visible cross jewellery
Hindu, India - 21 hours agoThe mangalsutra (`mangal' meaning `auspicious' and `sutra' meaning `thread' or `knot'), a unique piece of jewellery symbolising marriage that was traditionally ... Read more...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Hindu, India - 21 hours agoThe mangalsutra (`mangal' meaning `auspicious' and `sutra' meaning `thread' or `knot'), a unique piece of jewellery symbolising marriage that was traditionally ... Read more...
Monday, October 30, 2006
Fall Edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair to feature ...
London Free Press, Canada - 2 hours agoBy HEATHER TOSKAN, SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS. Fashion jewelry is the first choice to polish a look and embellish it with personal style. ... Read more...
Secrets To Purchasing An Elegant Diamond Engagement Ring
by Larry Johnson
The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy a diamond engagement ring that is already finished completely.
Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you've always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It's this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won't get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.
Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.
Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don't want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.
When shopping for a diamond it's important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you've always dreamed of.
Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it's no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.
It's also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.
Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It's purely a personal preference.
But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It's usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it's sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.
The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy a diamond engagement ring that is already finished completely.
Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you've always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It's this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won't get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.
Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.
Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don't want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.
When shopping for a diamond it's important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you've always dreamed of.
Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it's no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.
It's also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.
Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It's purely a personal preference.
But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It's usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it's sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.
This article is brought to you by My Diamond Engagement Ring, an online source for quality diamond engagement rings. For more information please visit My Diamond Engagement Ring
Provided By: Women's World
Kenya Losing War on Graft
Lincoln Journal Star, NE - 23 hours ago... s first diamond bourse, seeks to serve the largely untapped but diamond-hungry Gulf market the world s third largest for diamond jewelry, traders say. ... Read more...
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Antique appraisal worth its weight, organizers report
IDEX Online, Israel - 7 hours ago... Center (JIC) has announced the recipients of the association s fifth annual Gem Awards, recognizing some of the most prestigious fine jewelry and watch ... Read more...
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Hanging out back home
Sunday Herald, UK - 7 hours ago... She handed over cash and jewellery, but refused to hand over her wedding ring, which was from her marriage to art dealer Reinhold Cassirer, who died in 2001. ... Read more...
Supporting the UK Jewellery industry
by John Lewis
The British shopper is a strange beast. It seems that our love affair with high street shopping may have peaked this year yet our trends to shopping on the web look to be increasing even further. Recent statistics released suggest we are far more likely to buy on the internet than our European or even American cousins. The irony though is that although the UK is benefiting from an internet sales boom our UK manufacturers continue to struggle.
Many industries in the UK have suffered as a result of cheap imported foreign goods and as a result of the strength of the pound against other currencies.
Whilst there are undoubtedly some excellent quality imported goods there are equally as many poor quality, poor value goods. A good example in this area is in the manufacture of jewellery and our UK market has been flooded with cheap foreign rubbish, much of which comes from the far east and is probably produced in less than desirable working conditions. The jewellery is usually of the costume variety, the quality is not great so it won’t last and the materials used are cheap and can produce allergic reactions.
Why not support some of our local home grown talent? Here in the UK we have many talented, skilled independent jewellery designers who struggle to make a living. These people handcraft all types of jewellery from all types of materials including precious metals and gemstones and many pieces will be unique. Most designers are happy to produce one off commissions at very reasonable prices enabling you to own a beautiful piece of UK made designer jewellery.
For your handcrafted jewellery made here in the UK, why not consider using the internet to make your purchase from a secure e commerce shop.
It is predicted that this year there will be bumper on line sales in the UK of over £4 billion pounds which is in stark contrast to high street retail sales which have a taken a bit of a knock. On line shopping is growing some 26 times faster than the High Street with half the UK, some 21 million people choosing to shop for Xmas presents on the internet with an average spend of £220.
By shopping on the internet customers avoid the hassle of busy shops, parking problems, out of stock situations and trawling from shop to shop trying to find what they are looking for.
You can browse the internet from the comfort of your home, compare prices you have more choices and all at the click of a mouse but try to remember to support the British manufacturing industry.
The British shopper is a strange beast. It seems that our love affair with high street shopping may have peaked this year yet our trends to shopping on the web look to be increasing even further. Recent statistics released suggest we are far more likely to buy on the internet than our European or even American cousins. The irony though is that although the UK is benefiting from an internet sales boom our UK manufacturers continue to struggle.
Many industries in the UK have suffered as a result of cheap imported foreign goods and as a result of the strength of the pound against other currencies.
Whilst there are undoubtedly some excellent quality imported goods there are equally as many poor quality, poor value goods. A good example in this area is in the manufacture of jewellery and our UK market has been flooded with cheap foreign rubbish, much of which comes from the far east and is probably produced in less than desirable working conditions. The jewellery is usually of the costume variety, the quality is not great so it won’t last and the materials used are cheap and can produce allergic reactions.
Why not support some of our local home grown talent? Here in the UK we have many talented, skilled independent jewellery designers who struggle to make a living. These people handcraft all types of jewellery from all types of materials including precious metals and gemstones and many pieces will be unique. Most designers are happy to produce one off commissions at very reasonable prices enabling you to own a beautiful piece of UK made designer jewellery.
For your handcrafted jewellery made here in the UK, why not consider using the internet to make your purchase from a secure e commerce shop.
It is predicted that this year there will be bumper on line sales in the UK of over £4 billion pounds which is in stark contrast to high street retail sales which have a taken a bit of a knock. On line shopping is growing some 26 times faster than the High Street with half the UK, some 21 million people choosing to shop for Xmas presents on the internet with an average spend of £220.
By shopping on the internet customers avoid the hassle of busy shops, parking problems, out of stock situations and trawling from shop to shop trying to find what they are looking for.
You can browse the internet from the comfort of your home, compare prices you have more choices and all at the click of a mouse but try to remember to support the British manufacturing industry.
Written by John Lewis Of Love2Have Love2have specialises in quality handcrafted designer jewellery made here in the UK by small independent designers.
Article Source: Women's World
I-Team: Deadly Jewelry
PR Web (press release), WA - 19 hours agoMorgan & Company released its new Fall line of monogrammed handbags and personalized wooden jewelry. Using bold stripes and vibrant ... Read more...
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Holding Capital Completes Equity Investment in Haskell Jewels
Easier, UK - 7 hours ago... The Miss Dee line was launched at the beginning of the year and is well on its way to becoming one of the leading fashion jewelry houses in Sweden. ... Read more...
Louis Vuitton Bag
by Becky King
Louis Vuitton Bag
A Louis Vuitton bag is a statement of style, high class and good taste. Louis Vuitton is the world’s best known bag manufacturer since the beginning of the 20th century. Wearing a Louis Vuitton bag makes every woman feel more confident.
The choice you make when you purchase a Louis Vuitton bag reflects your personality. A discrete woman will choose a slim and elegant clutch bag (such as the Pouchette Louis Vuitton bag); a sports orientated person would buy a backpack bag (for example a Montsouris backpack from the Louis Vuitton Monogram series) while a practical woman may buy a shoulder Louis Vuitton bag (like the Abbesses Messenger bag). A Louis Vuitton bag is suitable for every occasion, no matter if you are going to a wedding, a social event or if you are just going shopping with your friends.
It has happened to every woman to go shopping and see a Louis Vuitton bag that she immediately has fallen in love with and wished to buy. However, if she is not a rich person she will most probably not afford to buy that beautiful Louis Vuitton bag. In such situations the solution is to find a quality replica designer handbag that looks just like the original at a much lower price. On our site you can find the best replica designer handbags at affordable prices. It is not necessary to spend a small fortune on a Louis Vuitton bag that you will most probably not wear the next season, when you can buy an identical replica designer handbag at less than a quarter of the original price.
Fashionable women know that you can’t wear the same Louis Vuitton bag for more than two seasons because you will not be considered trendy. Think about how much money you would have to have to buy a new Louis Vuitton bag every season. Replica designer handbags offer a solution to this problem. Buying replica designer handbags, you can always have the latest creation of Louis Vuitton, Fendi or Hermes without ruining your finances.
When you purchase a Louis Vuitton handbag that is not authentic, you should always check its quality. You should compare the details of your replica designer handbag to the real Louis Vuitton bag. The details of the two should be almost identical, which means that your fake Louis Vuitton bag is a quality product. The risk in buying a low quality replica designer handbag is that your friends might notice that your Louis Vuitton bag is not authentic and this can be very embarrassing. On our site, we offer only very high quality replica designer handbags that are almost identical to authentic ones.
Learn More At: www.myexoticbags.com
Louis Vuitton Bag
A Louis Vuitton bag is a statement of style, high class and good taste. Louis Vuitton is the world’s best known bag manufacturer since the beginning of the 20th century. Wearing a Louis Vuitton bag makes every woman feel more confident.
The choice you make when you purchase a Louis Vuitton bag reflects your personality. A discrete woman will choose a slim and elegant clutch bag (such as the Pouchette Louis Vuitton bag); a sports orientated person would buy a backpack bag (for example a Montsouris backpack from the Louis Vuitton Monogram series) while a practical woman may buy a shoulder Louis Vuitton bag (like the Abbesses Messenger bag). A Louis Vuitton bag is suitable for every occasion, no matter if you are going to a wedding, a social event or if you are just going shopping with your friends.
It has happened to every woman to go shopping and see a Louis Vuitton bag that she immediately has fallen in love with and wished to buy. However, if she is not a rich person she will most probably not afford to buy that beautiful Louis Vuitton bag. In such situations the solution is to find a quality replica designer handbag that looks just like the original at a much lower price. On our site you can find the best replica designer handbags at affordable prices. It is not necessary to spend a small fortune on a Louis Vuitton bag that you will most probably not wear the next season, when you can buy an identical replica designer handbag at less than a quarter of the original price.
Fashionable women know that you can’t wear the same Louis Vuitton bag for more than two seasons because you will not be considered trendy. Think about how much money you would have to have to buy a new Louis Vuitton bag every season. Replica designer handbags offer a solution to this problem. Buying replica designer handbags, you can always have the latest creation of Louis Vuitton, Fendi or Hermes without ruining your finances.
When you purchase a Louis Vuitton handbag that is not authentic, you should always check its quality. You should compare the details of your replica designer handbag to the real Louis Vuitton bag. The details of the two should be almost identical, which means that your fake Louis Vuitton bag is a quality product. The risk in buying a low quality replica designer handbag is that your friends might notice that your Louis Vuitton bag is not authentic and this can be very embarrassing. On our site, we offer only very high quality replica designer handbags that are almost identical to authentic ones.
Learn More At: www.myexoticbags.com
About the Author: Becky King is a well respected software reviewer who lives in California with her family and two dogs.
Article Source: Women's World
Crime Reports
The Journal News.com, NY - 23 hours agoBy WILL DAVID. YONKERS - Yonkers detectives today are investigating the theft of more that $15,000 in jewelry in a burglary at a 55-year-old woman's apartment. ... Read more...
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
GJEPC plans to capture CIS jewelry market
Tacy, Israel - 20 hours ago... of Europe, the United States, the Middle East and others since buyers have begun to show a preference for diamond jewelry as opposed to gold jewelry due to ... Read more...
Diamond Rings are True to the Heart
by John Lewis
Diamond is a mineral and is the hardest known substance to man, but one of the simplest being composed of carbon and the first recorded history dates back to some 3000 years ago to India.
Throughout history diamonds have been associated with mystical power, great beauty and more recently great value and wealth. The word comes from the Greek meaning ‘adamas’ meaning unconquerable and they have been worn throughout the ages by men going into battle as a sign of strength, courage and invincibility.
Most diamonds still originate from central and south Africa although there have been other significant finds in Canada, Brazil, Australia and the biggest diamond mine is in Siberia. The diamond market is very much dominated by De Beers to control the supply and price of diamonds across the world by what some would say are monopolistic practices.
Some of the worlds largest and most valuable diamonds are in the Tower of London in the British Crown Jewels.
Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and are worn throughout the world set in precious metals in many different types of jewellery. One of the most common pieces of jewellery is still the ladies diamond engagement ring and many women still choose to have a diamond as a symbol of love to wear on their engagement finger whether it be the traditional solitaire or three diamonds which some believe signifies ‘I love you’.
Diamonds have always been associated with romance and legend and it is said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds because they possess a magic that nothing else has equalled.
Diamonds vary enormously in price according to size and quality so when choosing diamond rings it is important to consider your budget.
Diamonds are graded according to the 4 c’s which refers to cut, clarity, colour and carat.
The cut of a diamond is very important as it affects the reflective qualities, which will determine the brilliance of a diamond and how it looks to the naked eye. Cut should not be confused with shape such as pear, emerald, round etc.
Clarity refer to the number of flaws known as inclusions in the stone and the stones which have fewer inclusion are more highly prized and valuable because they have greater brilliance. Remember though that a diamond doesn’t have to be flawless to look absolutely stunning.
Diamond colour usually refers to whiteness or colourlessness in white diamonds with those with least colour being more valuable because of their ability to pass more light giving more sparkle and fire. Coloured diamonds do occur naturally ranging from blue to green but they are rare and very expensive.
Carat is the unit of weight for measuring the size of diamonds and in this case it really is a case of size does matter. The value of a diamond rises exponentially in relation to its size so the cost of a 4 carat stone for instance will not be double the cost of a 2 carat stone but very much more. So it is all down to your budget and not a measure of how much someone loves another.
Cost is important when buying a diamond ring but you will find that there is a huge choice out there that will fit within your budget. Remember that clever design and settings can make a diamond appear bigger but if you really want a larger stone on a limited budget you could decide to purchase a stone which is graded slightly lower in terms of clarity and colour.
Diamond is a mineral and is the hardest known substance to man, but one of the simplest being composed of carbon and the first recorded history dates back to some 3000 years ago to India.
Throughout history diamonds have been associated with mystical power, great beauty and more recently great value and wealth. The word comes from the Greek meaning ‘adamas’ meaning unconquerable and they have been worn throughout the ages by men going into battle as a sign of strength, courage and invincibility.
Most diamonds still originate from central and south Africa although there have been other significant finds in Canada, Brazil, Australia and the biggest diamond mine is in Siberia. The diamond market is very much dominated by De Beers to control the supply and price of diamonds across the world by what some would say are monopolistic practices.
Some of the worlds largest and most valuable diamonds are in the Tower of London in the British Crown Jewels.
Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and are worn throughout the world set in precious metals in many different types of jewellery. One of the most common pieces of jewellery is still the ladies diamond engagement ring and many women still choose to have a diamond as a symbol of love to wear on their engagement finger whether it be the traditional solitaire or three diamonds which some believe signifies ‘I love you’.
Diamonds have always been associated with romance and legend and it is said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds because they possess a magic that nothing else has equalled.
Diamonds vary enormously in price according to size and quality so when choosing diamond rings it is important to consider your budget.
Diamonds are graded according to the 4 c’s which refers to cut, clarity, colour and carat.
The cut of a diamond is very important as it affects the reflective qualities, which will determine the brilliance of a diamond and how it looks to the naked eye. Cut should not be confused with shape such as pear, emerald, round etc.
Clarity refer to the number of flaws known as inclusions in the stone and the stones which have fewer inclusion are more highly prized and valuable because they have greater brilliance. Remember though that a diamond doesn’t have to be flawless to look absolutely stunning.
Diamond colour usually refers to whiteness or colourlessness in white diamonds with those with least colour being more valuable because of their ability to pass more light giving more sparkle and fire. Coloured diamonds do occur naturally ranging from blue to green but they are rare and very expensive.
Carat is the unit of weight for measuring the size of diamonds and in this case it really is a case of size does matter. The value of a diamond rises exponentially in relation to its size so the cost of a 4 carat stone for instance will not be double the cost of a 2 carat stone but very much more. So it is all down to your budget and not a measure of how much someone loves another.
Cost is important when buying a diamond ring but you will find that there is a huge choice out there that will fit within your budget. Remember that clever design and settings can make a diamond appear bigger but if you really want a larger stone on a limited budget you could decide to purchase a stone which is graded slightly lower in terms of clarity and colour.
Written by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in unusual diamond rings for wedding, engagement and everyday wear.
Provided By: Women's World
Monday, October 23, 2006
India : Celebrate DHANTERAS with exquisite jewellery from Tanishq
The News - International, Pakistan - 6 hours ago... and children, aged mainly between 10-30 years were witnessed around special makeshift stalls of bangles, mehndi (henna) and artificial jewellery, which were ... Read more...
DTC Holiday Campaign: 'This Christmas, Say Everything without ...
Washington Post, United States - 16 hours ago... world's first diamond bourse, seeks to serve the largely untapped but diamond-hungry Gulf market _ the world's third largest for diamond jewelry, traders say. ... Read more...
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Pearls that Really Aren't: The Conch and the Melo Melo
by Amy Drescher
Things are not always as they seem. This is especially true for the conch “pearl” and the melo melo “pearl,” two types of gemstones that aren’t really pearls at all. Confusing? Yes, as these “pearls” resemble true pearls in more ways than one. Both the melo melo and the conch “pearl” are rare natural gems produced in marine animals; are referred to as pearls; look like pearls, and are used to create beautiful jewelry. So why aren’t they pearls? And if they aren’t true pearls than what the heck are they?
Non-nacreous pearls
Interestingly, not all “pearls” are made of nacre, the combination of aragonite (calcium carbonate) and conchiolin that is secreted from a mollusk and layered together to form what scientists call a nacreous pearl. Some marine animals, like the Queen conch and the melo melo sea snail, produce gorgeous gems made up of non-nacreous calcium carbonate. Calcite, rather than aragonite, is the primary material here. (This material, by the way, is said to be similar to the stuff that produces kidney stones in humans.)
Because they are non-nacreous, the conch “pearl” and the melo melo “pearl” are not considered true pearls by gemologists. Instead, they are classified as calcareous concretions and referred to as “pearls.” Note the quotation marks surrounding the word “pearl.” This punctuation is used to signify that the gem is not a true, nacreous pearl.
Conch “pearls”
Conch “pearls” are natural gems found in the Queen conch, Strombus gigas, a beautiful marine animal prized for its gorgeous shell and succulent meat. (Walk into any popular Caribbean eatery and you’re likely to find a selection of conch chowder and conch fritters on the menu. Note: Make sure to pronounce it correctly: conk, or you might get conched over the head.) The official symbol of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, the Queen conch is fished in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean where it lives. The “pearls” are a delightful byproduct found by fisherman when the meat and shell are harvested.
Typically oval or baroque and less than 3mm in diameter—although much larger ones can be found—the porcelain-shiny conch “pearls” display the same colors as can be found on the animal’s shell interior: white, tan, yellow, and pink. A lovely shade of salmon-pink is the most popular color and typically commands the highest price.
A notable characteristic of conch “pearls,” but one that not all specimens display, is flaming, or chatoyancy. Described as a silk-like or wet silk appearance and typically only present on the pink “pearls,” flaming occurs because of the way the “pearl’s” layers are structured. Unlike pearls formed with nacreous crystals, conch “pearls” are formed by concentric layers of fibrous crystals. The flame effect is an optical illusion that results from this layered arrangement. A highly desirable trait, flame structure on a “pearl” will command more money than a “pearl” without this trait.
Like real pearls, conch “pearls” are thought to be produced by the animal as a protective measure against an intruder. Attempts to culture conch pearls, however, have been unsuccessful, although many efforts are underway.
Due to historical overfishing, the Queen conch is now protected in the Florida Keys, although the animal is fished in other parts of the Caribbean. When harvested, the Queen conch does not always contain a “pearl;” in fact such “pearls” are extremely rare. According to the Gemological Institute of America, only one in 10,000 Queen conch shells contains a "pearl;" adding to their appeal, very few of these are gem quality.
A relative newcomer to the world of decorative jewelry, the conch “pearl” was very much in fashion in Victorian-era baubles, but fell out of favor for a while. Today, conch “pearls” are again enjoying a surge in popularity. Anyone interested in purchasing jewelry made with a conch “pearl” should be aware that the color of these gems fades over time. While scientists are unsure why, some postulate that it has to do with ultraviolet rays breaking down the natural pigments, although even in dark places, the gems will eventually fade. Heat, age and dehydration are also thought to factor into the “pearls’” fading. Conch “pearls” should be worn only occasionally, and it is advisable to limit their time in the sun.
Melo Melo “pearls”
The South China Sea, the Pilippines, India and the Andaman Sea are home to a big orangey-brown gastropod called the melo melo sea snail. Like the Queen conch, this beautiful marine animal with its oversize scrolled shell can produce colorful non-nacreous “pearls.”
Ranging in color from tan to yellow to orange, these very rare calcareous concretions are mostly spherical and typically quite large. (It’s theorized that the animal’s ability to produce “pearls” of such substantial sizes is due to its wide shell opening. In fact, one notable melo melo “pearl” weighed in at 397.52 carats and was said to be nearly the size of a golf ball.) The coveted orange-colored melo melo “pearl” can exhibit intense flame structure, a highly desirable trait, although, like the conch “pearls,” the brilliant color will fade over time.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, as in nacreous pearl formation, the very rare melo melo “pearl” is most likely the result of an intruder…in this case believed to be formed when the gastropod’s large “foot” is bothered by an irritant. Scientists aren’t completely convinced of this theory, however.
Fashionable among Asians, melo melos are only now being appreciated by Western cultures. Like conch “pearls,” attempts to culture melo melo gems have been unsuccessful, thus, like conch “pearls,” the melo melo “pearls” on the market are rare and natural, and of course, expensive.
Things are not always as they seem. This is especially true for the conch “pearl” and the melo melo “pearl,” two types of gemstones that aren’t really pearls at all. Confusing? Yes, as these “pearls” resemble true pearls in more ways than one. Both the melo melo and the conch “pearl” are rare natural gems produced in marine animals; are referred to as pearls; look like pearls, and are used to create beautiful jewelry. So why aren’t they pearls? And if they aren’t true pearls than what the heck are they?
Non-nacreous pearls
Interestingly, not all “pearls” are made of nacre, the combination of aragonite (calcium carbonate) and conchiolin that is secreted from a mollusk and layered together to form what scientists call a nacreous pearl. Some marine animals, like the Queen conch and the melo melo sea snail, produce gorgeous gems made up of non-nacreous calcium carbonate. Calcite, rather than aragonite, is the primary material here. (This material, by the way, is said to be similar to the stuff that produces kidney stones in humans.)
Because they are non-nacreous, the conch “pearl” and the melo melo “pearl” are not considered true pearls by gemologists. Instead, they are classified as calcareous concretions and referred to as “pearls.” Note the quotation marks surrounding the word “pearl.” This punctuation is used to signify that the gem is not a true, nacreous pearl.
Conch “pearls”
Conch “pearls” are natural gems found in the Queen conch, Strombus gigas, a beautiful marine animal prized for its gorgeous shell and succulent meat. (Walk into any popular Caribbean eatery and you’re likely to find a selection of conch chowder and conch fritters on the menu. Note: Make sure to pronounce it correctly: conk, or you might get conched over the head.) The official symbol of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, the Queen conch is fished in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean where it lives. The “pearls” are a delightful byproduct found by fisherman when the meat and shell are harvested.
Typically oval or baroque and less than 3mm in diameter—although much larger ones can be found—the porcelain-shiny conch “pearls” display the same colors as can be found on the animal’s shell interior: white, tan, yellow, and pink. A lovely shade of salmon-pink is the most popular color and typically commands the highest price.
A notable characteristic of conch “pearls,” but one that not all specimens display, is flaming, or chatoyancy. Described as a silk-like or wet silk appearance and typically only present on the pink “pearls,” flaming occurs because of the way the “pearl’s” layers are structured. Unlike pearls formed with nacreous crystals, conch “pearls” are formed by concentric layers of fibrous crystals. The flame effect is an optical illusion that results from this layered arrangement. A highly desirable trait, flame structure on a “pearl” will command more money than a “pearl” without this trait.
Like real pearls, conch “pearls” are thought to be produced by the animal as a protective measure against an intruder. Attempts to culture conch pearls, however, have been unsuccessful, although many efforts are underway.
Due to historical overfishing, the Queen conch is now protected in the Florida Keys, although the animal is fished in other parts of the Caribbean. When harvested, the Queen conch does not always contain a “pearl;” in fact such “pearls” are extremely rare. According to the Gemological Institute of America, only one in 10,000 Queen conch shells contains a "pearl;" adding to their appeal, very few of these are gem quality.
A relative newcomer to the world of decorative jewelry, the conch “pearl” was very much in fashion in Victorian-era baubles, but fell out of favor for a while. Today, conch “pearls” are again enjoying a surge in popularity. Anyone interested in purchasing jewelry made with a conch “pearl” should be aware that the color of these gems fades over time. While scientists are unsure why, some postulate that it has to do with ultraviolet rays breaking down the natural pigments, although even in dark places, the gems will eventually fade. Heat, age and dehydration are also thought to factor into the “pearls’” fading. Conch “pearls” should be worn only occasionally, and it is advisable to limit their time in the sun.
Melo Melo “pearls”
The South China Sea, the Pilippines, India and the Andaman Sea are home to a big orangey-brown gastropod called the melo melo sea snail. Like the Queen conch, this beautiful marine animal with its oversize scrolled shell can produce colorful non-nacreous “pearls.”
Ranging in color from tan to yellow to orange, these very rare calcareous concretions are mostly spherical and typically quite large. (It’s theorized that the animal’s ability to produce “pearls” of such substantial sizes is due to its wide shell opening. In fact, one notable melo melo “pearl” weighed in at 397.52 carats and was said to be nearly the size of a golf ball.) The coveted orange-colored melo melo “pearl” can exhibit intense flame structure, a highly desirable trait, although, like the conch “pearls,” the brilliant color will fade over time.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, as in nacreous pearl formation, the very rare melo melo “pearl” is most likely the result of an intruder…in this case believed to be formed when the gastropod’s large “foot” is bothered by an irritant. Scientists aren’t completely convinced of this theory, however.
Fashionable among Asians, melo melos are only now being appreciated by Western cultures. Like conch “pearls,” attempts to culture melo melo gems have been unsuccessful, thus, like conch “pearls,” the melo melo “pearls” on the market are rare and natural, and of course, expensive.
A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America's Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for Moon River Pearls, www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com
Provided By: Women's World
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Frederick News Post (subscription), MD - 6 hours ago... from the Chinese bazaar to the Turkish bazaar, you pass women on the sidewalk who mumble "zoloto, zoloto" to passersby, advertising the gold jewelry they are ... Read more...
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Diwali visits Oak Tree Road
News-Herald.com, OH - 8 hours ago... the stolen township funds to start the Hollywood Charities Foundation, but stole from the organization for seven years to buy luxury cars, gold jewelry and a ... Read more...
Friday, October 20, 2006
Successful Tanzanite Purchasing on the Internet
by John McQueen
Successful Tanzanite Purchasing on the Internet
So...you've been looking to purchase a quality tanzanite on the internet and you need some help determining what characteristics you should be looking for in a quality tanzanite. This article is intended as a resource to help guide you through a successful tanzanite purchase by avoiding many of the common pitfalls that some consumers become entangled. These pitfalls can often leave a sour taste in your mouth and make you a little head- shy about purchasing tanzanite online.
I am aware that several of our happy tanzanite clients have had bad previous tanzanite purchasing experiences, and some, in my opinion, were downright awful. The common themes in their communications include:
*Didn't really "know" the seller as good as I should have before purchasing my tanzanite...
*Color in hand was significantly different than the tanzanite image shown online...
*Didn't read the "fine print" regarding my tanzanite purchase...
*Wanted to return the tanzanite and the seller charged a hefty re- stocking fee...
*Didn't understand the importance of clarity, tone, hue and saturation before making my tanzanite purchase...
And the list goes on and on... If you have not been through an experience like this, either you're a really web-savvy consumer or you have just been plain lucky. Many tanzanite consumers have thrown a lot of their hard-earned dollars into tanzanites that are of significantly less value than the money they have spent. This is unfortunate for them and quite disappointing to the "good guys" within the tanzanite industry.
How many times have you wanted to know that you are making the correct assessment of a potential tanzanite that you intend to purchase online? I have been asked this question frequently and I am amazed that a large percentage of consumers simply do not do the necessary homework before making a buying decision. Certainly not due to the lack of credible resources that are available to the consumer, many people simply let the "want" of an immediate purchase get ahead of their good judgment.
Let's start with a generic list of things to consider in the process of making a tanzanite purchase. The "generic list" includes such items as the "5 W's," namely, Who, What, Where, Why, When. If your inquiry covers several or even all of these questions, you have made a good start in obtaining the necessary information you need in making a wise purchasing decision on your next tanzanite.
The Tanzanite "Who" and "Where"
Who you are considering doing business with, and where they are located, can tell you much about a tanzanite retailer. Is the tanzanite retailer headquartered domestically or are they a foreign company with an online presence? This fact is generally known/disclosed at the time you make payment, but not always. The whole foreign vs. domestic issue is another discussion altogether, but you need to decide in your own mind what you're most comfortable with. Some foreign companies use a domestic mail drop to ship their tanzanites. On the surface, they appear to be a domestic company, which would willingly submit to FTC rules and regulations, many of which protect you as the consumer, but some foreign companies couldn't care less about these guidelines. So, it never hurts to ask the question. This will help you to avoid the smoke-and-mirrors game that many foreign sellers implement in their marketing strategy. I know of one company, in particular, marketing gemstones that have many concurrent reincarnations, as I like to call them, on the internet at the same time. They have many websites, all with different looks, and sell essentially from the same inventory. While this type of masked marketing is not in and of itself "bad" nor "dishonest," it sure makes it difficult to get the answer to these first couple of questions and creates confusion for many tanzanite buyers. Who am I considering doing business with and where are they located? You might want to cat around on Google a bit to find available information and maybe even get some references. Testimonials and referrals represent a major portion of our business and we willingly share our customer references/experiences on our site to make our reputation "real" for would-be clients. Good stuff! So, understanding who you are about to do business with and where they are located provides you with a foundation of knowledge from which to proceed in the process of obtaining your first/next tanzanite.
The Tanzanite "What"
The ‘What’ question may be answered by simply taking a look at the overall quality range of tanzanites the retailer is offering on their site. Does the tanzanite retailer carry low-grade tanzanites, high-grade, or a broad range of quality? This should speak volumes to you. There are many retailers that simply carry the lower grades of tanzanite for a cheap price and show out the best of these grades as top-quality stones. When you view the pictures of these stones, you may think you are looking at "AAA" color, relative to other tanzanites listed, when in fact you may still looking at run-of-the-mill tanzanites that may be slotted a bit higher in the color range than the others. And yes, there are a LOT of these types of stones available for around $300/ct by a growing number of vendors. The statements regarding the quality of this material are often exaggerated and the pictures on these stones may not even be close to representing the actual item. Caveat Emptor, which is a Latin phrase meaning: "Buyer Beware!" Good advice for us all. Other considerations related to What include a thorough understanding of the retailer's "fine print."
The Tanzanite "Why"
The ‘Why’ question is really self- explanatory.... because you want to own a quality tanzanite, right? In addition, you probably want to try to understand why the company, whose tanzanite you are viewing, is in the tanzanite business. What I mean by this is...other than the obvious reason, to sell a product for a profit, do they appear to have a just offer it as another line of gemstones on their site. Your interests would be best served by shopping with a retailer that has a good stake and large general emphasis in tanzanite. This will provide you with your best chance at viewing a nice collection of gems from which to choose and competitive pricing. Additionally, I recommend that you purchase from sellers that are more than happy to work with you on a custom order. If they are hesitant to do this, it may mean that they are getting their tanzanite from other retailers
(vs. a tanzanite site holder or supplier) and don't want to mess with an order like yours because they simply can't turn around a custom order quickly. It is then possible for you to find yourself purchasing a stone which is only close to what you really desire.
Why settle for something "close" when you are getting ready to drop a chunk of hard-earned change on a tanzanite?
The Tanzanite "When"
And finally, the ‘When’ question deals with such inquiries as: When will my tanzanite order ship and by what method (carrier)? Are there any extra fees when shipping gemstones? When do you restock your tanzanite inventory? When is the best time of year to purchase a quality tanzanite? You get the idea. By asking these types of questions, you get to know your tanzanite retailer better and can pave the way for a long-term, successful relationship with your tanzanite dealer.
In summary, it is important that you have a good understanding of the company from which you wish to make a gemstone purchase AND their quality and price are in keeping with your overall expectations. In our company's experience, we have found it amazing how much repeat business we have done with our valued clients over the years by simply providing answers to these basic questions.
Hopefully, you will make many wise tanzanite purchases in the days, months and years to come. Tanzanite is a truly incredible gemstone, but you owe it to yourself to get the facts FIRST before adding a gorgeous tanzanite to your collection. I encourage you to put this
"purchasing model" in place to avoid the common pitfalls and disappointments of making incorrect buying decisions on your next tanzanite purchase.
This article may be used on your website as long as live html link(s) and bio citations remain intact.
Copyright 2006, The Gem Zone, Inc.
Successful Tanzanite Purchasing on the Internet
So...you've been looking to purchase a quality tanzanite on the internet and you need some help determining what characteristics you should be looking for in a quality tanzanite. This article is intended as a resource to help guide you through a successful tanzanite purchase by avoiding many of the common pitfalls that some consumers become entangled. These pitfalls can often leave a sour taste in your mouth and make you a little head- shy about purchasing tanzanite online.
I am aware that several of our happy tanzanite clients have had bad previous tanzanite purchasing experiences, and some, in my opinion, were downright awful. The common themes in their communications include:
*Didn't really "know" the seller as good as I should have before purchasing my tanzanite...
*Color in hand was significantly different than the tanzanite image shown online...
*Didn't read the "fine print" regarding my tanzanite purchase...
*Wanted to return the tanzanite and the seller charged a hefty re- stocking fee...
*Didn't understand the importance of clarity, tone, hue and saturation before making my tanzanite purchase...
And the list goes on and on... If you have not been through an experience like this, either you're a really web-savvy consumer or you have just been plain lucky. Many tanzanite consumers have thrown a lot of their hard-earned dollars into tanzanites that are of significantly less value than the money they have spent. This is unfortunate for them and quite disappointing to the "good guys" within the tanzanite industry.
How many times have you wanted to know that you are making the correct assessment of a potential tanzanite that you intend to purchase online? I have been asked this question frequently and I am amazed that a large percentage of consumers simply do not do the necessary homework before making a buying decision. Certainly not due to the lack of credible resources that are available to the consumer, many people simply let the "want" of an immediate purchase get ahead of their good judgment.
Let's start with a generic list of things to consider in the process of making a tanzanite purchase. The "generic list" includes such items as the "5 W's," namely, Who, What, Where, Why, When. If your inquiry covers several or even all of these questions, you have made a good start in obtaining the necessary information you need in making a wise purchasing decision on your next tanzanite.
The Tanzanite "Who" and "Where"
Who you are considering doing business with, and where they are located, can tell you much about a tanzanite retailer. Is the tanzanite retailer headquartered domestically or are they a foreign company with an online presence? This fact is generally known/disclosed at the time you make payment, but not always. The whole foreign vs. domestic issue is another discussion altogether, but you need to decide in your own mind what you're most comfortable with. Some foreign companies use a domestic mail drop to ship their tanzanites. On the surface, they appear to be a domestic company, which would willingly submit to FTC rules and regulations, many of which protect you as the consumer, but some foreign companies couldn't care less about these guidelines. So, it never hurts to ask the question. This will help you to avoid the smoke-and-mirrors game that many foreign sellers implement in their marketing strategy. I know of one company, in particular, marketing gemstones that have many concurrent reincarnations, as I like to call them, on the internet at the same time. They have many websites, all with different looks, and sell essentially from the same inventory. While this type of masked marketing is not in and of itself "bad" nor "dishonest," it sure makes it difficult to get the answer to these first couple of questions and creates confusion for many tanzanite buyers. Who am I considering doing business with and where are they located? You might want to cat around on Google a bit to find available information and maybe even get some references. Testimonials and referrals represent a major portion of our business and we willingly share our customer references/experiences on our site to make our reputation "real" for would-be clients. Good stuff! So, understanding who you are about to do business with and where they are located provides you with a foundation of knowledge from which to proceed in the process of obtaining your first/next tanzanite.
The Tanzanite "What"
The ‘What’ question may be answered by simply taking a look at the overall quality range of tanzanites the retailer is offering on their site. Does the tanzanite retailer carry low-grade tanzanites, high-grade, or a broad range of quality? This should speak volumes to you. There are many retailers that simply carry the lower grades of tanzanite for a cheap price and show out the best of these grades as top-quality stones. When you view the pictures of these stones, you may think you are looking at "AAA" color, relative to other tanzanites listed, when in fact you may still looking at run-of-the-mill tanzanites that may be slotted a bit higher in the color range than the others. And yes, there are a LOT of these types of stones available for around $300/ct by a growing number of vendors. The statements regarding the quality of this material are often exaggerated and the pictures on these stones may not even be close to representing the actual item. Caveat Emptor, which is a Latin phrase meaning: "Buyer Beware!" Good advice for us all. Other considerations related to What include a thorough understanding of the retailer's "fine print."
The Tanzanite "Why"
The ‘Why’ question is really self- explanatory.... because you want to own a quality tanzanite, right? In addition, you probably want to try to understand why the company, whose tanzanite you are viewing, is in the tanzanite business. What I mean by this is...other than the obvious reason, to sell a product for a profit, do they appear to have a just offer it as another line of gemstones on their site. Your interests would be best served by shopping with a retailer that has a good stake and large general emphasis in tanzanite. This will provide you with your best chance at viewing a nice collection of gems from which to choose and competitive pricing. Additionally, I recommend that you purchase from sellers that are more than happy to work with you on a custom order. If they are hesitant to do this, it may mean that they are getting their tanzanite from other retailers
(vs. a tanzanite site holder or supplier) and don't want to mess with an order like yours because they simply can't turn around a custom order quickly. It is then possible for you to find yourself purchasing a stone which is only close to what you really desire.
Why settle for something "close" when you are getting ready to drop a chunk of hard-earned change on a tanzanite?
The Tanzanite "When"
And finally, the ‘When’ question deals with such inquiries as: When will my tanzanite order ship and by what method (carrier)? Are there any extra fees when shipping gemstones? When do you restock your tanzanite inventory? When is the best time of year to purchase a quality tanzanite? You get the idea. By asking these types of questions, you get to know your tanzanite retailer better and can pave the way for a long-term, successful relationship with your tanzanite dealer.
In summary, it is important that you have a good understanding of the company from which you wish to make a gemstone purchase AND their quality and price are in keeping with your overall expectations. In our company's experience, we have found it amazing how much repeat business we have done with our valued clients over the years by simply providing answers to these basic questions.
Hopefully, you will make many wise tanzanite purchases in the days, months and years to come. Tanzanite is a truly incredible gemstone, but you owe it to yourself to get the facts FIRST before adding a gorgeous tanzanite to your collection. I encourage you to put this
"purchasing model" in place to avoid the common pitfalls and disappointments of making incorrect buying decisions on your next tanzanite purchase.
This article may be used on your website as long as live html link(s) and bio citations remain intact.
Copyright 2006, The Gem Zone, Inc.
John McQueen is a long-time rockhound, lapidarist (gem faceter), internet entrepreneur and acclaimed freelance writer on various topics related to the gemstone and jewelry industry. For more information on purchasing fine loose tanzanite gemstones and jewelry on the internet, please visit his company's site.
Article Source: Women's World
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Christie s to host jewellery exhibition in Dubai
Fibre2fashion.com, India - 14 hours agoAmrapali, the jewellery design house of Jaipur, owned by Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera who have started revamping antique silver jewellery, now has a branch in ... Read more...
Man-Made Diamonds, A Buyer's Guide
by Gary La Court
It seems nearly impossible to watch TV or open a newspaper without seeing something about man-made diamonds. For hundreds of years science has tried to create a perfect synthetic diamond. Finally, 21st-century technology has made that prospect a reality.
It seems nearly impossible to watch TV or open a newspaper without seeing something about man-made diamonds. For hundreds of years science has tried to create a perfect synthetic diamond. Finally, 21st-century technology has made that prospect a reality.
There are many reasons to purchase synthetic diamonds instead of the mined variety. The prices charged for mined diamonds are, in the very best verbiage, an illusion. To put it more bluntly, Cecil Adams, in his award-winning newspaper column "The Straight Dope" says: "Diamonds are a con, pure and simple." Diamond prices are largely controlled by the DeBeers diamond cartel, and they are not a fair reflection of diamond scarcity. Additionally, studies show that one out of three diamonds sold in the US today has been altered to artificially increase its value. Further studies have shown that on average a couple pays 40% too much for their diamond engagement ring.
Beyond deceptive pricing, there are the issues of "blood diamonds", forced child labor, and a myriad of other disturbing diamond facts.
Recently, socially conscious celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Minnie Driver, and Angelina Jolie have made a vocal issue of wearing only synthetic diamonds to the many gala events they attend.
Good synthetic diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from the mined variety, but without the baggage, and additionally, they cost thousands of dollars less. But, which synthetic diamond is the best choice?
There are many types of man-made or synthetic diamonds available. The choices are numerous, but unbiased information is scarce. Here is an overview and comparison of the synthetic diamonds currently unavailable on the market:
Cubic Zirconia
The grandfather of simulated diamonds, Zircons are available widely. In their best examples, CZ's are actually a fairly decent diamond replica. Unfortunately, the commodity-like availability and vast differences in quality have made the stone synonymous with low-cost fashion jewelry. Perhaps a good choice for cheap bling, but not for fine jewelry. Many sources are available, a decent one is: http://www.czfantasy.com
Russian Diamonds
Including Russian Brilliants, Russian Stars and others, they are in fact nothing but high quality cubic zirconias. This is not mentioned prominently on their web sites and they will only cop to it when pressed, but that is the fact. Russian diamond simulates are priced around $280 per carat.
Russian Diamonds are a fine jewelry selection and are usually mounted in quality precious metal settings.
Russian Brilliants are one of the best and oldest sellers of "Russian Diamonds" available at: http://www.russianbrilliants.net
Moissanite
Moissanite is a lab-created mineral that is a very good diamond stimulant. Moissanite has been on the market as a fine jewelry choice since the early 90s and has picked up quite a few fans. Moissanite is a hard mineral that, like diamond, will cut glass. There are a couple of minor downsides to moissanite however. First, it is quite expensive, (though still cheap compared to diamonds) usually priced about $500 per carat for good samples.
Secondly, moissanite does not have the same optical qualities as diamond and there are several indicators that make them easy to spot with the naked eye for an experienced practitioner. It is difficult to produce a pure white moissanite and they often appear slightly green when viewed in natural light. Also, moissanite has significantly higher radiance and brilliance factors then natural diamond, causing them to appear "too sparkly" to some. Overall though, moissanite is a beautiful synthetic diamond choice.
"Moissanite From the Sky" at http://www.fromthesky.com is a good source of fine moissanite jewelry.
Diamond Nexus
Diamond Nexus gemstones are the result of a fairly new scientific advancement in processing technique, and have only recently been available in the United States.
Diamond Nexus gemstones are excellent diamond stimulants and come very close to matching the properties of mined diamonds at many different comparison points. They cut glass, being virtually identical to diamond on the Mohs (hardness) scale. They refract perfect "hearts and arrows" and have radiance and brilliance readings extremely close to flawless diamond.
Best of all, they are currently introductory priced for the U.S. market, and are a steal at $79 per caret. Diamond Nexus gemstones are only available in precious metal, solid-gold settings.
Diamond Nexus is only available from Diamond Nexus Labs at: http://www.DiamondNexusLabs.com
White Sapphire
Sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral on the Mohs scale, surpassed only by diamond. They are, unlike the others in this review, a natural stone. Their radiance and brilliance are not up to the standards of diamond however. Nevertheless, quality white sapphires priced at around $220 per carat are a good diamond alternative.
A quality source is: http://www.TheNaturalSapphireCompany.com
Gemisis Cultured Diamond
Gemisis diamonds are beautiful and almost perfect diamond replicas. Unfortunately, they are not available in a clear, white color, so they are not a good choice for traditional diamond settings. However, if a yellow, orange or pink diamond is what you crave, Gemisis offers stunning choices in beautiful precious metal, fine-jewelry settings.
Gemisis Cultured Diamonds are only available at: http://www.gemisis.com
Recap:
Synthetic diamonds offer many advantages over the mined variety. You can buy with confidence, knowing that you are getting exactly what you paid for, and have not been the victim of diamond pricing chicanery. If you are concerned with the world around you, you can have a clear conscience, knowing that your money has not contributed to the support of an unethical and abusive industry.
However, there are many choices of synthetic diamonds, with varying degrees of quality. Take a little time to review the seller's information to get a clear idea of what the science is behind the gemstones you are buying.
For my money, I believe the best choices are quality Moissanite stones or the new diamond stimulant gemstones available from Diamond Nexus Labs.
Gary La Court is a legal consultant and frequent author.
He can be reached at glacourt@gmail.com
http://www.groupsolaris.com
Monday, October 16, 2006
A day with the Indian Muslim community
Best Syndication, CA - 2 hours agoMaking money selling silver jewelry is simple. ... Silver jewelry costs around $2 and above per piece; depending on the design/make. ... Read more...
Cheap jewelry: Fashion statement for all
by Rachana Agarwal
Everyone adores the beauty and attraction of a fine jewelry as it enhances the look and personality of its wearer. Generally, jewelry for each part of the body is available in the market that steals the hearts of its admirer. No matter what material you use in to give a shape, jewelry is always a beauty enhancing tool for us.
The fashion of wearing jewelries is as long as the history of humanity. Earlier too jewelries were worn with pleasure when metals weren’t discovered. Jewelries made of inexpensive materials like glass, wood, shell, beads and bones were popular at that time that looks really classy and beautiful.
Now, the craze of wearing cheap jewelries continues and still they are worn with same preference and pleasure. When you go out on shopping, you will find lots of jewelries based upon these inexpensive items that are really trendy and striking and set their own fashion trends. These jewelries are also known as costume jewelry, designer copy jewelry, simulated gems and replica jewelry.
There are many designs and styles available in the cheap jewelry market these days including famous beads jewelries that are gaining a major chunk in the market share. They are colorful and become a great fashion statement for all specially, for teenagers and youths, who are going after for such jewels that are happening and stylist as well. With the use of silver and other inexpensive material like plastic and felt, youths have created such an innovative jewelries that are unique and mind blowing. Paper jewelries such as rings and bracelets are also creating buzz among wearers today whereas, cloth and stones are also used in making some terrific jewels.
Nowadays, gifting a cheap jewelry is also a good option for brides, bridesmaids, proms or any other occasion. You can get varieties in neck wears, earrings, pendants, bracelets and other jewels that are really promising, quite fashionable and easy to wear & take out. Present a nice pairs of earrings and bracelets to a young girl in college; she will definitely get delighted with this memorable and touching gift.
Jewelries are meant to decorate and cheap jewelries are the best means to serve the purpose. Made with inexpensive materials, cheap jewelries are great in setting your personal fashion trends and style. Its not, only teenagers wear such jewels but adults and children are also expending their jewelry collection with different cheap jewelries that is really splendid and incomparable.
Everyone adores the beauty and attraction of a fine jewelry as it enhances the look and personality of its wearer. Generally, jewelry for each part of the body is available in the market that steals the hearts of its admirer. No matter what material you use in to give a shape, jewelry is always a beauty enhancing tool for us.
The fashion of wearing jewelries is as long as the history of humanity. Earlier too jewelries were worn with pleasure when metals weren’t discovered. Jewelries made of inexpensive materials like glass, wood, shell, beads and bones were popular at that time that looks really classy and beautiful.
Now, the craze of wearing cheap jewelries continues and still they are worn with same preference and pleasure. When you go out on shopping, you will find lots of jewelries based upon these inexpensive items that are really trendy and striking and set their own fashion trends. These jewelries are also known as costume jewelry, designer copy jewelry, simulated gems and replica jewelry.
There are many designs and styles available in the cheap jewelry market these days including famous beads jewelries that are gaining a major chunk in the market share. They are colorful and become a great fashion statement for all specially, for teenagers and youths, who are going after for such jewels that are happening and stylist as well. With the use of silver and other inexpensive material like plastic and felt, youths have created such an innovative jewelries that are unique and mind blowing. Paper jewelries such as rings and bracelets are also creating buzz among wearers today whereas, cloth and stones are also used in making some terrific jewels.
Nowadays, gifting a cheap jewelry is also a good option for brides, bridesmaids, proms or any other occasion. You can get varieties in neck wears, earrings, pendants, bracelets and other jewels that are really promising, quite fashionable and easy to wear & take out. Present a nice pairs of earrings and bracelets to a young girl in college; she will definitely get delighted with this memorable and touching gift.
Jewelries are meant to decorate and cheap jewelries are the best means to serve the purpose. Made with inexpensive materials, cheap jewelries are great in setting your personal fashion trends and style. Its not, only teenagers wear such jewels but adults and children are also expending their jewelry collection with different cheap jewelries that is really splendid and incomparable.
Author is an experienced jewelry business expert. For more information on buy jewelry online visit http://www.sparkleice.com
Provided By: Women's World
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Jewelry retailer to open Internet diamonds site
goTriad.com, NC - 19 hours ago... The jewelry she crafts requires these same skills. Her ... challenge. She always favored unusual jewelry, especially larger pieces. ... Read more...
First-Class Travel Packages Featured in Silent Auction at The ...
Philippine Information Agency, Philippines - 15 hours ago... accessories; and toys and games. The Fashion Hall will exhibit: costume jewelry; fine jewelry and leathergoods. A Philippine Raw Materials ... Read more...
Saturday, October 14, 2006
How to Look Great without Spending a Dime
by Caterina Christakos
It’s important to develop a smile that delivers a balanced message between “I’m happy you noticed me,” and “I wasn’t born yesterday so don’t even think that you just won round one.”
In other words, you want a smile that is bright, alive, and attractive without making
you look like a grinning idiot. And that’s easier to do than you might think.
A good smile is like a good makeup concealer; it can cover up a face that might not be as attractive as you wish it was, or it can draw attention away from some other part of your body that you don’t necessarily want him looking at for the moment.
Developing a good smile is just like developing any other character trait. It takes practice and here’s how you get it.
Go into any room where there is a mirror and where you can be alone. Bedroom,
bathroom, it doesn’t matter. Then stand in front of the mirror and smile. Smile wide,
smile big, smile hard. Make funny faces and laugh at yourself. Think about funny
things.
Notice the difference when you smile naturally over something humorous and when you force a smile to appear. Smile until your face hurts, take a break and then start smiling again.
Try to spend at least 30 minutes every day practicing your smile until you can paint it on your face with no effort at all.
If you can’t hit your stride and are unable to find a smile that “works” seek some help from people who smile for a living. Seriously, go to the magazine store, buy some glamour and Hollywood magazines, and bring them back with you to your smile room. Leaf through the magazines until you find a smile you like and then practice, practice, practice until that smile appears whenever you need it.
It’s important to develop a smile that delivers a balanced message between “I’m happy you noticed me,” and “I wasn’t born yesterday so don’t even think that you just won round one.”
In other words, you want a smile that is bright, alive, and attractive without making
you look like a grinning idiot. And that’s easier to do than you might think.
A good smile is like a good makeup concealer; it can cover up a face that might not be as attractive as you wish it was, or it can draw attention away from some other part of your body that you don’t necessarily want him looking at for the moment.
Developing a good smile is just like developing any other character trait. It takes practice and here’s how you get it.
Go into any room where there is a mirror and where you can be alone. Bedroom,
bathroom, it doesn’t matter. Then stand in front of the mirror and smile. Smile wide,
smile big, smile hard. Make funny faces and laugh at yourself. Think about funny
things.
Notice the difference when you smile naturally over something humorous and when you force a smile to appear. Smile until your face hurts, take a break and then start smiling again.
Try to spend at least 30 minutes every day practicing your smile until you can paint it on your face with no effort at all.
If you can’t hit your stride and are unable to find a smile that “works” seek some help from people who smile for a living. Seriously, go to the magazine store, buy some glamour and Hollywood magazines, and bring them back with you to your smile room. Leaf through the magazines until you find a smile you like and then practice, practice, practice until that smile appears whenever you need it.
Caterina Christakos is the founder of stillagirl.com - the positive place for women and girls. For more beauty tips go to: http://www.stillagirl.com
Article Source: Women's World
Friday, October 13, 2006
Adler s Jewelry Celebrates New Orleans Superdome Grand Re ...
Antiques and Arts Weekly, CT - 2 hours ago... Fine Jewelry & Watches: Platinum, Diamond & Pearl Clip by Van Cleef & Arpels (over 6 cts), Turquoise & Silver Necklace, 18kt Cartier Bracelet, 19th c. Rose cut ... Read more...
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Navajo Jewelry
by Rachana Agarwal
Traditional American Indian tribe has its own culture and customs. They are known for their passion of wearing beautiful and sparkling jewelry that symbolizes their deep heritage and rich legacy proudly. Over the years, different classic jewelries have been worn with pleasure and pride.
Native American Indian jewelries include bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, chokers and others. Most Indian jewelries utilize silver and some semi-precious stones such as turquoise, opal, lapis, and others. However, turquoise is the most commonly used gemstone. As a means to compliment silver, turquoise is used in engraving and stamping accomplished chisel, shaped steel piping, awl, and punch that looks simply brilliant and marvelous in its own way. You can also find delicate designs and styles in silver base that looks simply stunning and radiant. Navajo jewelry is symmetrical, repetitive and balanced in their appearance. If you look at the designs of this remarkable jewelry, you will find strong impressions of geometric patterns found on Mexican leatherwork.
The squash blossom necklace has always been very popular in Navajo jewelry which is typically composed of silver beads resembling stylized blossoms, with a single crescent-shaped pendant at the center. Some squash blossom necklaces are made entirely of silver; others combine silver and turquoise or silver and coral. Silver turquoise pendants and earrings are also catching the market these days that has a definite shine and elegance. Turquoise bracelets in Navajo jewelry are also getting popularity due to their sharp cut and antique style. Don’t get surprised if you notice these attractive bracelets in the hands of youths and celebrities who love to decorate themselves in such a different and eye catching jewelry.
The most interesting feature of Navajo jewelry is its uniqueness. You will never find two similar pieces in Navajo jewelry that really got some striking looks. This may be because they are not mass produced by machines or in a factory. They are purely hand made and each piece is classic in its own way. In fact, some of artists follow the policy of copyright for protecting the design and pattern of Navajo jewelry.
Till now if are not a proud owner of this antique jewelry, buy a beautiful and elegant Navajo jewelry will definitely help you to establish your own fashion statement. So, Navajo jewelry is not mere an accessory it is the value and worth that can make you distinct and beautiful with its glow and eternal shine.
Traditional American Indian tribe has its own culture and customs. They are known for their passion of wearing beautiful and sparkling jewelry that symbolizes their deep heritage and rich legacy proudly. Over the years, different classic jewelries have been worn with pleasure and pride.
Native American Indian jewelries include bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, chokers and others. Most Indian jewelries utilize silver and some semi-precious stones such as turquoise, opal, lapis, and others. However, turquoise is the most commonly used gemstone. As a means to compliment silver, turquoise is used in engraving and stamping accomplished chisel, shaped steel piping, awl, and punch that looks simply brilliant and marvelous in its own way. You can also find delicate designs and styles in silver base that looks simply stunning and radiant. Navajo jewelry is symmetrical, repetitive and balanced in their appearance. If you look at the designs of this remarkable jewelry, you will find strong impressions of geometric patterns found on Mexican leatherwork.
The squash blossom necklace has always been very popular in Navajo jewelry which is typically composed of silver beads resembling stylized blossoms, with a single crescent-shaped pendant at the center. Some squash blossom necklaces are made entirely of silver; others combine silver and turquoise or silver and coral. Silver turquoise pendants and earrings are also catching the market these days that has a definite shine and elegance. Turquoise bracelets in Navajo jewelry are also getting popularity due to their sharp cut and antique style. Don’t get surprised if you notice these attractive bracelets in the hands of youths and celebrities who love to decorate themselves in such a different and eye catching jewelry.
The most interesting feature of Navajo jewelry is its uniqueness. You will never find two similar pieces in Navajo jewelry that really got some striking looks. This may be because they are not mass produced by machines or in a factory. They are purely hand made and each piece is classic in its own way. In fact, some of artists follow the policy of copyright for protecting the design and pattern of Navajo jewelry.
Till now if are not a proud owner of this antique jewelry, buy a beautiful and elegant Navajo jewelry will definitely help you to establish your own fashion statement. So, Navajo jewelry is not mere an accessory it is the value and worth that can make you distinct and beautiful with its glow and eternal shine.
Author is an experienced jewelry business expert. For more information on buy jewelry online visit http://www.sparkleice.com
Provided By: Women's World
Elton John 'Stays in Vegas' for Live QVC Broadcast
National Jeweler, NY - 20 hours ago... According to the JCOC, interest in purchasing fine jewelry and watches is up 21 percent compared with last year, with over a quarter of respondents planning to ... Read more...
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Jewelry
by Rachana Agarwal
Jewelry is the eternal passion of every woman as they are not only decorative but looks classy too so; every one desires to enrich their asset with more and more jewelries in her kitty. Discount jewelries with their great designs and styles are the best option to get quality items in reasonable prices. It is the whole world in itself containing varieties that suits the needs of an individual.
Costume jewelry, fine jewelry and modern fashionable jewelry, just imagine what you want and what is your limit, the results will be numerous and worthy that defines a different style and elegance for its wearers. You can also find a replica of any fashionable and trendy jewels that actually costs you a fortune from buying them from a high standard store.
Talking about the designs and craftsmanship, discount jewelries are really excellent and simply beautiful. A stylist silver crafted chain and ring has a stunning effect as of glittering diamond ranging in few dollars that makes them affordable and desirable. Besides, there are lots of gemstone jewelries available on internet sites that offer jewelries based on people’s birth months and their zodiac signs. Gemstones jewelries are of different shades and come in various sizes and patterns too. You can also get a whole range in antique jewelry, which looks outstanding & striking and matches with those who choose their own path of fashion. As far as quality of these jewelries is concerned, discount jewelries are unmatched and irresistible. They offer great deal in comparative less price and value.
Occasional discount jewelry is also becoming a craze these days that includes artistic pair of earrings, funky rings and chains and cool bracelets. There is something special for everyone from a little girl to a matured woman, from a young lad to a grown man, choose gifts as per your preference and the concerned person’s, surely you can make out something exclusive and distinctive to memorize a special occasion.
Discount jewelries are also a good option for giving as a gift. Earrings, rings, brooches and bracelets are available in myriad hues that match with every dress and outfit. A nice pair of toe rings is also getting popular as they are stylist and a terrific fashion statement for all. Trendy anklets and pendants are another king of discount jewelry that you have in abundance. Therefore, here you need to just think about your choice and you will get it in reality.
Jewelry is the eternal passion of every woman as they are not only decorative but looks classy too so; every one desires to enrich their asset with more and more jewelries in her kitty. Discount jewelries with their great designs and styles are the best option to get quality items in reasonable prices. It is the whole world in itself containing varieties that suits the needs of an individual.
Costume jewelry, fine jewelry and modern fashionable jewelry, just imagine what you want and what is your limit, the results will be numerous and worthy that defines a different style and elegance for its wearers. You can also find a replica of any fashionable and trendy jewels that actually costs you a fortune from buying them from a high standard store.
Talking about the designs and craftsmanship, discount jewelries are really excellent and simply beautiful. A stylist silver crafted chain and ring has a stunning effect as of glittering diamond ranging in few dollars that makes them affordable and desirable. Besides, there are lots of gemstone jewelries available on internet sites that offer jewelries based on people’s birth months and their zodiac signs. Gemstones jewelries are of different shades and come in various sizes and patterns too. You can also get a whole range in antique jewelry, which looks outstanding & striking and matches with those who choose their own path of fashion. As far as quality of these jewelries is concerned, discount jewelries are unmatched and irresistible. They offer great deal in comparative less price and value.
Occasional discount jewelry is also becoming a craze these days that includes artistic pair of earrings, funky rings and chains and cool bracelets. There is something special for everyone from a little girl to a matured woman, from a young lad to a grown man, choose gifts as per your preference and the concerned person’s, surely you can make out something exclusive and distinctive to memorize a special occasion.
Discount jewelries are also a good option for giving as a gift. Earrings, rings, brooches and bracelets are available in myriad hues that match with every dress and outfit. A nice pair of toe rings is also getting popular as they are stylist and a terrific fashion statement for all. Trendy anklets and pendants are another king of discount jewelry that you have in abundance. Therefore, here you need to just think about your choice and you will get it in reality.
Author is an experienced jewelry business expert. For more information visit http://www.glimmerrocks.com
Provided By: Women's World
Monday, October 09, 2006
850 Attend West Coast Jewelry Show
IDEX Online, Israel - 5 hours ago... Safdico is a partner of Graff, the London jewelry house known for its very high-end diamond jewelry, which is often set with exceptionally large diamonds. ... Read more...
More men embrace wearing jewelry
Dexigner - 6 hours ago... the 10th anniversary of the day Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with cancer and declared himself a survivor by designing a new fine jewelry wristband. ... Read more...
Sunday, October 08, 2006
JEWELRY – BLINGING IN STYLE
by Bridget Allen
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then jewelry is her soul sister! Jewelry is such a powerful accessory that many choose one fabulous piece and build an outfit around it. You can ruin a perfectly great outfit by wearing the wrong jewelry.
Before we get into what and how to where jewelry there are some no-nos that you should be aware of. Relax – these are too tough to follow!
Don’t overdo it with jewelry. Keep it simple. Wear no more than one big piece such as earrings or necklace.
Don’t wear an ankle bracelet or toe ring with a dressy outfit. It can look trashy.
Limit the number of rings. Wear chunky rings alone.
For after hours events, replace your basic day jewelry with more festive pieces.
Now for the good stuff. Here’s what you can do with jewelry.
It’s takes a confident person to wear bold jewelry. Going bold is great and screams “I’m okay with standing out in the crowd and I want everyone to know it!” What it shouldn’t do is over-accessorize the wrong outfit. Don’t wear prints with big and bold jewelry. Sleek all black or all white are perfect with colorful jewelry.
Learn to mix metals. It’s not taboo to gold with gold and silver. Just remember to keep the style of jewelry the same. Stacking square or round bangles in different shades of gold and silver is fine. You can even layer gold and silver necklaces for a modern look.
Wear the right length necklace. Wearing the wrong necklace can through any outfit out of kilter. Here are some simple guidelines for getting it right. V-neck, boat-neck and off the shoulder tops look great with collar necklaces. Chokers are great with strapless or plunging necklines. The most common length is between 17-19 inches. This can be worn with most necklines except high ones. Plunging necklines look great with a necklace length of 20-24 inches. Very high necklines are perfect for 28-34 inch necklace. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then jewelry is her soul sister! Jewelry is such a powerful accessory that many choose one fabulous piece and build an outfit around it. You can ruin a perfectly great outfit by wearing the wrong jewelry.
Before we get into what and how to where jewelry there are some no-nos that you should be aware of. Relax – these are too tough to follow!
Don’t overdo it with jewelry. Keep it simple. Wear no more than one big piece such as earrings or necklace.
Don’t wear an ankle bracelet or toe ring with a dressy outfit. It can look trashy.
Limit the number of rings. Wear chunky rings alone.
For after hours events, replace your basic day jewelry with more festive pieces.
Now for the good stuff. Here’s what you can do with jewelry.
It’s takes a confident person to wear bold jewelry. Going bold is great and screams “I’m okay with standing out in the crowd and I want everyone to know it!” What it shouldn’t do is over-accessorize the wrong outfit. Don’t wear prints with big and bold jewelry. Sleek all black or all white are perfect with colorful jewelry.
Learn to mix metals. It’s not taboo to gold with gold and silver. Just remember to keep the style of jewelry the same. Stacking square or round bangles in different shades of gold and silver is fine. You can even layer gold and silver necklaces for a modern look.
Wear the right length necklace. Wearing the wrong necklace can through any outfit out of kilter. Here are some simple guidelines for getting it right. V-neck, boat-neck and off the shoulder tops look great with collar necklaces. Chokers are great with strapless or plunging necklines. The most common length is between 17-19 inches. This can be worn with most necklines except high ones. Plunging necklines look great with a necklace length of 20-24 inches. Very high necklines are perfect for 28-34 inch necklace. This length can also be doubled for a multi-strand look.
Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion. Get the free course " Fashionista Essentials" now at www.i-stylish.com
Provided By: Women's World
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Barn an artful place to pass time
Kommersant, Russia - 16 hours ago... unique archeological and numismatic collections, a rare set of Russian porcelain and glass, and the Gold Storeroom, where gold and silver jewelry and weapons ... Read more...
Bryce Co. Hires Long-Time RTO Veteran; Addition to Sales Team ...
Fibre2fashion.com, India - 16 hours ago... of Reef Mall, the Pure Gold Jewelers 33rd outlet in the UAE in Dubai offers a wide range of jewelry to choose from including diamond jewelry, precious and semi ... Read more...
Friday, October 06, 2006
How To Choose The Perfect Ring
by Blue Crockatt
Choosing a ring
Choosing a ring
When it comes to choosing our own jewelry we can be very picky as well as we can be very impulsive buyers. I would like to give you some advice about choosing your rings. When I help out my customers in person I get to really direct them into jewelry that fits for them individually. What I mean by that, is that many people only look at the jewelry without taking in consideration their hands, fingers & comfort. When choosing a ring of course we want the ring to look good but will it look good on our specific type of hands? It's just like clothing, it may look great on the models but maybe not so much on you. Look at your hands, are they wide or narrow, are your fingers short, long, thin...
If you have big hands you must get a solid ring because chances are your hands are strong & you use them accordingly & you don't want the band to brake. Also don't choose something too tiny it will look out of proportions. Wide bands can fit you but not too wide, go for about half an inch wide. You are one of the lucky people who can wear very large stones so don't miss out on that!
If you have small thin hands you probably already know that rings which are too massive & heavy aren't meant for you. Go for filigree or Celtic designs they will be much more comfortable & will suit you best. Wide bands can suit you as long as they are not too wide & keeps you from closing your hands completely so if you buy online & don't get to actually try it on before buying verify the width.
Wide bands are very hot right now, but they aren't meant for everyone. Long slim fingers suit them best. Actually most rings will suit you best but not too narrow, stick with about a quarter inch and more width in the front.
Short chubby fingers sorry for you but you should avoid wide bands, you wont be comfortable & it will end up in a jewelry box. If you have short fingers choose a thinner band with the front part small to medium size. If you really want to go with a wide band well choose one that tapers down in the back to about a quarter of an inch or less. Try a colorful stone that will catch the eye or maybe a cameo ring.
I hope these advises will help you find rings that better suit you & that it will have you purchase the right ones. After all when we love a ring, that it looks great on your hand & it is comfortable it often ends up being a real treasure.
Silversmithing artist Blue Crockatt invites you to see her latest handmade jewelry at http://sterlingsilverart.com.
Business People
Trading Markets, CA - 15 hours ago... Categories with the softest performances for SFAE in September were women's designer collections, designer evening wear, children's apparel, and fashion jewelry ... Read more...
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Events/Festivals
Asbury Park Press, NJ - 6 hours ago... around. Don't give up,' " he says. Mr. T, who has survived a bout with cancer, no longer wears his signature gold jewelry. He shed ... Read more...
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Jewelry Throughout Time
by John Lewis
Throughout time, man has sought to decorate the human body and this has manifested as body painting, tattoos, piercing and for those a little squeamish or less brave, decoration by the wearing of adornments generally know as jewelry.
In ancient times, jewelry may have been simple pieces made from natural materials such as shells plucked from the seashore or pebbles worn smooth and polished by years of being tumbled along the sea or river bed. These would have been strung together perhaps as necklaces or wrist pieces as early examples of a charm bracelet. Nature gives up so many beautiful things that can be used to make items such as earrings, rings, bracelets, hair pieces and so the list goes on.
Skilled craftsmen would have laboured for many hours intricately carving small pieces of bone, ivory or wood to fashion exquisite unique pieces of jewelry, no two of which would ever be the same.
To ancient man, jewelry was not just decorative but very symbolic and the wearer often held the belief that these trinkets were lucky, that they would ward off evil spirits or that they would even help them defeat their enemies in battle.
To the Romans and Ancient Egyptians the wearing of jewelry and the type of jewelry worn was a direct indication of a persons standing in the community. Large heavy ornate pieces forged from solid precious metals such as gold, encrusted with precious or semi precious gemstones were a sign to say – look how rich and important I am.
Styles and materials may have changed over time but the wearing of diamond jewelry has always been a practice adopted by both men and women.
Over the years there has even been functional jewelry such as the medical alert items, which have saved many peoples lives. Identity type bracelets worn by a person who has a medical condition or requires vital medication have helped medical personnel decide on appropriate treatment when faced with a person who has been rendered incapable of communicating because of for instance an accident.
Over recent years, popular items have been the brightly coloured rubber bracelets sold in aid of various charities, which demonstrate that the wearer supports that cause and has donated money to help raise funds for that cause. Some traditionalists may not regard these strictly as being jewelry although who said that the article had to be expensive or made from precious metals to qualify for the name.
In modern times, we have seen a huge increase in the type and variety of jewelry available and the discovery of new strong and lightweight metals such as titanium or other alloys has given rise to new many new possibilities. Man made materials such as acrylics and plastics also lend themselves very well to the manufacture of affordable, colourful jewelry and in the shops you can see many examples of wonderful, bright and modern fun items, to be worn on any occasion as the mood takes.
Whilst most of us choose to spend a little extra on that special piece of jewelry such as our wedding rings, we now have an endless choice of less expensive everyday jewelry which we can change to suit our mood or match our outfit.
Who knows what the future holds with regard to the designs and materials we will have at our disposal to make attractive pieces of jewelry to be worn by both men and women. One thing is for certain and that is that there will be a never ending supply with something to suit all tastes and all budgets from the most traditional to the most contemporary.
Throughout time, man has sought to decorate the human body and this has manifested as body painting, tattoos, piercing and for those a little squeamish or less brave, decoration by the wearing of adornments generally know as jewelry.
In ancient times, jewelry may have been simple pieces made from natural materials such as shells plucked from the seashore or pebbles worn smooth and polished by years of being tumbled along the sea or river bed. These would have been strung together perhaps as necklaces or wrist pieces as early examples of a charm bracelet. Nature gives up so many beautiful things that can be used to make items such as earrings, rings, bracelets, hair pieces and so the list goes on.
Skilled craftsmen would have laboured for many hours intricately carving small pieces of bone, ivory or wood to fashion exquisite unique pieces of jewelry, no two of which would ever be the same.
To ancient man, jewelry was not just decorative but very symbolic and the wearer often held the belief that these trinkets were lucky, that they would ward off evil spirits or that they would even help them defeat their enemies in battle.
To the Romans and Ancient Egyptians the wearing of jewelry and the type of jewelry worn was a direct indication of a persons standing in the community. Large heavy ornate pieces forged from solid precious metals such as gold, encrusted with precious or semi precious gemstones were a sign to say – look how rich and important I am.
Styles and materials may have changed over time but the wearing of diamond jewelry has always been a practice adopted by both men and women.
Over the years there has even been functional jewelry such as the medical alert items, which have saved many peoples lives. Identity type bracelets worn by a person who has a medical condition or requires vital medication have helped medical personnel decide on appropriate treatment when faced with a person who has been rendered incapable of communicating because of for instance an accident.
Over recent years, popular items have been the brightly coloured rubber bracelets sold in aid of various charities, which demonstrate that the wearer supports that cause and has donated money to help raise funds for that cause. Some traditionalists may not regard these strictly as being jewelry although who said that the article had to be expensive or made from precious metals to qualify for the name.
In modern times, we have seen a huge increase in the type and variety of jewelry available and the discovery of new strong and lightweight metals such as titanium or other alloys has given rise to new many new possibilities. Man made materials such as acrylics and plastics also lend themselves very well to the manufacture of affordable, colourful jewelry and in the shops you can see many examples of wonderful, bright and modern fun items, to be worn on any occasion as the mood takes.
Whilst most of us choose to spend a little extra on that special piece of jewelry such as our wedding rings, we now have an endless choice of less expensive everyday jewelry which we can change to suit our mood or match our outfit.
Who knows what the future holds with regard to the designs and materials we will have at our disposal to make attractive pieces of jewelry to be worn by both men and women. One thing is for certain and that is that there will be a never ending supply with something to suit all tastes and all budgets from the most traditional to the most contemporary.
John Lewis runs Love2Have an on line jewellery website that only sells UK hand made ladies and diamond jewelry including engagement rings and wedding rings.
Provided By: Women's World
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Jewellery, the Economy and Gold
Diamonds.net, NY - 27 minutes agoBy Jeff Miller. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) elected Sanjay Kothari chairman on September 30. Kothari has ... Read more...
Monday, October 02, 2006
Northeastern Fine Jewelry offers diamond giveaway for theater ...
Yahoo! News (press release) - 9 hours ago... leader, marketing a wide variety of brand name products in such categories as home furnishings, licensed products, fashion, beauty, electronics and fine jewelry ... Read more...
How to Buy Pearls
by Yan Berry
Pearls are an enduring classic of romantic beauty and sophistication suitable for almost any occasions or celebrations. Pearls may be worn with formal eveningwear, with a business suit, or casually with a sweater and jeans. The official June birthstone provides an ideal choice for brides, young women looking for a touch of elegance, or a cherished gift for birthday, Christmas, graduation, sweet-sixteen, anniversary, or just to say I love you.
Once rare and expensive, modern cultured pearls have become an affordable luxury. To choose consider six factors contribute to the value of a pearl: luster, nacre thickness, shape, surface texture, size, and color.
Luster- the Essence of Pearl Beauty
Pearls gain their unique beauty from the play of light reflecting through layers of fine crystalline nacre gradually deposited by an oyster. Nearly transparent nacre gives the deepest luster and the highest reflection. A high-quality pearl will have a brilliant even reflection with a fine warm glow or radiance. Lower quality pearls have a dull sheen.
High-quality Akoya pearls have a higher luster than South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which tend to have a softer, more diffuse reflection.
Color and Overtones
The dominant color of a pearl comes from the main reflection from the pearl surface. The deeper reflected light draws the inner color from the pearl, called the overtone.
Light colored pearls are available in shades of white, cream, and golden. White with pink or silver overtones are generally the most valuable. The most desirable dark colored pearls are black with green or blue overtones.
Color matching is also important when buying pearl jewelry. Perfectly matched pearls in color and size are more valuable than poorly matched pearls.
Shape and Surface Texture
The highest quality pearls are perfectly round with smooth surface, very few surface imperfections, and even coloration. Lower quality pearls may be nearly round, or show more surface imperfections, such as wrinkles or large pits on the surface.
Pearl Size and Necklace Length
The pearls in a strand are measured in a range, such as 7-7.5mm. They are strung with the largest pearls at the center of the necklace and gradually smaller towards the clasp. Larger pearls are more valuable and they create a more dramatic look. High-quality pearls larger than 9 mm are scarce and very expensive.
The classic and most common pearl necklace length is the 17-19 inch princess. It is a good choice for a first pearl necklace because it can be worn with many things.
Decide Pearl Types
There are four types of pearls:
1.Classic Akoya Pearls
2.Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls
3.Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls
4.Inexpensive Decorative Freshwater Pearls
The above four types of pearls are all cultured pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in ocean saltwater so they are also called saltwater pearls.
Akoya pearls are the most popular type for their appealing high luster, luxury and affordability.
Decide Pearl Quality
Pearls usually have four grades: A, AA, AAA, and AAA+ quality. AAA and AAA+ quality are the highest quality.
AAA and AAA+ quality pearls are the most desired pearls for gifts. They have high luster and very clean surface skins.
AA quality pearls have medium luster and slight to medium surface imperfection. They are ideal gifts for someone who will be happy to own a piece of fine pearl jewelry.
A quality pearls have low luster and medium to heavy blemishes. They are not popular for gifts due to their low quality.
Decide where to buy pearls
You can buy cultured pearl jewelry from retail stores, online shops or online auctions. When shop for pearls, it is recommended to buy pearls from these places: stores that grade pearls carefully; stores that provide certificate and offer money back guarantees.
Provided by PremiumPearl.com.
Pearls are an enduring classic of romantic beauty and sophistication suitable for almost any occasions or celebrations. Pearls may be worn with formal eveningwear, with a business suit, or casually with a sweater and jeans. The official June birthstone provides an ideal choice for brides, young women looking for a touch of elegance, or a cherished gift for birthday, Christmas, graduation, sweet-sixteen, anniversary, or just to say I love you.
Once rare and expensive, modern cultured pearls have become an affordable luxury. To choose consider six factors contribute to the value of a pearl: luster, nacre thickness, shape, surface texture, size, and color.
Luster- the Essence of Pearl Beauty
Pearls gain their unique beauty from the play of light reflecting through layers of fine crystalline nacre gradually deposited by an oyster. Nearly transparent nacre gives the deepest luster and the highest reflection. A high-quality pearl will have a brilliant even reflection with a fine warm glow or radiance. Lower quality pearls have a dull sheen.
High-quality Akoya pearls have a higher luster than South Sea or Tahitian pearls, which tend to have a softer, more diffuse reflection.
Color and Overtones
The dominant color of a pearl comes from the main reflection from the pearl surface. The deeper reflected light draws the inner color from the pearl, called the overtone.
Light colored pearls are available in shades of white, cream, and golden. White with pink or silver overtones are generally the most valuable. The most desirable dark colored pearls are black with green or blue overtones.
Color matching is also important when buying pearl jewelry. Perfectly matched pearls in color and size are more valuable than poorly matched pearls.
Shape and Surface Texture
The highest quality pearls are perfectly round with smooth surface, very few surface imperfections, and even coloration. Lower quality pearls may be nearly round, or show more surface imperfections, such as wrinkles or large pits on the surface.
Pearl Size and Necklace Length
The pearls in a strand are measured in a range, such as 7-7.5mm. They are strung with the largest pearls at the center of the necklace and gradually smaller towards the clasp. Larger pearls are more valuable and they create a more dramatic look. High-quality pearls larger than 9 mm are scarce and very expensive.
The classic and most common pearl necklace length is the 17-19 inch princess. It is a good choice for a first pearl necklace because it can be worn with many things.
Decide Pearl Types
There are four types of pearls:
1.Classic Akoya Pearls
2.Large Exotic Black Tahitian Pearls
3.Large Golden or White South Sea Pearls
4.Inexpensive Decorative Freshwater Pearls
The above four types of pearls are all cultured pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in ocean saltwater so they are also called saltwater pearls.
Akoya pearls are the most popular type for their appealing high luster, luxury and affordability.
Decide Pearl Quality
Pearls usually have four grades: A, AA, AAA, and AAA+ quality. AAA and AAA+ quality are the highest quality.
AAA and AAA+ quality pearls are the most desired pearls for gifts. They have high luster and very clean surface skins.
AA quality pearls have medium luster and slight to medium surface imperfection. They are ideal gifts for someone who will be happy to own a piece of fine pearl jewelry.
A quality pearls have low luster and medium to heavy blemishes. They are not popular for gifts due to their low quality.
Decide where to buy pearls
You can buy cultured pearl jewelry from retail stores, online shops or online auctions. When shop for pearls, it is recommended to buy pearls from these places: stores that grade pearls carefully; stores that provide certificate and offer money back guarantees.
Provided by PremiumPearl.com.
PremiumPearl.com specializes in quality cultured pearl jewelry including pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and Tahitian pearl pendants.
Provided By: Product Reviews
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