Finest jewelry designs

Gold and platinum jewelry are easier to clean

2010-12-08T04:44:00.001-08:00

Whether it is silver, gold, platinum, or diamond, you can be assured that they are safe to clean at home and all by yourself. All you need is a few non-abrasive jewelry cleaners such as a soft cloth and a jewelry polish. If you find shallow scratches on your jewelry, there is absolutely no need to panic because they can be polished and removed.

If you have different sets of jewelry you will need to separate them from one another before proceeding with the cleaning part. Separate diamonds and place them in one container and do the same with gold, platinum, and silver jewelries. This way, you will not get confused when you start to clean them. It will also save you time if you finish cleaning one set first before cleaning another.

Clean jewelries made of diamond and other hard stones first. You will need a strong cleaning solution for this one so begin by taking ammonia and mixing it with warm water. The ratio should be one part ammonia and three parts water. You can also add some dish soap if you'd like to. After that, clean your diamonds using a small brush dipped in the solution. Let them dry and store them away safely.

When it comes to silver, your problem would be removing tarnish. You will only need a mild solution in cleaning silver so a mixture of water and baking soda will be enough. This will produce a paste solution that you will use to rub in the silver. However, if the tarnish is quite heavy, add a few drops of ammonia and dish soap to warm water and use it as a cleaning solution. Finally, use a soft cloth to dry the jewelry.

Gold and platinum jewelry are easier to clean since they don't tarnish and they are not as hard as diamond. You will also need the same solution that you used with cleaning silver only this time you don't mix in ammonia. Dip your cleaning brush into the solution made of warm water and dish soap and then gently brush the jewelry. Again, dry the pieces with a soft dry cloth before keeping them.

While diamonds, gold, platinum, and silver jewelries are safe to clean, there are certain types of jewelry stone that needs to be handled by professional jewelers alone. In case you are not sure of the class of jewelry stone you own, it would be safer if you just take it to be cleaned by a pro.

Marco Riley also writes about anniversary bands. Read his latest article on two tone engagement rings here.

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Process of Getting a Tongue Ring

2010-12-08T04:42:00.001-08:00

If you are considering getting a tongue ring, you should be fully aware of the piercing process before you go in. Getting as much information as possible will not only calm any fears or nervousness you might have, but also help you be completely certain you are making the right decision.

First, you should always use a licensed professional when getting any piercing. Even if you have a friend who has completed a piercing at home before, it's never a safe idea. Professionals can ensure the process is done right and the instruments are properly sterilized. It's a good idea to visit the place where you will get your piercing before the actual appointment. This will give you a chance to get a sense of the place and ask any questions you might have before going through with it. Don't feel bad if you decide to change your mind at this point.

The piercing professional will begin the process by wiping down your tongue to make sure it is dry of saliva. They will pull out your tongue, examining it and marking the placement of the piercing. The piercer will then insert the needle to create a hole, followed by placing the tongue ring. This whole process will hurt, but for being a major muscle, it may not hurt as much as you might anticipate.

The after care is incredibly important to keep your tongue infection free. You should expect your tongue to swell and be sore for a few days to a week after. Sucking on ice cubes will help reduce pain. You should be very careful to not get food in the hole or play with your tongue ring. Keep a close eye on it to make sure that it does not become infected. Use mouthwash regularly to ensure any harmful bacteria is killed.

Julie enjoys sharing health and beauty tips. A great resource for flat irons, curling irons and hair styling tools of all kinds is My Hair Styling Tools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_S._Montgomery

Gives Every Little Girl a Royal Feel with Designer Beddings

2010-12-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

Decorating the room of your princess is always great fun. Every parent dreams of making the kid's room royal and classy in which the furnishings and furniture plays a vital role. Besides choosing the room paint color, the favorite choice of girls bedding is next important aspect which require careful consideration. If you daughter is very choosy then it will be better to involve her in the selection process.

Whenever you go shopping for a girl bedding you need to check the availability of her favorite colors. A color choice is a very critical aspect; the right color choice can make a greater impact on the surrounding and the people staying in the room. For kids it is very important that the room looks animated and lively for which soft colors like pink, lemon are the best choices. Keep in mind that this is the place where your child will spent most of her time; where she will play with her friends, sleep and do all her daily activities. So, for that you need to be careful of your daughter's color's choice. Ultimately your aim is to make your little girl happy and comfortable in her room.

No matter what decorative and furniture you place in your kids room bedding are going to be the key element. Bedding have a large and colorful spectrum which offers king bedding, queen bedding, twin bedding, and full bedding. The pattern and the color of the bedding make a huge difference to the room. Many varied choices are available which are themed uniquely with cartoons, landscapes, dolls, butterflies, dragonflies, flowers etc. All these themes are timeless, which makes the bedroom looks sparkling and cheerful.

When you choose the queen bedding, one essential element is the material used. For safety choose the bedding that is flame retardant. Usually cotton is the most preferred one, so while selecting the bedding do check the purity of cotton used. If 100% cotton is used then the bedding is of good quality, but if there is some synthetic material mixed then it can harm the skin of your child. So, be careful while choosing bedding for your kid.

The author is an experienced content writer and publisher on the topics related to queen bedding and girls bedding.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hemank_Sharma

Choosing professional looking jewelry

2010-12-08T04:39:00.001-08:00

When you are a professional, you already know what type of clothing and accessories are acceptable wear. The professional wardrobe has hardly changed at all for many years. The only things that may vary are the types of accessories you can wear. For women, this especially involves wearing jewelry. However, what is acceptable and what is not?

Some will say that earrings, necklace, and a bracelet are all perfectly suitable. Some will say that facial piercings may even be accepted. Where is this line drawn? Of course it depends on the profession for what kind of jewelry is allowed. I recently talked to someone who let me in on the perfect piece if you want to stay professional yet, have some style.

While choosing professional looking jewelry you want something that stands out in a crowd, while not being overbearing or gaudy. Since everyone is dressing in similar clothing you want something that can enhance business attire. You want your jewelry to make a lasting impression about your character and sense of fashion flair.

There are times when I see people with these huge oversized rings that they switch out every other day. To me, that just screams, "Look at me, I want to be noticed!" Instead, it is much more important to give a sense of style rather than overdoing it. You can look classy and professional at the same time; you just have to know what to accessorize with.

This is good to know when you are searching for affordable gift ideas for professionals. According professional business friend and many others, jewelry charms and bracelets are the best choice. They are accessories that make an elegant and professional impression and they never get in the way.

Charm bracelets are timeless and unforgettable whether you wear them while working, on an interview as well as just for everyday wear. They are attractive and suitable for any occasion. People remember you and your bracelet. This type of jewelry is not too much and since it reminds people of you, it helps elevate you up to a higher level than anyone else who may be on an interview.

Another thing is that charm bracelets are not strictly confined to the work environment. They are great pieces for those who also spend time in casual settings. By changing the charms on the bracelet, you can craft something that will reflect your mood.

If you are considering a gift for a professional you know, look no further. It makes a great gift that will create memories long after the holidays. Every time they look at the charm bracelet, they'll remember your gift. Get started now and pick out the perfect charm bracelet before they are all gone!

Amber Sim started her charm bracelets collection as a youngster. She is presently working at Charms to Treasure as a jewelry gift adviser. Charmstotreasure.com offers 9000 quality silver and gold pendants, charms and bracelets for all gifting on all occasions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Sim

Penélope Cruz`s Sapphire Engagement Ring Replica Offered by The Natural Sapphire Company

2009-10-22T06:19:00.001-07:00

As reported internationally last week, Penélope Cruz lit the celebrity world on fire when she accepted a blue sapphire engagement ring from actor Javier Bardem. The Natural Sapphire Company, which specializes in sapphire engagement rings, is now offering a replica of Penélope Cruz`s sapphire engagement ring. Own a piece of Hollywood history for only $11,500: The Natural Sapphire Company's Sapphire Ring: J1750. This is a 2.58ct natural blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds. Her sapphire engagement ring is a rare departure from the big diamond engagement rings that have become the standard in Hollywood. The fashion world has taken note of Penélope`s choice of a sapphire over a diamond and has acknowledged her defining sense of style. This is not the first time that a major international star has given the cold shoulder to the diamond tradition. Princess Diana chose a fabulous blue sapphire engagement ring when she accepted Prince Charles`s hand in marriage. Other notable Hollywood stars have agreed on diamonds being passé and contributed to the popularity of the blue sapphire. Elizabeth Taylor`s husband, Michael Wilding, gave her a cabochon sapphire engagement ring. Another queen of the silver screen that has adored sapphires is Joan Crawford. She was such a sapphire lover that she was known as "Joan Blue", even receiving a 70 ct star sapphire engagement ring! Also offered, is a 3D interactive design of Penélope`s engagement ring, seen here. The Natural Sapphire Company creates their ring designs with an advanced computer rendering system before the actual piece is cast. Their expert in-house 3D artists are happy to make any design changes or customizations to Penélope's ring or any of their other jewelry pieces per customer`s request. The Natural Sapphire Company (founded 1939) is a specialty gemstone company only dealing with natural untreated sapphires of the finest quality. They are based out of midtown Manhattan with local numbers in the UK, Japan, and Australia. The Natural Sapphire Company supplies upscale retailers, manufacturers and private clients with the world's finest sapphires. To see the largest collection of sapphires in the world, visit The Natural Sapphire Company online at: http://www.TheNaturalSapphireCompany.com. J1750: http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/Sapphire-Jewelry/Sapphire-Rings/Jewelry=J1750

Modern design masters to shape Sollo Rago Auction,

2009-10-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

Wharton Esherick, Wendell Castle, Gio Ponti, Campo & Graffi, Richard Blow, Phil Powell, George Nakashima, Jacques Adnet, Ron Arad and Albert Paley are just some of the modern masters whose furniture is offered in Sollo Rago's much anticipated October Modern Auction Weekend.

John Sollo and David Rago will present these in a sale of approximately 960 lots of Modern design that also includes silver, contemporary ceramics, glass, jewelry, lighting and textiles. The auction will be conducted Oct. 24-25 at 11 a.m. Eastern. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

"This is a strong selection that takes buyers from Frank Lloyd Wright to Gio Ponti to Ron Arad" said John Sollo. "I expect the exceptional work here from Wharton Esherick, Albert Paley, Campo & Graffi and Phillip Lloyd Powell, Norman Cherner and Richard Blow to get a lot of attention. It certainly merits it."

Studio furniture figures significantly in the sale, including one of the finest pieces to come to market, a Wharton Esherick buffet with a sculpted walnut top on a curved base with drawers and doors, estimated at $280,000-$380,000.

Also on the block is the carved and painted entry door from Phillip Lloyd Powell's 1970s residence, which has been razed. The door and surround, with multiple layers of carving, shows the influence Powell's trips to India. It is estimated at $45,000-$65,000.

Sollo Rago's always showcases the studio work of George Nakashima. Among the least expected of the pieces in this sale is a rare chessboard in dark rosewood with holly insets, made in 1979 and estimated at $30,000-$50,000. Another Nakashima highlight is an exceptional walnut double chest with eight drawers and freeform, free-edge top, estimated at $20,000-$40,000

The sale contains four tables that are some of the best work by Albert Paley that Rago's specialists have seen. Lot 487, one of the four, is a pedestal dining table of formed and fabricated steel with bevel-edged plate glass top from 1996, estimated at $25,000-$45,000.

Richard Blow and his workshop, Montici Marbles, revived the art of pietra dura, transforming the ancient art of inlaid images created in stone into a modernist one. The sale has eight of these unique works. Six are hanging plaques. Two are rare tables, notably lot 8, a coffee table with decorative hardstone inlays in granular black marble top. The table is estimated at $9,000-$14,000.

Designer-made furniture is included, as well, including a Mesa freeform coffee table by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, estimated at $20,000-$40,000; a nine-drawer dresser by Tommi Parzinger with etched brass drop pulls and black lacquer finish, estimated at $12,000-$18,000; and an exceptional sculpted walnut dining table by Vladimir Kagan for Dreyfuss, its boat-shaped top inset with glass tile panel surrounded by bronze trim, estimated at $10,000-$20,000.

European/Scandinavian offerings include a Jaques Adnet two-door cabinet with stitched black leather covering and brass hardware on faux bamboo legs, estimated at $10,000-$20,000; is a set of four Standard chairs by Jean Prouve, estimated at $10,000-$20,000; and a Papa Bear chair and matching ottoman in teak with burgundy leather upholstery by Hans Wegner, estimated at $6,000-$9,000.

Other furniture highlights include a classic rosewood Thin Edge three-drawer chest from George Nelson for Herman Miller, estimated at $3,000-$5,000; a rare and possibly unique pair of continuous plywood lounge chairs with faux-cowhide upholstery by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, estimated at $8,000-$12,000; and an Edward Wormley for Dunbar walnut pedestal side table inset with Tiffany Favrile tiles, estimated at $8,000-$12,000.

Stingray Jewelry - Genuine Stingray Leather For a Genuinely Edgy Look

2009-08-12T22:05:00.002-07:00

An Overview on Silver Stingray Jewelry

The designers have always been engaged in the practice of constant creation of new wonders in the jewel industry and the new addition to the long list of jewelry marvel is the stingray jewelry. Silver stingray jewelry and silver rings have captured the imagination of the fashion world ever since its creation.

More than Just a New Trend in Fashion

Designers have come out with a large amount of silver stingray jewelry and stingray ring by incorporating premium stingray in various colors and models. The silver stingray jewelry has become quite a crowd puller to the jewelry. People have liked it not only because it goes well with their wardrobe but also is a wonderful gift for many occasions.

The stingray jewelry is not only a trendy match with any wardrobe as they are available in many different hues and colors but also has attracted lot of myths. Lots of people interestingly believe that silver stingray jewelry and the stingray leather give power and authority to those wearing it. Some others also believe that the stingray leather immense good luck and great fortune to those using them.

The craze about using stingray in the jewelry did not begin just some years ago but it has a long history of being used for diverse applications. In ancient times the Egyptians used the stingray leather for creating high fashioned armor and other item of great ornamental value as they were convinced of its durability and were inspired by its beauty.

The ancient pyramids bear strong evidence of this fact and they have also been found in the ancient mausoleum of the Pharaohs. The Japanese too had a craze for the stingray leather as corroborated by their usage in armor and handles for Samurai swords by even great samurais.

Where it All Began...

The stingray leather is in vogue even since the 18th century in the abode of fashion i.e. France. The artisans of the 18th century fashioned the stingray leather for none other than Louis XV himself. The stingray leather has been used in the sterling silver fashion industry.

The finest stingray from the seas of Southeast Asian seas is first dyed to create a wide variety of colors. The most prominent colors available in the market are hematite, red, brown and black. Since the stingray leather has a natural coloring process the actual colors available could vary sometimes.

Complimented by Versatility

Stingray jewelry is available for both men and women across a wide range of items like stingray pendants, bracelets, rings, crosses. The men have a gamut of choices in terms of design, color and the type of jewelry though it is usually found that men have a penchant for silver stingray rings and stingray bracelets.

The women too like the silver stingray rings as they can match any wardrobe due to the variety of colors thus making any other accessory unnecessary. The stingray jewelry and stingray rings find many takers amongst ordinary people and in the fashion world as well because of its sheer magnificence and beauty.

Krissy Klien is a self proclaimed "badass biker babe." As head of product selection for Badass Jewelry, she loves looking good on her Harley and that includes wearing some bling. Badass Jewelry carries and incredible line of BIKER RINGS - STINGRAY JEWELRY Skull Rings, and other wicked styles! Net noticed with Badass Jewelry! . .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krissy_Klien

22 Tips For Clean, Shiny and Lustrous Silver Jewellery

2009-08-12T22:05:00.001-07:00

Being a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last for a lifetime, silver jewellery needs to be taken care of otherwise it's got a tendency to look dirty and tarnished. This is especially the case of Sterling silver jewellery because silver itself is a soft metal, which can go out of shape quite easily. However, properly maintained silver actually improves with age and it develops a lush patina layer when treated well.

Preventing and Limiting Tarnishing and Staining is the Best Approach
1. Store your jewellery in a clean, dry place.
2. Keep your jewellery in a fabric-lined jewellery case, or even better in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in special plastic pockets or soft tissue paper.
3. Don't put together your jewellery pieces in a drawer or jewellery case. Pieces are prone to scratching.
4. Hang your jewellery up - there are a variety of organisers that have a hanger like hook with numerous clear pouches. Those styles are a great way to keep your earrings separate and visible. And again, put one piece in each pouch to avoid scratches.
5. Be careful when removing your jewellery to wash your hands. Don't leave it on the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain.
6. See your jeweller at least once a year to have your jewellery checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear.
7. Use tarnish-resistant cloth and cases to store silver.
8. Safety matters: consider purchasing a jewellery box with a lock and a key.
9. Never leave silver jewellery lying against bare wood. Wood, especially oak, contains an acid that will mar the surface of the silver. Paper and cardboard, since they are wood pulp products, have the same effect, so avoid paper envelopes or small cardboard boxes also.
After storage comes... cleaning and sanitising
10. There are many types of small machines on the market that will clean jewellery in a matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are called ultrasonic cleaners and are available in many different models and prices. They can be a convenient way to quickly clean your silver jewellery at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewellery and gems, and prolonged use may loosen stones from their mountings.
11. The best cleaning tip is to use a mild soap and water solution. Pat dry with a soft cloth. If dirt is more stubborn a silver cleaner is appropriate. But don't rub silver with anything other than a polishing cloth or fine piece of felt. Tissue paper or paper towels may cause scratches.
12. Silver jewellery should always be cleaned with a soft cotton or flannel cloth. Synthetic materials can cause scratching. You can also buy a special silver cleaning cloth, which has anti-tarnish ingredients, and keep it inside your jewellery box for quick cleaning.
13. You can also use a child's toothbrush to get into patterns.
14. For quick cleaning of silver, such as removing makeup or light dirt, use a small amount of liquid detergent or soap to about half a cup of warm water. Using your cloth, wipe the solution gently into the jewellery, rinse under clean warm water, and dry afterwards.
15. To remove tarnish or heavier dirt, you will need to use special silver cleaner. Silver cleaners can come in the form of a paste or liquid, also known as silver dip.
16. To use a paste, the best method is to scoop a small amount on your cloth or brush and gently work in a straight-line motion, because all cleansers include some form of abrasive and a circular motion may cause severe scratching. Allow the paste to dry then use another clean cloth to wipe the excess away. You can also rinse the piece under warm water and dry thoroughly.
17. If your piece includes gemstones of any kind, cleaning is more difficult. Both forms of cleansers can dull the polished finish off the gemstone. Silver dips are almost out of the question for stones that are porous in nature, such as Lapis or Turquoise, as they'll break down from the absorption of the chemicals. The best solution in this case is a paste, using caution not to touch the stones. Work in small areas until the piece is tarnish free. Make sure to rinse with warm water and dry immediately.
18. Like other jewellery, avoid wearing silver in chlorinated water, as this will discolour it.
19. If you have a dirty ring or jewellery including gold, soak overnight in the soft drink 7up or Coca Cola - but 7up is the best. It will come out sparkling. Leave longer and change liquid if very dirty. You will be amazed at the result, and it's said to be safe although I haven't checked it myself. Again, if you are willing to take the risk don't clean gemstone jewellery in this way, as it is much more delicate.
20. To clean Rhodium plated silver jewellery simply wipe with a soft damp cloth. Do not use a silver polishing cloth. Do not use a jewellery dip.
21. There've been some reports on the vinegar method. Apparently soaking jewellery in vinegar leaves it sparkling! (Not tested by me, or anyone I know, though, so be careful!)
Talking about shining...
22. Place a clean cotton pad on your polishing hand. Dampen the sock slightly under cool running water. Squeeze a pearl-size drop of toothpaste on your fingertip and apply the toothpaste to the silver. Rinse the silver well and polish it dry with the clean side of the pad.

And that's it! With proper care and storage, your silver jewellery will bring you many years of wear and enjoyment.

Maria Kose is a silver jewellery lover, and founder of Beauty & Jewels, an online jewellery boutique that offers a wide range of beautiful unique silver jewellery such as vintage jewellery,marcasite jewellery and silver cubic zirconia. You can find our more on http://www.beautyandjewels.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marija_Kose

Women's Silver Jewelry

2009-08-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

Indian Silver jewelery is becoming more popular everyday. Every woman wants to make it a part of her jewelery box. The key reason behind popularity of Indian silver jewelery is its economic range. So that women can change silver jewelery frequently as per their dressing sense. Indian Silver jewelery suites with every dress either traditional dress or western outfit. Various manufacturer and exporters of jewelery, with its latest design and parameters of quality, are providing the facilities.

The rich, glorious and exhausted history of the Indian Jewelry are flowing continuously from last five thousand years, exploring his glory in the domestic as well as the world stage. The most demanding and popular jewelry of India has its marvelous ancient history and continuously adopting the latest and new trends to meet out with the fashion and growing industry. Silver work in India reflects the unique combination of tradition and modern, contemporary aesthetics that leave the buyers spellbound with its ethnic beauty. Fashionably shaped silver is the most popular materials for delicate ornaments all over India.

India is currently exporting jewelry to more than 30 countries directly to the customers including as importers of jewelry in USA, SILVER JEWELRY UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, wholesale resellers in Thailand, Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, China USA. It is also planned to supply to big departmental, chain stores of silver jewelry in Germany, Norway, France, USA, Japan, getting the rock shape achievement in its work.

Sterling Silver Jewelry is Timeless
While fashion trends come and go, silver fashionable jewelry remains always a classic addition to any wardrobe. Simply said, sterling silver never goes out of style. This is why, because wholesale jewelry supplies such a tremendous resale product and business opportunity, that is shipped worldwide and provide wholesale prices in big departmental or retail level department stores, malls, jewelry stores etc.

Various big brands and companies form India leads in exports of Indian jewelry to all over the world stage as being the exporter, manufacturer with latest trends and designs for women, men and for all age category. Because it is well know that the craze for the jewelry is equal or more higher in all ages. Customer satisfaction is the main key role for the success of a business, either it is on starting level or at the high end, that are played and followed very well in Indian jewelry market. There is a starvation for the total customer satisfaction. It is trying to the best level to provide services, desired products. We wish to fulfill the requirement of the customers. If you are searching trendy, designer and best quality Indian silver jewelry, than what are you waiting for, go on the net, find your interest and take the fastest email support for you.

India is specialized in 925 sterling silver jewelry, earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets set with precious and semi precious stones, amber jewelry, opal jewelry, woman's silver jewelry or other trendy jewelry for CORPORATE gifts, wholesale online stores, importers, wholesalers of sterling 925 silver jewelry etc.

I, David Mark, wrote this article on Silver Jewelry of India for Shankar Silvex, that has the wholesale online store for Indian Silver Jewelry as importers and wholesalers of sterling 925 silver jewelry. We facilitate to see online stocks and purchase stocks of Sterling Silver Jewelry online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M_Mark

Luxury Watches - Questions to Ask When Buying One

2009-08-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Now, why would someone give thousands of dollars for a watch? Is this a practical choice? Actually, for those who can afford to do buy one, money and practicality are not key issues. After all, you are not only concerned about time, but about what the watch represents. A luxury watch speaks about prestige and an attitude that says, "Only the best will do!" When you also consider the artistry and workmanship that goes into making a Swiss luxury watch, you will say it is well worth the price. Also, these watches are made with the best materials - gold, diamonds and other precious metals and gems. Also, think about the attention to detail and level of precision that went into the crafting of such a watch.

Now, when buying a watch, here are some questions to ask:

- What's my style? Are you the sporty type? Do you prefer elegant and classic designs or would you rather have something innovative and eye-catching?

- What's the brand? The brand not only gives you insight on the level of prestige it can bring to you, but will give you an idea of the craftsmanship that went into the making of the watch.

- What's my budget? Of course, this question does not apply for those who can afford to spend the big bucks. But you still have to look into how much you are willing to spend for a watch.

- Is the dealer authorized and reputable? Can they provide a serial number for the watch, as well as a warranty? Does the dealer have valid contact numbers?

- Are there customs issues I should consider? Are there other costs I should think of? When buying online, there may be hidden costs, such as the cost to deliver it to your home. Customs can tack on 10% to something as much as 20% of the value of the watch, depending on your country of residence.

- Is the website secure? If you're planning to buy the watch online, check to see the security and privacy features of the website to ensure that there is no possibility of identity or information theft.

Buying a luxury watch is usually a decision that you don't make at a spur of the moment. To get the watch that is right for you, be sure to give it some thought and ask questions (like the ones listed above) to help you make an informed decision.

This is an article written by Cristi Enache. Discover more on luxury watches or investigate hip-hop jewelry

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristi_Enache

Top Tips For Finding Cheap Wedding Jewelry

2009-06-02T01:56:00.001-07:00

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

Consider Buying on eBay.

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

Go for inexpensive pearls.

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

Opt for silver or gold-plated.

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

Consider buying replicas.

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

Ask for a discount from your store.

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

Rent jewelry for your wedding.

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

Craft your own jewelry.

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

Consider borrowing.

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lara_Lee

Pearls - Pearl Princess - Dazzling Beauty

2009-06-02T01:53:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kheri_Chawla

Journey Jewelry Marks the Road to a Bright Future

2008-09-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melanie_Spark

Bridal Jewelry Puts the Sparkle Into Your Special Day

2008-09-14T22:32:00.003-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Harvester

Want to Buy Wholesale Jewelry For Summer Success?

2008-09-14T22:32:00.002-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garcia_Smith

Porsche Watches For Sale Worldwide

2008-09-14T22:32:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have 2 Porsche Design Replica Watches to choose from:

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

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

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

For a better look at good high quality Swiss Replica Watches

See this Porsche Design Replica Watch

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Burgy

Shawn Burgy - EzineArticles Expert Author

Pink Diamond Engagement Rings

2008-09-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sydnie_Vawdrey

Pearls and Pearl Care

2008-09-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

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

How a Pearl is Formed

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

Tips for How to Clean Pearls

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

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

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

Mary Ann Testagrossa

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ann_Testagrossa

Mary Ann Testagrossa - EzineArticles Expert Author

Celtic Jewelry - Rich in History & Symbolism

2008-08-17T22:04:00.002-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Carrington

Celebrities and Diamond Belly Rings

2008-08-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

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

Why Diamond Belly Rings Caught On

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberts_Kukurs

You Can Be Certain Your Diamond is Real

2008-08-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

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

Use a diamond tester

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

Transparency Test

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

The Fog Test

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

Use an Ultra Violet Light

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

The World's Largest Diamond Was Found

2008-02-29T22:00:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Star Ruby - The Eternal Gemstone

2008-02-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

What are Star Rubies?

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

What causes the Star-Effect?

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

Are Star Rubies rare?

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

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

Star Ruby Myths and Legends:

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

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

Famous Star Rubies:

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

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

Zodiac / Birthstone Information:

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

What to Look for while buying a Star Ruby:

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

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

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

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

Caring about your star ruby:

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

Treatments & Synthetics:

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

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

Advise on Star Ruby Jewellery:

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

Gold Plating - From Thin To Vermeil

2008-02-20T02:55:00.003-08:00

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

How Are Diamonds Formed?

2008-02-20T02:55:00.001-08:00

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.

How to Buy a Watch that Compliments Your Style

2008-02-19T03:23:00.000-08:00

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.

A Trend From The Vedic To The Modern Era

2008-02-19T03:22:00.000-08:00

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.

How to Build a Beautiful Jewelry Collection on a Budget

2008-02-13T03:56:00.001-08:00

If you love jewelry but often find that the increasing price is just too much for your wallet to handle, you may feel as though a glamorous collection is out of reach. Luckily, sterling silver is one precious metal that remains affordable and accessible for many jewelry lovers. When combined with the beauty of cubic zirconia, the world of jewelry looks a lot 'brighter' for many who desire the elegance and sophistication that few other accessories could offer.

Before you make a purchase, shop around and compare prices. You will likely find a significant difference in the prices offered by your local jeweler versus an online retailer. Why? Due to the volume of business that an online retailer can achieve, they are often able to offer competitive prices and a wider selection than some jewelers.

Once you've chosen a jewelry retailer to shop with, check out their clearance or sale items and always use any available coupons to help with the total cost of your purchase. Believe it or not, many retailers offer discounts to first-time customers simply to allow buyers to try their products at a discounted price. Depending on the business, shoppers may be given a coupon simply for signing up with the company's newsletter or as a welcome after they register as a new customer. Either way, coupons are a great way to save some additional money and still get a fabulous look.

Speaking of saving money, you can actually earn money if you make a purchase with a credit card that offers a cashback bonus and/or reward program. Many, if not most, online retailers accept all major credit cards, which makes shopping online a fun and easy way to get a great deal and also earn a few 'rewards' in the process.

In addition to finding a terrific deal by shopping for items on sale and saving a little money by using coupons, some retailers offer shipping discounts on multiple purchases. This method can save you considerably, especially if you can buy all of your jewelry favorites at one time in order to get the absolute best deal on shipping and handling charges. For more information, check out the online retailer's policy on shipping fees.

As mentioned earlier, sterling silver and cubic zirconia have proven to be a winning combination for those who desire the look of a rich jewelry collection but may not have either the budget or the desire to spend a fortune on accessories. Because cubic zirconia can be clear or treated to mimic nearly every color of the rainbow, you can find a variety of colors that's sure to coordinate with all of your clothing separates. With such a large selection of designs at affordable prices, it's not difficult to see why cubic zirconia jewelry continues to grow in popularity.

In conclusion, it's easy to build a beautiful jewelry collection without spending a fortune. When you shop smart, you are sure to find a 'bright' pick in sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry. From earrings to rings and necklaces to bracelets, there are designs to suit every style and wallet.

Popular Styles In Cubic Zirconia Rings

2008-02-13T03:55:00.000-08:00

A ring is defined as a small circular band, typically of precious metal, that is designed to be worn around the finger. In most cases, however, a ring is so much more. It is not only something to be worn, but also admired and treasured as a part of one's jewelry collection. When you purchase a ring for yourself or someone that you love, it should be a style that reminds you of the wearer.

Modern ring styles include everything from large solitaires to fancy clusters and even multi-stone designs. Quite often, jewelry trends are dictated by the season and/or upcoming holidays. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, cubic zirconia rings featuring the design of a heart are at the top of the list for many jewelry lovers. Although the heart motif is always in style, it's even more so during the month of February as gift-giving is often done with heartfelt sentiment in mind. Whether it be a solitaire heart or a cluster ring, you cannot go wrong with this classic at any time of the year.

In recent years, the 3-stone jewelry design has soared in popularity. To this day, the trend continues with new twists that are sure to make your eyes shine. For many, the 3-stone design represents the past, present and future. For others, it may represent the number of children, grandchildren or even siblings that one has. For instance, a 3-stone ring could be given to a mom who has three children. Whatever the occasion or meaning, the design is always in style and could even be considered tomorrow's classic.

Speaking of classic, a piece of jewelry that earns this distinction is one that has been judged over a period of time as being of the highest quality. A birthstone is a gem that's associated with a particular birth month and is determined based on the date that a child is born. One of the most popular designs in cubic zirconia rings is that of the simulated birthstone. Created to imitate the same color as that of a genuine gemstone, cubic zirconia is a flawless and affordable alternative to their natural inspirations. Below is a list of each calendar month, along with the birthstone for that month:

1. January - Garnet
2. February - Amethyst
3. March - Aquamarine
4. April - Diamond
5. May - Emerald
6. June - Pearl
7. July - Ruby
8. August - Peridot
9. September - Sapphire
10. October - Opal
11. November - Topaz
12. December - Turquoise

If you're searching for any of the aforementioned birthstone choices, you will be glad to know that the majority of these gems are recreated in the form of cubic zirconia. When it comes to wearing cubic zirconia rings, nothing is more tailored to an individual person than that of their very own birthstone. For those born in the month of June, which carries a pearl as the birthstone, or December, which is that of the turquoise, you will find a variety of both simulated pearls and turquoise in today's jewelry market.

Still aren't sure if you're favorite ring style is making news in the world of jewelry? You can check out the latest trends by browsing through your favorite fashion catalog and noticing the jewelry worn by models, flipping through the pages of a leading women's magazine featuring fashion and accessories or simply by watching television and taking special notice of what's being worn by television news anchors. When you're ready to start shopping, the confidence that you have gained in knowing exactly what you want will be a very important first step to finding the perfect cubic zirconia rings.

Gold Body Jewelry - Is It Really Gold?

2008-02-12T02:13:00.001-08:00

Gold body jewelry and gold belly button rings are increasingly popular womens accessories. These accessories are particularly desirable in gold, as gold symbolizes abundance and prosperity. But before you purchase any body jewelry, make sure you know how to choose and what to look for.

Primarily, you'll want and need to know that the jewelry being advertised as gold really is gold. There are specific ways to know for sure, so let's examine what to look for and how to make the proper choice.

Without question, 18 karat gold is the best choice. With any lesser karat content, there's a good chance you'll experience a jewelry allergy or that your body will reject the jewelry entirely.

Usually this occurs because the gold used for body jewelry is an alloy that contains other metals in addition to gold. Often, gold body jewelry is only plated with gold; such jewelry should never be used in piercings even if the piercing is healed.

If it isn't gold but only gold plated, it's best to look for another option. Most gold plated body jewelry contains a high percentage of nickel, which gives you a higher risk for a jewelry allergy as we've discussed.

It's very important to check what other metals are present. The lower the karat level, the higher the content of metals like copper, zinc, and nickel. In fact, other metals are almost always used to formulate body jewelry because gold itself is so soft and needs other metals to form jewelry.

18 karat gold has a 75% gold composition. That's why, when choosing, you should always go with 18 karat. Most very inexpensive body jewelry is 14 karat gold, so to avoid painful allergies, go with 18 karat gold.

Consider these factors before buying :

1. Buy from a store with a quality assurance and testing program. These stores test their own jewelry for purity.

2. If your jewelry has a trademark, for example a sports team, it must have a license stamped on the back. If it doesn't, there are serious quality issues. Stay away.

3. To make absolutely sure you've got legitimate gold, you can have the body jewelry tested at an independent lab for $20. Labs are available in almost every large city.

4. Under a jewelers scope, take a good look at the craftsmanship. Are there rough edges? Frays? Imperfections?

One last item... remember that 24 karat gold is the only pure gold. 18k, 14k, and 10k all have gold and other metals present. For reference, 18k gold is 75% pure gold, high quality, affordable, and your best choice to reduce the risk of any problems.

Fake Rolex Replica Watch

2008-02-12T02:12:00.000-08:00

The replica Rolex market is growing by leaps and bounds. A whole sub-industry has grown out of it, and you can see this both on the Internet and off. Fake Rolex dealers have set up their own shops and showrooms; go online and you'll see perhaps even more of them hawking their wares. It isn't any surprise that replica Rolex watches are so popular. After all, many of them are made to faithfully reproduce the appearance and functions of the authentic ones, but are priced much lower.

The rapid advance of technology has proven to be a great thing for makers of fake Rolex watches, enabling them to produce timepieces that look so much like the originals it's hard to tell which is real and which isn't. This is a good thing for consumers who want to own a Rolex but can't afford to do so. And it's a bad thing for people who are thinking of buying a genuine Rolex timepiece, but at a discounted price. Some sellers can say that what they are offering are genuine but secondhand Rolex watches when in fact they are just replicas. So how can an ordinary consumer tell whether the watch he or she is considering buying is in fact genuine?

The best thing to do, of course, would be to make one's purchase from an authorized Rolex dealer. Barring that, it would be advisable for consumers to educate themselves about the telltale signs that would give away a fake Rolex watch. There are several things to look out for.

First, check the size of the numbers and letters on the face of the watch. Lower quality replicas mess up on this one, having numbers and letters that are larger than what would be found on an original Rolex. Aside from the text and numbers, sometimes the minute and hour hands are also sized irregularly in counterfeit Rolex watches. Another thing to look out for is the appearance of the back of the case. On fake ones these are clear or transparent, enabling you to see the watch's inner mechanism. They also have engravings, logos, or hallmarks printed or engraved at the back. Compare this with genuine Rolex watches, whose backs are smooth and free from any marks or engravings, save for a solitary three-dimensional sticker. Many Rolex replica also have this sticker, which shows the Rolex crown logo above the case reference number. But whereas the original sticker is a hologram - it changes its appearance when viewed from different angles - the one on a replica isn't. All that appears is a Rolex pattern that does not change even if you look at it from different perspectives.

The crystal bubble above the date wheel is another characteristic shared by both original and replica Rolex watches. This bubble functions as a magnifying glass, making the date appear larger. The difference between the two is that the date on a real Rolex is magnified 2.5 times its original size while a fake Rolex only magnifies it by 1.5 times.

What Makes Belly Rings The Most Popular Body Jewelry

2008-02-11T02:19:00.001-08:00

Sure, when it comes to jewelry we have tons of choices. We can decorate our ears with earrings, although they can be sexy, if your hair is long enough those earrings won’t even show. Necklaces are great accessories to outfits and the right necklace can pull together an outfit; however it does not yell “sexy”. Bracelets are cute and especially if you have matching or coordinating bracelets and necklaces, your look will be very nicely pulled together; but they don’t quite scream “sexy” either.

Rings are wonderful, if you keep your nails nice, rings can catch someone’s attention and the right rings can let others know that you have the mullah to treat your digits to some bling. But again, rings do not exactly scream “sexy”! Anklets are perhaps the second sexiest body jewelry; they can be very tantalizing to the opposite sex. Some may argue that belly chains run a close second as well.

The single sexiest pieces of jewelry you can have are belly rings. Why are belly rings the most popular body jewelry, you may ask. Plenty of reasons. Men find them extremely teasing and sexy, especially if you have a shirt that ends right where the piercing begins. Or perhaps a top that teases the piercing and depending on how you move, others will see glimpses of your piercing and only want to see more

What makes belly rings the most popular body jewelry is also the location, of course. You can have a dangling ring that hovers right above and ever so teasingly to your, well, private area. In addition, it’s an invitation for men to notice just how darn cute your trim and tan tummy look.

There is another good reason why belly rings are the most popular body jewelry. Anyone can throw on a necklace and anyone can throw on a ring. However, everyone who sees your belly ring will know that you did not just throw it on. You investigated which tattoo or piercing parlor was the hippest, coolest place to to, you threw up your shirt to a stranger and allowed him or her to pierce you with a needle larger than any booster shot a human has seen, you lay still while the ring was inserted and then you took care of yourself to keep the piercing healthy. Men find it sexy just knowing that you went through the process.

The final and main reason that belly rings are the most popular body jewelry is because most women who have them are the type who takes care of themselves. They exercise, eat right and care about how their bodies look. Men find that unbelievably attractive and sexy in a woman.

Navel Jewelry Is A Popular Fashion Accessory For Males And Females

2008-02-11T02:18:00.000-08:00

Navel jewelry has been a popular accessory due to the mainstream market, and people wanting to look stylish on the beach in their bikinis. Navel jewelry comes in many forms and can be bought from many different locations. There are clip in rings, barbells, banana bells, bead rings, spiral rings, and twister rings. You will want to always use surgical steel rings to prevent allergic reactions. Titanium is also recommended.

There are certain types of stainless steel that are recommended for piercings. These are 316L and 316 LVM types. These have been recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials as being safe to use for belly jewelry. If you choose to use gold, make sure it is at least eighteen karat. You can also get these in silver and titanium. Silver has been known to cause the most reactions, so it is better for you to stick with gold or titanium if you are allergic at all. Make sure they are all stainless steel in nature.

You can use a straight or a circular piece of jewelry in your belly. They have many different designs to choose from either on line or in your favorite jewelry spot. They come with diamonds, flowers, initials, animals, sports logos, and almost anything else you can think of that you may want to have on your jewelry. They are very popular because there is plenty of choice in your selections. People may want to wear the sports logo to a game one day and wear an elephant on the ring the next day.

The choices are amazing and quite a number of them will fit almost anyone looking for a unique piece of body jewelry. The spiral and twister types are the most popular. They come in a variety of colors and styles. People can show off their midriffs and their own unique style of jewelry. Especially at the beach, these belly rings are great to show others what you like as far as sports teams, careers, or hobbies. Some people just get the plain barbells or the twister. It all depends on what you are wanting to show your personality as.

The best way to do that is to find your favorite metal whether it be gold, silver, or titanium. Find a unique piece that shows your interests and put it on. Plain rings with the diamond beads are the most popular. They are very trendy and very inexpensive if you are looking for something elegant but affordable. They are also nice to wear with those bikinis or high cut shorts. You can also pick something that is floral or colorful.

Finding Safe And Beautiful Children's Earrings

2008-02-09T04:34:00.003-08:00

Having a baby's ears pierced is not so uncommon now-a-days. More and more parents are choosing to have this type of piercing done, even before baby can speak! Most experts will agree that the piercing itself is relatively painless; most are less painful than immunization shots that a baby will receive. However, before you get excited and run out to purchase children's earrings, there are some basic fundamental elements to be aware of to keep babies, toddlers and youngsters safe while they are wearing children's earrings.

Children's earrings are crafted differently than adult earrings. Therefore, simply taking a pair of earrings that were made for an adult and putting them on a child does not transform that jewelry into children's earrings. The elements that make the biggest difference between adult earrings and children's earring is size and safety features.

Earrings for children will be physically smaller than adult earrings. It is not necessarily the earring's gemstone or other design itself that is smaller; it is the earring post that will be shorter. Long adult earring posts will be too long for children; they can cut into the head of the child and cause injury. Children's earrings will be designed to fit a child with comfort.

The safety element that is important on children's earrings is the fact of having different screws on the back of the earrings. The screw, as opposed to adult earrings, will be very smooth on the bottom and have a tight fit. This will not only ensure that the fit is comfortable, but you want to make sure that the earring fits tight enough that it can not become a choking hazard.

Children's earrings are just as beautiful as those for adults. One of the most popular types of earrings for children is birthstone earrings. Many parents and relatives with to celebrate the child's birthday by showing off the gem stone of that particular month. When you are purchasing gem stone earrings, you do not necessarily need to have the child wear gems that match their month; you can choose any gem that you find to be beautiful. However, if you wish to purchase gemstone earrings that match a certain month, be sure to be aware that there are two lists; a traditional list and a modern one. The modern list was created not long ago, because some of the stones on the original list were found to be too rare and/or too expensive.

Even with all of the precautions one can take to keep jewelry safe, people should also be aware that children will be children; therefore any piece of jewelry can be lost. If you are going to be purchasing expensive earrings, make sure that the child is old enough to be aware of the value of the gift.

Tips to Help You Accessorize Your Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Like a Star

2008-02-09T04:34:00.001-08:00

If you want to accessorize like a star, one of the best ways to begin is by wearing celebrity-inspired jewelry. What exactly does that mean? It's simple. We all see the gorgeous jewelry worn by our favorite celebrities and, on occasion, designers create pieces to mimic those very designs that we admire. Traditionally, these pieces would be made with imitation gemstones that are visually similar to some of the most expensive designs in jewelry. Even if you don't have millions of dollars to spend on your jewelry wardrobe, you can still accessorize like the stars that do. Here's how:

Dress up a simple black turtleneck sweater with a pair of sterling silver dangle cubic zirconia earrings. Whether it be chandelier or an elongated drape design, the reflective nature of these simulated diamonds will add a beautiful touch to classic black. This approach works equally well with any solid color turtleneck.

When you're attending a formal gathering, whether it be a wedding, anniversary or holiday party, try accessorizing a simple strapless gown with either a cubic zirconia necklace or an earring/bracelet combo. With one of the hottest trends leading into 2008 being that of shine, it's important that jewelry lovers accent their attire appropriately instead of overpowering it.

Adopt a trademark piece of jewelry that can be worn in a number of ways. A trademark is a distinctive characteristic or object, which makes a trademark piece of jewelry one favorite accent that you would wear on a daily basis and others would come to know it as being your style. Certain pieces of jewelry are created as elegant and occasional accessories, but others are developed in such a way that they can be worn on a regular basis. A cubic zirconia tennis bracelet, for instance, can just as easily go with you to the grocery store, the office and to a fine restaurant. By choosing a piece of jewelry that you can quickly dress up or down, you are truly optimizing your investment.

If you have pierced ears, never leave home without an earring. Even if it's a simple pair of stud earrings, which can often provide the perfect accent for those who want a touch of sparkle, it's important to not leave a pierced ear without decoration. Why? It's easy enough to leave the house without a necklace, ring or bracelet, but leaving an earring hole visible can leave you feeling unpolished.

When you read a magazine or flip through the television channels featuring your favorite entertainment program, you will probably learn that celebrity fashion is all about the trends. In the year to come, we will see a lot of color in both fashion and accessories. If you're looking to add the colors of diamonds to your wardrobe but don't have a fortune to spend, consider the alternative of cubic zirconia jewelry to spruce up your collection. Blue, red, black and champagne are among the stunningly beautiful colors of cubic zirconia that will be celebrated by those who not only want to accessorize like a star, but also shine like one.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that's designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune.

Religious Charms - A Baffling Increasing Saga

2008-02-08T02:25:00.001-08:00

What is the significance of divine aesthetics in the modern sense? In the most modern sense, the divine aesthetics happens to be how one might define the notion of religious charms if ever asked to do so. Though in the recent years, it has come out as a part of a great marketing strategy, publicizing the religious charms, indeed there is the presence of jewelries in different cultures around the world having very noble symbolic significances. The have been depicted by the votaries of the principal religions as high symbols of faith, devotion and a love of spirituality.

In the contemporary age, however, the religious charms have added many other facets to its basic nature. As has already been said they are worn for fashion, aesthetics and style. The religious charms have their own enviable positions in the international market of jewelry. What can be the most popular reason behind this? It is very difficult to give one straight answer to this question. But it can be said that divinity mingled with elegance and class happens to be a tempting combination, and that is bound to sale. But there is a difference in the application of religious charms in the religions.

For instance, it has been found, that the application of religious charms is most prominent in Hinduism. It can be said, that not only the religious festivals, but also the daily rituals remain largely incomplete without the application of these. You can visit to any part of the world, at any temple; there you will come across the large presence of these jewelries. Be it the internationally famous temple of Tirupati, or Viswnath at Benares in India or any other, there is indeed the presence of these. This can be justified in one way that the fine religious jewelry crafted out of perfectly chosen precious stones and metals is a novel mode of flaunting your sense of spirituality in a refined fashion. It can be gifted to a friend as an insignia that you wish that God may always be with the person who wears this symbol of faith. You can also give it to someone to whom you wish to show your strong reverence that is expressed from time to time through faith and devotion. It, at several times, is also regarded as an ideal gift for an older relative or a grandparent, who would value it as a symbol of spirituality.

Once it was assumed that with the development of technology the general dependence on religion would wither away, on the contrary, the situation is just the opposite. This can be ascertained through the increase in the sales of religious symbols. Sellers of religious jewelry have all possible symbols of religious faith available in pendants, rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings and bracelets. From the most popular symbol of the Cross (Crucifix) to the figurine of Ganesha, the very well known Indian God of prosperity, the variety is as impenetrable as that of fashion jewelry. The trail is non-ending.

Gold Navel Jewelry - An Intense Pleasure

2008-02-08T02:24:00.000-08:00

Truly speaking, the gold navel jewelry right from its inception has taken the world by storm. Perhaps no age group is there who has not experimented with this non-piercing jewelry of gold navel jewelry, being enchanted by its shining look and sexy style.

To be very precise, the gold navel jewelry happens to be the perfect specimen of non-piercing body jewelry. What is non-piercing body jewelry? In short, the non-piercing body jewelry looks exactly like piercing body jewelry, but with one difference, there is the absence of any type of hole in the skin. How are then they worn? The gold navel jewelry, for instance, are adhered by clips in most cases. However, there have been other cases, when by virtue of the help of special magnets the gold navel jewelry or jewelries are worn. It will be better to know in this respect, that the non-piercing body jewelry is not a new concept. In fact, this very style was quite prominent in the earlier days. In several cultures of the Orient, especially in India, this style was highly prominent.

In several pictures depicting the cultural legacy of the mediaeval ages, many women are found to wear the gold navel jewelry as an example of non-piercing body jewelry, meant for attracting the men in general. From that time on to the present age this notion of body jewelry has been largely prominent. Even in the cultural tradition of the West the saga on non-piercing body jewelry is not rare, and in several occasions this style has been found in the best manner. Now with the passage of years there happens to be the emergence of new styles, resulting from new thoughts and likings. In this regard, the thought of body piercing is a recent trend and is fallout of the thought process of the new generation. However, this trend is not without complications. It has been found by and large, that the wearing of body-piercing jewelry is often accompanied by a series of allergies and infections, if not taken care in a proper manner. If it aggravates to the rise of shoddier signs, such infections can leave you with life long scars or complications. For example, nipple piercing has been found on many occasions to cause nursing problems, as there are many milk ducts in an average nipple.

So, in these types of situations, wearing non-piercing body jewelry is the best alternative. Now if you intend for the non-piercing jewelry, you will find that magnets are used for the sake of holding the very jewelry in place, and this type of jewelry squeezes the body to hold itself in place. But if you are still hesitant to use it or not, be assured that the non-piercing jewelry is the perfect accessory for those who want to be seen as heavily pierced but in fact are not. Not only is the gold navel jewelry but also there examples of same type of jewelry, like nipple shields, nipple chains, belly clips, handcuff jewelry, earrings, etc. Don't hesitate and have one, according to your own wish, and experience the pleasure.

The Eye Stunning Effect Of Gold Watches

2008-02-06T03:54:00.002-08:00

Whenever you wear gold watches you feel like a different person, and I guess that is because people look at you differently. After all, there is nothing like having a great set of gold watches at your house. Of course, to have a lot of gold watches you would have to be rich, right? Wrong! There are many ways for you to get gold watches at a good prices now-a-days. This is because you can shop online which use to be something that a lot of people were not able to do. Whenever you shop online you are going to have a lot of people fighting for you business, and that means that you are going to win.

When people fight for your business you can be assure that you get the best price no matter what. That means that you do not have to overpay for gold watches anymore. However, with the good also comes the bad. You are not going to be able to just buy gold watches, and no how they are going to look on you. When you buy at a store you are able to try them on first. Whenever you buy online you are not able to do that, and you have to guess how it will look on you. Of course, how many gold watches could anyone look bad in?

I am one of those people that likes to save money, but I also like to know how something is going to look on me. That means that I do not buy online unless it is a great deal that I cannot pass up. I have to be able to try it on first before I just run out and get it. However, I do hate overpaying, and it seems like you are always over paying for things like gold watches whenever you go to the stores. Of course, if you are not sure a gold watch is for you then you may not want to buy online. You may want to go down to the store and try on some gold watches first.

Keep in mind if you find the perfect gold watch for you then all you have to do is remember what it is, and then look for it online. To me that seems like the best idea for getting the watch that you want at the price you can afford. After you get a nice gold watch you are going to see the way people look at you. They are going to either be mad at you because it looks like you have a lot more money (we call these people “haters”) or they are going to give you respect. Either way you can rest assure that these people are looking up to you, and that is something that should make you feel good.

Toe Rings - A Good Business Prospect

2008-02-06T03:54:00.001-08:00

Why don't you do something with the toe rings? The toe rings are highly desired in many parts of the world, and by the help of the Internet service, within a short time you can reach a certain level!

Do you think the business with toe rings is going to be a tough job? Not at all! It doesn't have to be difficult. You don't need to start with a big operation. First have a full idea of the demand of your products in the international market. For instance, the toe rings do always have a good demand. Now, when there is no such fear of a volatile or gradually shrinking market, you can start confidently and proceed in a slow but firm move towards your objective. Always remember, that small steps can go a longer distance. To begin with the toe rings you can start by going online in order to look for some design ideas. You'll see that there are many people who have established a home business by making beautiful masterpieces.

They sell anklets, necklaces, bracelets and many other similar types of products. You can surely get some ideas from their designs. If you want, you don't have to begin with a business mindset from the inception. You can begin it as a hobby that you will grow to love, and therefore start with something simple and unique. It should be something that does not require complicated procedures in order to look special, for which the beaded toe rings are the best options. The good thing about beaded toe rings is that there is no need for you to concentrate on complicated patterns in order to look stunning. The simple need for you is to find a good color combination and therefore try in all manners to find a pattern that you could use. For betterment, if it is possible for you, you can simply start with a mere one, and for improvement it is better to have two colored beads for the sake of making beaded toe rings. This happens to be an advantage because colored beads come in packs and you can't buy them by piece/ Now how to proceed? You first have to identify your target audience. Keep it in mind, that these toe rings can be a hit during summer when people usually walk around the beach barefoot or in flip flops. These could also make a simple pair of sandals look exotic.

So what to do? You shall have to publicize the effect of the toe rings on the sandals and their superb combination that can give an individual a different identity. For instance, in a country like India both concepts of sandals and gold toe rings are quite popular. So you can have your full concentration on this second most populated country in the world. Barefoot sandals or slave anklets are called Bichiya in India. The wearing of these toe rings is an old practice that is done by married females. These toe rings make a sound whenever one walks on a hard surface.

Choosing The Right Gold Earrings For A Holiday Gift

2008-02-05T05:30:00.001-08:00

Choosing holiday gifts can be a difficult task no matter how well you know the person. Sometimes knowing someone can make the task even more difficult, as trying to find the perfect gift to wow them can seem even more impossible. Choosing jewelry can be an especially difficult task, as it does not simply come in just a few sizes or shapes or colors but in many varieties and can be very hard to find the 'perfect' piece of jewelry. Choosing a specific piece of jewelry can make the search a little less difficult. Settling on something such as finding the right gold earrings for a gift can still be time consuming but a bit of an easier task once the decision has been narrowed down to just earrings.

When shopping for gold earrings, there are many sizes and styles to choose from. Before you even start to shop, decide how much you want to spend. If you can settle on how much money you would like to spend, then this can make it easier to decide when shopping for the perfect pair of gold earrings. You might find a desirable pair of gold earrings but decide that the price is just too extravagant. Odds are that you can find a similar style at a more affordable price if you keep on looking. After determining the price range, then examining personal aspects of the person they are meant for is the next step to selecting the perfect gift of gold earrings.

Some jewelry looks appropriate on one person but funny on another. Larger women naturally look better with larger jewelry than a smaller woman does, which is one thing to consider. Another consideration involves skin tone. Gold earrings do not come in just yellow gold; there are multiple tones of gold available either singly or in combination. Some women might look better in white gold than others, for example, especially of the earrings are moon shaped or look like snowflakes. And if the gold earrings are inclusive of stones, the stones should be appropriate in colors as well. A set of gold and birthstone earrings can be appropriate for a woman of any age and current jewelry trends go far beyond the traditional stud earrings. Age is a consideration, as earrings designed for a teen girl will look strange on an elderly woman and also the opposite way around. And then, consider personal tastes: what do you know about the person you are buying the earrings for? What is their personal style, a favorite color, or, a favorite object? If you are buying earrings for a middle aged woman who likes stars, then consider long ear threads in silver with stars at the end, or maybe studs with multiple tiny cascading stars in a moderately small size. This is just one of many possibilities.

Due to the computer age, shoppers can look online at literally thousands of possibilities before ever buying one thing. This can be a great way to get ideas, even if you never intend on ordering anything. Looking online can provide an idea of contemporary styles, colors, sizes, price ranges, and availability. After getting an idea of what you want to spend on a gift, and what each store has available, then you can either order the gift and save yourself the trouble of going out and battling holiday crowds or you can go directly to a local retailer that is most likely to have what you are looking for.

A Guide To Determining Your Necklace, Bracelet or Watch Size

2008-02-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

Necklaces

So you found the perfect piece of handcrafted designer jewelry on line but are not sure if it will fit you properly? Do not let that prevent you from ordering. Most artisan jewelry web sites include measurements in their beaded jewelry descriptions. Armed with the information below and the artisans information you can easily determine what size you need and if that unique beaded jewelry piece will fit you.

Start by determining how do you want your beaded necklace to fit. First find a soft tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Then stand in front of the mirror and consider where on your neck or chest you want the bottom of the necklace to rest. Take the tape measure or string and starting at the back of your neck drape the tape or string down to the desired resting place on your neck or chest then around to the back of your neck to meet up with the other end of the tape or string. Use your fingers to pinch the tape or string to mark the desired measurement. If you used a tape measure look at the measurement you have marked, if you used a string, use the ruler to determine the measurement of the string. Now that you have your measurement you can determine if that beautiful beaded necklace will fit.

Below are basic guidelines for beaded necklace sizing

Choker style, fits snug around the neck; 15 - 16 inches

Resting on the collarbone; 18 inches

A few inches below the collar bone to a few inches below the neckline; 20 - 24 inches

Mid to low chest; 28 - 30 inches

Bracelets and Watches

Sizing custom beaded bracelets or beaded watches are similar to sizing beaded necklaces. Use a soft tape measure or piece of string to determine the diameter of your wrist. First decide where you want the bracelet or watch to rest on your wrist. Watches, cuff bracelets and bracelets with a big focal bead should fit fairly snug other styles should fit a bit looser. Wrap the tape measure or string around your wrist at the desired location. Be sure to leave some wiggle room for comfort. Use your fingers to pinch the tape or string to mark the desired measurement. If you used a tape measure look at the measurement you have marked, if you used a string, use the ruler to determine the measurement of the string. Now that you have your measurement you can determine if that beautiful beaded bracelet or beaded watch will fit.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaning Tips - How To Clean Silver Jewelry to Prevent Tarnish

2008-02-01T05:56:00.002-08:00

Cleaning sterling silver jewelry has sometimes gained a reputation for being tedious. This only happens if you allow your jewelry to become irreparably tarnished through neglect. Good cleaning habits and a few simple precautions taken when you wear your jewelry should be enough to keep Sterling Silver bright and beautiful for years.

Preventing Sterling Silver Tarnish

One of the most important steps for keeping silver jewelry bright is preventing the tarnish in the first place. While rarely discussed, learning how to prevent tarnish will save hours of cleaning time later on. You should remove all sterling silver jewelry when applying perfumes, hair spray, lotions, and similar items. Avoid getting make-up, foods, and drink on your jewelry. If you do stain your jewelry with the above, rinse immediately with water and soap (mild, phosphate free preferably). Avoid strong chemicals, such as those found in hair coloring and dyes; these can tarnish silver instantly. Removing your jewelry when you bath or swim may or may not be necessary; just rinse with soap and water afterwards to clean off any residual chemicals.

Cleaning your Sterling Silver Jewelry

The most common cleaning method for sterling silver jewelry is to use a soft polishing cloth on pieces you frequently wear. This helps remove any dirt or oils that may get on your jewelry through contact with skin and the environment. A soft non-abrasive cloth will work, or visit a jewelry store to purchase chemically treated polishing clothes especially designed for jewelry polishing. The frequency of such cleanings will vary with each person, but the hard and fast rule is to wipe the piece anytime you feel the shine is looking dull or before you store the piece away for an extended period.

Silver jewelry that won't be worn for a while must be sealed in a plastic or cloth bag to minimize exposure to oxygen, humidity, and damage.

For a more thorough cleaning, detergents can be used. One method is to place a few pinches of baking soda or other mild non-phosphate detergents on your jewelry, then wash with mineral free water by either rubbing with fingers or using a soft cloth. Scrubbers or soft tooth brushes may be used for a deeper cleaning only if necessary, since they may scratch the surface and dull the jewelry's polish.

There are also chemical cleaners available, but repeated use of liquid cleaners can result in discoloration overtime, therefore, such cleaners should only be used sparingly and only when other methods of cleaning fail.

Fleur-de-Lis Jewelry

2008-02-01T05:56:00.001-08:00

Fleur-de-Lis jewelry has certainly come out in full force lately. I was at a wonderfully large and elaborate trade show in New York City this past weekend, and almost every single jewelry booth had at least one piece that in some way featured the fleur-de-lis.

I am ashamed to admit this, but it wasn't until recently that I did the necessary research to discover the actual meaning behind the fleur-de-lis, and I was astounded at my findings... Apparently the literal meaning of the fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys) is "flower of lily", which explains why its shape is largely reminiscent of either an iris or a lily. Although today, the fleur-de-lis is generally used simply because it "looks pretty," it also can be an indication of political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic or symbolic beliefs.

Here is a list of the different meanings behind the fleur-de-lis:

* The fleur-de-lis once appeared on European coats of arms and flags.

* Originally it was a symbol that was equated with the French monarchy, and is now considered an "enduring symbol of France."

* The rule of King Juan Carlos I, an old member of the original French dynasty, is marked by this symbol.

* The fleur-de-lis is associated with old French colonies, such as Quebec and Louisiana.

* It is an emblem of the Swiss Municipality of Schlieren, Zürich.

* It represents the Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary.

* It is considered an iconographic attribute of the archangel Gabriel, notably in representations of The Annunciation.

* Also, due to a tradition started by Flavio Gioja, the symbol is often used on a compass rose to mark North.

In modern times, this symbol is an omnipresent force! Just the other day I was watching the third Shrek (don't judge me) and the character Prince Charming was wearing an outfit adorned with this French insignia. You can find it used in wallpaper, in architecture, in company logos, and, of course, jewelry.

Elements Of Quality Diamond Necklaces

2008-01-31T02:02:00.001-08:00

Diamonds are found in nature and mined in such places as Africa, Canada and the United States. The diamond is the hardest gem that is known to man; the only thing that can ever cut a diamond is another diamond. That is quite amazing when you compare diamonds to every other type of gem stone. Diamond necklaces are very popular because the diamond seems almost created by nature to be set in jewelry. A diamond, no matter which style of necklace it is in, will sparkle like no other gem in this world.

When looking at diamond necklaces, you will want to remember what is commonly known as the four c's. The letter c refers to cut, clarity, color and carat; although most jewelers will spell carat as "karat". If you keep these four elements in mind, it will help you determine which diamond necklace best suits your needs. It should be noted and remembered that unless you are extraordinarily rich, you should not expect to find perfection in all four elements. After understanding what each really means, you can then decide which elements are most important to you and go from there.

The cut will refer to how the crafter chose to cut the diamond. When diamonds are mined, they will be in many shapes and forms. Professional diamond cutters will study a diamond to decide which type of cut will best suit the diamond. The most common types of cut will be the round cut, the triangle cut, the diamond cut (which is a diamond cut into the actual shape of a diamond), the square cut, the rectangle cut and the heart shaped cut. It is a personal decision as to which cut you prefer best. The diamond cutter already decided which cut was best for the diamond, so whichever cut you choose should have a great diamond as long as the clarity and color meets your standards.

The color of a diamond is not always clear as one would believe. Lesser quality diamonds will be clouded and when looked at, either by the naked eye or under a microscope, will show areas that are not clear. If a diamond looks clear by eye, many people are not concerned about what could be seen only with a microscope.

Tips to Choosing Christmas Jewelry

2008-01-31T02:01:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about jewelry that symbolizes a holiday that is cherished by many. If you're in the market for a specific theme, you may be pleasantly surprised with what you find in terms of sterling silver designs. Whether you plan to wear it yourself or give the gift of jewelry to someone else, a holiday theme is sure to be a welcome addition to any woman's wardrobe.

When you think of Christmas, you may immediately think of snow and the beauty of snowflakes trickling down from the sky on Christmas morning. For this reason, snowflakes are a very popular motif in terms of jewelry. From charm bracelets to earrings and even pendants, these sentimental designs will remind the wearer and everyone who sees her just how beautiful a white Christmas can be. With your attention now turned to snow, a snowman is the next likely image to appear in your mind. After all, you cannot have one without the other and this makes the snowman a very popular theme in Christmas jewelry. When set in sterling silver, you will get a presence that's easily seen and enjoyed. In addition, the price will be easy on your budget when compared to other precious metals.

Unlike snowflake or snowman jewelry, which can be worn all throughout winter and is not necessarily holiday specific, certain types of jewelry are designed to be worn exclusively for the holidays. Among the designs known to represent Christmas include a holiday stocking, the image of Santa Claus, a reindeer, a wreath and a Christmas tree. Any of these designs will instantly add a festive touch to your wardrobe and will let others know that you are ready for the upcoming holiday, and you're ready for it in style.

As the winter months approach, it may become more difficult to find specific jewelry in stock as many retailers often sell out early. Immediately following Thanksgiving, many people's attention turn toward Christmas and shopping for gifts. If you find yourself in a situation where your favorite jewelry is out of stock or perhaps on backorder, you may be able to consider an alternate choice that will be easier to find while still allowing you to be festive. The image of an angel is very popular in holiday jewelry, and can be worn throughout the year as a reminder that the wearer is never alone.

A star, which many people use to adorn the top of their holiday tree, is a popular theme that will be well received during the holidays and can also be enjoyed throughout the year. When you wear star jewelry in November or December, many will instantly associate your intended meaning with that of the holidays. After the Christmas season has passed, you can still enjoy the star motif as a popular statement in fashion and one that promises to remain a classic for years to come.

How to Compare the Price of Diamonds

2008-01-30T02:18:00.003-08:00

Sorting through the price of diamonds is something like trying to find a good movie. There are so many factors that you need to consider, and no one will outweigh the other. With movies, you can have a great actor in a really poorly written film. All in all, it takes many elements working together to create a really good movie, and there are many elements that all need to be considered when comparing the price of diamonds. No one element can completely outweigh of offset the others.

How the Four C's Stack Up

The four C's of diamonds are of course cut, color, clarity and carats. They are all considered when a retailer or wholesaler sets the price of diamonds and diamond jewelry. There is no such thing as "the most important one" when it comes to pricing, although you may want to sacrifice one for another depending on why you're purchasing a diamond. For example, if you just want a diamond to look good, you will want the best cut and clarity, but may not care about the actual carats, which refers to the diamond's weight. The specific reason you're purchasing a diamond and what is most important to you is important when considering the price of diamonds, as there may be two that look identical to the naked eye but that are way off on pricing.

The price of diamonds is usually set at a per carat basis, for example, diamonds of a particular overall grade may cost $10,000 per carat whereas one with a lower grade may be $1,000 per carat. This is why that ten-carat ring on a celebrity's finger is going to cost more than the ten-carat ring your aunt wears. Chances are the price of diamonds the celebrities own are higher since the stones are more valuable per carat. This also means that a two-carat ring will not automatically cost double the amount of a one-carat ring.

The cut also great affects the price of diamonds. Diamond cutting is an art and still typically done by hand. A diamond with an ideal cut will have a price that is up to 30% higher than one with just an average or good cut. This is because diamonds are desired for their sparkle and brilliance, and the right cut will show that off much better than just an average cut. While a less than ideal cut will make the price of diamonds go down, you don't want to simply settle for one of these simply because you can afford it.

Colorless is the most valuable of diamonds, and they are quite rare. The closer to being colorless, the more valuable a diamond will be per carat. Remember this when considering the price of diamonds, because a stone of the same cut and carat that is graded better on the color scale may see a significant increase in price per carat. And of course clarity refers to the inclusions or internal flaws that a diamond will have. As with color, the same cut and color but with better clarity will also affect the price of diamonds.

What to Look For When You Buy Diamond Jewelry

2008-01-30T02:18:00.001-08:00

You may already know that diamonds are the hardest substance known to man. Their crystallization process takes literally millions of years, and it's believed that some diamonds can actually be billions of years old! That interesting fact probably doesn't help you when it's time to buy diamond jewelry, however, so let's talk about some practical things to keep in mind when you're heading off to the jewelry store.

The Four C's of Diamond Jewelry

You may already know that the Four C's of diamond jewelry are cut, color, clarity, and carats.

The cut refers to the shape of the diamond, but involves much more than that. A skilled jeweler can cut a diamond in such a way so that light bounces off of it brilliantly, giving it the most sparkle possible. There can actually be a poor cut of a diamond which you may not be able to tell with the naked eye. The shape of it is the same on the top, but the diamond itself is too deep or too shallow to reflect light properly. And really, unless you're buying it as a financial investment, isn't the sparkle the real reason you want to own it? So getting a good cut is important in your selection.

The color of a diamond is graded by letters. A perfect diamond is one that is colorless, although these are said to be quite rare. The yellowish or brown tinge of a diamond will determine its color grade. Some diamond jewelry is purposely colored, such as yellow or blue diamonds, and these are called "fancy." But for most, grades of D, E or F are considered colorless, G, H and I are called near colorless, and the rating goes from there. Just like school report cards, you want the lowest grade possible when selecting diamond jewelry.

Flaws inside diamonds are called inclusions, and clarity grades the number of these inclusions. Most inclusions in diamond jewelry cannot be seen with the naked eye, and so you need to use a gemologist's magnifier to see them.

And it's important to remember that carat does not refer to a diamond's size but its weight. A particular cut can give a smaller diamond a heavier carat, and vice versa. When shopping for it, don't get bowled over immediately by the size of the diamond, as a smaller one with a heavier carat can actually be more valuable.

The four C's of diamond jewelry are still the most important factors in determining its actual value. If you're shopping simply for what looks good, you may be able to afford something larger that has less carats and more inclusions, but if you're looking for a financial investment, really study each diamond's value based on these measurements, and you'll be able to make the best decision.

What to Avoid When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

2008-01-29T04:55:00.001-08:00

Anyone wanting to be married dreams of that perfect moment when the man presents the woman with a beautiful diamond engagement ring that just takes her breath away. He slips it on her finger, she breathlessly says "yes," and they live happily ever after.

However, it's not inaccurate to say that reality is far from this fairy tale fantasy. Many fans of the popular television show "Sex and the City" remember the famous scene where Carries gets a secret glimpse of the ring her boyfriend purchased for her - and immediately throws up. While it may not be fair to expect a man to be able to read his intended fiancé's mind when it comes to selecting a ring, there are some things he can keep in mind to help him make the best selection.

For one thing, remember that this ring is a symbol of your love and your marriage. To buy the cheapest diamond engagement ring there is, not matter how frugal and practical you and your fiancé are, may not show her how much you think of that relationship you want to have with her. If her engagement ring is not worth a little bit of money, does that mean she's not worth much to you either? Like many gifts you give each other, that diamond engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry or some rock; it's a symbol, and one of the most important you'll come across in your life.

Another thing to remember when choosing a ring is that it is good to be attune to your girlfriend's style. Many men struggle in this area, but paying attention to a few clues can help you. For instance, glance at the jewelry she normally wears. Is it silver or gold? Many modern women view gold as being old fashioned and are opting for silver and platinum instead. If you don't see a lot of gold jewelry on her now, don't get a gold band for her ring. Also, is her jewelry small and subtle, or larger and more showy? Does she wear a lot or a little? If she has a tendency to wear a lot of jewelry, she may want a larger ring, or at least one that looks larger. If you can't afford a big diamond, consider getting side stones, called baguettes, to enhance the look. Or opt for a thicker band. If her jewelry is smaller and more subtle, she may appreciate a smaller diamond with more baguettes on a thinner band.

And whatever you do, don't be offended if your girlfriend or new wife opts to trade in her diamond engagement ring for a different setting. Remember, this is something she's going to be wearing on her hand for the rest of her life, so let her pick something she's happy with if that's what she wants to do. She's just adjusting the ring's look, she's not trading in her new fiancé!

Dichroic Glass Jewellery - What Is It And Where Can I Get Some?

2008-01-29T04:54:00.001-08:00

Dichroic glass is a clever discovery brought to us by those boffins at NASA. It's a metal oxide coating on glass that has unique properties. It can allow through it one way but can block it coming through on the reverse side. That all sounds very dull but basically it makes things shimmer. The metal oxide coatings come in a wide range of stunning colours and with this unique play with light, they look simply stunning as items of jewellery.

There are a few ways to spot genuine dichroic glass. Because the light acts so remarkably on the surface it can appear to change colour when you view the piece from an angle. Exposed dichroic glass, that is, dichroic without a clear top layer will appear to be metallic even though it is glass.

Dichroic Jewellery like all types of fused glass is produced in a kiln. Glass fusers use specifically designed kilns that are thinner than the types used by ceramic artists generally because the items produced by glass fusers are thinner and the firing cycle means it is more economical to do so.

The are a great many ways to buy dichroic glass. Online retails such as Etsy and Ebay have a wide range of dichroic items on sale however care must be taken to check the sellers reputation as there are a great number of fake item on the market introduced from the Asian market. The best way of purchasing a genuine piece of dichroic is by going to a supplier and checking their links page for dichroic glass studios.

Jewelry Retailing - The Current State of the Industry And What the Future Holds For Independents

2008-01-28T05:59:00.002-08:00

Over the last 10 years there are so many things that have changed in the jewelry business, some of them for the good of the industry and others to its detriment. The internet has accelerated the transference of information and made products readily available. National chain stores have changed their business models to become more aggressive and today's consumers have altered their buying habits accordingly. Industry veterans suggest that 10,000 privately held stores could close over the next 7-10 years.

Simply put, the jewelry business isn't the same as it was 10 years ago and independently owned jewelry store owners need to respond quickly. With this article, I hope to offer advice on how to overcome the many challenges that independents will encounter.

Today's consumers can be categorized as value or experience driven. The value driven consumer rarely cares about the image of the store, the brand name of the products, or the service after the sale. He/she is concerned about one thing and one thing only and that is "the lowest price possible". The internet is best equipped for this type of customer and has done a great job of servicing them. The attraction for potential internet consumers may be the value and the anonymity of comparing products and prices without human interaction.

Some people have told me that they feel obligated to purchase after spending time with salespeople at brick and mortar stores, this adds undue pressure to make a quick decision. Spend thrifty consumers can also be methodical decision makers and require time to feel good about their decisions; the internet offers this while brick and mortar stores do not. Generally speaking, a retail store's operating expenses represent a high percentage of their overall revenues. They simply have to sell their diamond and jewelry for more - competing with internet retailers on price and shopping leisure becomes a difficult task.

So in turn, independently owned stores have lost market share every year for the last 9 years. In fact, the retail independents have shown only modest growth of 2%-5% per year while internet retailers have grown 25%.

The experience driven consumer is largely concerned about selection, convenience, brand image, availability, and service. Recognizing this are the national superstore chains, including Jared Jewelers, Helzberg, Bailey Banks & Biddle, and others like them. These companies are building bigger and better stores with millions of dollars in inventory bursting out of the showcases. Every possible jewelry choice is available and their customers don't have to shop anywhere else.

In addition, they are placing a greater emphasis on training their employees than they have in the past. The days of receiving second rate advice and service at national chain stores are becoming a thing of the past. This is something that independent retailers have always hung their hats on: they can no longer say that you'll only get great service at privately owned stores. All of this is made possible by an aggressive plan to take over a market previously controlled by mom and pop stores, and then investing in that plan. The independent jewelry store can't offer the same size product selection because they don't have the finances. The chain stores have better real estate, better product selection, and more money for advertising.

You could say that the internet retailers have opened the door for the chain stores by fragmenting the marketplace and putting independents on the ropes. Recent growth by chain stores and internet retailers has placed independents in a bad place. They can't sell their jewelry at the same price as the internet retailers and can't afford to offer the same product selection as the chains. Without careful planning and adjustments in their business model independently owned stores could border extinction. There are some that would strongly disagree with this outlook and think that it would be impossible for it to happen.

To that I ask one question..."When was the last time you purchased home improvement items from a mom and pop hardware store?" Or "When was the last time you purchased electronics from a mom and pop electronics store?" These stores existed until the consolidation of their industries occurred. It simply took longer to happen in the jewelry business, but I assure you that it will continue to happen. The future for independents seems bleak but there are things that can be done to assure their healthy existence in the industry.

Taking back market share is going to be a very important part of the process and this should start with the internet. Most independents have done nothing to create a presence on the internet; I'm amazed to hear that some jewelers don't even have a website. I think this is largely due to their reluctance to embrace a business practice that has taken so much from them.

An example of a well-done internet jewelry website is design your engagement ring

The internet retailers have grown quickly because they haven't been challenged, it's time for the independents to step up and create a much more competitive environment for internet retailers. The area most needing improvement is the sale of online diamonds and engagement rings. Margins of course, have dropped considerably on loose diamonds because of the availability of aggressively priced goods.

Independents have a real problem accepting the notation of selling diamonds for much less than they have in the past. In order to succeed, they'll need to understand that diamonds can be sold for more in a store and less online. Why not do business with both types of customers and take back some of the market share previously lost to competitors. Putting together an effective website involves more than listing jewelry on web pages. Content is very important as well as search engine optimization, I recommend hiring an SEO specialist before hiring web programmers. They'll give valuable insight on how to create a successful website.

Dealing with the superstores takes a different approach and a lot of courage. Most independents will never have the funds needed to compete on the same level as the superstores. That's not to say that they can't hold their own and carve out a good living. It will require choosing a jewelry category that is possible to dominate or own a large piece of. Dealing with the chain store advertising budgets, inventory, prime locations, and trying to be all things to all customers will be next to impossible. I think the store owners that'll be successful will leverage their passion and strengths in certain product categories and attempt to own that market.

I've owned a retail jewelry store for 13 years and witnessed the deterioration of the market for privately held stores. I'm also experiencing first-hand the problems faced by my counterparts and vacillated over the proper course of action. I've decided to stay true to my passion and continued to promote my bridal and diamond business. I know in the end that it'll be the right decision because I have a good chance of creating a strong presence in one product category. This presence will be hard to take away from me and I should always be able make a good living. I hope that all independents can do the same, but it's obvious at this point that it will take courage and commitment.

General Jewelry Tips for 2008 - The Do's and Don'ts

2008-01-28T05:59:00.001-08:00

Jewelery is a personal ornament, such as a necklace, ring, or bracelet, made from gemstones, precious metals or other substances. If cosmetic is for the body, shoes are for the feet, jewelries are for the clothes. Jewelries can make you look trendy, classic or even cheap. Proper use can also make any clothing look expensive.

Categories of jewelry

1. Fine - is made from gold, platinum, fine silver, combined with precious and semi-precious stones.

2. Costume - is made from lower cost materials such as metals with gold and or silver finishes, and from unusual materials such as wood, plastic and beads. Costume jewelries are usually combinations of glass, synthetic or some semi-precious stones.

Do's: * Wear contrasting shape all the time if you have a round body built.

* Wear ivory and tortoiseshell, but only if they're fake.

* Assemble a collection of good, basic costume jewelry:

- a pair of matching gold bangle bracelets, or a gold cuff not wider than an inch and a half.

- Link necklaces in varying lengths.

- a pair of simple gold hoop earrings, or gold button-style clip-ons

* Buy a two-tone watch so that you can wear it with silver or gold jewelry.

* Keep your jewelry organized. Even egg cartons or plastic silverware trays will do.

* Wear large earrings if you're a large woman--you're among the few who can carry them off.

* Anything dangling such as earrings make a body silhouette slim.

* Jewelry is an effective focal point of the viewer's eye to distract attention away from any body flaws.

* Gold tones fit almost any skin color.

Dont's... * Mixing real diamonds from fake diamonds will make the real look fake.

* Don't overdo.

* Wear jewelry that jingles when you walk.

* Pierce your ears more than twice in each lobe. Never wear earrings so heavy that they stretch your lobes.

*Mix your metals. Silver jewelry is out of the question if your jacket has gold buttons.

* Wear rhinestones before 6 p.m.

* Squeeze a large neck into a dainty choker. It just doesn't work.

Want To Sell Your Old Diamond Ring?

2008-01-25T05:40:00.001-08:00

Diamonds have always been associated with the old adage "Diamonds are forever", but this cannot be true for everyone. There are many reasons why people would like to sell a diamond ring. Perhaps, after getting divorced they want to get rid of the memories related to their marriage or they want to get a bigger diamond and don't intend to hold on to the old diamond ring anymore! The desire of disposing your diamond ring could have many reasons but make sure that when you sell it, you do it the right way.

Appraisal of the diamond ring:

The diamond is considered to be one of the rarest and most precious gemstones. If you buy a good quality diamond ring then it will cost you a fortune, so when you sell it, try and get a good amount in return. The very first step you need to follow is the appraisal of your diamond ring. This needs to be done before getting in contact with any potential seller.

Appraisal will help you estimate the worth of the ring, but make sure that you approach a certified appraiser for this work. He or she will observe the ring and complete the procedure for appraisal so that the worth is determined. Once this process is over, you will be issued a certificate that will state the result. This certificate can be supplied to the buyers when requested, so that they also get to know what the ring is worth.

How you would like to sell the ring?

The second most important step is determining the method through which the ring would be sold. You can pursue several avenues for selling it. Some people like to sell their jewelry by placing an ad in the newspaper while some prefer online sales because it is not only convenient, but the ad also reaches a wide section of buyers through the Internet. There are many jewelry stores that also purchase used diamond rings and make upfront payment to the seller. You can opt any of these options to find a buyer for your ring.

Parting with the ring:

This is the final, but important step for selling your diamond ring. Parting with diamond jewelry could be difficult for women. Not many people like to sell jewelry even if it has become old. It is considered to be an asset and investment so people prefer collecting more, rather than parting with it. Even you may have some sentimental value attached to the ring, no matter how old it is. So you need to be prepared to part with it, if you are thinking of selling it to someone else. Make all the necessary arrangements so that the buyer gets the ring and you get the money.

Pearl Pendants Are Real Eye Catchers

2008-01-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

Pearls are perhaps the most unique among the world's precious gems. Many of the gems that we have in the market today notably in the jewelry industry are taken from the earth's surface whereas the pearl is produced under the sea. It's uniqueness also comes from the fact that it is the only gem formed in a living organism.

In the past centuries, the pearl was actually known as the queen of all gems as well as the gem of queens, all because of its extraordinary beauty. It has a natural glow in itself as it does not need any polishing compared to gold or diamond.

Owning a piece of pearl jewelry, therefore, gives a woman so much pride and beauty. A great addition to her collection would be a pearl pendant. Whether plain or set in gold and surrounded with diamonds or other precious stones, a pearl pendant is truly an eye catcher.

Of course, it can also be a very special gift to a woman on an important occasion or perhaps, even more special when given without any occasion to celebrate. Pearls do symbolize different meanings at the various occasions in life. It depicts love and marriage in wedding anniversaries, love and romance on Valentine's day and maternal love on Mother's day. For birthdays, pearl is the birthstone for the month of June while during a wedding, a white pearl means love, purity and virtue. In fact, it is a widely held belief that a bride wearing pearls on her wedding day would gain happiness and prosperity in her marriage.

Today, pearls come in different shapes and sizes. The spherical type refers to the popular round pearl which is actually more expensive. Pearls with unique, irregular shapes are called baroque and are the cheapest of all types. Pearls that appear in pear shape and those with symmetry are referred to as symmetrical.

Apart from their shapes, pearls also carry different names depending on the country of their origin. The black pearls come from the South Sea and are produced from black oysters. The most common are the Akoya pearls which are cultured in Japan and are smaller in size about two to 10 millimeter. Also produced in Japan are the white, oval-shaped freshwater pearls cultured in Lake Biwa as well as the rosy pink Kasumiga pearls from the lakes of Tokyo. The South Sea pearls are the biggest, most expensive and very rare. They are silvery grey in color.

The pearl's beauty lies in its color, shape, smooth surface, luster and nacre thickness. The most important factor is the nacre thickness which refers to the thickness of the pearl layers and is the basis in determining a pearl's quality. Its thickness is also based on how long it was cultured.

And so, whatever kind of pearl pendant you have, make sure that you take care of it well to keep its natural beauty. Remember that a pearl jewelry not only symbolizes purity as it also means longevity. In other words, it does not end with time.

Things To Do With a Diamond

2008-01-18T05:53:00.001-08:00

• People who think there is no value in television have obviously never seen Philips Electronics' diamondencrusted Ambilight FlatTV, created to celebrate the production of the one millionth Ambilight FlatTV. The 42-inch goggle box features close to 2,250 diamonds, totaling 225 carats, set into a stylized floral pattern around the edges of the TV. New York-based A.Link, a partner of Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Sightholder Dali Diamond provided the diamonds to create this one-off TV. "We pride ourselves in developing products that are iconic and highlight the diamonds in a stylish and sophisticated manner," said Jeffrey Link, president of A.Link.

• Indians just love cricket. To celebrate their love of the game, Gitanjali Group awarded two diamond cricket balls to the best Indian and international players in the Cricket World Cup. The balls, each containing 295.6 grams of yellow gold, are studded with 5,728 natural diamonds, making a total weight of 31.5 carats. The diamonds are all square princess cuts, measuring 0.90 x 0.90 mm, with color grades of H-I and clarity grades of VS-SI from the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

• Staying on a sporting theme. Steinmetz presented Formula One rookie Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Fernando Alonso with diamond-studded helmets to wear in the Monaco Grand Prix. The diamond company, and McLaren team sponsor, gave the drivers helmets with 'Monaco 07' written in white diamonds on the side.After the race, the helmets were auctioned for charities nominated by the drivers. But, to soften the blow of giving up their headgear, Steinmetz gave each driver a $10,000 ring with a diamond tire tread motif.

• Anyone who has ever visited Las Vegas knows the effect of a good show. From the fountains at the Bellagio to the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris - Vegas is the spectacle center of the world. All this glitz made Las Vegas the perfect place for Lazare Kaplan to launch their latest promotional gimmick - the $1 Million Ice Cream Cone, made in conjunction with Bruster's ice cream company.The cone is made of 15 troy ounces of 18 karat yellow gold and 4 troy ounces of white gold. It has a total diamond weight of 152.16 carats, including a 5.63 carat fancy intense yellow W/SI1 radiant cut diamond at its center. The cone will be sold with Bruster's donating their portion of the proceeds to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters charity.

• For people who actually have so much money they don't know what to do with it, how about a diamond-studded saucepan from German cookware firm Fissler. Although it's decorated with almost a kilo (2.2 pounds) of gold, the company says that it can be used for cooking the same as any other pot, but with a price tag of £100,000 ($202,745), there are probably few kitchen wizards able to splurge. The 28 cm (11 inch) cooking container, available from up-market London department store Harrods, is fashioned with solid gold handles and logo and bedecked with more than 200 diamonds of varying sizes. The company is hoping to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the most expensive pan.

• DTC Sightholder Dalumi and Italian fashion designer Gianfranco Ferré teamed up to create an unusual item - a diamond studded top. The creation debuted on the runway along with Ferré's women's collection for fall/winter 2007-2008, and was modeled by British singer Skin. It was one of the last products created by Ferré, who died in June.The top is covered by more than 900 diamonds mounted in white gold, with a total weight exceeding 300 carats and a retail price tag of €1 million ($1.317 million). Each diamond was sewn onto the fabric by hand.

• Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose, who co-starred in 2006's hit film Dreamgirls, wore the Stuart Weitzman Diamond Dream Shoe to the 79th Annual Academy Awards. The exclusively designed evening shoe had a stiletto heel, adorned with 1,420 individual brilliant cut Kwiat diamonds, weighing more than 30 carats. The diamonds are set in platinum circles, inspired by Kwiat's Circles Collection, and are worth half a million dollars.

• Another quirky Kwiat product this year came out of a collaboration with L'Oréal Paris, which commissioned the limited edition L'Oréal Paris Red Carpet Compact. The diamond and gold compact, valued at $6,900, was designed to support the entertainment industry and women's health. Made of 18 karat yellow gold with 90 round, brilliantcut Kwiat diamonds set in 18 karat white gold to create the look of a ribbon, the compact also contains a "red-carpet" ruby embedded in the clasp.A Swarovski crystal version of this luxury compact was presented to each of the 2007 Academy Award nominated actresses, including L'Oréal Paris spokesperson Penelope Cruz.Five of the limited-edition gold and diamond compacts were listed for sale through eBay Giving Works, eBay's dedicated program for charity listings. The funds generated from the auctions were given to the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

Top 10 Tips on Choosing Promotional Watches

2008-01-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

1. Above all choose a quality item. Disappointment is not the lasting memory you want your gift to convey!

2. Ensure that the watch adheres to the Nickel Directive 94/27/EC. Nickel can irritate skin so make sure the watch you choose a watch that is Nickel free.

3. Another Directive to be aware of is the RoHS Directive. This covers 'the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment'. At Oldeani, we only supply products that are fully compliant to the above statutory requirements. Unfortunately, some suppliers are still bringing in products which do not comply to the Nickel or RoSH Directive, so beware.

4. Choose a well-known brand and always make sure that your supplier gives you at least 12 months guarantee.

5. Consider the water resistant construction: as a minimum, I'd recommend at least 3 atm but quality watches we go up as high as 10 atm.

6. Beware of cheap batteries that may leak or have a short life span. Insist on a battery with a minimum of 3 years life ... you want your gift to be a lasting one!

7. Specify a good quality strap, it says a lot about a watch and makes it look good and feel good .... and does not fall apart in 6 weeks! For a special gift, try an Italian leather, which is stitched and stuck.

8. Pins are another very important part of the watch, stainless steel pins are best, they are stronger and do not snap when the strap is fastened.

9. Beware of paper watch faces that fade. Insist on a metal face, which allows for a far superior print finish and no fading and full colour process print.

10. Last of all, packaging is the final element of the gift. It can say a lot about the sender and is a statement in itself.

Make A Difference With Fashion Jewelery - Wear What You Sell And Succeed!

2008-01-10T01:28:00.000-08:00

The U.S. retail jewelry trade is composed of five main areas: bridal jewelry (30%), fashion jewelry (22%), watches (18%), precious stones (15%) and precious metals (15%) according to one of New York’s premier business valuation and litigation support firms.

Annual jewelry sales run about $27 billion a year with wholesalers and manufacturers accounting for an additional $27 billion.

That's $54 billion dollars a year - just for jewelry.

And fashion jewelry captures a an awe inspiring 22% of that $54 billion dollars. That's almost $12 billion dollars spend on fashion jewelry - every year.

Fashion jewelry is both trendy and timeless. Certain pieces are considered classics and can be worn with anything from jeans to formal wear. Other items have a certain shelf life or season and are usually discarded when that fashion cycle is through.

Between the two, there is a tremendous demand for high quality, fashion jewelry. Fashion jewelry is jewelry that is made from semi precious materials like turquoise, jasper and sea shells. It's often electroplated with either gold or rhodium (a member of the platinum family). Electroplated means that the gold or rhodium is chemically attached to a base metal. This electroplating gives the look of the pure metal and a fraction of the price.

While you can find fashion jewelry at department stores, your best bet for finding the classic jewelry you need along with this season's style is at a lia sophia jewelry party. lia sophia offers classic jewelry and the hottest trend jewelry at incredible prices. And, unlike what you'd get a department store, lia sophia jewelry comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. If it breaks - it's replaced. Try finding that guarantee at a department store.

At lia sophia, we truly believe that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. From our generous compensation program to our Customer Save Plan, lia sophia puts you in the driver's seat.

As a lia sophia advisor, you can share your love for jewelry, make a fantastic income and reap the benefits of a home based business.

The jewelry business is one of the few areas where you can actually get paid to wear the merchandise! As you buy jewelry to start your business (inventory) you can wear that jewelry around town to generate interest. Try doing that with plastic wear!

Save Money on Men's Jewelry With the Rising Cost of Gold

2008-01-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

Gold jewelry is popular among men and rightfully so. Gold is a beautiful metal that boasts masculinity and prestige. Gold is timeless and will forever be a classic piece of gentleman's jewelry. However, due to the rising prices of gold these days, men's jewelry is becoming less affordable by the year. Men's jewelry is particularly affected by rising gold prices because men's jewelry is significantly larger and thus heavier than women's jewelry. This means that for a woman's 5 gram chain, a $3 per gram increase in price only means a $15 increase. However, when you're dealing with a 50 gram men's chain, all of a sudden this is a whopping $150 increase in the price of the same item.

A Smarter Choice

A better alternative to solid gold jewelry is gold bonded jewelry for men. Gold bonded jewelry is created with a cheaper base metal, and manufactured with the same specifications as solid gold jewelry. The finish, which is the part that you see and feel, is coated with a thick coat of genuine 24k gold. This produces a very beautiful and durable finish that is similar to that of solid gold jewelry. Fashion jewelry has come a long way since you likely remember. Nowadays, fashion jewelry chains are heavier than ever and coated with a higher content of gold. You can expect to get much enjoyment out of your chain for the money.

Some argue that fashion jewelry is a rip off because the product will eventually wear out and you'll have to purchase another. Let's take a real life example. A decent sized men's Figaro chain in 14k would cost about 00. A gold bonded chain would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $20. When you buy the 14k chain at $800, you'll lose about $100-$150 in value the moment you step out of the store. Used jewelry is always worth less than new jewelry. If your gold bonded chain wears out, you only lost $20. You're losing a lot more when purchasing expensive solid gold jewelry. This is not mentioning what you could have done with the $780 price difference between the two.

Being Smart While Shopping for Vintage Jewelry

2008-01-03T00:19:00.001-08:00

Jewelry of any kind makes a fashion statement, but perhaps the most interesting statement can be made by selection vintage jewelry. The workmanship in high quality vintage jewelry stands out from what you can buy in modern jewelry stores, and you'll stand out as someone with a very decided style.

Vintage jewelry is often quite detailed. That is one of the charms of it. A lot of work has clearly gone in to much of it.

You can buy both fine and fashion jewelry when you look for vintage pieces. In fine jewelry, it can have the advantage that the quality of gemstone is often higher than is easily available today. Edwardian jewelry in particular tends to use gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds to good advantage.

A key factor in choosing good vintage jewelry is the condition it is in. Many pieces are very difficult or even essentially impossible to repair within a reasonable cost. The occasional loose or missing gemstone, especially if it is small, may not be a disaster, but other kinds of damage may be more serious.

There are a few areas you need to be careful in when shopping for vintage pieces. Perhaps the most obvious to say is that you need to know the difference between vintage and reproduction. It's not that uncommon to see pieces that are labeled as vintage style. You don't want to pay an excessive price for reproductions when you're looking for the real thing.

One of the delights of online shopping is that it is easier to find the pieces you want. Auction sites make this much easier, but you do have to be careful. It's all too easy to be fooled as to what it is you are buying.

One of the most important things to know is the reputation of the seller. Auction sites tend to make this easy with feedback given on transactions and available publicly. This lets you know if the seller has been providing quality products, at least if they've been around a while.

You'll also want to inspect pictures carefully. A good auction will include some closeup shots, so that you can really see the details of the piece and any flaws. Corrosion, discoloration and holes are all flaws that cannot be repaired, and you will want to consider if they ruin the piece for you.

Read the descriptions carefully. With vintage jewelry it is too common to read descriptions that are somewhat misleading, such as when something is of a vintage style. If you miss the word that makes it clear that something is not actually a vintage piece you can end up overpaying by quite a bit.

Cautious shopping, however, can result in great finds at reasonable or even amazing prices. If something doesn't feel right, trust that instinct, but if everything is checking out you might just find a beautiful new piece of jewelry for your collection.

Why Get a Jewelry Armoire?

2008-01-03T00:18:00.000-08:00

From a functional perspective, the purpose of a jewelry armoire is simple, to have a safe place for your jewelry collection. But in reality, the jewelry armoire fulfills many roles and four of them will be described here. First, it is furniture that is used to organize expensive pieces of jewelry. Second, it is the sanctuary of a person's favorite possessions. Third, it is a tasteful addition to the interior of the house. And fourth, it is an investment.

To fulfill the role of organizing jewelry, the jewelry armoire must have features that allow for the effective and systematized arrangement of jewelry pieces. Some of these features include dividers, hooks, and drawers of different sizes. The dividers allow a person to place bracelets together in one big drawer but keep the individual bracelets apart. This is to prevent the bracelets from scratching each other. The gemstones of jewelries have different hardness and one gemstone can scrape another. Thus, the divider is an important protection parameter for all those treasure. The hooks are places for necklaces. Some necklaces have sturdy chains and they can be laid out on a cushioned drawer. But the majority of today's precious necklaces have delicate chains that become damaged when tangled with others. Thus, the hooks are needed to allow proper spacing of the items. And finally, drawers of different sizes are important simply because pieces of jewelry are of different sizes. Here you can group earrings and brooches of different sizes and even composition.

To become a safe sanctuary of a person's personal treasures, each jewelry armoire must have the most excellent fabrics that will protect the jewels. Jewelries are valuable treasures that a person can acquire, naturally they need protection and care. Many pieces of jewelry, even those made of high-quality gold and diamonds needs regular cleaning. Diamonds, the most brilliant of precious stones, have been known to collect dust. Thus, there should be a safe place for this items that will reduce exposure to dust and other elements that can reduce the value of these treasures.

To ensure that the jewelry armoires add to the personality of the bedroom's owner, you have to look for a complimentary and beautiful design that will blend well with your interior. Each jewelry armoire should be unique because this can reflect the owner's personality. This uniqueness is best placed in the most private of all rooms in the house, the bedroom. Thus, it is best to choose a design that will complement the various personalities of the jewelry collector whether austere or quirky.

At the same time, the jewelry armoires can be designed to be the centerpiece of a walk-in closet. Truly this will enhance the beauty of the bedroom's interior design. Make sure that it becomes an investment in itself, it should undergo strict quality inspection. Genuinely qualify that the structure is stable and durable. They are supposed to be built to last a lifetime or two. With care and proper maintenance, each jewelry armoire will sustain its beauty and can be handed down from one generation to another, making it as precious as the jewelry stored inside.

Tips in Buying Jewelry Armoire

2008-01-02T22:58:00.001-08:00

When planning to buy a jewelry armoire, the first thing that must be quickly and permanently removed from the mind is the idea of a cabinet. This is not just an ordinary cabinet; it is more similar to a jewelry box. Buying a jewelry armoire should take a similar approach in choosing a jewelry box. You should then consider these three categories in buying a jewelry armoire: personal needs, product quality, and customer service.

Personal Needs

While it is possible to find two jewelry armoires that look the same on the outside, there is a high possibility that the interiors are very different. There are stacks, drawers, hooks, folding tops, and mirrors which are constructed and combined in various ways. But which combination is needed? How do you know that it is the best for you?

To choose the best is to take stock of the personal collection of jewelries you have as of now. For example, do you have more necklaces than bracelets? What kinds of earrings are most numerous? With the whole jewelry collection in mind, it becomes easier to decide the features that you need for in a jewelry armoire. If there are more necklaces than bracelets, there must be enough hooks to hold all the necklaces. If there are more brooches than earrings, then you need a design with more pull-out drawers. Do you often use the mirror? Perhaps you should go for the one with bigger interior mirror.

Product Quality

The next thing to consider is the product quality. The customer must keep in mind that jewelry armoires are supposed to last for at least a couple of generations. This means that the construction must be durable. Imagine how it is used daily, this includes pulling out the drawers and opening the doors, this actions must give the least possible stress on the whole construction. This does not imply that a customer must grab a textbook on wood construction. You will notice a sturdy construction if the body seems to be solid and does not budge. A free sliding drawer and a hitch free locking mechanism can give it a nod of approval. These are just a few things that must be checked before buying the jewelry armoire.

On the Interior aspect, the first thing to consider is the velour, which should line all the compartments of the jewelry armoire. The color of the velour is less important than its ability to protect the jewelry from nicks, grazes, and scratches. The second thing to consider is the design of the drawers, especially the top drawers. The recommended design for top drawers is the presence of multiple dividers. These dividers keep the jewelry from tangling with each other. And the third thing to consider is the attachments. Some of the questions to ask are these: Does the mirror juggle off if the door is suddenly opened or closed? Will the hooks give way to the weight of bigger design necklace? If the answer to both questions is "yes," then the product quality is suffering.

Customer Service

And finally the store or the suppliers' customer service should be impeccable. A customer is entitled to walk out of a store if the people at the store are rude or inattentive. You must know that customer service does not stop as soon as the customer leaves the premises of the store. The store should have guarantees about the durability of the jewelry armoire. A no-hassle return policy is best to give you peace of mind when you finally decide to buy one.

Look Gorgeous with Crystal

2008-01-02T22:57:00.003-08:00

Some say crystal has healing powers, while some try to find their future in crystals - but to a jewelery enthusiast, the best thing is that they make jewelery extremely beautiful. Yes, that's exactly what we are going to discuss here -- crystal jewelery and how you can utilise their beautifying powers to your benefit in every part of life.

As more and more women choose to work in a professional set up and in the corporate sector, office becomes one of the integral parts of our lives. Most of the offices today lay emphasis on professional dress codes and that very much include the jewelery. On a daily basis, we may choose to wear light trinkets; but for those who deal with clients and customers face to face, it is important to wear good jewelery that also look professional. Crystal jewelery fit the bill here. They make one look quite impressive that might also just help you clinch good deals.

We love going to parties where we come across a plethora of styles and fashions. In such a set up, we cannot afford to be left behind. We cannot choose to not look gorgeous. Therefore, we need an outfit and jewelery to match with it that would help us attain the right look. Crystal jewelery goes well with nearly all kinds of evening wear and outfits. They are never out of fashion and there are new and contemporary designs available in crystal jewelery.

Crystal jewelery has also made their mark in wedding ceremonies. Not just the guests, friends and family members, but the brides of modern times are also opting for crystal jewelery. There is a wide variety of crystal bridal jewelery available today. From chunky and bold designs to light and delicate ones - they are all waiting to be picked up so that they can beautify you and make you the talk of the town.

Swarovski Nose Studs - Let Your Face Shine With Brilliance

2008-01-02T22:57:00.001-08:00

Women love wearing nose jewelery. A pretty little ring or a stud on the nose looks quite chic and stylish. It enhances the beauty of the face and adds depth to the personality of the person wearing the jewelery. Both nose studs and nose rings enjoy equal popularity. Everyday, thousands of Internet jewelery sites are visited by millions and millions of jewelery enthusiasts, who seek nose jewelery that have different styles and designs.

Crystals can make great nose studs. They also look quite good on nose rings. They sparkle right in the middle of the face, brightening up the entire area. The dazzle and sparkle of Swarovski crystals on the nose twinkles and reflects light. It catches the attention immediately and leaves everyone around gaping helplessly. There are diverse colors and designs available in Swarovski crystal nose studs.

If you are getting your nose pierced for the first time, you might wonder where to do the piercing and what jewelery to wear. Ideally, the nose is pierced around the top of the curve that defines the nostrils. It is one of the favorite places where women get their nose punctured. A petite little crystal over there would look absolutely stunning. If you want to try something different, you can pierce any place on the nose that looks good aesthetically.

The Swarovski crystal comes encrusted in carriers made of different materials. However, the best element that you can wear is gold. You can also try out platinum, which is the latest sensation or sterling silver. However, try to avoid silver as there are high chances that it would not suit your skin. Also, try to avoid copper and nickel as they can trigger allergic reactions.

Crystal Jewellery - When You Are the Occasion

2008-01-02T05:03:00.001-08:00

Dressing up for an occasion sometimes needs a little extra than just a nice outfit. To look beautiful, ravishing and ready for the moment, you need the right jewelery. When the occasion is big, you need to add some drama to your looks and with the help of crystal jewelery, you can do just that. Let us look at crystal and how they can help you look winsome.

Crystal comes in different colours and shapes. When worn in jewelery, crystals can accentuate the beauty of your outfit and your overall appearance. You can match the colour of the crystal with the outfit you are wearing, or you can also go for something contrasting. If you can contrast your jewelery with your outfit in the right way, you can convert simple and plain dresses into something quite fashionable and elegant.

A lot of women who love to wear crystal jewellery often wish to wear them to work sometimes. But some organizations have a formal dress code, so these women are not sure about wearing them. However, you can wear some design of jewelery to office without flouting the codes. When worn over formal wear, light and delicate designer crystal jewelery that are not too gaudy makes the outfit look exceptional. They add a certain charisma to your personality.

Crystal is the choice of both the traditionalists and the trend setters. There are conventional designs available in these kind of jewelery. Then there are new and iconoclastic designs that enjoy high popularity among those who are young at heart and want to remain in tune with the times. As long as we love jewelery and continue wearing and making them, crystal jewelery would have a substantial role to play in our lives.

Jewelry Gifts for Your Wedding Day

2008-01-02T05:02:00.000-08:00

Your plans are set, the tuxedos have been chosen, and the invitations are on their way. Of course, being the typical groom you were there for every decision, painstakingly fretting over every detail with your bride. Yeah right! If you're like most grooms your input ended with "Will you marry me?" but that's OK because you have a chance to redeem yourself. Most men have no idea how much work goes in to planning a wedding and it's very likely that your bride has placed her heart and soul in to creating a perfect day for you both and your friends & family. Don't miss your chance at thanking her for everything that she has done by giving her a wedding gift. In this article I will share with you ideas on how to choose a meaningful gift that'll warm her heart and make this very special day - just a little more special!

Give the gift of jewelry

I can't think of a better wedding gift to give than jewelry, it's always a romantic gift but in this case it's a great choice for so many reasons. First - it makes a stronger statement than just about any other gift you can give. Second - if you choose the right gift, she can wear it on her wedding day. Third - in some cases the jewelry that you give her can be worn for many years to come. So you can see that jewelry is a wonderful wedding day gift on so many levels. There are several jewelry items that is appropriate for wedding gifts and I'll cover the most important or popular with you.

Choosing a gift that she can wear on her wedding day and beyond

Diamond stud earrings are a classic jewelry gift and one of the best for a wedding day gift. Diamond studs are a staple in every woman's jewelry wardrobe and this is because they can be dressed up or dressed down. Many brides will wear the diamond studs that you give them on their wedding day, and of course she'll have them forever. Choosing the perfect diamond studs requires a little thought on your part, you should know what shape diamond engagement ring you've given her and what color precious metal her wedding set is made of. When choosing diamond studs, be sure to match the shape of the diamond to the diamond shape in her engagement ring. The most popular shapes for diamond studs are round or princess cut and chances are that her engagement ring is one of these shapes as well. Look for a jeweler that offers a lifetime upgrade policy on diamond studs, this way you'll be able to go up in size for other occasions. A good upgrade policy will give you full trade-in value on your studs toward a pair of a larger size.

Other ideas for jewelry gifts

If you think diamond studs are too safe or if you've already given them to her then you're going to need some other ideas. Weddings are of course a formal event and formal jewelry can be a very fun or daring gift. Some ideas for formal jewelry are dangle earrings, drop earrings, or necklaces. Dangle or drop earrings are longer and more dramatic looking earrings usually set with diamond or colored gemstones. They catch much attention and look amazing with a wedding dress, but keep in mind that she won't get as much use out of them as a simpler or more basic jewelry gift. Although, she'll be able to wear them for other formal events like your friend's weddings. One great idea for dangle earrings is chandelier earrings.

Pearl necklaces are one of the most popular wedding day gifts because many wedding dresses are made with sequins or beads that look like pearls. So a pearl necklace is a very appropriate choice, it's also a sophisticated and charming gift that she can cherish for many years to come. Many mothers give their daughters pearls that they have worn on their wedding day and this of course was made popular because of the tradition of wearing "something old", "something new", "something borrowed", "something blue".

A great time to give her your carefully selected wedding gift is the night of your rehearsal dinner, when you'll be surround by friends and family. Giving your beautiful bride a wedding day jewelry gift gives you a chance to slow down from the manic wedding planning and thank her for all the hard work that she has done and also tell her how much she means to you.

The Growing Trend of Mammoth Ivory

2008-01-01T06:06:00.004-08:00

What's the latest and greatest in jewelry making and home decoration? Believe it or not, it's mammoth ivory.

For centuries, elephant ivory was prized as a status symbol of the rich and famous. Unfortunately, demand for this increasingly trendy material led to a drastic decline in the modern elephant population by the late 20th century, and elephant ivory trade was banned as of 1989 in order to preserve the species.

Due to its silky feel, creamy color and luxurious connotations, ivory continues to be a much sought-after material, with police seizures of illegally poached elephant ivory an all too common occurrence. In an interesting attempt at compromise, mammoth ivory is becoming the substitute material of choice, for the obvious reason that no illegal action--and no killing of an animal--is required.

The woolly mammoth, an ancestral cousin of today's modern elephant, sharply dropped off in population about 12,000 BCE (before the current era), with small pockets still in existence until approximately 1,700 years ago. Mammoth have been excavated by archaeologists specifically for study for about 200 years, though remains of this once prolific mammal have been accidentally uncovered for far longer.

Mammoth were so prevalent across the globe during their reign in the Pleistocene era, fossilized remains--including the ivory--have long been unearthed by villagers and commissioned builders. Across Siberia, where the remains of this ancient mammal are frequently found, mammoth ivory has been an article for trade for centuries. In today's more interactive and communicative world, mammoth ivory trade is accomplished with a simple phone call, thumbing through a catalog or clicking a computer mouse.

Mammoth ivory tusks easily reach 4.5-5 feet in length, leaving a substantial amount of material to work with, or, if left whole, an impressive wall hanging and conversation piece. Aficionados are familiar with different types and qualities of mammoth ivory. For example, mammoth ivory can be found in a variety of color tones, from nearly white to somewhat dark. There is also "inner ivory," which lacks the outside covering (or "bark"), considered a more rare and exquisite ivory to own and popular in knife-making.

Bits of mammoth ivory can also be purchased in pieces and carved at home. According to professionals, care should be taken in working the ivory, especially if heat is applied (for bending of the material). Mammoth ivory dealers are often willing to seek out or trade specialty pieces upon request. Professional carvers can also be commissioned to carve or work a piece into jewelry or other items. Try the internet as your starting-off point in your investigation of mammoth ivory, and look for a dealer or artist who has a good following and adequate, verifiable testimonials. The result, whether a finished piece or a full mammoth ivory tusk, will be a family keepsake for generations to come.

Protecting Jewelry With A Jewelry Armoire

2008-01-01T06:06:00.003-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding the Right Necklace Style and Length is Easy With These Steps

2008-01-01T06:06:00.001-08:00

Personally, I love to go shopping for jewelry, especially necklaces. There are so many different styles to choose from that it can make your head spin. It is important to remember that the perfect necklace for you doesn't need to be the latest trend or the one with the lowest price. You need to find one that best fits your body while keeping style and price in the back of your mind.

Most of the necklaces you find in jewelry boutiques are made to measure one of several standard lengths. You can use these standard lengths to help you see how the necklace will look on you even if the styles may be different. If you have a build or body type that is larger or smaller than the average, most necklaces will fit you differently than others. The lengths of necklaces you already own should be your guide to finding new necklaces of different lengths. Here are a few descriptions of the different lengths to help you out:

* If you have a thin neck or are wearing a top which would show your necklace off, go with a collar style. This style usually is 12 to 13 inches in length and can be worn with any off the shoulder to or V-neck blouse. This type of necklace style looks its best at formal occasions such as dinners and parties but can also look good with jeans.

* Some women don't like wearing collar style necklaces because they feel as though it chokes the, If that's the case for you, a choker makes a nice accessory. Necklaces made in this style are made to be 14 to 16 inches as single or multi-stranded. It will hang slightly below your neck so I wouldn't recommend wearing one if you are comfortable with drawing attention to that area of your body.

* A princess length is a great choice to go with if a store has a necklace which is absolutely perfect for you but can't have the size customized. The princess is also the most popular selling style as well, coming in sizes between 17 to 19 inches. Your tops' collar needs to either be higher than the necklace so that it can hang below it or lower than the necklace itself.

* A matinee style necklace is made specifically for high or very low necklines since it runs about 20 to 24 inches long. It adds a touch of style and elegance to those drab work clothes you wear everyday. It can also be worn with casual wear but be sure your top has nothing on it to clash with the necklace.

* Have you ever thought about wearing an opera-length necklace for some added elegance to a formal gown or blouse. This length of necklace draws the eyes down away from your neck and towards your chest since they are cut about 28 to 34 inches in length. Most people would rather looking at a sexy chest rather than a plain chin or neck.

* If you're wearing a rope necklace, than you know the occasion is something else since this 45 inches long necklace accentuates all of your curves. It will draw the eyes down to your torso area but being that they are so long you can double or triple strand them to make them shorter in length.

The Black Hills Yields Pink and Green Gold

2008-01-01T06:05:00.003-08:00

In more ways than one, Black Hills gold jewelry has the ability to turn gold into green. Black Hills gold has been a very popular choice when buying gold jewelry pieces. Black Hills gold jewelry can be seen as rings, pendants, bracelets, and even belt buckles, almost any type of jewelry design you can imagine. The characteristic pink and green gold is what gives Black Hills gold its distinctive look.

There has long been misimpression that Black Hills gold jewelry is manufactured from gold mined from the Black Hills in South Dakota. While it is true that some of this popular jewelry originates from gold mined in South Dakota, the fact is that the base gold bullion comes from many different areas around the world.

The Homestake Goldmine

Much of the gold mined in the Black Hills of South Dakota did indeed come from the famous Homestake mine. At the height of its history, Homestake was one of the largest working gold mines in the world. After more than one hundred and twenty five years, the mine was closed for good 2002. The mine consisted of a huge underground hard rock mining operation and a large open pit strip mine that sat right in the middle in the town of Lead, South Dakota.

The main shaft of the underground mine reached a depth of close to eight thousand feet and branched out in all directions for thousands of feet. The open pit was said to be thirteen hundred feet wide and over five hundred feet deep. In its heyday, the mine had over thirteen hundred workers and was the lifeblood of the northern Black Hills economy.

The mine and town was of Lead was very near the famous boom and bust town of Deadwood which today has been restored as a gambling mecca with much of the towns historic architecture still intact. Visitors to Lead can take a tour of what remains of the surface operation of the mine and get an idea of just how big an operation the mine used to be.

The Pink and Green Gold

The colors seen in Black Hills gold jewelry is primarily gold combined with shades of pink and green. The color variations are achieved by combining gold with certain metal metals in an alloying process. Though the jewelry starts out as 24 carat gold bullion the alloying process does reduce the carat weight and purity of the gold but the artistry and unique designs more than makes up the lower carat weight. The carat weight of Black Hills gold jewelry can range between 10 and 14 carats depending on the other metals that are added during the alloying process.

The processes after alloying can include molding and solder assembly and the pieces are usually finished by artisans who add the fine etching done to achieve the unique look that this type of jewelry is known for.

A trip to Rapid City, South Dakota allows visitors to tour the many producers of Black Hill gold jewelry. Most all of the manufacturers give factory tours where visitors can see first hand just how these beautiful pieces are made. The combination of pink gold and green gold can be striking.

Manufacturers generally have factory stores where visitors can purchase finished pieces, often at prices that are less than what might be paid at a retail store in another part of the country. Many producers offer genuine Black Hills gold at very competitive prices.

So when someone brings up the question about whether pink or green gold really exists just tell them the story of Black Hills gold jewelry and the history of the Homestake mine.

Ten Carat Gold - The Good and the Bad

2008-01-01T06:05:00.001-08:00

Gold has captivated us for thousand of years especially when it comes to jewelry. The gift of gold has never fallen out of favor, considered an act of respect and love. Gold has started wars, helped build far flung empires and fueled great economies.

The sparkle of pure gold helped to drive some of greatest human migrations in history, most notably in the Western United States. From the Black Hills of South Dakota to Sutters Mill in Northern California, thousands of people abandoned careers, homes and families is search of the precious yellow metal. Some became rich while many more did not.

Today, gold jewelry is still as popular ever. There is so much gold jewelry available for sale that one might think that the supply of gold is inexhaustible. Gold ore is a finite resource and the world supply of pure gold is limited. Contrary to what many of us might think, pure gold is never used in a finished item of jewelry. There are several important reasons why you will not find pure gold jewelry that has little to with supply.

The purity of gold and other precious metals, like platinum and silver, is measured in carats. The term carat refers to the purity of the metal. This is not to be confused with how the term carat is applied to gemstones. Gemstones carats refer to the weight of the stone and are not a reflection of purity. Precious metals are graded by purity. The purest form of gold is twenty four carats.

Pure gold is very malleable and is much too soft to be used for jewelry. When gold is combined with other base metals, the carat purity is reduced. However, adding base metals like silver, palladium and copper, makes the gold more workable and the result is a harder, more durable piece of jewelry. Eighteen carat gold jewelry is considered very valuable since it is seventy five percent gold and twenty five percent base metals.

For those of us who can not afford the high cost of eighteen carat gold jewelry, there are some less expensive alternatives. For example, fourteen carat gold contains fifty eight percent gold and twelve carat contains fifty percent gold. Even though the amount of gold is less, fourteen and twelve carat gold jewelry can be a good buy.

Where the balance of gold to base metals really changes is in ten carat gold. Ten carat gold contains roughly fifty eight percent base metals. Despite the lower amount of gold, ten carat gold jewelry can still be a good buy. The value comes in knowing the type base metals that have been alloyed with the gold.

Ten carat gold that has been made with more silver or palladium, and less copper, is a much better value. Low carat gold that has a high copper content will tarnish and blacken. Copper tarnishes and discolors very easily as anyone who worn a copper bracelet or other type of copper jewelry will attest to.

Gold alloyed with palladium is far less likely to discolor. Palladium a white colored metal that is similar in content to platinum.

The only retail standard in place for selling low carat gold is that it must be labeled as such. The average consumer does not have a way to assay the gold and must therefore rely on the honesty of the seller.

So buying ten carat gold jewelry needs to be an exercise in information. When buying low carat gold it is important to know which base metals are present. Do not hesitate to ask the seller for this information. If the seller can not, or will provide this information, keep shopping.

The Black Hills Yields Pink and Green Gold

2007-12-27T04:06:00.001-08:00

Ten Carat Gold - The Good and the Bad

2007-12-27T04:05:00.000-08:00

5 Points Before Buying A Jewelry Box

2007-12-08T03:09:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a box to store or showcase a whole collection, a jewelry box for specialty items like watches, earrings and bracelets but holds other jewelry also, a nice box to hold jewelry in general or one that has to have music. These are just examples of what to think about when shopping. Other aspects come into play such as space, décor, budget and personal taste in terms of color and style. The dimensions of jewelry boxes on the outside vary a great deal and the pictures on any website can make a box look larger or smaller than it actually is. We clearly list the dimensions for each item so please check the measurements to help you make the right choice.

2. Jewelry Boxes Linings

The best bet is to look for a suede-like lining that is has texture and is firmly attached throughout the interior of the case. Try to avoid slick or loose linings like silk as it’s not good for jewelry to slide around and is not tarnish protected material. Velvet is wears fast, leaves pressure marks and is hard to clean so keep that in mind. Most jewelry boxes now offer a faux suede or felt lining that keeps jewelry from tarnishing and also gives texture to help keep jewelry snug and protected.

3. Which Box and for Whom

The first thing needed is knowledge of the person who will be using the item. Girls tend to love traditional musical ballerina boxes, one that is colorful and decorated or has hand-painted designs. As there is limit selection for children, look for one with basic storage compartments lined and with an appearance that is pleasing. Look & music tend to be the deciding factors. If they love how it looks, then it’s the right one.

For women and men, the look and feel are both important factors, but finding to right box is a bit more difficult as how the interior is arranged and features made for the shape and style of jewelry now is a deciding factor.

4. Look, Feel & Space Layout

Look at the interior layout and features offered in each box. What to look for depends on the variety and type of jewelry you have means the box could include hooks or special drawers for necklaces, bracelets and watches, pockets, ring rolls, bracelet rolls, watch cushions, and even special pockets or pouches for storing certificates, paperwork or jewelry. All of these are features can make owning a jewelry box enjoyable and allow you to organized and all your jewelry protected and easy to access all at the same time.

5. Making Choices

Topping the list of important factors in selecting a jewelry box is the layout and type of compartments inside the box. Important for you because certain jewelry need special attention or organization to protect them from tangling, scratches and other damage and for easy access for you. This will help you determine which boxes to consider.

Some jewelry needs special storage, here is some helpful info:

Pendants: Look for a box that has hooks inside the lid or in a side door and preferably a pouch to hold the pendants secure.

Pearls: Pearls need extra consideration concerning storage. Individual pearls should not touch each other during storage as rubbing or bumping of the surface can cause pitting and possible chips. Never hang pearls as the silk string may become weak. Store flat and either alone or covered to separate from other jewelry.

Watches: Watches are best kept as if it’s being worn. This protects the shape and closures from damage.

Earrings: Earrings can easily be damages due to the sharp and rough posts and backings. They are best stored in pairs or a couple together to protect and make it easier to find matching pair.

Make Katie Holmes' Accessory Style Yours Today

2007-12-08T03:07:00.000-08:00

Every celebrity has a signature accessory style - be it demure, pink gemstones; bold, big designs; over the top with diamonds; or elegantly simple pearls. Here, discusses Katie Holmes' distinctly classic style and challenges you to make her look work for you. Read on to find out how you can copy her style - without breaking the bank.
Classic and Regal

America's favorite new mom may be superfit - she just ran the New York City marathon! - and super traditional - mommy daughter haircuts, anyone? - but she still makes time to shop for super classy jewelry. Katie's choices of blue sapphire pendants, single stone earrings and sterling silver chains are reminiscent of Eleanor Roosevelt and other timeless women. Look for necklace designs that focus in on one gorgeous gemstone pendant, and incorporate the same stone into subtle stud or single drop earrings.

Recently Spotted Jewels:

Blue sapphire pendant necklace on a silver chain; layered star shaped pendant necklace; teardrop pendant necklace on a knotted chain.

Jewelry is the secret weapon of every female celebrity, whether she's strolling the red carpet or stepping out to the corner store for another box of ginger tea. A sparkling pair of chandelier earrings, a bracelet dangling sentimental charms, or a striking gemstone pendant necklace all add a precisely personal touch to their outfits and over time, each individual celebrity's accessory style becomes part of her signature look. Unlike clothing, the most beautiful jewelry is timeless, so it can be worn again and again, with almost any outfit. However, just like clothing, jewelry colors and designs must be tailored to the individual wearer to complement her natural features best. So while you love Katie's jewelry, keep in mind that accessories are your opportunity to make your ensemble specifically yours and to develop your very own personal style.

Caring for your Gold Jewellery

2007-12-05T03:34:00.001-08:00

Gold Jewellery- Care Advice

So you've been given a beautiful piece of solid gold jewellery? Here's how to look after it properly.

Gold is the softest of the precious metals. In fact the greater the purity of the gold, the softer it is. Hence the 'old' prospector's biting test for gold - pure gold is marked by a hard nibble! (Not to be advised without a dentist on standby!!)

This 'softness' property is one of the reasons why gold became so precious and desirable, to every civilisation. Gold, although rare and difficult to obtain could be easily 'worked' - Just one ounce of gold can be beaten out to cover a surface area of over 27 square metres!

Pure gold is too soft to be of any use in the making of Jewellery. The pure gold is alloyed with silver, copper and various other metals in order to render a material hard enough for jewellery. The percentage of pure gold, in a Jewellery alloy is denoted by its carat (k) weight. Pure gold is 24k (ie.100% gold), the other common alloy carat weights are 22k, 18k, 14k, 10k and 9k. 9k gold is the hardest alloy. Obviously, this means that 9k gold will scratch all the softer k weights. This is the reason it's advisable to always wear items of the same gold carat weight, if your jewellery is likely to come into contact (rings etc). Gold is resistant to oxidative corrosion - it won't tarnish, rust or corrode.

A few 'golden rules':

* Remove your gold jewellery when using chemicals and engaging in manual work. Gold will scratch abrade reducing its lustrous appearance.

* Remove your gold jewellery when swimming - Chlorine will affect its lustre.

* To clean gold jewellery use warm water and cotton wool. For heavy soiling use a weak solution of warm water and detergent-free soap.

* Gold is softer than sand. Sand will scratch your jewellery. Don't wear it on the beach!

* Always store your gold jewellery separately in a soft stable-temperature environment. Ideally, keep your jewellery in the box with which it was supplied.

* To give your gold jewellery a deep clean it can be immersed in a very weak (just a pinch), sodium bicarbonate/boiling water solution for a few seconds. Carefully dry the jewellery immediately with a soft cotton cloth. (*Do not do this if your jewellery contains gemstones).

White Gold:

White Gold was originally developed in the 1920's as an alternative to Platinum. It's not actually another type of gold; there's no such thing as 'pure' white gold, or 24k white gold. It's simply an alloy in which the choice of alloyed metals has been made to achieve a 'white' or platinum like colour.

Rhodium Coating: Most white gold jewellery has a thin coating of Rhodium to enhance its 'whiteness' and reflective properties. Rhodium is a member of the platinum family of metals and serves as a good protective coating to the jewellery, as well as enhancing the colour. Rhodium is harder than gold and will wear much better as a consequence. However, this rhodium coating will wear through with time, which will expose the gold alloy underneath. As the white gold alloy will be a darker, less white colour, this wear will be noticeable. It is a simple matter to reapply the rhodium coating; most jewellers make a small charge for this.

How to Find the Perfect Jewelry for the Holidays

2007-12-05T03:33:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and as the days get shorter we are quickly being presented with the thought that the season for giving will soon be upon us. But what to get the special people in our lives? Jewelry is always in fashion. The size is always right and every woman will tell you you can never have too much jewelry or too many pairs of shoes! There are so many choices that it can be hard to know what's right for the person we're shopping for. With that in mind, here is some advice on what to shop for this holiday season, starting at the top and working our way down.

Earrings

No matter the taste in earrings of the person you're buying for, you can find them a nice pair by spending a little time doing some digging. The choices in earrings range from hoops to studs with a short stop in the dangle range. With earrings being made in every metal imaginable, you can find them in white gold, yellow gold, silver and palladium. You can add gemstones or diamonds to really make an impression, but whatever the case, there is something out there for absolutely every taste.

Keep in mind your recipients' taste when purchasing as well as their lifestyle. If buying for somebody with small children, avoid hoop or dangle earrings in favor of studs. Good advice is to look for studs with a security clasp as this will give the wearer peace of mind that the earrings will not easily fall off and be lost. Many jewelers can swap out current clasps for the security type. It may cost a little more, but it's definitely worth it. Every woman will tell you that earrings can easily get lost! If all of their jewelry is either silver or white gold, keep it along those lines, or buy some palladium jewelry. Also keep in mind that some people do have allergies to certain metals, and buying them a pair of earrings that they'll be allergic to will certainly take some of the specialness out of the moment.

Necklaces

A lot of the rules that applied to earrings also apply to necklaces. Avoid necklaces that hang too low for those with small children or who work in the nursing field. Small children and patients may try and grab for the necklace chain, resulting in a broken necklace . You can choose a variety of chain lengths and most jewelers can easily shorten the chain length on a necklace. Don't be afraid to ask for this. Most women love wearing a necklace and finding one that can be worn everyday is a true treasure! A simple charm hanging on a chain is beautiful and timeless. Choosing a necklace with a yellow gold chain and a white gold charm or diamond is especially versatile because it can always be worn with white or yellow toned jewelry.

The Journey Diamond Necklace has grown in popularity, with companies like Danforth Diamond and Kay Jewelers promoting this necklace with its string of diamonds that can be set in both white gold and yellow gold. This necklace is perfect for couples that are just dating, have just married, or have been married for years.

If the Journey Diamond Necklace isn't quite to the recipient's taste, there are always a host of necklaces with both pendants and jewels that can fit with any person's style, be it high fashion or jeans and a t-shirt, in a variety of metals and with numerous precious stones.

Bracelets

White gold, yellow gold, diamonds - it can be tricky to decide on which bracelet to give as a holiday gift. While the decision between white gold and yellow gold is more of a personal taste issue, the styles in each range from simple bangles to charm bracelets that can be personalized both by the gift giver and the person receiving the gift. If the person you're giving the gift to doesn't want too many things dangling from a bracelet, keeping it to something simpler like a gold bangle bracelet is probably the better way to go.

Of course, diamonds never go out of fashion, and when most people think of bracelets around the holidays they think of the Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Available in just about any metal, the diamond tennis bracelet, and really any diamond bracelet, is a great compliment to any style and is always a sure hit at the holiday season.

Rings

Of course, no discussion about jewelry shopping would be complete without mentioning rings. Of course "rings" doesn't have to mean diamond engagement rings, though there is certainly much to be said about a holiday proposal. Diamond rings that don't have a commitment attached to them come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and fashions, from the simple to the gaudy. Picking the right one as a holiday gift is simply a matter of knowing what best fits the style, taste, and lifestyle of the person you giving it to. Having a budget limit doesn't hurt either.

Rings at the holidays aren't limited to those with diamonds attached to them. There are plenty of rings with colored gemstones that make excellent presents. Also, with colored gems you can pick a ring that matches the recipient's favorite color or signifies their birthdate, making the present even more personal.

Plan Ahead

In the end, shopping for jewelry at the holidays involves patience, so plan ahead. Whether you're shopping online or going to an actual store, the holiday shopping experience can be a stressful one, so give yourself plenty of time to do all of your shopping and you'll not only avoid raising your blood pressure, but you'll find a better selection of jewelry to give this holiday season.

Cheap Engagement Rings - Do They Exist?

2007-11-27T04:34:00.002-08:00

So you are ready to propose - you have a great proposal idea in your head, you know exactly what you are going to say and you can't wait to put a ring on her finger. There's just one problem - you don't have the ring! Money's tight though, so you want to find a cheap engagement ring - is it possible?

First off, I never like to use the word "cheap" when describing a diamond ring. So instead of saying "cheap engagement ring", I'm going to say "affordable engagement ring". Just sounds nicer doesn't it?:)

Ok, step one is to set a budget. Decide how much you want to spend on your engagement ring. And please be realistic - don't say $56. Not gonna happen.

An engagement ring is going to set you back a few bucks. You will probably have to save up for a bit or tap into existing savings. It's a big purchase - and an extremely important one.

So set a budget that you can afford. Many people try to spend about two months salary, but that isn't always possible. You might have a lot of other bills that you are responsible for - it simply isn't possible for everyone to fork out that much.

That's fine - don't worry about it. You can find gorgeous rings at affordable prices. It's all about getting the most for your money.

My suggestion is to have at least $1000 to spend though. Remember that this is a ring she will wear forever. It is a sign of your committment and love for her - buying it should involve some form of sacrifice. Obviously $1000 is well below the average amount spent, but it can actually take a long ways if you know what to look for.

Go to my site and grab the Diamond Buying Guide - it will show you a ton of tricks on saving money on engagement rings. It's amazing how many people waste money on this purchase. I'll make sure get every last bit of your money's worth.

First off, go for a very simple setting. And stick with 14K white or yellow gold. There is no need to spend the extra on 18K or platinum. You want the majority of your budget to go towards the diamond.

For the diamond, the key is getting the biggest size rock for your pricerange. Diamonds are graded in a number of different categories - the diamond guide I put together shows you exactly what combination to go for when you're on a budget. Without this information you will either waste a bunch of cash or get a low quality diamond.

Looking For a Unique Engagement Ring? Some Pointers To Help Your Search

2007-11-27T04:34:00.001-08:00

I often am asked to help find someone a unique engagement ring. This puts in a very awkward spot! The term "unique" is so broad that it helps to define it a little bit.

If you are looking for a unique engagement ring, first ask yourself what you want to be unique about it. Is there a particular style you know you are looking for. Do you simply want it to be a design that nobody else has? It is important to narrow down what it is you want in your engagement ring.

If you are a guy who is searching for an engagement ring and your special lady has specificall told you she want a unique ring, ask her what exactly she means by that. You have already talked about the ring if this is the case, so get a little clarification from her. She can let you know what style she wants - this will make your shopping a whole lot less stressful!

On the other hand, if you are shopping for an engagement ring and have decided yourself that you want to buy her a unique engagement ring, I suggest not looking for anything too over the top. Engagement rings are a symbol of your love and commitment to her. She will wear it forever. For this reason, you don't want to pick anything that risks going out of style. There is a reason why classic looks - such as the solitaire ring - are still the most popular today. A simple and classy setting makes you never have to worry about her growing tired of it.

There's nothing wrong with want something a little different than the ordinary though. I suggest looking at tension settings. These rings show off the diamond in a unique way. The diamond isn't in prongs like it usually is, but rather is kept in place simply by the tension of the metal on each side of the diamond. I probably haven't painted a clear picture for you - do a search online for "tension settings" and you will see what I mean.

You can also look at Pave settings. Here the band looks like it is "paved" with diamonds - there are diamonds all along the ring (with one central diamond). Again, do a search and you will see some examples.

I always suggest trying to find out what her "dream ring" is. Get a friend of hers to find out if she hasn't dropped any hints and you don't want to ask her yourself. Just remember that any ring you give her will be unique in the sense that YOU gave it to her. Don't feel as though you have to get her a ring that looks unlike anything else she has seen - sometimes the most classic rings are the best.

Also make sure you focus on getting the best cut diamond you can. You want that diamond to "dance" and sparkle like no other - this is what will make her stare at it for hours (with a smile on her face!). And don't stress out over the price of diamonds - Go to my website to read a Diamond Buying guide I put together. I give out all sorts of tip and tricks that can literally save you thousands - I hope it helps!

Tips on Cleaning and Storing Jewelry

2007-11-26T02:51:00.001-08:00

If you find that your pearls and a few gems are scratched and your silver is tarnished; it may be that you are not storing and cleaning your jewelry properly. Cleaning and Storing of Jewelry doesn't have to be so hard nor does it have to be expensive. Jewelry can be stored properly using cheap readily available materials and cleaning can be achieved with the use of ordinary household cleaners. Here are a few tips that you might find handy when cleaning and storing valuaubles.

Cleaning:

Toothpastes and dish soaps are best left for use on the kitchen sink. It is not advisable to use these products when cleaning jewelry as they may be abrasive and cause stones to loose their luster. It is then advised that you use a sudsy solution when cleaning jewelry.

Soak jewelry in warm sudsy water for at least an hour before rinsing them under warm running water. After the jewelry has been rinsed. Pat them dry with a towel or another absorbent fabric. Most of the time, running jewelry under water is enough to get them clean but there are those that are studded. Grime and grease gets into the nooks and crannies. For these stubborn dirt you can use and eyebrow brush or a soft baby's brush to gently clean it.

To remove greasy residues on diamonds soak them in alcohol a few minutes before running them under water. Don't use alcohol on all your jewelry because most of them are not as hard as diamonds and may be damaged when they come in contact with it.

Be careful when using commercial cleaners because they may damage your jewelry when used improperly. An example of a commercial cleaner is an ultrasonic cleaner. Don't use an ultrasonic cleaner on the following stones: Emerald, Peridot, Tanzanite, Topaz, and Opals. When using ultrasonic cleaners, don't soak jewelry for more than a few minutes.

Storing:

Gems and precious stones have different gradients of hardness. Stones are on the top of the list. They are very hard to scratch but they can scratch other items. Diamonds are the hardest, below them are sapphire, rubies, etc. at the lower end of the list you will find pearls and metals like gold, platinum and silver. With that in mind, it is wise to store jewelry separately or at least in individual containers or pouches.

Velvet, cotton and felt are great for storing delicate stones like pearls. These materials are easily available in fabric stores. Swatches can be cut from the fabric and made to wrap around delicate jewelry. They can even be made into pouches making them easier to use. It is not advisable to cram jewelry into one box. This may result in scratching and chipping.

Time To Design An Engagement Ring? A Look At Custom Engagement Rings

2007-11-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

First off - if you are shopping for an engagement ring - congrats! It's a fun time and hopefully you have that perfect proposal all mapped out in your head. Of course, you are going to need a ring - hopefully I can make it easier for you!

When you walk into a jewelry store you are going to see a whole bunch of diamond rings in their showcases. They will range in diamond size, type of metal used and of course price. But don't think that you are only limited to the engagement rings they have on display. You can easily mix and match what you see and design the engagement ring to fit what you are looking for.

For example, maybe you see a ring that has the perfect band you are looking for. It is the style you are looking for but the diamond is too big and out of your pricerage. Not to worry - you can easily ask for a diamond within your budget to be mounted to that particular band.

I always recommend buying your diamond "loose" and not purchasing pre-set rings (where the diamond is already mounted). This way you can see the diamond from all angles and properly inspect it. Also, you open up a lot larger selection of diamonds this way. The diamond is obviously the most expensive part of the ring so you want to make sure you have some choices to choose from.

If you aren't able to find the exact setting or band you are looking for, there are many jewelers that will offer custom made rings. If you can't find the setting you are looking for from what is in stock (also search the internet), than having it custom made is your best option. The jeweler can show you a sketch of the ring based on what you tell them. Also, many jewelers will design the ring using a computer program and then send you the computer image for your approval.

Having a ring custom made actually isn't as expensive as you might expect. There is a slight increase in cost because of the labor involved, but the main portion of your price will come from the materials and metals used.

The best way to keep costs down is to learn how to save yourself money on the diamond you end up buying. Go to my website and have a look at the Diamond Buying guide I put together. You can literally save thousands from the information I put together. Hopefully it helps you out.

I talk to a lot of clients who are stressed out from shopping for an engagement ring. I always remind them of how special of a time it is and that it should be fun - not stressful! Remember - the engagement ring is really only two things - a setting and a diamond. You just need to know what you want in those two categories and you are ready to go hunting.

Diamond Certification and Diamond Grading Reports - How Important Are They?

2007-11-22T05:27:00.001-08:00

First, let's take a quick moment to go over the 4 C's of diamonds. If you have looked into diamonds before you have probably heard of them before. If you are new to this, you are sure to hear about them during your search for an engagement ring (or other diamond jewelry).

The 4 C's are: Carat, Cut, Clarity and Color.

Carat is pretty straightforward - it is the weight of the diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. You need a highly accurate scale to measure this, but once you do it is as simple as putting the diamond on the scale.

Cut refers to how well the diamond is cut and how well the angles and proportions work together to produce a brilliant, fiery and full of sparkle diamond.

Color refers to the amount of color present in the diamond. Almost all diamonds have a slight tinge of yellow in them, although it is extremely difficult to spot for the most part. Diamonds are graded from D to Z, with a D graded diamond having no color whatsoever.

Clarity is a measure of how many "inclusions" or blemishes are present within the diamond. The grading scale for clarity (from the highest to lowest) is: IF, FL, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2.

How do you know how a diamond measures up in each of these categories?

You will find all of these gradings on the diamond grading certificate. A diamond certificate is issued by a laboratory that will inspect the diamond using specialized equipment.

However, not all diamond grading certificates are created equal. Some labs are much more lenient than others. Keep in mind that grades given for color and clarity are determined by an individual while viewing the diamond under magnification. What one person considers a VS1 diamond may only receive an SI1 grade by someone else.

The two top labs are GIA and AGS. They are extremely consistent and are considered to be the least bias and most strict in their gradings. They have set the industry standards. HRD is another lab that I consider to be just as reputable, however it is not very common in North America. If you are in Europe, you are more likely to come across HRD diamond certificates.

There are a variety of other labs out there. EGL operates out of a number of different countries. You can find EGL-USA, ELG India or EGL in Belgium to name a few. EGL-USA is considered the best of the bunch, however none of these reports are as consistent as AGS or GIA. They are often one or two grades "softer" in color or clarity. This means that they are more likely to grade higher than AGS or GIA.

IGI and GemScan are two others. IGI has a particularly poor reputation and is known for giving out very inconsistent grades.

This is very important to keep in mind when you are shopping for a diamond. Remember, the price of a diamond is determined based on the 4 C's. The higher the gradings - the higher the price! If you have a diamond graded by IGI or a lab with a poor reputation, you could end up paying more money than you should simply because the lab was overly generous with their gradings.

I suggest only sticking to AGS or GIA. You just can't take any risk when you are buying such an important (and expensive!) item. By only shopping for diamonds graded by AGS or GIA, you make sure you get what you are paying for.

Go to my website if you want to have a look at a Diamond Buying Guide that will help you find that perfect diamond at the perfect price. I see way too many people overpaying for their diamonds - the guide will show you the secrets you need to save a huge chunk of cash on your purchase. I hope it helps!

Platinum Engagement Ring or White Gold Engagement Ring? Let's Look At The Differences

2007-11-22T05:26:00.001-08:00

What are the differences between white gold and platinum? This is one of the most frequent questions I get in my inbox. If you are shopping for an engagement ring and know that your special lady doesn't want yellow gold, then you are left choosing between platinum and white gold. There are some major differences between the two metal, so let's have a closer look.

First, let's look at exactly white gold is. Oddly enough, it isn't actually "white". White gold is actually the same gold used in yellow gold, but is mixed with other metals such as alloy and zinc to give it a white appearance. As well, white gold is then plated with another white metal - rhodium. This is done to give it an ever whiter appearance.

White gold actually has a tinge of yellow to it (especially if mixed with nickel) or a greyish tinge (often found is mixed with palladium). When the white gold is plated with rhodium, it gets a much crisper and whiter appearance. Rhodium has properties somewhat similar to platinum, however this plating will wear off. You will need to get the white gold replated about every 12-24 months. There are some people who don't mind the natural look of white gold so they never need to get it replated, however most people prefer the whiter look. This is very inexpensive, but the ring will be out of your hands for at least a few days. Platinum gets it fame from being the most durable metal out there. Platinum is very resistant to damage - it will literally last a lifetime. It is also a dense metal which means it is heavier than white gold.

Unlike white gold, Platinum does not need to be plated with anything. You will never have to take it in for replating. It does requite polishing from time to time though, otherwise it can get a "matte" or somewhat dull look to it. Some people also feel platinum starts to get a greyish look until is is polished. Platinum is gonna cost you about three times as much as white gold. It is a rarer metal which is why you can expect to fork out more cash for it. I don't like to recommend one over the other, as it can depend on the person. In terms of looks, I think they are equally beautiful. You have to look at what is important to you.

If money is tight, stick with white gold. You will have to take it in every now and then for replating, but it really isn't that much of a bother. And don't automatically think that because it is cheaper that it isn't as "good" as platinum. It's a beautiful metal - just not quite as strong as platinum. If you want a ring that is truly going to last a lifetime(maybe you want to pass it down to future generations) I suggest going with platinum. You also won't have to worry about taking it in as often as white gold which some people find to be a huge upside.

It is also a good idea to go and have a look at the two metals in person. Can you spot any difference? If so, do you prefer the look of one over the other? Of course you will also have to find the most important part of your ring - the diamond! I can save you a lot of money on that part of the ring - just go read the guide I put together on buying a diamond. You can find it on my website.

Looking for an Engagement Ring From Canada? Canadian Diamonds Are Picking Up in Sales, But Why?

2007-11-21T01:54:00.001-08:00

If you are shopping for a diamond engagement ring, you may have come across the term "conflict diamond" or "blood diamond". This refers to a diamond that has been mined in a war zone and sold to help finance an insurgency or possibly a warlords efforts. The proceeds of these diamonds fall into the hands of evil men and rebel movements that attack innocent government - innocent people suffer because of it.

Many people do not like the idea of buying a diamond that has been mined under these circumstances. It's an ethical decision and one that is made in order to try to do "the right thing". The trade in these illicit stones has contributed to devastating conflicts in countries such as Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone. Canadian diamond companies have caught on to this and are now marketing their diamonds as being Canadian and therefore conflict free. It's a way for customers to know that the diamonds they are purchasing are not "blood" diamonds.

So do you need to but a Canadian diamond to be sure the diamond is conflict free? Well, perhaps to be 100% certain. But the good news is that because of the Kimberley Process - a joint government initiative, international diamond industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds that was established in 2002 - the percentage of blood diamonds in circulation is extremely small. It is estimated that only 0.2% of diamonds (1 in every 500) have some sort of ties to these illicit organizations. It really depends on your level of comfort. If you must be 100% certain that your diamond is "conflict-free", you should consider purchasing a Canadian diamond. These diamonds are laser inscribed so you know exactly what you are getting.

However, the number of conflict diamonds on the market is getting smaller and smaller each year. It is highly unlikely you would ever come into contact with one - however I suppose you can't be 100% certain. As rare as it may be, even lightning can strike twice. If you are shopping for a diamond, I put together a guide that will help you out. You can find it at my website - you will be happy to hear that it will save you money. Diamonds aren't cheap! This will help you get the most out of your money.

Recycling Your Old Jewelry

2007-11-21T01:53:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of buzz lately about the economic and environmental advantages of recycling the jewelry that you no longer enjoy or which is too badly damaged to be repaired. So, we thought it might be useful to discuss the realities of recycling.

Recycling, in the strict context of this article, involves melting down an old piece of jewelry and then reusing the gold (silver, platinum) to make something new, thereby eliminating the need to mine more (gold) for the new piece. It is the exception rather than the norm for a jeweler or designer to actually melt scrap him or herself. In most instances, jewelry to be melted is accumulated until there is enough quantity to send to a refiner - a company that is in the business of 'refining' (melting and purifying) precious metals in relatively large lots. 'Scrap' from many different sources are processed together, so you never get back 'your' gold. The refiner reduces the 'scrap' to the pure metal and either pays the jeweler the market value based on the estimated weight of pure (gold, etc.) in the batch, less a refining fee, or returns an equivalent amount of gold (etc.).

In a less strict sense, 'recycling' would include selling your unwanted jewelry for cash on eBay, or selling it or 'trading it in' to a jewelry store or designer for cash or in exchange for something new...similar to trading in your old car when buying a new one. (Giving it as a gift could also qualify if it was in lieu of going out and buying a new piece).

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before you do anything with that old jewelry, there are a number of things you should determine.

What do I have?

• Are those 'white' stones diamonds...or zircons, or glass?; are the blue stones sapphires, etc.?;

• If the stones are real (precious or semi-precious), what type, size, quantity, and quality are they?;

• Is the jewelry made of silver, or gold, or platinum?; the Marking and Stamping Act of 1906 requires quality marks (purity stamps), and trademarks (the registered mark of the maker), as a 'guarantee' of authenticity for virtually all gold and silver jewelry made and sold in the United States;

If it's gold, what karat is it?: 10Kt (10 parts out of 24, usually marked '10K'), 14Kt (marked '585' or '14K'), or 18Kt (marked '750' or '18K'), and some designers use even higher karat gold; (pure gold is 24K, and is almost never used for jewelry because of its softness, except in some oriental jewelry made for the Asian market as a way of 'carrying one's wealth');

if it's silver, it should be marked '925' or 'sterling' (92.5% silver) or 'Fine' (pure);

if it's platinum, it will usually be marked '900' or '950' (depending on the percentage of platinum vs. alloy);

• Is it repairable and how much will that cost?;

• Was it designed/made by a famous maker?; in some instances, this can mean a world of difference in market value (e.g. David Webb, Cartier, Boucheron, Suzanne Belperron, etc.); the makers name and/or trademark is usually stamped on the jewelry, and can be researched online or in any good library, as well as in the jewelry sales records of major auction houses.

Your best sources for answers to most of these questions are

a) your original bill of sale, which should tell you the metal it's made of, the types and sizes of stones the piece contains, and the total weight of each type; and

b) a well-established fine jeweler, preferably in a small-to-medium sized town or city - reputation being everything in the jewelry business, you are less likely to be taken advantage of in a small community than might be the case in a large metropolitan area where anonymity is still possible. If you are in a big city and don't have a jewelry store that you regularly deal with, ask friends for recommendations or contact the Better Business Bureau. Also, try to speak directly with the owner. He or she may be more likely than an employee to value developing a new customer beyond a quick, single transaction.

What is my jewelry worth?

Once you have determined what you have, you should try to find out what it's actually worth 'at retail'. Assuming your jewelry is in saleable condition, take a look on eBay before making any decision. Check out the auction results for items similar to yours so that you'll have an idea of how much people are actually paying. At the very least, you'll be in a better position to negotiate if you do decide to 'recycle' with a designer or jewelry store.

Once You've Decided to Recycle

As an individual, the only practical way to recycle (other than on eBay or similar), is to 'sell' or 'trade-in' your old jewelry for cash or for a new item of jewelry, with a designer or jewelry store. However, it's important for you to remember that these people are in business to make a profit.

When you buy, you are paying not only based on the market value of the precious metal and stones, but also for design and for labor, which includes such things as casting the metal, setting the stones (which, for small stones, can be as or more expensive than the stones themselves), cleaning, soldering, polishing, etc. - all, plus a markup for overhead and profit for the maker AND for the retailer.

When you sell to a designer or jewelry store, on the other hand, you're only likely to get 'scrap' value unless your piece is in really good condition and still in fashion, or you are 'trading up' for something much more expensive. In a nutshell, this means that the price of the stones and/or gold (silver, platinum) will need to have gone up dramatically from where they were when you bought, in order to recoup anything close to what you spent originally. You will avoid feeling insulted and disappointed if your expectations are realistic.

Oh, and if you're only getting 'scrap' value, don't include the stones if they are not damaged, especially if they're small. (I can probably buy equivalent stones from my gem dealers for a fraction of what you paid for them as part of your jewelry, so why should I pay you more)? They can probably be removed from the 'scrap' quite easily and you can incorporate them into a new design now or in the future.

The bottom line is, if you have a piece of jewelry that you no longer wear, it certainly makes financial sense to either sell it, trade it in, or repair it.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

This is a no-brainer: though certainly simplistic, the more damaged or simply unused jewelry that we bring out of the drawer or safe deposit box and recycle, by whatever method, the fewer the new pieces that will be made and/or the less mining that will be necessary to meet the demands of the market. Not only does mining require major energy input (not that jewelry manufacturing and precious metal refining don't also consume energy, though dramatically less on a per unit basis), but mining for precious metals is among the dirtiest and most polluting types of mining. The impact we have individually is, of course, miniscule. Cumulatively, however, it can be quite significant and since it also makes financial sense, there is precious (no pun intended) little excuse not to do it.

Jewelry Trademarks - What These Features Are and How They Differ From Hallmarks

2007-11-13T05:17:00.001-08:00

If anyone has purchased fine jewelry before, they have undoubtedly come across notations inscribed on the metal. One feature which may be inscribed on the jewelry piece is the jewelry trademark. The jewelry trademark is a feature which tells the purchaser whom their item is made by. The following will describe more about jewelry trademarks as well as show how they differ from hallmarks.

What Jewelry Trademarks Are

The jewelry trademark is the marking on the piece of jewelry which dictates who in fact manufactured the piece of jewelry. It is a way for the artisan or jewelry manufacturer to protect their work and ensure that exact copies thereof are not made without their permission. When someone picks up a piece of jewelry, turns it over and sees a specific jeweler's trademark, they have peace of mind in knowing that the item is almost certainly what it is claimed to be. However, it is important to note that although an item of jewelry with a trademark on it should have been made by the company or artist which it is supposed to represent, there is always that slim chance that it may not be what it is stated to be.

How Jewelry Trademarks Differ From Hallmarks

Jewelry trademarks differ from hallmarks in a few different ways. First, trademarks are items which protect a jewelry manufacturer's work whereas hallmarks do not. For example, should a trademarked piece of jewelry be reproduced without the manufacturer's permission, the manufacturer can take the issue to court and present the existence of a trademark to be used on their behalf. A trademark allows the jewelry maker to protect his/her work.

Secondly, trademarks simply show who the manufacturer of the jewelry item is and hallmarks tend to provide a few other pieces of information as well. Hallmarks will often tell the jewelry owner what type of metal content the jewelry item is comprised of, the approximate date of origin and perhaps even who made the jewelry piece. Whereas trademarks are often for the benefit of the jewelry maker, hallmarks are used to provide informative details to the individuals who buy the items.

Why Jewelry Trademarks Are Important

Jewelry trademarks are important for a few different reasons. One reason why trademarks of this type should be put to good use is that they can be used to protect the jewelry maker who puts their time and effort into crafting the product. For someone to spend time, money and creative abilities on making this kind of item and not protect it, it might not be in the best interest of the jewelry designer. Trademarks and copyrights provide a great way for the jewelry maker to protect their intellectual property. Hallmarks were also used as a way of collecting taxes on the items of jewelry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Greene

Jewelry Hallmarks - The Importance of These Features

2007-11-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Jewelry pieces are items which have their own unique traits and characteristics about them. Whether this has to do with the stones which are inlaid within the item itself or due to the original design surrounding the piece of jewelry, every piece has its own individual qualities which make it special to the owner thereof. One feature of jewelry pieces which many individuals may be unaware of when they purchase the item is the jewelry hallmark. Jewelry hallmarks are important features when it comes to these products and the following will describe what these are and why they are important to the one possesses the item.

What Are Jewelry Hallmarks?

The jewelry hallmark is what describes the item's metal content as well as the quality thereof. If you happen to own a piece of precious jewelry, your accessory should have a jewelry hallmark on it. It is usually found on gold, platinum or silver jewelry pieces and will detail the karat content of the metal. Some jewelry hallmarks will also show the maker's mark or country of origin on the item. To sum it up, the jewelry hallmark is the identifying mark on the piece of jewelry which details the quality of the item and often cites where it came from.

Why Are Jewelry Hallmarks Important?

Jewelry hallmarks are important in the jewelry world for a few different reasons. First, they signify what the item is made of which helps the wearer to determine the metal content of the jewelry piece that they have on. It is important to note that although hallmarks are used to identify the metal content, this does not in and of itself dictate the true authenticity of the item. Jewelry hallmarks can be easily duplicated and the jewelry item can be sold as something other than what it really is. With that said, it does provide a way for the purchaser of an item to look at a gold necklace or bracelet on sale at a jewelry store, turn the item over and determine what the metal content supposedly is, simply by looking at it.

Another reason for having jewelry hallmarks on rings, necklaces, bracelets and other beautiful jewelry pieces is to show the maker's mark on the item. If you decide that you want to buy a ring designed by a specific jewelry designer, you will most likely want the item to have the jewelry hallmark on it which shows the maker's mark as well. Not every piece will have a maker's mark, or even a hallmark for that matter, but many items do which provides the buyer with some shred of evidence to go by when trying to purchase a specific item.

Hallmarks are a way for the jewelry owner to determine the period in which they were crafted. There are a few different ways to determine the time period factor and the hallmark is one such way. If you are searching for a jewelry item from a certain time period, a jewelry hallmark which shows such information is probably very important to you.

The United States does not have nor does it require a hallmark system of any kind as do most countries. Jewelry can be manufactured in the US and legally sold without a hallmark, trademark, or quality stamp of any kind. However, if a piece of jewelry has a karat stamp (14k 18k Platinum) then it must have a trademark, as is required by law. Therefore, if you have a piece of jewelry with no markings at all the only way to find out for sure is to have it tested by someone who has the knowledge and equipment to do so.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Greene

Our Love for Handicraft Findings and Handicraft Jewellery

2007-10-31T00:13:00.001-07:00

Handicraft findings have always inspired the mind with an artistic bend. Whether it is in the jewellery one wears, or it is in the dresses one dons, a hint of ethnicity envelopes them. And not just the clothes or the jewellery, if you have a flair for hand-crafted objects or tribal things, then even the upholstery or the decorative pieces in your home has a touch of ethnicity. However, handicraft jewellery is more frequently used by many than other objects.

Handicraft findings jewellery or decorative objects are definitely artistic, mostly because of the fact that they are made by people who are closer to nature and made with the things - like beads and shells -- that are found ubiquitously in and around that region. For instance, we find frequent usage of stones, gemstones, precious stones and semi-precious stones in jewellery made by hands. Then there are those hand crafted ones which are prepared using cowry shells and bones.

Hand made jewellery is not confined to only such objects. There is frequent usage of other materials such as wood and brass that make some really admirable trinkets. Varicoloured beads and different kinds of materials are bedded together to make exquisite ornaments. For instance, beads and sea shells, and brass with small wood beads make brilliant combinations for necklaces and ear pieces.

Jewellery in Handicraft findings has a very earthy and tribal appeal. From everyday jewellery to highly fashionable ornaments, there is something for everyone and for all kinds of occasions. Most of the handicraft jewellery is inspired by the tribal and rural elements that have the touch of traditional handmade quality. Such may or may not have some symbolic meaning. Most of the times, they do have some symbolic representation in the materials used to make the ornaments, which again is particular to the group or clan producing these jewellery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Shane

How to Price Handmade Jewelry

2007-10-31T00:12:00.000-07:00

Pricing handmade jewelry seems to one topic that jewelry artists never agree on. There are lots of different viewpoints and philosophies. This article will discuss some of the things to think about as you consider how to price your jewelry, and some of the common pricing models that jewelry designers use.

Keep in mind that you do much more than make jewelry as a business owner. In order to cover costs and overhead it is essential to charge more than your hourly rate + material costs, or keep your hourly rate on the high side (i.e. $18/ hour is much more realistic than $10/ hour) if you want your business to be profitable.

One mistake that new jewelry designers often make is to price their work too low.

Here are a few pricing tips:

-Don't compete with imports on pricing! Your quality is better, and you can never compete with those that make $2 a day. Instead, position yourself as the high quality artisan that you are, and command reasonable prices.

-As a newcomer, you can start lower if you would like, and move your pricing up as you become more well-known.

-Lower pricing also can work against you because it cheapens the perceived value of your work. People tend to think that you get what you pay for, so if you charge too low, people tend to think you make garbage.

I have another reason for not charging too low. This is kind of my personal soapbox:

If you charge too low, you are not only cheapening the perceived value of your own work, you are also cheapening the work of others because the public learns to think that some artisans who charge what they are worth, are charging too much.

Those artisans that charge what they are worth then have to work so much harder to convince customers that their work is worth the cost.

That said, as a jewelry designer, you need to consider 2 types of pricing: wholesale and retail.

Wholesale and Retail Pricing Models

Common wholesale pricing models used by jewelry designers:

-3 x the material cost
-3.5 x the material cost
-$18/hour-labor plus 1x materials plus 50% (or whatever you want your hourly wage to be)
-Eyeballing i.e. guessing at what it should be worth (not recommended, but common)
-$35/hour-labor plus 1x materials
-$26/hour-labor plus 1x materials plus 50%
-$20/hr.labor + mat. + 5%overhead + 20%profit

Common retail pricing models used by jewelry designers:

-1.4 x wholesale
-1.5 x wholesale
-1.6 x wholesale
-1.7 x wholesale
-1.8 x wholesale
-1.9 x wholesale
-2.0 x wholesale
-The ever common but not recommended "eyeballing" method

Feel free to use any of the wholesale or retail pricing formulas to price your own work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Gierer

Jewelry Boxes & Truth About Veneers

2007-10-27T04:37:00.001-07:00

First let's me start by stating that veneers are real wood. Period. Yes, there are fabricated imitations(melamine, laminate etc.) but, they are not called veneers and many are very noticeable even with an untrained eye.

Contrary to popular belief, veneered jewelry boxes, jewelry armoires, furniture and other items are not a so called "cheap" way to create a beautiful item but, more a chance for everyone to own a piece of beautiful woodwork without breaking the bank. Most people do not truly understand what veneers are and right away dismiss anything with a veneer as cheap and fake. What a shame. Nodding in agreement? Read on....

Wood veneer is nature's ultimate expression of it's beauty and diversity and with the most beautiful of woods, veneers are created. Rarely will you find a solid exotic wood item over a few inches tall and usually it will be a bowl that can highlight the wood favorably inside and out. A solid piece of a Fiddleback Maple wood for example, in a size needed to create any item would be way out of most people's price range but, most importantly, it would be a waste of the wood. Veneers ensure that the rare and unique wood that nature has given us are used in a way that maximizes their unsurpassed beauty. No other natural product can give us such an added value in it's uses.

This is no more true than with a jewelry box. The inside is lined and only the beauty of wood is seen on the exterior. This is not to say that what's beneath is not important. On the contrary, most jewelry boxes furniture start with a solid hardwood base to give the veneer a strong structure to be add to. Now add a beautiful Burl wood or exotic veneer and it can take the simplest of jewelry boxes and make it a stunning eye stopping masterpiece that takes your breathe away. I've seen quite a few that can do this and still do.

Did you know that Veneering is an ancient art, dating all the way back to the ancient Indian tribes who used veneers on their furniture. It is used to give furniture or most noticeably jewelry boxes an exotic wood grain appearance and when it is applied properly, it also gives a item the appearance that is a solid piece of that wood, not a veneer over top another wood. This is where true craftsmanship shows through. There are many pieces of furniture, jewelry boxes and even flooring that highlight this talented work.

Plywood is a veneer. Egyptians are considered the inventors of plywood which consists of extremely thin sheets of wood veneer less than 3 mm thick that are glued together.

The exotic appearance of grain in a veneer comes from slicing down through a tree's growth rings and can be emphasized or diminished just by the angle at which the wood is sliced. Veneer is most commonly made of cherry, oak, maple and birch but, also some rare and exotic woods such as Rosewood and Bubinga. Bird's Eye, Bubinga and Fiddleback are very popular veneers for jewelry boxes along with Burl wood of any sort. To learn more on specific woods used for veneers and wooden jewelry boxes, read our article on "Jewelry Boxes --Wood Basics and Beyond".

I hope that in sharing this bit of knowledge of Wood Veneers that you will look a bit differently at the next beautiful piece of furniture or jewelry box you see and not think..."Oh it's just veneers" but, now view it through an un jaded eye and see it for the beauty that it is. Nothing more, nothing less.....Just beautiful.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Malahi

Buying Wedding Rings - What You Must Know

2007-10-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

What more touching or momentous part of the wedding ceremony is there than the exchanging of the wedding rings? It is symbolic of the splendor of your love for one another. More, the rings represent the undying and unqualified love the couple is vowing to each other. Furthermore, the wedding bands are the one item from your wedding that you will keep with you for the rest of your life - even longer than those crystal keepsake mementos from your wedding which will last you for years!

As a result, buying the wedding rings is an essential part of your wedding preparation. And it is more difficult than choosing the crystal wedding cake jewelry and the shadowbox you will display it in. Fortunately, it can be an enjoyable experience as well - as long as the couple is prepared with the basic understanding of the elements that go into modern wedding jewelry.

Metals

Fourteen karat gold is the standard choice for wedding rings. This is because 14 karat gold offers what most consider the best combination of purity and strength. You can get a more pure gold alloy such as 24 karat gold, which is pure gold. The problem, however, is that the more pure the gold, the softer the metal will be making it less durable.

Other fashionable metal choices include platinum, titanium, and silver. Silver is a very soft metal that can be damaged by everyday life and will tarnish over time. As a result, silver is one of the least popular choices for wedding rings.

Titanium, on the other hand has the advantage of weighing approximately one third of what gold weighs while also being exceedingly tough and as a result is rapidly becoming all the rage for use in wedding rings.

Platinum is a tremendously durable metal that provides an almost white luster that can set off the sparkle of the diamond in a wedding band beautifully.

Diamonds

Diamonds are measured in terms of color, size, cut, and clarity. For the most part a these aspects come down to a matter of your own personal values and what your pocketbook will allow. However, without a little definition of each item it can be difficult to know what you are buying.

Clarity

We would all prefer our wedding bands to have the diamond with the greatest clarity we can afford. But how do you know how clear a diamond really is without a degree in gemology or without having to rely on the salesman's word? There is, fortunately, a grading system for the internal clarity of the diamonds: FL or IF identifies an internally flawless diamond. Likewise, a grade of I-1, I-2, or I- 3 indicates a flawed diamond with 1 being the clearest and 3 indicated the most imperfect. In between these you might find other grading systems for diamonds that are nearly, but not quite perfect such as the SI-1 label which denotes a diamond that is slightly imperfect.

Karat Weight

The karat weight, or size, of the diamond is indeed a personal choice, but consider these few issues:

First, consider cost. The size of a diamond you select for your wedding set is going to be directly impacted by the clarity of the diamond you choose, the clearer the stone is, the more expensive it will be.

Second, but potentially equally important, think about the size of the hand wearing the stone. Is it relatively large? Is it small? The more petite the hand, the larger the diamond in wedding band will appear.

Finally, consider the how active the individual is that will wear the ring. As a general rule a more active person requires a smaller diamond or a larger setting to protect the diamond. To choose otherwise is to risk them knocking it on doors, counters, or more in their day to day life.

Cut

The cut of the diamond refers to how the diamond appears when seen from the top. The round diamond continues to be the most fashionable cut for wedding ring sets. This is largely because diamond cutters have done the greatest amount of research with this cut into exactly how to achieve the greatest degree of light refraction from the diamond. Another option that is quickly gaining in popularity for wedding rings is the princess cut diamond. This cut is roughly square and can look stunning in the right setting.

Other choices include, the marquise, emerald, radiant, and pear cut diamonds, any of which can be striking when matched with the right setting and the shape of the wearer's hand.

Color

The issue of color in your choice of diamonds for your wedding band can be a mystifying one - though it need not be. Simply put the scale ranges from "D" which is a perfectly colorless diamond, to "Z". Most diamonds that are found in reputable dealers of wedding rings range from "F" to "J" on the scale. Determining which one is right for you is really a matter of your budget and values.

Of course, always ask for an official certification of the diamond and look for the karat stamp in the gold. That way you can be sure that you are truly buying the wedding bands that you are paying for.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Shinn

Pendants - The Best Gift To the Woman in Your Life

2007-10-25T02:47:00.002-07:00

Quoting the famous line by Groucho Marx - Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife”, let us begin by complimenting women for what they are and what they can turn any person into. Right from the stage of birth and infancy, it has been women who have helped each of us come into this beautiful planet, and learn a plethora of actions, thoughts and words.

But sometimes, words fail us when we want to appreciate the commendable capabilities of every woman in this world. Whether it is a sweet homemaker or a 9-6 executive, there is something about each of them which makes them so special, so exquisite. And when you feel words fail you, the best way to express your gratefulness or your appreciation for them is by gifting them something that each of them just love wearing – jewellery.

Every woman is a young girl at heart, who loves to decorate herself with finery of all sorts. She is beautiful, and she knows how to enhance her beauty. And if you really want to impress her or make her feel special, your best bet lies in a pendant. Through Pendants, you can express what you feel for her in the best possible way. You can choose pendants that represent her or a pendant that best expresses your emotions for her.

The best part about gifting pendants to a woman is that you can gift such jewellery to anyone in your life. A pendant can make a very cherished and memorable gift for your Mom. You can gift a pretty little pendant to your best friend – that tells her what a special place she has in your life. Pendants make for ideal gifts when you are going out on a date. And if you have forgotten your marriage anniversary – may God and beautiful pendants save you!

Paul Shane cherishes a hobby of studying and collecting jewellery, to dig out the making and story behind them, especially the rare or exquisite ones, also the Pendants being used for manufacturing the jewellery. He also loves studying consumer behaviour related to jewellery selecting and buying. At present he is associated with a leading group called E-Beads Limited.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Shane

How to Find the Best Diamond Jewelry for a Gift Online

2007-10-25T02:47:00.001-07:00

Diamond jewelry makes a great gift for many occasions. Best known is of course the diamond engagement ring, but there are many other occasions for which diamond jewelry is a great choice.

Christmas and Valentine's Day are two of the top choices for giving diamond jewelry. There's a strong association with each for romance, and many people have high expectations for the gifts they are given at those times.

The challenge is picking just the right piece.

Many people love diamonds set in white gold. For the clearest, whitest diamonds this is the best choice, as it does not add color to the diamond. It allows the beauty to shine through, undiminished.

As you shop, consider what is in her jewelry wardrobe already, as well as the kinds of clothing she likes to wear. Some women prefer a very plain, elegant style, while others want their jewelry to make a statement with its styling.

Fortunately, this is not too hard to figure out. Just look at what she wears. If her earrings, rings and pendants are most often solitary stones or very simple designs, with plain gold around it, simple is probably best. If there tends to be a larger number of gemstones involved or the gold is highly detailed, you will probably want to look more at the style of the piece you buy.

There are many advantages to shopping early. This gives you the most time to think about what you would like to give as a gift, rather than picking from what is left over. While a narrowed selection is more comfortable for some people, there is something about knowing that you have chosen a perfect gift that is worth the extra effort.

Quality matters quite a bit. I've seen people buy what they are told are "milk diamonds", when in fact what they have is a very cloudy, flawed diamond. No sparkle or beauty at all. When possible, you should get at least a basic idea as to the quality of diamonds you are purchasing. For single stones this can be specific, with a fully rated stone, while multiple stones may be best described with a range.

You won't always be able to get this information because not all diamonds are rated. But you can pay attention to whether a company ranks the diamonds as A, AA, AAA or AAAA, knowing that the more "A"s the ring has, the better they consider the stones to be, and that the differences can be quite significant.

The quality of other materials matters as well. As a rule, if a diamond is set in 10K gold, it is probably lower quality. Higher karat gold tends to get better quality diamonds. Not always, but often enough for a decent rule of thumb. Similarly, platinum settings generally have better diamonds in them.

If there is one thing to be said about shopping online for diamonds, it is that the selection is really hard to beat. You have far more options shopping online than you ever would at your local jewelry store. There's also no worries about crowds, parking or store hours. You shop when you want.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Foster

Tiffany & Company - Are Their Diamonds Better Than Most Retailers?

2007-10-15T02:25:00.001-07:00

In the world of jewelry stores and boutiques, perhaps no other name stands out as much than that of Tiffany & Company. Known for their high quality and expensive jewels, this retailer is known throughout the world as being a high-class establishment. One of the specialties of this company is diamonds. From reasonably sized diamond items to breathtakingly large diamonds, this jeweler has whatever a girl may desire when it comes to diamond rings or diamond jewelry in general. The question many people might ask in reference to this jewelry establishment is whether or not their diamonds are better than most retailers and the answer to this often-asked question will be discussed below.

Is It the Name or the Diamond Which Exudes Quality?

Since many tend to equate the name Tiffany & Company with high quality diamonds and jewelry, they may not look further into the quality of the individual diamonds. It may simply be assumed by some that since it is a piece of jewelry from Tiffany & Company, it must be top of the line. There is a lot of truth to this commonly held belief but it is important to inquire as to whether it is the name or diamond itself which exudes quality.

Tiffany & Company diamonds are truly top-notch gems and one who buys a diamond ring from this retailer can rest assured that they are getting what they pay for. Although gemstones of this type acquired at different, perhaps lower-priced retailers may be similar in quality, individuals who do buy their jewelry from Tiffany & Company are paying for a lot more than simply the gem itself. Those who visit this jeweler to peruse their rows and rows of diamonds and buy a piece of jewelry at this boutique are obtaining not only the jewel itself but also the reputable name, beautiful packaging and promise that the product purchased is exactly what they believe it to be. A diamond ring purchased at Tiffany & Company is not only aesthetically pleasing and high quality in nature but the name surrounding the purchase itself speaks a thousand words.

Why Tiffany & Company Has Such a Good Reputation

There are a few reasons why Tiffany & Company diamonds are seen as being a step above the rest. First, this company has been around for many years and during that time has established an excellent reputation amongst jewelers. Also, the store itself offers excellent customer service which is another highly desirable trait for individuals purchasing various types of jewelry, especially diamond rings.

Lastly, the overall quality of the gemstones and jewelry pieces sold at Tiffany & Company truly are top of the line items and this company deserves the recognition it receives in the jewelry community. This is not to say that other retailers and specialty jewelry boutiques do not deserve recognition, it simply means that this company has strived and worked extremely hard to present a good image and uphold their integrity when it comes to jewelry sales.

Old Cut Diamonds - Should They Be Re-Cut to Modern Brilliant Cuts?

2007-10-15T02:24:00.000-07:00

Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, styles and colors. These gorgeous gemstones are each unique in their own way. From antique diamonds to modern ones, there are a variety of gemstones to choose from when selecting a piece of jewelry. One type of diamond which many people still cherish to this day is the old cut diamond. Old cut diamonds are antique stones which were cut in a simple yet elegant manner. When compared with the modern brilliant cuts of today, old cut diamonds shone with beauty regardless of their simplicity. However, some individuals who possess old cut diamonds wonder whether or not they should have the stones re-cut in order to resemble the modern brilliant cuts.

Why Some Individuals May Want Their Old Cuts Turned Into Modern Cuts

There are a few different reasons why diamond owners may want their old cut diamonds reshaped so that they become modern brilliant cuts. The first reason is to make their diamonds be more modern. This is an obvious answer to why one would want to alter their diamond in this way. They may feel as if their diamond will be better looking if it were in keeping with the times and not some piece of jewelry which was too in touch with the past.

Another reason why someone may wish to have their old cut diamonds crafted into modern brilliant cuts is in the case of an engagement ring. Those who may be giving their mother or grandmother's engagement ring to their fiancé may wish to do so for sentimental reasons yet feel that something a bit more modern might be a little more suitable for their loved one.

Lastly, one who wants to have their old cut diamonds turned into modern brilliant cut diamonds may be trying to rid the diamond of certain blemishes. An individual who finds an antique diamond that they like, despite the presence of a crack or line through the stone or poor cut, may feel that they can make the diamond more perfect by having it re-cut into a modern brilliant style. By doing so, they are getting rid of the blemish and making their gemstone more modern all at the same time.

Should This Process Be Undertaken?

When trying to answer the question of whether or not to re-cut an old cut diamond into a modern brilliant one, it is important to look at the underlying reason behind doing so. Since the diamond ultimately has its own favorable characteristics which make it a special stone and re-cutting the diamond may in fact make matters worse, the only reason one should really re-cut their stone is if there is a blemish present within the diamond itself. Any other reason for doing so may in fact make the diamond less attractive and less desirable in the end. Therefore, although it is a personal choice, it is often a wise decision to re-cut a stone only after careful consideration and knowing that the finished product may come out not as good as the original item.

Diamond Auctions - Can You Get a Good Deal on Diamonds at Auctions?

2007-10-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

Diamond auctions are a specialty type of auction which provides a way for individuals interested in diamond jewelry to make a purchase in a somewhat unconventional way when compared with diamond purchasing of the past. Usually individuals purchased their diamonds through normal routes such as at jewelry stores and diamond boutiques but today the diamond purchasing options have expanded to include diamond auctions. The main question which many prospective diamond purchasers want answered with regard to diamond auctions is whether or not you can get a good deal on diamonds at auctions. The general answer to this question is in the affirmative and the following will provide a few tips to keep in mind when buying diamond rings and other types of diamond jewelry in this manner.

Purchase Via a Reputable Auction

The first tip to keep in mind when buying diamonds at an auction and hoping to obtain a good deal on this type of gemstone is to engage in this type of purchase at a reputable auction. Although many auctions dealing with jewelry and other types of items are reputable in nature, you may come across an auction house or individual auction where the overall nature is questionable. Not only may you not get a good deal on your diamond purchase but you may also not receive what you paid for in the end. Therefore, find a reputable auction by asking friends and family members for recommendations and/or attend an auction or use online auctions which you have used on prior occasions.

Have the Diamond Appraised

Once you have chosen a reputable auction with which to obtain a diamond, the next step is ensuring that the gemstone is exactly what it should be with regard to quality. Inquire with the auction house or entity as to what their policy is with regard to appraisals. If possible, have the diamond appraised in order to ascertain the true value of the diamond and not be stuck with a lesser quality of diamond.

Engage in Independent Research Regarding Diamond Auctions and Diamond Quality

Another way to ensure that you get a good deal on diamonds via diamond auctions is to engage in some independent research prior to bidding on the gem. Look into pertinent factors such as reputable diamond auctions, how to judge true diamond quality and how much should be spent on different categories of diamonds. Researching these topics will help to make sure that the piece of jewelry which is chosen is the best quality and the auction establishment which provides the opportunity to individuals to purchase these items is a good establishment to use. These research topics will help to make the buyer that much more knowledgeable when embarking on their diamond auction journeys.

Online or In Person Auctions

One should also be aware of the fact that there are two types of diamond auctions: online auctions and ones which are attended in person. Both types of auctions are great ways to obtain a diamond for your jewelry collection, however just be aware of the fact that in person auctions may be a bit better for some who like to view the diamond in person prior to putting a bid on it. As for obtaining the best deal, some may find that online auctions provide the best deal with regard to this type of gemstone purchase.

Appraising Diamond Jewelry - Is a Graduate Gemologist Qualified to Appraise Jewelry?

2007-10-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

When purchasing diamond jewelry in a jewelry store, antique store, online or elsewhere, some people may simply accept that the gemstone is what it is supposed to be and not really question how it was appraised or who was responsible for the appraisal. Individuals in the jewelry business have various titles associated with the roles in which they play. For the role of appraiser, it is a good thing to ask what qualifies the individual to be an appraiser of diamond jewelry and is a graduate gemologist qualified to appraise jewelry of this type.

What Is a Graduate Gemologist?

The first step to answering the posed question is defining what a graduate gemologist is. A graduate gemologist is an individual who has earned a degree which has presented them with the knowledge of grading and identifying gemstones. One who has received their education and given a degree naming them a graduate gemologist has learned how to figure out a diamond's value and quality. There are a variety of schools and institutes which offer this degree and individuals who become graduate gemologists go on to engage in careers such as jewelry store owner, diamond and gemstone buyers, auction house jewelry specialist, diamond manufacturer and even appraiser.

Does This Knowledge Make a Graduate Gemologist Qualified to Appraise Jewelry?

Even though some individuals who receive a graduate gemologist diploma go on to become appraisers, the public may still question whether the true qualifications are there. In other words, does this knowledge gained in their various gemology courses make them truly qualified to accurately and efficiently grade and put a value on diamonds? The answer to this question is mixed. Some individuals in the jewelry business feel as if those with a graduate gemologist diploma do have the requisite knowledge to enable them to accurately appraise jewelry. However, others who have been in the jewelry business for many years feel that simply possessing a degree of this type does not make an individual inherently capable of appraising jewelry.

Should Additional Training in Appraisal Theory and Methodology Be Necessary?

Some may wonder whether or not additional training in appraisal theory and methodology is necessary in addition to being a graduate gemologist. It is important to view both sides of the argument in order to present an answer to this question. Additional training may be a good idea as many diploma programs for becoming a graduate gemologist are general in nature. As individuals with this type of diploma enter may different occupations within the jewelry field, the range of knowledge gained by a graduate gemologist is large and brief. By obtaining more appraisal theory and methodology information through additional courses and training, the individual will be better prepared to appraise jewelry in an efficient manner.

On the other hand, those who go through the graduate gemologist course are taught the necessary things in order to make their appraisal pursuits highly possible. In their course study, graduate gemologists in training learn how to grade diamonds, put a value on them and determine the overall worth of gems in general. Therefore, some may feel as if this is more than enough knowledge gained by the graduate gemologist to make his appraisal endeavors quite successful. In other words, the answer to the question of whether simply being a graduate gemologist provides enough knowledge for the individual doing the appraisal will ultimately be determined by the individual whom you ask.

Costume Jewelry - The Vintage Stuff is Worth Some Serious Dough!

2007-10-10T04:54:00.001-07:00

Fashion jewelry made its first appearance in the U.S. following the conclusion of World War I. First purchased in French boutiques by American GI’s fighting in the war, superbly crafted yet inexpensive costume bracelets, pendants, and necklaces were purchased in record numbers. New designs featuring a host of semi-precious stones and unique materials caused a rapid rise in popularity allowing the poorer Americans to feel rich. Soon after, American companies quickly dominated the market. Some of the most popular manufacturers of vintage costume jewelry include:

* Trifari
* Florenza
* Weiss
* Eisenberg

Authentic costume pieces are basically any type of jewelry not featuring any type of precious metal or gemstone yet produced in large quantities. This cheap yet beautiful alternative soon found its way into jewelry collections across the nation. Essentially, the jewelry was a thrifty alternative to the relatively excessively priced fine pieces made of out precious metals and featuring gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or perhaps even pearls.

Virtually any vintage fashion jewelry was readily available for anywhere between $1-10 prior to World War II. Some manufacturers were forced to go out of business during the Great Depression, but surprisingly, a lot of the companies survived and did quite well after World War II. The hay day for the jewelry came in the 1950's and 60's spurred on heavily by advertising on television. Today, high quality costume pieces are more popular than ever and make great gifts for young girls, teenagers, and even adults just looking to add some diversity to their jewelry collection.

While cheap to buy when first released, vintage costume jewelry pieces produced between 1920-1970 are often seen as treasured collectibles in today's frenzied market. Incredibly, there are many pieces being sold in flea markets for a few bucks while being worth hundreds! There are three main things that help determine the value of authentic vintage pieces:

* Rarity
* Stone/Gemstone Quality
* Craftsmanship

Although there were a number of manufacturers, they produced jewelry in varying quantities. For instance, major players like Florenza and Coventry unleashed thousands of copies for every design. Some of the smaller manufacturers like Barclays, DeMario, and McClelland produced much smaller volumes and as such pieces made by them are both rarer and worth more money on the marketplace. Indeed when all other factors are held even, the DeMario necklace will almost always be worth more than a similarly designed Coro version. You definitely need to do your homework, however, because even the large players produced some designs in small quantities making them more valuable than typical pieces from the company.

In many cases, the quality of the stone plays the largest role when it comes to determining value. While none of the stones would be considered "precious" in the traditional sense, there were companies that crafted pieces consistently using high quality stones and semi-precious gemstones, such as:

* Eisenberg
* Bogoff
* Weiss
* Hollycraft

One place renown for using exceptionally high quality stones is Eisenberg. It is hard to find a piece at a flea market that is not already high-priced unless you happen to stumble upon an unsigned one. You want to locate those pieces produced by Hollycraft, Weiss, and Bogoff because they tend to be under-priced on the market and thus make a better investment. Besides the materials used, the quality of metal and craftsmanship will help determine how valuable a piece is on today's market Manufacturers known to consistently craft superior pieces were:

* Danecraft
* Trifari
* Kramer
* Monet

The History Of The Jewelry Box

2007-10-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

The history of the jewelry box dates back centuries. Throughout the ages, jewelry boxes have been designed and crafted by skilled craftsmen. The Industrial Revolution initiated the concept of mass production. It enabled the middle class of the society to purchase decorative items like the jewelry box along with other essential commodities. This was possible as jewelry boxes could be manufactured in bulk and the cost involved in the mass production was less.

Mail Order Luxuries

In the early 1900s, mail order catalogs such as Sears, Wards and Marshall Field, enabled the average family to purchase jewelry boxes from home. Even the jewelry stores put on display the latest and trendiest jewelry box designs. Jewel boxes were available in all sizes, from the smallest ring box to handkerchief and even glove sized boxes. The bottom parts of these boxes were as beautiful as the top design.

Antimonial lead was the most common base metal used for the construction of jewelry boxes. Initially, the jewelry boxes were electroplated with copper, and then finished with either gold or silver. Other finishing touches included French Bronze, Roman Gold, Pompeian Gold, French Gray, and Parisian Silver. Ivory finishes were introduced around 1911. Enamel finished boxes lasted longer than gold or silver boxes.

International Influences on Jewelry Boxes

International trade and travel opened new doors to decorative styles all over the globe. During the early 1900s, the most outstanding decorative style of jewelry boxes was Art Nouveau. It was a romantic design that was famous for its flowing, asymmetrical lines, with motifs relating to nature. The Nouveau design reflected flower sentiments on jewelry boxes; the four-leaf-clover for good luck, daisies for innocence, roses for love and beauty, and so on.

From 1904 to 1918, there was an overwhelming mass production of jewelry boxes. In this era, gold and silver boxes were very common. Silver-plated boxes are considered as antique jewelry boxes and are very rare. Other types of antique jewelry boxes include the souvenir boxes that have commemorative ceramic or photo discs. There are also the ivory finished boxes. Thought they were designed later, they are very hard to find. Their finishes were extremely durable. Hence, these antique jewelry boxes may still be passed down the family generations.

Jewelry - Move Past The Same Ol’ Same Ol’

2007-10-05T03:24:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you but every time I go shopping for clothes and accessories I end up at the jewelry counter. I am dazzled by sparkling this and shiny that but when I take a closer look, I am not as enchanted as I was a minute ago. Perhaps we are trained to like shiny things at first sight. However, I don’t want to fill up my jewelry collection with the stuff you see everywhere and on everyone. The same is true in most jewelry stores. I take a walk around the room and see what catches my eye and I see beautiful and expensive stones but I see nothing really interesting.

Most people want their pieces to be unique. Most would like them to be artistic and creative. Jewelry isn’t something to just have to have but something that expresses something about us. When I buy and really invest in a piece of jewelry, I am investing in a piece of art, something that I will pass down for generations and that will be special to each member of my family who wears it. Jewelry is a treasure. So why would I want to shell out a ton of money for something common and like everyone else’s?

In choosing jewelry always look for something exceptional and imaginative. I love going to craft fairs and artisan fairs to try to find just that special something. Now, with the World Wide Web, you can look for cool stuff right at home. Searching on-line is a start. Check local newspapers and alternative papers as well. You will always be able to find the more well known designers in your area as well as those up and coming. For example, you may know of Judith Ripka or other off-the-beaten trail jewelry makers like her that manage to be successful but not over-exposed. For 30 years Judith Ripka jewelry has won tremendous loyalty of those customers that cross her path. With a few boutique stores and products available on-line, she has won over many customers. People in the “know” enjoy all her pieces from Judith Ripka rings to pins to bangles. Judith Ripka 18k jewelry, as well as diamonds and semi precious stones, is not only glamorous but also tasteful. You won’t get the gaudy, ”Hey, look at me, I am showing off” stuff but you will enjoy very fine quality and naturally attention calling pieces.

What we wear on our bodies is an outward expression of who we are and what turns us on. Not just the style of our clothes or hair, but our jewelry also plays a part. In fact, jewelry as it is a more subtle part or our wardrobe, gives us an opportunity to really display our uniqueness. The gentle pendent or the striking ring adds to us just the right flare to accentuate our personalities. Jewelry is more than just something we throw on because it matches and it is more than flashing valuables at people. It is an art form.

Jewelry for Year Around Style

2007-10-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

Year in and year out styles and fashion come and go. In fact, every season there is something new to be obsessed with. Though this is certainly exciting for those of us who love new and original ideas, it is also lots of fun. However, most people don’t or can’t change every single thing in their closets and accessory box every time the wind changes. Imagine the craziness of doing that every season? It is great to update your wardrobe every so often and who doesn’t use retail therapy to cope with stress of daily life. However, when you are choosing the pieces of your collection that require a little more investment, you want them to be classics. Everyone has certain basics and foundational articles that define their character and style. In terms of jewelry, every woman has those special treasures that she wears when she really wants to convey her uniqueness and give her outward appearance that extra special touch.

With clothing, there are certain fundamentals that keep coming back and that rarely change. Part of their selection has to do with your comfort with your own style. I knew a woman whose classic outfit consisted of jeans and a white button down shirt. Initially that sounds boring but she would play with jean styles and cuts as well as shirt designs. Then her jewelry and accessories dressed things up or dressed things down depending on her mood or the occasion. Every person needs to decide what her staples are and then feel free to add the more interesting trends that appear each season. Items like knee high boots for example were huge in various parts of the 60s and 70s and continue to evolve in their frequent resurgences. This is an item that is worth investing in, as it never goes away.

In terms of jewelry, it can be a little harder or a little easier to choose classics depending on one thing...you. If you are one to get sick of something and lose it at the bottom of your jewelry box, you may be always chasing new trends every season. If you are a person who enjoys being really selective in your jewelry pieces then you want to always go with designers that have an ability to create truly lasting pieces. Judith Ripka inspired jewelry is one that comes to mind. Once you take a look at her artistry you’ll see why she has lasted so long in this cutthroat business. Though her collections continue to evolve as with the Judith Ripka Berge earrings and the Judith Ripka Loopty Loo her pieces never go "out of style" and her collections shine with adaptability to ever changing fashion trends. In this scenario, a woman with a firm grasp on her own taste and personal fashion makes her life easier when she finds an artist or jewelry designer that offers pieces that serve as classics. From Judith Ripka Bangles to rings and earrings, with a designer like her, you can find true fundamental pieces to accentuate and augment your own personal style while remaining "in".

It is true that is can be fun yet maddening to try to keep up with the latest and greatest styles. However, with a little self-awareness and familiarity with who is out there, you can find styles and designers to help you create your fashion foundation. This will allow you to keep a style all your own while extracting new and fabulous compliments as the seasons change.

Jewelry Gift Ideas For Your Girlfriend - What Does It Mean

2007-09-21T03:32:00.001-07:00

Your first jewelry gift for your girlfriend can be a difficult experience. First off, guys don't typically shop for jewelry so that leads to a problem right there, and second, what is the meaning behind certain jewelry pieces to a woman? The first jewelry gift for your girlfriend is almost like walking on glass but it doesn't have to be.

It's important to understand your situation, read into what your girlfriend is displaying, and take that to the store or online with you when you shop for your jewelry gift. It does depend on your specific relationship and how you feel but typically wait some time, 6 to 8 months, before you start spending the money on anything 18 karat gold or with diamond jewelry that has a total carat weight over 0.35. Also, as a first gift stay away from buying a ring regardless if CZ or gemstone.

It's the connotation a ring brings and early in a relationship might make the girl think a bit more about what you two are. Again, it depends on your own personal feelings about her that matter the most. As an alternative, you can find out what she enjoys wearing such as bracelets, necklaces or earrings and find a classy yet simple gift that won't draw huge attention to herself. By doing some research you will learn how to buy jewelry in the process as well as save money on jewelry for your first gift.

Now, when you move onto your second gift a ring is a great idea. As a couple the symbolism a ring brings might be welcomed as a second gift on her birthday, Christmas, etc.