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.