Bracelet popularity dates back to the Roman times and continues today.

Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from that era. The ever-popular ball earrings from that era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet. Engraved bangles and snake bracelets were very popular during Roman times. Bracelets made of twisted coil with lion head ends were common place, as were the two part bracelets ending with a pair of lion heads. The Heracles knot bracelet is recognized as a Roman era piece. The Roman's were very creative in the designing of their jewelry. However they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettos, fleeing dogs and acanthus leaves, all of Greek origin, were often seen in the designing of Roman jewelry.

Stones and glass were often used in Roman bracelets. Gemstones were commonly found set in eyes. Open bands were cut to represent a row of ivy and entwined with pearls. Many of the leaf and berry bracelets were heavily adorned with decorative glass. The wealthier women could be seen wearing bracelets layered in bezel set emeralds.

During the Georgian times bracelets remained popular. Paris jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearl edging. After the 1820s coral became the “in” fashion statement, so bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set with coral. It was also very fashionable to wear many bracelets at once, including wide ribbon gold mesh bracelets, and silk ribbon bracelets. Gem and Diamond bracelets were designed in geometric patterns. Gold was heavily used during this era.

The Victorian era brought changes to the fashions of women, including jewelry styles. Earrings grew long and dangled, bracelets became rigid and were normally worn in pairs. The buckle bracelet became very fashionable.

The jewelry of the Victorian era expressed sentiment, and bracelets were no exception. Bracelets would contain lockets or charms with pictures or hair of a loved one, and engravings were common.

Early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystic with hidden meanings being popular. The acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship were very popular. For example a bracelet set with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

The Art Nouveau period once again saw changes to fashion and jewelry. Chameleons and serpents entwined themselves around bracelets. The mystical Egyptian scarab was found on bracelets and rings. Other popular creatures included dragonflies, butterflies, bees, peacocks, swans, and even bats. This was a very figural period attached to nature.

If jewelry did not depict creatures it depicted flower blossoms or flower buds.

From 1910 to 1939 women's fashions saw sleeveless or short sleeve dresses appear. The result was flexible bracelets and bangles worn on the upper arm. These arm bracelets were often adorned with gemstones or diamonds.

From 1940 to 1949 US designers were greatly influenced by the designs from the French house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Bracelets with ribbon of hexagon lines centered on fine gemstones fastened with heavy clasps became very vogue.

From 1950 to 1960 daytime saw simpler lines for not only gold bracelets but necklaces as well. Gold mesh or twisted wire bracelets were very popular.

From 1960 to 1970 bracelets became more flexible and were often set with gems. Bangles on the other hand became more rigid and were often seen set with random diamond placements.

From 1970 to 1979 bracelets were flexible and often set with tiny baguettes. Delicate and dainty bracelets were vogue.

From the 1980s to the present, bracelet fashions have been mixed and varied. Bracelet styles have become more of an individual fashion statement than a trend. Gold has always remained popular, as have gems, however sterling silver has become very popular and recognized for its versatility and wearability at affordable prices. In the last few years we've also seen an increase in demand for titanium bracelets.

Today a woman's fashion statement is about her! What she likes, what she feels good in. So your bracelet wardrobe can be what ever you want. Wear a dainty gem set gold bracelet or an armful of clunky bracelets, which is very vogue this season.

Your fashion statement is about who you are, so feel free to be you!

Egypt
The use of gold jewelry can be dated back to Egypt 3000 BC. Gold was the preferred metal for jewelry making during ancient times. It was rare, it was easy to work with, and it never tarnished. Magnificent bracelets, pendants, necklaces, rings, armlets, earrings, collars, and head ornaments were all produced in ancient Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs. In 1922 Howard Carter's excavations led to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and many gold artifacts, showing the artwork of ancient Egypt.

Greece
In ancient Greece, gold beads in the shape of shells, flowers and beetles were very common. In Northern Greece beautiful necklaces and earrings have been excavated from burial. By 300 BC the Greeks were using gems such as emeralds, garnets, amethysts and pearls. They also created colored glass stones and enamel stones. Carved agate cameos and gold filigree works were widely made.

Italy
The Italian Etruscans produced granulated textured gold work. They made very large, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. They were also known for producing hollow gold pendants that were filled with perfume. Even today the Italians are still known for the quality gold jewelry.

Rome
The Romans used 18 and 24 carat gold for their coins. Coinage gold was readily available so it was popular with craftsmen for decorative jewelry. Over 2000 years ago the Romans were using sapphires, emeralds, garnets, and amber in their jewelry.

Europe
During the 13th century the Medieval Sumptuary Laws were enacted which put a cap on luxurious jewelry and clothing. The town folk of France, banned from wearing girdles made from pearls or any other gemstone. They were also banned from wearing gold or silver. Similar laws existed in England banning artisans from wearing gold and silver. These laws show how fine jewelry had spread beyond nobility to the town folk.

Real and Fake Gems and Pearls
For as long as mankind has existed gems and jewels have been used as token of ones love for another. While many pieces of jewelry existed adorned with fine gems and made from precious metals, there was also some very good fake jewelry. True gemstones and pearls originated in the east and they were bought mainly by the Italians. The Italian merchants then sold the jewelry to the Europeans. High quality glass imitations were often used and sold with the intent to deceive. These high quality glass stones were often used in the Royal funeral robes and in children's jewelry.

Valued more than gemstones, were the flawless, round, natural white pearls. South India provided some of the finest pearls. The Italians were able to make quality imitation glass gems and pearls that could only be identified by a gemologist. There is historical proof that recipes for false pearls existed as far back as 1300. White powdered glass was mixed with albumen and snail slime to produce imitation pearls.

Earrings and Dress Jewelry
During the 17th century woman always wore earrings, whether they were dressed or undressed. It was very acceptable to wear faux pearls and paste gem earrings during the day saving fine diamond jewelry and gem jewelry for evening attire. Dress ornamentation decreased in size. Sleeves or skirts were often decorated with matching brooches.

Paste is a compound of glass containing white lead oxide and potash. Paste jewelry was very common in the later part of the 17th century. After 1734, Georges Strass produced the highest quality and most long lasting paste jewelry. Paris led the production of faux gems [paste] and faux pearls. Just about any kind of fake gem could be made, including fake opals.

After 1760 the production of fake jewelry spread to London and to Birmingham. During the industrial revolution steel was produced in large quantities so it was easily available. It was used for setting marcasite and jasperware cameos. Glass and Wedgwood porcelain paste cameos were made in English factories and were also very popular. The fashion from this era also included ornate shoe buckles of paste, steel and tin, elaborate paste jewel buttons, as well as semi precious for day wear.

Empire Jewelry
In 1804 Napoleon emerged as Emperor of France, resulting in a revival of jewelry and fashion as a new court of pomp.'Joailliers' worked fine jewelry and 'bijoutiers' used less precious materials. The members of the new French imperial family had the former French royal family gems re-set into the latest neo-classical style. The new trends soon found their way to Europe, particularly England. The main influence for design was the Greek and Roman.

Parures and Cameos
Parures were a matching suite of coordinating precious gems which could include a necklace, a comb, a tiara, a diadem, a bandeau, a pair of bracelets, pins, rings, drop earrings or and cluster stud earrings and possibly a belt clasp. A full parure consisted of a minimum of four pieces. A demi parure consisted of three or less pieces. Both Josephine and Napoleon's second wife had magnificent parures. Once Napoleon's cameo decorated coronation crown was seen, cameos became the rage. Cameos were carved from hard stone, conch shells and even from Wedgwood porcelain.

Victorian Jewelry
In 1837 when Queen Victoria came to the throne jewelry was romantic and nationalistic. It focused on European folk art, which later influenced the Arts and Crafts Movement. Until mid century most western jewelry came from Europe, with some jewelry being produced in North America and Australia.

Mass production of mid Victorian jewelry in Birmingham, Germany and Providence, Rhode Island resulted in lower jewelry standards. Victorian women rebelled when they saw some the poor quality of much of this machine made jewelry. Woman rebelled by wearing no jewelry at all, or buying from the emerging artist craftsman. Some jewelers like Tiffany recognized a niche market and began to make fine jewelry of a very high standard, opening shops in main European cities.

Mourning Jewelry
During the Victorian era mourning jewelry was very fashionable. The initial months of mourning were unadorned by jewelry of any kind. As the mourning rituals increased, mourning jewelry developed as a fashion item. Queen Victorian wore a great deal of jet mourning jewelry after Prince Albert’s death.

Jet from Whitby, North of England was set into mourning pieces. All types of material that were black were used and almost all included a lock of the dead loved one's hair. Hair was also plaited, braided or twisted very tightly until it became hard and thread like.


Arts and Crafts Jewelry
During the 1870s the Arts and Crafts movement evolved as a reaction to mass-produced shoddy goods and inferior machine made products, which were a result of the industrial revolution. William Morris and John Ruskin were both leaders of the arts and crafts movement in England. They promoted simple Arts and Crafts of designs based on floral, primitive or Celtic forms worked as wallpapers, furniture and jewelry. The polished stones used in Arts and Crafts jewelry gave a medieval, simpler, gentler, tooled hand made look and feel to items.

Art Nouveau
The Art Nouveau followed the arts and crafts movement resulting in a new jewelry look. The movement began in Paris and its influence went throughout the Western world. Art nouveau jewelry had curves, sinuous organic lines of romantic and imaginary dreaminess. It was very ethereal turning into winged bird and flower forms. French, René Lalique was the master goldsmith of the era of Art Nouveau producing exquisite one off pieces. Today, the Art Nouveau style is still admired, sought after, and copied.

Pearls
Various combinations of pearl necklaces come in and out of fashion with regularity so pearls too are a must. Today pearls are still a wardrobe essential. Both faux pearls and cultured pearls are very affordable today. Since the opening of trade with China in the 1990s, many pearls are imported from China dropping the price to about 1/3 of what it was prior to China entering the market. The Japanese have suffered disease in their pearl beds as well as facing competition and are finding it hard to compete with China's prices.

Pearl necklaces and pearl earrings can lift a complexion and bring light and radiance to the face taking years off a woman whatever her age. They have been a wardrobe staple for centuries, and a wedding attire tradition. Cultured pearls have become very affordable, and faux pearls are very cheap and the quality can be excellent. Currently Pearls are a very “hot” fashion statement and with the modern twist of being interspaced on gold wire or floating on special synthetic cord they are essential to the millennium look.

Cocktail Jewelry
During the 1920s Lalique mass-produced and designed high quality glass jewelry. Fake, or costume jewellery was sometimes then called cocktail jewelry. Costume or Cocktail jewelry was greatly influenced by designers such as Coco Chanel, and Elsa Shiparelli as well as a host of other designers. These two designers were particularly known for encouraging clients to mix their fine jewelry and costume jewelry. Both designers offered imagination and fun and both often-sported fabulous fakes.

In the late 1930s Napier of the USA was at the forefront of manufacturing fake cocktail jewelry offering glamour and escapism. Today, Napier still produces excellent contemporary costume pieces.

Hollywood Influence
By the 1940s and 1950s American culture was very dominant in Europe. The influence of movie films and the prominence of film stars set the fashion stage for women's make-up, hair and wardrobe. People wanted copies of outfits and jewelry worn by the actresses. Women believed that the glamour of Hollywood would rub off on them if they dressed and looked like the glamorous Hollywood actresses.

During the Second World War metals were rationed, halting the production of fine jewelry. Quality costume jewelry picked up the now defunct fine jewelry market. Costume jewelry flourished becoming an acceptable alternative to fine jewelry.

1980's Television Influences Jewelry
During the 1980s with the evolution of glitzy television soaps such as Dynasty and Dallas, costume jewelry once again became a “hot” fashion statement. With over 250 million viewers, it didn’t take long for costume jewelry to be reborn. Glitz and sparkle by day was not only acceptable, it became the norm. Earrings grew to an unbelievable size, as did other pieces of jewelry. By the 1990s this sparkly dazzling jewelry phenomena was dead, replace with tiny real diamond studs or a fine stud pearls.

21st Century Jewelry
For the 21st century women believe a mix is good. Fine jewelry combined with costume jewelry are wardrobe essentials. The sophisticated women of this century know what they want from their jewelry and how to wear it to make their fashion statement. They recognize that costume jewelry can liven up their wardrobe. The types and quality of costume jewelry has grown enormously. Today one can purchase what is classified as fine costume jewelry which is usually plated at least seven times with 10 22ct gold.

Swarovski crystal set in gold are common accessories, and cubic zirconium, man’s imitation diamond, can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of real diamonds allowing every women to add diamond styled jewelry to their wardrobe. Ciro, Adrian Buckley, Butler and Wilson, Swarovski Crystal Jewelry Napier, Joan Rivers, Joan Collins, Christian Dior, California Crystal, Property of A Lady and of course Kenneth J Lane to name just a few continue to produce high quality fashion jewelry for today’s women.

Earrings - I think of them as the finishing touch to your look. They complete your fashion statement. There are earrings for all occasions - the boardroom, work, casual outings, your wedding, a night on the town, or a day at the beach. They can bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication and elegance.

From Elizabeth Taylor to Meg Ryan to Dave Navarro to Usher - today earrings are a fashion statement for both men and women. The first pair of earrings has been dated back to 2500 BC. Only the wealth and those of royal lines could afford expensive jewelry back then.

There are all types of earrings - chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, hoop earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings to name just a few. Earrings come in all types of materials and metals. Gold, silver, gemstones, plastics, Bakelite, copper diamonds, paste, pearls, faux stones, or glass. The list goes on and on. What ever your desires there is a pair of earrings out there waiting for you.

The oldest earrings ever unearthed by archaeologists were discovered in Iraq in the royal graves and date to about 2,500 BC. Back to 3000 BC there were two types of earrings: the hoop, and the more elaborate pendant. From 1559 B.C. to 1085 B.C. in Egypt earplugs became very fashionable. These types of piercings and earrings are seen even on King Tutankhamen.

In the Dark Ages poverty prevailed and metal jewelry sharply declined although designs were preserved for later use. During the Roman Empire wealthy women used earrings to show off their rich status. By the 2nd century AD gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and aquamarines were used regularly.

During the Byzantine period, which ran from 330-1200 AD, earrings took a back burner to more elaborate body ornamentation. In the Middle Ages earrings become almost non-existent because of the elaborate hairstyles, and headdresses that were ever so popular.

During the 16th century in Italy high collars disappeared and hair was being worn up and away from the face, so earrings began to make a comeback. In other parts of the world such as England and France it would be another 100 years or so before the high collars disappeared. As time progressed the design of earrings became much more complex. Around 1660 the girandole earring made its appearance remaining very popular for the next couple of centuries. The girandole earrings were extremely large and heavy because of the metal content [gold or silver] and the amount of gems. Made of 3 pear shaped drops on a hook. The weight was known to cause elongated ear lobes.

In the latter part of the 18th century the pendeloque earrings became popular. They were longer than the girandole earrings but much lighter. They were the balance for the high hairdos and big wigs that were being worn.

During the early 1800, jewelers began to mount gemstones, on an open back claw setting. This allowed the light to pass through the gems enhancing their color and brilliance. By the 1850s, earrings had once again disappeared from the fashion scene. This was once again a result of changing hairstyles. The new styles that involved wearing the hair gathered in a knot at the back resulted in the ears being totally hidden. As well bonnets had arrived on the scene which also made wearing earrings rather difficult.

During the early 20th century screw backs were invented which meant women no longer had to pierce their ears. These became very popular. Some circles even began to believe piercing ones ears was rather barbaric.

After WWI shorter hairdos became very popular. Earrings were perfect for filling the space from short hair to shoulder and once again became a popular fashion statement.

During the 1920s art deco styles took hold, recognized by their straight or angled designs. Very long chandelier earrings were also quite popular during this time.

During the 1930s the clip on was invented. Because clip-ons held the earring more snuggly than screw backs they became the number one choice for many years to come. Pierced ears faded into the background.

During the 1950s earrings were light and aerodynamic. By the 1960s earrings had become fun and innovative. Texture and color was very important. Prior to the 1960s earrings were dedicated to either eveningwear or day wear with the eveningwear earrings being more elegant. During the 1960s this all changed when the distinction between what was acceptable for evening or day faded away.

By the 1970s we had entered an "everything goes" style to earrings and pierced ears had made a comeback. Women were buying earrings in large quantities for every occasion.

Today it's difficult to find someone who doesn't have pierced ears. Today men are as interested in earrings as women. Men often prefer studs or small hoops, they may wear one earring, two or more depending on the individual's tastes. Children now get their ears pierced often at a very young age, even sometimes as babies. Women may have anywhere from one set of holes to piercings right up the ear. The fashion of earrings has come a long way over the years and its here to stay! Whatever your style, there is certain to be a pair of earrings out there for you. Be sure to make your fashion statement!

Georg Jensen Jewelry

Edited by David A. Taylor

MA-328

Our price $65.00

The Danish sculptor, silversmith, and jeweler Georg Jensen is considered one of the leading designers of the early twentieth century. This comprehensive study of Jensen's silver jewelry and accessories includes biographies of the firm's chief craftsmen and designers and their marks. 330 colorplates, 70 illustrations.

Choosing your jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. Most important is to stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. That said it never hurts to step out of the box once in awhile. What's most important is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count!

You need to determine what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do you want it to compliment? Do you want it subtle? The occasion or event you'll be wearing your jewelry to is also important - make certain it is fitting. A sexy oversized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not be fitting for the boardroom.

Although you may have a favorite designer, there's really no need to stick with just one designer. In fact there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizzazz!

Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, put it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money.

Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.

Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have to any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.

We always recommend have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold like silver can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.

When purchasing rings you can have great fun - again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short nails? It all makes a difference. Play and see what you like what looks good. Also determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example if your working around fine fabrics you'll not want any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement.

When purchasing necklaces be certain you know your neck size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing online, as you don't get a chance to try. If your neck is average in size then a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favorite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces, which are over 30", are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces make sure it's a color that compliments your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn't match or compliment your skin tone your look could be lost.

When purchasing bracelets you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainty gem bracelets. If it is a slip on bracelet be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. Too large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small can constrict your wrist movement.

When purchasing earrings - the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. From enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. Size of the earrings is very important to the statement your making. The larger the earring the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.

Your jewelry choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!

Pearls can be characterized as exotic, diverse, unique, and timeless. This is due to a fact that they are beautiful and classy in their own sense. Pearls can be harvested from many countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Tahiti, etc. All produces unique pieces that carry their own distinct qualities far from the other.

The value of pearls is largely dependent of its surface quality, size, matching, nacre thickness and luster or the inner glow of each pearl. Larger pearls can be more valuable, it is due to a fact that it is not machine made, thus is really priceless. In reality, no two pearls are the like and there are countless pearls in varying shapes and colors. If we are to measure the market value of pearls in terms of color, the white-pink are the most expensive.

There are different kinds of pearls, mostly find those which are cultured and man-made with ranging colors and sparks. Most common are those off white round pearls made into necklaces, rings and earrings. If you want to be unique and a type who wants to be a cut above the rest, find those expensive and rare kinds of pearls.

Generally unique pearls are those which are perfectly clean. There are also those which are cultured. Companies offer matchless pearls to cater to distinct markets. The following are some of the rare kinds of pearls being offered by companies nowadays:

1.Freshadama pearls. Are freshwater pearls which are round and presents brilliant luster. They have the rainbow luster quality which can only be seen among .01% of cultured freshwater pearls nowadays.

2.Hanadama. These are flower pearls which have high quality. While the minimum nacre production is .4mm, hanadama can acquire an average of .6mm.

3.Conch pearl are very rare and all natural. You have to search for about 10,000 Queen Conchs to have one pearl. Only 1 for every 100 pearls is with good quality. Conch pearls are also known for their flame structure. Key West in Florida is the area with most conchs.

4.Black Tahiti Pearls. Mysterious and rare, these are the synonyms attached to black pearls. It is not produced in mass because it should be carefully examined and selected by color, size, shapes, and other quality. Their rarity adds to their cost, a piece can be 12mm in diameter.

5.Keshi Pearls. These fine gems are found in French Polynesia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan or Australia. They are by products of pearl cultivation and described as accidental pearls. Tiny organisms accidentally grow inside the nucleus and thus create pearls. Keshi measures 4- 15 mm.

The pearls mentioned above are unusual; nonetheless they can be purchased on different stores. You can acquire necklaces, brooch, rings, earrings and other products made of pearls online. Companies offering different pearl jewelries are Anandia. Com which also offers information that can help you in choosing your best pearl. Amazon and Ebay also offer unique sets of pearl jewelries. Japan has Mikomoto.com which offers black Tahitian pearls. The prices of pearls range from $65 to $398.

Generally, natural pearls are the ones that are rare. This is due to a fact that it will take thousands of oysters to be opened to reveal just a single piece of pearl. The pearls that can be harvested within whether misshaped, tiny or colorless are pretty expensive.

When buying for pearls you must examine for the color of the pearls. There are usually two layers of color you can observe in a single pearl. Be sure to pick the sheer you always wanted. Look also for the shape and size that can distinctively characterized you. Pearls can be an expression of one self. The surface must also be smooth and without blemishes.

Pearls are gemstones which are popular nowadays; there are those simple but elegant pieces of jewelry that should be included in your collection. Having a set of fine pearls are a must to set your mood in an evening of casual parties and gatherings.

Unique pearls can demand for a higher amount of cash. Investing on these pieces can be worthwhile. Just be careful in choosing, be sure that the ones you’re purchasing are real because your fortunes can be brought to waste.

You probably feel that to cut the cost of your jewelry you must give up some beauty, not always true. Let's say for instance that you have found a necklace that really is appealing but the cost is a bit more than your budget will allow.

There are a few options that you can investigate with this particular necklace rather than just giving up on the jewelry or even more dangerous, spending more than you had planned. This approach requires a little work on your part but can pay off immediately.

As an added benefit the principles here may not only help you get jewelry that is outside of your budget but could also reduce the cost of jewelry that you may be prepared to purchase, now wouldn't that be something to brag about!

Obviously the objective is to save you money on the jewelry that you wish to purchase. It is possible to achieve your objective and the benefits to this method are that you spend less and you receive jewelry that is more attractive than you could have ever wished.

The trick, and it's not a hard one, is to find a designer that is willing to work with you. Using these methods you can prioritize the most important aspects, prioritize the least important aspects, suggest possible replacements for less important aspects, and offer a possible wish list if your designer can save enough to include items you would like to see.

I have included a short catalog for your convenience that will transform these methods into actions; you can modify the procedures to whatever fits in your comfort zone.

Create Your List

1. Your first course of action is to write down the “critical” components/characteristics that attracted you to this particular piece of jewelry.
2. Next you will want to write down all the components / characteristics you notice that are “less critical”.
3. You can, but it's not required, suggest replacements to the areas that are not as critical or perhaps areas where the attractiveness won't be diminished if a less costly item is replaced where a more costly item exists. Keep your budget in mind and remember this is all according to your preferences with or without input from anyone else.
4. Finally, include a wish list, you must keep your budget in mind but here is an area where you can include components / characteristics or a pattern that may be possible and would increase your appreciation of the jewelry.
5. Check your work. It is very important to review you work up to this point, look at your list and make updates if needed. Be honest and realistic for the best results.
6. All the hard work is now completed; it's time to have some fun. Create a list combining all the information you've prioritized. I have included an example with sample information for your review.

Paralegals wear suits to work. Their jobs are professional in nature and it is important to dress appropriately with that sense of that business world. Ladies, carefully consider how you accessorize with jewelry for the office. A legal assistant’s jewelry should be simple yet elegant.

What is the perfect jewelry selection for work? Pearls.

Resting among the oldest and most universal of gems is the pearl, shining in its many splendors. Pearls are symbolic of purity and chastity, the ultimate of feminine charm. Ancient Romans considered pearls a symbol of wealth and social standing. Pearls were also held in high esteem by the Greeks.

Fair maidens during the Dark Ages believed there was magic in the lustrous gems which would protect them from harm. These maidens often graced a favored noble knight with a strand. Knights thus favored would even wear those strands of pearls into battle. The royal courts of Europe were adorned with pearls. At one time, several European countries ordered that only nobility were allowed to wear pearls.

Pearls are available in the entire color spectrum making them easily adaptable to any outfit. Rose' and silver/white pearls better compliment lighter skin tones. Pearls with a creamier hue or gold-tone flatter darker skin tones.

Sharp business fashion is satisfied by stranding pearls in two different ways. The first way combines pearls of the same size and shape. The second option is a necklace of similarly shaped pearls, but graduating in size to the middle of the piece. A tip: wear necklaces no greater than 16-18” in length. This keeps another’s focus automatically pulled upwards, toward the face, which is best for work communication. Another tip for paralegals when wearing pearl necklaces: add just a touch of gloss on your lips. A pearl necklace captures focal point attention, moving upwards, first to the subtle lip shine and upwards again to shining eyes.

Pearls are beautiful jewelry staple for office wear. They are also very adaptable to many occasions in a woman’s life. The petite gems are often a “rites of passage” gift for young ladies, such as a 16th or 21st birthday. Pearl necklaces can be either store-bought for such gifts, or hold the sentimental value of being handed down family generations.

Pureness is symbolized in weddings by white gowns, white lace…and pearls. The luminescent beads are worn by brides, ladies in the wedding party itself, and mothers of the bride and groom. Female wedding guests may also wear pearls.

Pearls are just as appropriate for other occasions, such as church services, or an evening at the opera. Add a pearl necklace to a social mixer outfit and the outfit is complete. Tiny pearl earrings can be worn anywhere for any occasion.

Pearls are quite literally gems that a woman can infuse into her wardrobe for many occasions in her life. Versatility of color hue makes mixing and matching a breeze. Combined with the pearl’s history of symbolic purity and wealth, what better accessory is there for a paralegal to wear?

A paralegal will greatly benefit from simply adding pearls to her wardrobe. The benefits are both in the sense of appropriate business fashion, and to her as a beautiful woman. A woman’s pearls shine, just like her eyes do, as she succeeds both professionally and personally. If you have not done so already, add pearls to your wardrobe today.

What is high on the 2004 jewelry list?

This year jewelry is more natural but in full color spectrum, picking up on pearl and colored stone. The glittering, cascading designs, art deco and retro styles will be perfect with necklines and bracelets.

Natural looking ethnic inspired jewelry compliments the rustic textures of cotton and linen fabrics prevalent throughout 2004. Ethnic prints will be complimented by earthy ethnic jewelry showing evidence of Africa, the Saharan Desert, Asia and South Western silver. Mediterranean style chunky necklaces will mix well with the natural fabrics look. Earthy looks for 2004 abound as suede, leather and rustic beads are all contrasted.

Over sized pendants and stones become more popular. Very large pendants will appeal to all age groups. Any motif can be made into a pendant. The main feature will be that they are quite large and bold in contour from 2 to 3 inches.

Chandelier style earrings of every description will stay in style for both day and night. Often with a art deco or antique look in every stone from pearl to turquoise these chandelier style earrings will reach new lengths.

Wide cuff bracelets about 3 inches deep made from pearls and other gemstones using the colors of pink or yellow stones, amber and green hues will be a smart fashion accessory that is easy for any age to wear and feel fashionable. Black onyx bracelets will compliment many of the black and cream looks.

In Estate Style—precious stone jewelry stardust, moon dust and satin finishes on silver and gold jewelry will complement the delicate sparkling new linen fabric finishes. Stardust, moon dust and satin finishes on silver give silver a boost making it appear more expensive looking.

2004 Fashion Color Palette

* most leaf greens, chartreuse green, lime, olive, pastel khaki, the re-emergence of sea green and a subtle emerald;
* baby lemon and yellow, papaya, old gold, antique gold, apricot, ginger sand, beige, wicker, washed camel, toast, tea, browns, mocha;
* dusty pink, pink flesh, blush pink, rose beige, coral pink, shocking pink, fuchsia pink, magenta, scarlet;
* dusty turquoise, aqua, dusty kingfisher blue, sapphire blue, carbon blue, indigo, washed out misty powder blues and stone grays, liquid lava, slate, lilac;
* pastels than tone well with beige;
* white, cream, oyster white, and olive black as wardrobe mainstays;
* burnt orange, burnt rust, dusty reds, carnelian red, Chinese red, berry red clarets;
* oft and bright tones of intense fruit shades;
* and the colors of minerals.

To sum up the fashion color palette for summer 2004 leading through to autumn, is made of yellow and even more yellows, spice tones, chartreuse, lime, khaki, kingfisher, sapphire blue, powder blue grays, fruit shades and brown tones, white and cream with black, burnt orange, pink tones, dusty berry and reds.

Jewelry not only enhances our wardrobe, but it allows us to make a statement to the world of how we would like people to perceive us. Not only that, but wearing jewelry is fun. It makes us feel good about ourselves. For those times when you just don’t know which jewelry to wear or to buy, here are few ways to help you decide.

What Jewelry Should You Wear?

If you can’t decide what jewelry to wear, then you can let the occasion be your guide.

Job Interview

During a job interview, wearing jewelry is optional. If you do wear jewelry, make sure you wear what is appropriate. For example, if you want to make a good impression for a job interview at a bank, then you should be conservative in your dress and selection of jewelry.

At work, wear something that is appropriate for your position.

In The Evenings

Dinner parties can be exciting when you get to show off your sparkling jewelry. You’ll get people noticing and perhaps break the ice with people whom you’ve just met. Of course, you should let them make the compliments first, or you might appear to be obnoxious.

Holiday Themes

For festive times, you can wear holiday themed jewelry, such as Christmas or even Halloween. They have the colors, shapes and objects normally associated with the holiday. You shouldn't wear these after the holiday they are about or people might wonder about you.

Getting Married

Wearing bridal jewelry would be appropriate for the day you get married. The wedding band and the wedding ring are partly the responsibility of the groom. However, these days the bride is also involved in the shopping decision. So, if the budget allows it, a one carat diamond ring would be very flattering on you.

Going Back In Time

Wearing antique jewelry could be a way of changing the mood. You might have a piece that is rare and valuable. Antique jewelry is distinctive and wearing it might make you feel that you're living in a previous time.

If you advertise or sell jewelry, the claims you make about the products must be accurate. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Jewelry Guides offer specific information on how to describe jewelry products truthfully and non-deceptively and how to disclose material information to consumers. This brochure highlights the sections of the Jewelry Guides that concern diamonds, gemstones and pearls. You may need to scrutinize your product descriptions to make sure they are not misleading and that they disclose material information to consumers.

Diamond Weight
Decimal Representations
If the diamond's weight is described in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last decimal place. For example, ".30 carat" could represent a diamond that weighs between .295 and .304 carat. If the weight is given to only one decimal place, it should be accurate to the second decimal place: If you say a diamond weighs .5 carat, the diamond should weigh between .495 and .504 carat.

Fractional Representations
If the diamond's weight is described in fractions, the fraction may represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as carat could weigh between .47 and .54 carat. If you use the fraction method, you also should disclose that the diamond weight is not exact and the reasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance used.

Disclosures in Catalogs, Printed Materials and Online Ads
If you use fractions to represent the weight of a diamond in catalogs or other printed materials, you should disclose - clearly and conspicuously on every page that includes a representation - that the diamond weight is not exact. You can give the range of weights for each fraction or the tolerances used on a separate page of the catalog or materials. But in that case, you should state where the consumer can find the information on every page that includes a fractional representation. For example, your catalog may say "Diamond weights are not exact. See the chart on page x for weight ranges."

Diamond Testers and Moissanite
Thermal testers used to distinguish diamonds from cubic zirconia may not accurately identify moissanite - a laboratory-created gemstone that resembles a diamond. As a result, this stone may falsely register as a diamond on your thermal detector. How can you ensure that you recognize moissanite for what it is? A newer tester can do it for you, or you may have to learn other ways to distinguish moissanite from diamonds.

Gemstone Treatments
Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gems are altered or treated to improve their appearance or durability. Some common treatments include:

* Heating, which can lighten, darken or change the color of some gems, or improve a gemstone's clarity.
* Irradiation, which can add more color to colored diamonds, some other gemstones and pearls.
* Impregnating some gems with colorless oils, wax or resins, which makes a variety of imperfections less visible and can improve a gemstones' clarity and appearance.
* Fracture filling, which involves injecting colorless plastic or glass in the gems to hide cracks or fractures and improve the gemstones' appearance and durability.
* Diffusion treatment, which adds color to the surface of colorless gems while the center of the stone remains colorless.
* Dyeing, which adds color and improves color uniformity in some gemstones and pearls.
* Bleaching, which lightens and whitens some gems, including jade and pearls.
* Laser-drilling, which removes dark inclusions from diamonds, improving the clarity of the stone.

Another name for Black Pearl is the Tahitian Pearl. The story behind the name is the way how the pearl is produced. It is made from the large, black lipped pearl oyster that is called the Tahitian black pear oyster. This mollusk is located in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Tahiti is popular for its crystalline and tranquil waters coaxing tourists to visit their shores for a well-deserved break. The beautiful islands surrounding the grounds add up to the rarity of the black pearl produced by the black-lipped oyster.

Historically, the first pearl farms that started searching for Tahitian pearls are located in Hikueru in the 1960s. Hikueru is the island in Bora Bora. Successful harvests then led to the exports of Tahitian Black Pearls from 1965 until 1972. Hikieru was notorious for their production of these precious materials.

Tahitian Pearls reached neighboring islands like Mangareve and Marutea Sud. The high demand for the Tahitian Pearl only motivated pearl farmers to get more.

Tahitian Pearls are usually slightly gray. Some are bluish black. But because Tahitian Pearl is for anyone who likes precious gems, stores selling this kind of stone offers a wide selection of unique designs.

Now everybody wants a good story. According to legend, the Tahitian Black Pearl came down from heaven in the form of a drop of water. The drop water fell into the sea which headed straight to the inside of an open shell. It was breeding period. The quality of each Tahitian Black Pearl depends on the dew that fell into the particular share.

If the rain was pure, the pearl was lustrous. If it dull, then it didn’t rain. If it’s merely cloudy then the color of the Tahitian pearl is spoiled. Lighting and thunder were also factors in the cultivation of the Tahitian Pearl. Lighting stunts the growth while thunder can cause the shellfish to miscarry and produce hollow husks instead of precious pearls.

Poets from the Orient believe that every sixteenth day of the Nisan month each year, the pearl oysters rise up above the sea. Their shells open up in order to get raindrops falling from the skies above.

The poet Sadi wrote in an interesting fable that a drop of water fell from a cloud into the sea one day. It felt confused and at the same time ashamed because it was set side by side with an immense body of water. It believed that its existence is nothing compared to the boundless abyss. Then to its surprise, it blossomed in the bosom of the pearl-shell and became a magnificent black pearl. Later on, it donned the crown of a king.

That’s why Oriental people consider the Tahitian pearl so precious because of the legend connected to it. The story mentioned above shows a lesson that by being humble one can gain exaltation.

But in reality, Tahitian pearls can be cultivated. When a pearl is said to be cultivated, human beings assisted in creating such an organic gem. True that each pearl begins as a piece from the mollusk or oyster but once the nacre kicks in and forms layers after layer, then the pearl is produced later on.

Black Tahitian pearl earrings are magnificent creation and has become to be the most popular pearl in the world. These earrings are luminous and are celebrated for their rich, deep colors. Amazingly, they have a perfect spherical shape.

Pearl experts know that obtaining a spherically perfect pearl is a rarity for pearl farmers. The closest to it being a perfect circle, the more valuable the pearl. As for black Tahitian pearl earrings, a majority of them have perfect spherical shapes. That is exactly the reason why these make the wearer stand out when in a crowd. Black Tahitian pearl earrings are simply exquisite.

In fact, lately, Tahitian pearl earrings have become a fabulous hit to women, that it is not only produced in black. Other manufacturers sell white gold Tahitian cultured pearl earrings which is also considered to be a rarity and a precious jewelry to possess.

Some Tahitian pearl earrings include white gold karat making them more expensive than the average pearl.

Since it is already Christmas, why not add black Tahitian pearl earrings on your list. One special lady must deserve that great gift.