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The Benefits of Buying Jewellery Online

2007-02-27T23:35:00.002-08:00

Jewellery is a gift that is truly universal - something that can be given for just about any occasion, and something that has real meaning to it. If someone gives you jewellery as a gift, you feel touched, emotional, sometimes even overwhelmed. It's amazing to think that such small items can stir such powerful emotions, but this is something that happens all the time. You can bet that during every hour of every day, someone somewhere in the world is gazing open-mouthed at a beautiful piece of jewellery that has been given to them by someone special - perhaps an engagement ring, an elegant necklace or the perfect pair of earrings.

Of course, it's not just men that buy jewellery for women any longer as it was in years long gone by. These days, jewellery makes a popular gift for men as well, and many women choose to give rings, cufflinks, watches and other popular items of jewellery to the beloved men in their lives. Giving jewellery means that you can give a gift that actually speaks without words, and this is probably why jewels have been a hugely popular form of gift since ancient times.

Why buy jewellery online?

Since the explosion of the Internet, most products have become available to customers online, and jewellery is no exception. Modern technological advancements mean that it is no longer necessary for us to go scouring through every jewellery shop on the high street to find the perfect gift. We can now enjoy doing this from the comfort of our own homes, giving us more time to browse and compare the options open to us. Buying jewellery online offers many benefits, such as:

* Choice: There is certainly no shortage of choice on the Internet, and you will find a wide range of jewellery at your disposal. This means that you can browse a wide selection of jewels until you find the perfect gift with which to surprise a loved one.
* Convenience: Gone are the days when the local High Street jewellers was the only viable option if we wanted to get the perfect piece of jewellery in a short space of time. When you buy jewellery online, you can browse, order and pay from the comfort of your own home, and your chosen piece will then be shipped out to you safely and quickly. This means that you still have choice, however short of time you are. And, you don't even have to leave your home to get the perfect gift.
* Saving time: We all lead busy lifestyles these days, and you simply may not have the time to troop from shop to shop looking for the perfect piece of jewellery. When you buy jewellery online you can benefit from speed and ease, and you aren't restricted to looking within certain times, as you would be with a bricks-and-mortar shop.
* Affordability: When you buy jewellery online, you will benefit from far more choice, which in turn means that you are far more likely to find something within your budget. There are some really good quality jewellery products available online, and you can get these at a huge reduction compared to High Street prices. Online jewellers don't have the same overheads and running costs as their bricks-and-mortar counterparts, which means that they can afford to offer a bigger saving to their customers.

What sort of jewellery can you buy online?

These days it is possible to get just about every type of jewellery you can imagine online. You can even request custom-made jewellery, so if you can't find exactly what you are looking for you can simply get it made. Whether you are looking for engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, brooches, ankle bracelets, or any other type of jewellery, you will find a vast selection at your disposal when you buy jewellery online.

And you don't need to worry about "buying blind" when you buy jewellery online, because most quality sites provide totally accurate description and excellent photographs of each product, so you can get a real look at it before you commit to a purchase. Plus, of course, online jewellery stores accept returns and exchanges in the same was as High Street jewellery stores do, so you won't be compromising any of your statutory right when you buy jewellery online.

Whatever the occasion, buying jewellery online will prove effective, convenient, fast, safe and easy. Your chosen piece of jewellery will be delivered right to your door, and you can often request that it is gift-wrapped before it even arrives! It's never been easier to get the perfect gift of jewellery at an affordable, great value cost.

In summary

Buying all manner of products online is not the future any longer - it is the present. Online purchasing has become one of the most popular methods of shopping, and with the choice available to consumers it makes sense to buy your jewellery online. Whatever time of day or night, you can take your time to browse through the various products on offer from online jewellery stores, and when you are ready you can simply place your order and wait for it to arrive - no pressure, no rush, it's all done at your own pace and in your own time.

And you don't have to worry about security issues when you buy jewellery online. The advanced software used by websites these days means that monetary transactions are perfectly safe, so you can pay for your purchase by credit or debit card without having to concern yourself about a breach in security.

Buying jewellery from online jewellery stores can save you time, hassle and money, so why make more work for yourself by driving out and trundling from one shop to the next? You can now give the perfect, beautiful gift of jewellery to a loved one without even leaving the house - and you can benefit from a far wider selection and far better value with online affordable jewellery.

Vintage Costume Jewellery Sparkles Again

2007-02-27T23:35:00.001-08:00

Men and women have worn costume jewellery since the Romans developed the ability to cut glass imitations of precious gemstones. Jewellery was worn to enhance appearance, display wealth and affirm love, friendship and loyalty. The reasons for wearing jewellery remain the same today, but the popularity of styles changes. Vintage costume jewellery is experiencing a revival these days as sparkling vintage rhinestone brooches are roaring back in style. Here are a few things you’ll need to know to help you pick out the right pieces.

What is it.

Costume jewellery is defined as jewellery that is made from non-precious materials such as cut glass.

Parures.

It is a set that includes a necklace, brooch and pair of earrings.

Demi-parures.

It includes a brooch and a pair of earrings.

Missing Stones.

Steer clear of an item with any missing stones. They are very difficult to replace.

Faux Pearls.

Watch closely any pieces with faux pearls because they chip easily and these chips cannot be fixed. Also, soap, cream and perfume can erode faux pearls.

Enamel.

Pieces with enamel can cause problems. Small areas of enamel damage can be retouched but large areas are very difficult to repair.

Condition Matters.

Good condition is important with vintage costume jewellery. Pin clasps that don’t work, hinges that are suspect may not be replaceable because they may no longer be made. Before you purchase, double check that all the pieces are in original condition and in good working order.

Names to Look For.

The biggest name in Canada for vintage costume jewellery is Sherman and it was usually signed. Other makers to be on the look out for are Trifari, Coro, Schreiner, Hobe and Schiaparelli.

Care.

Once you’ve found something you like, you’ll want to take good care of it. Store your vintage costume jewellery separately in small plastic bags to guard against scratching.

Where To Find Great Vintage Costume Jewellery.

Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and Ebay are all good sources for vintage costume jewellery.

Value.

Prices range from under $20 for unsigned pieces to much more for signed sought-after pieces, parures and demi-parures.

Should I Start I Home Jewellery Business?

2007-02-27T23:34:00.004-08:00

You like jewellery and you think you can sell it. Yes but on Google there are about 46,000,000 web pages under jewellery. That’s a lot of competition! I believe that retail jewellery is about as close to perfect competition as you can find. In perfect competition on average you will find that businesses will only make the profit to pay back for the risk they are taking. If they can make more than this hungry new competitors will come and take that profit. That is on average. The most professional businesses will make the profit and the amateurs will take a loss.

We get 5 new potential customers a day looking to buy from us. Many of them wanting to start a home business

I run a wholesale jewellery business. If a relative of mine suggested starting an online jewellery business, I would advise them not to, and that is with the advantage of any favours I may give them.

Don’t think it’s easy.

You have got to find (or make) the goods to sell.

You have to take photographs. Jewellery isn’t easy to photograph well. Nobody would buy jewellery from my photographs, even after buying a professional digital camera and a proper jeweller’s light box. You have to produce a web-site. That’s quite easy, yes. But you need a shopping cart. Which one, buy the wrong one and your jewellery looks awful.

But your photographs aren’t the right size for the shopping cart, and oh they take so long to download.

How to get customers? Again easy submit your pages to Google, Yahoo etc. and the shoppers will come flooding in. Three weeks, nothing. Type in www.mynewjewelleryventure.com into Google and they haven’t even listed it yet. Grrh!

Friend says you have to link to other sites to get listed quickly in Google. You send out loads of messages to high ranking websites. No response, back. You ask your friend why there was no response to your friendly letter. "Ah!" She replies, "you haven’t got a Google Page Rank so you are no use to them." Talk about chickens and their eggs.

Finally Google lists you. Your friend suggests you buy advertising on Google Adwords and Yahoo Overture. It only costs 10p a click. You send off your money and people start to visit your site. One sends you an email and asks. "I like your monkey brooch it’s very nice. How do I pay?" You ask for a cheque please. "But I want it for Friday" she replies, "don’t you accept cards!" Your email saying that you’re a new business and don’t accept cards yet doesn’t receive a reply.

No new enquiries from Google. Why, they still have my money! Friend suggests checking their site. Your advert for "Jewellery" has been suspended. Thanks for telling me, Google. ( Google is a very respectable search engine, you just have to know how to the system works. It would help their business greatly if they advised newbie’s more what to do. )

Still no orders, you have to decide whether to pay more money to get the merchant account etc. etc. necessary to take credit card payments securely online.

Finally a cheque but to get to it you have to open the magazine-cut free the glued sheets of paper. To get the money into your bank you have to cash an Irish Grammar Schools cheque and send the goods to Nigeria. Do you?

PS We do have customers who have made a success of selling jewellery online.

Jewelry and the Art of Selling

2007-02-27T23:34:00.003-08:00

Two of the most frequently asked questions we get at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center is:

"How do I sell an item of Antique or Estate Jewelry?" or... "How much should I ask for it?"

Very often people receive an item as a 'Hand Down' or 'Bequest' after someone has passed away. It may or may not be worth something, or the person 'Just doesn't like it'....

So what to do?

# RULE 1: Take back control.

The Antique Trade in general are a Fine and Trusting lot, but there are always the 'Shyster' or 'Fagin' characters out there.

In this case it's not Buyer Beware, but Seller Beware...

Sometimes the Second-Hand Dealers or Pawn Brokers (all of whom have a great general knowledge on Buying and Selling) may not QUITE know what your particular item is really worth.

So the first thing to do is get your item appraised and valued by a qualified gemologist (if there are gemstones involved) and/or a member of the local Valuers association. Your local, TRUSTED Jeweler might be both.

It is greatly suggested that the person you obtain a valuation from, is NOT INVOLVED IN THE PURCHASE OF THE ITEM.

But a further word of advice is given here too...

Let these people know 'WHAT YOU WANT THE VALUATION FOR'.

There are several TYPES of Valuation and all will have a different price on the bottom line.

Did you want an Insurance valuation?

Did you want to sell the item to a third party?

Did you wish to sell the item through an Auction?

Did you just want to know what it would fetch?

All of these are very valid points, yet all are different.

If you are not sure which applies to your particular situation, why not check our very helpfull information section on 'TYPES OF VALUATIONS' at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Centre (address shown below).

If you don't want to go to a great expense, you might take advantage of the useful 'Do it Yourself' ONLINE Valuation Self Appraisal Kit. At such a low fee (less than the price of a Big Mac and Coke) it's money well spent. Indeed, if you just purchased something on eBay or Yahoo auctions for example, you might wish to confirm an approximate value by using this easy to use valuation kit.

The 'walk through' instructions are so easy my 6yr old Granddaughter completed the form in under ten minutes. (She had it all wrong of course) but it was under ten minutes.

'Just Kidding...' It couldn't be simpler.

My other Granddaughter (Rachael was eight) did it easy AND correct!

So if you recently bought something from a local Dealer, on the Market or at the Antique Fair, why not get it checked. What's the worst that could happen? You blow some loose change - Not much of a Risk, is it?

At this price it's a Bargain, plus there are many other advantages to having your Jewelry done at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center.

# RULE 2: Pick your Market.

What do we mean by this is:

Are you in a hurry to Cash something in? Do you have the time to 'Try, Try again...' should something NOT sell the first time around? What are the costs involved? How about selling something 'On Consignment?'

Auction Houses are a great way to sell your Jewelry, but even the best of them have costs. Find out BEFORE you sell.

Selling on Consignment is another good method, as you should get more money from the sale than if you sold it directly to an Antique Dealer. BUT IT MIGHT TAKE MORE TIME.

Are the Classified Ads in the local paper worth doing?

In our experience... NO! Plus you have the extra security problem associated with someone coming to your Home to inspect the goods - 'And Check out all your other stuff too.'

It's just not Worth it...

There are several other SPECIAL REPORTS available through our eMail-on-Demand subscription box at the website, so please take some time to visit.

There is a timely warning on Security issues. It's good advice, plus there is some great tips on Investing in Jewelry, Insurance guidelines and other notes on selling, Hallmarking tips etc, and they are being added to all the time.

And the best bit is they are FREE....

Thank you for taking the time to read this special report. If you thought it interesting, useful or found it helped you in any way I would appreciate your comments via email at the address shown below.

This is my personal email address and I read every comment - good or bad.

Alternatively: why not pass it on to a friend. I'm sure you can think of someone who might benefit from this useful information. Treat it as doing me a big favor. I will certainly appreciate it.

The Glitter Bitter JEWELRY

2007-02-27T23:34:00.001-08:00

Jewelry the dominator of many moods, how a piece of body decoration can change and alter a persons image is remarkable? Take the birth stone a coloured precious jewel representing the month you were born hence birth signs horoscopes etc. Then we have the pendant locket encompassing a photo of a loved one parted or present.

100% top of the list for popularity has to be the ring.

Many organizations symbolize memberships and identities of their followers with the wearing of a ring. But the most famous piece of warm gold or cool silver is the wedding band with the eternity and engagement ring trailing behind. Why you ask? Do these lag behind; they both represent friendship and togetherness, unlike the gold wedding band which goes further in bonding two people together for ever.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend and that of the man also. The male takes fashion and Jewelry just as serious as the female species and why would they not.

How a pair of pearl peepers placed onto the lobe of the ear can transform that figure hugging little black number. Glimpse how the bronze medallion swinging between an open neck shirt can transform the appearance of the male.

When buying Jewelry remember, wrong choice wrong image wrong you so be careful and take your time when deciding on what to purchase.

Most heirlooms today come in the form of Jewelry, grandmothers cameo brooch, grandads cuff links mum or dads wedding ring. Jewelry will always hold fond memories for a great many of us and it's funny how you never forget where that particular piece came from. So if you want to be remembered give a piece of Jewelry

Then we have the not so sweet memories when the glitter turns to bitter (Divorce)

Bling Bling clusters of sparkling precious stones assist and help elegance to protrude through especially when mounted on a 9ct gold band. Mans signet ring can alter the image of the male hand expressing masculinity

The male/female is only half dressed unless adorned with jewellery. Next time when shopping in a Jewelry store do not go over the top like Mr T from the A team. Too many accessories will spoil the whole look of any outfit thus marring your whole image.

If you are out to attract the opposite sex or keep the companion you have then it is all about beauty. Remember beauty lies in the eye of the beholder so let the beholder be you when looking for gold or silver.

Jewelry speaks in volumes about you and your personality so we do not want to give the wrong impression. Let the diamonds emeralds sapphires and rubies do all the talking. People will get to know you with out you even opening your mouth.

Jewelry- Passionate Love Affair or Virtuous Assent!

2007-02-23T20:50:00.003-08:00

According to the Wikipedia, “Jewellery (Jewelry in American English) is any piece of fine material used to adorn the human body. Jewellery has probably been around since the dawn of man; indeed, recently found 100,000 year-old Nassarius shells that were made into beads are thought to be the oldest known jewellery.” For most of us, however, when we hear about rings of gold & silver, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, pearls, precious stones, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, holidays, etc., our imaginations sweep us away into worlds of starry dreams & adventures. The dazzling beauty of jewels, gemstones & precious metals thrill the emotions, evoking many passions of love, virtue, jealousy, greed & delight.

“Personal adornment and the use of bright, shiny items to attract a mate is as old as time. Jewelry is our way of showing off, spreading our ‘peacock feathers’ to make a hit with the opposite sex. Put on jewelry and you're putting on protection……What we call jewelry is really the evolution of personal adornment that has its roots in power-bestowing charms and talismans.” “The gift of jewelry speaks a thousand words: it talks about the seriousness of a relationship, the seriousness of one's intentions, and the amount of thought and passion invested in a gift selection.” Diamonds, emeralds & rubies are the hallmarks of devotion, in the language of love and affection. Gifts like necklaces, broaches, cameos, earrings, bracelets, pendants, birthstones, rings, etc., all convey significance of meaning, fondness, warmth, love and desire.

Brilliant novelists, story-tellers, and Hollywood have all fueled our obsession of love, romance and jewelry. It, of course, started with treasure hunting & fortune seeking stories like, King Midus and the Golden Touch, The Story of Aladdin, and Alibaba and the Fourty Theives. Silent film began the movie craze with, The Gold Rush, starring Charlie Chaplan, but quickly moved on to, The Thief of Bagdag, with Conrad Veidt & Rex Ingram, and, Treasure Island, with Jackie Cooper & Lionel Barrymore. Then comedies, like the original, Pink Panther, with Peter Sellers & David Niven, a funny skirmish over the burglary of renown jewels, and Michael Douglas’ adventure over the notorious heart shaped emerald in, Romancing the Stone. Next, consider the intrigue of Roger Moore in the James Bond thriller, Diamonds are Forever. Finally, can anyone ever forget Gollum’s golden “precious” in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings? Fantasy may be entertaining, but for all the hype, how are patrons influenced?

Research finds that the jewelry industry, in the US, is a very big business indeed, demanding as, “the world’s second largest gold jewellery market by volume (around 350 tonnes) and the largest by retail value (around $16 billion).” Diamonds score another “$12.5 billion in retail value.” This doesn’t take into account the numerous other gemstones, pearls or precious metals available. These statistics are quite staggering; I guess that’s literally putting one’s money where one’s mouth is. So, with so much esteem placed on these earthly mineral elements, should we ask ourselves, “Are our devotions to carats misplaced? Are our fancies base covetousness, or can we ascribe a higher meaning and purpose?”

Let’s consider another perspective, what say the great thinkers of various ages on the topic of true riches:

“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” Benjamin Franklin

“The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.” Hazrat Inayat Khan

“The price of wisdom is above rubies.” Bible, Job xxviii. 18.

“Dive into the sea of thought, and find there pearls beyond price.” Moses Ibn Ezra, Shirat Yisrael

“No pressure, no diamonds.” Mary Case

Wardrobe adornment; expressions of love & beauty; engagement, wedding & holiday celebrations; unfortunately, a source of vanity, greed & malice; jewelry evokes the passions of men and women like no other. When all is said and done, I believe we can all agree with Elizabeth Taylor, who was quoted, “I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it.”

Crystal Tiaras

2007-02-23T20:50:00.001-08:00

Online shop for all your Swarovski crystal tiaras, fashion jewellery, costume jewellery, sterling silver and gold jewellery plus hair accessories and mobile phone accessories needs. Bee Jewelled is proud to announce the launch of their new web site.

Bee Jewelled offers a wide variety of rhinestone tiaras and Swarovski crystal tiaras ensuring that the range suits all possible occasions from your big wedding day, to holy communions and Irish dancing or simply princess parties. Size range is superb and you will find tiaras sized to fit infant to adult. These tiaras can be worn on their own or themed with some of the many hair accessories or jewellery sets. The quality of our Swarovski tiaras is exceptional and buyers will not be disappointed. These are made from genuine Swarovski crystals and are available in many colours.

The site features attractive pictures and excellent product descriptions and is a worthy forum for the high-quality, competitively priced goods Bee Jewelled offers. Whether shopping for a birthday present, valentines present, mothers day gift or simply looking for goods to transform your outfit you are sure to enjoy your shopping experience.

The new online store offers all items displayed for immediate delivery. Bee Jewelled combines an impressive inventory with an unmatched commitment to customer service. Jewelry boxes are more than just containers. Instead, they are the one kind of box that must fit with the carefully chosen present inside. Bee Jewelled does justice to this reality by ensuring all of our jewellery is individually presented in gift boxes. Bee Jewelled commitment to customer service continues until our clients are happy with the goods purchased.

Make An Intelligent Use Of Your Valuable Assets To Materialise Your Valuable Dreams

2007-02-23T20:49:00.002-08:00

Every man tries to acquire and treasure some kind of asset, such as home, land, precious jewellery, valuable shares and stocks, etc. in his life. Valuable assets come to our rescue during the trying times of our financial life. Assets have some value attached to them that can be utilised by the asset owner to receive financial aid during the phase(s) of monetary shortfall.

Secured loans provide an opportunity to the asset owners to make use of the equity in their assets for raising the capital necessary to fulfil their needs and desires. A secured loan is offered against a collateral security, which may be any valuable asset owned by the potential borrower. Secured loans are known as homeowner loans or home equity loans when the loan is offered exclusively against home equity.

Secured Loans are useful when you require to borrow a large amount of funds to realize your 'big' dreams and desires. The homeowners can make use of secured loans to unlock the equity present in their homes and use the home equity for their needs. Home equity is the difference between current market value of your home and the outstanding mortgage amount against the home. A homeowner is free to use this home equity for raising capital during financial shortfall.

The interest rate on a secured loan is higher as compared to the mortgage rate. This is because the bank/lender offering a secured loan has a second claim on the home/property. This risk premium gets reflected as the increased rate in your home equity loan agreement (as compared to the mortgage rate). However, the loan taken against home equity is much cheaper than an unsecured loan as the presence of security lowers the risk borne by the lender. A secured loan is a cost-effective means to consolidate your high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, higher education bills and so on.

So, make an intelligent use of your 'material assets' to add value to the 'biggest asset' bestowed by God...your life!

Designer Costume Jewellery Brands - 4 Of The Best

2007-02-23T20:49:00.001-08:00

The history of jewellery can be traced back over 3000 BC and gold jewellery was found in the tombs of Tutankhamen. Because jewellery made from real gold or silver is so expensive, the wearing of costume jewellery has rocketed due to its lower price. Not only that, but because fashions are constantly changing, costume jewellery allows people to buy jewellery to match the latest trends. These can include jewellery made from beads, glass, bone, brass and even plastic.

A number of companies have emerged over the last few decades to meet the demand of the fashion conscious public. There are so many that they cannot all be mentioned in this article however here are a few of the most prominent, mainly because they are popular with celebrities. And well know how important celebrities are when it comes to determining fashion trends!

Pilgrim - This company was started in Denmark by Thomas Adamsen and Annemette Markvad in 1983. Models that have been used in Pilgrim's advertising campaigns have included Helena Christensen and Liv Tyler.

Tarina Tarantino - Tarina is a model turned jewellery designer whose jewellery gained mass popularity after she was featured in People magazine in 1998. Paris Hilton is the best-know celeb to wear Tarina's collection.

Butler and Wilson - The pair first started out selling vintage costume jewellery in the 1960s but then they started selling their own designs and are especially popular on TV shopping channel QVC. The cast of "Footballer's Wives" can also often be spotted wearing their collections.

Mikey - Mikey is another brand of jewellery which often appears on QVC and is very popular with UK celebs such as Kat Deely and Will Young.

Why A Women Needs So Many Different Types Of Jewellery

2007-02-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

The definition of the word “Jewelery” is literally any piece of fine material that someone uses to adorn themselves. It can be made out of almost every substance known to man and has been made to decorate nearly every body part, from hairpins, belly button and toe rings to regal tiaras, diamond rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings. While many of the high-quality pieces are made with gemstones like diamonds and sapphires and precious metals like platinum, the cheaper but very attractive items of costume jewellery are made from less valuable materials and tend to be mass-produced.

With a description that offers such enormous scope, it is no wonder that “a woman can never have enough jewellery”. For example, different pieces are needed to mirror moods: someone feeling flamboyant would probably wear some large pieces like chandelier earrings, a multi coloured gem set pendant and bracelet and colourful three stone ring set with mixed gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds. While a quieter mood could be reflected by wearing something like diamond stud earrings and a diamond trilogy ring.

Or it might be that a significant event has occurred in her life: it is pretty obvious why she needs a diamond solitaire engagement and wedding ring, but maybe she has just had a baby – in which case a trinity or eternity ring is the thing to wear. Or she has just had a birthday and is wearing a piece of jewellery which has her birthstone set in it. If her birthday is in May and she is a Gemini for example then emeralds will commemorate this.

Then there are the pieces of jewellery that are given to bring her love and luck; like a diamond handbag pendant, wishbone, horseshoe, heart, lock or four leaf clover. And even if she does not have religious tendencies, diamond crosses are very popular nowadays.

The type of jewellery that a women will wear for work is normally vastly different than what she will put on for a night out. Depending of what she does for a living she will need to consider if the jewellery she is wearing is durable and is easy to clean (claw set diamond solitaire rings can catch if the setting is very high; and diamond pave set jewellery needs more cleaning than a diamond bangle for example). If she has regular contact with important clients and is often in company boardrooms she will probably want to wear something very powerful but understated – a diamond solitaire ring and matching earrings spring immediately to mind here. But if she has a less formal job then there is nothing to stop her donning a pair of chandelier earrings and chunky bracelet.

For the evening “bling” is the thing at the moment and sparkling gemstone jewellery and a cocktail watch are de rigueur. There are some stunning pieces of cocktail jewellery on the market with many top designers lending their names to various ranges.

Hopefully you are now starting to get the picture why a woman needs so many different pieces of jewellery …or it may be just a relaxed evening in with the girls or someone special, when diamond or huggy or hoop earrings, a tennis bracelet and wishbone pendant are comfortable pieces to wear.

For more energetic sports such as shopping (which can be a marathon!), playing tennis or swimming, then comfortable and secure jewellery like diamond stud earrings and a tennis bracelet (with its safety catch) are necessary. These are also the sort of items that she will wear on the beach – but maybe she will add something with a bit more sparkle to catch the sunlight – like diamond and pear or gem set earrings with sapphires and diamonds.

Clever women do not follow fads when collecting expensive items of jewellery, but wear pieces fashioned in materials follows like gold, diamonds and sapphires which have timeless designs and are a sound investment. A huge range less expensive but trendy cocktail jewellery is what she needs to keep up with current fashions.

Unusual settings will create designs with a difference, and sparkling gemstones in unusual combinations with semi-precious stones like rubies will give her jewellery a futuristic look. A lot of smaller diamond pieces can be worn on any occasion with any outfit.

Silver – The Relationship between Purity, Carats and Fineness

2007-02-14T22:11:00.001-08:00

The purity or fineness of silver alloys is now described using the millesimal system in most countries. This system uses a number to represent the purity of the alloy. The number described purity in parts per thousand.

Previous to the millesimal system, the fineness of silver was expressed in carats. While the fineness of silver alloys must be stamped or hallmarked into pieces, the millesimal value is generally compulsory and the carat value now optional.

Table 1. Some of the most common fineness denominations used.

Fineness	Common Name	Purity (wt.%)
999	Fine or pure silver	99.9
958	Brittania	95.8
925	Sterling silver	92.5
800	Jewellery silver	80

Pure silver is typically very soft and malleable, hence it is commonly alloyed to increase its hardness and durability for applications such as jewellery. It is typically alloyed with copper in this instance, with sterling silver being one of the most popular alloys, containing 7.5% copper. Copper is used as it is a hardening agent and does not discolour the silver.

Gold - Properties and Uses – Supplier Data by Goodfellow

2007-02-14T22:10:00.004-08:00

This metal has been known since prehistoric times.

Gold is a soft metal with a characteristic yellow colour. It is the most malleable and ductile of any element. It is unaffected by air, water, alkalis and acids, with the exception of “aqua regia”, HNO₃/HCl. The fact that it is chemically unreactive means that it is often found in its natural state. It is a good thermal and electrical conductor and has excellent reflective properties to both light and infrared. It has an abundance in the earth’s crust of 0.0011 ppm.

Most of the metal is retained for use as bullion reserves, but some is used within the electronics and jewellery industries, where it is frequently alloyed with other elements to improve the mechanical properties of the metal (e.g. copper and silver). Other uses for the metal are as a heat reflecting coating for glass as well as as a decorative medium.

Key Properties

Atomic Properties
Atomic number			79
Atomic radius - Goldschmidt ( nm )			0.144
Atomic weight ( amu )			196.9665
Crystal structure			Face centred cubic
Electronic structure			Xe 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s¹
Photo-electric work function ( eV )			4.8
Thermal neutron absorption cross-section ( Barns )			98.8
Valences shown			1,3
Ionisation Potential			No.	eV
			1	9.22
			2	20.5
Natural Isotope Distribution			Mass No.	%
			197	100
Electrical Properties
Temperature coefficient ( K^-1 )			0.0040 @ 0-100
Electrical resistivity ( µOhm.cm )			2.20 @ 20
Thermal emf against Pt (cold 0°C - hot 100°C) ( mV )			+0.74
Mechanical Properties
Material condition	Soft	Hard	Polycrystalline
Bulk modulus ( GPa )			171
Hardness - Vickers	20-30	60
Poisson's ratio			0.42
Tensile modulus ( GPa )			78.5
Tensile strength ( MPa )	130	220
Yield strength ( MPa )		205
Physical Properties
Boiling point (°C )			3080
Density ( g.cm^-3 )			19.30 @ 20
Melting point (°C )			1064.4
Thermal Properties
Coefficient of thermal expansion ( x10^-6 K^-1 )			14.1 @ 0-100
Latent heat of evaporation ( J.g^-1 )			1738
Latent heat of fusion ( J.g^-1 )			64.9
Specific heat ( J.K^-1.kg^-1 )			129 @ 25
Thermal conductivity ( W.m^-1.K^-1 )			318 @ 0-100

Platinum Gauze 52 Mesh Woven from 0.1mm (0.04in) Wire - 99.9% Purity from Alfa Aesar

2007-02-14T22:10:00.003-08:00

Platinum is a transition metal element. Mostly noted as a precious metal used in jewellery, its extremely low reactivity and thermal stability see it used in laboratory ware.

Properties

Property		Value
Atomic Number		78
Atomic Mass		195.09
Density		21.09g/cm³
Melting Point		1768˚C
Boiling Point		3825˚C
CAS Number		7440-06-4

Available Sizes

· 25x25mm

· 50x50mm

· 75x75mm

· 100x100mm

Open area: 62.7%; Width of opening: 0.015in

Platinum Wire 0.1mm (0.04in) Diameter Annealed - 99.95% Purity from Alfa Aesar

2007-02-14T22:10:00.001-08:00

Platinum is a transition metal element. Mostly noted as a precious metal used in jewellery, its extremely low reactivity and thermal stability see it used in laboratory ware.

Properties

Property		Value
Atomic Number		78
Atomic Mass		195.09
Density		21.09g/cm³
Melting Point		1768˚C
Boiling Point		3825˚C
CAS Number		7440-06-4

Available Sizes

· 5cm

· 25cm

· 100cm

Approximately 16.8g/m

Dosilac Conductive Silver Spray Paint

2007-02-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

Dosilac is a new conductive silver spray paint from Ami Doduco. It combines speed, ease and economy for the application of metal coatings to non-conducting surfaces.

The purpose designed nozzle makes dosing easy and gives a uniform coating.

Spraying is economical compared to brushing as it is able to cover ten times the surface area with the same amount of material. Furthermore, the paint does not dry in the can meaning that there are lower losses and the material remains more consistent.

The silver spray paint provides a better alternative to traditional silver conductive paints that require application by brush. They are suited to applications including, but certainly not limited to:

· Dentistry

· Jewellery

· Amateur electronics

· Repairing printed circuit boards

· Electromagnetic shielding

· Rear windscreen heaters

The Easy Guide To The Four C’s Of Diamond Jewelry

2007-02-08T21:34:00.001-08:00

If you have ever gone shopping for jewelry, diamond jewelry in particular, you have most likely been told about the four C’s of diamonds. But what does it all really mean and how can you be sure you are actually getting what you want? To help you through the struggles of buying diamond jewelry we have laid out all four of the factors in an easy to understand guide below.

Cut – Of all of the four C’s, Cut is the only characteristic that is man made. Every diamond is taken by a person called a cutter and he painstakingly cuts the diamond in just the right way in order to give the jewel a sparkle. How the diamond reflects light is dependent on how the diamond is cut. Diamond jewelry can be bought in ideal, excellent or very good Cuts. The better the cut, the more expensive the diamond is.

Clarity – This is the factor that tells you how clear a diamond is. Many imperfections can not be seen by the naked eye and the clarity rating will help let you know just how many imperfections are in the diamond jewelry you are looking at. There are two categories used to describe defects in the diamond; inclusions (which are internal) and blemishes (which are external). The fewer imperfections the diamond has, the more expensive and rare the diamond will be.

Carat Weight – This is the easiest of the C’s to understand. The carat weight is simply the size of the diamond. This is also one of the biggest factors in determining how much a diamond costs.

Color – Diamonds color are graded on a scale of D-Z. Diamonds that are graded a D through F in color are considered to be colorless. Grades G through J are considered to be near colorless. The human eye can begin to see color in a diamond starting a I-J range.

When you are purchasing diamond jewelry it is important to pay attention to the four C's of diamonds. They will help determine the quality of the diamond that you are purchasing and will help you to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

Jewelry: The most prized possession of a woman

2007-02-08T21:33:00.002-08:00

Jewelry makes women look more beautiful. Jewelry is very intimate. It touches a person with constancy, patience and endurance. It has the power to melt a tough heart. In fact jewelry is the most prized possession of women. When they wear it, they never like to take it off!

There are women who wear lot of jewelry but there are also women who prefer less jewelry. But the love for jewelry is there in the heart of each and every woman. And now the men. Men also like gold and diamond rings, chains, bracelets and other things. The craze is not the same as it is found in women.

Jewelry in India has an unbroken tradition of over 5000 years. In early India, people use to wear jewelry made of natural things like country-seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, flowers, animal bones, claws and teeth. At present, these tribal jewelries have become the fashion statement of many rich people. During the ancient period, the people of Indus Valley Civilization wore jewelry made of gold, silver, copper, ivory and precious and semi-precious stones. In Ramayana and Mahabarata, you have many descriptions of ornaments. By third century B.C., India was the leading exporter of gemstones particularly diamonds, Gold was usually imported during the period of Mughals.

In India, we have jewelry for all parts of the body. Jewelry in India fulfills many functions and wearing it has several implications. In the Hindu, Jain, Sikh community, women don’t inherit landed property, instead they own the jewelry which they are given during their marriage. Jewelry was and is still regarded as a security and thing of investment as it can be easily converted into cash.

In the contemporary era, you have the luxury of buying jewelry online. In this ever-evolving internet market, you can buy wholesale jewelry, diamond jewelry, gold jewelry, pearl jewelry and the latest rage teen jewelry at your own convenience. You have the luxury of buying certified jewelry online from your drawing room. Buying online jewelry has become the latest craze among jewelry buyers. The concept is in vogue as more and more internet savvy youngsters are buying teen jewelry online.

In India, each region boasts unique styles. Indian jewelry making is much talked about subject in the world. At present jewelers are providing the option of customized jewelry. Buying jewelry online will continue to be in fashion in the coming years as people are finding it difficult to make time for outdoor shopping. Moreover, buying jewelry online gives you security and peace of mind as jewelers deliver products at your doorstep.

Oris Watches - What Makes Them Different

2007-02-08T21:33:00.001-08:00

Oris watches have been manufactured since 1904. They are a good quality Swiss watch that has many admirers. Why many people like Oris watches is because of the rather unique way in which the date is often displayed.

Oris watches are a well known Swiss watch and are very popular. The company has a reputation of making timepieces that stand the test of time. Their collections are based on their history in sport, aviation and fashion. The current collections of the Williams F1, Flight Timer and Frank Sinatra reflect these backgrounds.

But what really makes Oris watches stand apart from other Swiss watches is their use of the date pointer. Most date watches display the date as a number in a rectangular window on the watch face. As the date changes, the date flips and the new date is shown in the window. However some of the collections of Oris watches use the legendary date pointer.

The date pointer is a third (or fourth arm if there is also a second hand) that rotates around the face of the watch. In effect there are two sets of numerals on the watch face. The inner circle has the usual hour numbers or marks, whereas the outer circle contains the 31 days of a month. When the hour arm passes midnight the date arm moves to the next day.

The date arm (or date sweep) usually matches the same colour as the hour and minute arms, but the tip is usually red in colour - to make the indication of date more visible. Also the end of the date arm is either a T-shape of horse shoe shape. Of the two, the horse shore shape is probably the more aesthetically pleasing.

Rolex is famous for their bubble over the date window and Patek Phillipe are famous for their complicated date movements showing, day, date and moon phase, the Oris is unique, and famous, for using a date arm. Luckily for the consumer the unique way in which an Oris watch displays the date, comes at a price tag most can afford, unlike a Rolex of Patek watch.

There are many other qualities that make an Oris watch stand out, but surely the best known facet of an Oris wristwatch is the use of the date arm. That is what makes them different from the crowd.

Facts about Luxurious Replica Watches

2007-02-08T21:32:00.002-08:00

A replica watch is a watch made similar to that of the real brand ones, except, at a much lower cost. A real Rolex can go up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, but you can get a replica similar to that one, for only a few hundred dollars. This allows the normal everyday person to be able to look and feel classy, without having to actually spend such ridiculous amounts of money on it.
The reason why replica watches are so popular is because you can look classy and professional, yet not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars doing it. These watches look identical to the ones you will find at the jewelry store selling for prices most people would not be able to afford. Rolex replica watches, and other luxury watch replicas have become economical and most important of all a high quality substitution for original watches. Hence, it is very important to choose the right replica retailer that offers high quality products, warranty, and good customer service.

What is meant by automatic, chronograph, and quartz?
Automatic, or self-winding, means the watch has a self-winding mechanism which allows it to run on its own without batteries. The advantage is; batteries are not required. The disadvantage is; they should be serviced every few years to make sure they run smoothly.
Chronographs are the little dials (or 'clocks') which appear within the watches themselves and are always fully functional on our watches. They are normally used as stopwatch timers. Quartz means the watch runs on a battery. One disadvantage is, they normally have fewer markings and details than self-winding watches, and you have to change the battery every so often.
Why does automatic replica stop ticking and losing time?
When you first receive your automatic replica, you need to wind it for 3 minutes straight before wearing it. If you wear it everyday, it will continue to wind itself on your wrist when you move around and walk. If you stop wearing it for more than approximately 2 days, the watch will need to be reset, but will then automatically wind it once you start wearing it again. The disadvantage to this is pretty clear.
Your watch doesn't keep time if you don't wear it constantly. The advantages are that you don't ever have to replace a battery, the watch keeps great time when it's running, and most of all, and this type of movement is exactly what the originals use! If your Automatic is losing or gaining time in a 24 hour period the watch needs to be adjusted. All of our automatics have an adjustment screw on the movement just like the originals. Any local jeweler can service these watches.

To set time, you need to turn button in anti-clockwise direction if you have a screw-in lock watch. You need to softly pull the button out a little bit. The best way to do this is to use first and second finger and use finger knuckle as a lever in order to pull the button out with as little force as possible. You can feel a little "click"! Now you can set the time by turning it anti-clockwise. This would turn the minute-hour hands forward until you set the right time. When time is set, push the button back and turning the button clockwise for a few rounds.

Choosing A Unique Diamond Ring

2007-02-08T21:32:00.001-08:00

You have finally found that special someone and you want to make sure that he or she knows you think he or she is very special and unique. One way to do this which is often overlooked by couples when shopping for the perfect diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding ring is to have a ring designed specially and specifically for your future spouse. This approach is non-traditional and will send the message that your relationship now and in the future is precious and is one of a kind.

The very first step in this process is to find wholesale dealers who specialize in loose diamonds, where you have the best chance of them being able to offer you the perfect diamond stone.

There are a wide variety of diamond and precious gem wholesale dealers out there, so you want to first make sure that the loose diamonds wholesale supply is filled with a wide choice of quality gemstones. When looking at diamonds in particular, remember the “four Cs” of diamond selection – Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. The diamond should be clear and sparkling with a small hint of reflective color. The diamond cut must be very precise and clean without rough edges. Don’t be afraid to ask for a magnifying glass, or if you really want to look like you know what you are doing, ask to borrow their “loop”, which is the name of the small monocle microscope used by quality jewelers. Take the time to look at your potential selection closely and from various angles to make sure you detect any flaws that might be present in the stone.

Loose diamonds come in many different cuts from the diamond wholesale suppliers. You should take the time to make sure you are familiar with the types of cuts that are commonly available so that you will know the type you are looking for. The round cut is one of the most popular and very classic cuts on the market. This type of cut lends itself very well to a very classic design and tends to designate a very traditional person. Do you consider yourself or your spouse as being traditional? If so, this might be the best cut of diamond to choose. A round solitaire diamond is very classic and traditional. Part of the “classic traditional” flavor of this cut is the connection between the round shape of the stone and the metal body of the ring. The circle of the ring reflects the roundness of the stone, where the circle signifies eternity and unity.

You may also wish to consider the marquis cut. This type of design cut is usually associated with royalty or elegance. This cut will give the diamond additional reflective qualities that are not matched by other cuts. The marquis cut also gives the illusion of having more depth than what reality dictates. The marquis cut is usually associated with an air of sophistication, if that is what your future spouse reflects.

Another cut of diamond that is very unique is the heart shape. This cut is typically more expensive than other cuts, simply because of the additional skill and craftsmanship that is required to make such an intricate cut on a gemstone. The heart shape of course will indicate the attribute of love in an obvious manner, but this cut also subtly states that skilled artists, effort, and expense were involved in the creation of this stone.

Another cut that has been gaining a bit of popularity in recent years is the pear cut. This cut designates the attributes of unique, young, as well as new and fresh. Like the heart cut, the pear cut will cost a bit more than other cuts because of the additional effort and skill required to create this cut, but owners of pear diamond cuts are extremely happy with the end result.

Choose your diamond carefully and with knowledge of the cuts and properties of what make up a good diamond. Once you have selected the right stone, a good jeweler can recommend the perfect setting to show off your unique selection.

The Easy Guide To The Four C’s Of Diamond Jewelry

2007-01-30T21:45:00.001-08:00

Flower Girl Dresses - Choosing And Accessorising A Flowergirl Gown

2007-01-25T04:06:00.002-08:00

The flower girl is the bride’s ambassador! While petite in size, she has a significant role in the wedding, walking down the aisle, dropping petals, preparing the way for the entrance of the bride.

Tradition holds that a girl carrying flowers should bring extra good luck to the marriage. After the bride, the flower girl is the member of the bridal party most capable of stealing the hearts of all the guests. In choosing the flower girl dress, consider the style, colour, fabric and formality of the occasion. The flower girl should not outshine the bride, but complement her gown while blending with the bridesmaids’ outfits.

The Flower Girl Gown

Although bridal styles change from season to season, flower girl fashion has changed very little. The gown is always classically "little princess" in style but in keeping with the style of ceremony - church wedding, beach wedding or garden wedding.

A flower girl's gown should complement the bride. It can be bridal white or ivory, the same colour as the bridesmaid’s gowns, or a contrasting colour that complements the outfits of the entire party. If white is chosen for the flowergirl's gown, a colour sash may be used to tie it in with the colour of the bridesmaid's gowns.

The age of the flower girl is a factor when choosing the length of her gown. A small child could trip over a long skirt, so ankle length is better for the "little ones". A younger girl (say 5-6 years old) can wear an ankle length "princess" style dress, while an older girl (10-12 years) might prefer a more sophisticated silhouette with more length. While traditional formal weddings do tend towards floor-length gowns, practicality should be considered as well.

If you are having several flower girls of varying ages, you can co-ordinate their dress styles using colour, fabric and accessories such as flowers or jewellery.

Whatever the style you choose, avoid those that will make your flower girl look too sophisticated for their age. This is an occasion when you want to play up her little girl charms. When else can she have the joy of wearing rustling silk or satin gowns, full petticoats, tulle skirts and big bows?

Perhaps this is why flower girl fashion has remained constant over the years - little girls love dressing up!

Fabric Choice

Fabrics such as polyester and cheap lace can be very itchy. No matter how precious the flower girl looks, if her gown and shoes are uncomfortable, it will be reflected in her face and behaviour. Scratchy gowns and tight shoes can cause everything from fidgeting to temper tantrums, so take this issue seriously in order to not interrupt the ceremony itself.

If possible, invest in a better fabric, keeping in mind that the dress doesn't have to be a "one-time" dress. It can be re-worn often, from a portrait sitting to a birthday. It can also be preserved and handed down as an heirloom once the child grows out of it.

Choose fabrics that aren't wrinkle prone, such as silk, satin or velvet for the best results. Dupion silk does have a reputation for creasing, but it is actually a pronounced fold that the fabric develops in line with the vertical or horizontal threads, and as such does not appear crushed.

Fabrics and colours for flower girl gowns vary greatly depending on the time of year and the location. If the wedding is in autumn or winter, rich fabrics such as velvet, satin and silk are popular choices not just for their beauty, but because they will keep the chills away. For a spring or summer wedding, lighter fabrics such as dupion silk, delustered satin and tulle.

For the cooler months, a gown with sleeves may be considered, but as the ceremony is usually indoors at this time of year, perhaps a wrap or shawl would be a better choice, allowing clothing to be removed in layers as suits.

Colour will primarily be dependent on the bride's choice for the wedding party.

Also, wait until the very last possible minute to dress your flower girl. Her dress will be free from wrinkles, and you won't have to worry about any food or drink spills just before the ceremony. A nice comfortable robe for the child to wear prior to the final dressing is a good idea.

Shoes

Flower girl shoes can be a satin or silk "streetwear" style ballet shoe or similar flat shoe that is comfortable and complements the fabric and colour of her gown. If having a beach wedding, a flower girl may go barefoot with a petite silver or gold fine chain anklet or ankle bracelet.

A young child in uncomfortable shoes will fidget, so regardless of anything else ensure that the shoes for the flower girl fit well and are comfortable. If the shoes are stiff, tight, unworn or new it's a good idea to slip them onto the child at the last minute.

Hair

A "fresh" look is perfect for a flowergirl. If the girl has natural curls let her hair flow naturally with a flower or a hairpin to finish it off. Floral or ribbon head wreaths, and lightly jewelled tiaras are also popular. if you prefer a bun, adorn it with flowers or hair jewellery matching the bride’s attire, always remembering a flower girl represents youth in the bridal party. An elegant silk tiara adorned with satin ribbons flowing gentle behind her hair would also be appropriate.

Flower Girl Jewellery

Flower girl jewellery should be be kept simple. A delicate necklace and bracelet is usually enough to compliment the gown, but tiaras, headpieces, chokers, earrings, and hairpins can also be worn. Simple silver or gold with pearls or coloured Swarovski crystal provides an inexpensive yet elegant finishing touch to the flowergirl ensemble.

Young children may be unused to wearing any jewellery at all and it may become a distraction to them. If this is the case then some pretty hair jewellery (small crystal clips and hair slides) and a simple bracelet would be the best choice.

A wide range of flower girl jewellery and junior bridesmaid jewellery is available online, however many of the pieces marketed in this way are just downsized bridal pieces which may be too flashy for a flower girl to wear, and run the risk of detracting from the bride. Look for formal jewellery specifically made in children's sizes, of a style intended for a flower girl rather than a bride

On the practical side look for a sturdy lobster style clasp to reduce the possibility of loss, and be aware of "spiky bits" on the jewellery that a young child may inadvertently catch on the gown causing damage, or worse, cause injury to themselves with.

Makeup

The flower girl theme is "natural" and a minimum of makeup is a must. A little light lip gloss, some light foundation, and a touch of mascara to highlight her eyes. Don't forget the sunscreen as majority of photos are taken outside - give some thought to using a foundation that has a 30+SPF factor.

Nails

Nail decoration is best kept to a minimum - simply filed to shape and a light clear coat applied. Many brides prefer their flower girls to either wear a light pastel or natural colour, or just a shiny clear lacquer. No bright reds or sparkly kiddy purples!!!

Flowers

A basket of flowers carried by the flowergirl is a tradition, regardless of the whether the flowergirl carries out her traditional role of sprinkling petals in the bride’s path as she walks down the aisle.

As a bridal fashion accessory, a small posy of flowers is also popular, and usually matching the floral adornments (bouquets, buttonholes, etc) of the rest of the bridal party.

Flowers worn in the hair are also a traditional touch, either as flowers woven into the hair style, floral headbands, or flowers attached to hair clips. Artificial silk or satin flowers can be used, as well as fresh flowers.

In all floral adornments and bouquets try to use miniature flowers. A flower girl is half (or less) the size of anyone else in the bridal party, and the size of the flowers should be scaled down accordingly.

Dress Care

Some simple storage and handling advice for your flower girl gown:

* Always dry-clean the gown
* Wash your hands before handling the gown.
* When packing the gown in a box or chest, pack with acid free tissue paper.
* Keep the box stored out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, and away from household fumes and pollutants.
* Store the box where vermin and insects can not get to it.
* Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the box to prevent mustiness.
* To hang the gown, use a material coated hanger and place the gown in a sealed garment bag.

The Difference Between French ace And Swiss Lace Wigs

2007-01-25T04:06:00.001-08:00

As for everything in life there are many choices you can make to look good. Clothes, shoes, jewellery, watches, cosmetics, hairstyles and more. All these put together in a good combination will give you excellent results.

When you decide on wearing a wig, you have choices here as well. What will be the material of your hair, will it be a front or full lace wig, what about the hair density and colour etc.

All wigs require certain components that you need to get together in order to wear it. These three main components are the base, hair and accessories.

You will need to determine what type of base will suit your lifestyle and your skin as well. Is an outdoors person, do you have the type of skin that perspires often, what are the weather conditions where you live– all of these will have to be taken into account when ordering your wig. Keep in mind also how much time you can afford to spend on maintaining your wig.

One of the first and most important points to remember is that a wig has to fit correctly on your head. Go for a custom made wig as this is best option for you. In order to get a great fit you need to take the correct measurements of your head.

The second step is to decide on a base. This is the material on which the hair is set. Choose your base depending on your lifestyle. A lace base is much in demand and is the best option currently available.

When you place a lace base on your scalp it merges very well with the skin and no one can have a clue that it exists on you.

There are three types of bases – Super fine Swiss Lace, Swiss Lace and French Lace

The Super fine Swiss lace is the thinnest in quality. It is also the most delicate base available. Perfect for use in the front, as it is invisible and does not show.

Swiss lace is slightly thicker as compared to the Super Fine quality. This does not mean that it is visible. In fact this lace is also a good lace for the front, as you cannot see it. It is also more durable in strength. A lot many people prefer to use French lace as a base. This is extremely durable and cannot be seen from the front as well. You can get this base in different colours, perfectly matched with the exact colour of your scalp and face. The available colours include peach, orange, tab, white, brown and black.

You can choose any of the three suiting your convenience and lifestyle. Once you do, then you can decide on the next component that is the hair.

Wedding Jewelry Tips

2007-01-21T22:04:00.002-08:00

A young girl spends several years of her life dreaming of her wedding day. Especially, how she would look as a bride and in this, she wants no compromise. Of course, the most important aspect is her wedding dress. It must be chosen with a lot of care. But this dress will look its best only when complimented by the proper choice of wedding jewelry. Choose your wedding jewelry with utmost care. Here we have a lot of information which is going to help you to make your choices and look your very best.

Your jewelry can help set the mood for your wedding and enhance the overall look and feel of your gown. Think and plan about whether modern jewelry, vintage jewelry, or classic jewelry styles will work best with your wedding dress. Then consider the various elements of your wedding and then decide if the pieces you like will evoke the mood or look you want to create for your wedding.

First of all set the mood of your wedding. The style of your wedding can help narrow down your bridal jewelry choices. Important things to consider are whether you want a daytime ceremony or in the night. Do you wish to make it a grand affair or keep it limited to a small intimate gathering? Here are some popular options for different types of weddings along with the dress codes and jewelry ideas best suited to the occasion.

Beads can be strung together in any number of combinations to create different objects. Most of the times we create ornamental items like bracelets, earrings, and so on. Accomplished beaders are known to create highly complex bead items like multi-strand necklaces and complete ornament sets.

Glamorous weddings: With this you could get away with bolder, and perhaps glitzier, wedding jewelry and accessories at large, black-tie and the same would suit for night-time weddings.

Simple, elegant weddings: here a romantic lacy dress, simple jewelry styles and vintage jewelry pieces could work for you. Heart lockets or brooches can also help you create an antique feel. To create an elegant, timeless affair, look toward classic jewelry pieces such as strands of pearls and diamond earrings and create memories to last a lifetime.

Laid-back beach weddings: To keep the atmosphere light-hearted and full of fun, wear simple yet bright jewelry. A simple strand of pearls and some flowers in your hair can set the tone for an early afternoon ceremony on the beach.

Cultural weddings: In this case there may not be much to choose in terms of because different cultures have different traditions and customs that can guide your jewelry choices. For example, Irish brides may choose to wear a piece of jewelry featuring a Celtic knot or Claddaugh design. Similarly, Asian brides commonly wear jade, a symbol of good luck, health, and prosperity. Remember, your bridal jewelry can also compliment your wedding's color theme. For example, simple and understated bridal jewelry can offset bright, vibrant flowers, candles, and linens. On the other hand, an emerald necklace or ruby drop earrings can provide attractive contrast to single hues and neutral colors.

Compliment your gown with bridal jewelry

A pure white dress looks wonderful with primary color choices. If you plan to don white on the big day and feel like wearing blue sapphires or red rubies, you can surely do so. If you choose a simple dress, then big, bold jewelry, even colored gemstones, could look fabulous. When you select the type and length of your necklace and earrings, make sure they look good with the neckline of your dress.

With these tips in mind you can plan the dream wedding the memories of which you will cherish forever.

A Personal Review of Panerai Watches

2007-01-21T22:04:00.001-08:00

If you're looking to buy a beautiful diving watch, but don't want to buy the usual Tag Heuer, Rolex or Seconda, maybe you should consider a Panerai watch. What follows is a review of Panerai watches - especially the men's Panerai Contemporary watch that my wife owns.

Panerai have a long established reputation for making diving watches of exceptional quality; the company was founded in Florence in 1860 and, in 1900, became the official supplier of the Italian navy and in 1938, Panerai began supplying the Italian navy with Radiomir wrist watches for diving. Panerai's pedigree of making nautical watches is a good as any other watch maker.

Despite the name, the Panerai Historic Collection is of contemporary styling. Within this collection come the Panerai Luminor Base, Panerai Luminor Marina and Panerai Radiomir. The watches are hand-wound mechanical with Panerai OP XI calibre with swan's neck regulator. The power reserve for all watches in the collection is 56 hours - amazing for a hand-wound watch. The case and bezel come in either stainless steel or titanium with the glass being sapphire, formed of corundum, 3.5 mm thick and with anti-reflective coating. The watches are water-resistant to 300 meters. What's really nice about the Panerai Historic watches is that the back is also see-through sapphire crystal. Both the Marina and Radiomir come with chronograph mechanisms. Finally, all watches in the Panerai Historic Collection come with leather or alligator strap - reminiscent of when diving watches came with oiled-leather straps. My favorite watch in this collection is the Panerai Marina. I love the small seconds hand at the nine o'clock position.

The Panerai Contemporary Collection is superb, and, in my opinion, the Luminor submersible is the jewel in the crown; my wife owns one of these - more in moment. The Luminor Marina Automatic comes with steel, titanium or steel casing. The movement is automatic, so no winding, but you do loose out on the power reserve - 42 hours. The back isn't see-through like the Panerai Historic. Like the Historic, the Contemporary Marina watch, the Marina collection comes with seconds hand at the nine o'clock position. But, in addition, there is a date display at the three o'clock position. A small point: but the date display window is round rather that the usual rectangle; a really nice feature. The Marina watch comes with leather, alligator or steel straps. The Luminor GMT is very much like the Marina, except you get an additional time-zone hand at the nine o'clock position - the second hand being the more conventional type.

But my favorite watch from Panerai is the Luminor Submersible from the Contemporary Collection. The Panerai Luminor Submersible is a proper diving watch. As standard, it is water resistant to 300 meters, but a special edition model is water-resistant to 100o meters and comes equipped with a helium valve for decompression on the left-hand side of the case. My wife's watch is the Luminor Submersible PAM 00025. The case is brushed titanium, the face is Black with Paris hobnails decoration - very eye-catching, and the strap is black rubber with PANERAI personalized steel buckle. The watch is supplied with a steel screwdriver and a second interchangeable strap fit for diving. If you're looking for the ultimate diver's watch then the Panerai Luminor Submersible is the one to buy.

One final note: no matter what Panerai watch you buy, each one comes with a lockdown winding crown arm, which is a trademark of Panerai and makes a Panerai watch very distinctive. Panerai are fine quality watches which look and feel, modern and industrial - watches that can withstand anything you can throw at them. In my opinion, a Panerai watch is better value for money than an over-price Rolex. It’s a watch for the connoisseur and not for those who follow the crowd.

Loose Diamonds

2007-01-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

Diamonds are girl’s best friend. Their good looks and rarity combine to make diamonds a sought-after gem for a woman’s jewelry box.

Loose diamonds are becoming more popular because jewelry makers are more eager to design for individuals. Loose diamonds are diamonds that have not been placed into a piece of jewelry. There are benefits of having loose diamonds. They can be placed as any piece of jewelry the person wants, and in the type of metal with the style of design of your choice.

If you are considering buying loose diamonds, or any other diamonds, certain points have to keep in mind. 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. These four aspects of grading a diamond allow a buyer to decide its worth. The 4 C’s decide how much loose diamonds and placed diamonds will cost. However, a buyer has to decide priority in selecting a diamond.

People generally misunderstood cut as diamond’s shape. In fact, cut is different from shape. Shape concerns the appearance of the diamond i.e. whether the diamond is round, emerald-cut, or pear-shaped. Cut also determines how the surfaces cut into a diamond imitate and refract beam. Buyers must look for cuts that enhance the radiance of the diamond at its best.

Color decides the amount of yellow touch present in the diamond. Generally, the scale, from “D” to “Z,” ranges diamonds from colorless to those with a pale yellow touch. Some diamonds in the “H-J” range may look almost colorless, but much sparkle than diamonds with less color. Usually they are less expensive too.

Clarity determines the flaws in the diamond. A diamond's clarity is judged by the number, color, type, size and position of inclusions it carries. The lesser inclusions the stone has, the more valuable it is. Choose a diamond that is has fewer inclusions.

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. According to the Diamond Information Center, the larger a diamond, the rarer it is. Usually, a heavier diamond is a larger one, but carat does strictly mean weight.

You can purchase loose diamonds through online, but it is always good to see the actual stone before paying it off. A picture can only confirm so much, and the buyer should be certain about the stone before buying. Seeing the gem up close is also the only sure way of determining things like its glow and radiance.

Diamonds Make a Wonderful Wonderful Gift

2007-01-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

Precious gems are beautiful and they last a long time and they are very valuable. Diamonds in particular shimmer in any kind of light, providing an exquisite treasure. Some people give a piece of diamond jewelry as the sole gem gift a loved one will ever receive. Others add a diamond gift to a long line of precious gems. Before bestowing diamonds as a gift to a loved one, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Diamonds are usually very expensive. If you come across a diamond that is being sold on the cheap, you have to wonder why this is the case. It may mean that the cut is not the best quality or it could have poor point value. Perhaps the gem is even stolen! You have to be careful about where and how you purchase precious jewelry to ensure that you get your money's worth in value. Check with several jewelry stores or diamond dealers. State up front how much money you have to spend and the type of gift you wish to make. The experts can help you make a good choice for what you have to work with.

Diamonds are for grown ups. Children or even teenagers rarely have a proper appreciation for diamonds. Perhaps diamond chip earrings would be an acceptable gift for older teen girls, but more lavish diamond jewelry should be saved for more mature wearers. A diamond necklace, brooch, ring, or bracelet conveys a sense of sophistication that younger women cannot often carry off. Save the gift of diamonds for a special occasion and an older girl.

Diamonds deserve special care. You don’t want to just fling a diamond ring in the jewelry box or leave it lying unprotected on a`dresser top. Preserve the beauty and keep it clean while avoiding scratches by placing diamond jewelry into velvet-lined boxes or containers. Depending on the size and value of your investment, your diamonds may need to be kept in a safe deposit box or vault at your local bank. You don’t want nosy workers or desperate thieves to make off with your prized possession. You may want to have your diamond priced or valued by an experienced jeweler for home insurance purposes. It also is a good idea to have it cleaned periodically, if needed.

Diamonds are for special occasions. Although they are often given on any occasion like a birthday or holiday, a diamond jewelry item is especially suited to commemorative occasions, such as an engagement or anniversary. Smaller diamond gifts can serve just about any purpose, but the larger, more valuable kind should not be handed off lightly. Give some thought to the meaning of your gift and what your receiver will think (as well as what you want him or her to think) before offering this unique token of affection.

Handicrafts of Kerala

2007-01-12T21:53:00.001-08:00

Kerala, the Gods own country Situated in India has a rich tradition of Handicrafts. Kerala's traditional handicrafts are a class of its own. The artisans of kerala have traditional expertise in carving in wood, jewellery design, both gold and silver and also in other mediums. Making idos and figures in metaletc. The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other woods.

Life size models of Kathakali, and models depiciting snake boat race of kerala are exclusive masterpieces of kerala aritisans. The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing posture and the various lamps (vilakku) which are essential for every ceremonies of keralities are also created by artisans.

Industrial arts and handicrafts form an invaluable part of the Cultural heritage of Kerala. Metal crafts have the pride of place among the traditional arts. Bell-metal casting is an old time industrial art. It has involved mainly two kinds of activities. Images or idols of deities made out of copper, bronze and brass are used for consecration in temples and other religious purposes. Huge Varpus (shallow basins of hemispherical shape), multi-layered lamps and household utensils are all made of these metals. These products are noted for their high degree of perfection.

Lamps of the most artistic beauty are also made by Kerala craftsmen. The Greek lamp (Changalavatta), the Archana lamp, the Arati Dipa etc., deserve mention in this context. The Aranmula metal mirror has attained fame among the products of the bell metal industry. A product of an accident in metal casting, it is made of an alloy of copper and tin and resembles the glass mirror in every respect in point of utility. The Koftagari work, one of the popular metal crafts of India, is also being practiced by a few artisans in Trivandrum. Figures of deities, landscapes, floral designs and fancy articles of a wide variety are produced in Koftagari.

Wood craft is one of the ancient arts of Kerala as is testified to by the temples and churches of the State which abound in wood carvings. Items of furniture like chairs, tables settees, sofas, almirahs, cots, radio castings etc., and models of animals and deities, toys and Kathakali accessories produced by Kerala craftsmen are very much in demand. The models of caparisoned elephants and the carvings of Kathakali dance-dolls are items of popular demand.

The craftsmen of Kerala have also developed a variety of handicrafts using the rich wealth of flora in the State. Screwpine mat weaving is one of such handicrafts. Such articles as pillow covers, cushions, vanity bags, purses, hats etc., are also made of screw pine. The art of weaving bamboo-reed mats, baskets and fancy articles is also one of the simplest of Kerala handicrafts. Kora grass is similarly used for making mats of different sizes and colours.

Rattan is used in the manufacture of articles of daily use like chairs, settees, teapoys, cradles, trays, shopping bags and a variety of other utility-cum-fancy articles. The coconut shell is used for the manufacture of such articles of utility and beauty as lamp stands, flower vases, ashtrays etc. Coir carpets and mattings produced in many attractive designs and colours find a ready market in India and abroad.

Lace and embroidery work of high quality is being done by women in several parts of Kerala. The Talangara village of Kasaragod taluk is famous for the textile cap making industry. The cotton caps manufactured here find a ready market in the African and Gulf countries.

Ivory carving is another traditional art of Kerala. The art was given an impetus by Swati Tirunal Maharaja. An ivory throne made by Swati Tirunal is still preserved as a show piece. The craftsmen engaged in this art at present produce a variety of models of mythological characters, animals, birds, cigarette cases etc., to cater to different tastes. A typical specimen of ivory carving produced in Kerala is that of the snake boat (Chundan vallam) and it is cherished by tourists to the State as a memento. The craftsmen engaged in ivory carving also use other materials like the buffalo born for practicing their art.

The jewelry of Kerala is noted for its artistic perfection. Each caste or community had its typical ornament. An ornament of the Nair women was Nagapadam or serpent hood, so called after the shape of the pendant. An ear ornament called Toda, a double convex disc, was worn after dilating the earlobes. Mukkuthi was an ornament for nose and Kappu for the wrist. The most important ornaments for the neck were Addyal, Yantram, Avil Mala and Puli Nakham. Cherutali was a kind of necklace worn loose over the breast by Namboodiri women while Kasu Mala and Oddyanam were used by Tamil Brahmin. A kind of heavy guilt brass ring called Mekka Motiram was worn by Christian women after boring their ears in several places.

Ottezhapathakkam, Kombu, Tala etc., were also typical Christian ornaments. Though most of the traditional ornaments mentioned above have become defunct now, the Kerala women are still found of ornaments, and jewelry items like necklaces, bangles, chains, earrings, studs etc., are now made by Kerala goldsmiths in a variety of attractive designs.

Apart from the main crafts described above, there are also a few others which deserve mention. Granite carving is one such art, which is mainly centred in Chengannur. The granite workers manufacture a variety of articles like idols, household equipment, pillars, survey stones etc., which are in great demand. The manufacture of musical instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, Mridangam, Edakka etc., is done in some places. The costumes and accessories required in Kathakali and Teyyam are being manufactured by some craftsmen.

In Tellicherry, the home of Indian circus, the peculiar kinds of umbrella required by circus companies are manufactured. Being a maritime State, Kerala has its own handicrafts based on marine materials. Conch-shell articles like paper weight, pin cushions, ashtrayas, studs etc., are made by craftsmen in the Trivandrum area. In Kasaragod area articles like bangles, vanity bags and name boards are made of glass beads. Thus the legacy of Kerala in the field of arts and crafts is a rich and varied one.

Lucky Charms and Talismans

2007-01-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

Many of you already own several lucky charms or talismans. You just may not be aware of the object's symbolism or meaning. Below I have compiled a list of some of the more popular and common good luck symbols that can be purchased in the form of jewellery, paintings or statues.

The Ring: A ring made of gold represents eternity and the circle of life. A diamond on a gold ring symbolizes fidelity. The tradition of the wedding ring goes back to the ancient Romans. Puzzle rings that interlink symbolize the integration of the spirit with the mind. When you give a puzzle ring to a friend, it means that you never want the two of you to part ways.

The Clover: The three-leafed clover is a symbol of health and vitality and for the Celts, symbolized The Holy Trinity. A four-leafed clover symbolizes sudden good fortune. A five-leafed clover symbolizes a happy marriage.

The Heart: A heart is the classic symbol of love. A picture or lock of hair carried inside a locket is thought to be the ultimate way to symbolize the carrying of another's spirit in your heart. As an amulet the symbol of the heart protects against heart disorders, anxiety and the tendency to blame others.

The Pentagram: This five-sided star is also known as the Druid's foot. It helps as a talisman to fulfill wishes, invoke spiritual powers and activate inner powers. It also serves as a protective amulet against the "evil eye" and casts evil back to where it came.

The Star of David: This six-pointed star is also known as the Seal of Solomon and the Hexagram. It consists of two interlocking triangles and is used as a talisman to attain harmony, gain knowledge and invoke the aid of the angels.

The Heptagram: Also known as the Mysterious Star or the Love Star, this seven pointed star is sacred to Venus and helps one radiate beauty and attractiveness as well as radiate harmony and love.

The Crescent and Star: This symbol is a powerful love talisman that also symbolizes sexuality, wisdom and well being.

The Eye in the Triangle: This is an amulet that finds its origins in the culture of Europe, Asia and Africa. An image of an eye within a triangle is thought to reflect evil back to the wisher of bad luck and protect against envy, jealousy and misfortune.

The Eye in the Hand: These good luck tokens which feature a human eye centered in the palm of a human hand originate in the Near East and are of Jewish-Arabic origin. The open hand represents the intervention of God and the eye represents the all-seeing eye of Go. This talisman is thought to bring God's mercy, strengthen faith and protect against bad luck.

The Ankh: This looks like a Christian Crucifix but with a loop at the top. This lovely ancient Egyptian symbol represents love and long life.

Thor's Hammer: This talisman usually looks like a small axe or very blunt edged cross. Carrying this symbol is thought to help achieve social success and protect against petty quarrels, making the wrong move in life and losses on the stock market!

The Pictic Knot: This is a Celtic charm that looks like three interlooping triangles. It is represents the three realms of consciousness and is worn to protect from black magic, magickal mistakes and dangers in general.

The Celtic Knot: These come in many designs and look like knotted threads. The knots based on mirror images or the number two represent passion, inspiration and a happy marriage. Knots based on the quadrupling of an image represent personal power and wisdom.

The Medicine Wheel: For about 5.000 years, almost all Native American Indian tribes have designed some form of a medicine wheel. The design varies but basically medicine wheels are Mandalas whose imagery is based on the number four. Medicine Wheels help you develop personal power and equilibrium, attain wisdom and understand the ups and downs of life!

The Dorje: This is a Buddhist "thunderbolt" that also resembles sceptre or a dagger. They are usually freestanding brass objects about the size of a paperweight done. This symbol is thought to repel demons, help one follow the true path and not be misled by false prophets.

Roman Coins: Antique Roman coins are thought to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who wear them as jewellery.

The Two Headed Ax: This image is found in almost all cultures: ancient Crete, Asian, Northern Europe and African cultures. It represents justice, authourity, and strength of character.

The Human Skull: Human skulls, whether bone or silver are usually worn to protect one from death. Shamans wear them to symbolize the accessing of deceased spirits.

The Devil's Trap: This is a circular gold or silver coin or talisman which features tiny Hebrew text that spirals more and more tightly inward towards the center of the circle. The idea is that the "Devil's Energy" is trapped inside the circle so it can't escape. This is worn or placed near doorways to protect from evil and clear one's path of obstacles.

The Zen Symbol: This looks like a black teardrop shape and white teardrop shape embracing each other in a circle. It is from the Far East and is also known as the Ying Yang or Tai'Chi symbol. It is worn to achieve equilibrium, balance and harmony between the sexes.

Shopping for Jewellery / Consumer advice

2007-01-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

When shopping online or in a store consumers need to consider that sellers may not always specify gold filled or gold plated when advertising an item for sale. Items may be advertised with many features but if the words solid gold are not in the description it is probably not solid gold.

Pricing can be confusing and manufacturers exploit this to the consumers dismay often. If there is a lot of work or detail in a gold plated or gold filled piece it may be practical to keep it affordable. Not everyone can afford real Rolex or Cartier watches which is why good imitation jewellery is always going to be popular, but sometimes you will find them priced just under what you might pay for perhaps a thinner, genuine solid gold necklace chain. So you pay almost the same price for a large or heavy filled one as you might have paid for solid gold in a smaller item. Thats something to keep in mind when shopping for gold jewellery online or in a store.

Below are basic descriptions of the difference between the two most commonly used faux gold.

Gold plated jewellery is just as it sounds, electroplated jewellery that is prone to surface wear. Gold filled jewellery is made by heating and pressure-bonding a layer of solid sheet gold to another metal and less likely to wear for years. The best of these will use brass as the core metal and the cheaper gold filled manufacturers use cheaper base metal(s). Commonly you will find 12/20 gold filled and a higher standard if available is 14/20. The first number refers to the quality of the gold used and the second is the amount used. (eg) 12/20 = 12 Karat gold comprising 1/20 of the weight of the item.

Pearl Valuation: A Pearl Buyer's Guide

2007-01-11T21:51:00.000-08:00

Understanding how pearls are graded and valued is crucial before making a pearl jewellery purchase. This guide provides information consumers can use to compare and evaluate pearls and pearl jewellery.

So what is pearl valuation? Simply put, pearl valuation is the term used to describe the quality and value of a pearl or pearl set. It is determined by seven key pearl attributes: type, size, luster, inclusions, shape, matching, and nacre:

Type: - There are many different types of pearls, but the most popular, in order of value, are Freshwater, Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea.

Size: - Pearls range in size from a couple of millimeters to over 15 millimeters depending on the type. The larger the pearl, the more rare and valuable it is.

Luster - is the brightness or radiance of light from a pearl. A high quality pearl will be brilliant and bright, and you should be able to easily see your own reflection in its surface.

Inclusions - sometimes called blemishes, are imperfections in the surface of the pearl. These may be cracks or bumps in the surface. The fewer imperfections, the greater the quality and value of the pearl.

Shape - pearls come in a number of different shapes including round, off-round, oval, baroque, and ringed. Round pearls are the most desired and valuable.

Matching - the ability of a set of pearls to resemble or harmonize with each other is referred to as matching. The greater the matching, the greater the value of the piece of pearl jewelry. Of course, matching only applies to multi-pearl jewellery.

Nacre - is the layers of aragonite and conchiolin that form around the pearl's centre. The thicker the nacre, the longer a pearl will typically last.

All of these attributes are used to determine the quality and value of pearls and pearl jewellery. By knowing and understanding these, you are in a better position to know what to look for and what you are purchasing.

The Most Important Accessory On Your Wedding Day Has To Be The Wedding Rings.

2007-01-10T22:10:00.001-08:00

The most important accessories on your wedding day, apart from your partner of course, are the wedding rings that you choose, as well as the partner you pick, have to be well thought out decisions for life. You don't want to be stuck with a ring that makes your hand dive for your pocket eveytime people are around, do you?
For women's or men's wedding rings, you have a wide variety of choice. If have a big wallet, then diamond wedding rings has to be the ultimate in his and hers rings.
The rings that you choose are not only an important part of your wedding but also these rings are a lasting statement of your commitment to each other and a symbol of your unity. Therefore you should go for rings that are timeless and good quality.
The style of your ring is obviously an important factor. It is not like the wedding dress or suit which gets worn for the wedding and then put in the back of the cupboard to gather mothballs for the rest of their existence. The ring is hopefully, for the rest of your life.
Just think before the wedding, you meticulously cross examined every possible participant that came for a shot at being your life partner. You were merciless in your checking, not one nook or cranny was left unchecked, yet when it comes to the rings, you will settle for whatever you see first.
So..What's the first thing to look for in a good ring?.......Style.
Will you go for the traditional band, which has lasted this many weddings so far, and i am sure it will last many more..Or maybe that is a little to plain for you, so how about a ring with a beaded edge or even a personalized inscription? well, if that is not flashy enough for you, then why not go the whole hog and go for a ring that has channel set diamonds? the choices are almost endless.
Now you know what style of ring you want, what material is it going to be made of? Gold, silver or platinum?
A gold ring is the tried and tested choice for eons, and it works, so why to try to fix it. This metal symbolizes warmth because of its color and is aptly suited for its use. This metal comes in differing qualities and if you are a person who uses their hands allot, than you may want to consider a 14k or 18k rather than the softer 22 or 24k.
How about a white gold ring? Very new age and stylish with the added bonus of looking like platinum but not hurting your wallet like platinum. Then of course, you can have platinum rings. This is the hardest of the precious metals, making it a long lasting symbol of your devotion. But because it is not mixed with lower grade metals like gold rings are, it will more expensive than gold.
Now to add the topping on the cake. Let us put the finishing touch to your ring with a precious gem. As I mentioned earlier, if you are a person who uses their hands allot, than a hard wearing stone is the obvious choice. The Mohs scale registers the stones ability to resist abrasion. So at the top we have the diamond, followed by the ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, aquamarine, amethyst, garnet and the at the bottom is the opal.
So now that you have shorlisted the style, material and gem you want for your ring all you have to do is visit one of my links and sift through the bargains we have on offer.

Gemstone Treatment and Enhancement

2007-01-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

Some of treatment procedures are centuries old, while others are relatively new. Gemstone are treated in different ways to improve their appearance. Some of these procedures are centuries old, while others are relatively new. Also, by cutting or polishing gemstone could have fabulous colors and nice sparkle. Treatment or enhancement gemstones means any process to make natural gems improved gem’s color, clarity before cutting and polishing. Please understand that TREATMENT AND ENHANCEMENT has nothing to do with man created gems or synthetic gems. Treating and enhancing gemstone is a very common step to improve gems appearance. Some treatment and enhancement improved by nature are permanent and cannot be detected. Treatment and enhancement procedure so closely resembles what happens in nature, that one cannot always tell if they have been treated after mining or before. Microscopic examination will sometimes reveal an inclusion that burst during heating treatment, but lacking that there is no way to tell exact that heat treatment was done before or after mining. There are many techniques of treated or enhanced gems (More knowledge at http://www.facedgem.com/gemstone-knowledge/gemstone-treatment.htm). Briefly explanations of the important techniques is given below.

Oiling treatment method has been used form more than hundreds years, mostly emerald treated to derive its beautiful green color and clarity. In the same way, other colored stones such as alexandrite and rubies have been treated this way makes less surface inclusions. So we can concluded that colored oils are used on those gemstone to improve their appearances. This treatment reduces fractures and provide better clarity.

Heat treatment is the most common form and famous enhancement. This is so common with corundum, ruby and sapphire, it is recommended that jewelers inform their customers that they are "probably heat treated". Heating can cause color of a stone to darken, lighten, or even completely changed and can also improve gems clarity and brightness.
Heating of most kinds of gemstones is a standard treatment procedure. Heating knowledge was passed over generations. Heating Methods vary from simply burning method to highly techniques under regulate temperature (More knowledge at http://www.facedgem.com/gemstone-knowledge/gemstone-treatment.htm).

Diffusion is an enhancement method, commonly used on corundum, added iron and titanium during the heating process of the gemstone, sometime called surface diffusion. Diffusion layer created by adding elements. This layer described as colored coating.

Radiation enhancement or irradiation means pounding material with subatomic particles. In some case, irradiation is followed by heating to produce a better or new color for the gem - such as topaz. Today so many irradiation technique applied and has created shades that cannot found in natural topaz. Same way in tourmaline, irradiation can turn dark pink stone into red. For diamonds irradiation and heating can turned them into browns, blues, yellows, pinks and greens.

Sterling Silver

2007-01-09T22:09:00.003-08:00

Introduction

The splendor of silver of silver has captivated the human mind since ages. No one even knows when and how the metal was discovered and came into use. Historical accounts from almost all countries of the have references to the use of silver. The tradition of the “silver anniversary “is traced to Germany where it was customary to present a silver wreath to a woman after 25 years of marriage. Throughout the ages this mystical white metal has been used to mark historical milestones, celebrations, achievements and special occasions. A silver spoon has symbolized great fortune and privilege since the 17th century. The tradition of the "silver anniversary" dates back to Germany where it was customary to present a silver wreath to a woman after 25 years of marriage.

By definition, Silver is an element that occurs naturally in the earth and is generally considered too soft in its pure form for practical use in jewelry, giftware or flatware. An alloy such as copper is usually added to make silver workable for jewelry.

Silver in pure form also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily damaged so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more durable and workable product. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which is 92.5 percent (925 parts) pure silver and 7.5 percent (75 parts) alloy metal.

Although any metal can make up the 7.5 percent non-silver portion of sterling, years of experiences of silversmiths tell us that copper is the best choice. It helps in improving the metal's hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful color.

The small amount of copper added to sterling does not affect the value of the metal. The price of the silver item is actually affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the intricacy of the design.

Nowadays, sterling silver is a favorite choice in mediums among the most creative and innovative designers. Due to its affordability and malleability - it can be shaped into almost any form imaginable. Sterling is the primary material used for silver jewelry, giftware, hollowware and flatware. A gift of silver is a touching and lasting expression of affection, friendship, celebration, congratulation or thanks. It is a very special way of saying that you care.

Throughout history silver has been referred to as the Queen of Metals and has been widely used for jewelry. Sterling silver is always an appropriate gift to commemorate an important event in a woman's life and to tell her that she means the world to you.

Sterling gifts might also include artful objects for the home, those related to a hobby or career, or simple fun indulgences. Such novelty items as a make-up brush, silver bracelet or purse mirror make a great gift for any woman. Other ideas include an engraved heart-shaped pillbox to tuck into a purse or dangle from a silver chain, or a sterling egg timer for the chef who marvels in a well accessorized kitchen.

Shopping Tips on How to Select The Most Beautiful Jewelry For Her.

2007-01-09T22:09:00.001-08:00

When it comes to finding the latest jewelry trends, there are a number of places to look. You can pick up the most recent copy of your favorite celebrity magazine, which is sure to feature plenty of famous faces showcasing the next hottest thing in jewelry. Or, you can watch the award shows and get an idea of the latest in glamour wear. Whether your taste is casual, trendy or glamourous, cubic zirconia set in sterling silver can combine the best of all worlds into one sparkling piece of jewelry.

When deciding where to go for purchasing jewelry, there are a few factors to keep in Mind. Shop around. Look into multiple locations that sell jewelry. Diamond jewelry can be very expensive, so you should be cautious when purchasing. If you are buying a gift, make sure that the piece you have truly symbolizes your love for that person. You don’t want your loved one to receive an expensive gift and not be absolutely floored.

Another thing you should be on the lookout for is a diamond jewelry shop that's having a sale. When companies have sales, sometimes it is because nobody wants the products they are trying to sell. However, more often than not, sales take place simply because they have old stock that they want to get rid of to make room for a new shipment. Take advantage of a jeweler’s desire to move old merchandise and save yourself a lot of money.

Also browse through websites and of course auction sites, like eBay or auction sites specialized in selling quality jewelry, to find better prices on jewelry than those usually seen at jewelry stores. It's no problem to find a few reputable websites that offer discount jewelry. Just search Google or your favorite Searchengine for "online jewelry auctions" the results you'll find are always the top reputable jewelry sites.

By following the tips listed here, you will certainly be able to find the perfect jewelry you have been looking for. Remember that not all jewelry sellers are trustworthy, so always be cautious. Additionally, use common sense when shopping for jewelry. Do not let a salesman swindle you into purchasing something that you feel uneasy about.

Now a few good tips for our beloved Husbands and Boyfriends on how to select the most beautiful jewelry styles for us:

Choosing a necklace for her:

How tall or small is she? If you want to create or emphasize a taller appearance, choose longer necklaces and V shapes for her. A necklace that falls past the bust line but above the waist will elongate while a choker style or shorter U shaped necklace resting on the breast bone will shorten her appearance. If she is petite, go for daintier pieces.

Choosing earrings for her:

Few factors should be kept in mind when you would like to buy earrings for her. Firstly and as most important point, the shape of her face. Second, is her hairstyle. And the last one, are the material and the most fitting style of the earrings that you are going to get for her, ask general questions to find out what material is her favorite.

Choosing bracelets and rings for her:

Choosing a ring for her is quite tricky especially for most men. Of course, it will be easier if she will be coming along with you to the jewelry store. But, you want this to be a surprising gift for her. What to do? There are two solutions, first solution that is easier for you is, you go for something that doesn’t require any measurements such as necklace, pendants, earrings, bracelet or even pin or brooch. The second solution is asks her something about rings. Questions must be in general too, but be aware that each female has kind of an sixth sense when it comes to jewelry and you surely don't want to ruin the gift. Let say you are reading a magazine and there is an advertisement on jewelry. From there, you can create question by question, as example talking about the girl in the advertisement, than indirectly you can ask what size her finger is and quickly cover up with other question.

The Myth and Mystique of a Black Pearl Necklace

2007-01-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Since recorded history, man has coveted the luminous white gems we call pearls. Revered the world over for their rare beauty, otherworldly sheen and understated elegance, pearls are as popular in modern society as they were with European royals and Egyptian princesses centuries ago. Today, pearl jewelry connoisseurs have a new love: black pearls. Exotic, luxurious and rare, a rich black pearl necklace presents a striking picture—the gems definitely lack the demure, chaste image of their classic white counterparts. For the woman who has everything, a black pearl necklace, whether showcased alone in a pendant or in a perfectly matched strand, makes a wonderful addition to her jewelry collection. Think of how lovely a black pearl necklace will look on any skin tone!

Where do jewelers get the pearls they use in a matched black pearl necklace?
“Black” pearls are also known as “Tahitian cultured pearls,” but both names are misleading. Not only are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they’re also not grown in Tahiti. Called “black” because of their exotic dark colors, Tahitian cultured pearls can be gray, blue, green and brown. And they’re grown in the lagoons of small islands that are part of a group known as French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, serves as the group’s center of commerce, and not as a pearl growing mecca. Interestingly, fine Tahitian cultured pearls have only been on the market since the 1970s. Yet they have become quite popular in that short time.

Growing Tahitian pearls
Tahitian pearls are cultivated for around two years in Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a large saltwater mollusk that is native to French Polynesia. One of the ways this unique oyster differs from other species is that its interior shell color is dark. This so-called “black lipped” oyster also has black mantle edges—the “lips” that give the animal its descriptive name. Due to overfishing, adult wild oyster populations aren’t as plentiful as they used to be. In an effort to reverse this trend, the government protects the animals; pearl farmers in French Polynesia who wish to culture the black lipped oyster must raise the oysters from spat (baby oysters). If the farmer is successful in nurturing the spat to adulthood, at around two and a half to three years old, the oysters are implanted with mantle tissue and a mother-of-pearl bead to start the pearl growing process. This delicate operation is performed by specially trained workers called nucleators; even so, according to the Gemological Institute of America, more than 50 percent of the oysters die or reject the nucleus. Literature from GIA says, “Add those oysters to the ones that don’t meet the implantation criteria: The farmer’s potential pearl-producing stock is less than half the number that lived long enough to be considered for nucleation. When the pearl growth period begins, after three years of work, the farmer has only 20 percent of the oysters he collected as spat.” No wonder a fine quality Tahitian cultured pearl is so rare!

Tahitian pearl growth generally takes place in a closed lagoon that is ringed by coral reefs. Such a setup offers protection and a stable environment for the implanted oysters to complete the pearl-growing process. After the oysters have been submerged for 22 to 26 months, they’re hauled to the surface, where any pearls they managed to grow are harvested. The farmers then clean and lightly buff the gems prior to offering them for sale. Farmers also sort the pearls by color, shape, etc. and grouped with like pearls.

In the end, only one to two percent of the Tahitian cultured pearl crop consists of fine quality round cultured pearls.

Color
Today, the most sought-after Tahitian cultured pearls are dark green-gray to blue gray with rosé or purple overtones. But how do pearls get their color? No one is completely sure, but we do know that pearl colors are determined by several factors, including variations in the host oyster, color variation of the implanted donor mussel tissue, the number and thickness of nacre layers, and variations in growing environment such as temperature and water quality. Tahitian pearls are most often variations of gray, black, green and blue, but other colors exist. Search on the Internet for Tahitian cultured pearl images, and you will see they are not all black!

Buying a black pearl necklace
At an average size of 8mm-14mm, Tahitian cultured pearls—especially those specimens that are gem-quality and round—are very expensive. (GIA estimates that one first-quality, unusually large Tahitian cultured pearl will set you back thousands of dollars!) If only one to two percent of the harvest produces a fine quality round Tahitian cultured pearl, imagine how long it takes to make a matched strand! No wonder a black pearl necklace is so costly. Choose carefully, keeping in mind that pearls with a desirable overtone (secondary color) and pearls that are larger than typical will be more expensive. Look for pearls that are well-matched, not pitted or marked in any obvious way (minor surface characteristics are acceptable). Be sure to check return policies up front, too, in case you have a problem. Ask your retail jeweler for his or her store policy or, if buying online, check the site’s guarantee prior to making a purchase. Once you receive your pearls, be sure to examine them closely. After wearing, store your pearl necklace away from other gems; while fairly durable, pearls are prone to scratching and their nacre will erode over time, especially if exposed to harsh chemicals like bleach, perfume and chlorine.

Black pearl necklaces in modern fashion
Although slow to catch on at first, thanks in part to publicity from stars such as actress Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned jewelry collector who wore a striking black pearl necklace in publicity photos for her Black Pearls perfume launch, Tahitian cultured pearls are wildly popular today. It’s not hard to find examples of fine black pearl jewelry in modern society. Look around and you’ll see black pearl necklaces on everyone from businesswomen to moms to Hollywood A-list actresses, models and celebrities. Take Kiera Knightly, for example, who wore a stunning black baroque Tahitian cultured pearl choker at the premier of her movie, The Black Pearl. Stars like Christy Turlington, Naomi Watts, Heidi Klum, Michael Michelle, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Shalom Harlow are also pearl fans.

Perhaps black pearls’ popularity is why designers like David Yurman, Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso (for Tiffany & Co.) are incorporating stunning black pearls, and even black baroque and black keshi pearls, into modern designs like long chain necklaces, brooches, chokers and charm bracelets. Black pearl drop earrings and pendants are also favorites, as they require little matching—or none at all. Whimsical designs on cufflinks and in popular frog, dragonfly and other animal pins incorporate black pearls as well.

Black pearl necklace alternatives
When most people think of black pearl jewelry, they naturally think of Tahitian cultured pearls. But prices are high for these rare gems, in part due to their large size, unusual colors, and the high cost of producing them. If you want to wear real Tahitian cultured pearls, one way to do so without breaking the bank is to choose a pendant-style necklace with a single pearl; black pearl stud earrings; a single black pearl ring, or black baroque (non-symmetrical) pearls. These designs are every bit as exotic yet much more affordable than a matched black pearl strand.

For customers for whom Tahitian pearl jewelry is beyond reach, there are some inexpensive yet beautiful alternatives to the classic black pearl necklace. Today, freshwater pearls—round, drop, button and baroque—are color-treated to produce a look that closely resembles the hue of Tahitian cultured pearls. The natural-looking result is beautiful and looks great in such pieces as a baroque black pearl bracelet, black pearl drop earrings or black pearl necklace. Every bit as real as their Tahitian cousins, black freshwater cultured pearls’ color is man-made, but keep in mind that nearly all pearls are treated somehow (bleaching is the most common enhancement).

All about White Gold

2007-01-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals that has silver, nickel, platinum and palladium. Same as yellow gold, white gold can also be 18kt, 14kt, 8kt or any karat. An 18kt white gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% other material called silver and palladium. The color of this gold is white color.

Properties of White Gold

The properties of white gold would normally vary depending upon the actual metals that are used in it and the proportions that is used in it. So, white gold alloys could even be custom made for any particular purposes; for instance, alloys using nickel are usually very hard and very strong, so it could be used for rings and pins. White alloys using palladium are quite softer and more flexible and could be further used for settings to hold a gemstone.

White gold is actually speaking white; its actual color is grey steel like color that is treated with the metal rhodium which makes the finished white gold to appear white in color.

White Gold Jewelry

You could find all types of white gold jewelry today. From pins to brooches to chains, necklace, bracelets and rings, gorgeous white gold jewelry is very east to find. Further white gold wedding bans and engagement rinds are gaining popularity day by day.

Taking Care of White Gold

White gold rings are coated with Rhodium. Rhodium is same as platinum and also shares many its properties including its white color. Just because the natural color of white gold is light grey, rhodium plating makes white gold whiter. Since rhodium ultimately wears away white gold should be re-rhodium plated every 12 to 18 months.

Whatever white gold you choose, however you choose to purchase it, white gold is extremely beautiful. Get what you want and enjoy!

A Personal Review of Longines Watches

2007-01-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

I have long been a fan of Longines watches. Longines are impeccably made and stylish timepieces. Longines watches are affordable Swiss watches for the average consumer, but being affordable doesn't mean you have to forgo quality.

Longines have been making quality watches since 1832. In 1912 Longines made history in the world of sports by introducing the concept of an electric wire, which at the start and finish of a race, activated and stopped a timing mechanism. This innovation in timekeeping by Longines has ensured that Longines have been appointed official timekeepers at many of the world's top sporting events. Longines sports watches reflect this sporting history. But Longines also make many elegant watches for both men and women; I think Longines watches for women are especially beautiful. The current collection of Longines watches reflect this.

The DolceVita collection by Longines is simple and elegant in design. The face is rectangular with simple hour markers. The DolceVita dial comes in black, white or pink mother of pearl. The case comes in stainless steel, although you can buy a gold case set with 32 Top Wesselton diamonds (0.32 carat) - this comes with matching gold bracelet. Stainless steel versions can also be bought with inlaid diamonds and come with either stainless steel bracelets or white or black lacquered leather strap. Some versions of the Longines DolceVita can be worn by men, but it is as an elegant ladies watch that the Longines DolceVita truly comes into its own.

Longines claim that the Evidenza is invocative of the 1920s. I feel there is some justification in this as the facia of the watch does seem to be old fashioned - but not out-of-date. The tonneau shape of the case goes back to a Longines model dating from 1911; the tonneau shape being an oval with flattened ends. The Longines Evidenza is suitable for both men and women. The casing is stainless steel although there is a ladies gold version set 44, 0.22 carat, diamonds. The Longines Evidenza comes with either a quartz or self-winding movement. My favourite Evidenza is the one that comes in a stainless steel case with dark brown alligator strap, enhanced by 12 blue painted Arabic numerals. This model also features a moon-phase display with a 31-day calendar at 6 o’clock as well as day of the week and month apertures at 12 o’clock - a very nice watch.

The Longines BelleArti is a truly elegant ladies watch. I am fortunate enough to have been able to buy my wife a Longines BelleArti watch for her birthday. The BelleArti range are simple and understated, evoking memories of the Art Deco movement of the 1920s. The dial comes in black, silver or mother-of-pearl. All dials feature 11 Arabic figures, a second subdial at 6 o’clock and “Cathedral” hands. Some models are available with inlaid diamonds - my wife's watch is without. The casing of the Longines BelleArti is rectangular with a sight curvature of the sides, lending the whole watch a very feminie feel.

La Grande Classique de Longines styling calls much upon the earlier design traditions of Longines. The casing is a simple circle and comes in either stainless steel or gold - some models come with inlaid diamonds. As you might expect, for this classical style of watch, the faces come in black, white or mother of pearl. The Logines Grande Classique is definitely for thise of prefer the look of a more traditional watch.

The Longines LungoMare is for those who like a more modern looking watch. There is a ladies verion of this watch. The casing is round and comes only in stainless steel. The LungoMare is also water resitant to 100 meters. I really like the LungoMare. It's pure understated style. It avoids stylistic gimmicks, such as big crowns, over-sized hands and cluttered facia. This watch rivals such makes as Breitling, Tag Heuer and Rolex but priced at a more realistic price for consumers.

Longines also make the the Lingbergh watch. It commemorates the first flight across the Atlantic by Charles Lindbergh. Personally I don't like commemorative watches and I'm not a fan of the design of this watch either.

The Longines Master collection appeals to those who want the most functionality out of their watch. Most watches in this collection come with complications, self-winding mechanical movements beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a rated power reserve of 42 hours. Many also come with a chronograph function. I feel the Longines Master collection is for those who want the best from what Longines has to offer.

All longines watches come with sapphire glass and superb movements. And Longines offer a broad range of designs to choose from, unlike other swiss watch makers. I like Longines watches: Longines make owning a quality Swiss affordable for the average consumer.

Beaded jewelry

2007-01-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

A bead is a small, decorative object that is pierced for threading or stringing. Alternatively plastic beads may be molded onto a Thread during manufacturing. Beads range in size from under a millimeter to over a centimeter in diameter. Glass, plastic, and stone are probably the most common materials, but beads are also made from bone, horn, ivory, metal, shell, pearl, coral, gemstones, polymer clay, metal clay, resin, synthetic minerals, wood, ceramic, fiber, paper, and the seeds of the Bead tree. A pair of beads made from Nassarius shells that are approximately 100,000 years old are thought to be the first known examples of jewellery.

Beaded jewelry refers to the jewelry made by using one or more of the different types of beads. They may woven together by a string or adhered to surfaces depending on the designed that one wishes to create. Exquisite beaded jewelry is to be found on the market.

Treasures of handmade Beaded Jewelry culled from different corners of the world abound. We find different regions; cultures and ages have had their own distinctive style of making beaded jewelry. From simple grace to ornate brilliance – the diversity of beaded jewelry is endless. An array of elegant beaded jewelry, handcrafted from glass, shells, plastic, metal, in fascinating colors, are available allover the world.

Beads can be strung together in any number of combinations to create different objects. Most of the times we create ornamental items like bracelets, earrings, and so on. Accomplished beaders are known to create highly complex bead items like multi-strand necklaces and complete ornament sets.

Beads come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and styles. Some well known types include: Delica beads (cylindrical and very symmetric), opaque beads (non-transparent, single color), donut beads (donut-shaped beads in various colors), Aurora Borealis beads (multicolored, also clear or opaque), galvanized beads (with a metal coating), seed beads (small beads that make the body of the ornament or that fill the spaces between the bigger beads), transparent beads, silver lined or gold lined beads, matte finish (dull coating) beads and more.

Beads are made from almost any possible material including stone, glass, metal, wood, semi-precious and precious stones. Select the materials based upon the design and the item that you are planning to make. When selecting beads, look for uniformity in the finishing and the ease of stringing them together as the main factors in your purchase.

Platinum

2007-01-06T21:35:00.001-08:00

Chemical Formula

Pt
Background

Ulloa in 1735 and Wood in 1741 discovered platinum. Platinum occurs native, accompanied by small quantities of iridium, osmium, palladium, ruthenium and rhodium, all belonging to the same group of metals. It has no commercial ore and exists in two rare minerals Sperrylite (PtAs2) and cupperite (PtS).

Pure platinum is beautiful silvery-white metal. It is malleable and is more ductile than silver, gold, or copper. It is heavier than gold.

The metal does not oxidise in air at any temperature, but is corroded by halogens, cyanides, sulphur and caustic alkalis. It is insoluble in hydrochloric and nitric acid, however, when they are mixed together to form aqua regia, platinum is dissolved forming chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6). Hydrogen and oxygen explode in the presence of platinum.

The metal has a face-centred-cubic lattice structure, leading to its high ductility and malleability. Because it is generally too soft to use alone it is alloyed with harder metals of the same group, namely osmium, rhodium and iridium.

Fine platinum wire placed in the vapour of methyl alcohol will glow red-hot.
Applications

Platinum is widely used in:

· Jewellery

· Electrical contacts

· Resistance wire

· Instrumentation devices

· Thermocouples

· Standard weights

· Laboratory dishes and vessels

· Corrosion resistant devices

· As an anode for cathodic protection systems for large ships and ocean-going vessels, pipelines, steel piers and the like.

· In dentistry as foil (99.99% pure) for maximum softness

· Platinum wire is used in high-temperature electric furnaces

It can be produced in several forms including, gauze, foil, powder, flake and coating.

In the gauze form is it used as a catalyst for the contact process, producing sulphuric acid, to a lesser extent in cracking petroleum products, an example of which is converting alcohol vapour to formaldehyde. This has seen commercial success in producing cigarette lighters and hand warmers, as a catalyst in fuel cells and in antipollution devices for automobiles.

In coating form platinum is used on missile nose cones, jet engine fuel nozzles and the like where performance reliability for long periods of time at high temperatures are required and/or resistance to atmospheric corrosion, even in sulphur environments.

Platinum is sometimes alloyed with other elements such as:

· Cobalt- To produce an extremely powerful magnet that offers a B-H (max) almost twice that of Alnico V

· Tungsten- For use in aircraft-engine spark plug electrodes, radar-tube grids, strain gauges, switches and heating elements

Dosilac Conductive Silver Spray Paint

2007-01-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Dosilac is a new conductive silver spray paint from Ami Doduco. It combines speed, ease and economy for the application of metal coatings to non-conducting surfaces.

The purpose designed nozzle makes dosing easy and gives a uniform coating.

· Dentistry

· Jewellery

· Amateur electronics

· Repairing printed circuit boards

· Electromagnetic shielding

· Rear windscreen heaters

Gutta Percha – A Natural Form of Rubber

2007-01-05T21:35:00.001-08:00

Gutta Percha is a natural polymer, chemically the same as natural rubber, however, it has a different molecular shape, giving it different properties.

How is it Made?

The milky fluid from the gutta-percha tree (native to pacific rim nations) is evaporated. The resultant latex is then coagulated.

Historical Development

Gutta percha was first introduced to the west by William Mongomerie in 1843. He demonstrated to the Royal Society of Arts in London, the materials’ ability to be heated and moulded.

Properties of Interest

Montgomerie also demonstrated that gutta-percha was able to maintain a tough form after having been heated and moulded. Faraday soon after discovered that gutta percha was an excellent electrical insulator.

Submarine Cable Insulation

IN the mid 1800’s gutta percha was deemed to be the most suitable materials for submarine cable insulation. It was thought to be superior to Indian rubber (the current material) as it became hard but not brittle. Furthermore, the cold underwater environment improved the insulating properties of the gutta percha and shielded it from sunlight which had a deleterious effect on it.

The first use of such cables for telephony was to bridge the English channel between England and France with partial success 1850 and more successfully in 1851.

Other Applications

Early Applications

Shortly after its discovery by the western world, gutta percha was used for a variety of applications such as jewellery making. It has also been used by mould makers for medals to test their moulds as the material does not shrink upon cooling.

In 1848 it became a desirable material for golf balls. Prior to this time, golf balls were made from feathers encased in leather. These golf balls were expensive and were impossible to use in wet weather. Solid gutta percha golf balls overcame both of these problems and provided much more consistent results. These aspects were responsible for the rapid growth of the game around this time period.

Modern Applications

Gutta percha is rarely used today, although some dentists use it to make temporary fillings. It is sometimes used in conjunction with Balata resin, a nearly identical material in conveyor belts.

Gold / Palladium ( Au / Pd ) Alloys – Properties and Applications

2007-01-05T21:34:00.001-08:00

Gold and palladium are totally soluble in one another.

The primary use of gold / palladium alloys is in jewellery. The alloy is more commonly known as white gold and is an alternative to platinum. Gold / nickel alloys are also used as white gold. In both cases some other metals may be present in small amounts such as silver, zinc and copper.

The cost of palladium white golds are greater then that for nickel white golds due to palladium higher cost and more difficult processing. Palladium white golds are also softer and more ductile compared to nickel white golds. In both cases it is not possible to have white gold with a purity greater than 21 carat.

The composition of some palladium containing white golds are as follows:

	Gold	Palladium	Silver	Copper	Zinc	Nickel
18ct	75	20	5
	75	15	10
	75	10	15
	75	10	10.5	3.5	0.1	0.9
	75	6.4	9.9	5.1	3.5	1.1
	75	15		3.0		7.0
14ct	58.3	20	6	3	1
14ct	58.5	5	32.5	20.5	1.4
10ct	37.5		52	4.9	4.2	1.4

Key Properties

The addition of palladium to gold:

· Increases its melting point

· Increases its modulus of elasticity

· Increases its strength

· Increases its hardness

· Turns yellow gold white (depending on the amount added)

Applications

The primary use of gold / palladium alloys in for jewellery, also known as white gold. However, gold / palladium alloys are also used in dentistry and they were used as spark plug electrodes, but the alloy has now been replaced by platinum.

Gold – The Relationship between Purity, Carats and Fineness

2007-01-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

The purity of gold is expressed in carats, often abbreviated to ‘ct’ of ‘K’ in the USA and some other countries. Pure gold has a purity of 24 carats. Various other purities exist that are measured relative to 24 carats. These are summarised in the table below.

Table 1. The relationship between gold content (by weight), its carat rating and hallmark rating for standard gold alloys.

Purity	Gold content (wt. %)	Fineness
24 carat gold	99+	990
22 carat gold	91.6	916
18 carat gold	75.0	750
14 carat gold	58.5	585
9 carat gold	37.5	375

An alternative method of expressing purity is ‘fineness’. This expresses the purity of gold in parts per 1000.

Gold may be alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, zinc or silicon to produce purities less than 24 carat. Silver and copper and most commonly used alloying elements for gold. Pure gold is too soft to be able to be used for jewellery.

The metal chosen as an alloying element my influence properties such as workability and colour of the resultant gold alloy.

The purity of the gold is ‘marked’ onto jewellery by stamping or laser engraving. This acts a quality control stamp. Often this is done after the alloy is tested by a qualified testing laboratory or facility. Depending on which country the gold is produced, the caratage or fineness may be stamped into the item of jewellery.

According to the International Hallmarking Convention, there is a “no negative tolerance” policy. This means that a gold alloy determined to consist of 749 parts of gold per 1000 would not qualify for a 750 quality mark.

Methods used to assay or test the purity of gold include:

· Inductively Couple Plasma Spectrometry (ICP)

· X-Ray Fluorescence

· Fire Assay

· Touchstone

· Electronic Pen

· Density

Gold

2007-01-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Chemical Formula

Au
Background

Known and highly valued since ancient times, gold is found in nature as the free metal and in tellurides. It is widely distributed and is almost always associated with quartz or pyrite. It occurs in veins and alluvial deposits, and is often separated from rocks and other minerals by sluicing and panning operations. The metal is recovered from its ores by cyaniding, amalgamating and smelting processes, while refining is carried out by electrolysis.

Gold in its pure state is considered the most beautiful and hence most valuable of the pure metals. It is metallic, having a yellow colour when in mass, though when finely divided it may be black, ruby or purple.

Gold is soft, ductile and the most malleable of metals, and because of this is usually alloyed to give improved strength and durability. Gold’s reflectivity of ultraviolet and visual light rays is low, however it has high reflectivity of infrared and red wavelengths.

Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and is unaffected by air, nitric, hydrochloric, or sulphuric acid and most other reagents. A mixture of one part nitric acid with three parts hydrochloric acid, called aqua regia, dissolves gold. It is also dissolved by solutions of azoimide. Further, it is attacked by sodium, and potassium cyanide plus oxygen.

The most common gold compounds are auric chloride (AuCl3) and chlorauric acid (HAuCl4).

Gold has eighteen isotopes.
Applications

Gold is chiefly used for:

· Coinage

· Ornaments

· Jewellery

· Gilding

Green gold is generally used for jewellery. Green gold is an alloy of gold, silver and copper, and is graded from 14 to 18 karats. Coinage gold (USA) or standard gold (UK) contains gold and copper in slightly varied amounts, while Australian gold (Australia) contains silver instead of copper.

Other uses for gold include:

· Textile industry

· Gold flake is used for a radiation-control coating for spacecraft

· In electronic tubes, as gold-plated grid wire, to give high conductivity and suppressing secondary emissions

· Gold powder and gold sheet is used for soldering semiconductors, with gold having a good ability to wet silicon at 371°C (725°F)

· Gold is used as a plating material, where sodium gold cyanide [NaAu(CN)2] is used as a gold plating solution. The plating has good chemical resistance and electrical properties, however the plating lacks wear resistance, in which case gold-indium plate is utilised.

Gold alloys also have a number of applications such as:

· Gold-gallium and gold-antimony are used in electronic industry (primarily as wire)

· Gold is used for dental applications and is rightly termed dental gold, where gold is alloyed with silver, platinum and on occasion palladium. It is sometimes alloyed with iridium for hardening.

Ami Doduco Release New Lead-Free Bronze Coating

2007-01-03T21:32:00.001-08:00

Ami Doduco announced the availability of DODUBRONCE®-AF, its latest lead-free bronze coating for technological and decorative applications. DODUBRONCE-AF utilizes an electrolytic process to produce mirror-bright ductile layers of copper-tin-zinc alloys white in colour. The layers have low porosity and good resistance to corrosion and electrical contact welding.

Bronze coatings are typically used in connectors for automotive and communication applications and as finishes for jewellery and metalware. Unlike ordinary bronze coatings that use lead as a brightener, DODUBRONCE-AF meets the growing need for lead-free end products. It is accredited under the Öko-Tex Standard 100 as being lead-free and thus suitable to the human ecological environment.

“DODUBRONCE-AF is the product of intense ongoing research and development aimed at helping customers eliminate potentially harmful materials from their products and comply with the latest regulations,” said Karl-Heinz Funke, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing at Ami Doduco. “This effort enables our customers to focus more on the needs of their end-markets.”

Amethyst SL, A Photoreactive Epoxy Resin Stereolithography Material Designed for Jewellery Manufacture

2007-01-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Jewellery manufacturing may yield beautiful results, but it is subject to the same market pressures as any other industry.

To help the process along, 3D Systems Corp has recently developed a new specialised stereolithography material for jewellery manufacturing. The material will be used to create intricate, high quality pieces of jewellery by allowing designers to produce accurate models with exact wall thicknesses and maximum scooping, so that the use of precious metals is minimised in the final version. It is also capable of producing identical designs of different weights and sizes.

Amethyst SL photoreactive epoxy resin material will allow jewellery manufacturers to produce design models and patterns for rubber and silicon moulding, and direct casting in hours rather than days. Designing one-of-a-kind jewellery and small series is also more cost-effective. (Especially good for unique Christmas presents!)

With a striking amethyst colour, visual inspection is made easier, as is de-moulding for rubber moulding applications. Amethyst SL, has a density of 1.1g/cm³, viscosity of 350cps at 30°C and a glass transition temperature of 103°C.

The material could be also be used in the biomedical and electronics industries, which would benefit from the high detail resolution. ‘One possible medical application is in the manufacturing of microfluid plates for blood analysis. Amethyst SL, would allow even smaller channels to be built into the plates,' says Deniz Okur from 3D Systems. Models are created by building up a series of ultra-thin (25µm) resin layers to produce items with excellent feature resolution and quality.

‘The jewellery industry is advancing quickly in its use of new technologies,’ says Mervyn Rudgley, 3D Systems’ Senior Director of Product Management. ‘Time saved in production is a key advantage as competition grows. By complementing traditional working methods, the Amethyst material and the Viper system enable the jewellery industry to progress to advanced digital manufacturing.’

How To Own Stylish & Elegant Jewellery Without breaking The Bank!

2007-01-02T02:30:00.001-08:00

10 facts about affordable gold or rhodium plaited jewellery that is suitable for both casual wear and for special occasions, and which does not have to be stored in a vault!

* A gemstone is a mineral that has been cut or faceted then polished, examples of gemstones are quartz, jasper, amethyst, Ruby and Malachite.

* Facets are flat faces on geometric shapes, that either occur naturally in crystalline structures or as in the case of gemstones are cut into them to improve their appearance. Faceting is usually applied to transparent gemstones.

* The Moh’s scale of mineral hardness characterises the scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer one.

* Softer gemstones with a Moh’s hardness scale of less than 7 are easily scratched by dust and grit. On the Moh scale a window pane has a Moh scale rating of 5.5, whilst Quartz is 7, Topaz is 8, and Diamond is 10. In fact Diamond is fifteen times more harder than quartz.

* Rhodium is a hard silvery white and durable metal with a high reflectance. The reflective properties of Rhodium make it suitable for jewellery products.

* Rhodium flashing is known in the jewellery trade as the process of electroplating; whereby a white gold metal is placed in a rhodium salt solution and when an electrical current is passed through the metal the white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium. This process gives the rhodium plaited metal a highly reflective white surface.

* Rhodium has a Moh’s hardness of 6 compared to Silver and Gold that both have a Moh’s hardness of just 2.5.

* Cutting is usually applied to opaque gemstones that are impenetrable to visible light while faceting is mainly carried out on transparent gems. As softer gemstones are more readily scratched so they are shaped and polished in order to reduce any visible signs of scratching.

* Rhodium belongs to the group of Platinum metals and is considered to be an even more precious metal than silver.

Express Your Love - 15 Ways To Say I Love You Without Actually Saying It

2007-01-02T02:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some examples to help you express your love for your partner without having to say a word.

1. Send a box of chocolates (must be the fancy, expensive kind) with a romantic poem.
2. Send her a bouquet of red roses. Nothing says it more than a dozen roses.
rf 3. Send small, unexpected gifts to show that you care. Think about what your partner’s hobbies or interests are. The gift could be a book, a gadget or as simple as a packet of his favourite sweets.
4. Sing a few lines of your ‘special’ song into his voicemail.
5. Brag about your partner to friends while he is nearby. It’ll will make him feel like a million dollars.
6. Buy her jewellery. For some reason, women like rare, expensive rocks and metals. The more the merrier, but more often than not, just the thought of receiving jewellery from her man is enough to make her smile all day.
7. Never, never forget her birthday, your wedding anniversary or other special days. Put it in your diary, get someone to remind you, pay if you have to. Invest in a PDA or subscribe to a free online calendar like Yahoo Calendar.
8. Send her an online greeting card. There are many wondeully creative sites out there where you can send love cards for free. Do it today.
9. Take your partner on long walks and hold his hand. Go star-gazing.
10. Plan and cook a meal together.
11. Write a romantic love letter or love note. Some people find it easier to write down how they feel.
12. Listen to what she’s saying. Really listen. Active listening involves eye contact, repeating what the other person has said, mirroring their body movements, etc. Don’t try to give a solution to her problems, just provide a listening ear.
13. Write and sing her a love song, if you’re musically inclined.
14. Take her on a drive in a convertible and watch the sunset.
15. Take note of his best qualities and tell him how great he is. Tell the truth!

Mykonos Island - Greece

2007-01-01T02:29:00.000-08:00

It is the cosmopolitan centre of the Cyclades complex. Its reputation has spread during the last years owed to its unparalleled landscape, its archaelogical sites, its cosmopolite environment and its glorious beaches. White-washed, cube-shaped houses are scattered all over the island, narrow down streets in the city, chapels & picturesque tavernas hide amongst art galleries & stores selling jewellery, souvenirs etc.

Styles that sweep across the global scene are born in the vivid nightlife of this contemporary resort. An island of luring and tempestuous reputation like Mykonos, with high tourism & a rather superficial lifestyle, inevitably has each fans and critics.But even the most unsuspicious visitor immediately understands that Mykonos is not just a crazy “bon-viveur”, but likewise an attractive, picturesque island with white Chora apart the crystal-clear blue waters of the Aegean.

Because it is so famous, Mykonos gets really overcrowded in the period of high season but for those who enjoy the crowd, great fun & all night long entertainment, Mykonos is the idealistic place for vacations.

The beach of Platis Yialos is first of the most mainstream beaches of the island, it is full organized, offering sun beds, umbrellas, & water sports installations. Its golden sand and marvellous turquoise crystalline waters attract thousands of people in the period of summertime time. It is approachable by local bus departure each half an hour from Chora. From Platis Yialos beach, regular taxi-boats go to the beaches of the southern coast which are Paranga , Agrari , Elia , Paradise & Super Paradise.

Agrari and Elia are placed one next to each other, forming a huge sandy beach, 10 kilometres from Chora. Elia is the longer sandy beach of Mykonos, fully organized, offering a wide selection of taverns & bars as well as water sports installations. Agrari Beach is less popular than its neighbour & much calmer. They each may likewise be reached out by local bus.

Paradise is one of the most famed beaches of Mykonos, pulling in mostly a young crowd by its twenty-four hours music and its day and night beach parties. Paradise beach is set between Paranga Beach & Super Paradise Beach & is approachable by a pathway from Platis Yialos, by bus or by taxi-boat.

The notable Cavo Paradiso which is a big building complex working like a night club, holding a pool, a restaurant and a beach bar, is placed on a hill, higher up the beach. By night, Paradise Beach transforms into a very big club with music & people dancing on the sand and the rocks till dawn.

Jewellery Stores - A Glance At World's Best

2007-01-01T02:27:00.000-08:00

Jewelry – a magical word that exudes bright smiles, diamond-like glittering eyes and deep, longing sighs. Ever since the human race evolved into an intelligent straight-backed species, there are evidences that jewels in the form of precious crude metals and stones were collected and considered to be forms of splendor. There are several archeological findings of hand-made simple and elegant jewelry in various parts of the world. No wonder that in the modern age, jewelry has gained such an important status in the global market and a nation’s fortune is decided upon its possession and utilization of gold and diamond mines.

Competition among the best brands is at its optimum level and today’s jewelers are the busiest in the professional market, trying to meet the never-ending craving for priceless elegant designs. With the revolution in the area of industry and communication, world class jewelry has come to the reach of urban man and is no longer limited to remain in the prized possession of royalty and film stars. No matter what the budget, jewelry, in today’s world comes in many different forms to suit your individual style. Every variety of jewelry has long since been the ultimate fashion statement and has stayed that way till date. The earlier small scale family jewelry shops have turned into massive corporate giants spewing thousands of fresh designs each year. It is quite an impossible task to bring forth the staggering number of brands floating in the current market. However, based on antiquity and their present grasp on the world’s economy, I am going to enumerate here some famous jewelry stores and brands.

America’s best jewelry brands and retail outlets

Zale Corporation

Zale is one of North America’s largest retailers in diamond, pearl and coloured stone, and gold (rings, chains, etc) jewelry. It has a chain of 2350 outlets throughout US, Canada and Puerto Rico. The firm has four flagship bearers aimed at different jewelry markets - Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, Gordon's Jewelers, Zales Jewelers, and Piercing Pagoda. In addition to this, Zale also runs several outlets in Canada under the names Peoples Jewellers & Mappins Jewellers. Zales.com & Baileybanksandbiddle.com are the two official online shopping malls for sale of Zale merchandise.

A brief overview of Zale’s chains is given below:

Gordon's Jewelers:

This was founded in 1924 by Meyer M. Gordon. With further expansion, the business grew into a dominant regional jewelry brand catering to local fashion and style and it has continued the tradition over the years.

Bailey Banks & Biddle:

This was created by two American silversmiths with very little capital in 1832 and the brand was established in 1878. This firm of fine jewelers became one of the country’s prominent jewelry brands and now has a nationwide recognition. Bailey Banks & Biddle has grown to more than 70 retail locations in 31 states across the country and Puerto Rico.

Piercing Pagoda:

As ear-piercing started catching up with the fashion market of the US, jewelry store owners Bernard and Bertha Cohen found it apt to open the very first Piercing Pagoda™ in the Whitehall Mall in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, in 1969. This venture became a success story when women from far and wide came to their stall for ear-piercing. Piercing Pagoda has grown from a single retail location to a chain of more than 820 kiosks today satisfying customers throughout the US and Puerto Rico with its specialty gold jewelry.

Signet Group plc

Signet, a UK based company, is the largest US specialty retail brand capturing a major chunk of the US jewellery market with its 1,221 stores in 50 states. It reaches to the retail customers through the malls under the banner Kay Jewelers and regionally under a number of well-established and recognized names. The superstores operate under the flagship name Jared – The Galleria of Jewelry. Signet Group's US subsidiary is Sterling Jewelers.

Sterling Jewelers Inc.

Primarily dealing with sterling silver, Sterling Jewelers also showcases gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, watches, collectibles, and gifts. It has a spread of some 1,220 stores in 50 states. Sterling jewelers is ranked number one in the US (ahead of Zale). It operates “Kay Jewelers” (as a subsidiary of Signet) as well “Jared the Galleria of Jewelry” (also as a subsidiary of Signet), and about 330 regional jewelry stores under the names “Belden”, “JB Robinson”, “Marks & Morgan”.

Kay Jewelers:

Since 1916, Kay Jewelers, with it’s headquarter in Ohio, has grown from one store to more than 800 from coast to coast. Together with Signet Group plc, its London-based parent company, Kay jewelers has been satisfying clientele in the US as well as other parts of the world.

Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry:

Jared is the leading chain of jewellery superstores. It is also the leading diamond jeweler in the US. More than 100 Jared stores sell diamond jewelry and loose diamonds.

Tiffany

Tiffany, established in 1837 in Broadway, New York, first captured the world’s attention with its intricate silver designs using sterling silver. Since then Tiffany has its name associated with presidents and royalty. It has captured significant chunks of the US and UK markets. In 2006, Tiffany has presented the Frank Gehry collection of jewelry designs in collaboration with the famous architect Frank O. Gehry. Dealing with diamond, pearls, watches, Tiffany stores are available all over the world like the one on 5th avenue, New York, Harrods in London, Printemps Boutique in Paris, at Sydney, Australia, Ngee Ann City in Singapore to name a few.

Macy’s

Opened in New York by Rowland Hussey Macy in 1858, Macy’s was just a fancy dry goods store. From such a beginning, it has made a long and successful journey to become America’s first largest retail departmental store. With over 800 stores all over the US, Macy’s showcases everything from items of daily use to exquisite jewelry, collectibles and accessories.

International stores

Boucheron

In 1858, Frédéric Boucheron founded his own jewellery house and opened a boutique in the highly fashionable Palais Royal district of Paris. The luxurious boutique quickly attracted a prestigious clientele. Over four generations, the family business grew into one of the world's best-known fine jewellery brands. In 1893 Boucheron was the first jewellery store to open a boutique on the Place Vendôme, a neighbourhood known for its urbanity and elegance. In this century, while remaining true to its unique tradition and legacy, Boucheron has become a name synonymous with aggressive and luxurious modern jewelry designs.

Dior

Christian Dior, based in France, has been luring the rich and famous from all over the world with handbags, shoes, and jewelry along with other accessories. Its unique trademark jewellery designs make it figure in the top international brand names. It portrays a unique style of producing solid jewelry items with tiny, simple patterns etched or woven in gold, platinum and silver.

Bvlgari

Since 1884, Bulgari has been setting the pace for Italian style in jewellery. It was founded by a Greek named Sotirio who had a flair for roman culture. With a high volume of creativity and innovation, Bulgari looks for inspiration from Greek and Roman arts without losing focus on originality. It experiments with gold jewelry in strings of pearl and colored stones. This gives a unique colorful touch to its products. Via Condotti was its first store boasting visits from royalty and film stars galore.In Rome, Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles, as well as in Tokyo and Dubai, Bulgari has created a niche of its own.

H Samuel and Ernest Jones

In the UK, Signet is the largest specialty retailer of fine jewellery with 591 stores nationwide. Primarily situated in prime uptown locations or shopping malls, the stores operate under the banners “H.Samuel”, “Ernest Jones” and “Leslie Davis” (a trade name related to Ernest Jones). Signet sells gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, watches, collectibles, and gifts. Some stores sell china and crystal.

Ernest Jones specializes in diamonds, branded watches and gold jewellery, which are all merchandised and marketed to appeal to the more affluent urban customer.

H.Samuel offers a range of jewellery, gold, watches and gifts.

Peoples Jewellers & Mappins Jewellers

Zale Corporation has captured the Canadian market through two brands, Peoples® Jewellers and Mappins® Fine Jewellers. Both chains are well-known throughout Canada. They provide traditional jewelry items through outlets located in prime malls and other strategically well-placed geographic locations. Founded in 1919 as a family business, Peoples Jewellers was the first company in Canada to sell jewelry on a time payment plan. Mappins Jewellers began operating in 1935, by a British jeweler named Mappins working in a Canadian firm. Mappins was acquired by Peoples Jewellers in 1964.

D’ Damas

D'damas is part of the Gitanjali Digico Group which was established in 1966. It is considered one of the earliest diamond houses and the largest diamond exporting company in India. The traditional role of diamond manufacturers exporting the bulk of their production to wholesalers worldwide is no longer sufficient to remain competitive in today’s changing market scenario. The Gitanjali Group has therefore tuned itself with changing times by adapting newer methods. Being a DTC Sightholder and a diamond manufacturer, the Group has strategically positioned itself to manufacture and promote diamonds as well as studded jewellery all the way to the retail level. D’ Damas brands include “Asmi”, “Collection g”, “Eternal”, “Glitterati”, “Gold Expressions”, “Lamhe”, “Nakshatra”, “Origin”, “Solitaire”, “Victoria's Desire”.

Tanishq

Started in India in 1995 by the jewelry business group of Titan Industries Ltd (owned by Tata group), Tanishq is the fastest growing jewelry brand in India. Tanishq is a perfect blend of style and traditional elegance. It provides an exquisite variety of 22k pure gold jewelry studded with diamonds and other coloured gems.

Cartier

The name Cartier is synonymous to awe-inspiring jewelry since the beginning of 20th century. Cartier specializes in creating mesmerizing designs on gold, silver and platinum with gems and precious stones. Available worldwide, its flagship boutiques have been operating in Paris, London and New York.

Swarovski group

In the19th Century, Daniel Swarovski opened the door to the sparkling world of crystal when he invented an automatic cutting machine. Specializing in crystal artifacts, accessories and even innovative and elegant jewellery, the company has captured the minds of people globally with its exquisitely intricate patterns etched in crystal.

EROS Fine Jewellery

Located at the foot of the Acropolis in Greece, EROS Jewellery store is a family owned business. Jewelry making in Greece is traditional but exemplifies outstanding craftsmanship at reasonable prices. If you are looking for pieces of modern, traditional, classical or Byzantine styles you will find them all here. You can also manage to get custom-made jewelry at reasonable prices.

De Beers

De Beers originally based in South Africa, is the largest diamond mining company in the world today. Recently De Beers has launched a joint venture with LVMH (De Beers LV). This, in turn, has taken the De Beers name to the High Street with De Beers jewellery stores in the US, Japan, UK, France and Dubai. The first De Beers boutique opened in London in early December 2001 at the corner of Bond Street and Piccadilly. From there De Beers has carried on opening ten more outlets in various parts of the globe. Recently, in collaboration with jeweler Neil Lane, De Beers has opened a boutique on Rodeo Drive in Hollywood catering to the rich and famous clientele there.

Chopard

This Swiss jeweled watch-making company has clinched a name of its own in the jewelry industry. Its has its branches and boutiques worldwide in countries like Austria, Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, France, Germany, Japan and the Bahamas to name a few.

Damiani

This 80 year old Italian jewelry brand is a name to reckon with amongst world’s top film stars and royalty. Started in 1924 in Valenza, Italy, this flagship brand (owned by Damiani group) of exquisite and innovative gold and diamond jewelry has become the epitome of luxury jewelry keeping its balance with original traditions and elegance. Some of their newer jewelry collections include Tahitian Pearl Jewelry Collection and their Sophia Loren collection. The Tahitian collection features beautiful black pearls, diamonds and gold. Damiani has also won the Tahitian Pearl Trophy, Italy.

Costello’s online jewelry store

Costello’s was established as the Koala Opal Centre in 1955 in Australia, exporting Australian rough opal to Japan. Over the years, it has successfully established retail outlets in prime locations in Sydney and Perth. Costello is the also the national jewelry retailer and exporter of Argyle diamonds from Western Australia's Kimberley ranges as well as South sea pearls from the waters around Broome. Costellos.com.au provides an online portal for the sale of its exquisite gemstones and pearls backed by International guarantee certificate proving genuineness of the products.

Dubai Gold and Diamond Park

Long awaited and dedicated jewellery shopping mall has finally opened in Dubai. The jewelry at Gold and Diamond Park guarantees certified quality at 37 outlets in air-conditioned comfort. Their range of jewelry includes several varieties of precious stones, yellow, white and even purple gold, platinum items; and pearls. The park is an extension of the Jebel Ali Free Zone, so, the manufactures and retailers are able to benefit from lower operating costs, which, in turn, give the opportunity to compete in international markets. The exterior throws an Arabic look while providing cool, clean and aesthetic interiors. The shops are arranged around a central square where an open-plan French Connection coffee shop gives you the opportunity to sit and observe the whole operation. There is even a museum inside the park providing the history of UAE in producing quality jewellery products. The world class manufacturers have shifted their focus on this jewelry mall. Hence it is not just the common yellow and white gold that is available here, as Prestige Palace at the park brings purple gold to the Middle East for the first time. Pinctada Pearls, which stocks only salt water pearls, showcases black pearls from Tahiti, and pinky white and creamy white Australian South Sea pearls. The park also has its special hallmark on the jewellery made here ensuring originality and quality products.

TOMEI Gold and jewelry

TOMEI Gold & Jewellery Holdings (M) Sdn. Bhd. was established in 1968. With hard work and ability to foresee client needs, TOMEI has evolved into Malaysia's premier retailer, wholesaler and manufacturer of gold and jewellery. It has grown into a powerful contributor in the second largest export market for gold jewellery in the world after India. It has a chain of versatile subsidiaries and branches providing flexible services with ever-changing marketing scenario. Under the brand names “T.H. jewelry” and “My Diamond”, TOMEI has captured the Malaysian jewelry market and is a name to reckon with internationally.

China National Pearl Diamond Gem & Jewellery Import & Export Corp

China National Pearl Diamond Gem & Jewellery Imp. & Exp. Corporation, referred to as “SINOGEM”, was founded in 1985. It is a platform for the import and export of gold, platinum, silver jewelry/ornament, diamond and gemstone jewelry, jadeite and pearls; precious metals and finished products in China. It showcases its products under the brand name “Famous” to a clientele based in more than 40 countries.

Pearl Paradise

The Pearl Paradise, founded in 1996, has its showroom in Los Angeles, California. It mainly deals with a variety of exotic cultured marine pearls like Golden Akoya, Peacock Tahitian, and Pink Freshwater. It not only caters to the crème de la crème, but also captures clients with modest means by providing jewelry suitable to their budgets. Pearlparadise.com has turned into a multi-million dollar business and boasts fourteen websites in several countries around the world, including Canada, Germany, France, the UK, and Italy. Both the showroom as well as the online shopping site display same price for the chosen piece of pearl jewelry.

Tokyo Pearl

This Japanese brand existing since 1959, offers fashionable pearl and diamond jewelry in traditional and modern flavors. It’s Akoya, South Sea and Tahiti pearls have reached far corners of the globe like Moscow, Antwerp, India, Perth and New York.

Mangatrai Pearls & Jewellery

The company, founded in 1935 in Hyderabad, India, has pioneered in using latest cost effective techniques and modern innovative ideas to present the world with elegant, contemporary designs in pearl jewelry. For centuries Hyderabad has been the centre of world’s most exquisite pearls. Mangatrai Pearls & Jewellery showcases an unrivaled collection of South sea pearls, Tahitian pearls and Natural pearls woven in intricate patterns for producing the most exquisite collection of jewelry. The brand operates with just two outlets located in prime locations in Hyderabad.

Timeless Topaz a Gemstone Affordable for Everyone

2006-12-31T02:26:00.000-08:00

Australia has topaz deposits in five of its six states. Topaz is a mineral in a crystalline form. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs’ scale of hardness that makes it a good stone for jewelry.

Topaz is an exciting gemstone which in its final form can be a number of individual colors such as yellow, blue, and different varieties of blue as well as pink, red orange or brown. It can also be many colors in one stone.

When topaz is in its pure form it is transparent and colorless or lightly colored but sometimes it is colored by traces of other minerals. The color that we see in a piece of topaz gemstone mostly comes from heat treatment of the stone or irradiation.

When yellow topaz is heat treated it often turns into a gorgeous pink or reddish color. When it is irradiated it becomes the blue that we so often see in this gemstone.

My favourite topaz is commonly called mystic topaz and this has been treated by applying a layer of titanium oxide to the stone. These stones look like nothing else and display an array of iridescent colors. There is a limited amount of mystic topaz available and the patenting of the process to make it makes sure that this is the case. So you cannot find it everywhere and some shops won’t even know about it. I guess rainbow coloring might be the best way to describe this to someone who has never seen it. The best part is that although it might look better than an untreated stone it actually costs less to buy one.

Topaz is a stone which allows itself to be faceted. It takes special skills to cut topaz and it can be cut into many interesting designs. Topaz often occurs without inclusions so it makes wonderful jewellery.

Australian Diamonds - Are They Good Enough for Jewellery

2006-12-31T02:25:00.000-08:00

Most people think of diamond jewellery as having sparkling white stones but can we get other colours? Yes we can but most of them are white diamonds turned another colour from treating them. Today you can have your white diamond turned another colour for about $400. But how would you like your engagement ring made with a blistering, vibrant pink diamond and a natural one at that! Well, the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia will supply that to you as well as yellows, browns and blue.

Diamonds come from the earth’s mantle and move to the surface in what are called pipes which are made from kimberlite or lamproite rock. There are diamond deposits in every state of Australia.

The Argyle diamond pipe was found in 1979 a very short time ago. In 1983 construction began on the main open cut diamond mine and processing plant. Even before the plant was commissioned some fifteen million carats of diamonds had been found as alluvial deposits in the region. Since then the Argyle diamond has made Australia one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds and now annually produces around one third of the world supply.

Argyle diamonds come in a variety of different colours but are broken up into three main categories: pink, champagne and white. The colours range from grey, yellow, brown, orange, green and reds as well as intermediate colours. The best are the colorless or the ones which exhibit a distinct and vibrant colour which are named fancies. Pink diamonds are rare and this mine produces the most dependable supply in the world.

The best of the Argyle diamonds are processed, cut and polished in Western Australia and that is a comforting aspect when we know that there is no conflict with these diamonds. You can be sure that no child in a third world country has laboured for these and no adult has been forced to mine them by some rebel soldier under penalty of death.

Buying A Vintage Engagement Ring

2006-12-30T02:24:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for an expensive vintage engagement ring to give to your beloved and you can afford to stretch your budget, then aim for the heavens and go for an antique vintage engagement ring. A vintage engagement ring is a huge investment - but one that your future bride will surely cherish forever.

So many choices: Solitaire diamond, pearl and sapphire, emerald , aquamarine, gemstone, filigree, diamond have all been used in vintage engagement rings and even eternity rings. You may also choose from an array of vintage engagement rings with unusual settings adorned with diamond and other gems.

Solitaire diamond rings come in all sizes and shapes. From the regular round rock to the solid square, and rectangles, solitaire diamond rings can look as unique as your loved one. It is sometimes better to purchase your diamond separately from the band and setting. This small step will ensure your purchasing good quality solitaire for your vintage engagement ring.

Generally, vintage diamond rings are available and affordable in Western countries. Jewellers will willingly assemble your own design, if the ring you want is not available or too highly priced. You can decide the rings design, working with goldsmiths and designers. With some intelligent choices you can have an exact replica of the ring worn by Madonna (an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring) or some other person you admire. In modern tradition, a vintage engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand of the woman to be married, indicating her engagement. It represents an official acceptance of the marriage proposal and a commitment to a future together. It is also not uncommon for a woman to buy the man a vintage engagement ring.

To acquire gems and create distinctive rings in which to set them, the purchase of your engagement and wedding rings is one of the most significant purchases you will ever make, both financially and emotionally. No other single piece of jewellery will ever be as important. No matter how successful you become, no matter how magnificent other jewellery purchases might be, nothing carries with it the same excitement and magic.Once jewellers see you are an informed diamond ring buyer, they cannot scam you into buying overpriced diamonds which are worth far less than the salesperson claims. When buying vintage engagement ring diamonds and wedding rings, you should go into battle educated and prepared. You should use your research of diamond pricing and sample printouts of similar competing diamonds in your size range from online sites. You should also have a good diamond buying book with lots of colour photos to help you spot fakes, and worthless diamonds.

A Fresh Look at Titanium Jewellery

2006-12-30T02:23:00.000-08:00

Do you like collecting jewellery? I've been living with few jewellery collectors so I am pretty well aware of the routine and habits that go with it. I have seen it all, from white gold, to sterling silver, to yellow gold, to platinum. They all come in various shapes and sizes and frequently have decorations made of rare stones of all kinds. Those women just love having tons of jewellery. From my personal experience I know they never go with only a new necklace, bracelet or earrings; it is probably a pair of shoes and a matching handbag to go with it, as well.

Anyway, jewellery is one of the things that everyone around the world enjoys having. History shows that jewellery has been popular for centuries and my humble opinion is that it is not going out soon. Of course, jewellery has been changed a bit during the ages. For instance, there have been a few nuances in the classic spectrum of gold, platinum and pearls. Nowadays you can even purchase stronger form of jewellery. I suppose you've heard about jewellery made of true manly metals such as titanium. They are becoming more and more popular every single day.

Are you aware of titanium jewellery? Do you know anything about it? I personally know that there are some rings and bracelet constructed from this superior metal available on the market. Even though I am not fan of jewellery and I never approved men wearing jewellery that new titanium jewellery just caught my attention. I usually considered that a watch and a wedding band are more than enough jewellery for a man to wear. I thought that jewellery just like make up was meant for the softer gender.

Of course, I see many men who have chosen to have some more jewellery as there is such a variety of them created especially for the men of the world. I personally didn't even want to wear a wedding band as I didn't feel comfortable with it. However, when my lady and I decided to get married, I didn't have much choice. Then I started browsing the Internet for rings. I was amazed to find out that there was a whole new world out there. Titanium jewellery was offered all over the place. Once I set eyes on it, I knew that was the kind of jewellery I wanted to have.

I certainly didn't mind having to wear a titanium ring on my finger. I should admit that I have always been a huge fan of this particular steel. It is light but very resilient and strong. That's how I found the perfect jewellery for myself, one I grew very fond of. These days I always wear my titanium wedding band and I love the feeling. What is really great about titanium jewellery is that it doesn't get banged up like the gold and silver jewellery. If you also share my passion for titanium jewellery it is best to hop online check the latest deals.

Celebrity Style Wedding Dresses, Evening Dresses and Jewellery

2006-12-29T04:25:00.002-08:00

Celebrities are continuously in the spotlight, dazzling and looking more and more glamourous thus making mere mortals drool and want to be like them. These days, brides want more than just 'trends' or 'designer' to be the reason for their choice of wedding dress or jewellery; they love to be inspired especially by a celebrity. Today's bride feels she would look her best of course ina dress that she'd be comfortable in and have always dreamed of, but all this is thrown our of the window the moment she finds a celebrity lookalike wedding dress.

Who could blame the bride, afterall celebrities have access to stylists who have researched the best from the best and model the best for the the world including the bride to see and drool over. Very few suppliers have taken note of this change and implementing celebrity style evening dresses, wedding dresses and jewllery in their line of stock. Today's bride is very demanding and will stop at nothing to get what she wants; she wants to make an amazing fashion statement, look her best on her wedding day, and what better way to do this than to play it safe wearing a celebrity lookalike wedding dress or jewellery.

There is also the confidence factor involved here; psychologically, anyone would feel a million dollars wearing something similar to that of a celebrity's, and what better time for this other than the day you want to look your best!

Designer dresses are definately still on the top of the list, but then all celebrities already go for dresses made by their favourite celebrities - the merging of these 2 forces is what makes the wanton of their dresses uncontrollable. In todays market, good suppliers will give you many choices; ranging form the value options, the small designer dresses, the most popular designer dresses such as gucci, versace, vera wang and then the celebrity lookalike dresses. Without any doubts the 'tag' celebrity lookalike often wins. Trends for wedding jewellery has changed quote a bit, more brides are kissing goodbye to stud earrings and splashing on chandelier earrings, dangling pearls, vintage stunners and more. It's no longer a 'classic style affair', brides are beginning to realise their potential; fearless, they choose what they like as opposed to what they have seen other people wear at their weddings. Celebrities have also helped make brides aware of the fact that they could be more adventurous when it comes to what they want to look like on their special occasion.

Ex Catalogue Return Stock Jewellery Low Prices

2006-12-29T04:25:00.001-08:00

Buying jewelry wholesale is really quite easy. The Internet gives you access to all of the wholesale jewelry companies you could ever need to make your selections, so you can buy exactly what you want or need – at very competitive prices.

There is a difference between online jewelry stores and online wholesale companies. Online jewelry stores sell jewelry at retail prices, even though the price may be slightly discounted. Wholesale companies sell jewelry at wholesale prices – which of course are cheaper than retail prices. There are many sites where you can purchase directories of wholesale companies, but this really isn’t necessary. Just use a search engine like Google to find what you are looking for. If you are looking for an engagement ring at a wholesale price, for example, simply type ‘engagement ring wholesale’ into the search box – a whole slew of wholesalers who carry engagement rings will pop up in the search results.

Be aware that some wholesaler’s will only sell in bulk. Of course, if you just want to buy one engagement ring, you do not want to buy in bulk. But there are many companies that will sell just one item – you just have to look for them. If buying online isn’t what you are interested in, consider joining a discount club, such as Sam’s. Here you will find jewelry at deeply discounted retail prices, which is the next best thing to jewelry wholesale prices – but again, the wholesale prices will be lower. When dealing with an online wholesale company, you need to do several things. First, you want to be sure that you are buying the real thing.

There are many companies out there that will advertise that their jewelry is ‘authentic.’ Read the sales copy very carefully, and educate yourself quickly. For instance, beware of words like ‘gold plated’ or ‘realistic.’ This is an indication that the jewelry isn’t gold, or that stones are fake. Also find out if the company has a refund or exchange policy, as well as a 100% money back guarantee. This is important, and it will protect you if you find that you are not happy with the pieces you have purchased, or if they are of lesser quality than you expected.

The story of the Star of David

2006-12-28T01:08:00.001-08:00

Contrary to all beliefs, the common symbol associated with Judaism today, the Star of David, is a relatively new Jewish symbol. Magen David, as it is called in Hebrew, it is translated literally as the Shield of David. David was the youngest son of the shepherd Jesse of the tribe of Judah. He was known for his skills in both writing psalms and as a fearsome warrior. As a little boy he started with helping his father with attending the sheep that his father owned. But all that changed when king Saul, who summoned the little boy David to sing for him at his palace. He liked his performance and kept David as his personal musician.

The first display of David’s courage emerged when, as a young man, he confronted the nine foot giant Goliath of Gath armed with only a stick and a few stones. He stood before Goliath, when for 40 days experienced soldiers fled at the mere sight of the giant. With a slingshot he had made for himself and invoking the name of God, he threw a stone and killed the giant. It was then, when Saul made David commander of his troops.

David’s success in the battle against the Philistines aroused Saul’s jealousy of him, a jealousy that made Saul try to kill David. He tried to make peace with Saul, but when he saw that the king did not think of peace, he fled. During the period he was away, he gathered 600 men and, at one point, in a cave, crept up on Saul. He did not kill the king. Instead he confronted him. Saul admitted that David would one day be king and pled for mercy for his bloodline, which David promised not to wipe out. Saul didn’t stop pursuing David though. Later David joined the Philistine king of Gath Achish, under whose flag he raided the cities of the nomad that harassed the Jews. All the spoils he gained from those raids he gave to the people of Judah, who, in their gratitude for David’s cleansing of their desert harassers, remembered him. They later appointed David king.

After 7 and a half years of reign over the Jewish, David became king over all Israel and his first action was to capture what is now known as the City of David in Jerusalem. He fortified it and building a palace for himself. After he secured the kingdom, he wanted to build a temple to God, but the prophet Nathan told him he could not build the temple because he was a warrior and had shed blood and it was up to his son to build the temple. As he fought the neighbors of Jerusalem and his kingdom grew, he got older and the time for his son Solomon to reign over all Israel came. Solomon completed his father’s dream of building a temple to God.

The Star of David is the symbol that many believe to be the shape of his shield or the symbol he used to decorate the shields that he wore in battle. There is no record to show this assumption is correct. Some scholars give the Star of David deep theological significance, because they say that the top triangle points upwards towards God and the other triangle points down towards the real world. Others say that the three sides of the Star of David represent the three types of Jews: Kohanim, Levites and Israelite. Whatever the significance of the Star of David may be, it has protected this very strong and positive character in his most important life challenges. Therefore, the Jewish adopted it as well. In the 17th century, the Star of David was a popular way to identify synagogues, Jewish houses of worship, which had the symbol placed on the front entrance.

The Star of David became an official symbol for Judaism in 1897. The Zionist movement adopted it as an emblem, but the symbol was controversial for many years after. Even when the modern Israel was founded, there were long debates whether to use the Star of David on its flag or not.

If you are a Jewish believer or just like the shape of the symbol, or for any reason for that matter, you can always find the Star of David in the form of jewelry on the internet. You can purchase it in both gold and silver, in two dimension or three dimension form. Wearing the Star of David, you will probably be protected by God and the positive energy that has blessed David with a wonderful fulfilling life will work its miracles on you as well.

Sacred geometry in our lives

2006-12-28T01:07:00.001-08:00

Referring to sacred geometry, we may define it as a belief according to which some of the fundamental forms of space and time, beginning with the most minuscule fragments in nature, embody spiritual values of their own. A second use of the term is that related to the ancient conviction concerning the significance of the geometry used in the configuration of religious architecture and in that of sacred art in general.

According to its first meaning, sacred geometry entails the assumption that in nature there are certain structures which follow geometrical archetypes - independently of their dimensions - and which serve as examples concerning the unavoidable connection between the part and the whole. As a consequence, contemplating the basic patterns of existence equalizes with contemplating the origins of all things, revealed this very way. This is also the reason why sacred geometry considers those basic patterns as sacred. By studying them one may attain precious information, esoteric knowledge we might say, thus experiencing and becoming aware of the most profound laws of the Universe.
There is an unavoidable analogy between every single natural pattern and at least one geometrical shape.

In what the second meaning is concerned, sacred geometry refers to a various range of universal aspects one may discover by means of geometry and mathematical relations derived from it. As a result, the sacred geometry constitutes the basis of reality and that of mathematics. Numbers represent the language of reality, but visible shapes are the ones to generate all the laws of physics. The final goal is proportioning spaces according to the geometry of nature. Following this principle, the sacred geometry had an important influence over the construction of churches and temples during the history.

Sacred geometry reflects the move of the Spirit through the void, being some kind of a guide of the steps needed to reach the three-dimensional world. The five Platonic solids (tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron) represent the basis of the material world; they are ideal and fundamental models having numerous forms of occurrence in the mineral world. These traditional geometric forms are actually attributed to sacred geometry. The ancient Greeks, for instance, used to associate each of the Platonic solids with a distinctive meaning, having the function of a symbol, as the numbers they represented also did, but even with a stronger emotional impact in this case; thus their use differed depending on the future purpose of every building.

Even nowadays geometrical shapes are considered as important symbols of different truths or spiritual beliefs. As an example, the circle is considered to be the symbol of the Universe, of unity, eternity and balance. So, sacred geometry also reveals itself through various kinds of talismans, objects that are believed to bring good luck. Wearing jewelry with the shape of a certain geometric symbol is many times viewed as having supernatural powers, protecting the owner or giving him capacities or powers like inner peace, courage, esteem, self balance… Talismans are always appreciated not only for their exterior beautiful aspect, as in the case of jewelry, but especially due to their positive energy and healing qualities.

Tibetan jewelry representing the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism

2006-12-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, translated from the Sanskrit ‘Ashtamangala’, are very popular in Tibet and are used for Tibetan jewelry. It is said that Buddha didn’t like to be worshiped as a person and therefore he was reluctant to accept images of himself. Because of that he was mostly represented by the Eight-Spoked Wheel and the Bobhi Tree. Other signs were used in representing him also, like Buddha’s Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl and a Lion. The eight auspicious symbols are however the following: the Umbrella or parasol, the Golden Fish, the Treasure Vase, the Lotus, the Conch, the Endless Knot, the Victory Banner and the Dharma-Wheel (Dharmachackra).

The Umbrella or Parasol, translated from the Sanskrit ‘chattra’, symbolizes the sky the dome that lies above the mountain. Its most important function is to cast shadow, the shadow of protection upon oneself. As a traditional Indian symbol of royalty and protection, the umbrella is found in all cultures with a similar meaning. In Europe the umbrella was until recently a symbol of wealth reflecting one’s high social status. In Oriental cultures, the shade the umbrella casts took a religious note as the protection from the heat of suffering, desire and other forces harmful to the spirit. The vertical handle of the umbrella is compared to the central axis of the world, transforming its bearer into the center of the world. The umbrella is also compared to the mobile temple; therefore Buddha was often represented with a large umbrella over his head. Tibetan jewelry often represents the Buddhist symbol of the Umbrella.

Tibetan jewelry using the Golden Fish symbol is usually worn for good fortune. Positioned upright with their heads turned inwards, the two fish first appeared in the Indian culture as a symbol for the two sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna. In Buddhism they symbolize happiness, fertility and abundance. The Treasure Vase symbol worn as Tibetan jewelry is meant to attract the infinite riches of this world. It consists of a fat-bellied vessel with a narrow and short neck, covered with a large jewel. It symbolizes endless wealth and prosperity. Tibetan jewelry representing the two Golden Fish and the Treasure Vase can make very nice and suitable wedding gifts representing only good wishes for the future family.

The Lotus flower is perhaps the most admired and worn symbol for Tibetan jewelry. The Lotus symbolizes the progress of the soul because of the way such a plant grows. The roots of a lotus lie in the mud, as the stem grows up to rise eight to ten inches above the surface of the water where the heavily scented flower basks in the sunlight. The beauty of the flower is extremely attractive and quite unusual due to the fact that it grows from the underwater mud. Therefore many people around the world want to be adorned with Tibetan jewelry that represents such amazing positive energy and power of life.

The Conch is a symbol for power, sovereignty and authority. The powerful blast that the conch makes when blown is believed to banish the evil spirits, to be able to stop disasters from happening and to keep away poisonous creatures. This symbol is rarely represented in Tibetan jewelry due to the fact that the actual conch shell makes a rather more powerful statement than a jewel representing it would.

The Endless Knot is one of the most favorite symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. It is often related to the endless wisdom of Buddh and it is also significant for the interaction of opposing forces leading to their union and harmony in the universe. The symmetrical shape of the knot signifies all these things and arouses the curiosity of those who are passionate about wearing Tibetan jewelry. Giving someone Tibetan jewelry representing an Endless Knot or giving away a greeting card with such a symbol on it signifies a connection between the giver and the receiver. It is also a reminder that the roots of every future positive effect are found in the present.

The Victory Banner symbolizes Buddha’s enlightenment and his knowledge triumph over ignorance. It is said that Buddha placed the banner on top of Mt. Meru to show the world his victory over the entire universe. The Victory Banner also signifies Buddha’s triumph over the four Maras of emotional defilement, of passion, of the fear of death and of pride and lust.

The Wheel is consistent of three basic components the hub, the spokes and a perfect circle. The first element symbolizes the axes of the world and stands for moral discipline while the spokes represent the eightfold path set down by Buddha and stand for the correct application of wisdom and the rim. The perfect circle, which represents the element of limitation, refers to concentration and holds the entire meditative practice together.

These symbols remind people to embrace change and be open to novelty, but never let go of positive values which never go out of fashion. Because of the message they send out to people, the popularity of Tibetan jewelry never diminishes attracting thousands of people to believe in Buddhism.

Talismans and their benefits

2006-12-27T01:06:00.000-08:00

Talismans are small objects believed to have the magic power to protect and bring good luck and fortune to their owner. They are supposed to keep the evil away from the person who wears them, protecting him/her of any illness, accident, disgrace, misfortune etc. Talismans absorb positive vibrations of cosmic energy and transmit it to the owner, keeping him/her safe from negative energies at the same time. They are usually worn directly on the body, as pendants, rings or necklaces.

The English word for talismans comes from the Greek word telesma which has the meaning of sacred object or initiation into mystery. In order to gain their powers, talismans must be indeed consecrated during a special ritual. It is only through that ritual that they become charged with spiritual energy, gaining magical powers.

Talismans appear to be the most common kind of objects considered to have supernatural powers, worn as a charm against evil. In some societies, religious objects have almost a similar role of protection, the cross being the most common of them.

The preoccupation of men for amulets proves to be ancient. From early times people were interested in finding ways to understand and control the supernatural, to keep themselves away from harm. Some of the amulets used were even believed to have medicinal healing qualities, sometimes hung upon the bed of a suffering person in hope of his/hers recovery.

Often made of metal, talismans frequently feature symbols of sacred geometry - the belief in the spiritual power owned by the geometrical archetypes which we recognize all over in the nature around us – like pentagrams and hexagrams. The inscriptions and the shape of the amulet can be chosen according to the owner’s preferences, wishes and needs, each one of them having a special significance. One of the most commonly used sign is the pentagram, a five-pointed star, symbolizing the wounds of Christ and offering protection against the malignant forces.

Amulets may be also made of crystal or many others solid minerals, like quartz, onyx, amethyst, jade, moonstone, turquoise, famous for their healing qualities and capacities of channeling the positive energies, keeping people safe and offering inner peace and comfort.

A crucial factor in what the efficiency of talismans is concerned is the belief of the owner in their capacities. Thus, they have magical virtues and confer certain powers as long as the one who has them in his possession believes in their magical value of assuring protection against evil, attracting benefits, bringing luck and fulfilling wishes related to love, health, material profit etc.

Sometimes there are certain words, letters or numbers engraved on them, which have a symbolical and mystical value. All these factors, along with the shape they have and with the pictures on them, transform talismans into magical products charged with cosmic energy merged with astral influences.

Handcrafted Designer Jewelry Precious Gifts With An Artist’s Touch

2006-12-26T22:57:00.000-08:00

Receiving a gift of fine jewelry is always appreciated, but handcrafted designer jewelry is an unexpected delight.

Handcrafted designer jewelry is a gift that goes far beyond simply being precious metals and gems. It is something unique and special that reflects the unique and special place the receiver holds in your heart. There is no gift that has the power to move a woman like a rare and individual work of art that she can wear close to her heart.

Every piece of handcrafted designer jewelry can truly be called artist’s jewelry because each piece is individually designed and crafted by hand by a talented artist with a personal vision that he or she has brought to life in rare metals and precious gems.

Artist’s jewelry must pass the same standards of fine jewelry you can find in any major mall, but goes far beyond them in both quality and distinctiveness. When shopping for a gift of jewelry, you can give that special person a piece that she might see on another woman at any time, or you can give her something that has been created for no one else but her.

Handcrafted designer jewelry can be refined and elegant, with South Sea pearls and 14 carat gold or contemporary and edgy, made of unusual metals and set with rare stones you might not find anywhere else. Artist’s jewelry’s value is not found in the materials themselves, but in that indefinable something that speaks to the soul when an artist has captured a mood or a feeling and translated it to a piece of gorgeous wearable art.

Skilled craftsmanship combines with artistic sensibility to create one-of-a-kind artist’s jewelry that enhances the beauty of the wearer. Each piece will reflect not only the skill of the designer, but the impeccable taste of the wearer. As a gift, handcrafted designer jewelry sets apart both the giver and the receiver as truly memorable.

An artist’s jewelry can be so many things. A delicate tendril of vines twining around the throat, each leave hammered and finished by hand. A bold, hand-polished cabochon stone channel set in platinum to draw attention to an unforgettable hand. A sleek curve of etched metal that clasps a wrist. Or an intricate, unforgettable pair of elaborately carved earrings set with a stardust sprinkling of precious stones. The one thing handcrafted designer jewelry will never be is ordinary.

Fine jewelry has the power to move through its beauty and its feel. There is nothing quite like the feel of cool, precious metal against the skin. The rich, textural details of artist’s jewelry delight the touch as well as the eyes. So give your loved one a gift as daring and unforgettable as she is – handcrafted designer jewelry unlike anything she has ever seen or touched – much like you.

Earrings Balancing Style With Beauty

2006-12-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Geometric shapes are probably the current choice of working person that is getting an outlet in the form of earrings. In any jewelry set the presence of necklace along with earrings is common. But as the choice of modern person is taking a u-turn, earrings are available as single piece also. The blue, black, red and white rings that pass through the artificially created small holes at the end of the earlobes highlight the face and produce a charming look. Person of all culture, tradition and values wear earrings to symbolize power and richness. Your make over is not complete without an earring hanging from the ears and catalyzing your beauty. Apart from the use of precious metals the fashion jewelry include earrings that are made up of cheap materials that may not speak of richness but expresses style. In the past earrings were something meant for both men and person. But now person takes more pride in wearing jewelry while on the part of the men this has become a passion for few. However, today men might not go for the rest of the jewelries but they hunt for trendy earrings. So, in a way this jewelry is for both the sexes. Handmade beaded earrings, diamond earring and gold earring are available in plethora of styles and colors. Working person generally prefers light earrings that are fashionable and cheap but can be worn with all sorts of casuals. This is possible as most of the jewelers are concentrating on the creation of fashion jewelry that uses cheap ingredients to create exclusive earrings. The earrings that were the imitation of gold and silver can also be used up with suitable outfit.

Ornaments have always fascinated person both in the past and in the present. The fashion conscious people of today want to look graceful and for that they try out several accessories. Only the fashion designer however can predict the right one. The designer jewelry also includes some of the exquisitely designed earrings of which you won’t get a second creation. Those who prefer to wear the gold and the silver items hate the law to a large extent as there is not provision to make copy right laws on the jewelries and they can get to see the imitation of their original earrings, necklace or whatever it is. Earrings dangles with vibrating colors, cylindrical yellow beaded earrings, polygon shaped wood etc. and all together gives a different presentation. And working person, who move out for work and due to security reason cannot go for precious earrings, prefers such fashionable ones. The idea of fashion has completely changed today. Previously only the precious metals and stones hanging from the two sides of the face used to symbolize richness but now they have nothing to do with richness but only with fashion. When fashion is the buzzword why not wear something cheap yet elegant. Designer jewelry is created keeping this concept in mind. If you get some of the designer items that are fashionable yet affordable, then you can buy a handful of sets that can be put on everyday by matching them with your apparels.

Vivace has a collection of some of the exquisite earrings that can make the person attractive and eye catching. Brow spheric wood earring is affordable yet beautiful. This type of earring can go best with skirts giving you a completely young look. Yellow bamboo earrings are comfortable for the ears as they are light and can go best with any chocolate colored cloth. They are cylindrical in shape. Two cylinders are generally hung with the wire but you can open one of them to make it simpler. The blue spheric ceramic earring is the brainchild of the Italian designers who have given it the shape. The earring is cyan in color and will go best with any purple colored dress. Young and charming look is every person’s desire and this multicolored hanging earring is going to fulfill that desire too. This earring is a combination of red and yellow and is very lively. Classical disc earrings speak some different story. This has been made by the combination of ceramics disc and beads. This can suit best in any formal events and office parties. Each of the earrings has their respective importance and they tell stories of their own. However, it has to be accepted that handmade earrings have a completely distinguished appeal than that of the machine made ones. The Italian designers are creating marvelous works on various metals to make designer earrings. Earrings can also be seasonal as in spring people love to wear colorful and junk earring; but during summer the opposite happens. If you are short of gift ideas then search for the designer jewelry where you can get suitable earrings. They are generally cheap and useful. Those of you who are brand and material conscious can take a tour of any of the diamond shop or gold shop and get a meticulously sorted out piece from there. Purchasing these designer items is so easy today and can be done by just clicking on the mouse. Earrings, even in the absence of the necklace can beautify you and this is such a casual wear that you can put on wherever you go. They can be in the hanging form or on the form of tops. Whatever it is the desire of looking young, modern and beautiful is gratified with stunning earrings.

Beauty in jewels for any style and season

2006-12-25T22:56:00.001-08:00

For all times jewelry has remained the most desired gift for a woman. However, choosing an appropriate piece of jewelry isn’t easy despite a big amount of offered adornments. Some adornments suit for every day and are good for any dress and occasion – they are rather small and moderate, but elegant and always fashionable. Other ones are meant for celebrations – parties, anniversaries, weddings. This kind of jewelry is allowed to be more remarkable. However, the most expensive adornment doesn’t always mean the most suitable one.

The latter-date fashion is rich in the astonishing variety of designers’ know-hows. One can get lost while choosing jewelry from thousands of perfect examples of jewelers’ art. However, no matter what, you will never make a mistake if you choose classics. It has passed the most difficult test – time check-up. It includes chains plaited in all possible ways – the adornments offered by famous Coco Chanel and enthusiastically accepted by public that remain popular up to this very day.

Rings take a special part in jewelers’ art. They are worn by almost every woman. But are they really beautify? Indeed they are, if suit to a person’s style. Women of a small height with tiny hands would rather wear narrow rings with one or several small jewels. Rings with oval or pear-shaped gemstones visually make a hand more delicate and refined. Girls and young women are recommended to wear rings with one small jewel, for middle-aged women rings with bigger jewels or scatterings of tiny ones are preferred. For shorter fingers one shouldn’t choose large wide rings. It is not recommended to wear more than two rings.

Jewelry, as long as clothes, is meant for emphasizing all one’s benefits and stressing all attractive features. An appropriately selected jewel can attract attention to an eye color, necklaces or chains with pendants – to delicate neck skin. It is not recommended to wear a big amount of jewelry or adornments that disagree in style or color.

Jewelry is different for every season and occasion. In summer the choice of adornments is almost unlimited. However, in winter, clothes and jewelry should be more moderate and reasonable. The adornments for the winter season are not very remarkable – small clips or earrings to emphasize complexion would suit perfectly.

Diamonds and other jewels, pearls, golden and silver adornments look most impressive in the evening light. Large brooches, pendants, necklaces, big earrings, bracelets of various colors of shine perfectly combine with evening dresses. Sometimes a tiny piece of jewelry can change a person completely, if the adornment is stylish and correctly selected. Appropriate earrings create harmony between one’s figure and the shoulder line. Earrings with pendants or large and round ones are not recommended for women with broad face or glasses. Such kind of earrings would rather be worn by young and middle-aged women with oval face. Small flat earrings perfectly suit for round-faced women. Young girls would rather avoid large earrings.

A high-necked dress combines with either beads or earrings. For a lower-cut décolleté both kinds of adornments can be used.

Bracelets are usually worn on the right hand. Moreover, bracelets with jewels should fit tightly to the hand and the hoop-shaped or chain-shaped ones should be loose. For both hands only twin bracelets can be worn. Thin wrists can be beautified by a set of delicate bracelets. However, such kind of adornment isn’t the best choice for a woman with plump hands – it would hide all her attractive features.

On the whole, one can wear large and tiny adornments, a single one or a set of jewelry, colored and of various shapes, materials and combinations. There is only one condition – jewelry should be of impeccable taste.

However, this is only theory. While choosing jewelry, a man can hardly determine a personal style of a woman to select the best adornment. Here are several simple pieces of advice that can help you in this challenge:

1) Look and listen!

To understand what jewelry is preferred by a women sometimes a quick research of already existing adornments is quite enough. In that way, you can determine her individual style and understand which adornments are still lacking. For example, if your special person wears pearl necklace she will be happy to be presented with a pair of refined pearl earrings. You can unexpectedly show her pictures of jewelry and ask her about her likes and dislikes. Her answer will help you in your research.

To select a ring you can measure the diameter of her ring. That will be necessary for a shop assistant to offer the needed size.

If your special person has thin fingers then buy her a wider setting or smaller gemstone, as larger gemstones on thin settings will have tendency to twist and turn. If you are set on a larger gemstone then have the jeweler modify the ring with the addition of 2 small spheres of gold soldered at 8 and 4 o’clock on the inside of ring shank. This will allow the ring to slip over the knuckle but provide a tighter fit around the finger keeping the gemstone on top for everyone to see.

2) Appreciate her personality!

If she is a romantic kind of person, present her with a heart-shaped pendant, necklace or a ring with a heart-shaped gemstone. If she prefers classics or business style then an elegant diamond ring, a pair of refined diamond earrings or a flat-unit chain is the best choice.

Earrings are an excellent choice, but it is important to know if she has pierced ears or prefers clip-on mountings. Does she like long earrings or does she prefer studs.

But you can do even more than that! Sun, dolphins, butterflies and other beautiful shapes would be really appreciated by her. You would rather avoid ultrafashionable designers’ adornments or a just-for-a-party style since you are sure she would definitely like that.

3) Ask her friends!

Her sister, mother or friends can tell you about her likes and help you choose the best sphere for research. You can definitely ask her by watching what attracts her attention at the jeweler’s.

4) Do homework!

Knowing what colors she likes to wear can help you in deciding what color of gemstone would match her wardrobe, especially if its earrings or a necklace. Know her skin tone or dominant make up color as different colors of gold look better on different skin tones or make-up colors.

Your beloved one can be unsatisfied if you present her with a jewel that doesn’t agree with her horoscope.

Jewels and gemstones are believed to have special features and supernatural powers according to the Zodiac signs. They say, precious gemstones give magical protection to the people that have them as talismans. They help in achieving goals, granting wishes, protect from illnesses and misfortune.

Jewels are often involved in various legends, superstitions and beliefs. Only presented or bought jewels are considered to be true talismans.

Know about all dates that are important for her. Presents are not just for birthdays or Christmas – they are always welcome.

5) Present stylishly!

If you choose a pendant remember about an appropriate chain, so that she could wear it at once. You would rather pack it into a beautiful box and present it together with flowers. Romantic atmosphere would also be perfect for such occasion!

To be sure about the present for the next time you can buy a set of jewelry and present it in parts. For example, you can give her a ring for Christmas and the earrings from that very set – for the wedding anniversary.

6) And the most important one:

If you are still unsure about a gift – present her with a diamond ring.

Most of the women want a large diamond; remember that a larger diamond creates the illusion of power, wealth and influence. But to some women that may not be comfortable to wear. So it is always better for your special person to be humble with a smaller diamond which will not clash with her persona, something she may feel at ease wearing that is more humble to her soul. This will avoid a gaudy yet risky to wear ring also in fear of having it stolen. The size of the ring has to be decided as per the size of the finger also – the bigger the finger the bigger the diamond, the smaller the finger the smaller the diamond. Otherwise, the ring may once again look overawing unfit to her beautiful finger.

The Mane Thought: Let Your Hair Do the Talking

2006-12-25T22:55:00.000-08:00

The face of fashion changes fast—what is in today, falls out of trend tomorrow. And there is only one way to keep pace with the current trends: be an early bird and catch on the new things off the fashion counter before they go stale. Here, we would mainly focus on the mane thought of fashion or the hair trends of today.

Some would drool over the hairdos of Angelina Jolie, some would secretly desire an Uma Thurman style, and some would die for a Jennifer Lopez hair statement, but no matter what you do and how much you envy your fave stars and their lovely tresses, best is to be one yourself. No kidding this—you can put the bang back in your hair with a bit of skilled handling and chic accessories.

Not surprisingly, there can be a lot to be done with long hair. But short-haired women can take heart too. For today’s fashion reserves trends for hairs of all lengths and bounce. The brilliantly gorgeous hair sticks or the elegant barrettes studded with stones and/or beads are a winning hair accessory for all occasions, be it a Prom night or a wedding gathering. You may also steal the limelight with the intricately-designed hair combs fitted with Swarovski diamonds. These are sure to add that much-needed pep to your locks. Or if it is a day occasion you are attending, you may just doll up your tresses into a loose bun and fix a trendy hair clip on it. Remember, sometimes less is more. Daytime dressing should be a little toned down in flavor.

For women with straight fine hair, bobby pins sure are a great choice. Touch up your hair with one or two of these pins and watch heads turn. Or you may also head for the hot headbands. Headbands have made a comeback in the fashion field and look quite smart in both long and short hair. The fashion corner has more in store: the cool ponytail holders with a cooler look nowadays. Over with the ordinary, today’s ponytail holders are not just for ponytails; these can also be worn on buns or chignons and pass with flying colors even in a black-tie event. Barrettes go with almost all hair types, while hair sticks look best in knots and twists. When nothing works, a hair knot would still be hot. And with a gracefully beaded hair stick to it, your updo is sure to sizzle the show.

In case you do not prefer the jazz and glitter of stones, you may go for the ethnic tribal jewelry that is yet another worthy addition to the fashion stores. A tribal motif embossed hair pin or a camel bone hair stick would not be just unconventional, it would look trendy and fresh.

The right hairstyle can change your entire look and the right hair accessory can give your hair the perfect combo of fashion and elegance. So now let your hair down and party!

Diamond Body Jewelry

2006-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Body piercing jewelry rapidly became a very popular category of jewelry. But with the growing demand of body jewelry and rise in quality standards, better materials like gold and diamonds are being increasingly used to make unique body jewelry. Diamond body jewelry is trendy, attractive and fashionable at the same time. It definitely is a trend setter and many stars and celebrities sport unique forms of diamond jewelry like diamond barbells, diamond navel jewelry etc.

Diamonds for Diamond body jewelry

The quality of diamond body jewelry is accessed by the jewelry style and more importantly, the diamond used just as with other jewelry. To assess the quality of the diamond body jewelry, you should know the Four C's of a diamond:

Cut of the diamond:

This characteristic determines a diamond’s facets and thus its brilliance. The cut of the diamond used in your diamond body jewelry does not concern the shape of the diamond really but more the uniformity of facets, design and placement of facets, its width and depth.

Clarity of the diamond:

Pure diamonds are perfectly clear. But, it is very difficult to find or afford such diamonds as most of the flaws are visible only through a powerful magnifying glass. Clarity is rated on a set scale so that each diamond can be compared to another without much technical knowledge at all.

Carat Weight of the diamond:

Carat weight partially determines the price of your diamond body jewelry just as the color and clarity play roles in the price. Naturally the carat weight refers to the actual weight and also the approximate size of the diamond.

Color of the diamond:

Diamonds are available in many different shades of color depending on the impurities it has. A pure diamond is colorless and transparent and high priced. Mostly the color range is from clear to yellow when talking about a genuine diamond.

Diamonds are known for their physical properties like:

Crystal structure

Diamonds have a crystal structure and consist of tetrahedral bonded carbon which gives it the kind of properties it has, such as hardness, toughness, and a high refractive index.

Hardness

Diamonds are the hardest material known. They are used in industries for cutting and grinding as well as in diamond body jewelry worn by a beautiful woman. They can help in cutting, polishing and wearing away any other materials due to their own hardness. Diamonds are very suitable for making diamond body jewelry as they cannot be scratched, have a fine luster and maintain their polish for a long time.

Toughness

The obvious toughness of diamonds virtually prevent its from breakage or damage.

High refractive index (i.e. high dispersion of light)

This property of diamonds gives it the luster and the gemstone sparkle characteristics.

Diamond Body Jewelry

Due to the above mentioned factors, diamonds have been increasingly used to make diamond body jewelry to adorn the body and enhance beauty like diamond nipple rings, diamond earrings, diamond barbells, diamond navel jewelry etc. Diamond body jewelry is a statement of elegance and fashion. Diamond body jewelry is a must have for all body piercing jewelry fans.

The Chain Gang has a huge collection of high quality designer diamond nipple jewelry, diamond navel jewelry and diamond barbells of all kinds.

# The diamonds used in our diamond body jewelry are shipped from diamond mines of South Africa, and all hand picked in the famous Diamond District of New York. These diamonds are then set into 14K nickel free yellow gold or white gold by our highly experienced jewelers and gemologists for making the most exquisite and unique diamond body jewelry pieces available.

# We prefer using high grade stones for making our diamond body jewelry. But, lower grades are also available.

# We are very quality conscious and thus, do not stock low grade stones at all, but will be happy to custom order them for you if needed.

# We can replace the cubic zircons in any of our 14K Gold pieces for genuine diamonds or any other genuine stone as well, such as Sapphire, Ruby, or Emerald.

Look for Conflict-free Logo: Identify Jewelers Committed to Fighting the Conflict Diamond Trade

2006-12-24T22:54:00.000-08:00

There is a new way to identify online stores that deal only with “clean” diamonds. To find out in a glance whether an online jewelry store sells conflict-free diamonds only, costumers just need to look for a StopBloodDiamonds logo on the site’s homepage. Consumers are urged to buy only from stores with this logo since the logo serves as a guarantee that the online store do not sell conflict or blood diamonds.

The StopBloodDiamonds logo means that the online jewelry store sporting it is a member of the newly launched website, www.stopblooddiamonds.com. StopBloodDiamonds.com is a website whose members are composed of jewelers and jewelry store owners that adhere to the website’s policy of not buying or selling diamonds that do not carry warranties declaring them to be conflict-free. StopBloodDiamonds.com policies are in accordance to the policies and guidelines laid out by the Kimberly Process. The website was put up primarily to encourage jewelers and online jewelry stores to participate in the fight against the conflict diamond trade but also aims to aid consumers in their search for “clean” diamonds.

In case an online store does not sport a StopBloodDiamonds Logo consumers are advised to look for the store’s policy and determine whether the store has their own written policy regarding conflict diamonds. Jewelry stores that do not have a written policy or do not have StopBloodDiamonds Logo on their website should not be patronized by consumers.

The new step is simple. It only requires jewelers and jewelry store owners to sign up for membership at the Stop Blood Diamonds website. Membership is free but as mentioned earlier requires members to adopt the site’s policies against conflict diamond trade as part of their store policy. After jewelers and store owners have signed up, they then have the privilege of putting up a Stop Blood Diamonds Conflict Free logo on their websites. The easily identifiable logo will be an effective means for consumers to determine that website’s policies regarding conflict diamonds without having to search through it just to look for a written policy. This will also ease the minds of potential buyers who are becoming increasingly aware and educated about this extremely immoral trade practice.

For those interested in knowing more about acquiring the logo for their site you can visit StopBloodDiamonds and read more about the policies your store need to adopt to be able to join. Costumers can also visit the website to know more about conflict diamonds and what the diamond industry is doing regarding the issue.

Bracelets - Incredibly Diverse

2006-12-23T02:12:00.003-08:00

Unlike some other kinds of jewellery, bracelets are incredibly diverse. You can make a bracelet from almost any material you can think of, whether it’s metal, fabric, leather, glass, wire or plastic, or natural materials like shells and stones. Bracelets are both cheap to buy and easy to make, so it’s easy to personalise them to your taste and give them as gifts to your friends. Many people cherish bracelets that they have been given, especially little girls, who will collect friendship bracelets to represent each one of their friends.

If you want to make a bracelet yourself, the easiest way to do it is probably to get some beads and a piece of string. Threads woven together can also work well, as can shells if you make tiny holes in them to thread a string through. The best thing to do is to keep the bracelet as a flat string, and then tie it around the hand of the person you’re giving it to so that it fits well.

Another interesting use of bracelets, only invented quite recently, is the charity bracelet. These are usually made from silicone, and bear a slogan such as ‘make poverty history’ or ‘help the aged’. The idea is that if you see someone wearing one, you are likely to mention it, and then they will tell you a little about the cause and why it matters to them – a good way of getting people to talk about charities they care about.

In some parts of the world, bracelets have special meanings. In India, for example, they are often made from glass, and make a musical-sounding noise when the arm is moved. In Latin America, it is believed that bracelets made from gold and coral can scare away evil spirits, protecting the wearer from the jealousy of others.

Claw Set or Bezel Set Gemstones - Which is Better?

2006-12-23T02:12:00.001-08:00

With most gemstones set in jewelry whether it be a ring, pendant, earrings or other you have a choice as to how the stone will be set in the piece. There are several ways to hold a stone in place but the two most commonly used are claw set, called prong set in the USA, and bezel set. Claw set is where usually three or more pieces of metal stick out from the piece and bend over the stone slightly and hold it in place. Bezel set is where the metal goes all the way around the stone.

Let’s look at bezel settings first and get an understanding of why they are used. Bezel setting can be used for any type of stone but it suits some more than others.

Firstly, there are two type of cutting of a stone which is important to understand: facet cutting, where you see all those different angles on the stone such as in a diamond and the other is cabochon cutting, where the stone is a shiny looking dome. You see cabochons, which is a mediaeval French word for hat, in nearly all opal jewellery. Cabochons were used in jewellery before faceting was thought of. So some of the antique gems in English crowns from earlier kings and queens have rubies, emeralds and other gemstones cut into cabochons where today they would be facet cut.

Opals are soft stones and I like to use bezel setting for opals because that metal surrounding the gem gives a soft stone a little more protection from knocks and bumps. Also the metal enhances the piece whereas I personally do not feel that claws have any attraction or beauty of their own. The same applies for other harder stones but that added protection may not be necessary. Bezels never get torn off the piece like claws do and they never actually push into the stone in a bad knock and chip the stone but claws do. That’s why I prefer them. Bezel setting costs a little more as there is more labour involved and there is more metal in the piece but overall it is worth it.

Now let’s look a claw or prong settings. The greatest asset of claw setting is that there is very little metal holding the stone in place so you can see much more of the actual stone. A diamond and any faceted stone requires light to pass through the stone in order for the beauty of it to materialize. The light reflects and refracts from different parts of the stone and bounces back to your eye and that is how you as the viewer see the glory of it. So the more light that can get in and out of that stone the better. That is why you will see small holes underneath the gemstones in your ring or other piece of jewellery.

The purpose of claws is simply to hold the stone in the piece so only enough claws are used so that the stone is held firmly in place. There are many shapes and types of cuts of stones. You may have heard about marquise, emerald, brilliant, square and now cabochon cuts. Each one may use a different looking and different shaped claw. Some cuts have points on the end of the gemstone so a claw which wraps around the point might be used, or two claws might be used with one on each side of the point.

The disadvantages of claw setting is that only a very small piece of metal is in contact with the gemstone and this can get easily damaged. Some claws get torn completely off the piece in an accidental bump. Sitting in front of me as I write are three rings customers have left for repairs. They have stones missing, and valuable rubies and sapphires at that, and the claws are completely missing or bent out of shape and I would bet that the owners do not even realize that the claws are missing and that is why she has lost the stones.

As a ring gets older it wears and the claws get brushed against desks, tables, chairs, cars and everything else. Over time the claws wear so thin that they can simply break off. So they need to be re-tipped or replaced.

Both claw and bezel setting have their place and one or the other will be the better method for setting a stone depending on the type of stone, the type of setting and the wish of the wearer. But get a jeweller to check you rings every year and let him polish them professionally. At some stage, he might inform you that your diamond or emerald is loose and needs tightening or the claw needs attention. Let him do it as it will be cheaper than replacing the stone if it falls out. Think of your jewellery as needing professional servicing from time to time just like your car does.

Enhancing Gemstones - Are They Still Natural?

2006-12-22T02:11:00.001-08:00

How do you feel if I told you that 90% of the worlds sapphires are heat treated and so is nearly every ruby that you will ever see and that a good deal of the emeralds that you might buy are oiled and that you can safely assume that the topaz you are wearing has been heat treated or, and you wouldn’t think this, irradiated! Your pearls are probably dyed or bleached with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, your beautiful citrine would not look that lovely colour without heat treatment and then tanzanite starts off its life as a dirty yellow brown crystal and turns into Cinderella after massive heat treatment. Every tanzanite that you are likely to see will have been heat treated. Well it’s true!

What I am going to tell you might make you think differently about that lovely piece of gemstone jewellery that you love to wear, but you’ll still be happy to wear it.

Firstly, before we jump to any conclusions and think that enhancing natural stones such as rubies and sapphires is a terrible thing to do, or somehow cheating, we should think about what natural stones look like when they are found or mined. In most cases they look like lumps of coal or dirty rock, or dull glass. Most of the time you would sweep them out of your hut without a care in the world.

The first alterations that everybody seems to forget about but are perfectly content with is shape enhancement or cutting of the stone. This is a very time consuming process where great skills are used to cut off most of the material from the natural stone. In many cases most of the material is rubbish and is thrown away. Then there comes polishing and faceting which is a part of the cutting process after the shape has been improved.

After that many more enhancements are carried out: bleaching, coating such as lacquering, dyeing, filling of internal cracks and holes, irradiation, heating, laser treatment, oil or resin infusion and many others.

Why are gemstones enhanced?

Well, obviously in order to improve their selling ability and their overall appearance. Some, if not most, natural stones have what we call inclusions. These are imperfections inside the gem. They may be cracks, holes or foreign objects which cause cloudiness or just odd reflections.

How are gemstones enhanced?

In order to get rid of these imperfections sometimes holes are drilled into the stone and the imperfection is removed or perhaps a filler substance such as oil, wax, epoxy resin or other substance is placed inside the gemstone to fill the void.

A good example is the wonderful gemstone emerald. Emeralds may have internal fractures which change the way the light enters and exits the stone which alters its clarity and beauty. If the emerald is immersed in or coated with a substance such as an oil having the same refractive quality as the natural stone then the gemstone can achieve a step nearer to perfection.

Sometimes other methods are used to get rid of these inclusions. Heat treatment is often used for this purpose. Once a stone is heated to a certain temperature the inclusion may actually disappear forever. You probably wouldn’t think that this is a bad thing would you. When the stone is heated sometime these inclusions will dissolve and hence the stone will be improved.

Heat treatment is the most common form of enhancement done to gemstones and the main reason it is done is to improve the colour.

Sometimes a gem will change its colour just by low heat from a cigarette lighter or spirit lamp, but other times it takes enormous heat which takes the stone to almost melting point.

Sometimes this alone is enough to change the colour of the stone permanently but laboratory technicians in this field also heat these gemstones in the presence of other substances such as chromium oxide powder which will coat the surface and change the color.

Perhaps the wildest sounding treatment is irradiation which is commonly done to many gemstones. Topaz starts life off as a clear crystal and by irradiation it turns brown and then heat treatment turns it blue. The amount of this treatment determines whether it becomes a Swiss Blue or a London Blue or a Sky Blue. Is there any danger to humans? Well, there is some concern and a lot of debate about this.

These treatments are done to natural occurring gemstones. These are not man-made stones. That is another story again.

Some of these treatments have been done to gemstones for hundreds and hundreds of years. So even though your gemstones has been cut up, drilled and filled, irradiated and heated it is still natural. Funny isn’t it as this is hardly what we would consider a natural product when we think of most items that we buy.

Hallmarking: What Are Those Stamped Marks on My Ring?

2006-12-22T02:11:00.000-08:00

Hallmarking began somewhere back in the thirteenth century most likely in France. Its purpose was to test coins made of silver and gold so that the correct amount of precious metal was actually in the item. It was the original consumer protection law.

In England in 1327 it became law that if you were selling an item made of precious metal it had to be tested. Manufacturers were compelled to take their articles to the hall where the Assay Master would test the precious metal content. Once it passed the test then he stamped the item with marks indicating the fineness or content of the precious metal and eventually other stamps were added such as a date, maker and the assay office mark. So the term hallmarking came into existence.

Right up until 1773 if you tried to dupe your customers by counterfeiting the hallmark stamps the offence was punishable by death. Thank God it was then changed to just the offender being sent off to one of the penal colonies for a mere 14 years! Today in the UK it is just 10 years in the clink.

So what do these marks look like?
The marks tell three basic things: the maker (or his sponsor if he is not available), the fineness or amount or percentage of precious metal in the item and the assay office where it was tested. The maker will have his own particular stamp in letters, the fineness will be a number such as 925, and the assay office’s mark will be a symbol such as the current Birmingham office’s mark which is an anchor. There are other non compulsory marks as well.

Over the centuries these marks have changed significantly and that’s a great thing for dating antique jewellery and watches. For instance, when a certain mark was used for the year then we can accurately date the time an item may have been made. When marks changed along the way that helps us quickly identify the general period of manufacture.

Does Jewellery need to be assayed today?
Legally in the UK and some European countries it certainly does. Some other countries allow a self regulation to take place. Other countries which do not consider themselves as major producers have no requirement. The stamp such as 925 on silver jewellery is not hallmarking. So in Australia you will see 9 carat or 925 stamped on a silver ring but this is an indication that the manufacturer claims the correct content of precious metal has been included but this is not hallmarking which takes place in the UK.

What does it mean to you the purchaser of an 18 carat engagement ring?
Well, if the manufacturer has cheated you and your ring is only 95% precious metal then you would never know. It is so minute an amount that you would not perceive it. The only way you, as a layman, will ever be able to tell is by comparing the ring to another piece of 18 carat gold jewellery. However, if a large manufacturer on the world stage saves a fraction of gold on every item then that would be an enormous profit saving at the end of the year. So while this law is there to protect you do you really care? The manufacturer has to get the item to an assay office, insure its delivery, wait a few days to get it back and then pay for the service. So who is really going to pay for all this? You of course!

Tanzanite - The Magnificent Gemstone

2006-12-21T02:10:00.001-08:00

The cheapest stones are nice but you wonder what all the fuss is about until you see the violet/blue at its best. It is then you know what a magnificent stone this tanzanite is. It is simply superb and you want to just turn it around and gaze into it.

Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is a variety of zoisite and it looks a lot like sapphire and in fact when it was first found it was thought to be sapphire. In gem speak 1967 is yesterday! How could such a wonderful gemstone be found so recently?

The stone is a natural crystal which is yellow through to reddish brown in its natural state. But it needs heat and lots of it to make it a fantastic blue colour. Story has it that after a lightning strike some Massai herdsmen found this beautiful blue crystal stone in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania.

True or not the fact is it isn’t found anywhere else on earth and since it was only found recently it is in short supply, or at least the best quality stones are.

Two years after it was discovered the New York jeweller Tiffany decided to put it on the world gem map. They promoted it heavily and now it is recognized as a prized gem.

Some gems around the world are involved in what is termed Conflict Gems or Blood Diamonds is another term. This is where the gems are mined under duress by the local population or slaves and often the money is used to promote terrorism. Tanzanite seems to be clear of any such problems.

Tanzanite is mostly mined by small mining operations and the sellers of the stone are mostly registered traders who have their markets in Europe and the USA. This is a good thing and gives the buyer comfort. Tanzanite has had its share of control. The Tanzanian government interfered with its cutting at one stage and other large companies have attempted to control its trade in some ways. There was also a flood through the mining area which killed about one hundred miners and halted production. So it is a rare stone.

There is an abundance of the light coloured stone and it is quite cheap and doesn’t look anything special. The larger and better coloured stones are rare and naturally are expensive. The better colours are the mid to dark blues with shifts of purple in them.

Tanzanite is a soft stone and this has some downside. It will scratch and chip easier than other top gemstones so it is wise to think about the type of jewellery that you have it set in and the way you treat it. For instance it is best worn in earrings where it is out of harm’s way. If you wear it in a ring then be careful as it may not last if it is constantly being knocked against furniture and other things. So as a wedding ring worn all the time it is almost certainly going to get damaged.

Tanzanite is an absolutely magnificent gemstone. It is right up there in quality and price at its highest level. It is stunning and rare. It is enhanced when alongside other gems such as opals and diamonds and it is breathtaking when set in platinum.

Created Gemstones Would a Jeweller Buy Them?

2006-12-21T02:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes on a website you will see the letters “cr” or the word created alongside a gemstone. So when looking at the description of the item you will see: 2 x cr rubies, or you might see: Two Created Rubies. This can be most deceiving and sometimes I suspect intentionally deceiving.

What this is telling you is that the gemstones that you are buying are not natural gemstones but that they are man-made gemstones usually grown in a laboratory. They may have other descriptions which vary a little but essentially are saying the same thing, that they are man made stones. To use opal as an example, although it applies to rubies, diamonds, sapphires and most other gemstones, you might see: lab opal, imitation opal, synthetic opal, man-made opal and created or cr opal.

What is the difference in the price of natural gemstones compared to created gemstones?

In most cases created gemstones are much less expensive than natural stones. After all, the scientists most likely had profit in mind when they started this exercise so the objective was to create cheaper gemstones which looked better than the real thing. However, some created stones are far more expensive than some poor quality natural stones.

How does the quality compare?

Well, if you buy a ruby or an emerald for $30,000 you are after the real thing and you can obviously afford to buy it. You would never be happy to pay $30,000 for a created stone no matter how good it is.

But, how do you feel about paying $200 for a lifeless, dull ruby which looks like a piece of glass bottle washed up on the beach? What if for $200 you can get a large absolutely, magnificent created ruby that your friends are going to want to have a look at?

Nature just creates stones without the gem market in mind but scientists in laboratories create them specifically with the market in mind so they don’t want to make failures and because of that, the quality is mostly extremely good.

As a jeweller I have a choice. I can pay $1,500 for a ruby and make it into a great piece of jewellery for my wife or one of my three daughters, or I can give them the same piece with a created ruby which costs me $120 and I can go on a holiday to Hawaii! If you want to know what I would do then I’ll talk to you when I get back!

How-to For Cleaning Silver Jewelry

2006-12-20T02:20:00.000-08:00

Day to Day Care Of Silver Jewellery
Whilst silver is a metal, it needs a little care and attention to keep it looking at as good as when you first received it. When looked after properly, silver has a luxurious lustre but without proper maintenance, it tarnishes as the silver reacts with the sulphur and other pollution in the air and discolors the surface. The greater the pollution in the air, the greater the tarnish so you need to take a little extra care if you live in a city.
This need not spoil your enjoyment of your jewellery, however, because with a few simple steps, all your jewellery can be as good as new and just as beautiful as when you first bought it.
Firstly, prevention is better than a cure. When storing your silver jewelry, try and keep it out of the air as much as possible and make sure it’s dry – possibly in a press sealable plastic bag – as humidity can speed up the tarnishing process.
To keep that nice, rich shine use a soft cotton cloth or a jewelry cloth to polish and buff your jewelry. Just a few seconds can achieve a lot but if there’s a lot of tarnish or your piece has hard to reach places (such as a chain or necklace where it’s difficult to get in between the links) it may be necessary to use a dip. Each brand differs slightly so always read the directions but, generally, you submerse your piece of silver for 10 seconds and immediately on taking it out, wash with cold, running water and dry and buff with a jewellers or cotton cloth. Don’t leave your piece of jewelry in the dip for too long – it can lave a residue and, also, don’t use with gemstones as this can damage them.
Lastly, while silver is fairly hardy there are certain chemicals that can damage it such as immersing it in chlorine (such as swimming pool water), salt water and sun tan lotion. Also be careful of household cleaners; all of these can harm the shine of your silver jewelry.

My Favorite Gemstone Comes from the Planet Mars

2006-12-20T02:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to buy my wife an exotic gemstone, but what do you buy a jeweller’s wife. She has diamonds up to her armpits and opals coming out of her ears. Then I suddenly thought there is one gemstone that is found on the red planet. I’ll get her one of those.
I wanted a gem that got here the hard way, one that had a history, one that you didn’t just trip over on a beach. Well this gemstone is also found on the planet earth as well as Mars so I could get it locally. It got here the hard way through being blasted up from the earth’s mantel as molten mineral to crystallize near the surface as a beautiful green, much overlooked, not well respected gem in modern times, with an up market name Peridot!
Peridot is pronounced the French way which sounds like Pair-a-doh. It might be from the French word peritot for unclear since the stone generally has a lot of inclusions or it might be from the Arabic faridat meaning gem.
It is one of the only gemstones which come in only one color. I like that too! It is definite and knows what it is. The green will vary because of the amount of iron present. It has often been called the poor man’s emerald. Well, emerald is thought of as the most expensive gemstone so I guess that is a compliment in itself.
But if we go back in time peridot was there from the beginning. Peridot was one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aaron the Jewish high priest from Exodus in the bible. This breastplate had twelve stones which represented the twelve tribes of Israel. So it was a very important gemstone in ancient times. It has been mined as a gem for over four thousand years.
It was mined on the island of Zagbargad since ancient times. Imagine if you could get hold of one which was mined here in ancient times. How fantastic would that be as it is all but mined out now?
Although Peridot comes from a host of different countries such as Australia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Egypt, Mexico and Brazil the quality varies from one source to another. But 95% of the entire world production comes from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona.
But if you want the real exotic gemstone from outer space you will have to look for the name Pallasites. This is a type of meteorite named after a German Peter Pallas who described it way back in 1772. In 2003 Nasa discovered peridot crystals on Mars. This was the first time that a gemstone had been found on another planet.
A beautiful stone which set in gold will make stunning jewellery and if you are lucky to get hold of one which came from Mars or somewhere else in outer space you will be indeed fortunate.

What You Need to Know for Wedding Rings

2006-12-19T02:19:00.001-08:00

Diamonds: A Guide to Diamond Shapes
EMERALD - This rectangular shaped stone is a very elegant and sophisticated look for a bride.
HEART - A truly romantic statement on any bride’s finger this stone’s shape resembles a heart.
MARQUISE - Beautiful as a solitaire, this diamond too is elongated diamond but has pointed ends.
OVAL - This perfectly symmetrical elongated shaped diamond adds length to fingers and is very popular among three stone rings.
PEAR - This shape is derived from combining both the marquise and the oval shaped diamonds. One end is beautifully rounded while the other leads to a point.
PRINCESS - This is a perfectly square shaped stone which has become increasingly more popular among brides today.
ROUND - A circular shaped diamond which has always been a popular and traditional choice for many brides.
TRILLIANT - Shaped like a triangle, the trilliant may have rounded corners or pointed ones and provides a perfect accent to a princess or round shaped diamond.
Visit my website to see images of the shapes.
Appraisals and Insurance
Once the question has been popped, the marriage proposal accepted and the stunning diamond ring is on the finger, now is the time to think about taking care of the engagement ring. Diamond rings are an investment. It shows the love and commitment to the relationship. It is an investment that will be a reminder years later, of how much time, energy and love was poured into the marriage. Like a relationship, a diamond ring needs care too. According to Colin Nash of Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario, the first step is to get the diamond ring checked and cleaned every three to six months. In doing so, this is a small part of the insurance that the ring is in tip-top shape. The claws are holding the stone properly, which will prevent the loss of the diamond. The mounting secure and the band is not thinning, which could cause breakage and at worst, loss of the ring itself. If weight loss has occurred and the ring is loose, make sure to have the ring sized, this is one way to guarantee against the loss of a valuable piece of jewellery, not only in monetary value but sentiment too.
The second step according to Colin Nash is to get the ring insured. Again, the investment of months of hard saving for the ring, the purchase and the memories would all be lost if the ring were to go missing or worse, stolen. Break-ins in Canada do happen and the targets besides small appliances and technological items are - jewellery! Jewellery is small and easy to hide on the burglar’s body and in pockets of clothing.
When the decision has been made to insure the ring, the next step is to have the ring appraised. Get in touch with a Jeweler, who has a Certified Gemologist Appraiser on staff. There are only 14 Certified Gemologist Appraisers in Canada. A Certified Gemologist Appraiser will give an accurate description of the diamond’s quality. They will look for stone damage, chips or marks or if claw damage has occurred and will disclose all information to the customer. The piece of jewellery is job-tagged with contact information and cleaned. Once the cleaning is done, they will record the 4 C’s, which are colour, clarity, cut and carat-weight. Measurements are taken and the gold is tested, to record what kind of gold it is, along with the price per carat of the diamond at the time because diamond markets do fluctuate. The Appraiser compiles all this information into a report for the customer. Nash Jewellers also takes a digital photo of the ring up to 10X for a clear and concise image, which they keep on file in their computer system along with a copy for the customer’s file. This is all done in order to give the insurance company a proper and modern retail replacement value, whether it was lost, stolen or damaged. It also is proof of what the actual piece looks like for insurance and police purposes.
The cost of an appraisal varies from company to company. It could start from $50.00 for the first piece and $40.00 for any additional pieces brought in at the time or could cost more or less.
Most purchase higher quality diamonds and spends approximately $2500.00 to $3500.00 on an engagement ring, which is a ring with a ½ (0.50) carat diamond to a 1.0-carat depending on wage and financial situation. Insure a ring that is over a thousand dollars. If the ring is less in value, make sure it is listed in the home insurance under Special Items or Personal. Even better, take a digital photo with a optical zoom of the ring and keep this photo and any other information (receipt of purchase) about the engagement ring in a safety deposit box at the bank.
If an appraisal file has been done, call an insurance agent and make sure to insure it for the full amount paid at the time of purchase or the amount appraised. Once insurance on the ring has been put into place, keep all these important papers in a safety deposit box. Any unworn and expensive jewellery would be best kept in the safety deposit box too. Safety deposit boxes are not expensive to keep. They are tax deductible and an investment towards piece of mind, same as the insurance on the ring itself.
The engagement ring is an investment towards a future life together, take care of that investment by following a few simple, precautionary steps towards guaranteeing that the ring will last for years to come and will be passed down to offspring and future generations.

Jewellery with a Purpose – Signet Rings

2006-12-19T02:18:00.001-08:00

One piece of jewellery which has a function or a purpose other than to make someone enhance their appearance or show off their wealth is the signet ring. The function of signet rings was originally to be able to make a seal with wax (sealing wax) or clay. These rings are also called seal rings.
Today we see signet rings often as very plain flat looking rings which the buyer has his or her name engraved on. They may also represent a club or fraternity that you belong to. These signet rings are ornamental but do serve that other purpose of identification to a specific group as well.
The early and ancient signet ring had a very real purpose and it functioned very well as a kind of olden time security measure.
A document in earlier days was carried by messengers on horseback or by sea from the writer to the reader. In order to make sure that no one tampered with the document or that it was read by anyone else but the intended reader a wax seal was made to close or seal the document. The seal was an impression of a signet ring pushed into the hot wax.
Sometimes the seals were not rings but stamps of other kinds, but if it was a ring worn then it was even more credit worthy as only the wearer could make the seal on the document. Every design was unique and if it wasn’t worn on a finger it was hung around the neck.
Seals and signet rings were made and used as far back as ancient Egypt. Back then they were mostly made of stone. The impression was often made into wet clay.
Once a seal ring was made the engraver made several wax impressions from the ring. These were distributed to family and others who would receive correspondence from the wearer of the ring. When a document was received this specimen seal could be matched against the unbroken seal on the received document to make sure that it was authentic. Once the owner of the ring died the ring was broken so that it could never be used again.
Seal rings were and still are engraved in reverse so that when you push the ring into wax to make an impression then the positive or readable image is seen. Sometimes, and probably most times these days, the image is engraved in the positive way as the ring is for show only and will never be used to stamp into wax. The engraving which has been traditionally carried out is an ancient art and trade. There are relatively very few jewellery engravers around today. We are not confusing these craftsmen with the engraver found in a shopping mall who for $5 quickly scratches your girlfriend’s name on the ring you just bought her.
One such craftsman is Neil Oliver who engraves seals in metal and stone working from his workshop in the Scottish Highlands. When working in gold he first dusts the surface with a layer of fine powder and with a feather he draws a design onto the ring. Once this is perfect he uses a metal scriber to etch the final design onto the gold. He then uses hand tools that he has made himself to cut the impression into the metal. Eventually the face of the seal is highly polished. What an amazing trade where you need to work with a reverse of what is eventually seen. It must take very special characteristics to be a master of this trade.
Different types of stones can be used to make the seal part of a signet ring. If not direct metal then agates are the preferred stones to use for seal rings. These are hard stones but easy enough to engrave. You will still find some around in antique shops and the odd jewellery shop. They are collector’s items. The last one that I came across was selling for around $300 US, was an English ring about 250 years old and the seal was made from carnelian.

Masjid al-Haram - the Great Mosque

2006-12-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

Muslim artists created beautiful works, such as pottery, glass work, metalwork, jewellery, and textiles. All were kinds of art, which were greatly developed, in the Islamic culture. The strongest form of Islamic expression is considered to be found in its architecture. From the famous mosques to the palaces and tombs of the Mogul governors of India, Islamic architecture is among the finest in the world.
The well-known of these works, Masjid al-Haram, is one the most beautiful buildings in the world. The Great Mosque at Mecca (as it is usually called) is in the city of Makkah in the western part of Saudi Arabia. In the Islamic faith, it is the holiest place and a site of pilgrimage for all Muslims. Masjid al-Haram is the most important monument of Islam. Built primary by Prophet Abraham, this plain cubicle structure has gone through some renovations and expansion, although still keeping its original style. This is the very structure that Muslims from all over the world face during ritual graces. It is a site where Muslims assemble for the pilgrimage of Haj. Among its other advantages, it symbolizes the oneness of Muslims, the austerity of Islam as well as the dynamism of this belief (Great Mosque - Mecca - Saudi Arabia). The Ka’ba (Masjid al-Haram) was also the motherland of Imam Ali. It was a monument greatly venerated by all from the time base was laid. Masjid al-Haram is a building of brick with a broad courtyard with the well-known “Black Stone” at the center.
This stone, known as the Hajar el Aswad, is considered to be a meteorite remnant though it is thought that Abraham and his son Ishmael put it there during the foundation of the Kaaba in ancient times (Richard Ettinghausen and Oleg Grabar, 1987). Contrary to popular opinion, the stone is not worshipped. Instead, it is just kissed or felt by pilgrims in honour of Muhammad. The whole compound is exquisitely decorated with black silk and gold lettering. Surrounding the entire Mosque are high walls rising up to 50 feet. When not in Mecca, all Muslims must be at their devotions in the direction of the stone. If you are not a follower of Islam, it is doubtful that you will ever get to visit this place in person. Nevertheless, it is one of the major landmarks of the world that holds the ultimate significance to those who follow the Islamic faith.

Fashion Style – How To Look Stunning This Party Season

2006-12-18T02:17:00.000-08:00

Whatever the usual excuses you use to get out of attending parties, they won’t work for the party season, after all you’ve had twelve months notice.
Rather than looking for excuses to get out of it let us show you how to look great this party season.
It really is simpler than you think, just follow our simple tips on how to look great this party season you’ll be happy you made the effort.
How to Look Great this Party Season – What Not to Wear.
When it comes to the party season, how to look great can be difficult for a number of reasons, not least the sudden deluge in invites. There is the office party, the family party and socialising with friends.
This could mean anything upwards of three outfits.
Do you opt for one outfit with different accessories hoping you won’t bump into the same people at different events, or do you buy a different outfit for each party?
The biggest mistake most women make is to choose a style that is blatantly not for them.
Just because a dress is in the store does not mean it’s for you.
How to Look Great this Party Season – Things to Remember
Whether choosing clothes so you can look great for the party season, or choosing outfits for any other time of the year, looking great means choosing an outfit that suits you and reflects your sense of style.
It is possible to be fashionable without being a slave to fashion, just remember these golden rules.
• If you want to look great this party season, remember – less is more. Less make up, less jewellery, less everything. Don’t be tempted to wear blue eye shadow with that red party dress just because you’ve worn it everyday for the last twenty years.
Choose a theme and stick to it, if your favourite piece of jewellery doesn’t compliment your chosen outfit, don’t wear it.
• Make sure the outfit you select suits the occasion.
• When selecting a party outfit, make sure you feel comfortable in it.
If you feel uncomfortable in front of your dressing mirror and keep hiking the bust line up or the hem line down, well – draw your own conclusions!
• Make an effort even if you think no one expects you to.
How to Look Great this Party Season – Choosing the Right Outfit
While there is no denying the visual impact of the little black dress, why not be bold this party season and go for something different.
Red is a very popular choice for Christmas and guaranteed to make you stand out in the crowd.
If you’re not ready to be quite so bold, then gold is a rich sumptuous alternative, ideal for creating that sophisticated look.
If you do have to wear the same outfit more than once, you can change the look by choosing different shoes, handbag and accessories to compliment. Throwing a contrasting coloured shawl over your shoulders is also an excellent way to change the look of your outfit.
Don’t forget your lingerie. Nothing lets down a stunning outfit more than ill fitting linger. It’s Christmas, so if necessary, splash out.
Take extra care with your hair and make up, now might be a good time to try out that hair style you’ve been thinking about. And if you’re already at the salon, why not pick up some tips on applying your makeup.
How to Look Great this Party Season – Outerwear
So you’ve got the fabulous outfit. Don’t spoil it by covering it in that old coat you’ve had for years.
When you enter a room with your outdoor wear, this is where you make your first impression. What is that coat going to say about you?
Make an effort with every layer, from your coat, to your dress, right down to your lingerie. Make sure your partner knows you look as good out of your dress as you do in it!

Home-made Safety Pin Jewellery

2006-12-17T03:49:00.000-08:00

Make a beautiful bracelet from safety pins and beads. No one will know what it's made of until they look really closely.

To make the bracelet you will need... Roughly 85 silver safety pins of the same size, an assortment of small beads and some sheering elastic.

Decorate each safety pin by opening each pin and slipping on some beads. Make sure there are enough beads to fill that side of the safety pin once the pin is closed again. Close the pin and use a pair of plies to squeeze the head of the safety pin to hold the pin firmly closed.

Decorate each pin in this way, adding beads to pins in a random way.

The pins are now threaded together. You will notice that there is a hole in the pinhead and another hole at the other end of the safety pin where the metal is turned, creating a circle. These are the holes used when threading up the pins.

Two lines of elastic are used one at the top and one below with the pins threaded onto them like the rungs of a ladder. To begin, thread the top line through the head of the first pin and the bottom line and through the circle hole. With the second pin, thread the top line through the circle hole and the bottom line and through the head of the pin.

Continue adding pins to the lines in this way alternating which way you add each pin. Make sure when you add the safety pins that all the beads are visible on the same side.

When the last safety pin has been added tie the two ends of the top line together so that all the pins sit closely together. Then tie off the bottom line in a similar way.

To make your bracelet look extra special, put it in an jewellery box or a metallic gift box on a bed of tinsel.

Fresh Water Pearls Where Do Pearls Come From And How Are They Made?

2006-12-17T03:48:00.000-08:00

Freshwater pearls are a kind of stone that comes from freshwater mussels. They are produced in Japan, China, and the United States. They are often used in jewellery and are also crushed to make cosmetic paints. Pearl is valued as a gemstone and is cultivated or harvested for jewellry. The unique lustre of pearls depends upon the reflection and refraction of light from the translucent layers. The iridescence (that is, where the hue changes according to the angle from which the surface is viewed) that some pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface. They come in various pastel shades of pink, peach, lavender, white, black, plum, and tangerine, depending on the type of mussel.

A single mussel can produce up to 50 pearls. Natural pearls are seldom perfectly round or even nearly round, more often than not they are of irregular, elongated shapes. Although white is the most common colour of freshwater pearls, the most desirable (and therefore the most expensive) are the pastel pinks, roses, lavenders, and purples. The different colours are a function of the mussel species, genetics, water quality, and the position of the pearl in the shell.

Black pearls, frequently referred to as Black Tahitian Pearls, are highly valued because of their rarity; the culturing process for them means a smaller volume output from each mussel and thus they are never found in mass numbers.

Freshwater pearls are exceptionally popular for use in jewellery, and genuine pearls, as opposed to fake ones, will attract a high price regardless of location in the world. However, in some countries, where pearls are not locally produced, prices are on average higher than those of Japan, China, and the United States.

Regardless of the type, they all look spectacular in necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and rings. As opposed to diamonds and other gemstones, pearls are typically larger, heavier, and more visible, with the stunning iridescence of the pearl attracting the eye. these stones can be purchased both online and in retails stores worldwide.

But where do they come from and how are they made? Pearls are made by placing a nuclei of a pearl inside a live oyster, and returning three to sex years later to harvest to the full pearl. The nucleus is generally a polished bead made from mussel shell. Along with a small scrap of mantle tissue from another oyster to serve as an irritant, it is surgically implanted near the oyster's genitals. Oysters which survive the subsequent surgery to remove the finished pearl are often implanted with a new, larger nucleus as part of the same procedure and then returned to the water for another three years of growth.

Kunzite A Gorgeous Lesser Known Gemstone

2006-12-16T03:48:00.001-08:00

Tiffany & Co had a brilliant gemologist working for them called George Frederick Kunz and it was in his honour that the gemstone Kunzite was named. He was the discoverer of this lovely gemstone.

Kunzite, sometimes called Evening Stone, is a pink stone which is, along with Hiddenite, a variety of the spodumene mineral. These two stones are often confused with other gems such as Morganite, Rose Quartz and Tourmaline. The colour in Kunzite comes from its manganese content. It is found in the USA, Russia, Burma, Brazil and today most comes from Brazil, Madagascar and Afghanistan.

Kunzite is a beautiful stone and has that wonderful quality called pleochroism. This means that the intensity of the colour varies as you turn the stone in different directions, kind of now you see it, now you don’t, and that is exciting. It is a nightmare for gemstone cutters as they must present the stone in its best light.

The best that kunzite gets is when it is a large or even a very large stone. That’s when the colour is at its best and to be a significant show as a gemstone in jewellery it really needs to be six to ten carats and that is getting on the large side.

Apart from needing to be large if it is going to be highly attractive, it has one other slight drawback which many people find difficult to believe and that is that it will fade if exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.

Kunzite comes in at about 6.5-7 on the Mohs’ scale of hardness and this is not too bad for jewellery making.

For jewellery, I recommend that Kunzite be worn as a pendant so that you can wear a reasonable sized stone and capture its beauty. Also, it is protected more as a pendant rather than a ring, and perhaps importantly those spiritual people will appreciate that it is a stone to be worn close to the heart, but I am not going into that as I know nothing about those aspects. It looks wonderful with either white or yellow gold.

The Torc – a Symbolic Necklace from Ancient Times

2006-12-16T03:47:00.000-08:00

A torc is a rigid necklace which was made from woven metallic rope. So the craftsmen would get strands of metal and twist them around each other like rope and that’s where the name comes from. The Latin word to twist gives us the word torc and torque as we know the word today.

Torcs are familiar to us as bronze age jewellery and reached from around 1000BC until about 300AD but were still worn before and after that in perhaps less serious ways. They are best known as Celtic jewellery but they were worn by other races such as the French German and Spanish.

Another feature of the torc is that it is open at one end. It is round and goes around the neck but it does not close like necklaces of today. The ends were often ornamented with tiny heads or sculptured shapes.

Torcs were not just for ornamentation but had a special role as war ornamentation and they were taken off the body of the vanquished by the victor, so if you lost your torc it usually meant that you also lost your life or certainly your freedom. The torc was often connected with your tribe or family and was inscribed with family history and symbols.

Sometimes torcs were worn on the arm or on the wrist but they were mainly worn around the neck. They were often hinged at the back of the neck and occasionally they were able to be closed but the traditional torc was worn around the neck, was of woven or twisted strands of bronze or gold, sometimes silver and was open with some kind of ornamentation on the ends such s the heads of birds or animals or mythical animals such as dragons.

Torcs were often heavy and looking at them I am astounded as to how these ancient craftsmen could make such things

The torc is another from of ancient and functional jewellery. It served a purpose as a symbol or statement of who you were, what you were worth, and where you came from.

Designer Handbags Choosing the Right One

2006-12-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right designer handbag is as important as choosing shoes, jewellery, or any other accessory.

A designer handbag is very versatile and can change your look from sexy and sassy to cool and sophisticated. So let's look at choosing one that's right for you.

As with all things, you should consider quality over quantity and bear in mind that a good quality designer handbag will be a faithful companion for years.

With so many designer handbags currently available, how does a girl go about choosing the right one?

A Few Things to Bear in Mind

1. Choosing the right designer handbag not only reflects the different facets of your personality, it’s also all about image and your designer handbag speaks volumes about you – your sense of style, taste and level of sophistication.

You should bear this in mind when choosing a designer handbag. Remember, first impressions count and when you enter a room, your clothes and the bag you carry are all held up for scrutiny.

2. Make your designer handbag a good investment by choosing handbag that works with a variety of outfits.

3. Of course id you’re serious about shopping there is never going to be just one designer handbag. A girl can never have too many handbags and you simply must have the right designer handbag for the right occasion. You will need an evening bag for formal occasions, a large practical roomy for when you have lots to carry around, and a small casual bag for less formal occasions.

4. Genuine designer handbags are of good quality and fine workmanship and attention to detail. If you want to make the right fashion statement look beyond the label to ensure you don’t get duped. Examine the finer details like the stitching around seams and the detail and quality of the interior. Designer handbags are made to last and this should be reflected in every inch of the finished product.

When making any new purchase, I always recommend you invest as much as you can afford for the best you can afford. However, make your sure designer handbag suits the purpose it was meant for.

It may be simply to die for, but is should also be practical and affordable as well.

And last but by no means least, carrying a genuine designer handbag screams class and makes a statement that you deserve nothing but the best.

Jewellery Simple Tips For a Stunning Look

2006-12-15T03:46:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been wondering how to show your jewelry off, or how to make your jewelry show you off, have a look at our jewelry ideas guaranteed to make you dazzle and look stunning.

Is it necessary to wear jewelry?

In a word, yes! Selecting the right jewelry can add that touch of class and sensuality, transforming you from plain Jane into a perfect princess.

When making a decision on what pieces of jewelry to wear, remember less is more. It only takes a pair of long dangly earrings to highlight your slender neck or a sparkling gem pendant to match your eyes, to create a startling effect.

Use the design, style and size of jewelry to enhance or deflect from particular aspects of your appearance.

If your arms upper arms are not as firm as they used to be, then avoid wearing bracelets and choose a dazzling ring instead.

Know your best asset, is it your face or an ample bosom? An attractive choker will draw attention to your face, while a long pendant will accentuate your cleavage.

Create different looks with your jewelry to match the clothes you’re wearing.

Experiment with ideas like wearing layers of different length necklaces or several bracelets. Or why not go for one item that is really flashy and guaranteed to get you attention.

Celebrities have a huge influence on fashion trends but unless you are a celebrity or have a huge bank balance there is no need to splash out on expensive jewelry.

Most designers produce affordable, good quality costume jewelry and antique jewelry is also very popular and a good investment.

So you’ve selected the right pieces, how do you wear it?

One important point to bear in mind is, don’t mix costume jewelry with antique jewelry.

Your choice of jewelry should reflect your personality and individual sense of style.

Whether your style is cool and sophisticated or more casual, make sure your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion.

The pendant you wear to a formal dinner should not be the same one you wear to work.

Next, think about the color of your jewelry. This will depend to a large degree on whether you are a warm or cool person.

If like most people you have brown eyes and black hair then you will fall into the cool category. For you, white metals like platinum, white gold or silver are the most flattering. For others who fall into the warm category then go for yellow gold, brass or copper.

What is Costume Jewellery or Fashion Jewellery exactly?

2006-12-14T03:45:00.001-08:00

For many people, obviously this can be a very obvious and tedious question because they know what Costume Jewelleries and Fashion Jewelleries are. They can be interpreted as replacements or imitations for real Gem Jewellery, precious metals like Gold, White gold or Sterling Silver with much cheaper prices and at a fraction of costs compared to real ones and therefore the quality of costume/fashion Jewellery is far less inferior than those of real ones called Fine Jewellery, but not so these days.

One may say that the Jewellery has very long history e.g. gold from Egypt as long ago as 3000 BC and from Greece 1400 BC where they have developed to adorn their personal lifestyle as well as showing off their status and well being in the surrounding society. Then, we have Roman Days and Italian Eras, French Fashion, England and suffice to say the actual fashion came from mostly from Europe and spread through America. Thence, from the 1940s with American Hollywood influence on Europe served big changes in peoples fashion styles and trends and quickly spread back to Europe.

This is when Costume Jewellery really became popular and loved by people because of their quality and diversity. Jewellers like Swarovski, Bvlgari, Christian Dior, Chanel and Tiffany just to name few, have developed and mixed using both natural and man made materials to create fashionable personal adornments with high quality where people can easily and most importantly, afford to coordinate their clothing and life styles.

Hence, they became known as “Costume or Fashion Jewellery”.

These days, there are so many manufacturers produce vast styles and qualities of Costume Jewelleries to suit individual styles and their budget. Anyone can afford to beautify and adorn themselves with ease but the problem is where can one find the suitable style to satisfy their needs and satiate their fashion out of so many Jewellery shops available these days both from shopping stores and from internet. After all, one should always remember that adorning personal fashion is important key factor of showing personal grooming and the life style being either privately or amongst social gatherings.

Moissanite Jewellery, Do they Match Diamonds?

2006-12-14T03:45:00.000-08:00

Moissanite is a crystal, originally found inside a meteorite, which is today created in a specialist lab to produce a gem which is virtually identical to a diamond. Created out of silicon and carbon using a thermal process, Moissanite can be cut into the familiar patterns of gems, and set into metals the same as any other kind of crystal. Since they are man made, Moissanite bracelets and other jewellery are a lot cheaper than items made with traditional gemstones such as diamonds.

It is common to see Moissanite items compared with similar diamond jewellery; Moissanite wedding bands, for example, are often described as replacements for the traditional diamond ring. In fact, the crystal is very popular in its own right, being worn by both movie stars and catwalk models. The natural fire of Moissanite has attracted these celebrities, and a Moissanite bracelet looks as good as a diamond one. In fact, a platinum Moissanite ring is likely to have a better shine and lustre than a typical diamond, while still looking natural. Unlike Gem replacements such as cubic zirconia, moissanite jewellery actually has colour, which means that it does not have the fake, Christmas-cracker look of diamond replacement items. There are many good reasons to buy Moissanite.

A Moissanite bracelet will be about the tenth of the price of a similar diamond bracelet, and the Moissanite is unlikely to fade in time. Moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond, and this scratch-resistance and durability means that it in the long term it is also cheaper than many of the fake diamonds on offer. Moissanite has a higher refractive content than a diamond, and this gives it the shine and brilliance which attracts many people to this gem. Moissanite actually has more fire and brilliance than a real diamond, and because it contains a slight amount of colour, even jewellers find it hard to tell the difference through appearance alone. Moissanite jewels can be cut into any gemstone cut, and from there mounted on any metal items, looking exactly like the much more expensive diamond encrusted jewellery. There is no reason, therefore, why a woman should not wear Moissanite bracelets or jewellery, assured that her items will not look fake, nor fade or loose value with time. As a fashion statement, or a perfect accessory, Moissanite can match diamonds for glitz, glamour and sustainability whatever the occasion.

The Pearl Quality is the Key to Lasting Beauty and Pearl

2006-12-13T02:50:00.002-08:00

The Cultured Pearl The Buying Guide

Getting to know Gems

How to select, buy, and care for, and enjoy Pearl Jewelry

The difference quality makes

Quality: Key to lasting beauty

More important than knowing what type of pearl you have is knowing whether or not you have a good pearl, and how to tell the difference. Just as there are differences in quality that affect the beauty, desirability and cost of diamonds and colored gemstones, there are differences in quality that affect the beauty, desirability, and cost of pearls.

The same factors are judged when evaluating natural and cultured pearls, but different standards are used to arrive at the overall quality classification, that is, “poor,” “good,” “fine,” and so on. Here we will limit our discussion of quality to the evaluation of cultured pearls. To develop an appreciation for quality differences in natural pearls, we suggest taking advantage of any opportunity you have to see and compare natural pearls to develop your own eye for differences in each factor. This can be done by viewing natural pearls in museum collections, at auction viewing, in antique jewelry exhibitions, and so on. Your jeweler may also be able to locate natural pearls for you to review. As you compare them, keep in mind the factors described in this article, noting the range in variations. It won’t be long before you are able to distinguish unusually fine natural pearls from those that are fair or poor quality.

Pearl Quality is the #1 consideration in selecting cultured pearls

Understanding quality differences in cultured pearls is perhaps even more than for diamonds and colored gems because quality differences can affect how long the beauty of pearls will last. A fine pearl is gem that will stand the test of time, a thing of lasting beauty to be enjoyed and cherished from generation to generation; a poor quality pearl can quickly lose its beauty, in some cases after only months!

Finding the perfect balance within a pearl for lasting beauty

Each pearl producer must decide how to best balance all the factors involved so that a lovely pearl is produced, at an affordable price, without unnecessary risk. It is truly a game of chance. The longer the pearl remains in the oyster, the greater the potential loss in the event of disease, natural disaster, or other calamity. In terms of quality, more time means thicker nacre and, potentially, a more lustrous, longer lasting pearl. But the longer the pearl is in the oyster, the greater the extent to which other desirable characteristics; shape, color, and surface perfection, may be adversely affected. As mentioned before, for example, since the nucleus starts out round; and since nacre doesn’t crystallize uniformly around the entire nucleus, at the same time, it may become increasingly out-of-round as nacre builds up around it, and the surface may become blemished.

Pearl producers must constantly weigh potential benefits against risks, but there is no standard guideline. Some producers take greater risks than others in an effort to produce the rarest and most beautiful pearls, allowing the pearl to remain in the oyster for the longest possible time; these are the costliest cultured pearls. Others try to minimize every risk, often by shortening the cultivation period.

Today, the cultivation period among many producers has been reduced from 18 months to less than one year, with average running at about eight months. Although improvements in nutrition and overall care have resulted in improved quality and better nacre production by the oyster, most industry experts agree this is too short a period to produce pearls with nacre thick enough to assure lasting beauty; thin nacre cost much less, but they have no longevity and there are questions as to whether they should be purchased at any price. Many pearls are now sold with nacre so thin they won’t last any time at all; others have somewhat thicker nacre, and look better, but still won’t stand the test of time. For this reason, nacre thickness may be the most important factor to consider when selecting pearls. Fortunately, this is a difference you can often see with your eye!

Differences in pearls that can be seen with the eye

An unusual characteristic of pearls not found in most other gems is that quality differences can usually be seen with one’s own eye! The ability to see differences comes fairly quickly once you understand what to look for as you consider various pearls, and how to examine them; you’ll be surprised how quickly you will start to notice differences and become more selective.

First using the eye alone; this is all one usually need. In some cases, it may also be helpful to use the jeweler’s loupe.

How to use a loupe

To check drilled pearls more closely, or to examine surface blemishes, it also may be helpful to use a loupe, a special type of magnifier used by jewelers. It should be a 10-power, triplet type; a triplet has been corrected for distortion and color fringing, in a black housing (not chrome or gold plated).

With a few minutes practice you can easily learn to use the loupe to examine pearls. Here is how:

1. Hold the loupe between the thumb and forefinger of one hand.
2. Hold the pearl or strand similarly in the other hand.
3. Bring both hands together so that the fleshy parts just below the thumbs are pushed together and braced by the lower portion of each hand just above the wrists.
4. Align the loupe with what you are examining so that the item is about one inch away from the loupe.
5. Now move the hands/loupe/pearl; keeping them all braced together, up to your nose or cheek, bringing the loupe as close as possible; if you you wear eyeglasses, you d not have to remove them.
6. Get a steady hand. It’s important to have steady hands for careful examination. With you hands still together and braced against some part of your face, put your elbows on a table or countertop. (If table is not available, brace your arms against your chest or rib cage.) If you do this properly, you will have a steady hand.

Practice with the loupe, keeping it approximately one inch (more or less) from the ey, and about an inch from the pearl. Learn to see through it clearly. It is difficult to focus initially, but with a little practice it will become easy. You can practice focusing on any object that is difficult to see; the pores in your skin or a strand of hair.

Play with the item being examined. Rotate it slowly, tilt it back and forth while rotating it, look at it from different angles and different directions. It will not take long before you are able to focus easily on anything you wish to examine. If you are not sure about your technique, a knowledgeable jeweler will be happy to help you learn to use the loupe correctly.

What you will see with the loupe

With practice and experience, a loupe can tell even the amateur a great deal. You will not be able to see what a trained gemologist will see, but here are some ways it can be helpful for the beginner when examining pearls:

1. To check the drill hole to better estimate the size of the hole; to check for line of demarcation between nucleus and nacre (indicating cultured pearl rather than natural pearl); and to spot traces of dye (traces of dye may be seen just inside the drill hole).
2. To examine surface blemishes more carefully, to spot cracks and missing nacre that would indicate poor nacre quality or nacre that is too thin.
3. To see surface characteristics that might indicate imitation since the surface of cultured (and natural) pearls look very different from imitations; once you have observed the surface of a pearl you know is cultured pearl, and compare it with one you know to imitation, it’s easy to spot imitation pearls.

How to examine pearls to see quality differences

Before beginning, it is very important to understand there is no internationally accepted grading system for pearls. Pearl dealers and jewelry retailers use their own systems. These systems often use the same alphabetical nomenclature; we often see pearls graded “Triple A” (AAA), “Double A” (AA), “A”, “B”, or “C”; but since they aren’t based on the same standards or criteria, they don’t necessarily reflect comparable qualities. With no standardized criteria, the quality represented by one seller may be much higher, or lower, than that of another; one jeweler’s “Triple A” quality may be the equivalent of another’s “C” grade.

You can not assume that you are comparing comparable pearls based on terms such as “AAA”, “AA”, and so on. With pearls, you must learn how; and what, to examine.

1. View pearls against a neutral background.

When examining pearls, view them against a neutral, non-glossy background. A very light gray is ideal, or a flat white white background (such as white tissue paper, always available in jewelry stores). Never view pearls against only a black background; pearls look very beautiful worn against black, but black makes if difficult to see subtle, costly differences.

2. View pearls in cool white fluorescent or light light.

Avoid intense spots lights or incandescent light (luster will always appear more intense under strong direct light such as sunlight or spot lights; it will always look lower in diffused light, as on a cloudy day, or under fluorescent lights). Keep in mind that the type of light in which you examine pearls will affect what you see, so pearls being considered should be viewed and compared in the same light. When possible, compare them in the same place, at at the same time of day. (Pearls can look different from one geographic location to another for the same reason; differences in light from hemisphere to hemisphere).

3. View pearls at a right angle to your body.

When comparing strands of pearls, as in necklaces or bracelets, lay them on the neutral background at a right angle to your body so that the strands are close to one another but not touching. This will make it easier to see differences, especially in color and luster.

The six factors that affect pearl quality and value

Now that you know how to view pearls to make quality comparisons, let’s talk about what to examine. Regardless of the type of pearl, or whether it is natural pearl or cultured pearl, the following factors must be evaluated to determine whether or not it is a fine pearl that will give you lasting beauty:

- Luster and orient
- Nacre thickness and quality
- Color
- Surface perfection
- Shape
- Size

Nacre thickness, and the quality of the nacre, have a greater effect on the beauty of a pearl than any other factor; and with a cultured pearl, on how long it will last. For this reason, it is considered the most important factor. However, “luster” and “orient” will first be discussed because this is what people notice first; what makes the pearl special, and because differences in luster and orient provide visual clues to nacre thickness.

The combination of the lovely reflective glow we call luster and the soft iridescent play of color we call orient is what distinguishes the pearl from all other gems. They are also the most easily seen indicators of a pearl’s quality, and of its potential for lasting beauty.

Luster

When you see a fine pearl, the first thing you notice is its lustrous glow. Luster is not a superficial “shine” such as you see in imitation pearls, but an intense brightness that results from rays of light traveling through the numerous layers of nacre and being reflected back form within the pearl. One might describe it as a “shine with depth.” In a pearl with good luster, there will be a sharp contrast between the pearl’s brightness area (the part in direct light) and the shaded area; sometimes the contrast creates the illusion of a “ball” within the pearl; the more intense the image of the ball, the better the luster. Luster is evaluated on the sharpness of brightness of the reflection, which depends upon the quality and the quantity of light reflected from its surface. This, in turn, depends upon the quality and thickness of the nacre produced by the mollusc. The thicker the nacre (and the smaller and more transparent the microscopic crystals comprising it), the better the luster. When numerous layers of nacre have crystallized properly and each layer is well aligned with the other, the result is an exquisite, intensely lustrous pearl.

How to judge luster

Anyone buying pearls should take time to learn evaluate luster and, in particular, to recognize what is acceptable and what is not acceptable; in particular, when luster is too low. Low luster not only reduces the beauty of the pearl, but can provide an indicator of very thin nacre. With Japanese pearls, low “chalky” luster usually indicates a very thin nacre coating that can quickly crack, peel, or simply wear off, leaving just mother-of-pearl beads. (Imitation pearls will give longer pleasure than poor quality, chalky cultured pearls, and usually at a lower cost!).

Rule 1: Look for pearls with high luster. Luster is judged from very high to very low. A pearl with very high luster will seem vibrant, and the light reflection (the intensity of the “ball”) will be sharp and bright; a pearl with very low luster is dull, and the reflection hazy, chalky or nonexistent. To judge luster:

- Roll the pearls to view them from all sides to make sure the luster is uniform.
- Examine them under a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, looking for reflections of the light off the surface, paying particular attention to the brightness or sharpness of the reflections. Avoid strong, direct light. If the available light is too strong, hold your hand over the pearls to shade them, and examine in the shadowed area.

Top quality Japanese Akoya cultured pearls can have a higher luster than other white round cultured pearls because of the water temperature in which they are produced. Cold water causes slower nacre production, which normally results in superior crystallization and overall nacre quality. When the nacre quality is good, and it is exceptionally thick, Japanese Akoya pearls can have incredible lustrousness. The luster can also be very chalky, indicating very thin nacre, or poor quality nacre.

Iridescent orient

When the nacre is well formed, and very thick, you will observe orient, a soft, iridescent play-of-color across the pearl’s surface. This iridescent quality is only present when the layers of nacre are thick enough to cause a prismatic effect (white light divided into all the colors of the rainbow) as the light travels through them.

When the nacre is well formed, and very thick, you will observe orient, a soft, iridescent play-of-color across the pearl’s surface. This iridescent quality is only present when the layers of nacre are thick enough to cause a prismatic effect (white light divided into all the colors of the rainbow) as the light travels through them.

Round cultured pearls that exhibit this iridescent orient are highly prized and sought by connoisseurs. Today, it is rare to find round cultured pearls that possess this sublime characteristic, but it can frequently be seen in the irregular shapes of baroque pearls, adding to their allure. For orient to be present, each layer of nacre must be well crystallized and aligned, and, most important, the nacre must be unusually thick. This is why orient is often seen in fine natural pearls; which are all nacre, and in fine, older strands of Japanese cultured pearls, which have thicker nacre than those normally being produced today. An iridescent orient can also be seen in the irregular shapes of baroque pearls, where the shape causes depressions in which the nacre collects in deep “pools,” and in pearls with very long cultivation periods, such as South Sea pearls, American freshwater cultured pearls, and fine quality, all nacre Chines “potato” pearls.

Luster and orient are important not only because they affect the pearl’s beauty, but as we continue to stress, because they are a visible indicator of nacre thickness and quality.

Nacre thickness and quality

Whether natural or cultured pearl, the thickness of the pearl’s nacre and its quality is what gives the pearl its unique beauty. The thicker the nacre and the better the nacre quality, the more lustrous and iridescent; the more exquisite, the pearl.

Nacre thickness determines the pearl’s longevity; the thicker the nacre, the longer the life of the pearl; the thinner the nacre, the shorter the life. Finding the right balance to get an adequate nacre thickness without jeopardizing other factors such as shape and surface perfection takes skill and experience, as mentioned earlier. The farmers producing the finest, most beautiful cultured pearls are those who allow the nucleus to remain in the oyster the longest possible time between the implanting and harvesting, to obtain the thickest possible nacre coating.

Nacre quality determines how the light travels through the layers. Sometimes pearls with thick nacre fail to exhibit the intensity of luster or orient that is expected. This normally results from the particular way in which the layers of nacre crystallized. For reasons nobody fully understand, the nacre crystals have not formed with a good transparency, the layers are not uniform, or they are not properly aligned. It is not known the rate at which nacre is produced affects its quality. If nacre is produced too fast, it will be less transparent. The result is a pearl with lower luster; light enters the pearl, but less is reflected back. This is not necessarily bad. One must always weigh the important of one factor against another. A thick nacre South Sea pearl with subdued luster will be more affordable than one with higher luster; it can still have a lovely character and, costing less, might enable you to acquire a larger size.

There seems to be a connection between nacre quality, water temperature and stability of overall water conditions. Pearl producing oysters in the warmer waters of Australia, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Philippines, and Indonesia produce nacre much faster than the Japanese or Chinese; some experts estimate production to be fifteen to twenty times faster. This means that even if the pearls is left in the oyster for the same amount of time as Japanese pearls; and fine South Sea pearls usually have a longer cultivation period, the nacre would be much thicker. Fine South Sea cultured pearls often exhibit an iridescent orient because of their thicker nacre. As said before, this is rare today in white Japanese pearls, but fine Japanese pearls usually exhibit a much brighter, sharper luster attributed to the colder waters. Japanese pearls that exhibit both intense lustrousness for which they are known and a soft, iridescent orient indicating thick nacre are very rare. Such pearls, however, are among the most beautiful and prized of all.

To have a lustrous, iridescent pearl, the nacre quality must be good and the nacre layers must be thick; it is a combination of the two that affects the quantity and quality of light reflected back from the surface. While there may be pearls with thick nacre that don’t exhibit rich luster and orient because of how the layers crystallized, there are no pearls with rich luster and orient that do not have fine, thick nacre. Any pearl that exhibits a rich lustrousness is one that has thick nacre; and, since nacre must be thick to produce the iridescent effect we call orient, any pearl which shows this lovely iridescence must have thick nacre.

How to judge nacre thickness

In natural pearls, the pearl is entirely nacre; in saltwater cultured pearls, it can range from very thin to very thick, averaging about 10% - 15% of the total pearl diameter, and rarely exceeding 30%. Nacre thickness of South sea cultured pearls much greater any other cultured pearls and the finest may be 40% - 50% nacre.

When nacre is too thin, pearls will not last. With pearls commanding the price they do; then, no one would knowingly buy pearls that won’t last. So here are some ways to estimate nacre thickness, and avoid pearls with thin nacre:

- Look for orient.

If the pearl has a uniform iridescence playing across its surface, it has very thick nacre. Don’t worry about any pearl that display a lovely orient.

- Note the intensity of luster.

Pearls with a bright, intense luster that sharply reflects nearby images, will have a good nacre thickness; pearls that look very dull or chalky probably have very thin nacre or poor quality nacre.

- Check for cracks and peeling.

Pearls with very thin nacre crack easily, often revealing the nucleus. Also, thin nacre will peel or wear off over time. In some cases, the nacre is so thin that new pearls have already begun to peel, leaving small areas of exposed mother-of-pearl. Check carefully for any exposed mother-of-pearl.

- View the pearl near the drill hole with a loupe.

Shine a very bright light, the brighter the better, a few inches over the hole. Examine the hole, noting where the nacre ends and the mother-of-pearl begins; the nacre is always lighter. Mentally estimate thickness.

- Check for banding.

When viewing pearls with a strong light as described above, check to see whether you can see any alternating lighter and darker areas or bands; if so, you are seeing the “layers” of the mother-of-pearl nucleus, and this indicates a thinner nacre than is ideal.

Grading nacre thickness in Japanese pearl strands:

- Very think - At least 0.5 mm on all pearls
- Thick - At least 0.5 mm on most pearls
- Medium - Between 0.35 mm and 0.5 mm on most pearls
- Thin - Between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm on most pearls
- Very Thin - 0.25 mm or less on most pearls

In cases where you can’t be sure of nacre thickness, it is strongly recommended to submit pearls to a gem testing laboratory for a report indicating nacre thickness.

Color: Silvery white to blackest night, and a rainbow in between

Color is an important factor to consider for several reasons. Individuals have very personal references in terms of color based on their own skin, eye, and hair color and should select a color that is best suited to themselves. Color also affects cost because some are rarer than others. Perhaps most important, there are more colors of cultured pearls being produced today than ever before, offering unusual and distinctive alternatives to traditional white pearls, and additional pearl choices for any occasion.

How to evaluate color

For white cultured pearls, there are two principal elements involved in evaluating color: body color and overtone. Some also include “orient” in the evaluation of color, and when it is present, it certainly affects the overall impression of the color seen. The “body color” refers to the basic color, i. e., white cream, yellow. The “overtone” refers to the presence of a secondary color (its “tint”), usually a pinkish, greenish, silver or blue tint. When we speak of color in pearls, we are referring to the combination of the body color and overtone. White-rose would mean white pearls with a rose colored overtone (tint); naturally white pearls with a blush of pink are rare and expensive. Creamier pearls are less rare and more affordable. In white pearls, the rarest and costliest overtone is “pink” (rose); a green overtone is considered less desirable in white pearls, and its presence reduce value.

In pearls that have a “fancy color” or hue; a distinctive color clearly distinct from the “white” / “off-white” category, there is an additional color element: tone. This refers to color intensity, and is graded from “light” to “dark.” A dark yellow pearl, for example, will have a much richer color than a light yellow pearl; it is also much rarer, more desirable, and costlier.

In naturally “black” cultured pearls, the color can range from light gray to black, and also includes blue and green; overtones are usually green or pink (rose). In black pearls, a green overtone is the most rarest and most costly, especially when it results in an intense “peacock” color. A pink overtone in gray or black pearls creates mauve or “eggplant” colors These are less rare and costly, but still lovely and distinctive.

Cultured pearls are available in many colors; white, gray, black, pink, green, blue, gold, from many parts of the world. The Philippines are known for yellow and golden pearls; Tahiti, other islands of French Polynesia, and the Cook Islands for naturally black cultured pearls. Untreated, natural color Chinese round freshwater cultured strands consisting of many colors all strung together, called harlequin pearls are also highly sought.

Fancy color pearls can be very rare and, depending upon the color that interests you, difficult to find. Anyone searching for a fancy color should take time to visit several very fine jewelers (and search also online jewelers) to see the full range of colors available. This will help you select a color with which you will always be pleased.

Techniques to artificially enhance color

While pearls occur in a range of colors naturally, sometimes the colors are induced by artificial techniques. Today most white Japanese cultured pearls have been bleached to make them whiter, then dyed ti impart tints. White pearls that have been dyed after being drilled for jewelry use (as in a pearl necklace) can usually be detected easily by a qualified gemologist. By examining with a loupe at the drill hole, you may even be able to detect the color enhancement yourself. If the peals is dyed, and if you can see the line of demarcation between the nucleus and the nacre, there will be a visible concentration of pink or reddish dye in the conchoilin layer (which is spongy and absorbs the dye).

For unusual colors, especially the costly black variety, it is recommended to send pearls to a gem testing lab with sophisticated equipment to know for sure whether or not the color is natural.

There are no standard systems for describing or communicating color, so once again it is up to you to look at pearls carefully, developing your own eye to see differences in the body color, overtone and tone.

Pearl surface perfection

Think of the pearl’s surface as you would your own skin. Just as our own is rarely completely free of little imperfections, so it is with the pearl. Surface perfection refers to the pearl’s “skin” being free of such things as small blisters, pimples, spots, or cracks. Imperfections may also appear as dark spots, small indentations, welts or blisters, or surface bumps. While occasional small blemishes are not uncommon, if large or numerous they are unsightly. A pearl with sizable or numerous blemishes may also be less durable. The cleaner the skin, the rarer and costlier. If drilled, the closer the blemish to the drill hole, the less it detracts from both appearance and value.

Sometimes dark spots results from contact with perfumes, oils, cosmetics, and so on. If superficial, they can sometimes be removed by rubbing a mild polishing compound gently across the surface with a chamois cloth.

How to judge surface perfection

- Examine in several types of light.

While diffused light is normally best for comparing quality factors in pearls, when checking for blemishes, an intense light may highlight certain types. When examining pearls for blemishes, it may be helpful to check them with with diffused light and an intense bright light.

- Examine against a dark background.

A light background is normally best for comparing most pearls characteristics, but when checking for blemishes, it is sometimes easier to spot them against a dark background.

- Examine while rolling.

Place the pearl or pearl strand on a flat surface and roll it to be sure you have examined all sides, and so that the light catches any blemish and highlights it.

- Hold the pearl up.

Hold the pearl up and examine them while holding out in front of you, at eye level.

Practically speaking, there is no such thing as a “flawless” pearl; they are exceptionally rare. In strands, this is even truer. One must decide what is important to you in terms of color, shape, size, and so on, and then balance the factors accordingly. I recommend sacrificing the surface perfection somewhat rather other factors. Selecting pearls that are slightly blemished may enable one to purchase pearls with thicker nacre, a more desirable color, or larger size. Also keep in mind that if the pearl has intense luster, most blemishes won’t even be noticed; high luster helps conceal them! A dull chalky white pearl, however will show every blemish, no matter how small.

Avoid pearls with cracks. Cracks can be serious and may lead to peeling nacre, especially if the nacre is thin.

Pearl Shape

Shape in pearls is divided into three categories: spherical, symmetrical, and baroque. The rarest and most valuable is the spherical or round pearl; these are judged on their degree of “sphericity” or roundness. While fine pearls that are perfectly round are extremely rare, closer a pearl comes to being perfectly round, the more expensive it will be. Pearls with shapes such as the teardrop or pear shape are symmetrical pearls, and are judged on proportioning, outline, and good symmetry; that is, whether they have a nice, pleasing, well-balanced shape. Symmetrical pearls are usually less expensive than round pearls; although there are some exceptions, but much more expensive than baroque pearls, which are irregularly shaped pearls.

Any strand of pearls should be well matched for shape, and when worn give the appearance of uniformity.

New shapes are being produced today that do not really fall into any of the three categories above. These include “coin” pearls, which look like flat coins; thin, rectangular “bars”; “potato” pearls, which resemble an oval potato; and “ringed” or “circle” pearls, which exhibit concentric rings from top to bottom.

Terms such as semi-round and semi-baroque are also used. These are terms applied to pearls that are “out of round” but not so much that the irregular shape is interesting, or distinctive. These cost much less than other shapes.

Wedding Rings Information

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A wedding ring or wedding band is, as a rule, worn on the fourth finger (thumb included) of the left hand in many parts of the world. The reason being that it is a belief that the Latin name "vena amoris" or "vein of love" ran directly from the heart to this finger. Other parts of the world wear the wedding ring on the right hand (eg. Russia, Chile, Poland, Germany to name but a few.)

The majority of rings are made from precious metals, gold or platinum, with the recent rise in popularity of of non precious metals such as stainless steel, Titanium, Zirconium and Tungsten. These non precious metal rings are often inlaid with precious metals and diamonds to enhance their appeal.

The wedding ring signifies commitment and loyalty to a marital partner and is more commonly women who wear this symbol, but due to the rise in popularity of alternative metals for wedding rings, men are now fast approaching acceptance of wearing a ring also.

Engraving the inside of a wedding ring is a tradition encouraged to personalise the band and to help cement the relationship also adding sentimentality. Normal inscriptions include the name of the partner together with the wedding date on the inside of the wedding ring, although it is not unusual to engrave lines from meaningful songs and weird messages known only to the couple.

Plain flat or domed rings are the two most popular styles. Another style commonly known as a "Russian" wedding ring is of three fine rings woven together to make one. The three rings symbolise, love, hope and faith.

Some cultures favour puzzle rings - interlocking wedding rings assembled in order to form one ring and Celtic style bands are increasingly popular in English speaking countries - the Celtic knot symbolises oneness and continuity.

Body piercing & Body piercing jewelry since ancient times

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Body piercing & Body piercing jewelry since ancient times.

History of Body Piercing

Introduction

Evidence suggests that body piercing has been practiced by peoples all over the world from ancient times. Mummified bodies with piercings have been discovered, including the oldest mummified body discovered to date, that of Ötzi the Iceman, which was found in an Austrian glacier. This mummy had an ear ring 7–11 mm in diameter.

Nose piercing and ear piercing are mentioned in the Bible. In Genesis 24:22 Abraham's servant gave a nose ring and bracelets to Rebekah, wife of his son Isaac. Nose piercing has been common in India since the 16th century. Tongue piercing was popular with the elite of Aztec and Maya civilization, though it was carried out as part of a blood ritual and such piercings were not intended to be permanent. Ancient Mesoamericans wore body jewelry in their ears,
noses, and lower lips, and such decorations continue to be popular amongst indigenous peoples in these regions.

Modern history

However, in many cultures within the United States, it became a relative rarity from the 1920s until the 1960s. At that time, it regained popularity among American women, and was eventually adopted by men in the hippie and gay communities, and later the punk subculture, they used most body jewelry. By the 1980s, male ear piercing had become somewhat common in the United States, although men usually only pierced one of their ears. Today, single and multiple piercing of either or both ears is extremely common among Western women, and fairly common among men.

Body piercing is returning to the mainstream of modern Western cultures as attitudes and values change. Piercings that don't conform to cultural norms -- for example, facial piercings or ear piercings for men -- can still be considered inappropriate.
While some people consider body modification with Body Jewelry to be a sign of non-conformity, others deride body piercing as trendy. This can at times lead to prejudice or cognitive bias against those with piercings or visible signs of past piercings.