red, ruby is probably your first choice. It is available in a range of hues, from purplish and bluish red to orange-red. Pure reds with no overtones of brown or blue are most valuable. Rubies can be priced from $1,000-$10,000 a carat for sizes under 1 carat.

Spinel, on the other hand, is a great ruby alternative. For centuries, spinel was confused with ruby until technology was able to differentiate the two. Although rarer than ruby, fine spinel is more affordable because it is not well known. Spinel ranges in color from red to pastel shades of pink. Prices can range from $200-$2,800 a carat for sizes under 3 carats.

You might also consider rubellite tourmaline, which comes in colors from pink to red, sometimes with a violet overtone. Rubellites with a rich ruby color are most prized. Gems under 5 carats can range in price from $50-$650 a carat.

Garnet also offers a number of red alternatives. Rhodolite garnet comes in shades from pink to purplish red; almandine garnet is found in violet to pure red; pyrope is produced in yellowish red to dark red; and spessartine garnet is found in brownish orange to brownish red. Garnets can range from $10 to several hundred dollars per carat for gems under 5 carats.

Sapphire is also found in fancy pink shades and priced from $600-$4,500 a carat for gems under 2 carats. Other pink gems that are more affordable are beryls, from the same gem family as emerald: Kunzite is pinkish-violet and morganite is peachy-pink. Prices range from $75-$200 for sizes under 5 carats.

Orange - Yellow
If the color of gold is what you are after, there are many gems that have the Midas Touch. The most expensive of the orange alternatives is padparadscha sapphire. This is a very rare gem that has a strong orangey-pink color and can cost thousands of dollars per carat for small-sized stones. Fancy color sapphire also comes in yellow tones: The more clear and vivid the color, the more valuable. Prices can range from $125-$850 per carat for sizes under 5 carats.

You might also consider topaz, which is available in an array of autumn colors including yellow, gold, orange and peach. Yellow to gold topaz with no pink or red overtones can be priced from about $75 to $400 a carat for sizes under 5 carats. Imperial topaz, which is gold with pinkish-red overtones, can range in price from $100-$800 a carat for sizes under 3 carats.

Citrine also comes in shades of yellow to orange to brown at $10-$50 a carat for sizes under 5 carats. Sunstone is produced in rich orangey-red and yellow shades for $25 to several hundred dollars per cart for 1-carat gems.

Fire opal is sought after as well for its vibrant orange to orange-red hues: Priced from $50 to several hundred dollars a carat for sizes under 5 carats. Garnets also come in orange and yellow shades for reasonable prices. Beryl comes in rich yellow and golden shades, too, priced affordably from $50-$125 a carat for sizes under 5 carats.

Green
If you're green with envy for a fabulous gem, there's a variety you can choose from in this color group. Emerald is one of the most revered gems and has long been regarded as the quintessential green in nature. Gems under 1 carat can be priced anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 a carat, depending on quality.

If emerald is out of your price range, try tourmaline. Chrome tourmaline, for example, offers rich green colors and is priced anywhere from $150-$1,400 a carat for sizes under 3 carats. Fancy sapphire also comes in green (at about $50-$200 a carat for sizes under 3 carats), as well as tanzanite (at about $200-$1,000 a carat for sizes under 3 carats).

Peridot is probably one of the most popular affordable green gems on the market today. It ranges in color from yellowish-green to olive green and is priced at $30-$175 a carat for sizes under 5 carats.

Garnet also comes in green: The most valuable of the species are tsavorite (green grossular) and demantoid (green andradite). Tsavorite in a lively, strong, bright green color can command several hundreds of dollars per cart. Demantoid, considered the queen of garnet, has exceptional brilliance and a lustrous emerald-green color for several thousands of dollars per carat.

Blue - Violet
If you're feeling blue, don't fret! There's an array of gems available to cheer you up. Sapphire, of course, is considered the ultimate blue gemstone priced from $250-$3,000 a carat for sizes under 1 carat.

Spinel is a good alternative. It comes in pastel blue, gray blue, green-blue and deep blue and is priced from about $50-$1,000 a carat for sizes under 3 carats. You might also consider aquamarine, another member of the beryl family, which can be found in a range of shades from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to deep aqua. Color can be intense in larger gems; smaller ones are often less vivid. Prices range from $50-$850 a carat for gems under 5 carats.

Topaz is enhanced to create a pale to medium blue, which is rarely found in nature. It is very affordable at $5-$35 a carat for sizes under 5 carats. Tanzanite is also enhanced to a vivid blue with purple overtones. It comes in various shades of purple as well. Smaller sizes tend toward lighter lavender tones. Larger sizes typically display deeper, richer colors. Prices can range from $250-$700 a carat for sizes under 2 carats.

A sleeping giant in this color range is iolite. Found in violet blue to gray blue, iolite is gaining widespread popularity as a sapphire and tanzanite alternative: Priced affordably from $25-$125 a carat for sizes under 5 carats.

Of course, the most popular and affordable purple gem on the market today is amethyst. Sister to citrine (a member of the quartz family), amethyst comes in a variety of shades from pale lilac to violet to pale red-violet. Deep colors, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes, are the most valued. Amethyst is priced from $10-$75 a carat for sizes under 5 carats.

Tahitian pearls are named after the island of Tahiti and they are highly prized for their beauty and the unique charm of their darker tones, thanks to the island’s black-lipped oysters that produce black, gray and green-black pearls. Recognizing their value, pearl farmers used the pearl culturing techniques pioneered by the Japanese to cultivate Tahitian pearls. Since then, Tahitian pearls have become one of the most sought-after gems in the world.

Factors to consider when choosing quality Tahitian pearl necklaces, in order of importance:

Nacre thickness – ideally, the minimum thickness of nacre in Tahitian pearls is 0.8 mm. A thicker nacre covering means that the pearl’s luster will last long. Thinner nacres have a tendency to wear off easily. Tahitian pearls which are thinner than the required minimum are not exported from French Polynesia.

Surface texture and quality – Tahitian pearls, like all pearls, are graded according to the quality of its surface. Pearls could have thick nacres but if the surface is flawed, their value decreases. Flaws include bumps, spots, discolorations, scratches and other irregularities. The more a pearl has, the less valuable or lower-grade it becomes.

To rate the quality of Tahitian pearls, jewelers use a grading system, consisting of A, B, C and D as the marks, with A-grade pearls being the highest quality. A-grade pearls have the cleanest, nearly flawless surface, virtually free of spots, discoloration or bumps. These pearls have a high luster and reflective quality.

B-grade Tahitian pearls have slightly (but still imperceptible) imperfect surfaces, with only 30% of the surface affected by flaws. C-grade Tahitian pearls have medium luster and imperfections are already quite perceptible while D-grade pearls are those with 60% of its surface affected by quite obvious imperfections, including scratches.

Luster – one quality of pearls that sets it apart from other gemstones is its unique brilliance. As opposed to other gems like the diamond, for example, pearls shine with a softer light. And since they reflect light, they also look like mirrors, reflecting everything in their immediate surrounding.

Generally, the thicker the nacre, the more brilliant and mirror-like the shine. Good quality pearls are clear and almost metal-like in their sheen.

Size – the largest Tahitian pearl ever produced is 25mm, although this in not a round pearl. The largest round Tahitian pearl is at 21mm. Generally, the bigger the size of the pearl, the higher its value is. Most Tahitian pearls are in the range of 8 to 14mm, although a few are measured at 16mm.

Shape – pearls follow the shape of the irritant or nucleus that enters the mouth of the oyster or mollusk that produces it. But to meet jewelry standards, most pearls are produced following three major categories: round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque.

Spherical pearls are those that are round or nearly round. A perfectly round pearl, whether natural or cultured, is quite rare and therefore highly prized. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular shapes. Nearly-round pearls are categorized as sphericals, although they may be slightly elongated or flattened.

Symmetrical pearls are so-called because if you cut one in half, each piece will mirror the other. Included in this category are oval pearls, which taper at the ends and are wider at the center; button pearls, which are slightly more flattened and often used for earrings; and drop pearls, which look like teardrops or pears, usually included in jewelry as pendants.

Baroque pearls may also be semi-baroque and include all other shapes that cannot be classified as either spherical or symmetrical. These are the favorite pearls of artists because of their irregular shapes. Baroque pearls may resemble sticks, studs and even crosses.

Other notable variations in Tahitian pearls are those that have ‘rings’ – tiny grooves that encircle the pearl’s surface. For this reason, these pearls are called circled or ringed, although this quality is only used as a descriptive device, to distinguish one pearl from another. For example, a ringed pearl may be described as a ‘ringed oval’ or ‘circled drop’.

Color – when Tahitian pearls are mentioned, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is black pearls although they do come in other colors, albeit in darker tones. Some of their interesting colors are gray, green, brown and blue.

The pearl’s color is determined by two things: the main body color and its overtone. A pearl can have one or more overtones. The main body color is the predominant color of the pearl while the overtone is the hint of iridescent color that is seen on top of the body color and can affect or enhance the dominant color of the pearl. Pink, gold, blue, silver and purple are some of the most common overtones.

A combination of the body color and overtone is used to describe a pearl. For example, a greenish black pearl is called a peacock while a yellowish gray is called a champagne.

When buying Tahitian pearl necklaces, keep the above considerations in mind. Aside from quality, you might also want to consider design and setting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and information in detail. If the jewelry shop is reputable, they will be more than glad to answer your questions.

On your own, shopping for real Tahitian pearl necklaces can be quite a challenge. To help you make your decision, here are a few tips on real Tahitian pearls: - they have overtones over the main body color. Fake or imitation pearls don’t and their color looks flat. Real Tahitian pearls also glow with a faint reddish color when examined using crossed filters.

- Tahitian pearls feel cool, although they do adapt to your body temperature. Imitation pearls maintain the same temperature as their surroundings, so when they are touched for the first time, they won’t feel cold.

- To test for real Tahitian pearls, hold them in the palm of your hand and take note of their weight. They are heavier than imitation pearls. If you rub Tahitian pearls across your teeth, they will feel grainy or coarse and not smooth. Their holes are also smoother around the edges.

Coral is discovered in still, clear water between 25 and 1000 feet deep. The intensity and quality of coral color increases with depth, but coral is very sensitive and can breed only in water temperatures between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. These ideal conditions are met in only several places: The best coral is found in the waters of southern Ireland, the Bay of Biscay to Madeira, in the Canaries and the Cape de Verde Islands, in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, Mauritius, the Malay Archipelago, and in Japanese waters.

Italy is considered the center of coral jewelry creation, and Torre del Greco, near Naples, is where the best coral jewelry in Italy is made. Larger pieces are often fashioned into stunning umbrella handles or walking sticks, while smaller pieces are made into round or egg-shaped beads that are used in necklaces, rosaries and bracelets. Coral is also the classic material for carved cameos but also makes beautiful earrings, brooches, pendants, rings, cuff links, tie bars, belt buckles, inlaid jewelry boxes and pillboxes. A great deal of coral is exported to India and China, where it is used in religious rituals.

In America, the native Navajo and the Zuni silversmiths have been the heaviest users of coral jewelry. The Zunis combined it with black jet, though it also contrasts magnificently with turquoise. The San Domingo Indians also worked coral into wampum-style beads.

Beauty that is skin deep is always subjected to praise. A glance at the past reveals that it was the jewelry that had been radiating this inner beauty by adorning the neck, forehead, ears, hands, waists and feet of both the genders. It is even today that young to middle aged women are crazy about jewelry. Skillful hands mold precious metals to create magnificent collections of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and even fashion jewelry. When these artistically curved metals find the right place on a woman’s naturally curved figure, they get their due respect and the woman glows with a change in her body language. Gone are the days when diamond, valuable stones, gold and platinum were the only metals to get the shape of jewelry. Nowadays, workingwomen are beatifying themselves with imitation jewelries that have the appearance of the original metals. They find themselves trendy, smart and of course secure in these imitation jewelries.

Trendy jewelries that are masterminded by the qualified jewelry designers wide across the world have put the junk jewelry concept into the backseat. Selection of the necklaces, bracelets or earrings is done on the basis of the forthcoming occasion. Internet, however, has made the job easier with the presentation of all sorts of modern jewelries on the websites and also the opportunity of the individuals to buy them from the virtual shops. Oysters, pearls and ceramics are in demand presently as they go both with the office wears as well as the party wears. So, on purchasing one particular set, both the purposes would get served. Ruby, emerald, sapphires look elegant when put on with the dress having a contrast or matching with the colors of the stones. Jewelry had been denoting social status since a long time and it can be said that they have their existence as a symbol of richness. Jewelry has high emotional value when used in the form of wedding rings and other gifts. It symbolizes the culture of a region and definitely spreads the message of the artistic creation.

Fashion jewelry that is liked by the modern women comes in various shapes, sizes. Lots of experimentation is being carried out with this since women like to wear them with casuals. Fashion jewelry is created not only for occasions but also keeping in mind the season. Bright and fanciful colors are more wearable in the springtime while glittering gold or stone jewelry is apt to heighten the spirit of evening time. Every time the designers are thriving by producing something exquisite and unique that was never seen before.

Affordable yet elegant and well sorted out jewelry can be excellent gift ideas for you friends, or your relatives. It is said that diamonds are a woman’s best friends. So, there can be no other suitable gift for your wife than this. In fact, all you women out there can also consider jewelry as excellent gift ideas as you can gift your husbands gold chains, diamond tie pins, key chains and lots of other elegant items that speak volumes about your sentiments. The prices that are offered by most of the companies do not vary to large extent but it is wise to make comparisons before actually venturing out for purchase. Jewelry has a lot to do with tradition so the designers need to keep in mind the traditional value of each of the items before deciding a shape for them. The handcrafted jewelry is valued in US and most of the women are trying to pick up their favorites from the roadside shops or from any of the boutiques. Women are generally very choosy about designs and they tend to put any amount for the one they like most.

So, where quality plays the dominating role it is expected that the designers should be meticulous in preparing them. The value, if set reasonably coupled with design, can lure thousands of women. Expensive jewelry might hype the social prestige but wearing them everyday to the working place might not be safe at all. So, women who step out of home, apart from socializing, can hunt for exclusive series of jewelry that are cheap yet fashionable. Necklaces and earrings made up of bamboo, wood, ceramics and plastic can be bought in bulks and used everyday by matching them with the dress. The invention of the computer software like CAD, jewelry designing has become so easy. Now most of the women can avail fashion jewelry at a reasonable cost. Most of the websites are also giving excellent gifts on the imitation jewelry and also the precious original ones. Since working women prefer to give attention to the style and not much metal, Jewelry that are made of ceramics, cheap stones, wood and clay are gaining popularity. Women today are conscious about their style and this rise of consciousness has been noticed irrespective of geographical locations. At this juncture, the jewelers are making good money by curving their creativity in beautifying these women. Light and fancy jewelry are in demand as women are tying to put them round their physique to glow with confidence at their working places. Grooming is incomplete without the touch of the right kind of imitation jewelry and people ken of jewelry has taken a new turn now. A woman is inseparable from jewelry. There is hardly any woman who is can deny the attraction of the glittering jewelry. So, excellent pieces of fashion jewelry bought from the most reliable source can fulfill her desires and make them smile.

In the spring of 2003, I spent three weeks in the city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, located in Southern India. Each morning, walking before the heat of the day, I was amazed to see intricate knot work patterns drawn out free hand with flour in front of the driveways and gates of homes. These artistic scrolls, I was told by an Indian friend, were offerings to local gods, and were part of a tradition that stretched back into the ancient past.

I have seen knot patterns in my travels throughout many parts of the world. In Islamic countries where iconography is prohibited, the mosques are heavily decorated with knot-like patterns. Stone-carved knot work motifs can be found on ruins from the Americas to the Hindu iconography of Bali, Indonesia. In Tibet, the “eternal knot” is a common symbol representing the endless cycles of existence.

The knot work most familiar in the West is from Celtic iconography. Though the Celts, before the Roman Empire, were spread throughout much of Western Europe, we’re most familiar with their designs remaining today in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. On the moors, surrounded by winding rock walls and ancient neolithic bridges, this knot work carved in stone transcends time. We know from the writings of the Romans that the Celts believed strongly in the sacredness of place. Similar to the beliefs of many in South India today, the land anchored a particular god or goddess that was meant to be honored, though we do not know whether the knot work designs were made as offerings.

The broad spectrum of knot work designs found in many cultures suggests that the motif is both universal and rooted in ancient mystery. From the most general perspective, knot work iconography can be viewed as a metaphor for our own unique tapestry of experience. On a macrocosmic level, the knots express metaphorically that life on earth is deeply interconnected, as illustrated in the Spider Women’s web or the Great Hoop of Life in Native American stories. As one Native woman told me, if you move a pebble on top of a mountain, you can change the course of a mighty river. This is also expressed slightly differently in the Biblical aphorism, “We reap what we sow,” which is similar to the Eastern understanding of karma. Even physics today speaks of a “unified field.”

Yet it is also true that individual elements of knots hold specific meaning from the perspective of sacred geometry. Look around you at different geometric forms. Why is the earth, our eyes, the trunks of trees circular instead of square? How does the circle function in the world verses the triangle and what does that mean in terms of knot work that uses circular patterns? Here are a few hints to help you with these blueprints.

We speak of a circle of friends and live in circular cycles, such as the day and the season. Native cultures throughout the world hold ceremonies in protective circles. A knot work pattern with circles or variations of circles certainly has some important keys to relationships and community.

A square knot motif concerns structure and stability, which is why buildings use the shape of a square foundation. Numerology has always played a part in ancient cultures and there are many books on the subject. The number five, for example, represents the four directions and the center point, or the five senses.

We also often see knot work shaped like an oval, which is the shape of an egg. The oval has something to do with generative creativity and birth. Planets circle the sun in an oval. And if you squeeze an oval together you get the lemniscates, the symbol for infinity which is very prevalent in knot work motifs.

Many knot work motifs also deal with vectors that travel in a certain direction. If you look at the shape of an arrow, it’s easy to understand why a triangle might connote movement.

Another common motif is the knot work depicting a trinity. In the Celtic tradition, many deities had three forms. The Mother Goddess was understood to the maiden, mother and crone. The universe was viewed as heaven, earth and otherworld. We are born, we live and we die. Certainly the trinity knot also illustrates the One being dividing off into the masculine and feminine, or the mother and son—a mystical truth contemplated in many sacred traditions.

The cross is also a symbol rich in meaning. From a simple point of view, two lines crossing symbolizing a connection or meeting which can be a point of creativity. Some mystics speak of the horizontal axis representing the earthly plain, while the vertical axis points toward the heavens.

While the above guide for understanding knot work is not necessarily based on any scholarly or anthropological text on the meaning of knots, it does provide a starting point that is based on a universal perspective. Most knot work designs are going to have some variation of these shapes. Spending time contemplating the motif may yield some insight.

Lastly, there's an essential reason why the knot work is so prevalent, and that is beauty. I will never forget Jaisalmer, an ancient town in the desert of Rajasthan. This ancient city, where caravans used to stop and trade, is made from sandstone. Many of the buildings are carved with intricate knot work patterns. Strangers walked up to me and said, “How do you like our beautiful city?” I could see clearly how art is life-giving and the need for beauty is something fundamental. In the middle of the desert, the beautiful knot work in golden stone brings joy to the heart.

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.

Celtic Cross Jewelry
One of the most enduring and coveted "gifts" of Celtic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.

For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross may be a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a halo emanating from Christ.

Some say the four "arms" of the Celtic Cross represent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes the four directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of human existence - mind, body, soul and heart.

Celtic Knots
The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots is their intricate patterns and design and the debate as to the meaning of those designs. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had some significance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.

Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a way to keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knot design denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as to the meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.

Claddagh Rings
Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which they are said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish culture and sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring is well-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown (symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that is usually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign."

It's not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriage band. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to show that the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she was "spoken for." If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.

Celtic Then and Now
At one time, Celtic people could be found throughout Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examples of Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on the lifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon their homes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southern England.

Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celts endured, thrived…and continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remained strong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a huge resurgence in their homelands and with "ex-pats" around the world, as people seek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.

Native American Indian Jewelry has been found in excavations of prehistoric ruins. Bead making is an ancient craft. Bead necklaces are often called heishe, from the Santo Domingo word for shell. Seashells are the most common material used for beads. Seashells used in Native American Jewelry are Spiny Oyster Shell, Mother of Pearl, Abalone, Conch and Clam. They have been important trade items in the Southwest for over 1,000 years.

Native American Jewelry using silver work is not an ancient art. It was learned from the Mexican Silversmiths in the 1850s. Mexican Silversmiths would trade their Silver Trinkets for cattle from the Navajo. This association would lead the Navajo Blacksmiths to learn the art of Silver making. Navajo sand casting is one of the oldest silver working techniques among the Navajo. The Navajo Indians traded their jewelry with Zuni Indians for livestock. One of the Navajo early silversmiths taught the Zuni the art of silversmithing around 1872. Later a Zuni silversmith taught the Hopi silversmithing around 1890. The Native American Artists never mined the silver used in making their jewelry.

When you are buying jewellery for a woman it normally means that the person is special to you (sister, mother, lover, wife or whatever) and that you might be going to spend quite a large sum of money. Because buying something so personal is never easy we have put some thoughts together on things you should take into account before making the final choice.

You are making a statement of affection to someone by giving them jewellery. It does not have to be an exclusive or expensive gift as focusing on the cost is a recipe for disaster. Also what can you realistically afford? If you try to be flash and she knows you don't really have the cash, once she has got over the shock of how much you have spent she will still won't wear it if she doesn't like it!

So once you have set your budget there are a few basics to take into account:

* Does she have any allergies (eg: does gold or silver bring her out in a rash?) if in doubt opt for platinum which is hypoallergenic.
* What jewellery has she already got lots of? A girl only needs so many diamonds or pearls – and she might prefer coloured gemstones such as emeralds, rubies or sapphires for a change.
* Does she really want costume jewellery? Don't buy her something from Theo Fennell or Butler and Wilson if she really wants you to put a diamond ring on her finger.
* Is she the sort of lady who would prefer something with a bit of tradition behind it? For example the three stone or trinity ring symbolises the past, present and future of a relationship, an eternity ring is what is says it is and a diamond horseshoe or wishbone symbolise good luck.
* What style of jewellery does she wear? Is it contemporary with bold styling or does she prefer the vintage or classic look? The best indication of her taste is the jewellery she wears all the time because these are the pieces she feels most comfortable with.
* Buy jewellery which fits her actual size, not the size you think she is. If she has a short neck she will probably prefer stud or huggy earrings to the long chandelier design; a short neck needs a necklace or pendant that will complement it and not be too tight – remember “choker” is not the literal meaning! Think of the shape of her fingers when buying rings: does she have slim delicate fingers or small square hands? You can get her ring size by tracing around the inside of one of her current rings and measuring this on a ring sizer guide. This has an enormous impact on whether you buy an elaborate, modern or plain ring – although a diamond solitaire looks good on any finger!
* An elongated diamond like a marquise or oval cut can make short fingers look sleeker--but be careful not to overdo the look or it could have the opposite effect.
* A setting that's extremely delicate could get lost on large hands, over-emphasizing their size and making the ring look smaller.
* How will the jewellery fit in with her lifestyle? Does she work in a profession where fussy jewellery would look out of place? A pointed gem with high prong setting could snag clothing (and people) and is harder to keep clean. Save that type of jewellery for gifts that will be worn on special occasions and not every day.
* Is it for a special occasion? Eternity rings are usually given to mark the birth of a child and various named gemstones are accepted as birthstones and anniversary gifts.
* If you are buying pearls take her colouring into account as rose/pink pearls suit pale complexions and blonde hair; off white and cream pearls bring out the tones in dark skin and brunettes and unflattering tones of greens and browns should be avoided.
* Anything with diamonds should be purchased with the 4C's in mind – cut, clarity, carat and colour.

Whatever your final choice, the most important thing is that she feels you have given it some thought, got the right size and made a real effort in selecting the piece of jewellery. So don't blow it on the presentation, every women loves to receive a gift that is beautifully wrapped with some ribbon and bows and give it to her properly and confidently without muttering that she “can change it if she doesn't like it” or “a woman at work has got one just the same and I thought it looked nice on her!”.

Leave her in no doubt that you chose the jewellery yourself and are giving it because you want her to know how much you care about her or love her.