Sterling Silver Jewelry is a Great Gift Idea

Sterling Silver Jewelry is a Great Gift Idea

Author: Gregoriy Krakovskiy

Jewelry has always been an object of immense fascination for women. The quest for newness in jewelry is one that has been ongoing for ages together as craftsmen strive to create innovations in design, material and styles to satisfy the embellishment needs of women and decorate their beauty.

Jewelry was originally made using precious metals and rare gems. This attribute made people yearn to possess such masterpieces that were rare and unique. Jewelry’s worth was based on the metal, the stones used and the craftsmanship. These factors made jewelry an unattainable aspiration to many and a luxury that only the elite could afford. In recent years there has been a paradigm shift. The use of sterling silver has made jewelry a dream come true to those who have been just gaping at the windows of jewelry shops. Silver has been used as a metal for jewelry for long, but silver as such is too soft a metal, and pure silver is seldom used for making jewelry. Sterling silver, however, is a harder alloy lending itself for exquisite craftsmanship.

Sterling silver is 92.5 percent of silver and the remaining an alloy that is predominantly copper. Sterling silver offers just the right material properties like malleability and flexural strength and allows itself to be crafted into intricate designs. Another great advantage is that sterling silver can be gold plated or plated with rhodium to make it look like platinum, giving it the appearance of one of the most expensive metals at the price of silver. One more unbeatable feature about sterling silver is that the metal can be given an antique finish to add a touch of nostalgia and a classic look to jewelry.

Sterling silver jewelry has now swept the market and one can find an endless collection of beautifully crafted rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pedants and jewelry sets. Among the most popular of choices is the cubic zirconia studded sterling silver jewelry. Cubic Zirconia or CZ as it is popularly known, so closely resembles a diamond that only the well trained eye can tell the difference between the two. The combination of platinum like sterling silver finished jewelry studded with flawless diamond CZ is truly ethereal and regal.

Though sterling silver came as a cost effective replacement for expensive jewelry, it has found the rich, the elite and the celebrities too building up huge and varied collections of sterling silver jewelry, which otherwise would have not been possible. Today, sterling silver jewelry designs are celebrity inspired and designer inspired. There is not a single intricate craftsmanship that is not possible to imitate with this wonderful metal. Sterling silver jewelry can now be shopped with just the click of a mouse and right from the comforts of one’s home. There are many jewelry sites that offer wide collection of unique jewelry at rates that are down to earth.

Why Should you Buy Fake Jewelry?

Why Should you Buy Fake Jewelry?

Author: Janice Wee

Cubic Zirconia is often used to imitate diamonds because of its visual similarity to diamonds. Its hardness and brilliance can pass it off for diamond itself. Cubic zirconia has its own beauty. Unfortunately, since it has often been used to mimic diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, cubic zirconia jewelry is often though of as imitation jewelry, or fakes.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, and her guy's bank account's worst enemy. A decent-sized diamond can easily cost thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars. All that money just to have a sparkly gem on her finger or ears or around her throat. Okay, when it comes to a wedding proposal, anything less than a diamond might very well disappoint her. But if she declines the proposal, then what?

A smart way is to use get her one of those cubic zirconia engagement rings. They look like a real diamond ring but cost a tiny fraction of the price. If she accepts the proposal, then go get her a real diamond. Or if she'd rather you spend the money on your life together and on a fabulous honeymoon, you could get cubic zirconia wedding rings to save money.

Weddings aside, fake jewelry really is a girl's best friend if she has to pay for them herself.

Fancy the gorgeous rubie and diamond necklace your favourite celeb wore in a movie? How about J.Lo's wedding ring? Or the fancy jewels seen at the oscars.

How would those jewels look on you?

Can't afford them?

Probably not the ones the stars are wearing which are probably set with real diamonds, emeralds, sapphire and rubies, and come with bodyguards to ward off potential snatch thieves.

That doesn't mean you'll have to do without jewelry that looks like the ones the celebs wear though. You can always wear cubic zirconia jewelry which resembles the ones from the best jewelers or the movie set.

Come to think of it, those who can afford to wear necklaces with huge diamonds and who own such treasures may be wearing imitation jewelry in public. Precious stones, especially those large enough to turn heads attract thieves. Those who have the means would probably lock the real gems in safe, and have a duplicate of their jewelry made using cubic zirconia or other imitation rocks. These fakes are worn in public to protect the real jewels.

In the past paste stones were used to mimic precious gemstones. In fashionable circles, semi-precious stones were used in lieu of the very expensive precious gems. Later the the fashion world embraced swarovski crystals to add dazzle in a refined way to clothing, bags and now these crystals are used in gorgeous jewelry as well. Such crystal jewelry make great alternatives to jewelry studded with precious gemstones.

Choose your Metals Carefully When Buying Jewellery

Choose your Metals Carefully When Buying Jewellery

Author: Andrew Regan

The feeling of wearing exquisite jewellery is, for many, second to none - after all, a great piece of jewellery doesn't have the same rigid time scale on it as a fashionable dress or a trendy pair of shoes. But choosing jewellery can be a time consuming process, especially if you're trying to find a special necklace or bracelet for someone you care about. But buying jewellery doesn't have to be difficult; instead, if you focus on some key guidelines when making your choice you'll be able to find the perfect item of jewellery in no time.

Regardless of whether you're looking for earrings, bangles or rings, it's crucial to choose the right metal when buying jewellery and establish what your budget is. For instance, platinum is the most expensive type of metal you can buy, while nine carat gold will be more affordable than 18 carat gold if you're looking for gold jewellery.

Additionally, you'll need to consider the personal taste and skin type of the person you're buying for. Not everyone likes yellow gold, while for others it might be all they consider when picking jewellery for themselves. Make sure you know what type of metal you're buying, and if you're not sure of the properties of a particular metal, ask someone who knows.

Choosing the right type of gold, for example, can be tricky. Gold can make a great finishing touch to an outfit, but make sure you don't go overboard. Pure gold is yellow and can look overpowering if worn in large quantities; opt for delicate yellow gold hoops - a piece of jewellery worn frequently by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, to finish off a an outfit with an air of casual grace. Or, if you're looking for a larger piece of gold jewellery, opt for white or rose gold which tends to be more subtle in tone and often appeals to people who are reluctant to don flashier yellow gold items.

Conversely, if the person you're buying jewellery for prefers to stay away from gold altogether, opt for an alternative precious metal like silver, platinum or tungsten, now widely used in all types of jewellery including earrings and neckalces. Platinum is becoming increasingly popular as a jewellery metal, with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson sporting platinum jewellery pieces at this year's Academy Awards.

Tungsten is also a rising star among the world's top jewellery designers, especially when it comes to men's jewellery. Tungsten rings are fast gaining currency with fashion-conscious men eager to set the trend - so if you're looking for jewellery for men, then tungsten is likely the best way to go. In fact, tungsten jewellery has received support from the likes of actors Kiefer Sutherland and Gary Sinise, while watch manufacturers like TAG Heuer and Baume et Mercier have been using tungsten in watches for years.

Another lesson that's essential to remember in any jewellery buying spree is to check the hallmark of the jewellery you've decided to buy. Particularly when purchasing gold jewellery, ensure that you check and understand the hallmark of the piece on question. A hallmark is a quality control mark that's placed on gold, silver and platinum and guarantees that the metal a consumer is about to buy lives up to legal standards.

Moreover, hallmark symbols allow you to identify quickly the carat of your jewellery, as well as its purity levels. And once you've approved the standards of the metal you've chosen, and the style of the piece of jewellery, there's only one thing left to do - make your purchase!

Pearls: an Old Classic Breathes Life Into New Trends

Pearls: an Old Classic Breathes Life Into New Trends

Author: sarahbaltic

It's amazing how a tiny grain of sand can become one of the most coveted jewels of our time, Pearls. One of the fastest growing trends in today's fashion industry is coupling pearl jewelry with a simple design to create a sleek new look. Just a simple Akoya pearl strand can turn a casual sweater and jeans into a chic look desired by many.

One of the hottest styles is to wear multiple strands of pearls. The mixture of different lengths and sizes adds flair to both day and evening wear. Multi-strand pearls in various pastel colors can create a flirtatious and daring look for the spring/summer months.

The understated beauty of a perfectly matched strand of pure white Freshwater pearls is always in style. Professional woman are adding elegance to their business attire simply by slipping on their pearls. Even brides are trading in the sparkle of diamonds for a more classic look, usually a pearl strand handed down from the generation before.

Legends tell of pearls coming from heaven as a drop of water into the sea. Perhaps this is the reason for the popularity of the pearl drop earring. Many of today's rich and famous have been adhering to this trend. Actress, Anne Hathaway, graced the red carpet at the 2007 Oscars donning a pair of diamond and pearl dangles.

Because pearls are created by a living organism, they are considered to be the most feminine of all gems. Their warm glow, not common in other gems, is due to their unique beginnings. This makes pearls one of the most rare and coveted gemstones on the planet.

Online professional retailer, Jamesallen.com, is known for its high-quality, low-cost pearl jewelry. James Allen offers a wide selection of Akoya, Freshwater, and Tahitian pearls that is sure to satisfy any taste. Jennifer Norbury, GIA accredited jewelry professional and sales executive of James Allen didn't own pearls until she had a chance to work with the jamesallen.com collection. "After learning about pearls firsthand and having a chance to see their true beauty, it has turned me into a life-long fan of pearl jewelry."

Precious Metals in Jewelry

Precious Metals in Jewelry

Author: Ian Maher

Precious metals are ideal for creating beautiful jewelry due in part to their resistance to corrosion. Since precious metals have an unreactive and oxidation-resistant nature, they fall into the category of noble metals. Such precious metals with which you may be familiar include gold, silver, and platinum, but palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium are other precious metals commonly incorporated into jewelry such as diamond rings, eternity rings, promise rings and right hand rings. The system of measurement for the weight of precious metals is troy weight, in which one troy ounce equates to approximately 1.1 standard ounces and twelve ounces make up one troy pound. Precious metals can be combined to form what are known as alloys, often for the purpose of reducing cost or producing a metal sturdier than any one element alone. Here we examine the major precious metals used in the crafting of fine jewelry:

-Gold: The most malleable and ductile of the precious metals, gold can be readily flattened into thin sheets and stretched into thin wire, which makes it a versatile and popular choice for jewelry creation. Gold is often alloyed with other metals for cost reduction and to increase the strength of the final product. In pure form, gold is measured in troy weight, but as an alloy with other metals its weight is measured in karats. For gold, the karat weight specifies the amount of pure gold present, with 24 karat being pure gold and smaller karat weights designating lower percentages of gold and higher proportions of other metals.

-Silver: Second to gold in malleability and ductility, silver is anther precious metal popular for use in jewelry. Silver is also commonly alloyed with other metals to create jewelry, with the popular sterling silver consisting of a combination of 92.5 percent silver with a relatively small 7.5 percent of another metal, typically copper. Being a superior conductor of heat and electricity, silver has numerous applications beyond jewelry making, such as coins, dentistry tools, silverware, film and electronics.

Platinum: Rarer than silver and gold, platinum is a durable precious metal common for eternity rings, engagement rings and wedding bands due to its resilience even with constant use. Iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium are other precious metals in the Platinum Group of Metals, which occur together naturally. Palladium is the metal often mixed with yellow gold to make white gold, and rodium is used extensively to plate white gold to give it that extra white brightness. The metals in the Platinum Group of Metals are resilient, tarnish resistant and stable, making them popular for use not only in jewelry but also in numerous industrial processes such as crude oil refining and automobile manufacturing.

The end price of jewelry that can be attributed to precious metals depends not just on the pureness and rarity of the metal, but also the craftsperson’s skill level, the intricacy of the piece and labor.

The Diamond Jewellery She Will Love

The Diamond Jewellery She Will Love

Author: Debbie Green

Women are hard to please. That is a fact. However you will be surprised to find out that in fact they are not that hard to please as long as you manage to understand what rally maters to a woman. The same rule applies to the diamond jewellery that you give her as a gift every now and than.

There several keys to success. Read on if you want to give the woman you love the jewellery she will love.

Every woman loves jewellery.
It is a fact that every woman loves jewellery and especially diamonds. Even if your partner is not really into jewellery now she will start wearing jewellery later in her live. Moreover a really nice diamond earrings or a pendant may tempt her. Many men think “Oh, I have never seen her wearing something, may be jewellery is not a good idea at all”. Well have you ever thought that may be she is not wearing jewellery because she doesn’t have a really nice diamond jewellery piece to wear?

A piece that she will wear every day.
There is no point in buying if expensive evening bracelet or a bulky cocktail ring if your partner doesn’t go often to events that allow wearing such kind of jewellery. Of course she will be amazed by its beauty but jewellery that stays in the jewellery box most of the time is easily forgotten.

Buy a traditional of a fancy ring, earrings or a necklace that can be worn every day. Make sure it suits the other jewellery she already has as well as her style.

Make jewellery sets.
Even if you cannot afford to buy a whole diamond jewellery set consisting of a diamond ring, earrings and a necklace or a bracelet, you can buy it separately. Get her a nice diamond stud earrings and a solitaire pendant to match them on the next occasion. She will not only be pleased by the fact she is receiving luxurious gifts but will really appreciate the fact you though about it carefully. Moreover every woman is happy when she an put on her favorite diamond jewellery set.

Variety.
As with clothes and shoes women love to have a variety of jewellery for that reason do not stick to only one kind of rings for example. Taking into account her style and her preferences, try to buy different type of jewellery every time. For example you have given her a diamond eternity ring for her birthday, why not give her a sapphire and diamond fancy ring for Christmas? This way she will have a choice and you will have a loving partner.

Why Buy Pre-owned Rolex Watch ?

Why Buy Pre-owned Rolex Watch ?

Author: Daniel Rutberg

With proper care and maintenance, a Rolex will last a lifetime. A new Rolex watch, like most luxury items, will depreciate in value up to 30% immediately after you slip it on. Pre-owned Rolex watches greatly hold their value and in time can be worth a lot more than its original cost. Furthermore, with very little changes in design and models over the years, one will hardly notice a difference in a Rolex watch that is circa 1980, to a Rolex that is circa 2000, contributing to the fact that it retains its value over time.

Pre-owned watch will function and appear like a brand new Rolex. All of certified pre-owned Rolex’s go through hours of stringent quality-control testing and certification processes. All parts and accessories including the bracelet, crystal, dial, bezel, lug, and crown, will be meticulously examined by our Rolex certified watchmakers for cosmetic and aesthetic imperfections. Thus you will not find any scratches, dust, moisture build-up, or any other blemishes when you receive your Rolex watch.

We do customize or watches by adding aftermarket diamond dials and bezels along with replacing stretched out links or bands on certain models that we carry. The case and most importantly, the movement of every watch we sell will be genuine Rolex.

The Ankle Bracelet Search

The Ankle Bracelet Search

Author: Melissa Peterman

All I wanted was to find a jewelry website with beautiful ankle bracelets for a gift for my friend. It seemed like an easy enough search as I typed ankle bracelet into the search engine. The internet was flooded with ankle bracelets, I wanted a quality piece of jewelry, but what I found was quite surprising. The house arrest, home monitoring ankle bracelet to keep track of felons!

The house arrest ankle bracelet is a monitor that allows the controller, (usually law enforcement) to observe via GPS tracking, offenders at their house to make sure they do not wander outside their given range.

It was humorous to see the list of women who at one time wore these ankle bracelets under protest like Martha Stewart and Paris Hilton. Their crimes were not as humorous as the way their crimes were handled. Because of their stature, their wealth and connections, these women were treated like royalty, too good for proper punishment. So they were given extra light sentences and ankle monitoring bracelets to keep track of them outside of prison bars.

Maybe, I thought, the next wave of fashion should be stylish ankle bracelets for offending celebrities. Paris Hilton could launch her own line of house arrest jewelry for the stylish offender. I could see the advertisement in my head; a beautiful tall blonde with long legs laying poolside with her sparkling house arrest ankle bracelet glimmering in the sun, the ultimate look of a good girl gone bad.

“A gold, silver or jeweled ankle bracelet with the smallest house arrest homing device will have you wearing your anklet long after the sentence is over. A house arrest ankle bracelet with a variety of sparkling gemstones to choose from that even the fashion police wouldn’t write a ticket for.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration favors the device on DUI offenders, reporting the cost efficiency compared to imprisonment and fewer repeated offenders.

The monitoring device has been around a long time. A psycholgist created the device in 1960, because he felt there were other ways to control convicts without sending more people to crowding jails. The monitoring device is a small black or gray square, the size of a pack of gum connected by a plastic black strap that goes around the ankle. There are huge consequences if its removed.

Obviously, I thought to myself, I needed to be more specific with my search. I was wasting time. Again, each time I entered anything with the words “ankle bracelet” in the title, some convict would come up. Lindsay Lohan was recently spotted at Pure night club in Las Vegas partying with her ankle bracelet- the one she’s suppose to wear to detect alcohol in her system!

It got me thinking, maybe I should create an ankle bracelet inspired by the infamous Hollywood bad girls. They would be thick on one end, like the real ones are, but instead of having the actual device on them, they would have a pocket to hold your MP3 player or just big enough to hold your ID and your cash for going out on the town! The other part of the ankle bracelet would come in different colors and fabrics even real gold or silver or maybe I could bring Velcro back into style.

I decided that if someone were to give me one of these fake ankle monitoring bracelets as a gift, would I wear it? Would my friend appreciate the fact I was making her look like a convicted felon? I decided I would buy a lovely silver ankle bracelet with a matching silver link bracelet that I found online.

When they arrived in the mail, I knew they were just what she was looking for. I knew her face would light up when she opened them. I giggled while I placed them in a lovely wrapped box inside fluffy tissue, inside the pocket of the homemade, pink leopard skin, fake ankle monitoring device.

What Women Want Today (fine Jewelry Trends)

What Women Want Today (fine Jewelry Trends)

Author: Sheila Chun

Historically, marketers of fine jewelry have targeted their advertising campaigns primarily towards men, but times have changed. With powerhouses like Debeers leading the way with their famous right hand ring campaign, jewelers have realized that the modern woman is now the target consumer and the rest of the industry is taking notice. Men still tend to purchase the higher ticket items, but they buy for special occasions, namely engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas. The workingwomen today have strong purchasing power and equally strong opinions of what they like. And what the modern woman wants, the modern woman buys. In fact, according to the JCK magazine, 80% of all jewelry purchasers today are women.

What are they buying? What is it that women are buying and not buying today? The first thing they want is “Big” with a lot of bling. They are doing this by sometimes sacrificing the quality of stone for size, other times by choosing pieces with multiple diamonds that give the illusion of a big look. The days of women being satisfied with a plain gold wedding band is gone. Anything paved, basically small round diamonds set everywhere, with minimal metal showing is in hot demand.

And the second thing they want is color…lots and lots of it. In fact,
They are opting for alternative semi-precious stones set around diamonds, rather then going for the traditional pricier precious stones. Sales of the traditional sapphires, emeralds and ruby stone jewelry have plummeted and have been replaced by the colorful and “cheaper” alternative semi-precious stone jewelry. All colors sell and the popularity of a certain color will vary with the season and fashion. Beryls, rubellite, rhodolite, garnet, topaz, citrine, garnets, jade, tourmalines, periodot, amber, carnelian, jade, the selection and colors are endless. Pink and blue-green are always hot colors.

Not only are stones big in rings but also gemstone bead strands have been the hot ticket item the last few years. Tourmaline, peridot, topaz, iolite, jade, lapis, onyx, beryl mixed with gold beads, pearls and accented with big centerpiece pendants have been popular. After enduring a decade of the white metal and diamonds minimalism look, women revolted and the “bigness” of size and color became the flavor du-jour for women’s necklaces. During the minimalist period where necklaces were all worn short, the necklaces of today have evolved to the belly button length. These necklaces are usually 32” or longer and worn long or doubled for a layered look.

Thus the designs of fine jewelry offered in the market today are as varied as each designer’s imagination. Even the traditional industries of diamonds and pearls have had to use modern technology and upgrade their designs to keep up with the demands of the female consumer. These consumers are no longer satisfied with the status quo; they don’t want just the round white diamond or the round white pearls. Diamonds are being color treated to come in blue, green, pink, yellow, brown and black. They are being cut with names like the asscher cut, cushion cut, radiant cut, criss–cut, lily cut. In fact, now that laser is cutting diamonds, many firms are out there putting their own spin on traditional cuts and renaming the cuts after themselves.

Also, pearls are hotter then ever. Some of the biggest name in jewelry designer made their mark specializing in pearl designs. Pearls are now being dyed every color under the rainbow and laser treated to turn them chocolate brown. The cast offs that used to be thrown away are being turned into designer masterpieces. Every part of the oyster is used to make all different shapes and size pearls. Cultured, Tahitian, south sea, fresh water, mother of pearl, mabe pearls come in all shapes and sizes. In the past, the Japanese dominated the industry with their traditional akoya pearl strands, but then the Chinese, Australia and many of the South Sea regions came up with their own farming techniques to make their mark with their own pearl specialties.

Women today want fashionable jewelry, they follow not only the fashion runway trends, but also their fashion icons. A diamond circle of life necklace worn by an icon such as Oprah Winfrey can start a major frenzy that can last up to 3 years. Women want versatility in their jewelry. They want jewelry they can wear to the office as well as go out to dinner and just plain live in. They want anything that gives her a feeling of change from day to night or that she can color coordinate with different outfits.

So whether it is a ring, earring, bracelet or necklace, it is all desired as long as it is accented with diamonds, stones or pearls. The price point that woman buy for themselves is still a lot less then what men spend on average, but there is something to be said about volume sales. Also where men have usually purchased traditional designs, women have forced the jewelry industry to evolve and revolutionize in a short period of time. This is the power of what women want.

Sterling Silver; How to Identify it and Clean it

Sterling Silver; How to Identify it and Clean it

Author: Lillia Boekeloo

This guide will help you learn to identify quality in silver jewelry and accessories.

Sterling Silver
Pure Silver, also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily scratched so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more resilient product. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Although any metal can make up the 7.5% non-silver portion of sterling, centuries of experimentation have shown copper to best improve the metal's hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful color.
The small amount of copper added to sterling has little effect on the metal's value. Instead the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the intricacy of the design.
Identifying Quality Sterling Silver
All high quality silver items are stamped with a "Sterling Silver" or "925" mark. This mark identifies the precious metal content of the jewelry.
Silver Alloys
Because pure silver is so soft, it should only be used when malleability is required, such as in handcrafted jewelry featuring weaving and other intricate designs. Sterling Silver is most often used for jewelry and household accessories because of its combination of beauty and durability. Acceptable quality marks for sterling silver include:
v Sterling
v Sterling Silver
v .925
Care
With proper care, your fine quality silver will last a lifetime. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your silver jewelry either in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box. Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage silver.

Clean your Silver REGULARLY!!!

Care should also be taken to prevent silver tarnish build-up a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the surrounding air. To clean your silver, use specific formulas to remove tarnish. You can find fine silver polishes, solutions, or cloths designed to remove tarnish. These are available at most hardware stores or specialty craft stores. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible! So keep an eye out for it! Although wearing your silver often is the best way to prevent tarnish from building up, regular cleanings of all your silver items will prevent tarnish and keep your silver bright, sparkling, and beautiful.

Fine Sapphire & Genuine Gemstone Jewelry at Faaro.com

Fine Sapphire & Genuine Gemstone Jewelry at Faaro.com

Author: Jessica Miller

FAARO sapphires In FAARO we specialize in sapphire jewelry. Our sapphires come in a multitude of colors including white, pink, green, yellow, and blue. All our beautiful stones come from well-known gem producing countries such as Thailand and Cambodia as well as Sri Lanka, where we get most of our large blue sapphires and original sapphire crystals, directly from the gem mining pits. We are the only jeweler in the world which makes sapphire crystal jewelry, by specializing in preserving the shape of the original sapphire crystals, designed by our Italian-trained designers (see below for more detail).

History of FAARO's main sapphire producer, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has been known by many different names throughout time because of its abundance of gems and the shape of the wonderful island is a gem. Marco Polo once stated in 1292, "I want you to understand that the island of Ceylon is, for its size, the finest island in the world and from its streams comes sapphires . . . ". "Serendib" is another name given by Persian traders, who came to this country to trade gems. "Ranthna deepa" meaning land of gems, is well known for producing world's richest and biggest sapphires for thousand years. The blue sapphires found in Sri Lanka are known as "Ceylon sapphires". One of the world's largest sapphires is the 563.35 carat "Star of India". Despite its name, this magnificent gem stone was mined in Sri Lanka. The "Star of India" is currently being shown in New York National Museum.

Sapphires Sapphires come in different colors such as; violet, dark gray, orange, yellow, pink, green and black, which are also known as "fancy sapphires." These sapphires are somewhat less expensive than other sapphires but are equally beautiful. Blue sapphires, found primarily in Sri Lanka and Cambodia, have a unique velvety luster which makes them very expensive. White sapphires, which are colorless stones, found primarily in Sri Lanka too. These fine white sapphires are extremely rare as they have a unique hues or shades of pink, purple or blue. With proper cutting, white sapphires can easily compete with diamonds. Ruby, which comes in red color, can be considered a kind of "red sapphire" because they belong to the same "corundum" family of gem minerals. Image:

http://store.faaro.com/images/pleezbdabest/FaSap04.jpg (this is a copyright material of www.faaro.com)

Rareness of Sapphires As a result of sapphires' unique color and shades, they tend to be very expensive and hard to find. Most of the time these stone's prices increase several times by the time they arrive at jewelry stores in North America, Europe, or Japan. Diamonds today are used in almost all of the jewelry sold, especially in United States. This production and usage of diamonds prove that diamonds are not rare; only the price is expensive due to inflated profit margins. Recently the renowned newspaper Wall Street Journal, in an article on sapphires, quoted "Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but sapphires have always been a girl's best value." Unlike diamonds sapphires comes in different shades and colors which make them extremely rare and unique. At FAARO, we make the highest quality sapphire jewelry at a very affordable price by procuring sapphires and sapphire crystals by going directly to the gem miners.

Natural Crystal sapphires These hexagonal crystal structured sapphires, scientifically called "corundum" are designed by FAARO for elegance and beauty with a unique taste of nature. Our natural crystal sapphires come from Sri Lanka. These sapphires are in their original form, but cut and polished to a unique shape by designers especially trained in Italy, Japan, and USA. Each crystal is unique for their shape and shades of colors, just like sapphires. These natural crystals carry a myth, that they possess various healing powers of the earth. When you wear a FAARO natural crystal sapphire you express not only the elegance but also love of nature and earth.

NOTE: This article is a property of www.faaro.com (Fine Sapphire & Genuine gemstone jewelry) To reprint this article you MUST use it in its entirety with original sources.

Bench Watches 25% Off - are They Mad !

Bench Watches 25% Off - are They Mad !

Author: barnaby

Wow, the Bench watch selection at Boredofthehighstreet.com is simply awesome. The Bench watch range for 2007 is simply amazing. The Bench clothing label have kept to there urban routes and produced a huge range of watches that not only look great but are extremely well made. These watches come in various colours, and sizes depending on what kind of watch you are actually looking for. The best thing is these Bench watches are available with 35% off at Boredofthehighstreet

Boredofthehighstreet.com is simply bored of the stupid prices that certain high street retailers are charging for branded goods. Just because Kate moss has been seen wearing a bench watch or Paris Hilton has been seen wearing a Bench watch they feel that they can rocket the prices. The prices are simply too high. Therefore we will ensure that we sell you each Bench watch at the cheapest price that you kind find anywhere in Europe... If you find it cheaper we will simply refund the difference. Combined with this Bench Price promise is the reassurance that we care about customer service, and all our online and telephone representatives have been given a huge amount of training about Bench products and watches. If you are looking to buy a Bench watch for your girlfriend or boyfriend we will be able to point you in the right direction to ensure that you buy the perfect gift… A Gift wrapping service is also available, aswell as next day delivery.

Consumers should no longer accept the poor customer service being given on the high street. Recently we entered a well known shop and asked where the Bench section was, and was told, “Sorry, we don’t sell Bench, when they did”. If the staff doesn’t even know what brands are being sold then how are they meant to know the key functions of the Bench watches that they are selling.

Now, surely a great way to buy into the Bench brand is by purchasing a Bench watch from Boredofthehighstreet.com . One of the best sellers so far this season is the Bench numerical retro coloured brown watch.. The watch has a brown leather strap with a large square clock face and contrast trim along the edge of the dial. This Bench watch is normally priced at £39.99, but as always we will ensure that we are cheaper than any other retailer. Boredofthehighstreet.com have this retro looking watch priced at £31.99 with no shipping costs. !
Another way to receive discounts is to join the boredofthehighstreet database and enjoy a 20% off discount voucher for joining.

Buy somebody a Bench watch and receive a great price , great service , and a smile from boredofthehighstreet.com !

Is your Antique Jewelry Valuable?

Is your Antique Jewelry Valuable?

Author: Temp

There are a number of interesting discussions that go on in the world today and one of the interesting discussions that tend to relate to jewelry is a discussion about the value of antique jewelry that many people might have. When you take a look at your own antique jewelry, chances are that you have some of it lying around at home. Something that has been passed down generation to generation and when you take a look at the different things that people are interested in, what you find is that the generational pieces go back quite awhile and ultimately can be quite antique in their age. Therefore, the question ultimately comes back as to whether or not antique jewelry is valuable. Well, without specifically answering the question, this article will tell you how you can find out.

Valuable

Before you start figuring out whether or not your antique jewelry is valuable, you need to define what the word valuable means. There are a number of different valuable things that people can take a look at and a number of different ways that value can manifest itself to different people. To some people, value simply means how good the actual jewelry itself is in terms of the sentimental value that it has to them and in that case antique jewelry is almost always very valuable. To most people though, value translates into money and in order to do that, you need to either be able to appraise your value yourself or alternatively get someone else to appraise the value for you.

Online Research

Your first step whenever you encounter a situation like this should usually be to go online and see what's going on. The reason for that is that there is a lot of good information online around a number of different websites regarding different types of jewelry from silver jewelry to sterling silver jewelry to gold jewelry and others that discusses exactly what you should look for when it comes to appraising your own jewelry. It will also usually have some good photographic aides for you as well as some specific information for different materials because different materials are treated differently when you are considering antiques.

Professional Appraisals

If you don't really want to do it yourself or want to but simply are not interested in devoting the time necessary to doing it, well then that's what professional appraisals are for! You always have the option of taking your antique jewelry to a professional and getting them to look it over for you. Some professionals specialize in different types like silver jewelry and gold jewelry whereas others are more general in their tastes and expertise. Either way, you can get an appraisal from them pretty quickly, an appraisal that ultimately will help you figure out exactly how valuable your jewelry antiques might be. Once you know how valuable your antique jewelry is, then you can figure out exactly what it is that you want to do with it.

How to Take Care of Gold Jewelry ?

How to Take Care of Gold Jewelry ?

Author: Cayumi

Taking Care of Your Gold Jewelry

Whether bought for yourself or as a gift, gold expresses love, permanence, individuality and style more eloquently than words could ever do.

If treated carefully, the gold jewelry item you purchase today could last a lifetime and might even be handed down to future generations. So here are some tips that will help preserve the beauty of your gold jewelry.

First of all, gold is lasting and durable but can get scratched or dented if treated roughly. This is particularly true of items worn on the hands like rings and bracelets that are prone to a lot of knocks. So remove these pieces before any type of strenuous activity.

Second, beware of chemicals. Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Repeated exposure can weaken gold's structure, eventually leading to breakage. So keep your gold jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products and out of swimming pools and jacuzzis.

On a related note, acids, abrasives and other harsh chemicals found in some common household cleaning solutions can weaken your jewelry or damage its finish. So it's best to cover up rings and bracelets with rubber gloves while doing heavy-duty cleaning. Or better yet, take them off altogether.

Gold can lose its luster over time if repeatedly exposed to dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup. So make sure to clean your jewelry regularly. You can use a cleaning solution of sudsy, lukewarm water, or bring it to your local jeweler and have it professionally steam-cleaned. After cleaning and rinsing, always dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth to avoid scratches and bring out its shine.

Proper storage is as important as cleaning. Protect your gold jewelry by storing it safely in a jewelry box or keeping it wrapped in a soft cloth when not being worn. Furthermore, keeping pieces stored separately will prevent them from getting tangled or scratching one another.


Finally, always inspect your gold jewelry for weakness or damage and bring it to a professional jeweler you trust for immediate repair. Pay particular attention to clasps (to ensure they catch easily but are still secure); prongs (to ensure they haven't cracked, bent or loosened, which could cause the stone to fall out); bracelet and neckchain links (to ensure they don't kink or bend); pin backs and earring posts (to see if they are bent or loose); and wedding bands, pendants and charms (dangling pieces and items worn every day for a long period of time) are subject to wear and can thin out and eventually break. Your jeweler will be able to handle these and many other repair jobs and ultimately restore your gold jewelry for you.

more info : http://www.jewelryfinest.com

A Guide to Finding an Affordable Engagement Ring That your Sweetheart Will Love

A Guide to Finding an Affordable Engagement Ring That your Sweetheart Will Love

Author: Cayumi

1) Determine Your Budget When a guy's shopping for an engagement ring, salespeople often do a sneaky thing – they make him think that the amount of his love is tied to how much he spends on a ring. Better to figure out how much you can afford to spend before you step foot in a store. The standard rule is two months salary – but – this is also a rule that the diamond industry created! However it's still a decent place to start, but then figure out your personal budget.

2) Pay Attention You're going to have to make a lot of choices – platinum or gold? Modern or traditional? Flashy or understated? It's easier if you've done your homework beforehand. Look at the jewelry your sweetheart wears on a daily basis – if it's all silver with intricate designs – look for a platinum engagement ring with intricate designs (often called filigree). If it's just a few heavy gold pieces, well, then go in that direction.

3) Choose a Stone While jewelers will sell you a preset ring, you can often get a better deal if you choose the diamond separately. It helps if you know what shape your sweetheart wants – round, pear, marquis, etc. The most classic shape is a round solitaire. More homework – read The Four Cs of Diamond Buying. You'll thank me later.
Another money saving tip – look for a diamond with high color and cut, but with slightly lower clarity. Make sure you look at the stone with a jeweler's loupe (like a magnifying glass) – but most flaws (or "inclusions") can barely be seen even with a loupe.

4) Choose the Setting After you've got your stone, then comes the setting. You could go for simple with a solitaire setting, or you could add filigree, extra side stones, and other details. You can choose gold, white or rose gold, platinum, or even titanium.

5 )Maximize Your Budget If your intended is always talking about huge diamond engagement rings, but two months of your salary wouldn't buy a Big Mac, you're going to have to stretch the budget. Ask for a stone with more surface area – it won't sparkle as much but it will look bigger. Ask for stones that are slightly less than the next carat (0.8 instead of 1 or 1.9 instead of 2) – the almost indiscernible difference can add up to big savings. Instead of a diamond solitaire engagement ring, consider a less expensive center gemstone (such as tourmaline, blue topaz, sapphire) flanked by two small diamonds. Choose white gold instead of platinum. And consider an antique engagement ring.

6) Get a Buddy Don't go into a jewelry store alone. They're scary places full of way too many choices. If you can, bring your sweetheart's best friend or mom along to help you choose. But if you're worried they'll spill the beans, bring a trusted buddy of yours. Make sure they have taste, or you'll be trying to propose with a ringpop. Also, assuming they like the person you're buying it for, this is a great moment to bond with your parents and get their advice.

7) Think About Bringing Your Sweetheart With You You'll lose the element of surprise, but you'll be sure that she likes her engagement ring. More and more couples are doing it this way.

8) Get a Quality Jeweler Ask for recommendations from friends and family. My advice is to stick to the mom and pop jewelers and try to avoid the national chains – they often sacrifice quality for mass marketing. But make sure the store is accredited by the Jewelers of America or is a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Before you buy, find out what the return policy is so that you can exchange it if you didn't do your homework properly.

9) Plan Ahead You may not be able to just walk out of a jewelry store with a ring. Not only will you need to save up for it, but depending on what you order it could take a couple weeks for them to set the stone, do any engraving, or even custom design your ring (like Brad Pitt did for Jennifer Aniston). So if you want to propose on a certain date, make sure you start working on the ring early.

10) Get it In Writing Would you buy a house without an inspection? No? Well then don't buy a diamond without an independent diamond-grading report from the GIA or the American Gem Society. It should include the 4 c's of color, cut, clarity and carat, as well as the shape and size. And, like your house, don't forget to get the ring insured

more info: http://www.jewelryfinest.com

Diamond Replica Jewellery

Diamond Replica Jewellery

Author: gerald

A diamond is considered to be women's best friend, and is also the most prized of gemstones, but having this it is not so easy. In that case, diamond replica jewellery comes as an easy way out to spend a lot less money for a beautiful item. Buying diamond jewellery is not considerer a disgrace or a shame; diamond replicas are usually really beautiful and can be a great alternative when you can’t afford a real diamond. It is exactly the same as real diamond jewellery, but the only difference is that it is a replica.
Besides diamond replica jewellery, you can also get some really interesting diamond jewellery for a good price. A diamond engagement ring is the best you can give to your future wife. Diamond rings and bands are also ideal as a gift. Fine diamond jewellery must be the main priority when buying diamond jewellery. A diamond is also said to be forever, so when you buy it, it will generally be a treasured possession.

Diamond bracelets and diamond bangles are also very beautiful and add a beauty to any wrist. Diamond necklace jewellery and diamond necklace sets spread sparkling rays all over you. Then you can make others jealous of your style by wearing a diamond necklace set or diamond bangles or even a diamond bracelet. Diamond is the in-thing lady. So get it and flaunt it. But why should men be left behind in this race. There are also beautiful diamond rings, bracelets and studs for them as well.

In the end, you are the one to decide whether to go for a ring, a bracelet or a necklace. And going for diamond jewellery is always a good choice when you can afford it. Hopefully you would still have the choice between a replica and a real diamond.

Jewelry and the Astrological Signs

Jewelry and the Astrological Signs

Author: Lillia Boekeloo

All astrological signs have a birthstone and a birth metal, the birth stone has partly to do with what Element the sign is, like Taurus, it’s Element is Earth and it’s birth stone is Emerald and it’s metal is Copper. In some cases the metal matches what planet rules the sign. Like with Gemini’s their ruling planet is Mercury and so is their metal, and their birthstone is Agate.
Many people don’t know that there are Astrological birthstones and monthly birthstones, for example, lets say you are a Cancer born in July, your Astrological birthstone is pearl and your monthly birthstones is Ruby, but if you’re a Cancer who was born in June then your monthly birthstone is different, it is either Pearl or Moonstone.

Here is a list of all the Astrological signs birthstones monthly birthstones and birth Metals and Ruling Planets and in some cases what metal is the best setting for the gems in Jewelry

Aries:
Planet: Mars
Astrological birthstones: Diamond, Bloodstone
Months: End of March and beginning of April
Month Birthstones: March: Aquamarine April: Diamond
Metal: Iron
Best setting: German silver, an alloy based on copper and nickel.

Taurus:
Planet: Venus
Astrological birthstones: Emerald, Sapphire, Amber, Coral, Rose quartz, Turquoise, Azurite.
Months: End of April, and beginning of May
Month birthstones: April: Diamond May: Emerald
Metal: Copper
Best setting: Copper

Gemini:
Planet: Mercury
Astrological birthstones: Agate, - Chrysoprase, Citrine, Moonstone, Pearl, and White Sapphire
Months: End of May, and beginning of June
Month birthstones: May: Emerald June: Pearl, Moonstone
Metal: Mercury
Best settings: Uranium metals- aluminum, Titanium and their alloys Platinum and gold alloys containing cadmium and zinc

Cancer:
Planet: Moon
Astrological birthstones: Pearl, Emerald, Moonstone, and Ruby
Months: End of June and beginning of July
Month birthstones: June: Pearl, Moonstone July: Ruby
Metal: Silver
Best setting: Silver

Leo:
Planet: The Sun
Astrological birthstones: Ruby, Onyx, Carnelian, Sardonyx, Golden Topaz, and Tourmaline
Months: End of July and beginning of August
Month birthstones: July: Ruby August: Peridot
Metal: Gold
Best setting: Gold

Virgo:
Planet: Mercury
Astrological birthstones: Sapphire, Carnelian, Jade, Jasper, Moss Agate,
Months: End of August and beginning of September
Month Birthstones: August: Peridot September: Sapphire
Metal: Mercury
Best setting: Uranium metals- aluminum, titanium, and their alloys Platinum and gold alloys containing cadmium and zinc

Libra:
Planet: Venus
Astrological birthstones: Opal, Chrysolite (Peridot), Lapis Lazuli,
Months: End of September and beginning of October
Month birthstones: September: Sapphire October: Opal, Tourmaline
Metal: Copper
Best setting: Copper

Scorpio:
Planet: Pluto
Astrological birthstones: Topaz, Beryl, Apache Tear, Aquamarine, Coral, and Obsidian.
Months: End of October and beginning of November
Month birthstones: October: Opal, Tourmaline November: Yellow Topaz, Citrine
Metal: Plutonium
Best setting: Iron

Sagittarius:
Planet: Jupiter
Astrological birthstones: Turquoise, Topaz, Amethyst, Ruby, and Sapphire
Months: End of November and beginning of December
Month birthstones: November: Yellow Topaz, Citrine December: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite
Metal: Tin
Best setting: Gold

Capricorn:
Planet: Saturn
Astrological birthstones: Garnet, Ruby, Agate, and Black Onyx
Months: End of December and beginning of January
Month birthstones: December: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite January: Garnet
Metal: Lead
Best setting: Silver

Aquarius:
Planet: Uranus
Astrological birthstones: Amethyst, Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, and Sugilite
Months: End of January and beginning of February
Month birthstones: January: Garnet February: Amethyst
Metal: Uranium
Best setting: Uranium metals- aluminum, titanium, and their alloys, platinum, and gold alloys containing cadmium and zinc

Pisces:
Planet: Neptune
Astrological birthstones: Aquamarine, Amethyst, Bloodstone, Jade, Rock Crystal, and Sapphire.
Months: End of February and beginning of March
Month birthstones: February: Amethyst March: Aquamarine
Metal: Platinum
Best setting: Silver

If you put your birthstones whether they be your Astrological or monthly in the right setting, they can provide many different qualities to help your health and many other things.
Some Examples: Amethyst: Brings faithfulness in love and bestows the gift of prescience.
Topaz: Releases occult powers and brings serenity of mind, it also protects from enemies and illness.
Pearl: Changes bad fortune into good and discord into harmony. It also brings support from influential people.

In getting the right stones and metals in jewelry it can help you in life, if you just believe and if you liked my paper, come to my website, were I sell Sterling silver jewelry at http://www.Lillysilverjewels.com
Also if you want to know more about what each birthstone does then read my other Article: The powers of the stones

Latest Bridal Jewellery Trend

Latest Bridal Jewellery Trend

Author: http://www.fibre2fashion.com

The occasion of marriage is a special one for any person. In India, it is considered a highly sacred bond. An Indian woman regards the day of her marriage as the most important day in her life. To make this special day perfect, preparations go on for months on end in Indian households. Jewelry plays a very important role in Indian weddings. An Indian bride is usually decked up from head to toe in beautiful jewelry that complements her attire and her personality.

Typically, an Indian bride uses the following ornaments:

Maangtika or tiara: The tiara, called the Maangtika in Hindi, is used to adorn the centre forehead parting of the bride. Maangtikas are now available in different styles and colors. Usually, for bridal wear, a Maangtika with a decorative centre piece is preferred, with a long string. In the modern times, tiaras in the form of crowns are also being used.

Hair accessories: The trend of using hair accessories is getting highly popular in today’s times. It is fast becoming a fashion statement. The hair accessories should co-ordinate with the attire of the bride. If the bride’s dress is studded with diamonds, hair accessories encrusted with diamonds can be used. Pearl headgear and silver hairpins are also in vogue in the fashion world. In certain communities in India, elaborate headgear made of flowers is used as part of bridal wear.

Earrings: Earrings are available in every imaginable style and color. They range from small, delicate ones to dangling, heavy ones. Earrings are available in different metals and using different gemstones or pearls. Nowadays, the trend is to wear earrings covering the whole ear. Brides typically wear earrings that are attached to a chain, which is hooked in the hair.

Nose ring: The nose ring traditionally worn by Indian brides is in the form of a ring, which is attached to a chain that is hooked in the hair. It is called ‘Nath’ in Hindi. In certain castes, the nose ring is worn without the chain. With the changing fashions, the nose ring is also undergoing a change. It is now available in different styles and is fast becoming a fashion statement.

Necklace: The necklace is the most versatile piece of bridal jewelry in today’s times. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. The type of necklace is chosen depending upon the neckline of the bride’s dress as well as the color and pattern. According to fashion experts, a long necklace would look good with a deep neck, while a choker would suit a smaller neckline.

Armbands: An armband is called ‘Bajubandh’ in Hindi. It is also a widely used piece of bridal jewelry, which is worn on the upper part of the arms.

Bangles: The bangles are one of the most important part of a bride’s attire. A variety of bangles made of different metals and studded with different gemstones and pearls is available in the market today. Nowadays, bracelets are becoming popular as bridal wear.

Finger rings: Finger rings are also one of the most important pieces of bridal jewelry. There are a number of styles available in the market in case of rings. Like other jewels, rings are also available in different metals, colors and gemstones. Generally, finger rings are worn on the ring fingers. However, finger rings can be worn on several fingers, as per the preference of the bride.

Ring bracelet: A ring bracelet is a bracelet that is attached to finger rings by way of chains. It is a custom in certain castes in India to wear ring bracelets.

Summary: - The choice of bridal jewelry is one of the most important considerations in an Indian wedding. It is necessary that the jewelry be suitable to the bride’s personality and well-coordinated so that the bride looks her best on her special day.

Symbol of Marriage: Rings

Symbol of Marriage: Rings

Author: Adrienne Sullivan

Almost in every society, rings represent marriage. Marriage is a union of two people with their love. Ring is just a symbol of this union.For hundreds of years it becomes a tradition. Ring and marriage are sisters of love.

You can forget everything but your ring. Putting off your ring can cause many problems in lots of cultures. A man without his wedding ring can seem untrustable by his wife and she might think that her dear husband doesn't love her anymore. If you are a forgetful person you should take care of your habit and allways check your fingers. That can save your marriage.

If you are preparing for a marriage proposal just buy a brilliant wedding ring and forget the rest. Before your proposal be sure to have your brilliant wedding ring with you. No need to words anymore, it will do the job. As you see, rings and marriage are equivalent. If you don't know where to buy a brilliant wedding ring, you must visit www.jewelry-seller.com .

Good luck ;)

Jewelry is the Most Special Gift for Women

Jewelry is the Most Special Gift for Women

Author: Adrienne Sullivan

For women, jewelry is an unchangeable passion. There is no such a woman who doesn't like jewelry. Look around carefully; even a woman who likes to be simple has got a jewelry on her body. even a woman who doesn't like to wear jewelry would also own at least one jewelry.

Jewelry is a highly carefully chosen object as much as clothes on women's special days. Women who are preparing for a special day never feel ready as long as they put their jewelry on.

Just take two photographs of a woman with jewelry and without jewelry and compare them. You will surely realize that the photograph which woman with jewelry will be eye-catching.

But not all jewelry suit a woman. A woman must choose the most suitable jewelry for herself.

If you want to buy a gift to your darling, wife, friends or your family members, just buy a jewelry. You can be sure that the most valuable gift which can make a woman happy is the jewelry. If you don't like or maybe hate shopping you must visit www.jewelry-seller.com and finish this up with a click.

Critiques With an Obtuse Angle: Designer Cufflinks and Their Creators

Critiques With an Obtuse Angle: Designer Cufflinks and Their Creators

Author: Patrick McMurray

First Things First; Enter Vivienne Westwood
The orb has landed, embossed in leather wallets, purses, bags and belts. Cast in pendants, necklaces and cufflinks. Printed and woven in ties and scarves. And on it goes. A symbol recognised internationally as Vivienne’s signature. The cufflinks take on the Orb in variation. Using rhodium as a base and encrusted with crystals, they glean boldly from subtle stems, skull and cross bones, love and hate, or just simply the Orb, into what is unmistakably Westwood -- a designer brand, impossible to mimic. Radicalism is captured cleverly, using “tongue in cheek” styles balanced with smart design and a classical edge.

A Rare Breed of cufflink
A new range of enamel cufflinks by Ian Flaherty have quietly arrived on the market. They’re beautifully formed from English Pewter, gleaning vitreous enamels that impress upon you textural influences that give life to lifeless forms. There is a horse and rider in breathless pursuit of the unfortunate Fox, the Mallard and Partridge, Pheasant, and Trout, all brought to still life by the artistic prowess of Ian Flaherty. You can surf the net and trod the high streets, but you’ll be hard pressed to find anything that compares with Ian’s latest work.

“Short and sweet”

Veritas the Truth in Cufflinks
Veritas is a Latin word meaning “truth” and the truth is, Veritas design and manufacture a range of cufflinks of superior elegance. They take on architectural principle and form, engineered to take the load, just a brief handle will satisfy your senses and make you feel immediately you’re in touch with stylish quality. Another English cufflink makes its way into the international arena, sitting comfortably on the shelf with his compatriots.

“And here they are, presented for your pleasure and convenience”

A Swank Cufflink
Swank Inc a popular designer and manufacturer of men’s cufflinks were incorporated on April 17, 1936. When Cufflinks peaked in the 1960’s they were making 12 million a year. Even though these were aimed at the lowest end of the market, retailing for an average of $2.50 a pair, that still adds up to a lot of men wearing cufflinks. These days the figure is closer to 200,000, but cufflinks are making a strong comeback with gross sales having increased consistently over the last ten years, while the French cuff continues to be the most prestigious type of shirt.

The most expensive cufflinks ever sold were a pair given to the soon-to-be King Edward VIII by his later wife Wallis Simpson. These featured diamonds
set in platinum and sold at auction for $440,000.

“Swank looking cufflinks”

Precision Engineered Cufflinks: The Lbb London Contribution
Gazing over a collection of cufflinks so consistent in mathematical correctness and when gathered, resemble soldiers in immaculate uniform, marching in perfect formation, poetic stride. Abstractive is dominated by high tech precision, with zero tolerance. The subtle, abstract placement of colour, ordered within, take the edge off discipline

A designers hand possessed with such discipline to marry perfect form and function, while gleaning materials that impress upon you textural influences. Smoothly extending the stem to cradle adornments and display all colours of a rainbow: Concluding, a sophistication expressed by precision, abstract and sense of colour, a truly beautiful cufflink.

Lbb London, Perhaps the very first precision cufflink”

Who’s Nathan?
Nathan Tim is a new name to the fashion industry, armed with a mission and a collection of floral Cufflinks that reflect the brilliant hues of nature, showcased in rigid Murano Glass. The flowers captured within, reflect not just the timeless beauty of its petals, but also a richly textured history of fine glass making, stemming back many hundreds of years. And Nathan Tim has unearthed the best of the best.

“There’s no need to say anymore, the products speak for themselves”.

And Fused Glass
Every now and then I stumble upon designers (fashion or otherwise) that are hidden away somewhere in the woodwork (why hidden?) The other day was one of those “every now and then” occasions. I stumbled upon, Jo Downs, a jewellery designer located in Cornwall, while searching for objects befitting men’s collectable fashion accessories. An opportune time to reflect, we balance mass production with bespoke; enter Jo Downs.

Simplicity: The Simon Carter philosophy
Simon Carter’s reputation stems from his revolutionary approach to cufflink design following his introductory men’s brooches, in the mid to late 80’s. Some of his original designs are classified vintage. Simon Carter maintains a philosophy of simplicity in the design of all his accessories; they simply perform a function without loosing stylish edge. His cufflinks not only firm to cuff, they glean a touch of elegance and frame perfectly an object of expression. This lovely display of style and engineering will harmonise with any outfit, formal or casual, here an important function inherent in Simon’s philosophy of simplicity, a cufflink for all occasions.

And Fred Bennett
A name familiar in fashion accessory circles, he’s been around a while and so have his cufflinks. They don’t resonate originality and perhaps the essence once prevalent has been lost as the business becomes more business like. Never the less the new range is compelling enough.

Babbette Wasserman Cufflinks: The scent of a woman
Here is a brand that’s on the up; she’s made all the right moves and a name befitting a jeweller, or exotic dancer. Babette Wasserman, a lover of the Swarovski Crystal, she displays it maximisation style and sets her place as a cufflink designer amongst men. Women bring a refreshing slant to men’s accessories, a little femininity firmed to cuff, a constant reminder of soft and inviting contours and sweet scented women. Like the cufflinks, like the woman.

And Now Timothy Everest; Cufflinks on the cards
A Savile Row Tailor in Spitalfields and creator of the modern Spitalfields flower pattern. His underground approach takes him down an infrequent road travelled -- many follow. In a career spanning the rise and fall of countless fashion cycles, from the hazy days of Tommy Nutter to the Creative force behind the rebirth of British fashion icon Daks. Miniscule perhaps, but, Introducing a range of cufflinks would conclude nicely a growing range of signature accessories. And it’s on the cards.

London: Handmade Designer Cufflinks: a Success Story

London: Handmade Designer Cufflinks: a Success Story

Author: Patrick McMurray

The bespoke market survives amidst a mass manufacturing revolution. Ian Flaherty designs and manufactures men’s bespoke cufflinks in his London based workshop ready to be distributed nationally and internationally.

Visit Ian at his studio and you’ll find him working at the coal face with his subordinates, unafraid to get his hands dirty. A Scouser by birth and the son of a builder he chose a different career path that lead him out of working class Liverpool and into London, the fashion capitol of the world.

After designing for many prestigious brand names Ian thought it was time to harness his energies and direct them toward developing his own brand. It’s been a long road from Liverpool, now his delightful cufflinks are displayed in some of the most famous department stores around the world, including Selfridges and John Lewis (UK), Nordstroms (USA) David Jones (Australia) plus stores in Japan with un-pronounceable names.

The cufflink market has become crowded as designer brands cash in on the growing popularity of men’s jewellery. Plus there is the lure of manufacturing in Asia as a way to increase profits, but not without risk of negative effect on your reputation. Increasing profits at your customer’s expense does not make good long term business sense. Ian’s a big fan of traditional British craftsmanship and prefers the workmanship he gets from his own Battersea studio.

Ian literally draws his design inspiration from the world around him. He’s always looking at patterns and reflections, sketching things that catch his eye as he walks down the street. His designs have been copied, often blatantly by many big names.

Ian’s designs are hand cast in pure English pewter, because it gives the most accurate result. Each item is double plated in rhodium, a precious metal derived from platinum, and polished before being hand-enamelled or inset with Swarovski crystal. Then polished and inspected again to make sure it’s flawless. Rhodium prevents tarnishing and adds functionality to form making them extremely hard wearing, less likely to be scarred thus adding value. His cufflinks don’t tarnish and neither will his reputation. His customers keep coming back for more precisely because he does not cut corners.

He continues his work happily labelled “the quiet achiever”, carving out a name for himself in the fashion capitol of the world. The only thing that overshadows Ian’s immense talent is his sincerity; his working class principles remain intact.

Having a pair of his in your collection is a must; you’ll reveal their unique story each time you bind your links to cuff.

Coin Jewelry History

Coin Jewelry History

Author: michel

Coin Jewelry can be divided into two major categories: whole coins and cut coins. This article will seek to give the origin of and details about both types.

Whole coin jewelry has most likely been around since coins were first invented. It is thought that Egyptians would decorate their soldiers with medals similar to coins of their day. And, as long as soldiers and civilians have been traveling, the coins of other nations have been a great souvenir to take back home. Travelers would have coins finished whole or with added engravings to be used as necklaces and rings.

The other type of coin jewelry is commonly referred to as cut coins. Coin cutting was probably first seen in the 1600's when men would pierce and cut coins to impress their lovers. Since that time cutting coins has become a serious form of craftsmanship that is currently producing some truly unique pieces of jewelry. When cutting coins, craftsman start with a whole coin and then pierce the coin with small holes. A very fine tooth jeweler's saw is then inserted into these holes and worked until the main figure of the coin is released. This allows the central figure of the coin to be featured and seen by itself. The coins can then be left in its base metal or covered in gold or silver or, often times, both. The two-tone finish allows the intricacies of both the coin and the craftsmanship to be shown. From here the coin can be taken to it final form as a pendant, earrings, tie tacks, money clips or rings.

Whether it is whole or cut, coin jewelry is becoming quite popular. Many people purchase them to be used as a beautiful accessory, as a show of national pride or as a collection item specifically fit to their hobby or interests. To be worn especially as an accessory, there are lovely butterfly, delicate flowers, and bold suns, all worn as pendants or earrings. One of the most popular pieces is a stunning coin from Barbados, the ten dollar coin with features Neptune with a trident in his hand. When people want to purchase something to show their national pride, the Irish and Polish coins are popular and, of course, any of the American coins, with the new state quarters being a unique way to show state pride. Finally, there are a huge number of coins for those with particular interests or hobbies. Whether it is cats or dogs, panda bears or any type of sport, there is a coin that will match most any interest. These are just a few of the vast number of coins that are available in cut coin jewelry.

So whether it is a whole coin or one designed by a craftsman with intricate, beautiful details, coin jewelry is a very unique and a true art form.

Article written by Kelly McGee.

History of Native American Turquoise Jewelry in the Usa

History of Native American Turquoise Jewelry in the Usa

Author: Smith & Chen

The Beautiful blue and green hues of turquoise have long been prized by the Native American peoples of the southwestern part of the USA. Entire cultures were built on mining turquoise and crafting sacred and special items from the attractive stone in areas which are now part of both New Mexico and Nevada. American Indian peoples were making necklace strands and other turquoise jewelry by hand many centuries before the first European settlers arrived. Because turquoise was so highly prized, it was widely exchanged and circulated among the Native peoples of the Americas, and the each of the tribes developed their own unique names for the striking blue stone. Scientific testing has proven that some ancient beads found in central and South America were originally dug from the Cerrillos turquoise mines near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When the Europeans brought the technology of working metals like silver with them to the new world, the American Indians who learned the silver smith trade learned eventually began to add turquoise with the silver to develop their own special style of jewelry. A Zuni man by the name of Kineshde is believed to be the first to add turquoise to the hand crafted silver items he was making in the late 1800s.

Turquoise first came into popular high fashion in the US during the early 1890s, but Persian turquoise was the focus of the demand at that time, and only a few deposits of high quality turquoise were known in the US. In the following years, a number of high quality deposits previously worked by Native Americans were "rediscovered", and shortly after 1900 and Americans began to recognize that American turquoise from the Western US was the equal of any in the world. Interest again began to peak around 1908-1910, and a considerable amount of American turquoise was mined, especially in Nevada. The majority of the Turquoise jewelry produced prior to 1910 was made by well-known jewelry manufacturing companies like Tiffany's, and was produced in the standard Victorian styles of those times.

None of this was what we would recognize as Indian style turquoise jewelry. There were a few Native Americans making turquoise and silver pieces in what we now see as the traditional style, but they produced very few pieces and their very simple tools increased the man hours each piece needed for completion. That era was essentially the dawn of the traditional styles for silver-turquoise jewelry. America's fascination with turquoise and genuine Indian Jewelry really began in earnest during the 1920's when more people from outside the southwest began to see the beauty of this artistic jewelry. At that time, the Harvey House restaurant chain opened a number of facilities across the southwest during the great days of popular rail travel across the US. At first, Indian Jewelry was only sold as curios in the restaurants for the patrons touring the west. Earrings and thin, small bracelets stamped with arrows and bows and containing symmetrically cut small oval pieces of turquoise were the types most in demand. The pieces produced during this time are still termed as having been made in the "Fred Harvey" style. Heavy Indian Jewelry did not become popular until after 1925, when the classic squash-blossom necklaces were first brought to the tourist market. The squash-blossom craze lasted until about 1940, when they were discontinued for the most part by most Indian artisans for requiring too much work and too much turquoise.

In the 1920's and 1930's, the concho belt changed from a simple silver belt to a more ornate belt with one to multiple turquoise stones in all the individual sections of the belt. The tourist jewelry of that era is highly collectable today. It began to be noticed that sales of Native American jewelry had significant potential to provide a reliable income source to tribal members across Arizona and New Mexico. During those years, schools and classes were established at several reservations to train young men in the trade of making Native American style Sterling and turquoise jewelry. In the following decades, many very talented artists came out of these schools. During the years following WWII, many Americans traveled across the country, and on their trips through the Arizona-New Mexico area, discovered that local traders had rooms full of this Native American jewelry, which the traders called pawn pieces. Most of these were jewelry pieces the Indian people made for themselves and pawned for one of two reasons: either they needed money, or it was considered a safe storage place. As a result of the popularity of these pawn pieces, a host of trading posts sprang up in the Southwest and knowledge of this unique style of jewelry became much more widespread. New jewelry was also created to meet the growing tourist demand. Those who appreciated the beautiful American turquoise began to recognize the general differences in matrix patterns and color, etc. between the different mine sources. During this time, which extended to the early 1950's, turquoise began to be named, for sales purposes, after the mine in which it was found, such as Lone Mountain, Royston, Blue Gem, and others.

An increasing number of American Indians continued to handcraft silver jewelry in the 1950s and early 1960's in the traditional way. Up to that time their work was generally popular only in the southwest region of the US, but the increasing amount of material available began to enable a larger audience to see and appreciate this beautiful style of jewelry art. Even so, it did not become widely popular across the entire US until the late 1960's and early 1970's. At that time the simple and natural beauty of turquoise jewelry became the rage of the American fashion scene. The prices of the old pawn jewelry rocketed upward, and a craze for Indian turquoise jewelry swelled and boosted demand (and prices) for turquoise to previously undreamed levels.

The increased prices and demand caused the re-opening of many mines and the import of Indian "style" jewelry made by manufacturers in Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In time, the market became glutted, the consumer was confused by overpriced synthetic, stabilized and plastic imitation materials and by 1981 the supply was high but the demand was gone. The market collapsed and most of the American turquoise mines were shut down and have remained closed since that time. Turquoise demand hit a low water mark in the early 1980s, but has been slowly and steadily increasing in popularity since that time. Most American mines have remained closed, and in recent years high demand for natural American turquoise has caused once again significant increases in prices.

Designer Cufflinks, Simplicity: the Simon Carter Equation

Designer Cufflinks, Simplicity: the Simon Carter Equation

Author: Patrick McMurray

Simon Carter is considered one of Britain’s premier men’s fashion accessories designers. He holds his position steady in an increasingly competitive market, which was, until recently undersupplied. Things have certainly changed, now us chaps are getting the choice and variety we demand, new, exciting and refreshing cufflink designs that we actually want to wear.

Simon Carter has enjoyed a steady stream of success with his distinctive styling. In the 80’s and 90’s he introduced fresh and exciting designs that revolutionised the men’s accessories market, which had long been stagnant.

His company began selling pewter brooches for men but really found its niche when it began selling cufflinks. He combined in his designs semi precious stones, complimented by other organic materials like Paua shell from the far away shores of New Zealand. Symmetrically divided by thin strips of metal they resemble art deco architectural embellishments, while other designs maintain more simple form using cat’s eye in subtle pastel colours of blues and pinks.

In the mid-1990s the company opened its own showroom and shop in London’s West End. International sales also began to take off, with agents appointed to sell Simon Carter products in the U.S., Canada, Japan and Australia. Today, the accessories (which include watches, cufflinks, ties, luggage, small leather goods and pens) are carried in some of the most exclusive department stores and independent retailers in 35 countries around the world, including Selfridges, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Takashimaya, Bloomingdales and David Jones.

Early 2002 saw Simon Carter branch out to include a menswear line. From the start, the range proved very popular and the collection is now stocked in House of Fraser, Selfridges, Moss Bros, Fenwicks, Brown Thomas (Ireland), GB Place (Japan) and David Jones (Australia).

Dressing The West Ham Football team and actor Will Smith propelled him onto the intentional stage. Other windows of opportunity opened more recently when, Simon Carter signed a clothing and franchise agreement for Japan with Japanese company, BBS. The five year deal covers designing, manufacturing and distribution of a clothing range in Japan and the opening of stand-alone stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

Simon’s boldness in the face of conservatism has been the hallmark of his success. He took notice of customers’ demands and responded accordingly. Subsequently, he enjoys strong sales and continuing growth.

Now we wait in great anticipation for the next range of designer cufflinks.

And a closing anecdote: The resurgent popularity of cufflinks in recent years inspired businessman Claude Jeanloz to open The Cufflink Museum in Conway, New Hampshire, in the late 1990's. Jeanloz, who obtained his first pair as a confirmation gift from his godmother, began collecting cufflinks in the mid 1960s. After amassing a large number of them, he decided to establish the Cufflink Museum, which features over 70,000 pairs on display in 10,000 square feet - by far the largest collection in the world. Also on display are cufflink memorabilia such as vintage cufflink ads, photos and even album covers featuring performers wearing cufflinks like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, “did you say Bob Dylan”?

A Point to Remember at the Time of Buying Luxury Watches

A Point to Remember at the Time of Buying Luxury Watches

Author: Glen Alden

If you have made the decision to purchase a luxury watch, it is certainly not one that you will regret. More than just a simple timepiece, a luxury watch is an eye catching symbol of success and status that you will wear with pride for years to come.

Enjoy the journey towards the purchase of your luxury watch as well. Think of it as an extension of your personality and allow your choice to reflect who you are. In today’s World Wide Marketplace, the doors of every famous watchmaker across the globe have been opened for you and thanks to the highly enhanced security; online shopping has become a pleasurable and worry free experience.

Explore the talents of Swiss “watch-making genius” Franck Muller whose designs, while ranging from elegant to sporty, are world renowned for their intricacy. Revel in the collection of Ulysse Nardin, famous for their accuracy since 1846. While their luxury watches are highly prized, the collectors who compete for their marine chronometers are a testament to the precision of their craftsmanship.

You may enjoy the work of Patek Phillipe, the last of the independent watch-makers. Phillipe has brought the standards of 19th century Geneva watch-making into the high-tech 21st century and this combination has resulted in a magnificent collection of timepieces.

I could not leave out Rolex, which has become synonymous with luxury. Everyone who is anyone has sported a Rolex at some point. Owning a Rolex is proof of success. The Rolex name ranks among the most important brand names in the world. It is the most widely recognizable of luxury watches and as the creator of the original waterproof watch, it is celebrated for its durability.

If you have a flair for the French, perhaps a Cartier will be your choice. Cartier began creating pocket watches. At the request of a Brazilian aviator, who wished to have a watch he could wear while flying, the Cartier wristwatch came into being.
You will find

It is imperative to consider, when purchasing your luxury watch, that this is not just a piece of jewelry. If you are acquiring the watch for yourself, consider it to be an investment that will grow with you to be enjoyed by your children and theirs. If the purchase is for a loved one or perhaps a business associate, you can be assured that this gift will be the ultimate acknowledgement of the occasion and that the recipient will know that they are held in your highest regard.

Nickel Free Wedding Jewellery

Nickel Free Wedding Jewellery

Author: Nathan Hartnett

So you are planning for your special day, looking to find perfectly matching jewellery for you and your bridesmaids, and then you find out that one member of your bridal party is allergic to nickel. What can you do? The answer is to find a company that can provide 100% allergy free titanium wedding jewellery and bridal sets. Titanium is the most hypoallergenic metal used in jewellery today, and is one of the only metals that can be guaranteed not to cause a reaction, no matter how severe the allergy. Not only that, but it is one of the most beautiful and lustrous metals available, with an extraordinarily deep shine. Pure titanium jewellery is 100% hypoallergenic and allergy free and will also not produce skin discoloration. Titanium does not react to sunlight, salt water, chlorine or anything that the body emits. So if you want to avoid anyone itching on your special day, Buy titanium!

Jewelry is the Most Special Gift for Women

Jewelry is the Most Special Gift for Women
Author: Adrienne Sullivan

For women, jewelry is an unchangeable passion. There is no such a woman who doesn't like jewelry. Look around carefully; even a woman who likes to be simple has got a jewelry on her body. even a woman who doesn't like to wear jewelry would also own at least one jewelry.

Jewelry is a highly carefully chosen object as much as clothes on women's special days. Women who are preparing for a special day never feel ready as long as they put their jewelry on.

Just take two photographs of a woman with jewelry and without jewelry and compare them. You will surely realize that the photograph which woman with jewelry will be eye-catching.

But not all jewelry suit a woman. A woman must choose the most suitable jewelry for herself.

If you want to buy a gift to your darling, wife, friends or your family members, just buy a jewelry. You can be sure that the most valuable gift which can make a woman happy is the jewelry. If you don't like or maybe hate shopping you must visit www.jewelry-seller.com and finish this up with a click.

Advice on What to Focus on While Looking for an Engagement Ring

Advice on What to Focus on While Looking for an Engagement Ring

Author: NBR, Inc.

A few things to focus on while looking for an Engagement Ring

"The tradition of giving a diamond ring for an engagement dates back to 1477, when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented one to his intended, Mary of Burgundy. The unique strength of the diamond, one of the hardest substances in nature, symbolized enduring love, and according to one superstition, the diamond was believed to act as a charm that enchanted a man\'s love for his wife.\" Living Romantically Every Day, Barbara Taylor Bradford

Online shopping has brought us more choice and more importantly an incredible amount of information to help us make the buying decision more informed.

We are more knowledgeable now, yet does it make the buying process less puzzling?

A young man finally deciding to propose to his lovely fiancée is obsessed with finding that perfect engagement ring. He eagerly dives in the sea of information on internet on “How to find the perfect engagement ring...” By the time he is ready to make his purchase, he is “an expert”, spending a very significant amount of time getting educated, looking through a significantly broader selection for the perfect diamond – he learns everything about “4Cs” of the diamond and weights multiple pros and cons to make the right decision, and … now he is even more confused when he needs to make a real decision.

Buying the engagement ring for a sweetheart is a stressful endeavor. What is going through the guy’s mind while he is making the engagement ring purchasing decision? Two things usually come to mind:” Am I going to pay too much?” And “Will the seller lie to me about how much a diamond is worth?” While these are helpful questions, one should focus on slightly different things.

A few things to focus on while looking for an Engagement Ring:

1. Everybody is talking about the diamond 4Cs, yet the most important “C” is the cost. Work around your budget and choose the best diamond in your budget range. Assuming that you can read the diamond certificate take the following into the consideration:

a) Remember that there is a very slight difference in a color between D,E or F colors, F and G look almost the same for the untrained eye, and H and I colors are still white diamonds, yet much less expensive.

b) Do not overpay for the diamond looking only for one with “Excellent” characteristics for Polish and Symmetry. It is ok to have Polish and Symmetry with “Very Good” or even “Good” values.

c) It is better to pay attention to Depth and Table characteristics of the diamond because they affect the brilliance of the stone. Less perfect stones cost less, yet they are not desirable.

d) Do not always look only for VS+ clarity diamonds, pay attention to inclusions in the diamonds: some SI1 clarity diamonds have very small and insignificant imperfections, but cost much less that VS clarity diamond.

2. While looking for quality and longevity find something to fall in love with the engagement ring.

3. Take into consideration the lifestyle of your fiancée and how the ring will look on her.

4. Always remember the emotional attachment behind the engagement ring—it is a symbol of eternal love.

Men's Jewelry Trends: What's New?

Men's Jewelry Trends: What's New?

Author: Sheila Chun


Thanks to the inspiration of rock stars and athletes, think David Beckham, more and more men are looking to accessorize their look with jewelry. But these younger men are not looking to accessorize themselves with the traditional tailored look of their fathers. Men’s options today are modern, sleek and designed around alternative metals that have historically been used from the car, manufacturing to the space industry. Thanks to modern technology, alternative white metals such as tungsten carbide, titanium, and stainless steel are being mixed with rubber, diamonds, cable, silver and gold accents to create a different but very sophisticated, fashion forward look for men.

While cuff links have always been the strongest category other then watches, bracelets are now also becoming one of the classification jewelry staples. Men seem to be very acquiescent to touting these contemporary metals on their wrists followed by necklaces and pendants. As well, since more and more women are buying these as gifts for men, these alternative metals make gift giving affordable as well as chic.

Stainless steel is a popular choice for men’s jewelry due to its strength, durability and resistance to scratches. Stainless never changes thus it makes for a metal that you can wear playing sports, cheap enough to travel in, sophisticated enough to wear to a formal event and comfortable enough to wear on a daily basis. To create rings, pendants, bracelets and chains using steel, these designs are usually mixed with a malleable iron to give its strength, durability and elasticity so that it won’t break when struck.

Tungsten carbide has the density feel of platinum but has a dark undertone that gives it a rich oxidized look. Made from a tungsten and carbon compounds, it has similar characteristics to titanium. It is an extremely hard metal and is scratch resistant material for jewelry but it may be shattered due to the inelasticity of the metal. Titanium has also undergone new technological changes. The least dense of the 3 alternative metals, it is extremely strong and durable. This metal’s Achilles’ heel is that the colors can oxide like silver. Titanium has always had a “cool” factor due to it’s space age look and feel but thanks to new patented process called anodizing, titanium now comes in black and various other colors.

The Art of Organic Jewelry

The Art of Organic Jewelry

Author: Ketut Aryadana

The Art of Organic JewelryIf gold and silver jewelry is too expensive, then organic jewelry can provide the same decoration for a much cheaper price. Organic jewelry started from the Native Americans by using connecting simple seashells together. Today, organic jewelry has evolved into a major role in the fashion industry. The most popular type of organic jewelry today would be in the form of pearls.

Where do pearls come from? Pearls come from an irritation in an oyster's shell. The irritation is then covered with calcium carbonate which after many years turns into a pearl. Pearls were first used for jewelry by the Native Americans that first settled the land. Thousands of years later, they are now considered a must-have fashion accessory.

Pearls are used in many forms of jewelry including Necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Pearl necklaces are very popular, and they come in a variety of forms such as Bib, Choker, Matinee, Opera, Princess, and Rope.

Pearl bracelets also work very well as fabulous fashion accessories. The classic single strand of different pearls can be used to match any outfit.

You can never go wrong with a pearl ring. A gorgeous pearl ring set with gold or sterling silver will made any woman happy.

If pearls are not your thing, there are many other forms of organic jewelry such as bamboo and hardwood. Bamboo is not considered a type of wood, but is instead a type of grass. There are many types of bamboo that are yellow, tan, green, brown, and even purple providing a great fashion accessory. The most common use of bamboo for organic jewelry is earrings. Although they are relatively easy to take care for, the wearer has to re oil the earring periodically for easy insertion. If you like designs, bamboos can have great designs burnt in them. The best part is that bamboo earrings only cost around fifteen dollars.

A more expensive alternative to bamboo is actual hardwood. Wood plugs are usually hand crafted and each piece is unique. Plugs work best on dry areas of the body like ears and might cause an allergic reaction. Like bamboo, hardwood jewelry has to be re oiled from time to time. Common oils used are olive oil, peanut oil, and jojoba oil. There are six major types of wood used for jewelry: Chakte Kok, Chechon, Ebony, Granadillo, Katalox and Maple each of these a different color.

ChakteKok is a glowing reddish yellow and is lightweight. Chechen is brown and gives a natural look. Ebony is black and is the heaviest. Grandillo is dark brown. Katalox is very dark brown and is almost black. Katalox is the rarest type and is hard to obtain. Maple is light brown and is almost yellow.

If you're interested in wood plugs, they come in many different shapes: Saddle shaped, cylinder shaped, flared, nail shaped, taper shaped, and spike shaped. When ordering wood plugs, you must specify in diameter and length.

These are just a few examples of modern organic jewelry. There are many other types of organic jewelry including bones, horns, stone, and amber. While each type of organic jewelry is different, they all serve as a great alternative to expensive silver and gold jewelry.