Fashion And Fine Jewelry News

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Hey, Where's Kevin Costner?


Jewish Exponent, PA - 8 hours ago... The owner of Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry knows a good pitch when he sees one, and he saw one at the stadium just named after his business. ... Read more...

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Wholesale Prices Rise Modestly 0.1%


Santa Cruz Sentinel, CA - 15 hours ago... A black do-rag knotted on his head. As I got closer I could see her manicured nails. Her gold jewelry. And his wide back as he bent over her. ... Read more...

A Man's Guide to Buying Lingerie for his Lady

by Jessica Valentine

Most men know nothing about picking out lingerie, which is understandable because it can be confusing. What type of lingerie to buy, what size, what color - how is a man to know? Here is a little guide to help you when choosing lingerie for that special someone.

There are a few things to consider before you go out. What does she like? Remember that you will not be wearing this - she will and you should go out with the intent on getting something she will like. If she is not into lacey, tiny, see-through teddies, chances are if you buy that, she will not be in much of a mood to wear it and you may never see it. So keep what she likes in mind.

If you do not know, check out her nightgown/lingerie drawer before you leave. Check for material type (cotton, silk, etc.), colors, and most importantly, size. She may be flattered if she wears a large and you get her a small, but if she wears a small and you buy her a large, you may find yourself in trouble. Avoid anything that says "control" on the label. Those items are used to firm and flatten tummys and rears and she would probably not appreciate receiving them as a gift.

Another thing to remember is if the store offers to wrap the lingerie let them. Dainty lingerie will look better in their wrapping than if you wrap it in the paper left over from your cousin's birthday. Presentation is part of the package with lingerie. Also, if you are uncomfortable in the store, check out online stores that sell lingerie. You can always start at Victoria's Secret, but most major department stores like Macys and Nordstroms also sell lingerie. Final note - remember to keep your receipt just in case it is the wrong style, size, or color.

Now, what type of lingerie is available? Just about anything you can think of! Ask yourself what the occasion is. Is this to let her know you love her? If so, something crotchless or see-through probably will not send that message. But, if it is for Valentine's Day or your anniversary, something a little more risqué might be appreciated. Bras alone have many different styles including push up, plunge, gel filled, padded, under wire, seamless, backless, strapless, open cup, and unpadded.

If you are purchasing a bra and panty set, always check out what she has in her drawer beforehand and definitely make note of the size - of both the bra and panties. Most places sell at least one pair of panties that match each bra, but some will sell several so you can mix and match. It will help to know what type of panties she likes to wear too - thongs, briefs, or high cut bikini.

When it comes to sleepwear, it can be just as confusing. One type of sleepwear is babydoll pajamas. They usually have very thin straps, a plunging V neckline, and are very short with matching panties. You will find most of these made out of silk or satin, materials that always make a woman feel good about herself. But, if she feels her breasts are too big or too small, or thinks her stomach is too big, you might want to avoid babydoll pajamas.

There are slips and chemises. Similar to the babydoll pajamas, these are a little longer and a little better at concealing problem areas such as breasts, butt or stomach. They too are usually made of silk or satin.

Gowns are full-length versions of the babydoll. Many are see-through or lacey and can help put your woman in the mood. Babydolls, slips, chemises, and gowns may also come with a robe.

A pajama set might not sound too sexy, but if it is silky, and buttons up the front, it can make your woman feel very sexy, especially if she is a plus size (size 18 or larger). Boxer sets have become very popular lately. The tops are tight, with thin straps and usually a V neckline, although there are boxer sets with normal t-shirt tops.

If you are really looking for lingerie to spice up your love life, take a look at Frederick's of Hollywood (available online). They have been selling sexy lingerie for over 50 years. They have a wide variety of garter belts, bustiers, corsets, teddies (similar to the babydoll, but one piece), crotchless panties, and fishnet stockings - items that may not be available at many stores that sell lingerie.

What type of lingerie you should get your love depends a lot on her self-esteem. Many big woman love sexy little teddies, but some will shy away from them, for fear of exposing too much of themselves. Most stores sell lingerie in plus sizes, which are a little less revealing. If she is really athletic, a boxer set might be something she would like. Thin women will look good in anything, but especially teddies, corsets, and babydolls.

When shopping for lingerie, try to keep in mind what she likes. If you purchase something similar to the lingerie she already has and in colors you know she likes, it will probably make her happy. But, keep the receipt just in case!

Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women’s apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. http://www.sexy-lingerie-for-her.net.

Friday, August 25, 2006

A Gem-Wise Guide To Buying a Diamond

by Richard W. Wise

Who doesn't love a diamond? Known as the traditional gemstone for an engagement ring, diamonds have steadily risen in popularity since the early 1940s, when Harry Openheimer the president of the De Beers cartel visited New York to meet with Gerold M. Lauck the president of N.W. Ayer, a leading advertising agency.

The value of diamond sales had declined 50% by the end of World War I and Openheimer was determined to do something about it, Lauck’s suggestion; manufacture a tradition. So successful was the campaign that in 1967 De Beers hired J. Walter Thompson to create a similar “tradition” in Japan, a country with absolutely no history of diamond giving. As a result, today over 90% of all Japanese women receive a diamond engagement ring.

Although everyone loves a diamond, few people know how to wisely choose one when standing at the jewelry counter. Here are five tips on how to buy your perfect diamond:

1. Diamonds are graded using the 4 Cs. Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight but they are not of equal importance.

2. Cut is the first C. Very well cut round diamonds are called ideals. Diamonds are cut for weight. They have no color and no nutrititional value. Diamond is all about sparkle. Fine cutting delivers the sparkle.

3. Never buy a clarity grade above VS2. Diamonds are graded using a 10x magnifier. A diamond graded Flawless and one graded SI1 (slightly included) are visually identical. The first and last time you will use magnification is the day you buy the stone.

4. Diamond color is based on tonal variations of the color yellow on a scale of D-Z. There is no A, B, or C. The more yellow the lower the grade. The first four colors D-G show no yellow when viewed face-up. Want to save money? Think about a G.

5. Look for moderate blue flourescence. About 1/3 of all diamond flouresce blue in ultraviolet light. While we can't see unltraviolet we can see its affects. Blue is the complement of yellow. Thus, blue flourescene will cancel out yellow and make the diamond appear whiter and more beautiful as well. A flourescent H may look like a D.

Richard W. Wise is a Graduate Gemologist and President of R.W. Wise, Goldsmiths, Inc. His early interest in gemstones led him to write extensively about precious stones. For more information visit his website at www.secretsofthegemtrade.com
Provided By: Women's World


Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Making Bead Jewelry - Your New Hobby

by Pamela Bruce

Making your own bead jewelry is a creative hobby that allows you to produce unique pieces for yourself, family and friends. Here is how you can get started.

If you ever asked yourself "couldn't I do that myself?" as you looked through rows of bead bracelets, necklaces or earrings at a trendy boutique, the answer is yes. Beading is a creative and entertaining hobby that not only will have you produce unique, handmade items of jewelry, but will also be a source of amazing gift ideas for family and friends.

The first step would be to find a good local bead shop. While there are wonderful mail order catalogs and websites that will sell you all the supplies, nothing substitutes for the support and advice of experienced sales personnel. Ideally, this store would also offer a number of beginning classes that would help you learn basic techniques (if there is no bead shop in your town, some introductory books such as "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beading" or "The Beader's Companion" will have to do).

Start with a simple project, such as a bracelet or basic necklace, and do not go overboard with expensive beads and findings (clasps etc.). I know you are probably itching to use Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and semi-precious beads, but you can work up to that later. Many stores will even offer packaged starter kits that may include a beading board (which helps you with project layout and measurements), some basic tools, beads, wire, findings and a how-to-book.

You should then set up your "beading space" – preferably an uncluttered, well-lit area. You might have to invest in a good lamp, maybe one combined with a magnifying lens. Remember, you will be stringing some rather tiny objects. Make sure you have enough containers to keep different types and colors of beads separate – nothing will spoil your joy of beading like having to hunt for a single bead in a jumbled pile. Beading stores will sell you various storage systems (including beading bags for the beader-on-the-go), but you can also experiment with plastic containers meant to hold small hardware or fishing tackle.

Well, there you are ready for your first bead jewelry project. Don't forget to protect your beading space from curious cats and toddlers. Happy beading!

Pamela Bruce lives in Austin, TX. She is the owner of Love Beads Unlimited and sells the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bead jewelry she designs and creates both in her eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/LOVE-BEADS-UNLIMITED) and on her website at http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com, where you can also download the free e-book "A Consumer's Guide to Buying Bead Jewelry Online".


Mumbai Designer Uses 14,080 Diamonds for 'Twin Towers'


National Jeweler, NY - 3 hours ago... including: gem identification, platinum techniques; Stuller & Paspaley products and programs; color trends for 2007; Journey Diamond Jewelry/conflict diamonds ... Read more...

Monday, August 21, 2006

Jewelry Appraiser Services

by Denny Reinke

Jewelry appraisers can provide valuable services to people who own diamonds and jewelry or are in the process of buying diamonds and jewelry.

First, the jewelry appraiser can identify your jewelry as to the material, quality, workmanship, condition and other characteristics that influence the item’s value. For example, diamonds that appear similar to the eye can vary in terms of color, clarity, cut, fluorescence, measurements and durability. These are all factors that uniquely identify one diamond from another and can cause the value of one stone to be more than double that of another even if they are identical to the unaided eye.

Second, the jewelry appraiser can estimate the value of the jewelry item. The definition of value can vary depending on the purpose of the appraisal. For example, an appraisal value could be quite different if the purpose is 1) selling the item, 2) purchasing an item from a retailer, 3) insuring the item after purchase, 4) settling an estate, 5) distributing property in a divorce, or as an expert witness in a lawsuit.

Third, the jewelry appraiser is a witness to the existence of the property. This is important in the process of filing an insurance claim for the loss of an item where proof might be required that the jewelry existed at a certain point in time and was in a certain condition. This is why an appraiser should insist on examining the jewelry item when updating an insurance appraisal.

Fourth, the jewelry appraiser can provide advice as to the durability, wearability, and repair of jewelry items. Jewelry made of metal and gemstones can vary greatly in their hardness, toughness, and resistance to heat or chemicals. Because the appraiser has professional training (i.e. Graduate Gemologist) and is not involved in the sale of the item, they can provide unbiased recommendations based on their experience.

When selecting a jewelry appraiser, understand why you are seeking the jewelry appraiser’s services so you can choose the best provider of those services. Professional jewelry appraisers set their fees based on an hourly rate or a per item basis, never as a percentage of appraised value. Appraisers who are efficient and highly computerized can often provide lower prices for services than those performing the same task but take twice as long to perform them.

Denny Reinke is the Vice-President of Diamond Source of Virginia, an online diamond retailer specializing in loose diamonds, diamond rings and diamond jewelry located in Richmond, Virginia and on the web at www.diamondsourceva.com. You can also visit Denny’s blog at www.diamonds.blogs.com. Article for reprint as long as author bio remains intact including links.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Noted historian, art aficionado dies at 80


Providence Journal, RI - 23 hours ago... However, this is the place to go for handcrafted gold and silver jewelry, and dealers weigh the jewelry and sell at the government-established market weight ... Read more...

Saturday, August 19, 2006

How To Care For Pearls

by Yan Berry

Pearls are soft gems and they need gentle care. Here is a guide to pearl care.

• Wipe pearls regularly and gently with a soft cloth moistened with water. Pearls can absorb perfume, skin oils and dirt. Do not clean pearls with detergents.

• Protect pearls from temperature extremes and chemicals such as vinegar, alcohol and hair spray. They can erode pearl surfaces.

• Wear pearls after you have applied makeup and hair spray.

• Pearls can be scratched easily. They should be stored in a soft place. Avoid putting pearls next to diamond or gemstones jewelry.

• In the case of a frequently worn pearl necklace, it is advisable to restring the necklace every one or two years since silk thread may weaken.

PremiumPearl.com specializes in quality cultured pearl jewelry including Akoya pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and Tahitian pearl pendants.
Provided By: Product Reviews

Tampa Police arrest one bank robbery suspect and need the public ...


Daily Breeze, CA - 19 hours ago... In 1982, he famously filed a lawsuit against several council members for giving gifts -- including expensive gold jewelry -- to departing politicians and ... Read more...

Thursday, August 17, 2006

New Technology in Diamond Properties Analysis

by Laura Ciocan

Isee2 company has developed a technology that works as a retail selling aid allowing buyers to measure the beauty of a diamond beyond its classically graded properties.

A diamond's beauty is its selling quality and can differentiate between diamonds graded alike is that something that makes an exceptional diamond outshine the others. Isee2 technology can make such detail analysis.

How it works

The technology is based on a software that analyzes the diamond with the help of two devices: one measuring the cut quality aspects while the other is a high power magnifier used to read the ionized inscription on the table of every Isee2 diamond.

The diamond is scanned by a camera that sends the images to a computer which processes 48 different lighting positions during its calculations. Thus are made objective evaluations of: the amount of light returned from the diamond , the degree of contrast between the 57 facets and the quality of the cut (brilliance, scintillation and symmetry).

Diamonds' appearance differ when observed in diffuse/ambient light conditions. Strong light conditions emphasize fire and scintillation whereas in softer light the optical symmetry is emphasised more.

Unlike BrillianceScope, Isee2 performs its analysis in diffuse light conditions. Diamonds that perform well on Isee2 analysis will look smashing in softer light conditions. If the diamond is well graded on the BrillianceScope it will look stunning in direct light conditions.

This technology facilitates the choice decision by permitting buyers to be convinced of the qualities of a stone all by themselves without the help of a layman.

Laura Ciocan is a Web Editor for www.loveanddiamonds.com . You may contact her at lauracio@gmail.com.
Provided By: Product Reviews

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Pearl Earrings: The Glories Of The Past

by Robert Thatcher

Though pearls are common as parts of more expensive jewelries, they were for long, have been reserved only for the richest people of the noblest standards. Before 1900s, a single pearl necklace can never be equated to anything. It is known to be been the most expensive stone throughout history and was hailed as the Queen of Pearls.

Who first discovered pearl and recognized its uniqueness are questions that are still to be answered. But according to George Frederick Kunz, the first American gemologist firmly stated his belief that the first people who appreciated pearls and brought them to market is an ancient fish eating tribe which existed somewhere in the Indian coast.

And since the first discovery of the pearls, its glory has continued until the present age. Traces of pearls in history tell us that it has been well credited in many of the ancient worlds, specifically ion China, India, Egypt, and the Roman Empire.

The Romans are notably the craziest people over pearls. This is marked by specific times in Roman history when pearls played the central part. The most celebrated of these is the banquet in Cleopatra's hall.

To convince Mark Antony that Egypt is above conquest, she showcased her land's wealth and heritage by giving the most expensive dinner in all history. During the said dinner, Queen Cleopatra crushed a piece of a large pearl from a pair of pearl earrings. She dissolved the pearl in a goblet of wine or vinegar and drank the liquid down. This account ended with Mark Antony declining the dinner and the matching pearl earring. He then gave the admittance that the queen won.

The popularity of pearls rose at the height of the Roman era. On one account by Suetonius, he mentioned that the General Vitellius sold a single pearl earring and used the money to finance an entire roman army campaign.

The Romans are the craziest with regards to pearls but the Arabs have the deepest love for the gem. This affection over the pearl is evident in the Koran, especially in the section where the Paradise is being described.

All these craze on pearls had run down in history due to the gem's rarity. However, by the turn of the century, pearls became practically a common jewelry. Most present users actually no longer appreciate the values of their pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and the likes. This is brought forth by the mass production that has revolutionized the status of the most valued gem.

The great irony in the most glorified gem is that even the lesser priced cultured pearl rivals the quality of the most expensive natural pearl there is. In a sense, its value was lost over the "synthetically" produced pearls. Though this became a very welcomed source of the rare pearls, this resulted to unfair treatment of the once exulted gem.

The major manufacturers of these cultured pearls are Japan and China. Kokichi Mikimoto developed a technique of producing the gem "on demand". But while he painstakingly created his methods, Tatsuhei Mise and government biologist Tokichi Nishikawa independently created the similar process of pearl culturing.

Chinese producers adopted their methods, and the 1970s astounded the world with the immense number of literally "cheap" pearls. Thus the coming of relatively cheap pearl earrings, necklaces, pendants and other pearl accessories.

The glory has ended and new trends of pearl production have arrived. So what's in store for pearls now?

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides pearl earring resources on http://www.your-pearl-earrings.info.

'Old Glory' on display at Tennessee State Museum


Free Market News Network, FL - 2 hours ago... American consumers buy disproportionately more gold jewelry in the fourth quarter especially at Christmas than at any other time of the year. -IDEX. ... Read more...

Monday, August 14, 2006

Abazias' Enhanced Website Features Expanded Jewelry and Watch ...


IDEX Online, Israel - 3 hours agoIn 1984, over 14 percent of all Americans shopped for jewelry in any calendar quarter of the year. By 1994, this had declined to just under 12 percent. ... Read more...

Sunday, August 13, 2006

What the buyer needs to know about amber jewelry

by Amelie Mag

A prison to some living things and a precious stone to others, amber is indeed a fossilized resin. While some consider it a gemstone, others think that it cannot be called a precious stone because it isn’t of mineral provenience. However discussed this issue might be no argument can stop people from wearing amber jewelry. Part of the amber charm consists mainly in the fact that it immortalizes something inside it. It acts like a cryogenic pod, keeping the insects body in great shape because it doesn’t allow the bodies to decay. Some pieces of amber jewelry have prehistoric organic matter captured in their resin adding mystery and charm to the wonderfully colored jewels.

Amber jewelry has become a common thing for all people nowadays, but for a long period of time only nobility could afford it. Because it was thought it had miraculous powers their price was very high. In time, more and more people could afford to purchase amber jewelry. Today things are a little bit different. Anyone can afford amber jewelry, but the prices go from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on what the buyer is looking for.

The first thing one has to decide when purchasing amber jewelry is the wanted metal for that specific piece. If it is crafted in silver the jewel can be cheaper, but if gold or platinum are used, the price can raise because these metals are more expensive. Then there is the problem of the stone. Amber stones don’t come only in the yellow-brown color. They can be yellow, red or even blue and green, but the most expensive and valuable are the transparent, clear ones. Although the brown normal stones won’t cost too much, the green ones are more expensive. The green amber isn’t different in any way compared to the brown one. The only thing that differentiates the green stones is that they’re harder to find than the brown ones.

Amber is a lot softer than any other precious stone which makes it easier to shape by jewelers. The price is influenced by the amber shape also. A stone in its original shape is cheaper, but if you want a special design the price will rise. It’s almost impossible to wear amber jewelry with a big stone on it, especially if that jewel is a pin, a pair of earrings or cufflinks. Sometimes amber has a piece of tree bark or a small insect trapped in it. A long time ago, wearing amber jewelry with something imprisoned in it was considered disgraceful and those types of stone weren’t used. Now they’re valuable and the insect or object that is trapped inside it makes a huge difference. When making amber jewelry, the jewelers try to make the inclusion as visible as possible. This makes the jewel more valuable.

Another important aspect in amber jewelry is the provenience of the stone. Jewelry with stones from the Baltic area knows a wider and more rapid spreading than other. The stones from that area are the most common, because this is the largest excavation site were amber was found. Stones from the Dominican area are also very common. They’re a little bit softer than the ones found in the Baltic area. This is the place were the blue and smoky green stones originate from.

Jewelry can usually last hundreds of years. Amber jewelry is no exception and it can be a great inheritance for the generations to come. There is only one thing you should do: keep them in perfect storage conditions. Because the stone is very soft it’s easier to scratch or chip than other precious stones, like diamonds. So, you should keep your ambler jewelry wrapped in a soft cloth. Each piece of jewelry has to be wrapped in a different cloth because, if you put them together, they might rub one against another and get their shiny surface destroyed. The stone itself has to be stored in similar conditions, away from the metal of the chain (in case it’s a pendant). Amber jewelry has to be protected from the sun and from any heat sources which will damage the gem. For cleaning purposes, amber jewelry has to be rubbed only with a soft flannel cloth and with water. Rubbing the stone with olive oil and whipping any remains from its surface will give back that extra sparkle to the piece of amber jewelry you posses. One should never use hot water, steam cleaners or any type of soap and detergent to clean amber jewelry. If that happens, there is a high risk to destroy a beautiful jewel.

In the past amber was thought to have curative proprieties and was administered internally as a powder. To keep alive the traditions and beliefs people wore amber jewelry in the aching area. These superstitions may actually be true because of the energy the stone acquires. It is said that it can heal minor illnesses like throat ache, or head ache. So, if you have a soar throat you should try wearing a necklace and it’s possible the pain will go away.

Amber jewelry is indeed much appreciated nowadays and knowing some facts about the piece that you might be wearing right now can be quite interesting. Wrapped in mystery and beauty at the same time, this gem can fascinate anyone who is interested in it. For those who want to know more, amber jewelry is just a click away.
Article Source: Women's World

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Globe trotter debuts exotic jewelry


Charlotte Observer, NC - 18 hours agoPolice said they're looking for a robber who they believe has taken jewelry from stores in Kannapolis and several other cities in the Carolinas during the past ... Read more...

Friday, August 11, 2006

Making Sense of Diamond Grading Specs

by Keith Thompson

Anyone wanting to make an informed purchase of diamond jewelry needs at least a cursory understanding of the Four C's. These are the standards by which diamonds are graded, and ultimately determine their value. They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight. What follows is a brief description to acquaint diamond shoppers with these essential benchmarks.

CARAT WEIGHT - Contrary to popular belief, a large stone alone does not a valuable diamond make! While bigger can be better, it's not the only factor. All the other C's carry as much weight in the end, and be sure to use the size as a factor, though not necessarily a determining one. A carat is actually a measurement of weight, not size, equal to 200 Milligrams.

COLOR - The less color the better. In other words, everything else being equal, a colorless diamond will be much more valuable. Diamonds range in color from colorless to brown, and are ranked by letter starting with "D",(colorless) to "Z", (brownish) This is determined under special lighting, and does not include the "fancy colored diamonds", as these are graded differently. In short, the clearer the better!

CLARITY - Another important characteristic of a diamond's value is it's clarity. This deals with the number and size of any inclusions; small clouds, crystals, feathers or cavities noticeable under 10X magnification. The clarity grades are F-Flawless (extremely rare); IF-Internally Flawless; VVS1, VVS2- Very, Very Slightly Included; VS1, VS2 - Very Slightly Included; SI1, SI2- Slightly Included; and I1,I2,I3- Included. All you really need to know about this though, (other than your diamond's grade) is that you should not be able to see any inclusions with the naked eye.

CUT - Most people think that the cut of a diamond refers to it's shape. That's not so. It actually refers to the way a diamond is shaped to refract light, thus enabling it to sparkle. This is quite an art and requires that each facet of the stone be cut at precise angles to each other, in the correct shape and size, to bring about the desired effect. Each diamond shape has different measurements for it's particular dimensions. There are eight basic shapes popular today, and they are, in no particular order; heart, princess, pear, marquise, radiant, emerald, oval and round.

Understanding these characteristics can make a diamond jewelry purchase much less nerve-racking. You're spending a good deal of money; it's nice to know what you're spending it on!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at DiamondChristmas.com, where diamond jewelry is the order of the day from some of the web's best merchants.
Provided By: Product Reviews

Sun & Surf Run has something for all walks of life


The News-Press, FL - 21 hours ago... the Buckler craft fair will blossom at Lee Civic Center with dried flower arrangements, wearable art, handmade soap, gold and silver jewelry, ceramics, garden ... Read more...

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Om...Some Yoga Jewelry


Diamonds.net, NY - 16 hours agoResearch from the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) suggested that jewelry and watches purchased as wedding anniversary gifts is becoming more popular in ... Read more...

Online Jewelry Purchases Makes Life So Much Easier

by Sintilia Miecevole

This article was written to answer many of the most frequently asked questions on this topic. I hope you find this information helpful. Did you know that jewelry is just a click away?

Jewelry purchases are increasing in leaps and bounds with Americans spending over $50 billion each year on such items as jewelry and watches. Instead of spending hours going through malls and scouting out the perfect earrings and necklaces, consumers can shop for jewelry in the comfort of their own homes.

When shopping for jewelry, it's important to have an understanding of the fundamental materials and stones. The following information should be of help with your purchase:

Materials: Yellow Gold - Pure gold (24 kt. gold) is too soft to use in jewelry, so it is combined with silver to form a metal mixture consisting of 14 kt. gold.

White Gold - White gold is has no color and won't tarnish, and is usually a mixture of gold and nickel.

Sterling Silver - Silver is too soft for use in jewelry, so silver is combined with 7.5% of other metals (usually copper) to produce sterling silver.

Platinum - A gorgeous silver-white color, platinum occurs as an alloy in nature. It's tarnish-resistant qualities and durability make it a favorite material for fine jewelry.

Gemstones: There are a wide variety of gemstones in jewelry. There are everything from diamonds to garnets and emeralds to sapphires. Gemstones add glitter to all kinds of jewelry from earrings to rings. Numerous jewelers use simulated gemstones which offer the sparkle of the "real thing" at a far lesser price.

Birthstones: Jewelry that uses birthstones is an enduring favorite, specially when given as a gift. The following gemstones and colors are associated with each birthday month: January: Garnet (dark red) February: Amethyst (purple) March: Aquamarine (pale blue) April: Diamond (starlight) May: Emerald (light green) June: Pearl, White (pearlescent) July: Ruby (red) August: Peridot (pale green) September: Sapphire, Blue (deep blue) October: Opal (moonlight) November: Citrine (yellow) December: Topaz, Blue (sky blue)

Trends Having the latest jewelry trends is helpful when buying fine jewelry for yourself or as a gift. For example, this season, celebrities are wearing ear pins and ear cuffs both on and off the red carpet. . Whether made from gold or silver, ear cuffs add that pizzaz required to make you stand out and feel beautiful.

When choosing earrings or necklaces with gemstones, the key this season is to combine colors for maximum effect. For example, pair a deep blue with garnet, or purple with medium green.

Online Shopping When shopping for fine jewelry online, be sure to click on to a reputable site.

Sintilia Miecevole loves jewelry and invites you to visit http://www.fejewelry.com which has information and resources from diamonds, precious stones and gems to gifts and more. Be sure to visit http://www.fejewelry.com for further information.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Damas, Deepu Partner for Wholesale Venture


Damas, Deepu Partner for Wholesale Venture
Diamonds.net, NY - 2 hours ago... Under the partnership, beginning in September 2006, the two will focus on dealing in 21 and 22 karat gold jewelry and importing goods from India, Turkey ...

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Going upscale was a downer


Going upscale was a downer
Kansas City Star, MO - 15 hours ago... To dodge a battle with retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Zales dropped inexpensive, low-quality diamond jewelry for fashionable 14-karat gold and silver ...

NO DTC GROWTH' MAY NOT BE AN OPTION
Tacy, Israel - 15 hours ago... De Beers says that the diamond jewelry retail market is growing by some three-four percent (so far), and De Beers is forecasting continued growth in ...

Friday, August 04, 2006

Antique show this weekend in Breck


Antique show this weekend in Breck
Summit Daily News, CO - 20 hours ago... Harbold listed state silver, jewelry, textiles, blouses, a variety of art prints and other types of art as some of what can be expected at the show. ...

Ellsworth Antiques Show returns Woodlawn estate to host exhibition
Bangor Daily News, ME - 6 hours ago... and English furniture and accessories, American paintings and watercolors, quilts, prints, rare books, ceramics, folk art, silver, jewelry, and oriental rugs ...

Malaysia : Department store equips hottest varieties
Fibre2fashion.com, India - 7 hours ago... In Kuala Lumpur, its KLCC store carries names such as the Bali-based Canadian designer John Hardy, purveyor of bold gold and silver jewelry, whose fans include ...

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Online Jewelry News: Pearlman s Jewelers Fuels Desires for the ...


Online Jewelry News: Pearlman s Jewelers Fuels Desires for the ...
PR.com (press release), NY - 16 hours ago... No one foresaw so clearly the impact the internet would have on fine jewelry retailing, nor so skillfully used it to both their advantage and their customers ...

Antiques Appraisal Day to Benefit St. Peter s Center
iBerkshires.com, MA - 7 hours ago... resource of Asian art expertise by museums. Sheila Barron is an appraiser in the Fine Jewelry department. She is a Fellow of the ...

Couture International Jeweler's Gomelsky wins WJA award
National Jeweler, NY - 5 hours ago... Other awards were as follows: Designer (fine jewelry and watches), Lisa Jenks, Lisa Jenks, Ltd., New York; Manufacturer, dealer, supplier (fine jewelry and ...

Blue Nile Q2 2006 Earnings Conference Call Transcript (NILE)
Seeking Alpha, NY - 22 hours ago... We are in the early stages of redefining the way consumers purchase diamonds and fine jewelry and as such, our business is very much about acquiring new ...

Gilbert Jewelers offers fine jewelry in Peru
Peru Tribune, IN - 25 minutes agoBy CASEY MELLADY. Gilbert Jewelers, 501 W. Main St., recently opened its doors after months of converting the skeleton of what used ...