Dash of dazzling gems n jewels... A hub of beautiful hand-beaded designer jewellery made of semi-precious stones.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Your Pearl Jewelry: Handle with care
Luster is the glow of the pearl and its radiance as perceived by the human eye it is remains an important indicator in evaluating cultured pearl quality, separating the inferior pearl from the superior and the ordinary from the extraordinary. Surface quality signifies the presence or absence of physical blemishes or flaws. The cost of the pearl will depend on the surface quality, the fewer the blemishes, the more expensive the pearl the more rounder and symmetrical the pearl, the more valuable it will be. The larger the pearl, the more valuable it will be. Therefore buying pearls is like an important investment because pearl lovers make no compromise with the quality of pearls. Therefore it is important to take proper care to protect the luster and beauty of your pearls, while providing many years of enjoyment.
Always remember to store pearls separately in a soft cloth pouch, linen cloth, or soft lined jewelry box from the other jewelries to prevent it from being easily scratched or damaged. Chemicals present in the personal care products, such as hairspray, makeup, and perfume, can harm the pearl's surface and reduce its luster. Therefore it is advisable to apply personal care products first before putting on pearls to keep its luster for long time. Always remember to remove pearls before exercising or doing strenuous activity because sweat contains natural acids that can harm the pearl's surface and dull the pearl's luster. Take care to wipe your pearls gently with a soft damp cloth after wear, which will help you keep the luster intact for long time. You can also wash your pearls using a mild liquid soap to help remove harmful build-ups.
Do not hang pearls to dry as this may stretch the silk thread and to prevent breakage you should have your pearls restrung periodically with silk thread and knotted between each pearl.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Pearls | Most Sought-after Gems in the World
This year, pearls are a fashion statement and most of the celebrities wore it as to adorn themselves. It makes them glamorous and transformed them into fun and fashionable accessory. Do you that? Every woman dreams is to own a pearl necklace because of the simplicity of the pearl is the woman right to possess. Pearls is the birthstone of June and used as birthstone engagement rings.
There is a vast range of pearls to choose from and are categorized into the following:
Black Tahitian Pearls, Button Pearls, Coin Pearls, Cultured Pearls, Freshwater Pearls, and. Natural Pearls or
A beautiful black Tahitian Pearl Ring is made up of 18k white gold and diamonds. Its high luster is complement by a twisting 18K white gold, diamond encrusted design. The large 13mm Tahitian pearl has a flawless surface that you will never get tired of gazing into.
History of Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are named after the
It was shaded with tones of other colors and and their color comes from the black areas of the large oysters they grew in . Tahitian Pearls highly value because of their rarity; the culturing process for them dictates a smaller volume output and can never be mass produced. The rarity of the black cultured pearl is now a "comparative" issue and is rare when compared to Chinese freshwater cultured pearls.
Celebrity that wore Tahitian Pearl necklace
Actress Elizabeth Taylor owns one of the world’s most famous pearls, the La Peregrina pearl, which was given to her in 1969 by then-husband Richard Burton.
Kate Moss, the fashionable model is also frequently seen in pearl strands and changing into more weather-friendly fare, Moss is wearing on a super-plunging black maillot swimsuit and long strands of black pearls.
A good pearl should have the good luster, being bright, the surface should show your reflection. If it's too white or dull in appearance, it showed low quality.
When buying a Tahitian pearl ring, you should consider the following tips. Avoid pearls with blemishes and cracks. A consistent luster throughout the pearl shows good quality. Beeswax is often used by jewelers to treat pearls but may affect the luster, so ask your jeweler about it.
Tahitian pearls have become one of the most sought-after gems in the world.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Warning – don’t buy silver jewelry before reading this
This article will educate you so you understand what the different terminologies are when you are buying silver jewelry or silver articles.
What is silver?
Silver is a metal which has been used for hundreds of years. Silver is mined from many countries but the biggest producers are Mexico, Peru and Australia.
Silver in its pure form, is normally considered too soft for everyday use. Therefore, other metals are added to the pure silver such as cooper.
The different types of “Silver”
Sterling silver is the main type of silver used in jewelry, ornaments & dinnerware today. This is solid silver. Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy.
Sterling silver is hallmarked as “925”.
Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and is normally considered too soft to use for most items. It is also solid silver.
Silver plating is common and sometimes dishonest sellers try to pass this off as sterling silver. It’s also call electroplated silver or silver coated as well. Silver plated items are made using a base metal, normally brass or nickel, which is then put through an electroplating process. Electroplating is a process which adheres a very very thin layer of pure silver onto the base metal.
The result is a sterling silver looking item at a much reduced price. It may look like sterling silver but the silver plating tends to wear off quite quickly exposing the less than beautiful base metal.
Alpaca Silver or German Silver is not actually silver at all. It is a greyish looking alloy which resembles silver. It is sometimes referred to as nickel silver, paktong, and new silver. It is also used as a base for silver plated items because of its appearance. If you want real silver, stay away from this. Also, beware of sellers selling this as “fine jewelry” to consumers that don’t know the difference between sterling silver and alpaca silver.
Mexican Silver is silver is used to describe silver made in Mexico. It must have more than 90% pure silver content to be Mexican silver. Most silver jewelry from Mexico today is actually sterling silver.
Britannia Silver has a pure silver content of 95.85% and no more than 4.16% copper. This silver is marked in the U.K. and Ireland as "958 silver." It is an even more pure form of silver than sterling silver. Hence it’s higher valuer.
Antiquing of Sterling Silver JewelryAntiquing is very common in the silver industry today and is the practice of applying a finishing process to sterling silver to give the item an appearance of age. As well as giving the item an appearance of age, it also helps to produce a contrast which makes the details of intricate designs stand out better.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
About the Gold and Silver Jewelry Quality Mark
In the USA, Britain and Switzerland the carat system is used. According to the carat system the 1000th mark of quality of the precious metal corresponds to 24 conventional units. In most European countries the metric system of the mark defining is used. It means that it is defined by the number of parts of the precious metal in 1000 weight units of the alloy.
The quality mark of precious metals alloys is set legislatively and is guaranteed by the state. All the jewelry necessarily undergoes the assay control to ensure it. As a result the mark of assay is put. The mark is defined by its digits. It’s up to a country to choose the form and the pattern of the mark of assay.
Very widely used in jewelry are 18k gold alloys as their properties are most suitable to work with. They contain: silver - 7,0%- 15,0% , palladium - up to 14%, nickel - up to 4%, zinc up to 2,4%, nickel - 7,5% - 16,5%, zinc - 2,0% - 5,0%, copper - up to 15%.
Another popular alloy is 14k gold. The alloys of this standard can have different colors. The color is influenced by the qualitative ratio of the ferrous metals.For instance, if 14k gold alloy (58, 3% - gold) contains silver – 36% and copper 5, 7% the alloy gets a greenish color. With silver- 18,3% and copper -23,4% - the pink one. With silver 8,3% and copper 33,4% - a reddish color.
The so-called white gold is often used in the jewelry with diamonds. The 14k white gold alloy contains: silver - 23,7% - 28,7%, palladium - 13,0% - 18%, nickel - 17%, zinc - 8,7%, copper - 16%. The 18k white gold alloy contains: silver - 7,0% - 15,0% , palladium - up to 14%, nickel - up to 4%, zinc up to 2,4%, nickel - 7,5% - 16,5%, zinc - 2,0% - 5,0%, copper - up to 15%.
The gold alloy of the 958th standard (metric system) or 24k is not durable and that is why rarely used. The gold alloy of the 375th standard or 10k contains: gold - 37,5%, silver - 10,0%, copper - 48%, palladium - 3,8%. Jewelry containing less than 37.5% of gold is not considered gold jewelry.
The most widely used is the silver alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy. It is used for the jewelry and the cutlery. The silver and brass stuff is frequently covered with a thin layer of rhodium or silver of the 999th standard (silvering).
Friday, July 31, 2009
Which Wedding Jewelry Pieces Should You Wear?
As a bride, you want the elements of your wedding ensemble to complement and enhance your natural beauty, not compete for attention. That is why most experts recommend wearing simple wedding jewelry sets. What should your jewelry ensemble consist of? That depends on your hair and dress. Here are some tips to help you pull it all together.
Earrings
Keep your dress and hairstyle in mind when you choose earrings. Chandelier or dangly earrings can look wonderful with an up do, but can become tangled if you wear your hair down. If your dress is elaborate, keep the earrings simple. Popular choices for a formal wedding include pearl studs, diamonds, and crystal solitaire earrings.
Hair Jewelry
Tiaras, hairpins, combs, and decorated headbands can all add interest and glamour to your wedding hair. If you choose an eye-catching piece, such as a crown-like tiara, let this be the central element in your jewelry ensemble. A subtle piece, like a pearl comb, can complement more elaborate jewelry.
Back jewelry
You can enhance the look of a backless or low-cut gown by wearing a back drop, backwards strands of opera-length pearls, or lariat. This also adds more interest for the guests during the ceremony.
Necklace or pearls
The necklace can be bold (to complement a simple wedding dress) or delicate (to balance the look of an elaborate gown). If your gown has an interesting neckline, you may want to go without. Keep in mind that different lengths work best with different necklines. Generally, leave a gap between the neckline and necklace. Alternately, you can wear long pearls or a necklace below the neckline if your dress is unadorned.
Wrist wear
Unless your dress is strapless, the general rule is to keep hands and wrists unadorned (except for the wedding ring set, of course). Or, wear a delicate bracelet as an accent piece. Too much "going on" around your wrists or hands will distract attention away from you and the gown, and fragment the look. The strapless gown is the exception. A cuff or other substantial bracelet can enhance bared shoulders and arms.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tips for Finding Cheap Wedding Jewelry
If you are like most brides you have unplanned wedding expenses and must somehow reduce the budget. Fortunately, you can find a variety of wedding jewelry for less than you thought possible. Here are eight tips for doing so:
1. Buy replicas. From a distance and to the undiscerning eye, cubic zirconia and crystal are indistinguishable from real stones. If you have fallen in love with a piece of fine jewelry you cannot afford, a similar piece made with these less expensive materials can look exquisite.
2. Opt for silver or gold-plated jewelry instead of solid gold or platinum. To a casual observer, the difference in quality is not obvious. Also, silver is perennially in style.
3. Consider inexpensive pearls (freshwater cultured pearls are generally cheaper than other types). Or, buy pearl-shaped crystals.
4. Ask for a discount if you plan to buy several pieces. Also, it cannot hurt to make an offer on a piece. Designers, online stores, and other independents have some latitude when pricing their goods.
5. Buy on eBay. There is always a wide variety of inexpensive pieces available through auction or eBay stores. Inventory changes constantly, so return often if you do not find the right piece on your first visit.
6. Rent jewelry for your wedding. If you must have fine jewelry but cannot afford it, rent pieces for the ceremony and reception.
7. Make your own jewelry. You will enjoy the added benefit of complete customization. Craft stores like Ben Franklin and Hobby Lobby have aisles dedicated to jewelry-making supplies. You can also purchase supplies on eBay.
8. Consider borrowing. Wearing a piece from Mom, Aunt Ellen, or a special friend can add sentimental value to the wedding while doing wonders for a strained budget.
There you have it! Eight ways to ease budget strain and still wear the perfect jewelry ensemble on your big day.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Designer engagement ring
Mostly, engagement ring can take on different meanings for different couples, but they traditionally stand for a commitment to each other, often a commitment that the couple has engaged to each other and eventually to-be-married. Above all, if you want to make your engagement something special and make feel your lovely lady that she is so special for you then designer engagement ring is the best choice.
Designer engagement rings are available in various shape and styles like classic settings, side stone settings, tension settings, three stone settings, matching band settings, and pre-set engagement rings. In addition, you can also design your engagement ring according to you and your darling’s choice.
Now there are lots of choices in designer engagement rings that can satisfy her wishes like diamond engagement ring, pearl studded ring and gold or platinum rings. Among all these, diamond ring is unquestionably more favored by people due to its unique physical properties and look. Diamond ring can be made of gold, silver or platinum. Hence you have enough choices to persuade and satisfy your would-be-bride. Women always like the luxurious gift and the engagement is a memorable event nobody wants to forget it. So make your day extra special with a special engagement ring that describes how much you love her as well as make her feel how romantic and sentimental you are.
So before choosing designer diamond engagement ring, choose your diamond by determining your budget as diamonds come in many shapes and sizes. By doing so, this will help you eliminate the irrelevant rings and diamonds, and will start making your choice a little easier. Even if your budget is not as high as you would like it to be, know that you can always reset and add stones later on. Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.
Apart from that the other important thing is that learning about the 4c’s of diamond— Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut, is an easy way to learn basically everything you should know before purchasing diamonds. This will help you understand the cost and quality of diamonds. And if you are finding difficulties choosing your favorite designer engagement ring then the online jewelry shops can help you.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Wedding Guest Attire Guide
The dress of the bride will draw the attention of everyone, but the wedding guest attire will also be important. At such events it is best to be well informed about what to wear and what to avoid, in order to be able to mingle in and feel good at this celebration party. When deciding on your wedding garments, you should be fully informed on where and when the event will take place. The level of formality is also important when choosing the wedding guest attire. All these are essential things to consider as you need to be appropriately dressed. Women and the wedding clothes
Women pay a lot of attention on the wedding guest attire and they always want to be in style and suitable to the occasion. Consequently, here are some indications for them. For day weddings, a suit or a short dress is what you need to get a hold of. For evening weddings, a cocktail dress is perfect. Long dresses are in for evening and night weddings. These may be adorned with beads and glittery jewelry. The color of your dress should be according to your taste and preferences. However, avoid white, as the white is the color of the bride at this event. Dark colors should be avoided during day and may be great for evening and night. Be decent when choosing the wedding guest attire, as you might offend people at the wedding with see through or if you show too much skin.
Men and wedding guest attire
Even if men do not care too much about what they wear there are certain codes which must be kept when going to a wedding. For day weddings suits are recommended. For late afternoon weddings, suits are also suggested, and this time they may be in darker colors. If you are invited to an ultra formal wedding, the ties must be worn plus a vest and a fancy suit. A tuxedo is not exactly a hot item during day time weddings; it’s too much for wedding guest attire. You are allowed to wear it at an evening event. However, the simplest attire is a black suit, and this will be suitable in any possible case. Wear a black suit and you will be chic and trendy.
Should I wear this?
These brief guide lines in wedding guest attire are essential. If you wear decent and recommended clothes, you will be safe and feel good and it is like a sign of respect to your hosts and the other guests. Last but not least, the wedding guest attire should be comfortable as you will have to dance and have a good time when such a joyful event occurs.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
All about fresh water pearls
Unlike the natural pearls fresh water pearls are produced in mussels and are grown with human intervention. Whatever be its origin and the process it also provides the same level of happiness and brings pleasure just as the natural pearls do. Both natural and cultured pearls are identical in makeup that is they are comprised of the changeable internal layer of a mollusk shell. There is some confusion with the evolution of cultured pearls. People relate cultured pearls with imitation but this is far from the original fact.
Freshwater cultured pearls are pearls that are grown in mollusks that live in freshwater ponds, lakes and rivers rather than in the ocean and are produced in mussels. Cultured pearls mean that this freshwater pearl growth process was deliberately started by man. They look so natural that the best specimens of freshwater cultured pearls could be compared with the saltwater pearls—the Akoya pearl, the Tahitian pearl and the South Sea pearl in beauty and quality.
Freshwater cultured pearls are produced in mussels that are nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only, which is taken from a donor mussel since they do not contain a starter "bead."
They are characterized by beautiful luster and a durable surface that will not easily flake or peel to reveal the inner bead whereas pearls that are bead-nucleated and prematurely harvested are prone to flaking and chipping. The most notable characteristic feature of freshwater pearls is their striking arrangement of beautiful, natural pastel colors. Pastels like cream; white, yellow, orange, and pink are common with freshwater cultured pearls. Apart from this the color pink which symbolizes romance and a pink pearl jewelry is an ideal gift for your valentine. Even lavender pearls are enjoying a rush in popularity today universally. Remember that pearls should be taken care to keep their luster for long time because once damaged their shininess could not be recovered. Therefore care should be taken that they are gently wiped with a damp cloth that has been dipped in a mild soap and water solution and air dried before wearing them again. Avoid contact with your hairspray, perfumes makeup and other chemicals. Store your pearl jewelry in the separate box to save it from getting scratched by other gems.
Freshwater pearl jewelry could be found everywhere today, from the red carpet to the boardroom and beyond. The reliable reason cited behind the popularity of freshwater pearls is their availability in abundance in wide variety of pastel colors and of course the prices that are within the reach of most consumers.
Pearl Necklace Jewelry
Smooth and delicate the pearl lends an air of elegance to the wearer and have been a wardrobe staple for centuries, and a wedding attire tradition. However, one can make it somewhat more chic and stylish by giving it a slightly modern twist by interspacing on gold wire or floating on special synthetic cord giving a millennium look. Currently Floating Pearls are a very "hot" fashion statement for their trendy and stylish looks available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors to dazzle the eye.
The floating pearl necklace as the name suggests gives the illusion of pearls suspended around your neck but in reality it the pearls are held by gold or clear synthetic cord. As because pearls a floating necklace can be linked together with thread it can be easily given any style with the help of different colors and sizes of pearls by mixing and matching. Weaving can be done either with thread or with wire. There are different techniques of weaving that produces an entirely different look to the piece of jewelry created. Thus with one's imagination and creativity floating pearls could be made in a lot of creative styles.
The original floating pearl necklaces employed the method of knotting. A knot was made after each pearl in the necklace and the advantage of this technique is, if the thread breaks, only one pearl will fall off the necklace rather than the entire string of pearls. Another method involved wrapping the acrylic thread around the pearls with the thread becoming part of the design of the jewelry. They form Illusion Pearl Necklaces that adds style and flair to any jewelry collection threaded on virtually-invisible fine acrylic strands. They are and made of 4-5 mm round natural cultured fresh water pearls either are of the same color; or pearls of different colors and sizes. They are also available in single strand or in multi-strand. One has an endless variety of designs and styles to choose from many online stores that sell exquisitely delicate illusion pearl necklaces.
Floating pearl necklaces are attractive, trendy and stylish and suitable for every occasion. They are wonderful for weddings and goes well with simple elegant outfits. Floating pearl necklaces are feminine and very flattering and can radiance to the face taking years off a woman whatever her age is. They can be an excellent birthday, wedding or anniversary gifts.
Jewelry
Necklaces:
Maybe the most beautiful way to primp your neck. Manufactured from precious metal or than fashion jewelry. Necklaces were a symbol in the past and they still are. A welcome present in caribic countries or a amulet for protection. Necklaces have a long tradition. Today they are usually just an ornament. There are no limits set for your fantasy. Big pendants or decent pearl necklaces. Everything is possible.
Rings:
The beginnig of the rings were the signed rings in the antiquity. They were a symbol for class and grade. Almost Kings made use of that. They were made from bones, stone or metal and beaded with gemstones in every kind and form. Till now the ring is a symbol for a bond like engagement and marriage. Now it´s not more just symbol but a great accessoire. Nearly every woman has a couple of rings at home. The ring was the origin of the todays jewelry. Earrings and necklaces has their origin in the first ring.
Earrings:
At the origin of the jewerly evolution there was the ring. There are earrings in every colour, form, length, size and from very different materials. It doesn´t matter is small and petit oder opulent in neon colours, every woman loves earrings. Most of them can´t imagine a world without them.Because jewelry is mostly worn by women, we advise you make presents to the women you love, like the motto “diamonds are a girls best friend”.
All About Promise Rings
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Fine Jewelry, As Accessories to Everyday Life
It is a personal ornaments such as necklace, ring, made from gemstones or other substance. It is made of every material and has been made to adorn nearly or everybody part.
Rings
The ring is a symbol for a bond likes engagement and marriage but a great accessory too. The ring was the origin of the today's jewelry.
Necklaces
The most beautiful way to accessorize your neck. Necklaces is a symbol of past and they still are. Necklaces have a long tradition and used as amulet for protection. Today they are just an ornament with big pendants and decent pearl necklaces, lockets, chains.
Earrings
Earrings is in every form, colour, length, size, and very different materials. It doesn't matter whether is small, every woman love earrings. Most of them cannot imagine without them.
Bracelets Bracelets is an item of jewelry worn around the wrist can be manufactured from leather, cloth or metal and are used for medical and identification purposes such as It carries personal charm with decorative pendants which are the signifies of important things in the wearer's life.
Pendants
These piece of jewelry can normally come in many forms , adorned in any clothing or part of the body can be a distinctive type of jewelry that is made of synthetic or organic. It is a symbol of faith, bound to touch may lives.Necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, and chains in designer jewelry allow much of flexibility in designs and feature that will brings quality to fashion from around the world at various prices-from affordable to competitive prices. A complete sets of fine jewelry with the latest trends are available most websites. Jewelry is mostly worn by women and it is the presence of every women, like the motto "Diamonds are girls best friends".