Charm of Chrysoprase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.