Jewelry Info

Wyler Replica Watches

2010-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

It was in the restless minds of Paul Wyler that the idea for this mega watch brand was conceptualising. In 1924 he took out this idea from his head and gave it shape in the physical world which we know as Wyler watch in the current time. These watches are the sturdiest timepieces in entire watch industry and bring out audacity in your persona by the virtue of their presence. This brand has created some very interesting revolutions in watch technology and ignited its competitors to stray away from the mundane path of making watches.

Code R, Code S and Special Editions are the three prime watch collections from this brand and each brand excels in different area. Code R watches are resilient to shock and breakage and exhibit the strength which has become pioneer in watches. Code S watches come in sporty looks and studded with gems and stones to rock your life, equally suitable for men and women. Special Edition watches are produced using a special element called Tantalum which is rarer than gold also. These chronographs have swept many rich and famous people and celebrities off their feet and have become an integral part of their styling requirements.

Variety is something which comes as default along with Wyler replica watches. These fake timepieces are produced as duplicate models of the genuine watch label so that you can experience a wide range of taste in style and exuberance and live the colors of panache like a king. These chronographs are sold in the stores at very reliable price range so now you do not have to bother about your monthly income but remember to never bring these replica Wyler watches near water. Feel the intensity of excellence and undiluted elegance with these watches. Hurry buy them today.

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2010-08-11T04:53:00.001-07:00

Save Money with Top Alternatives to Diamonds

2010-08-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

As people move toward the wedding time of year, they usually wonder if there are any ways of saving cash by getting alternatives to diamond bridal jewelry sets. Today, the money people generally spend on a diamond ring may be required for other more practical purposes.

Actually, when it is about engagement rings and jewelry trays, there is no perfect plan for getting the right gemstone or planning the right budget. Also, there are lots of gorgeous, hard-wearing and easy on the pocket gemstones, both artificial and natural, that you can use as a gift for your other half to show your love.

There are lots of optically flawless and hard Synthetic substitutes for diamonds. This includes cubic zirconia which can be bought for just a few dollars per carat. Cubic zirconia -- which is also called cz in short—looks a lot like a diamond nevertheless it is still a replicated valuable gemstone that you can try. As these are very attractive, their popularity has increased tremendously over the years.

More and more people are using these for the inside of their jewelry, mainly because people prefer to get the same quality as diamonds but don’t want to shell out too much. For the casual onlooker, Cubic zirconia can look like genuine diamond. And quite a lot of people like the fact that they can get a much bigger jewelry with a Cubic zirconia environment for a lesser price. Tinted Cubic zirconia stones are also available for those who are looking to bring some variety into extravagance.

Another rationale for why people like cz is this: if someone was to lose a diamond ring, the expense of replacing it might be rather high, but it is not so with Cz rings. You can easily get a new one for cheap rates.

A different synthetic is Moissanite, which is a recent arrival on the gem scene. Moissanite is pricier than cubic zirconia, nevertheless it also has added fire (the capacity of a gem to split white light into spectral colors).

If artificial gemstones don't impress you, think about choosing from the variety of natural alternatives such as sapphire. And keep in mind, that even if sapphires are time and again thought of as blue, they are obtainable in a huge number of shades, prices, and sizes.

Another option is garnet. Even though we often think about garnets as the red gemstone in Victorian jewelry, stunning finds, mainly in Africa, have given us a range of colors from green and yellow to orange and earthtone shades.

An even lesser price alternative can be amethyst, durable, beautiful gem quartz in colors ranging from light violet to a deep rich grape purple.

Remember to weigh up the hardiness of the gem when considering alternatives to diamonds. These are gemological concept that your jeweler ought to be familiar with. For instance, corundum (sapphire) is durable and tough. Organic gems (pearls and coral) are not. If your jeweler can't talk about hardiness, buy someplace else.

If you are looking for an option to get a grand seeking ring, with no heavy asking price then such cheap engagement rings with diamond alternatives are definitely what you should go for.

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Tips for Rock Collectors – How to Dye Your Agates for a Beautiful New Look

2010-07-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

Agates are popular with rock collectors and jewelry makers alike, and with the right tools you can dye those gemstones many different colors. This article takes a look at the chemicals and techniques you will need to create a rainbow of agate colors.

Agates are among the most popular gemstones among rock collectors and hobbyists. These relatively inexpensive stones are beautiful and stylish, and they can be used in a number of different jewelry settings. Agates can also be dyed to produce a rainbow of colors, using readily available supplies and easy to follow techniques. Whether you are an experienced rock collector or just getting started in the hobby, you can create some unique and highly specialized jewelry items by dying agates to meet your needs.

Beautiful Black Agates

Black agates can be stunningly beautiful, both as raw gemstones and as pieces of jewelry. Follow these simple steps to create the most beautiful black agates in town.

1. Soak the stones in a solution of sugar water for several weeks. Remove the agate from the sugar water and place it in a pan of sulfuric acid. Bring the sulfuric acid to a boil and boil the agate for several hours.

2. Create a strong solution of iron nitrate and place it in a bucket or closed container. For safety it is best to use a container that can be tightly closed, like a pail with a tightly fitted lid or a plastic container.

3. Place the agates inside the container of iron nitrate solution and allow them to remain there for several weeks. Remove the agates from the solution and allow them to dry.

Creating Ruby Red Agates

Red agates have all the beauty of rubies without the high cost. You can create our own red agates at home by using basic supplies and the right chemicals.

To create those beautiful red agates, simply heat the stones in a high heat oven for several hours. Check the color of the agates after the first treatment. If the color is not rich enough, repeating the soaking in iron nitrate and the high heating will deepen the color further.

Green Agates for Jewelry or Just for Fun

Collectors can create several different shades of green agates by varying the chemicals they use to create those colors. It is important for agate enthusiasts to consider which color they want before starting the coloring process.

Create brilliant green agates by soaking them in potassium bichromate for several weeks. Remove them from the solution and replace it with a solution of ammonium carbonate. Heat the agates in a high heat oven for several hours to seal in the brilliant green color.

Change your agates to an apple green color by soaking them in a solution of nickel nitrate for several weeks. Remove the agates from the solution, allow them to dry, then heat them in a high heat oven for several hours.

With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful jewelry quality agates to wear yourself, or to give as gifts. Everyone on your gift list is certain to enjoy these beautiful hand colored stones.

Getting the Nitty Gritty on Diamonds and Jewelry Online

2010-03-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

The cost of a diamond or piece of diamond jewelry is determined by the stone. The gemstone price is determined by the 4Cs of clarity, cut, carat, and color.While it may be easy for a jeweler to examine a stone and determine its worth based on those criteria, the truth is the average person is at a loss to be able to do likewise. The solution is to hop online where the 4Cs are explicitly detailed for each stone in an online store, so you can get diamonds or piece of diamond jewelry that fits within your budget. The more detailed information you have on the diamond
or piece of jewelry you want to purchase, the better you will get at making a selection that you love that’s also a great deal too!

Searching for the Right Stone
Online diamond merchants will typically allow you to search their inventory of diamonds based on the 4Cs. This gives you the upper hand in finding a stone that not only looks good, but also fits your budget. If you’re not too particular about the clarity of the stone, but must have a pear-shaped diamond, you can see how changing the other criteria affects the overall cost. This way, you can narrow down your selection while still getting exactly what you want.

Don’t Forget Jewelry Settings
Another great way to score a deal is to take a look at the type of settings offered for your jewelry. Whether you’re picking out an engagement ring setting or just looking at the stock jewelry pieces online, the type of metal can have a large effect on the cost. If you can’t afford platinum, stick with less costly metals. You may find are perfectly happy with white gold options. Take a look at the different metals available and see how different settings and metals affect
the overall cost of your piece. This will help you to save lots of money without sacrificing anything in the cost of the gemstone itself.

Gold and silver jewellery hallmarking in Great Britain.

2010-03-08T08:26:00.001-08:00

Most jewellery made in England, from 1300 to the present day, was and is obliged by law to carry a hallmark which guarantees the metal’s quality. The laws are rather confusing, and in some cases complicated, but one fact stands out as being of prime importance – owning unmarked jewellery is not an offence against the law, but selling it is (or even offering it for sale). Should an owner wish to sell an unmarked piece, he should have it hallmarked at once. Hallmarks need not be applied at the moment of making, but must be applied before the moment of selling. Naturally in such a case the hallmark would give a contemporary date, not the date of actual manufacture, for each date-letter punch is destroyed at the end of its yearly period to prevent any suggestion of forgery. If the piece were an antique, its value would be considerably reduced by the modern date-letter, but at least it would now have a mark and be saleable.

However, there are exemptions. Certain jewellery may be offered for sale even though they are not hallmarked. Some chains are exempt – watch-chains, albert, dress-chains, key and fob chains; but almost all other chains have to be marked.

Generally, gold and silver jewellery should be marked with the date-letter of the current year, the town mark, the maker’s mark and the quality mark. These marks are made by punches which are struck with a hammer to impress the mark into the metal.

In Great Britain there are four legal standards for gold: 22 carat, 18 carat, 14 carat and 9 carat. A variety of metals can be used to ally gold; copper, for instance, nickel, zinc, cadmium, iron and aluminium. Each of them gives a slightly different colour to the resulting metal. Red gold is alloyed with copper, green gold with silver and cadmium, white gold with nickel or palladium, blue gold with iron, purple gold with aluminium, and lilac gold with zinc.

There are two legal standards of silver which are indicated by the quality mark. Sterling silver is the minimum standard allowed by law, and is 925 parts pure silver to 75 parts other metal, the alloying metal generally being copper. The other standard is Britannia standard silver, which is 958 parts pure and is carefully marked with an extra mark.

The town mark on silver or gold indicates the place where it was assayed. In the past there have been quite a few towns other than London which have had assay offices, but nowadays there are only three: Birmingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh.

The date-letter changes annually, though the date of the actual change varies from one assay office to another. It consists of a single letter of the alphabet-a variety of forms is used-enclosed in a shield (different shapes of shield are also employed).

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The Cartier’s: Will be lost soon fighting with the Cartier replica watches

2010-02-24T01:26:00.000-08:00

The Cartier watches are a very well known brand since the 1800’s. Like all other wristwatches, they have a rich history. The watch company had passed on from generation to generations and has survived until the date. The quality of watches that we used to get way back then is still maintained over the ages. These wristwatches have great features, and they make it a fine watch to own. There are multiple models of these wristwatches available in the market. Some of the variably beautiful models are the Tortue, Cartier D’art, and Cartier Libre. However, these excellently crafted watches come with a heavy price tag which most of us cannot afford, yet the desire to own a Cartier is so uncontrollable. Every Cartier watch cost a person a lump sum amount of around 30,000 American dollars.

For a common middle-class person paying a price for an original will be like giving up a year’s salary for a Cartier. However, you can take a breath of a sigh because there are other available options, like the Ballon Bleu carbon copy. These replicas are definitely affordable and can enhance your personality greatly. You can get your favorite iconic replicas, and they look exactly alike. In fact, only succinct differences can be noticed if studied carefully.

For people who have always wanted for themselves a Cartier, these de Pasha imitation watches are a perfect match. You can buy many replicas, as many as you want with consideration to its low cost; to feed your attention hungry mind. These wristwatches are available in a variety of models, and you can choose the ones which match your style and personality. Some duplicate timepiece offer very good after sales service too. The best part about the Cartier replica watches is that, you will look fashionable and no one has to know that you are wearing a clone except for you.

Charm of Chrysoprase

2009-11-25T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ancient chrysoprase, a favorite stone for Greeks and Romans, is most prized among

the many varieties of chalcedony. When worn in jewelry, chrysoprase has often been confused with imperial jadeite, but its deep apple-green color, derived from the occurrence of nickeI, is unique among green stones. It's only when the stone is subjected to much sunlight that fading occurs and allows the chrysoprase to resemble jade. A rare chalcedony, today's chrysoprase comes from Australia, but it has also been mined in California, the UraI Mountains of Russia and parts of Austria.

In its rough form, chrysoprase has an other-worldly quality that seems to cause the stone to glow from within. Unlike most other green stones that depend on chromium or vanadium for their coloration, chrysoprase owes its beauty to compounds of nickel oxide. Irregularskeins of often contained in the stone only serve to intensify its unearthly shading. In Poland's Upper Silesia, chrysoprase was referred to as Frankenstein. It was mined there since the 1300s, but this area faded as a productive source around 1965. Historically, chrysoprase was carved for cameos and set within silver or gold bands. CIassical styles are welI-rendered in chrysoprase, but even simple polished cabochons attached to chording make delightful jewels for contemporary styles.

The renowned jeweler Faberge is known to have a great regard for chrysoprase and used it in some of his most intricately beautiful designs. Europeans of the 18th and 19th centuries also delighted in the stone and used it extensively until it began to grow rare and, consequently quite expensive. In any case, Prussia's Frederick the Great was so taken with chrysoprase that he had furniture and many decorative pieces entirely furnished or adorned with chrysoprase. Queen Anne of England.

Like many stones and gemstones, chrysoprase has interesting lore associated with its ascribed properties. The ancients believed it could enhance fertility and even ward away depression. Its soothing hue was associated with spiritual guidance or protection. Legend maintains that AIexander the Great never won another battle once a snake bit away a chrysoprase stone from his girdle. And while it allegedly offers thieves the power of invisibility.

On the hardness scale, chrysoprase scores seven. It is frequently fashioned into beads that tend to be more affordable than the carved cameos or intaglios of old.

Buying Jewelry: Five Common Mistakes to Avoid

2009-11-21T22:23:00.001-08:00

When I worked behind a department store jewelry counter, I saw a wide range of jewelry buyers. Some knew exactly what they wanted and purchased it without hesitation. Others were clueless and bought whatever was suggested to them. There is an art to buying jewelry, but you don't need to be a jewelry expert to pick out the perfect piece. Here are the top five jewelry buying mistakes, and how to avoid them.

Jewelry Buying Mistake #1: Not Doing Research

To the uninitiated, buying jewelry can be intimidating. However, with just a little research, you can make it a lot less scary. Even if it's just a quick internet search, some information is always better than none. Take some time to learn about different types of jewelry, and which chains hold up the best. Learn about karats in gold, and what that means. Learn about diamonds (the four "C's," and what it means for a diamond to be "conflict-free") and gemstones. Learn the ways a gem can be cut and the different types of settings, and how the prongs should look.

Making an informed decision is always a good idea, but often people forget that when it comes to jewelry. You should never buy something just because it looks nice, but rather make a judgment based on the research you have done.

Jewelry Buying Mistake #2: Not Doing Reconnaissance

I will never forget the year my father spent a lavish amount of money on a pair of earrings as a Christmas gift for my mother. They were perfect, white gold and brilliant diamonds. There was just one problem -- my mother doesn't have pierced ears. Believe it or not, this is a mistake a lot of people make when buying jewelry. You need to do a little spying or asking around to figure out what the intended recipient can and will wear. Does the person wear watches, bracelets, necklaces or earrings? Do they prefer white or yellow gold? Do they have a favorite gemstone? Does their job allow them to wear jewelry? Do they prefer a classic style, or something a bit more flashy? Do they even like jewelry? These are the questions you'll be asked when trying to pick out the perfect piece, and the answers are important.

What Make Pearl Earrings Stand the Test of Time

2009-11-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

One of the everlasting jewels of fashion accessories are pearl earrings. They have conquered time and managed to stay trendy. If you want a perfect decoration for your ears, any design enriched with these offer delicate elegance and glamour. You can wear pearl earrings, depending on the design, on almost any occasion.

When it comes to any piece of jewellery, pearls or pearl imitations can be combined with many different materials. For example, silver earrings could look wonderful if decorated with them.

Pearls can be divided into different types like: saltwater or freshwater pearls, natural or cultured pearls and half or whole. A good saltwater pearl for example, could cost a lot more than a freshwater pearl of similar size and quality. It is because an oyster produces fewer pearls and a process of nurturing a pearl with an oyster takes longer time than with a mussel. Natural pearls of course, are more expensive and valued than cultured pearls. The most popular types of pearls today are: Chinese and Japanese Akoya pearl, White and Golden South Sea pearl and Tahitian pearl also known as Black South Sea pearl.

Delicate and tender, paired with a "little black dress" only Coco Chanel could design, or a bridal garment for a "once in a life time" event, pearl earrings will enrich your looks.

Hot Tips for Getting Pierced for Earrings

2009-11-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

Wearing various types of earrings as body ornaments can very much add to your style and appearance. They are very decorative and there is no limit to the designs and types of earrings one can wear. However, if you decide that you want to get pierced there are a few things you should know.

The first important thing is to find a professional who can pierce your lobes correctly. Many people still do it themselves or have a friend do it for them. It is better that you have a professional do it for you. This way you will avoid any unnecessary infections and problems. A typical first time ear piercing is done with a piercing "gun" and with hypoallergenic earrings. The process itself is easy, fast and ultimate when it comes to hygiene. If you are doing by a good piercing professional, rest assured that everything that will touch your ears will be disposable and pre-sterilized.

The earrings commonly used for piercings are studs. When the healing period passes you can remove these and wear any other type of earrings. Studs, however, look really nice and don't require too much care. This is probably why they remain popular. Naturally you can progress from gold studs to pearl or even diamond. Silver earrings or earrings made from other materials aren't used for the process of piercing since they could cause an allergic reaction.

The process of healing usually takes around six weeks. If you want to take your new accessories out earlier, don't, since the holes in your ears could close up and then the whole process of piercing would have to be repeated.

It is very important to take care of your new piercing and earrings. These are the three steps you should follow when cleaning your ears:

1. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you wash the skin .

2. Use a cotton stick or cotton ball to apply antibiotic ointment or alcohol on your lobes.

3. Gently rotate your earrings (daily).

One of the most common questions people have is does it hurt? The question is yes, but we can describe this pain as a small pain that lasts just one second so there is nothing you should worry about.

A Walk on the Wild Side - This Year's Jewelry

2009-11-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

An article outlining the latest trend in fashion for all things tribal and nature inspired, focusing on the jewelry which reflects and complements this trend. Jewelry has gone a bit wild this year. Take cocktail rings. While last year these oversized, bright and bold rings were a simple stone, maybe two, worn large to complement and accessories any outfit, from evening dress to jeans and a T shirt, this year, it seems, it’s all about safari.

If you like your jewelry big and a little outrageous, you are going to love the new tropical styled rings that are making their way into fashion this year. Some of these rings look very exotic, almost tribal, with their jewel encrusted designs of baboon’s faces, lizards and turtles, and even some that feature a large stone surrounded by smaller set stones, arranged to look like it’s been sliced straight from a coral reef. For a real statement piece, large, rich stones like garnets and sapphires are appearing with a jeweled snake design which coils around the stone and actually becomes part of the ring itself.

This style of ring looks great when worn with the popular leopard print that is still making its mark in clothing and accessories. Animal print bags, shoes and dresses are set to rule this spring and summer and these exotic designs in cocktail rings will complement the look perfectly.

This look of raw nature is big in clothing and jewelry at the moment. T shirts feature a range of zebra prints, gorillas and snake skin designs, while shoes, bags and even bikinis are being seen in various animal prints and reflections of nature. The jewelry being brought out to accompany these outfits starts at the subtle end and goes all the way to full on tribal.

How To Choose An Engagement Ring

2009-11-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in buying a cheap engagement rings for someone? Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect ring based on color, cut, carat, and clarity.

Four of the main factors that you will want to take into consideration when selecting the perfect ring are carat, cut, color, and clarity. Here are some tips on how to choose an engagement ring based on these four factors.

Carat

The carat determines the size of the stone. It is important to keep in mind that there is no right or wrong when it comes to how many carats an engagement ring has. Some rings may have two carats or more, while others may only be a quarter or half carat. Ultimately, what the carat weight determines is the price of the engagement ring. The higher the amount of carats that the ring has, the more expensive the ring will be. Setting a budget before going shopping will help determine what carat weight you should be looking for.

Cut

Cut is often mistaken for shape. Most people think that cut means whether the ring is princess, oval, heart shaped, or anything else. In reality, cut refers to the facets in a diamond and how brilliantly they allow light to reflect. Jewelers use a scale from “Fair” to “Ideal” to determine the quality of the cut. “Very Good,” and “Ideal” are the best options. “Good” is an acceptable choice for people have a tighter budget in mind for the engagement ring.

Color

Diamonds are generally considered to be the most valuable when they are colorless. The only exception to this rule is when they have a tint of another color, such as blue, pink or yellow. Specialty color diamonds are often very expensive due to their rarity, however. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale which ranges from D, which is colorless, to Z, which is a shade of yellow.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the overall quality of the diamond to the visible eye. Most diamonds have some type of inclusion, scratch or other imperfection. The scale which is used to rate the clarity of a diamond ranges from “ Flawless” to “Included.” Flawless means that the diamond is free of imperfections and included means that there are imperfections which may affect the diamond’s brilliance. It is ideal to purchase “Flawless,” but “Very Very Slightly Included” and “Internally Flawless” are good choices for those with a stricter budget.

Carat, cut, color and clarity are just four of the factors which should be taken into consideration when selecting an engagement ring. The shape of the engagement ring is also very important to think about, and should be based largely on personal preference. Before proposing, it may be a good idea to get a feel for what the special woman in your life likes in an engagement ring. Since this is a fairly large investment, choosing one that is well liked by the person it is intended for is very important.

Beyond the Diamond: Other Gemstones of Africa

2009-11-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Violence in Africa over diamonds has been the subject of many headlines around the world. Yet, this illustrious but controversial stone is not the only gem produced on the continent. The following article explores other African gemstones that jewelers and gem lovers will want to consider for their next purchase of jewels.

In recent news Africa's diamond trade has made headlines and the world has lamented the violence associated with garnering these kings of the gemstone world. But Africa has more to offer gem enthusiasts than diamonds. The great continent also produces a myriad of other exciting gems that gemologists, jewelers, and gemstone fans should know about.

Hailing from South Africa as well as elsewhere in the world, fluorite necklace offers gem lovers a wide array of colors to consider. While not nearly as hard as a diamond (it scores a mere 4 on the hardness scale), it is considered a most interesting stone nonetheless. In ancient times, the Egyptians favored fluorite for use as scarabs and even to adorn statues. The Chinese have employed fluorite for their carvings for roughly the past three hundred years. Jewelers do facet these stones and polish them brightly where they are shown most advantageously and are prized by collectors.

Along with Brazil and Canada, Kenya produces some fine examples of scapolite. Often confused with chrysoberyl or amblygonite, scapolite comes in a range of colors that include blue, purple, pink, gray, and yellow. The pink and purple stones sometimes depict a cat's eye effect.

Iolite is a fascinating stone that comes from Namibia and Tanzania. Known also as cordierite, this stone has been called water sapphire because of its similarity to deep blue sapphires. In fact, its intense violetblue makes it popular as a sapphire alternative since it tends to be more affordable.

Tanzanite is a member of the zoisite family of stones. As expected, tanzanite hails from Tanzania, but can also be found in Kenya where stones exhibit a beautiful shade of purplishblue. Tanzanite is frequently confused with sapphires because of its similarity of color, but tanzanite only scores a 6.5 on the hardness scale. Although tanzanite mining and trade has not made the headlines to the extent that diamonds have in Africa, the stone has had issues over the last decade. Tanzanite trade was banned in India.

Zaire produces the world's largest supply of malachite, an opaque green and most attractive stone. While crystals are too tiny to facet, stones are polished and formed into cabochons. Green bands alternate with lighter green shades.

How to Clean Costume Jewelry

2009-11-07T00:56:00.000-08:00

In this article I tell you how to safely clean and store your costume jewelry and when you might be better off leaving it to the professionals.

How to Clean Costume Jewelry

You’ve unearthed a box of costume jewelry at a rummage sale. After hauling your “booty” home and digging through it, you discover a few grimy treasures hidden amongst the junk. Follow these instructions to restore your new gems to their former splendor.

Assemble these materials: 2 clean hand towels, a bowl of warm water, dishwashing liquid or a bottle of jewelry cleaner that says it is SAFE FOR COSTUME JEWELRY, a small, soft toothbrush, wooden toothpicks, a soft chamois, white toothpaste, Windex, and cotton swabs.

Lay all the dirty jewels on one of the hand towels. Transfer each piece to the other towel once it is clean. Add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid to the bowl of warm water and swish it around. If you are using jewelry cleaner, substitute that for the soapy water. Place the jewelry into the cleaning solution only if you are sure the piece can withstand a few minutes of soaking. Check for loose stones by pushing on them very gently with a toothpick. The grime may be the only thing holding the stones in place. If you think this may be the case with a valuable piece, you may wish to set it aside for professional cleaning and repair. Other stones may be damaged by soaking, as well.

Proper Care for Delicate Pearls

2009-11-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

The delicacy of pearls means that special care should be taken with them, as with all jewelry. The proper care of pearls is explained here. This article is property of Constant Content Writer Word Gypsy and is being printed here without the author's permission. Pearls are worn by women everywhere and have been for centuries. From natural pearls to cultured pearls, pearls are available to us in many colors and shapes. Wearing, storing, and taking care of our pearls is something that takes a little bit of care and effort in order to preserve their fine beauty.

Storing Your Pearls

Pearls should be stored carefully in order to protect them and prevent needlessly scratching them. The nacre coating is quite delicate and does not respond well to being tossed into a wooden drawer or onto a dresser. Pearls should be carefully wrapped in a soft cloth, preferably a non-abrasive one, and placed into a lined jewelry box compartment. They should be the only piece of jewelry there.

If that is not possible, pearls should be placed onto a soft, felt surface in a jewelry box compartment or in a small felt or foam-lined box. Again, the pearls should be placed into the compartment alone.

Additionally, it is important to prevent your pearls from knocking up onto hard surfaces, including other gemstones. This type of contact can damage the delicate coating of your pearls.

Wearing Your Pearls Proudly and Properly

Due to their delicate nature, pearls require special care. Harsh chemicals, perfumes, makeup, hairspray, and lotions can damage pearls, causing them to lose their shine and luster. Therefore, it is important to put all of these things on before you place your pearls on. In fact, whenever applying lotion, antibacterial soap, or using hand sanitizers, you should remove your pearl ring or bracelet first to avoid damaging them. Not only will your pearls shine more

brightly if you follow these practices, but also, your pearls will be less susceptible to picking up traces of dirt and grime.

Cleaning Your Pearls

Occasionally, pearls become dirty through constant use. Since dirt and grime can remove the luster or shine from pearls, it is important to clean them as soon as you notice they are dirty. For a light coating of dirt, a simple wiping with a soft, non-abrasive cloth should clean them up nicely.

If it becomes necessary to do a bit more thorough cleaning, a damp, non-abrasive cloth can be used to wipe the pearls gently. It is essential to allow your pearls to air dry to protect their

nacre coating. It this method does not remove the built-up dirt sufficiently, mild soap and water can be used. If possible, select a soap that has the fewest color or scent additives. Again, you should allow your pearls to air dry in order to protect them. Never place your pearls back into storage before they have thoroughly dried.

Restringing Your Pearls

Since pearls are typically laced together with fine silk threads or thin nylon threads, it is essential to have your pearls checked at least once a year. The fine silk or nylon threads have a tendency not to hold up to wear very well. Therefore, you should take them to a reputable jeweler to have them restrung.

The delicate beauty of pearls is undeniable. Long before diamonds became the most coveted jewel of all, pearls were by far the most popular gemstone. Noted for their fine luster and shine, pearls were highly prized.

Spring 2009 Jewelry Trends: Bracelets

2009-11-01T23:17:00.000-08:00

Want to know what the best dressed wrists will be wearing this spring? Here’s the latest bracelet trends for Spring 2009. Nothing enhances the look of a well manicured hand than a beautifully designed bracelet. Bracelets will take on new importance for Spring 2009 fashion with the appearance of a variety of fashions with three quarter inch sleeves. These sleeves are designed to call attention to the wrists and hands. So what types of bracelets will capture the fashion spirit of spring 2009? Here are some of the very best bracelet trends for spring:

Bracelet trend: Chunky bangles

Bangle bracelets will take center stage as wrists become more exposed this spring and you won’t want to stop with just one. The spring 2009 fashion shows showed models and celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson sporting several chunky bangles at a time as they pranced down the runway. Gold and silver layered bangles were popular with many of the bracelets having unusual hammered and polished textures as well as metal embellishments. Also seen were stacks of bangle bracelets with a primitive, tribal theme in natural colors such as taupe and brown. Although many of the runway models sported bracelets extending up their arms, this look may be a bit overdone for work or office. Investing in a few textured metal bracelets in gold and silver should keep you covered for office wear.

Bracelet trend: Cuff bracelets

Another popular bracelet theme that will carry over into spring is the cuff bracelet. Again, cuff bracelets were often seen stacked on top of another to make an even more dramatic fashion statement. Similar to the bangle bracelet, cuff bracelets for spring were often heavily textured with added embellishments such as metal studs. One interesting theme was broad cuff bracelets that could double as a watch.

Bracelet trend: Lucite bracelets

With the popularity of color in fashion for spring 2009, it’s not surprising that lucite bracelets will be popular. You’ll find them in a variety of bold and brilliant colors in keeping with this season’s emphasis on bright yellow, hot pink, and orange color trends.

How to Wear Bracelets with Style and Flair

2009-10-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful bracelets can really enhance an outfit. Here’s how to wear them with panache. Bracelets can enhance an outfit as well as a nicely manicured hand. They’re particularly attractive in the summer when you have a sun kissed skin tone which can play up the look of a simple gold bracelet on the wrist. Bracelets are immensely versatile and can give your wardrobe a huge style boost. Here’s how to wear bracelets with style and panache:

How to wear bracelets: Enhance the colors of your outfit

Colored bracelets, particularly lucite ones, are hot for Spring 2010. You’ll find them in a brilliant array of colors to complement the bold, graphic color designs being shown for spring. Buy a top in some of the new flattering spring colors along with several lucite bracelets in matching shades. Wear two or three colored lucite bracelets with your top and you’ll be right in style for spring.

How to wear bracelets: Show off sun kissed skin

Nothing shows off skin gently darkened by the sun (or self tanner if you want to avoid sun damage) than gold bracelets. Keep it simple by playing up your tan with a 14K gold cuff bracelet or one of two gold bangle bracelets. You can even add a delicate, gold ankle bracelet to your ankle when you head out the door in your shorts or casual skirt.
How to wear bracelets: Play up your manicure
If you just got a manicure and are anxious to show off your hands, choose a colorful bracelet that complements your nail polish or stick with one or two gold or silver bangles
to highlight your hands and perfectly shaped nails. After you’ve spent all that time and money on a manicure, you need to make sure people notice your freshly buffed hands.

How to wear bracelets: Wear a functional bracelet

If you want a bracelet that’s more than a bracelet, buy a bangle watch that will not only show off your hands and wrists but will keep you aware of the time. You can find bangle watches at all price levels from high end gold and silver designer bangle watches to fun, casual ones you can wear every day. It’s a great alternative to a boring wristwatch.
How to wear bracelets: Make your own
It’s super easy to make your own bracelets.

How to Look Fabulous in Pearls

2009-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Pearls are a versatile addition to any wardrobe but sometimes they need to be updated a bit. Here are some fashion forward ways to wear pearls. Pearls can look stunning for both day and evening wear and can be the perfect finishing touch to an outfit worn to the office or to a more formal evening affair. With such versatility is there any wonder that pearls have been so

popular over time? Unfortunately, a simple strand of white pearls, although elegant, can look a bit trite and uninspiring for some occasions. Why not jazz up your pearls a bit by adding some additional fashion touches? Here’s how:

How to wear pearls: Wear oversized pearls

Oversized pearls can make an ordinary outfit look dramatic, yet still elegant. Although a strand of large cultured pearls might be out of your price range, don’t be afraid to buy a strand of high quality glass pearls. Look for ones with a nice reflective surface and sheen to them. You’ll find yourself pairing our oversized pearls with everything from your winter sweaters to your evening attire. When you wear oversized pearls, be sure to keep the rest of your jewelry more understated. Let the pearls be your focal point.

How to wear pearls: Add a pendant to your pearls

You can completely change the look of a strand of pearls by adding an enhancer with an attached pendant. An enhancer is simply a piece that clips on to your pearl necklace that allows you to hang a pendant or a cluster of stones on your pearl necklace to give it a whole new look. You can usually purchase an enhancer at your local pearls jewelry store or online. When purchasing an enhancer at your local jewelry store, bring along your strand of pearls so you can see how different enhancers work with your necklace.

How to wear pearls: Mix pearls with metal

For an evening look, layer a few long strands of glass pearls with metal chains in either silver or gold to add a touch of drama to your outfit. Pearls and gold are always a beautiful combination but long strands of glass pearls can look hip worn with long link chains in sterling silver and even copper.

How to wear pearls: Go for colored pearls

You can buy freshwater and glass pearls in a dizzying array of beautiful colors to enhance spring outfits. Look for freshwater pearls in a variety of pastel shades as well as beiges, creams, and even metallic. Layer on several strands of colorful freshwater pearls to enhance a blouse or dress in spring colors. Freshwater pearls are an inexpensive way to add color to your outfits.

How to wear pearls: Layer pearls and stones

Intersperse strands of pearls with strands of semiprecious stones for a layered look. The semiprecious stones will add additional color and texture.

Choosing Turquoise Jewelry

2009-10-01T12:09:00.001-07:00

Turquoise jewelry is fashionable and lovely, but is a soft gem that requires careful handling. Turquoise also comes in many shades, depending upon where it is mined.

By J. E. Davidson

Beautiful blue turquoise stones bring to mind the American Southwest and the cultural influences of native American tribes. Turquoise is one of the oldest known semiprecious gemstones and is still making a big impact on today’s fashion scene. It is the birthstone gem for December and the traditional gift for a five-year marriage anniversary.

Given as a gift, turquoise is said to bestow good luck, wealth, and happiness on the receiver. Ancient peoples revered turquoise, and no one was allowed to wear the stone; it was reserved as a gem to be offered to the gods.

The History of Turquoise

Turkish tradesmen brought the lovely gem, along with many other gems, spices, bolts of cloth and other valuable goods, with them across the commercial trade routes to Western Europe, where the blue-green gemstone quickly became fashionable.

The ancestors of the Aztecs and other tribes of Mexico, Brazil, and Peru migrated from the flat grasslands of what is now Mongolia and brought their reverence of turquoise, and the skills to work the rock, with them. After the demise of the Mayan empire, the Pueblo people kept this reverence alive.

Turquoise Was Considered To Have Supernatural Properties

Turquoise was believed to overcome the glare of the Evil Eye. In Middle Eastern countries, people still weave turquoise into the manes and tails of their beasts of burden to bring good luck and protect the animal from missteps. In the 13th Century, horsemen carried the gem as a talisman to protect the horse from overheating due to physical exertion and keep the rider from harm.

The Color Of Turquoise Varies With Mining Locations

Turquoise deposits are mined in many Middle Eastern countries, Australia, Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and a few Eastern European countries as well as the American Southwest. The deposits are formed in the earth by water trickling through rock containing copper, aluminum, iron, and other minerals. Chemical reactions create these deposits, which can range in color from a gorgeous sky blue, the most desirable color, to shades of teal and lighter blue-greens, to apple green.

The gem has a matrix of lines running throughout, formed by the chemical bonds created over millions of years. The matrix can be black, yellow, or brown, depending upon the rock that is bound to the turquoise, and adds to the beauty of the gem. Spider webbing refers to very fine lines of matrix.

The hardest turquoise is found near the surface of the earth where it has had a chance to dry and cure. It is 5-6 Mohs on the hardness scale, with 10 being the hardest. Most turquoise is soft and chalky, too porous to be used unless it is treated.

Turquoise Treatments

Exquisite turquoise, which is hard enough to be used in its natural state without treatment, is exorbitantly expensive. It may be cut and polished but no other artificial changes are made to the gem.

Most turquoise on the market has been chemically treated to stabilize the color and harden the stone. Stabilized turquoise has been infused with an epoxy resin which fills the pores of the stone.....

Reconstituted turquoise is created by mixing pulverized turquoise with resin and blue powder. Larger turquoise chips may be processed in this manner and referred to as Compressed Nugget.

Block turquoise is made from blue dye and resin, and contains no real turquoise. It is a man-made stone that comes in many colors.

Much turquoise from China, who supplies much of the turquoise used in the jewelry industry, is wax treated. The surface of the stone is impregnated with paraffin, which deepens and stabilizes the color.

Dyed stones are naturally occurring stones that resemble turquoise when they are dyed blue. Other simulated turquoise.

Before paying premium prices for turquoise jewelry, know the reputation of the person you are buying it from. They should be knowledgeable about all aspects of the jewelry.

Handle Turquoise Jewelry With Care

Since turquoise is a soft gem, it requires careful handling to keep it beautiful. Don’t store it with other jewelry where it may get chipped or scratched. Avoid exposing it to solvents, perfumes, hair sprays or other chemicals.

While the popularity of turquoise jewelry declined a generation ago with its association with the hippie era, today it has been catapulted into fashion circles. Many top jewelry and fashion houses are using it in their new lines, and whether it is set in a traditional native American setting or more contemporary style, turquoise jewelry is back with a vengeance.

How to Recycle Old Jewelry

2009-09-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

Do you have costume jewelry you no longer wear? Here’s how to turn it into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and home decor. Do you have jewelry in your jewelry box that you no longer wear? Before discarding them, why not recycle them into new jewelry pieces or home décor items? Even your old costume jewelry can take on new life with a few creative strategies.

Here are some ideas:

Recycle old jewelry: Remake it.

If you have necklaces with beads that are no longer stylish, consider restringing them and adding some updated beads or a unique pendant to add contemporary style. Head down to your local bead store with your old necklaces and choose some beads and metal accents that might work with the beads you already have. Look for handmade lamp work beads or dramatic pendants to serve as centerpieces for your necklaces. If you don’t have the skills to make your own necklace, you can always take a class or have the bead store do the work for you.

Recycle old jewelry: Use old jewelry in unique ways.

Do you have old clip-on earrings you no longer wear? Try clipping them on to a pair of plain pumps where they can serve double duty as shoe clips. They can add a touch of style to an ordinary pair of shoes for a special evening function. If you have a chain necklace that no longer feels good around your neck, wrap it around your wrist several times and wear it as a multistrand bracelet. You can also attach a clip-on earring to the band of a hat to give it a dressy look. Another way to recycle an old clip-on earring is to remove the clip from the back using metal cutters. Once you have a flat base, glue it to a metal cuff bracelet for an interesting, one-of-a-kind wrist enhancer. You can also glue an old clip-on earring with the clip removed to a ring blank to create a stylish cocktail ring. Try making artsy collage pins out of old earrings. Simply purchase around metal disc and a glue-on pin back finding. Glue the old earrings in an interesting arrangement on the metal disc and attach the pin back. You now have a unique brooch that’s you can wear with a dress or a jacket.

Recycle old jewelry: Shorten or lengthen a necklace

You can give a long necklace a whole new look by turning it into an instant choker. To do this, buy a metal ring that snaps closed from your local office supply store. These are the same rings used in three ring binder notebooks. Put one both ends of the necklace into the ring, place it around your neck and snap it shut. Depending on the length of the original necklace, you’ve now shortened it and given it a whole new look. You can also restring a necklace and make it longer by adding bead or chain from your local bead or craft store.

Recycle old jewelry: Use jewelry as home décor.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Earrings

2009-09-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, your choice of earring can have a major impact on the shape of your face and even subtly alter the perception of your body shape. Here’s how to choose the most flattering styles for your particular face and body. Earrings add an important element of style to your outfit and your overall look, but earrings can do so much more than that. A carefully chosen pair of earrings can subtly alter the shape of your face and accentuate your best features while

playing down your less than desirable ones. Unfortunately, many women don’t take the time to take choose earrings that play up their best attributes. Here’s how to choose earrings that will subtly enhance your overall appearance:

Choose earrings that flatter: Consider your hair color

If you have dark hair, you can wear almost any color of metal but sterling silver and platinum looks particularly dramatic on raven haired people. Blondes tend to shine in shades of polished or brushed gold while red heads are a natural for copper. Mixed metal earrings which combine gold and silver or gold, copper, and silver look stunning with almost any hair color. The next time you’re at your local department store, stop by the earring counter and try on earrings in the metal color that flatters your shade of hair. See if selecting the most flattering metal doesn’t make your eyes look brighter and your face a bit more youthful.

Choose earrings that flatter: Consider your face shape

Do you have a round or plump face? You’ll want to avoid repeating the round shape in your earrings. Large round button earrings tend to accentuate a plump face, while a long drop dangle or rectangle shape will draw the eye down and give the illusion of a longer, thinner face. Likewise if you have a long, thin face, you’ll want to avoid long dangles and rectangular shapes and go for short, wider shapes that rest directly on the earlobe. If you choose to wear dangle earrings, make sure they have volume at the base to add width. A good choice might be a pair of wide chandelier earrings. If your face is square in shape, it’s more flattering to draw the eye downward with thin dangles. Wide earrings that rest directly on the ear tend to add more facial width. To determine what earring shapes look best with your face, try cutting shapes out of colored cardboard and holding them up to your ear lobes. Which ones are the most flattering? These are the shapes you’ll want to look for when selecting earrings.

Choose earrings that flatter: Consider your overall build

It’s often said that if you’re small and petite you should keep your earrings small and subtle. This isn’t always the case. A larger, more dramatic pair of earrings can be flattering to a small person if other jewelry is kept to a minimum and they’re worn with.

How to Update an Old Beaded Necklace

2009-09-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

There are so many ways to transform an old beaded necklace into a beautiful accessory you’ll love wearing. Here are some ideas. Do you have an old, beaded necklace that could use an update? Maybe it’s a necklace with beads that’s been passed down through the generations but doesn’t look quite right with any of your clothing or maybe you found it at an antique store and haven’t been able to find anything in your wardrobe to go with it. Don’t give up on that necklace yet! There are a variety of simple ways to give that old, beaded necklace a much needed face lift. Here’s how to add some style to your necklace:

Layer it.

Sometimes a vintage beaded necklace looks too plain when worn as a single strand. Try wearing it with other necklaces of different lengths to give a multi-strand look. Team it up with other beaded necklaces or try it with some interesting chain necklaces of different lengths. You can completely change the look of a necklace by wearing it in the context of other jewelry.

Change the length.

This is another effective way to give an old, beaded necklace a fresh appearance. Try removing some beads and creating a stylish choker out of a traditional vintage necklace. If you want to make it longer, add chain in the back to give the necklace additional length. If you don’t feel comfortable shortening or lengthening the necklace, have it done at your local jewelry store or bead store.

Add a unique pendant.

An otherwise boring necklace can be instantly transformed with the addition of a unique pendant. To find the right pendant, visit local bead stores, antique malls, and jewelry stores to see what’s available. Bring along your necklace so you can get an idea of how the pendant will look when attached. You may need to restring the necklace to attach the pendant or you can have it done at your local jewelry store.

Turn it into a bracelet.

One of the simplest solutions for an old, beaded necklace that’s a bit uninspiring is to wrap it several times around your wrist and then clasp it. Voila! You have an instant vintage looking bracelet. A boring old necklace can look pretty hip when worn on your wrist.

Completely remake the necklace.

This isn’t as difficult as you might think. To do this, take your necklace down to your local bead store. Place it on a bead board and select interesting beads to place between.

How to Choose Earrings for Short Hair

2009-09-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

If you have short hair, earrings take on great importance. Here’s how to choose earrings for short hair that’ll really flatter your hair and face. There’s nothing that gives your face a quicker lift than a great pair of earrings. Wearing a fashionable pair of earrings takes on even greater importance if you happen to have short hair. Unlike gals with long hair, you can really show off your ears with style and panache. There’s no hiding those earlobes behind a mop of stringing hair or getting your earrings caught in the hairbrush as you style your long hair. You have the advantage of being able to show the world what a great earring collection you have. Confused about what you can wear and can’t wear? Here’s how to choose earrings for short hair:

Choose earrings for short hair: Always wear earrings if your hair is short.

If you have a short hair, earrings are every bit as important as the clothing you put on your body. Your earlobes are exposed for all the world to see and you want them to be appropriately dressed. When you choose an outfit to put on in the morning, take as much care selecting your earrings as you do your top or shoes. Short haired people can appear a bit “naked” without a little ear adornment.

Choose earrings for short hair: Let go of old fashion dictates.

Dismiss the idea that you need to wear small earrings if you have shorter hair. You can wear all types of earrings with short hair from subtle gemstone post earrings to long, sparkly dangles. It really all depends on your mood, the occasion, and your outfit. You’re lucky. A long dangle style can look quite dramatic when worn with an elegant dress to a party. By keeping the rest of your jewelry and outfit simple, even dramatic earrings won’t look overdone.

Choose earrings for short hair: Consider your face shape and hair color.

With short hair, earrings can have a much greater impact on your face shape than if you had long hair. For this reason, choose earrings that will flatter your natural bone structure. If your face is naturally round, stay away from round shapes such as hoops and large button earrings since they’ll only enhance the roundness of your face. Dangles and chandelier earrings will give the illusion of a slimmer face. Likewise, if your face is long and slim, choose rounder earring shapes such as hoops to add width to your thin face.

You may also want to take hair color into account when you choose your “signature metal”. Although there are no hard and fast rules, blondes look stunning in gold metals and copper shades while brunettes shine in silver and platinum. Copper metal was just made for the rare redheads of the world. Can’t decide? Wear multi metal earrings with copper, silver, and gold shades.

Choose earrings for short hair: Add some art and humor to your ears.

Necklace Trends for Winter 2009

2009-08-26T02:09:00.002-07:00

Necklace trends are anything but demure for winter 2009. In fact, they just might steal the show. Here’s what to look for. Nothing dresses up a plain blouse or knit top faster than a necklace and the necklace will take on new importance for fall and winter 2009. If you could
sum up the trend in neckwear for the upcoming winter/holiday season in two words it would be “statement necklace”. No longer relegated to accessory status, the necklaces for this season have come out of hiding and are stealing the show as headline acts. If you love jewelry, this is the year to express yourself with your own statement making neck piece. Here are some of the best necklace trends going into 2009:

Necklace trends 2009: Bold and chunky

Necklaces take on a life of their own with bold, chunky beads with tons of personality. These necklaces look best with simpler clothing that doesn’t steal their thunder. Slip on a long fitted, knit sweater and pair of trendy wide legged pants with boots and wrap it all together with a chunky, beaded necklace. Keep the earrings simple. With a statement making pieces, there’s such a thing as jewelry overkill.

Necklace trends 2009: Pearls, pearls, pearls

Yes, pearls are big news for fall and winter 2008-2009 but these pearl strands are anything but demure. The simple, single strand pearl necklace may not make the fashion cut this year. Instead, envision draping yourself in ropes of pearls that hang down to your waist. This is a bold look that works best when other accessories are kept to a minimum. Surprisingly, some fashion sites are even showing pearls for men this year ranging from black pearls to creamy shades. Who
would have thought?

Necklace trends 2009: Layers of metal chains

This look will be hot well into the spring of 2009. Look for multiple strands of thin chains intertwined into one necklace, often incorporating beads and charms to give an offbeat, eclectic look. Chains in multiple metals from silver to copper adorn eye catching necklaces designed to play up the contrasting softness of warm winter sweaters. Layering is key and if you don’t want to spend money on a new necklace, look through your jewelry box for interesting chains and create your own customized, layered look. You’ll be right in style.

Necklace trends 2009: Bib necklaces

You’ve probably seen this necklace trend worn by celebrities at special events. Cascades of stones or beads hang down in long chains form a central strand creating various

Necklace Trends for Winter 2009

2009-08-26T02:09:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Gemology: Identifying Gemstones

2009-08-26T02:01:00.000-07:00

How do you tell a gemstone from a common rock or an ore?
No matter where you live, there are rocks around. If you can’t see them, they are underground. If you can see them, they may be very large boulders or cliffs, or possibly pebbles that you can pick up as you walk through the field or along a stream. Every region has its share of gemstones, too, and many of them may be mixed in with your rocks.

Have you ever been walking along and picked up a pretty rock that looks like a crystal or a piece of gold? You may have had a pretty rock or a piece of ore, but you may have had a gemstone. How can you tell which is which?

Gemstone Charts

A gemstone chart is a useful tool to have. It will help you identify the different gemstones. If you can find a gemstone chart that is specific to your region, that would be even better. These charts can be found at your local historical society, as well as at many parks, or you can go online and print one out if you have a good printer.

The Four C's of Diamonds, Choosing the Right One

2009-08-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

The 4 C´s of a Diamond - clarity, cut, color and carat weight with a view to understanding what to look for in order to make an informed decision. Included are six tips on caring for your diamond. The Four C´s of Diamonds Choosing the Right One

People have had a love and fascination with diamonds since early history. Diamonds were thought to have magical powers beyond their beauty. They were worn as talismans, providing protection and warding off evil spirits. For 3000 years, the diamond has had many mystical uses.

Today we love diamonds for their pure beauty and brilliance. They are richly luxurious gemstones no engagement can do without. When buying a diamond, there are some very important things to consider and learn. If you want to make an informed decision, consider the four C´s of a diamond.

Color

Not all diamonds are used in jewelry. In fact, most diamonds found in the world are used for industrial purposes. These are found in hues of yellow, black and brown and are generally considered flawed or defective for jewelry purposes. The clear white or transparent diamonds make their way to the jewelers work table and these are the diamonds most people see and love. That being said, colored diamonds are slowly being incorporated into jewelry.

As a mineral, diamonds contain three atoms, hydrogen, boron and nitrogen. Nitrogen gives a diamond that yellow hue and occasionally brown or pink hues. Boron gives the gem the gray hues. Hydrogen gives it the reds, greens, violets and blue tones.

Colored diamonds have flaws that cause the coloration, while clear diamonds are pure and colorless.

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Cut

The cut of a diamond is not the same thing as shape. Shape can be round, pear or oval. The cut speaks of the diamond’s qualities – the way it reflects light and sparkles. The quality of the cut or reflection greatly affects the value of the diamond. A well-cut diamond gives it that sparkle and richness diamond lovers look for. Those perfectly formed angles are what gives the diamond that brilliance - like a star in the daylight.

The cuts can be shallow, fine and deep, but the ideal cut is one that is proportioned in such a way that the light will reflect back and forth inside the diamond before reflecting out. This is what gives the viewer that flash of brilliance. The deeper or shallower the cut, the less brilliance. Deeply cut diamonds may be higher in carat weight, but they are not as desirable.

Diamond cuts are graded. The Ideal Cut and the Premium Cut is perfectly-proportioned with the best reflective value. These are suitable for round diamonds. The third grade is Very Good. These diamonds are cut in such a way that may give up some of their brilliance for the sake of size. Good diamonds do reflect most of the light, but these too are bigger diamonds. In most cases, the cutter has chosen to create a large diamond using as much of the crystal as possible, rather than removing most of it to make a Premium stone. Fair and Poor diamond grades generally mean they don’t reflect light well and don’t have that sparkle and brilliance found in other grades. For the most part, these diamonds are cut for size rather than brilliance.

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Clarity

Diamond clarity concerns the characteristics of the diamond. Clarity characteristics present in the stone at the crystal stage, could show as black spots, hazy areas or crystal growth within the stone. Diamonds often have flaws resulting from stress in the cutting stage. As a result of cutting, many diamonds have scrapes and scratches - flaws that affect clarity. The fewer the flaws, the rarer and more valuable the diamond. However, a diamond can still be a shining, sparkling stone even with flaws.

Experienced jewelers know how to pick out the flaws. It’s not easy to judge as a consumer without some training. Gemologists use the term "eye-clean", which means the flaws are not visible to the naked eye. Unless the consumer is carrying a loupe or jeweler’s magnifying glass, he or she won’t notice the flaws. Diamonds with only minor flaws or none at all are considered the best investments.

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Carat Weight

Carat weight is a standardized measure to define a diamond’s weight. It does not refer to the actual size of the diamond. However, diamonds weighing one-carat or higher are very rare and only a small percentage of women own a ring of these weights.

As a unit of weight measure, rather than size, two diamonds with the same weight could be quite different in size. It depends largely on the cut of the diamond.

For the consumer, even though the carat weight is high, other factors should be considered before purchasing. Look at the cut for brilliance and clarity, for very few flaws and for the clear color of the stone itself. It isn’t necessarily all about the weight. Understanding this will ensure a good investment. Don’t let weight alone be the deciding factor.

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Buying a diamond in a ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings doesn’t have to be daunting, if you go to the jeweler with the knowledge you need to assist in your decisions. By understanding the basics of the four C´s of the diamond, you’re in a better position to find one that’s right for you and at a fair price. Once you have your diamond, you’ll need to take good care of that investment.

Six Tips For Diamond Care

1) Diamonds are hard substances, but they can still be chipped. If you’re doing rough work, like moving stones in the garden, it’s advisable to remove your ring.

2) Store your diamond jewelry in their own felt or velvet-lined containers. Metal from other jewelry can scratch a diamond.

3) Hand creams, dishwashing liquid and soaps can cause a build-up of grit on your diamond, lessening its brilliance. Gently scrub it away, with a soft tooth-brush and warm water. You could also soak your diamond overnight in a tiny bit of window cleaner. Doing this once a week will keep it sparkling. Rinse it and polish it dry with a soft cloth. Polish gently to avoid damaging the prongs in the setting.

4) Remove your diamond ring when working with strong cleansers and chlorine bleach. These can wear down the settings holding the diamond.

5) Ensure the setting is always secure. If it feels at all loose, take it in to a jeweler for immediate repair.

6) Insure your diamond.

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With care, your diamond will last a lifetime and always retain that luxurious brilliance.

The Dark Side of Jewelry

2009-08-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

An article profiling the current trend in jewelry of dark, brooding pieces, both romantic and rock in style. The catwalk this year has been full of a brooding darkness, inspired by rock culture, the goth movement and historical figures like Byron, Mary Shelley and Emily Bronte’s Heathcliffe. The jewelry which complements all this ranges from romantic pieces like onyx necklaces and jet rings, to full on hard core skull rings and goth chains.

Depending on how far you want to take this look there is a range of jewelry and accessories to fit. If you want to go all out then skull and cross bones can be found adorning all areas of jewelry from diamond skull rings and cufflinks to silver stud earrings. There are even some really scary pieces like a ring by Philippa Holland and Jamie Strachan which consists of a miniature bird’s skull complete with long hooked beak to peck away at your fingers!

If you aren’t that daring, but still love the look, it’s possible to find darkness in all areas of jewelry without walking too much on the wild side. Black and white diamond cuffs are both sophisticated and chic, while simple black bangles add a touch of goth to your look without going over the top.

Another area where jewelry has immersed itself in darkness is watches. Watches have now become more about style and fashion than time pieces than ever before. Black watches complete with black rubber wrist bands and entirely black faces are cool and up to the minute in style. Some of these watches feature detail like a diamond surround or a single diamond on the face, but others go completely bare and would be lost in darkness save for the simple and elegant gold hands which are a statement in themselves.

But probably the most visible and obvious place you can where this look is going to be in rings. Cocktail rings are big for any look right now and that includes both romantic and rock. Large jet rings, trimmed with diamonds are beautiful and stylish, as are any vintage cocktail rings and over-sized rings with semi precious stones. But if you want a slightly edgier look then watch out for the clunky silver or white gold rings which feature onyx and diamonds and have an almost industrial feel to them. Some of these latest rings are using a chain design and others even encompass enamel in their list of materials.
However far you want to take it, darkness is most definitely in, and whether you lean more to the side of rock or romanticism there is plenty to choose form in the world of jewelry right now.

Buying Diamonds: What To Look For

2009-08-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

As well as stylish accessories and treasured possessions, diamonds can be excellent investments. Buying diamonds requires careful consideration and forethought. Diamonds are evaluated according to four criteria: carat, colour, clarity and cut. Understanding these basics will allow buyers to make an informed choice when shopping for diamonds. Inside every diamond there is a fire. No other stone can split white light to create the magical play of coloured flashes that so captivates our imagination. Buying diamonds demands an understanding of the ‘Four Cs’: carat, clarity, colour and cut. Sculpting raw stones so that each seems to blaze and spark is the essence of the diamond-cutter’s art. Some knowledge of it helps with buying diamonds.

A diamond’s weight is measured in carats, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. Smaller stones are measured in points (fractions of a carat). When buying diamonds, size isn’t everything. A large stone with specks or cloudiness is worth less than a smaller diamond without flaws. The largest flawless cut diamond is South Africa’s Centenary Diamond, discovered in 1986, weighing a massive 599 carats (just under 120 grams).

A diamond’s clarity depends on the presence or absence of tiny flaws, visible when magnified ten times. Diamonds are compressed carbon. As they form, other crystals may be caught within. Sometimes the pressure causes tiny fractures in their internal crystal planes. Inclusions, minute cavities and cracks mar the stone’s brightness. If you’re buying diamonds rough, remember that surface blemishes affect value less than flaws of internal structure and can be excised. Depending on size and location, internal flaws not only affect brilliance but may make stones vulnerable to fracturing. Over three-quarters of the world’s diamonds fail on clarity and are used in industry.

If you’re buying diamonds, remember that clarity is also linked to colour. Though we think of diamonds as ‘white’, only diamonds with no impurities or crystalline deformities are truly
colourless, and they are exceptionally rare. Some diamonds are valuable because they are coloured, but colour can also be a flaw. When buying diamonds a key caveat is that yellowness in white diamonds lowers value.
Diamonds may be yellow, blue, pink, green, orange and even red or black. Stones from the Kimberley area, South Africa, include nitrogen that sometimes gives the stone a bright yellow hue. These ‘canary diamonds’ are greatly prized. Blueness can be due to boron or hydrogen. Pinks and reds hues are determined by a gem’s crystal structure, which affects the absorption and reflection of light.

Give a Unique Gift

2009-08-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

Mudit's jewelry always makes a great gift. The popularity of mudi's jewelry was no doubt enhanced by the runaway success , but jewelry lovers have been collecting these special earrings, pendants, rings, necklaces and bangles for many years. Jewelry with a wizard theme makes a great gift for anyone with a penchant for the supernatural, whether they are a fan of the boy wizard or not.

In fact wizard jewelry makes a wonderful gift for people of all ages and interests. From beautiful sword pendants and wizard rings to lovely dangling earrings, this special jewelry makes a wonderful gift at holiday time or any time of the year.

Many people with wizard fans on their gift lists have created their own special gift giving tradition with special charm bracelets and bangles. There are many wonderful wizard themed charm bracelets on the market, and they make a wonderful gift for any wizard fan. In addition, gift givers can add special bangles to those charm bracelets year after year, providing an enduring tradition any wizard fan is sure to love.

One of the great things about giving wizard jewelry is that these special gifts are perfect for both men and women. Unlike some other kinds of earrings, pendants and rings, wizard jewelry is truly unisex. Men and women alike can enjoy these special chains, bangles and other pieces of jewelry, and that makes gift giving easier, more convenient and more special.

Treat Your Friends and Yourself with the Finest Wizard Jewelry

2009-08-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

People have been enjoying the beauty of jewelry from time immemorial, and jewelry has always been a welcome gift. This article explores the history of jewelry, and why wizard jewelry has suddenly become so popular.
People have been adorning themselves with jewelry since the earliest days of human history. Archeologists and researchers have found ancient rings, pendants, necklaces, earrings and other bangles in ancient sites, and these pieces of jewelry are thought to have played an important role in the day to day life of those ancient peoples. In fact items of jewelry represent some of the most stunning works of art ever created, and the museums of the world are filled with examples of this unique art form.

The tradition of fine jewelry continues to this day, and earrings, pendants, rings, necklaces and other pieces of jewelry are always a welcome gift when the holiday season rolls around. Fine jewelry is always a welcome gift, and these days both men and women love to give and get pieces of fine jewelry.
The world of jewelry is home to many fine pieces, and lately one of the most popular parts of the jewelry market has been wizard jewelry. From dragon claw pendants and sword rings to beautiful wizard earrings, lovers of the supernatural have been flocking to these special pieces.

Titanium Jewelry

2009-08-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

Many people are probably unfamiliar with the use of titanium in the Jewelry business. It is, however, a very strong, lightweight and lustrous metal that is 100% hypoallergenic. Unlike other precious metals, it is less likely to dent or scratch, and will continue to keep its elegant appearance for many years to come. Most people are familiar with the use of platinum, gold and silver in the
Jewelry business, but are perhaps less familiar with the use of titanium. Titanium was discovered in 1791 by a man named Gregor Williams, who was a British mineralogist, but was not introduced to the Jewelry business until the middle of the 1980s. Unlike other precious metals, titanium is a naturally occurring element that is present in the earth’s crust, and is therefore more readily available than most other precious metals. This shiny silver-grey coloured metal is as light as aluminium and as strong as steel. It also has a good resistance to acidity and is 100% hypoallergenic. These qualities have helped titanium to increase in popularity over the years, as it can produce robust items of Jewelry that will continue to look chic and lustrous for many
years to come.

Titanium would actually be less expensive to buy than other precious metals if it weren’t for the expensive manufacturing process. This precious metal cannot be soldered and, due to its immense strength, it is necessary to use high-tech equipment and machinery to process it. The difficulty in processing titanium consequently restricts the range of Jewelry that is available to buy, as well as making it almost impossible to resize rings. Rings are generally crafted on a lathe, which leaves
no welds or seams in the metal.

One thing that makes titanium rather unique compared to other metals, is the fact that it can be easily coloured. This offers the buyer a huge range of exotic colours and designs to choose from, as well as plain titanium pieces. Unfortunately, though, the colour is produced by oxidisation, which means that only the surface area of the metal is coloured and will consequently wear off in
time. A large amount of titanium Jewelry is also made with the addition of yellow gold and diamonds, which offers a more exclusive alternative to coloured rings.

Although there are many different items of Jewelry available in titanium, rings, bracelets and pendants are the most commonly seen pieces. Wedding rings in titanium are becoming more and more popular nowadays too, and men in particular like titanium as it looks good and is extremely hard wearing. Titanium is also very easy to care for, as it doesn’t tarnish and shouldn’t lose
its lustrous appearance. It should only ever be cleaned with mild soapy water and a soft cloth, and abrasive cleaners should be avoided altogether. However, it is recommended that titanium Jewelry is professionally polished at least once a year, just to ensure that it does continue to keep its perfect and elegant appearance.

Jewelry with an Asian Twist

2009-08-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

The jewelry of China, Japan, India, Bali, and Tibet is explored. Nations of Asia inspire some of the most unique jewelry in the world. Elegant artistry coupled with a myriad of Asian motifs make eastern jewelry prized by women who collect it or simply like to wear it. The following article discusses a wide variety of Asian-inspired jewelry available from artisans, designers, and jewelry sellers today.

Jade is generally held in high regard throughout the Orient, but the quality of jade and jade-like jewelry runs the gamut. The most sought-after jade, and most expensive, is jadeite. Jadeite can be green, pink, and even red. Jadeite is harder than nephrite, a slightly inferior jade, but also rarer.

Jade lovers will be greeted by many types of jewelry comprised of jade. Bangles in milky green shades or pendants that feature crosses, elephants, lotus flowers or circles are just some of jade jewelry.

While China is known for many jewelry types, its beads stretch back to 3000 B.C.
The Chinese have worn beads as ornaments from that time through the present. Today, Chinese beads may be made from precious materials like jade or less-expensive materials like clay or glass. Many Chinese beaded jewels incorporate a wide color spectrum. Carved beads often display Chinese symbols like dragons.

Asian designs incorporated into silver and filigree pieces make for striking combinations. Tibetan rings, for example, demonstrate the hand-pulled wire technique known as filigree. Tell-tale Tibetan patterns comprise wide ring bands with their intricate swirls.

Jewelry styles of India often incorporate some of the world’s most intricate and precious jewels. Rare stones in an array of colors often decorate Indian jewelry. Valuable pieces might showcase sapphires, rubies, and even colored diamonds. Many pieces of Indian jewelry harbor a spiritual side.

Stylistically, the jewelry of Asia is all over the map, but its exotic qualities always seem to demonstrate an Oriental mystique. Look for great artistry coupled with fine materials.

Glass Jewellery - Breaking into Fashion

2009-07-31T04:05:00.000-07:00

Glass jewelry looks stunning with any outfit, and it is now worn by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Although it has actually been around for a long time, it has only become a popular fashion accessory in recent years. Glass necklaces has been around for many years, but it has only recently become a popular fashion accessory. Glass products were first produced in the Middle East around 3000 BC, where they soon became luxury items for the rich. During the Roman Empire, however, glass production grew and eventually spread to Venice, in Italy, and later to Murano. Glass products (including jewelry) continued to be produced in Murano, which eventually became famous for producing good quality glass products. The glass necklaces business is now booming, and Murano’s glassmakers are still producing a wide variety of handcrafted designs and colors using century-old traditions. Many pieces of jewelry are also
lined with 24ct gold and sterling silver foil.

As glass necklaces has grown in popularity, more and more companies have begun to produce it. A wide range of stylish and colorful designs are now available to suit any occasion, taste or age. Designers love the fact that glass jewelry can compliment any outfit well, and feel that it offers every individual their own sense of style. As well as many ranges being made for women, there are now a number of designs being made specifically for men too.

Glass jewelry is often made from fused glass, cast glass pieces and glass beads. Fused glass jewelry involves cutting and gluing different colored pieces of glass together and firing it in a kiln. The pieces then melt and fuse together to make one piece of glass, which can then be used to make a range of different colored and shaped jewelry. The glass beads used in glass jewelry making are made in a variety of ways to produce different effects:

Molded beads – these are made by using heated glass rods. Once molten, the rods are fed into a machine which then stamps them and pierces a hole in the middle. Finally, the beads are rolled in hot sand to make them smooth.

Drawn glass beads – these are made by inserting a hollow metal tube into a ball of hot glass. The glass strand is then pulled out to form a tube, which can then be cut up to make a number of small beads.

Wound glass beads – these beads are formed by wrapping heated ductile glass around a solid core. The glass is then shaped with tools, or pressed/rolled onto a hard surface. Once the beads are formed, they are then decorated.

Dichronic glass beads – these beads have a thin metallic film fused onto them. This gives the beads a metallic sheen that appears to change color when they are viewed from different angles.

Lampworked beads – these beads are formed from pieces of glass that have been melted and haped with a torch or lamp. The glass is then cooled at a monitored rate, which helps reduce stress and prevent shattering – this process is known as annealing. As well as traditional glass jewelry, there is also beautiful sea glass jewelry. Sea glass jewelry is made from pieces of glass that have been thrown on the shore, broken down, and then smoothed over by currents and waves - the greater the current and wave action, the smoother the sea glass will be. These pieces of glass are usually many years old and come in various shapes and colors. Sea glass can be found all over the world and has a variety of different names, such as beach glass, mermaid tears, ocean glass, and trash glass.

Even though some gold and silver are often used in glass jewelry making, glass jewelry is still relatively inexpensive to buy compared to gold jewelry and items made from precious stones. There are many unique pieces of glass necklaces available too, and these often come with certificates of authenticity. Glittering diamonds may have adorned models on the catwalk for many years, but glass jewelry is now beginning to break that mould and could soon become the new “diamond” of the fashion industry.

Aventurine, Gemstone,Necklace

2009-07-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Aventurine is known as the stone of confidence and
tranquility. Aventurine is a very eclectic stone and is used
in a number of applications besides that of jewelry. It is
semi-translucent to opaque and its mineral inclusions give it
a glistening shimmer, called `aventurescence`. Most commonly
Aventurine comes in a green color but it can also be of blue,
gray, brown, orange and yellow color. Unlike many other
gemstones, aventurine is not a mineral, but a rock with a
hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale. Aventurine is
composed of two gem minerals, one is plagioclase feldspar and
the other is quartz. Both have a sparkling reflection from
oriented minute inclusions of mica or hematite, which cause a
slight metallic iridescence.

One can find aventurine in aquaria, stone buildings, landscape
stones, bowls, vases, figurines and monuments. The name
`Aventurine` comes from the Italian phrase `per aventura`.
This means `by chance`. Aventurine and quartz was actually
used by primitive man to fashion tools and stone axes. Many
people mistake aventurine gemstones for jade or amazonite. On
the contrary it is also known as the `stone of heaven` or
`Indian jade`. Aventurine is a good luck stone often carried
by gamblers and that is why many gamblers place aventurine
gemstones in charm bags and bring them good luck and money.
Ancient peoples believed aventurine to be an all-purpose
healer that could reduce stress and bring about inner peace.
Many people today wear aventurine jewelry not only for its
attractiveness, but for its ability to draw good fortune and
heal its wearer. This is a good career stone for those in
stressful situations at work. It helps to reinforces ones
decision making abilities and amplifies leadership qualities.
It heals emotional pain, fear and imbalance by dissolving
blocks in the heart Chakra. This gemstone is very good for the
lower back or sciatica. A crystal can be placed in the bath
water to ease muscles. It protects and helps to heal the
lungs, heart, adrenal glands, muscular tissue, Nervous System,
and Stress. It is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and the
prevention of arteriosclerosis. This can be used to clear the
skin especially when allergies are involved. It enhances
mental powers, eyesight, gambling, money, peace, healing, and
luck. Legend claims that aventurine can also help in healing
near sightedness. This gemstone is mainly quartz, a quartzite,
usually containing mica.

Aventurine gemstone usually radiates a calming energy, this is
used in shielding the heart and in healing and balancing the
emotions. Aventurine further stimulates creativity and
independence. It enhances leadership qualities allowing the
wearer to act decisively, and strengthens intuitive power. It
is especially useful for healing and for good luck. This is
also helpful in the treatment of fevers, inflammation, nervous
system stress, migraines, eye ailments, blood pressure
abnormalities, hypertension and urino-genital disorders. It
will amplify your ability to focus and find creative solutions
as well.

Physical Properties
The color of Aventurine can be mentioned as Green,
bluish-white, bluish green and orange. Its hardness is 7 and
specific gravity is 2.65. Refractive index varies from
1.544-1.563. This gemstone is the sign of Taurus. This can be
the anniversary gemstone for the 8th year of marriage.

Color
Aventurine is a soft green semi-translucent to mostly opaque
stone with mica flecks. Aventurine also comes in silvery,
yellow, reddish brown, greenish-brown, bluish green and
orange. It contains inclusions of small crystals that reflect
light and give a range of colors depending on the nature of
the inclusion.

Green Aventurine
This is the stone of luck and chance. It is said to increase
perception and creative insight. It is a heart chakra stone.
Green aventurine is usually given on the 8th year of marriage.
It is the birthstone for August and is often referred to as
the `stone of opportunity`.

Blue Aventurine
This type is an Aries stone that opens the Third eye chakra.
It is a powerful mental healer that increases vitality and a
positive outlook. This stone assists in self-discipline and
developing inner strength.

This translucent aventurine often fades in the sun, therefore
the aventurine jewelry should better be kept in the dark
place. This is a very charming inexpensive stone. Its claim to
fame is having inclusions that look like sparkles. There was a
custom of assigning various Masculine and Feminine Saints with
a particular gem for use in talismans. The name Andrew or
Andre is associated with Aventurine.

Buying Wholesale Jewelry

2009-07-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Buying jewelry wholesale can result in huge savings, but only if you know how to do it. Learn the trade lingo and become wholesale savvy. You’ll save big bucks. There is a definite caveat concerning the buying and selling of wholesale jewelry. Saving money is the ultimate goal, but if you aren’t savvy about how to buy wholesale, you might end up spending more than retail and the quality may not be up to par.

It’s important to know the difference between true wholesale suppliers and wholesale retailers who sell at discounted prices. Many retailers will use the word wholesale in their advertisements, but that doesn’t mean you’re buying at true wholesale prices. You must understand the major definitions of wholesale as applied to the market.

Wholesale is a discounted retail price, often no less than what retailers offer on their sale prices.

Distributor’s Wholesale is purchased in bulk and requires a business license. This is the greater savings. The more you buy, the more you save per item. Membership Wholesale requires an ongoing membership fee. Sams Club and Costco are the two most popular membership discount houses. Weigh the cost of the membership against the savings and the frequency with which you buy to determine the bottom line of savings.

Understanding the wholesale jargon is not enough if you want to make the best purchase for the best price. Jewelry classifications are important factors. If you don’t understand the lingo, you’re putting yourself at a great disadvantage as a buyer.

January's Birthstone the Garnet

2009-07-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Garnet, birthstone for January, is reasonable and attractive and makes a fine choice for a jewelry stone.

Garnet is the perfect gemstone. It is abundant, durable, attractive, and reasonable in price. Widely known as red birthstone for January, garnet can be found in any color including the recently discovered blue. Clarity, color, cut and size can make the omnipresent garnet a fine stone for jewelry or as a mineral specimen.

What is not as widely known is the fact that garnet is an industrial mineral with scores of uses as far reaching as petroleum refining to airplane manufacture. Garnet makes a good filtration medium that can be reused and is nontoxic and nonreactive. It also produces very little dust and is considered eco-friendly. The first industrial use of garnet was as an rough. Garnet sandpaper is still manufactured in the US. Industrial uses of garnet far outweigh its importance as a gem, and the US uses sixteen percent of the world’s production.

The Bohemians in what is now the Czech Republic were masters of the use garnets to great artistic advantage by placing the fiery bright red stones tightly together to form pictures frames, religious objects and jewelry. The garnets were used to decorate the interiors of churches and castles Bohemian garnets were popular during the Victorian era, and long before that. Garnet beads were found in a grave that dates back to 3000 BC.

Choosing the Right Earrings for Your Sensitive Ears

2009-07-05T03:08:00.001-07:00

If jumbo earrings have torn your piercings, or sensitive skin has left you with itchy, throbbing ears, This article is the cure for your discomfort as well as your fashion problem. Tips on how to select earrings for every type of sensitivity plus the latest products that can rescue your ears are included in this article. The ´80s and ´90s wreaked havoc on a lot of women’s ears. Giant-sized globes pulled on ear holes, quickie piercing jobs at the mall caused infections, and cheap plastic costume jewelry irritated the skin. If you’ve been scared away from wearing jewelry in your sore, throbbing lobes, then welcome back! Today there are options -- all kinds of them-- for even the most sensitive of wearers.

Mild Sensitivity

If you don’t have much problem to earrings, but you find that they simply bother you or cause some discomfort, there are some steps you can take to make wearing more comfortable. Cleaning the ear between wearings, with alcohol and a cotton swab, will ensure that mild infections don’t start. Also clean the posts of the earrings themselves after every wearing. Keeping clean means you can wear any style you choose!

If large earrings are causing you discomfort, choose earrings by weight. Heavy pieces and massive hoops can stretch your piercing to the limit and even tear through. You don’t have to be stuck with boring teeny tiny styles, though. Look for big jewelry made from lightweight materials. There are even some beautiful earrings made from paper on the market. A tip you’ll love: stick a piece of surgical tape on the back of your ear, and it will help support the weight for a much more comfortable wear.

Medium Sensitivity

If you have more than just mild discomfort, hypoallergenic earrings are made for you. Most jewelry stores now carry them in an array of styles, so you don’t have to be stuck with a small selection. If you find that hypoallergenic earrings solve your irritation problems, you can buy just the posts and findings from suppliers, and transform the pieces you already have into wearable ones.

Try upgrading your jewelry selection. Earrings made from better metals are less likely to bother you. It may cost a bit more to buy gold and silver, but the investment is worth it if it saves you from wanting to pull off your own throbbing ears. Look for metals that are nickel-free, as some gold and silver is alloyed and may still cause irritation. If better metals still hurt, you need to skip to the tips for extreme sensitivity.

Magnetic earrings are an innovative newer product that can be a blessing for sensitive skin. With no itchy posts or metal coming into contact with your ear, they make for a comfortable wear with no skin problems. They work surprisingly well, as if by magic, but may take some getting used to. Even though they are stable, they make you feel as if they could fall off. Practice wearing them around the house first, and you’ll feel more secure when you go out.

Extreme Sensitivity

If even hypoallergenic earrings in gold and silver make your ears turn red, don’t give up hope (or fashion) yet. You might just have to open your pocketbook and spring for the good stuff: platinum. Platinum earrings will set you back, but very few people report problems with them. Invest in a few versatile styles that go with everything: maybe one small everyday pair, one pair of hoops, and a dressy pair of dangles.

February's Birthstone Amethyst

2009-07-05T02:44:00.000-07:00

Amethyst, February’s birthstone, has been fashionable as a decorative stone since the days of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. This gemstone is important to healers, as it is widely distributed and therefore very reasonable in price. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. The mineral quartz, both natural as well as synthetic, has numerous industrial uses and practical applications, as in electronic devices and as resonators to generate waves of a fixed frequency. Purple amethyst, though, is valued as a gemstone, by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, and as beads, bookends, sculptured carvings, bottles and boxes, and other decorative items. It is also important to those who use gemstones for healing. Those born in February claim amethyst as their birthstone.

Once, amethyst was considered a cardinal, or most valued stone along with ruby, sapphire, diamond and emerald. Discoveries of amethyst in Brazil, Russia, and other places caused the value to drop. Today amethyst is quite affordable, although the rare Deep Siberian color can bring a good price. Historically, amethysts were set in the British Crown Jewels, greatly admired by royalty such as Catherine the Great, and prized by the Christian church as a stone worn by bishops and others of high rank.

Amethyst is from the Greek word “amethystous”, meaning "not intoxicated". Thus, wine goblets were carved from this grape-colored quartz, and it was believed the stone protected against drunkenness.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Anglo-Saxons used amethyst for various ornamental objects including intaglios and beads. Amethyst mines are distributed widely across the planet. Much is mined in Brazil in the form of geodes, some that are two meters in height. Russia, Zambia, Canada and the US also produce this purple stone. And important deposits can be found in Austria, Madagascar, Mexico, India, Uruguay, Namibia and Sri Lanka.

Amethyst is said to look best in soft, warm natural light.

March's Birthstone the Aquamarine

2009-07-05T02:40:00.002-07:00

The bluish-green variety of beryl known as aquamarine is birthstone for March. It is a very popular, medium priced stone. Metaphysicists value it for its clarity. Aquamarine is a gemstone variety of the mineral beryl, and birthstone for March. Its color is bluish-green or aqua. The name is derived from the Latin “aqua”, water of the sea. It can be found where other varieties of beryl are found. The finest gemstones comes from Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. The US

produces some aquamarine, in central Colorado and near the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. Found mainly in granite pegmatites, aquamarine is related with quartz, feldspars, and muscovites. The color is due to iron impurities in the beryl. There are no major industrial uses for aquamarine, although it does contain the rare element beryllium, which is used in x-ray windows, computer parts, aircrafts, missiles and communication satellites.

Aquamarine is commonly popular as a gemstone. For years it was carried by sailors at sea as a charm, and for their safety. Metaphysicists say it replaces anger and negativity with peace and clarity. Aquamarine is mentioned in the Bible, as a stone in the breastplate of Aaron, and in the book of Revelation as one of the foundation stones of the church. Fantastic aquamarines are on display at several museums around the world. The Smithsonian, the British Museum of Natural History, the LA County Museum, and the museum of Hyde Park all display large, well known aquamarine specimens. The largest known aquamarine was found at Minas Gerais, Brazil, and weighs 110 kilograms.

June's Birthstone the Alexandrite

2009-07-05T02:40:00.001-07:00

Alexandrite changes color from green in natural light to purplish red in incandescent light. June’s birthstone is a comparatively to the list, having been discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains and named after Tsar Alexander.

Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, which is the third hardest gemstone on the Moh´s scale. It shows a color change from emerald green in natural light to purplish red in incandescent light. Good specimens are really rare, which makes it an costly stone. A good one carat faceted stone can sell for $100,000. A few other gems, slighter lower in price, exhibit a similar color shift which has given rise to the word "alexandritic". These are garnet, spinel, and sapphire. There are also synthetic alexandrites, which are used for lasers. Among birthstones, alexandrite is a quite fresh addition to the list, having been discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830. Named after Tsar Alexander, alexandrite was discovered by Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskjöld. At first he confused his find with emerald but soon discovered its hardness and unique color switching characteristic. Although alexandrite continues to be mined in the Ural Mountains, brilliant stones are found in Brazil, Burma, India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Alexandrite is too young a gemstone to have acquired a large body of legends and metaphysical attributes. However, its colors are those of old imperial Russia and therefore it can be considered a lucky stone for those of Russian descent, and for those lucky to be born in June, who can claim this stunning gem as their birthstone.

April's Birthstone the Diamond

2009-07-05T02:38:00.000-07:00

The high refractive index of diamond gives this stone a brilliance unmatched by any other gemstone. Although diamonds have many industrial uses, they are most popular as gemstones for wedding or engagement rings. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral on earth, and number 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is a pure form of carbon. Some diamonds are harder than others, and heat and high pressure can be applied to those diamonds to make them even harder. The excellent hardness of diamonds make them valuable as abrasives and as a thermal conductors. But by far the most popular use of diamond is in a wedding or engagement ring. For those fortunate to be born in the month of April, the diamond is their birthstone.

Diamonds were first mined in India six thousand years ago. Their use for engraving other stones also goes back many thousands of years. Curious legends have surrounded the diamond since its outstanding qualities were discovered by human beings. The Greeks said they were the tears of the gods. Hindus used them as the eyes in religious icons. Ancient philosophers maintained that diamonds were actual living beings.

Formed very deep within the earth in the cores of volcanoes, diamonds are brought to the surface during eruptions. They can also be formed in other high pressure impact events such as meteor strikes. Some diamonds may have been formed extra-terrestrially and brought to earth by asteroids. White dwarf stars have been discovered to have cores of crystallized diamond measured in the billions of trillions of carats.

Colorless diamonds are the most common, but they can also be yellow, brown, blue, green, black, translucent white, pink, violet, orange, purple or red. No matter what the color of a diamond, its high refractive index gives it a fiery brilliance unmatched by any other gemstone.

May's Birthstone the Emerald

2009-07-05T02:37:00.001-07:00

Emerald, birthstone for May, is the most precious gemstone in the world. It is associated with love and happiness. Emerald, the green variety of the mineral beryl, is the most valuable gemstone in the world. Its rare color was greatly admired by Cleopatra. With slave labor, the ancient Egyptians mined emeralds and thus carried on a profitable emerald trade for nearly 2000 years. They domination on this gem until Spanish explorers discovered emeralds in South America. The shiny green stones from Colombia soon found their way into the jewels collection of the ruling dynasties of Europe and the Middle East. Today, emeralds are found in Brazil, Pakistan, India, Africa, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and Russia. In the US, Hiddenite, North Carolina is the location of an emerald mine open to the public.

A fine emerald must be green, in the range from yellowish-green to bluish-green. Its tone should be medium to dark. Light green stones are not classified as emeralds but as green beryl. The tone of a good emerald is bright rather than dull. Inclusions are common in the stone and it has become standard practice to oil the stones to improve its clarity. Stones with too many fissures are often cut into cabochons rather than faceted.

Many large and famous emeralds are housed in the world’s museums. One of the most famous emerald artifacts is called the Crown of the Andes, created to honor the Virgin Mary. It was made from stones once owned by the Incas. The Mogul emerald is over 200 carats and sold for over two million dollars. The Gachala Emerald is one of the world’s largest uncut emeralds and is kept at the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution. It weighs 858 carats.

The birthstone for May, emeralds are also associated with love and contentment.

July's Birthstone the Ruby

2009-07-05T02:35:00.000-07:00

Ruby is red variety of the mineral corundum. Its history as a gemstone goes back to Bible times. Rubies are found at many locations as Kenya, Viet Nam, Greenland and the US.

July’s birthstone ruby has a long history as a gemstone, reaching back to Bible times. The book of Proverbs says, "A virtuous wife’s worth is far above rubies". Ancient Hindu texts make reference to the importance of rubies. The word ruby is from the Latin "ruber" and means red. It is the red variety of the mineral corundum, which has number nine scale of hardness on the Mohs. All other corundum is referred to as sapphire. The color of a ruby can range from orange-red to purple-red.

The mining of rubies dates back at least 2500 years. Today are found in Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Viet Nam, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Greenland, and in the US, Montana, North Carolina and South Carolina. Synthetic rubies have been used as lasers since 1960.

Mystical properties associated with ruby include its use as a amulet against evil. Indian medical literature from the thirteenth century describes it as a cure for troubles in digestion. Other cultures have attributed to it health and wealth, peace and prosperity. Some rubies which have become famous because of their size or beauty include the Mogok Ruby which was sold to the Sultan of Brunei for $360,000,000, the Anne of Brittany Ruby which is housed in the Louvre, and the 137 carat star ruby Rosser Reeves which is displayed at the Smithsonian.

Set in gold, rubies make unquestionably elegant and attractive rings, pendants and earrings.

August's Birthstone the Peridot

2009-07-05T02:33:00.000-07:00

Although the mineral olivine is plentiful everywhere, including Mars, its transparent gem assortment peridot, birthstone for August, is relatively rare. In ancient times it was mined in Egypt. This parrot green stone has been valued by many cultures. Data from NASA´s Mars Odyssey spacecrafts revealed that the planet’s surface contains amazingly large quantities of olivine-rich bedrock. Olivine has also been detected in meteorites, the moon, in comets, and in dust rings around young stars. The transparent gem variety of olivine is called peridot, and it is birthstone for August.

Olivine is used in aluminium foundries to cast objects, and current research anticipates the use of olivine to produce electricity. Olivine is plentiful but the gem quality peridot is relatively rare. However it is mined in several states and countries like North Carolina, Hawaii, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Kenya, China, Norway, Myanmar, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, and in ancient times it was mined in Egypt.

In Bible, peridot was referred to as chrysolite. It has been mined for at least 3500 years, and became popular in Europe after it was brought in Europe by the Crusaders. Many cultures have valued this stone, including the Hawaiians who believed it to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. Its color is described as lime green and as pistachio green. The most attractive stones are a deep, intense green. Peridot represents the sun and is said to relieve night terrors. It is also said to look better in daylight than in artificial light.

October's Birthstone the Opal

2009-07-05T02:31:00.000-07:00

The internal colors of valuable opal, birthstone for October, are caused by light passing through silica spheres. Most opal, together with the famous and highly prized black opal, is mined in Australia.

Valuable opal, birthstone for October, is composed of silica spheres. Light passing through the micro-structure of the stone produces various internal colors. There are kinds of opal other than precious, some of which can be of gem quality, these include milky opal, Peruvian blue opal, fire opal and opalized wood, in which the organic structure of the wood has been replaced by opal. In technical terms, opal is a mineraloid gel with a moderately high water content.

Most valuable opal today is mined in Australia, but there are other sources including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, Central America and Ethiopia. In the US it can be found in Spencer, Idaho. NASA reports that opal has been founded on Mars.

Although opals were prized in Europe from the time by the ancient Greeks and Romans, the European market was ruined for fifty years when Sir Walter Scott published a novel about an opal that brought bad luck. It took the discovery of black opals in Australia to bring this stone back to popularity. Queen Victoria laughed at the superstition and gave away opals freely as gifts. Throughout most of its history, opal has been considered good fortune, a position that it occupies in today’s world of gems.

November's Birthstone the Yellow Topaz

2009-07-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

Topaz, birthstone for November, has been known to reach rock size in crystal form. The largest faceted gemstone in the world is a topaz, at 31,000 carats. References to topaz are found in the Old and New Testaments and in the myths of saints. Yellow topaz is traditional birthstone for November. Topaz untinted by impurities is clear, but usually it is yellow or wine colored, and sometimes blue, or orange, gray, pink, green or brown. Most often it is found in igneous rocks. Some crystals have been found in Brazil that have reached boulder size. Other locations where topaz is found are the US, Europe, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.

In Bible it is mentioned topaz as one of the gems in the breastplate of the Second Temple. In the book of Revelation, Saint John says topaz as one of the foundation stones representing the Christian virtue of contemplation. Saint Hildegarde said that the light from a topaz enabled her to read prayers in dark chapel. Early Romans related topaz with their god Jupiter, and Egyptians said that topaz, the sun jewel, symbolize the sun god Ra.

The El Dorado topaz, mined at Minas Gerais in Brazil, is not only the largest faceted topaz in the world, it is also the world’s largest faceted gemstone, at 31,000 carats. Another famous topaz is the colorless Braganza diamond, in the crown jewels of Portugal.

Topaz has hardness of number eight on the Mohs scale. Although it can be broken by a pointed, glancing blow, it makes fairly durable jewelry. This factor, along with its clarity, blaze and attractive color make the gemstone topaz very popular.

December's Birthstone the Blue Zircon

2009-07-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Zircon was formed in the earth’s core 4.4 billion years ago, when the earth was new. It should not be confused with cubic zirconia. Zircon, birthstone for December, is valued for its burning brilliance. Blue zircon is one of three stones listed as the birthstone for December. A few sources list blue topaz first and zircon another. Perhaps that is because zircon is misunderstood. It is perplexed with cubic zirconia, a man made material with an completely different chemical structure.

Zircon was once viewed, in its clear form, as a alternate for diamonds. In reality, zircon is a valuable stone in its own right, and one with an exciting geological history. Zircon is from the Hadean era. It was created when the earth was very new and has not been changed since. That means zircon is 4.4 billion years old. It is also one of the densest, heaviest minerals. A stone of a specific carat weight will appear smaller than another stone of equal weight.

Commercial uses of zircon are many. Zircon is extracted for the metal zirconium. It is used as an abrasive, an insulating material, and as a component in nuclear reactors. Crucibles of zircon are used to fuse platinum. Scientists use zircon for formalizing the age of rocks, minerals and sediments. Last but not least, zircon is valued as a jewelry stone. Its fire and brightness make it very attractive.

How to Select Suitable Summer Jewelry

2009-07-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

It’s time to put away weighty, burdensome pieces of jewelry and select jewelry for summer. Here are some ideas for summer jewelry that will feel as good as it looks.

When the temperatures and dampness rise and coats and sweaters are retired to the back of the closet and replaced with tops and dresses, it can feel burdensome to wear heavy jewelry. When summer arrives, it’s time to go for a lighter look in jewelry specially when wearing tops and dresses. A heavy necklace can look gauche when worn with light breezy summer clothing and the metal can heat up right along with the climate, making it itchy against your skin. Here’s how to choose summer jewelry that’ll look and feel good when the temperatures rise.

Choose summer jewelry: Choose jewelry made from natural materials Summer is the perfect time to take a break from metal and go with natural materials. Wood is always a popular summer jewelry material. Pile on a few wooden bangles to show off a lightly brown arm or wear a simple wooden pendant on leather cord for an practical, natural look. A popular new jewelry material for warm weather is bamboo. Beads made of bamboo are hollow and very light to the touch making them a perfect choice for warmer temperatures. The beauty of bamboo jewelry is that each piece is a work of art with its own unique ring structure and design. Plus, bamboo is considered to be a symbol of strength and of good luck. It’s also an eco-friendly jewelry material you can feel good about wearing. Don’t worry if the wood and bamboo pieces you wear are a little rough around the edges, it only adds to their charm.

Choose summer jewelry: Be charming Charms are a warm jewelry trend and an easy look for almost anyone to wear. Carefully selected charms and small pendants are a way to show the world who you are and what’s important to you. Charms are available in a range of materials and themes ranging from symbols to carved words and figurative images. Although you can burden a bracelet with charms or wear multiple charms on a necklace, keep it simple when wearing light, sheer clothing. Try wearing a small metal charm on a thin metal chain with swim or beach wear. For evening, coat them on for a more dramatic look. They’re a great way to express yourself.

Choose summer jewelry: Natural stones

There’s something about wearing natural stone jewelry that feels good for summer. All natural stones such as turquoise and coral are always a accepted choice and look stunning paired with cool, cotton tops and summer shorts.

Rose quartz

2009-07-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

Exclusive in the world of minerals, the soft pink of rose quartz symbolizes love. This stone is the another birthstone for January. It is mined worldwide and is the official birthstone of the state of South Dakota.

The color of rose quartz, which varies from light pink to a rosy red, is exclusive in the world of minerals. The origin of this color is unknown, although it is likely due to iron and titanium impurities. Usually, rose quartz is found in solid masses. True crystals are rare, but they do exist. The small crystals that were first founded in Brazilian. Rose quartz were deemed so unusual they were at first regarded as fakes.

Some rose quartz is sufficiently deep colored and clear to be faceted. Most, however, is opaque and more suited to cabochon making. A few specimens that contain rutile display asterism.

Rose quartz is found in many areas of the world. In the US, most is mined in South Dakota where it is the official state stone. It is also the another birthstone for January.

The Mesopotamians made rose quartz into beads, and the Romans used it in rings. This stone is a symbol of love and beauty. Teachers buy it for their classrooms, to uphold peace and harmony. Healers regard rose quartz as a modest yet powerful stone. If there is one wordassociated with rose quartz, it is love. In the view of metaphysicists, rose quartz is the ideal stone to jump start a romance.

This soft, gentle stone is best worn as a pendant, close to the heart.

Bloodstone

2009-07-02T04:18:00.000-07:00

Bloodstone, the another birthstone for March, was known by the ancients as Heliotrope. Christian myth places it at the foot of the cross where Jesus was crucified. Bloodstone is a symbol of moral valor.

Bloodstone is a dark green chalcedony with red iron oxide inclusions, which early peoples referred to as heliotrope. It has been regarded as a magical stone by many cultures. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used bloodstone for seals. In the Christian tradition, it is said this stone was at the foot of the cross where Jesus was crucified.

Although it is not in high demand as a jewelry stone, bloodstone makes fine beads and settings for men & acute rings. In addition to jewelry, bloodstone is used for making cups, vases, and statuettes. Two notable busts of Jesus Christ were carved from bloodstone, and are found in the French Royal Collection in Paris and the Field Colombian Museum in Chicago. The French carving is known for its realism, rendered so finely that the red spots look like real drops of blood.

Both early and modern practitioners of crystal healing have used bloodstone to treat blood ailments. This gemstone is said to symbolize moral courage, and to improve the ability to choose the right path. It is worn by those who are ill, even when there is no hope for recovery, because it helps one to face the truth and to move on from there.

Bloodstone is the alternative birthstone for the month of March. The main source of bloodstone is India, but deposits are also found in Australia, North America, Germany, and Scotland.