Thursday, August 07, 2008

Pearl Bracelet

Does the pearl bracelet suggest innocence? It reminds of a young woman or girl, without being suggestive or the slightest bit provocative. It is not the same for a pearl necklace, where the beauty of the necklace draws attention to her neck, and pardon me for saying, and her bust. And that is not to say that the necklace is anymore suggestive, but it is in a way. And if you take that same pearl bracelet, slightly larger of course, and wear it on the ankle, the "suggestiveness needle" goes off the chart for me.

A somewhat different aura comes across when the bracelet is part of a pearl jewelry set, which suggests a certain amount of wealth. And the pearl earring, really is a very feminine statement, just a plain stud earring to me is so beautiful. A pair of white pearl earrings is such a subtle statement of beauty, just understated elegance.

Back to the pearl bracelet, it is also a statement of beauty, but carries a lightness, it is not saying, "Look at me I am so conscious of my feminine beauty." It is more of an innocence saying, "Does this necklace look pretty." I guess I mean it is not "self-conscious".

Many women wear the bracelet without any other jewelry; it is fine by itself, or with matching earrings and necklace. Some pearl bracelets in genuine freshwater pearls come in peach, lavender, multicolor and black. There is also a double and triple strand version of the regular single strand.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Freshwater Pearls From Japan?

Believe it or not, until a short while ago, all freshwater pearls were called Biwa Pearls. Lake Biwa is the name of a very large and ancient lake that is fed by over 500 rivers. Lake Biwa had been used to culture freshwater pearls, from around 1914, until the 1980's saw the decline of pearl culture due to pollution from housing and resort encroachment, industrial and roadside run-off.

Pearl production peaked at around 6 tons annually. And as history repeats itself so many times pollution and over harvesting killed the population of mussels that were the mainstay of Biwa pearl culture. History repeats itself because in the 1500's the Caribbean Sea and the Baja area of the Pacific were huge naturally producing pearl areas. These areas were stripped out by the Spanish search for resources.

Biwa pearls were known for their brownish purple colors with high luster. Biwa Pearls were nucleated as most freshwater pearls are today, that is with a piece of the soft mantle tissue that lines the shell. This technique is different than the way that saltwater pearls are nucleated, that is with a small round piece of mother of pearl. Soft tissue nucleating creates a pearl that is all nacre, much like a natural pearl.

The Japanese have taken to growing freshwater pearls in Lake Kasumigaura. They use a cross between the descendants of the remaining Biwa mussels and Chinese mussels. Some of the mussels from Lake Kasumigaura are actually nucleated with rejected akoya pearls.

They still do produce akoya pearls, Japan once the undisputed ruler of pearl culture has just about given up the culturing of pearls, freshwater and saltwater, because of pollution and rising costs.

They have become the distributor of much of China's pearl harvest of akoya pearls.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Saturday, August 02, 2008

The Freshwater Jewelry Pearl

The Crown Jewels of England are freshwater pearls? Yes, supposedly from the rivers of Scotland. Do you still think they are low quality? Do you know that history says one of the reasons Julius Caesar invaded the British Isles for the freshwater jewelry pearls of Scotland. It is only since a short time ago that the freshwater pearl got a bad rap for being low quality.

Probably the biggest reason for this was when China burst into the cultured pearl market about 30 years ago. They really did burst into the market, and they produced tons of pearls. Most of the pearl farmers had no clue as to how to produce higher quality fresh water pearls. They just knew how to produce tons of low quality rice crispy pearls.

Since then China has made leaps and bounds in making their freshwater pearl be harvest better quality, to the point where the very best freshwater pearls are indistinguishable from high quality saltwater pearls. And the best part is their price is still well below saltwater pearls.

Physically the freshwater cultured pearl is different from the cultured saltwater pearl. The Saltwater pearl is cultured with a starter core of mother of pearl, made from freshwater pearl shell. The freshwater pearl is cultured from a starter of soft tissue that dissolves and that makes them solid pearl.

Today you can buy naturally colored white, peach and violet freshwater pearl jewelry. Enhanced black freshwater pearls are a beautiful exotic newcomer. Whatever color you buy you are going to pay less and get a good quality pearl, if you compare. Many stores including some of the high end department stores sell a lower grade of freshwater pearl necklace.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Friday, August 01, 2008

Tahitian Pearls Colors

Tahitian Pearls are black. Tahitian Pearls are green. Tahitian Pearls are aborigine. Tahitian Pearls are metallic. They are these colors and more. The one big reason why pearls can't be made by man is that it is darn near impossible to create the look of a real pearl. Real pearls are built up layer by layer; the multiple layers all create color and reflect color differently.

Pearls are not a reflective surface. Light penetrates into the pearl nacre and is alternately reflected out and back in, which is one reason why they seem to have an inner light.

Tahitian Black Pearls on first glance may look black .They are black with countless high light. These highlights pick up color and reflect color back, so within the black pearl you will see a rainbow of color. Tahitian cultured pearls range from the black body color, to a medium gray, and my favorite is the black Tahitian pearl that looks metallic.

If you picked a color that was even more representative of the Tahitian pearl color, it would be green. Tahitian pearls can run from a pistachio to a deep blue green, and in between there may be aqua with rose highlights. Tahitian pistachio pearl jewelry is chartreuse green, with an iridescence that can reflect reds and blues from within the green color.

Although I never use the word aborigine in any other context except Tahitian Pearl Color it means the deep purple of eggplant. With the purples come blues and blue highlights. Also with the purples come reds. And my favorites are the metallics, all themselves with highlights of reds and blues.

Since they are all natural colors they range all over within these descriptions.

The rainbow colors, of Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry, are like nothing else.

By Patrick Cavanaugh

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Pearls Strand It Is Real

Want to know if you have got the real thing? Rub the strand across the front of your uppe teeth. It may sound strange, but real pearls will feel rough or gritty while fake ones will feel smooth.

This is due to the micropores found on the genuine article. Imitation pearls are usually made by dipping a glass or plastic bead into a solution of fish scales. The coating is generally fairly thin and will chip over time.

Check the pearls for tiny chips or flakes near the hole drilled through them. If you see chips, chances are your pearls are fake.

Try holding the pearls in your hand for a minute. Real pearls will feel cold initially, then will warm.

Real pearls can be either natural or cultured. Natural pearls are formed when a mollusk secretes a substance called nacre to coat an irritant that makes its way inside the animal's shell.

Cultured pearls are formed with a little human help -- an irritant is purposely introduced into the shell of the animal. You usually need an x-ray or an expert to distinguish between natural and cultured pearls.

Pearls differ from other gemstones in that they're not mined from rock, but rather harvested from mollusks, especially oysters. Clams and mussels have been known to produce pearls as well.

Basically, a pearl is produced when an irritant such as sand gets caught inside the oyster. To protect itself, the oyster secretes a substance akin to mucus. This substance builds up around the sand and hardens. The end result is a pearl.

Natural or South Sea pearls are those made by mollusks harvested from the ocean. Every now and then, one of the pearls will be a darker shade, either gray or black. These are rare, and as a result, very expensive.

As you can well imagine, it's a long, tedious practice to find oysters that have ingested a piece of sand to produce a pearl. The longer a pearl stays inside an oyster, the larger it becomes. Because of this, quality pearls are considered rare and cost a pretty penny.

Fortunately for those who favor this gem, there are now farms in which the irritant is eliberately injected into the mollusk to produce the pearl. These pearls are known as cultured.

When pearls are made without the benefit of a mollusk, they're considered man-made. Man-made pearls are made by using a bit of sand or shell along with a fish-based product called hermage to act as a substitute for the oyster's mucus. Other synthetic pearls include the "glass" pearl, a bead painted with hermage and left to dry and harden. These pearls have little or no value.

Freshwater pearls are produced by mussels. As their name indicates, these pearls are found in rivers and lakes rather than the ocean. Unlike the oyster, the mussel can produce many different pearls at once, sometimes as many as 40 or 50! These pearls come in various shapes and sizes.

Pearls are considered classic and elegant. They're the first choice for bridal jewelry and have a reputation of looking good with any outfit, even the most casual. They'll also add class and elegance to the most formal wardrobe.

If you're considering a purchase of pearls, it's best to do some research to find the type of pearl best suiting your needs and budget.

Remember, everyone looks good in pearls!

by Victor Epand

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Beauty of Fine Pearls

In today's world of advanced scientific techniques, it is not very difficult to find the beauty of those charming white or rose sea pearls. The beginning of the 20th century saw many inventions of the cultured pearls.

Nowadays many pearl cultivation centers have developed. Unlike the natural pearls which are hard to find, limited in number and usually varying qualities, shapes and sizes, these man made pearls are more accurate and flawless.

These are cultivated to be in perfect round shape; useful in jewelry making. This method of production helped to increase the number of pearls being produced, to tens of thousands in numbers rather than just a few pearls being found over a long period of time. The mass production has also been a facilitator in bringing down the cost of this gem to a price, which now a day suits the pockets of many.

Today the cultured pearl industry has took over the natural pearl harvesting industry with many different types of pearls being produced in different parts of the globe. These are harvested either from freshwater or saltwater mollusks. The common misconception is that saltwater pearls are known as cultured; where as the freshwater as well as saltwater pearls are produced with the same process.

The main producers of freshwater pearls are United States, Japan and China. Biwa is the most famous type of freshwater cultured pearl originator from the lake Biwa of Japan. The beauty of these freshwater pearls has been treasured in the minds of people, as they are rare, elegant, classic and royal. A person will always find freshwater pearls in the category of fashion and lifestyle. These can be afforded by a person and are more beautiful than other pearls.

There is a lot of difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls. Pearls which are originated from sea consist of deep color, while the freshwater pearls give a light gray or faded appearance.

Saltwater pearls are usually lustrous and round in shape compared with freshwater pearls, which makes saltwater pearls more expensive.

A pearl represents elegance, sophistication and beauty for all sorts of occasions or events regardless of its nature and type. At the time of buying pearls, a person should keep in mind all the six factors, which determine the quality and value of a single pearl i.e. shape, size, luster, color, surface texture, and nacre thickness.

by Pattrick Jhonson

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Latest Trends in Pearl Jewelry

Whenever we mention the word 'pearl', our mind starts figuring out a white or a cream colored round shaped ball. This is the standard associated with pearl. It is a round beauty accessory rarely found on earth and is nature's gift to mankind.

However, with new ideas designs creeping in the field of jewelry, with technology and interest picking up in jewelry fashion and designing, you need to get out of your traditional shells and look at the latest new trends and designs in pearl jewelry.

Pearls are no more just simple white and round gorgeous items. Women are looking for more versatile designs and patterns in pearls and go after uniqueness instead of having a traditional look Trends of Pearl Jewelry Pearl jewelry is not limited to wearing pearl necklaces.

Apart from pearl necklaces, beautiful pieces of bracelets and earrings are available. Combination of pearl earring with studded diamonds is quite in and fits on any kind of attire and complements your look.

Shapes of Pearl Jewelry:

Some of the shapes in pearl jewelry that are quite popular are:
Round and Oval shape: Round and oval shaped pearls are apt for bridal jewelry and go very well with saris as well. Simple white pearl necklaces also look cool with black cocktail gowns.

Irregular Rice Shaped & Potato shaped Pearls: Rice pearls usually have crumples on their surface and come in unequal shapes.

Potato pearls have uneven oblong shapes. Dome shaped pearls or Mabe pearls: These have flat surface on either of its side.

Keshi: This is a freshwater natural pearl that is becoming quite popular due to its tiny and seed
kind of a look.

Button & Coin Pearls: Button pearls are flat on one side and coin pearls are entirely flat. These look quite well with western outfits.

Popular Colors in Pearls:
Pearls are available in rainbow color range. Thus, it is now possible to mix and match the color of your pearl jewelry depending upon the color of your outfit and handbag. You get a variety of pearls such as Akoya pearls that are white in color, Tahitian pearls that are black in color.

Pearls are also available in silver color and in peacock color finishing and shimmer. Thus, when it comes to fashion jewelry, pearls are no less and you can find wide array of color and designs in pearls that can define your own fashion statement and can become perfect fashion accessory for you.

by Pattrickjhonson

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Black Pearl Earring

If you’re looking for a black pearl earring set, there are some great places to get them. Looking online for black pearls will reveal a lot of search results. How do you know where to get your pearls? You want fair pricing and you want decent quality. Learning a bit about pearls can help you make a good choice when looking at pearls and pricing. A bit of online shopping savvy is also important.

Are you buying your set of black pearls for yourself or for someone else? When you buy them for someone, you probably have a price in mind that you are willing to spend. When you buy something for yourself, you tend to have a specific style in mind and then worry about pricing later. Natural pearls are much more expensive than cultured pearls so when you begin looking at a black pearl earring, you will see that pricing can vary significantly.

Pearls are graded based on several factors including the diameter of the pearl, the type of pearl, the lustre and the texture. Pearls are also valued based on their shape. You’ll find when you look at a pearl necklace that some pearls may look slightly different from one another. When a pearl necklace is graded it’s based on the entire string or strings of pearls whereas with an earring, if it’s a stud or single pearl earring it will be graded differently than if it were a pearl hoop.

How do you know if your pearls are real? There are faux pearl jewels that are simply painted plastic beads. Pearls are slightly heavier and can be a less then smooth if you rub them gently against your teeth. Pearls can last forever if they’re properly cared for.

When choosing an online supplier for your earrings, look first at someone who carries something that you like. Beyond that, you will want to look at pricing. Once you’ve narrowed your search down, it’s a good idea to look at the value added services they provide.

Is there an appraisal included from a certified gemologist? Is there a money back guarantee? Are there accessories or a box or pouch for your jewelry included? All these factors can help you find the best value for your money and the best pearls you can get.

Pearls can be varying shades of many colors including white, silver, pink, lavender, blue, green, black pearls and other colors. Many people who love pearls own multiple kinds of them. There are freshwater and saltwater options and there are natural pearls as well as cultured pearls.

Different oysters or mussels can produce different types of pearls and cultured pearls can be a bit of a science because there are some oysters and some processes that are more likely to put forth a specific type of pearl.

Whether you are buying pearls for yourself or as a gift for someone else, getting or giving a gorgeous set of earrings such as a black pearl earring can be a rewarding experience.

by Charise Stillson

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Freshwater Pearl & Mother of Pearl Jewelry

As freshwater pearls are solid nacre, they are also quite long-lasting, resisting chipping, wear, and degeneration. The Japanese have a distinguished history of culturing freshwater pearls as well.

Freshwater pearls cover the widest range of color and shape than any other pearl type. Originally these pearls were marketed as a lower quality, inexpensive alternative to akoya pearls. For this reason, they were typically used by jewelry designers for pieces that favored design over the gems themselves.

However, since the 1990s, a class of freshwater pearl that are round and shiny have emerged which competitor akoya pearls in both quality and value. Freshwater pearls cover the widest range of options for pearl buyers in size, shape and color. Besides Freshwater Pearls, Mother of Pearl is also very beautiful kind of pearl. It can help you with this part of your healing. It bestows the feeling that you are resting in the arms of a loving mother.

Mother of Pearl can help safeguard you from negative influences, like a protecting mother. When certain harmful frequencies enter your sensation, Mother of Pearl either scatters or absorbs them.

These include the frequencies of other people's negative thoughts and emotions and the harmful emissions of televisions, radios, and microwave transmitters. Although this is a side effect of its energy, it is a profound one and begins to take effect within minutes of donning a Mother of Pearl necklace.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Pearl Jewelry Ever Lasting

Pearls have made a huge comeback into the modern scene just a few years ago. They did not really leave the fashion world but only had limited and specialized use.

Today, pearls can be found in almost all kinds of fashion-related items. It has changed. Pearls become remnants of the past than beautiful gems that can be used as modern accessories.

The reason for this is the accessibility of pearls in the form of freshwater pearls. Japan has started this industry in the 1920s by culturing pearls using freshwater mussels. However, it has declined production but China has claimed the production of cultured pearls because of the high demand for them.

Because of its reentry into the world of edgy fashion, more and more pearl companies are striving to provide jewelry ideas for the modern woman. There are many ways that freshwater pearls can be used and integrated into a woman fashion sense. They can be used as accessories.

Pearl jewelry today tries to incorporate contemporary design and color into pearl necklaces. The classic pearl necklace and pearl choker has given way to long strands of irregularly shaped freshwater pearls in all sizes and colors. They can be paired with casual wear such as jeans, blouses and short dresses.

Pearl bracelets and pearl earrings come in magnificent colors such as red, turquoise and canary yellow that makes any outfit pop. Other jewelry options for pearls include adding beads made of semi-precious stones or crystals.

Office women rely on pearl necklaces to give them that polished corporate look. Jewelry designers are coming up with more and more ideas for pearls. Edgy and contemporary jewelry designs have freshwater pearls in them, either as the main piece or an accentuating item. Indeed, pearls are here to stay.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Online Artificial Jewelry

When we talk about artificial jewelry, many beautiful items come into mind like bracelets, cuff bangle, Cowrie and Hemp Jewelry, Necklaces and Earrings, Diamond bangle bracelets and so on.

In today’s era, when world is like a village, every shop is just a few clicks away. Technology changes our shopping style too. Whether you are wholesale importer or thinking about shopping in bulk for any occasion, it is very difficult to select one shop for your self.

There are lots and lots of web based shops available but you need to learn how to find the best one. There are so many search engines available that can be used to surf the online market .To better use these search engines try to use Key words that relate with your shopping purpose.

For example, to search artificial products try to use keywords such as artificial jewelry wholesale or if you are looking for Bracelets, Cuffs or bangles, then put key words relevant to products, also make sure spelling are correct.

Once you make a good list of site you need to compare their prices and Quality of work. Try to find whether particular site is an actual wholesale company and in serious business.

You may visit Treasure Jewelry Inc, one of the prominent wholesale artificial jewelry online shop, which has a good collection of Artificial Jewelry.

Whatever is your need, whether it is Bangle bracelets wholesale, Cuff bracelet, Cuff bracelets for men, Diamond bangle bracelet, Cowrie Jewelry, Hemp Jewelry , Necklace, earring set all is available here.

Wherever you go for, online fashion jewelry stores will save you money when buying quality jewelry and give you a superior shopping experience.

By Ganesh Khiste

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Birthstone Jewelry

Associated birthstones are believed to bring luck and good fortune to the individuals. Not only luck but they are also believed to have significance to reflect a personality trait of the holders.

Read this article to know more facts about the birthstones guarding your life.

Birthstones are associated with the gemstone jewelry that symbolizes the month of birth of an individual. These birthstones are being used in different cultures since long past in the history.

The significance of wearing birthstones is emphasized by the planetary effects that these stones have on an individual. These stones are believed to have effects on your health economy, relationships, study etc.

People wear their birthstones as a piece of fashion jewelry too these days. As these come in a variety of colors and designs wearing birthstone jewelry is beginning to set a style statement for many.

Every birth sign has a unique birthstone associated with its planets. Like people born in January have garnet as their birthstone, similarly February -Amethyst, March -Aquamarine, April-Diamond, May- Emerald, June- moonstone, pearl, and alexandrite. July- Ruby, August- peridot, September-sapphire, October- rose zircon, November- topaz, citrine, December- turquoise, zircon.

People these days adore wearing their personalized birthstone jewelry to keep their luck bright and peaceful. These birthstones can be worn in rings, necklaces bracelets and other forms of jewelry that can in a way touch your body.

As these pure gemstones are exorbitantly expensive some substitutes are also available in the market that can be wore in place of these gemstones. Like gemstones we have some birth flowers and numbers influencing our birth signs too.

Know about your birth sign stones and relish to wear your birthstone jewelry in your own way.

By Naval Sharma

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Choosing Pearl Earrings

Beauty fashions and trends change with each passing day. If short and unkempt hair is popular this year and probably is that next year, long and smooth hair might be replacing the current trend.

The same applies to shoes and other accessories of fashion that might come and go each year. In this fashion changing world, fashions changes frequently within almost every season, pearl earrings is something you can rely on as they can never look dull and maintain their irresistible shine and glamour on its wearers.

Sheen, Twinkle and Attractiveness The power of glowing round pearls is one such trustable friend that will be out of fashion. Pearls with their ultimate inner light, heart-taking spark and glow are considered to be epitome of beauty and good looks.

In addition, unmatchable shine and glisten of pearls can even lighten your face and personality as well. That is why, women of any age prefer pear earrings and draw attention and make their presence felt in a crowd.

In this world of beauty and glow, a bit of luster is considered of high value and worth. Wearing freshwater pearl earrings with a touch of light make up onto your face and good shaped and fragranced hair will make you look apart from the company and boost your confidence and the way of carrying yourself by providing a new way of expressing yourself.

Trying out a classic Akoya pearl earrings can give you the most intense romantic feeling. Being a wonderful present for someone your really admire, pearls are suitable for every woman who has a distinctive style statement and share a passion for choosing classic jewelry piece for adding beauty to her looks and persona.

If you are getting ready for a special evening, trying out the lustrous effect of pearl could make you stand taller.

by Rachana Aggarwal

Friday, July 04, 2008

Custom Anniversary Ring

There are different kinds of things that you can present to your beloved on her anniversary. However, the gift which will best commemorate your relationship with your wife, is an anniversary ring. It doesn't matter whether it is your first anniversary or fifth, you must give her something special, which will enhance your love for her even more.

Once you have decided to give her an anniversary ring, you can now move forward and design the ring that expresses your feelings towards her. All you have to do is picture the kind of ring you want and then go to any custom-made jewelry store. Tell them all your specifications and they will show you the whole range of metals, designs, shapes and colors for you to choose from.

Forget the old days, where you had to pick a ring from a narrow selection in a jewelry store mall. Moreover, if you had the misconception that a custom anniversary ring will be very costly, you will be amazed at the price. Custom jewelry is not as expensive as you think.While designing your custom anniversary ring, the first thing you have to do is to think about her likes and dislikes.

Next, think about her present jewelry - whether she likes to wear a channel setting or a prong setting or platinum or Gold, or some Princess cut or round stones? You must also pay attention to the details of her daily style of jewelry. Also try to notice, whether she likes designer or traditional styles. Then you have to think about the anniversary that you are commemorating, whether you have children, etc. You must also know about her birthstone, and find out whether she has a special liking for any color or stone.

There are certain custom-made rings, which have no stones in them; they have their own grandeur. These rings are made of only gold or platinum. Platinum is more costly than gold. You can design the initials of her name on the ring to create an added special effect. Finally, you can design the number of years of your anniversary on the anniversary ring, or you can create special engraving on the anniversary ring.

Now, you're ready to create a special ring for your wife, which will really astound her. After choosing the metal of the ring, style, and the type of the stones that you want, visit a jeweler with the expertise and background in CAD (Computer Aided Design) to custom design your ring. He can capture your ideas and prepare a CAD rendering for you to see before the item is made.

You will then have the opportunity to make modifications and changes in any way you want.If you give this kind of custom-made anniversary ring to your wife, she will be spellbound.

By Andy Moquin

Pearl Strand Lengths

Pearl necklaces come in five basic lengths: Choker, Princess, Matinee, Opera and Rope. You may have heard of some of the names but probably have no idea how long each is and, more importantly, how it sits on the neck and below.

Choker - 16 in
The pearl choker is the shortest length circling the neck. While a pearl choker can be worn with almost any neckline and looks great with every style, from casual to formal, make sure it doesn't swallow the neck. Pearl chokers draw attention to the neck but if you have a particularly short or long neck, the attention should be drawn away from the neck to the shoulder line or below. As such, stay away from chokers. For everyone else, a choker is great classic, suitable for every occasion.

Princess - 18 in
A princess strand falls slightly below the neckline and compliments every neck-style from high to low. It's great for office-wear as its length sits just above a blouse neckline and won't be hidden like longer lengths.

Matinee - 24 in
The Matinee strand is most popular for formal occasions and is the perfect length for any little black dress event. It's also the best length for those who are well endowed in the chest region as it highlights the neck and shoulders finishing just above the cleavage.

Opera - 32 in
Falling just below the bust line, the Opera strand is great for evening wear and compliments every body shape. For less formal occasions, it can be doubled over and worn as a twin choker-a true day into night piece.

Rope - 46 in
If it's versatility you're after, then a pearl rope is the style for you. By itself the strand generally falls somewhere around the waistline and is perfect for those that like to stand out from the crowd. Its length means you can play with styles from triple, or quadruple rows of a choker, to doubling it as Princess and Opera style together. Or try simply knotting it for a chic look that's perfect with everything from jeans and a tee shirt to an elegant evening gown.

By Virginia Halevi

Monday, June 30, 2008

Care for Your Jewelry

With very simple techniques you can keep your diamonds fire and brilliance as the first day you bought them. The key to a diamond's magic is its sparkle and fire. Lotions, soap and natural skin oils however can reduce the brilliance of a diamond by leaving a film on the surface. It only takes a few minutes to clean a diamond.

Here are 3 cleaning methods:

1) Detergent Bath Place a mild liquid detergent in a small bowl of warm water. Then, brush the diamond with a small soft brush (a toothbrush will do) and rinse under running water.

2) Cold Water Soak Soak the jewelry for 30 minutes in a 50/50 solution of cold water and household ammonia. Remove and gently tap the front and back of the mounting with a small, soft brush. Dip the jewelry in the solution again and drain on tissue paper.

3) Quick Dip Method Use any brand name liquid jewelry cleaner and follow instructions on label. PROTECTING DIAMONDS Even when diamonds and precious jewelry are tucked away, they need special care. Jewelry should be kept in a fabric-lined jewel case or a box with compartments or dividers. If placed in one box, each piece should be wrapped in tissue paper, because a diamond can scratch and damage another diamond.

Though most women wear a diamond ring twenty-four hours a day, there are occasions when it should be removed. Do not wear a diamond ring while doing rough work. Although a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a very hard blow.

By Hiren Mandaliya

Sunday, June 29, 2008

White Pearl Jewelry

White pearl jewelry is designed with all type of pearls types such as freshwater pearls, akoya pearls, Japanese pearls or akoya seawater pearls and South sea pearls but most affordable white pearl jewelry is made with freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are beautiful and very popular now.

Since all pearls are cultured pearls now and both in USA and International markets pearl jewelry made from cultured pearls are sold everyday. White pearl jewelry made from any types of cultured pearls command different prices depending upon the pearl size and its quality.

Cultured pearls are not limited to white pearls only but come in wide range of other attractive colors such as pink, peach, lavender, black, gray or golden. But white pearl jewelry is always classic and traditional and for centuries women have been wearing them. White pearls natural lustrous appeal is unique and alluring.

Luster is the hallmark of any pearl quality and now with new improved techniques of growing cultured pearls it has become possible to produce good quality pearls and pearl farms constantly try their best to bring top quality pearls in the market every season. Since cultured pearls are grown rivers, ponds, lakes and sea, the weather and climatic conditions and above all the water quality has great bearing on the growth, size and quality.

China and Japan are the major sources of growing freshwater peals and akoya pearls and Tahitian peals come from Tahitian Islands and the French Polynesian Islands. South sea pearls are mainly grown in Australia and some in Indonesia.

When it comes to buying white pearl jewelry, many women prefer to buy matching white pearl earrings and or white bracelet with white pearl necklace or simply choose white pearl pendant.

White pearl jewelry is not heavy on budget unlike diamond, platinum or gold jewelry and often-high quality white pearl jewelry is passed on from generation to generation. White pearl jewelry is a wonderful gift for the weddings or for anniversary.

Many young girls like to wear white pearl jewelry to match with their prom dresses or may just choose to wear for their first date or for Valentine day. Either way white pearl jewelry is a preferred choice for many women of all ages.

By Kheri Chawla

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Pearl Necklace Sets

Pulling together a whole new look - there is nothing more beautiful than a pearl necklace, unless of course you compare them to pearl necklace sets. These sets are often comprised of a necklace, earrings, and even some times a ring and a bracelet. These pieces can all be worn alone but when you want to get dressed up and pull together a cohesive look there is nothing better than a great complete set.

Just about any jewelry store that you go to will feature a couple different jewelry sets for you to choose from. You might find that they have just a couple of the pieces in the store and they can order you additional pieces to fulfill the set. If this is the case, you may want to wait to buy until all of the pieces are in so you like all of the pieces equally.

The great thing about buying sets is that, while everything goes together really well, you do not have to wear everything all at once. Sometimes you may just want to wear the necklace, other times the bracelet or earrings, and then other items it may be appropriate to wear all of the pieces together. Having pearl necklace sets gives you a lot of accessories to work with and you can mix and match, as you like.

Pearl necklace sets are an investment, but they are well worth it. Pearls are very popular today and they are considered classic pieces in any jewelry collection. Unlike a lot of other pieces that you can buy, pearls will never go out of style.

Women have been wearing pearls for centuries and this will likely continue as pearls are classy and versatile and now they are readily available, which helps.

To match luster, color, and quality and size it is recommended to buy pearl necklace sets in one
go.

By Kheri Chawla

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Fashion Jewelry

If you have expensive taste and can afford to dump $20,000.00 on a necklace then fashion jewelry is probably not for you. However, if you have expensive taste but do not have the finances to keep up with your spending habits then replica jewelry might be your cup of tea.

So what the hell is fashion jewelry?

Well, to be precise it is jewelry that is made in the image and likeness of its predecessor; only at a fraction of the cost.

What does this mean for you?

This means that if there is a Gucci necklace with a price tag of $8,000.00 then you can probably find a piece of fashion jewelry that looks exactly the same for a whopping $15.00!

What!? Yes, it is true.

This practice and business has been around for decades. The market for fashion jewelry has really begun to boom over the past few years as the demand for designer jewelry has sky rocketed.

The challenge that most people in our society face is that they want to wear the designer jewelry that they see all of the celebrities and elite class wearing, however, they do not have the finances to support such a desire.

That is exactly where fashion jewelry comes in to play. It is specifically crafted for the "not-so-rich" ever day folk like you and I. It is because of this industry that people from all over the world have been able to confidently strut parties and formal gatherings without spending 50 G's.

So there you have it! A brief description of what exactly fashion jewelry is.

Now go pick up some bling bling and get your fashion on!

By Hans Amory

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Cultured Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are natural gems. Unlike other gems that are cut, shaped and polished to bring color brilliance and shine. Basically, pearl is a natural product of an oyster’s body defense mechanism.

They grow inside their mother oysters with a shimmering iridescence, luster and soft inner glow that are unlike in any other gem on this earth. Natural pearls grow naturally in oysters living at sea without the human intervention. When any irritant or a parasite enters inside an oyster or mollusk then the process of natural coating begins with layer upon layer of nacre inside the oyster.

Natural pearls are rarely found now whereas cultured pearls are very real and genuine. These cultured pearls are formed with the human help when a nucleus is implanted inside the oyster and then the process of coating begins with layers upon layers of iridescent substance called nacre and it takes about 2-5 years to form a complete pearl depending upon techniques and where pearls are grown, sea or rivers among other conditions.

Reflection and refraction from the translucent layers truly determines the unique luster quality of pearls. The display of iridescence in pearls is result of overlapping of successive layers.

Difference in cultured and natural pearls can’t be made with naked eyes; however, distinction becomes very prominent when seen through x-rays. Cultured pearls are used in pearl jewelry as well as in cosmetics. One should also be careful about imitation pearls. Cultured pearls are generally in white colors but can be colored-enhanced in various colors.

All the pearls sold in USA and in other countries around the world are cultured pearls and are known by various names such as freshwater pearls, akoya seawater pearls etc. Freshwater pearls are generally grown in ponds, lakes or rivers whereas seawater pearls are grown under seawaters.

Freshwater pearls are known by freshwater pearls name only and seawater cultured pearls go by different names such as Akoya, Tahitian and South Seawater pearls depending upon the bivalve mollusks types producing them. No matter freshwater or seawater pearls, quality and price again depend upon the size, shape, luster, color and surface etc.

Cultured pearls are now available in high lustrous quality and much lower prices than ever before. Buy Cultured Pearl Jewelry - Quality Par Excellence!

By Kheri Chawla

Rice Pearl Necklaces

Pearls have been the queen of jewelry for centuries. Pearl jewelry has been, is and will always be a part of every woman's jewelry collection. Pearls accessorize any outfit and are ideal for any occasion.

Pearl jewelry can be worn with formal outfits, casuals, picnic wear, beach wear, party wear, weddings, etc. There is no end to the list. Pearls are so versatile that they can be worn by children, teens, young women and older women. Pearl jewelry adds charm and elegance to the wearer.

There are a variety of sizes, shapes and colors of pearls available today. While pearls can be natural they can be cultured too. Freshwater pearls are popular choice for many. Rice pearls are the variety of pearls which are rice or oval shaped. They are strung together with a hole made through their centre.

Rice pearls are available in different shades. They can therefore be matched to any color dress. Our range of rice pearls are strung together by our expert craftsmen and clasped with 14k yellow gold.

Rice pearl necklaces can be custom made to any size. These necklaces can be single, double, triple or even four strands depending on the customer's preference. Since the size of rice pearls are usually small, rice pearl necklaces in three or four strands will look elegant.

Different color pearls can also be combined to make these necklaces which can be matched or contrasted to a variety of outfits. Choose the right shade of rice pearl necklace and add this precious jewelry to your valuable collection of pearls.

Rice pearl necklaces can add color and grandeur to your outfits. Go on. Choose from a wide range of rice pearl necklaces available on the website or give your own ideals to enable the supplier to create wonderful necklaces to your satisfaction.

By Shelley Boswell

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Freshwater Pearls & Akoya Pearls

There are several differences between the freshwater pearls and Akoya pearls, just like the fierce battles between the cultured pearls and natural ones. To start with, the Akoya pearls are far more expensive than the freshwater ones.

The freshwater pearls can be grown easily as they have an easier nucleation process. The pearl mussel, which confers freshwater pearls, has higher rate of nucleation per mollusk. On the other hand, the mortality factor of the Akoya mollusks increases and damages the quality of the product.

In addition to it, the mollusks also have to confront the problems faced due to high tides and typhoons. Thus, in now way, the production of Akoya pearls is simple, as cultured pearls, but then, it is not as hard as the production of diamonds.

Akoya pearls are able to draw more attention due to their round shape. They can be easily used for various necklaces and bracelets. A round bead of nucleation envelopes the Akoya pearls while a soft tissue is present near the nucleation area of freshwater pearls. This soft tissue is later absorbed and it later leaves solid nacre pearl.

On the other hand, the nacre deposited on the Akoya pearl, is limited as its gets a particular duration time before the harvesting of the pearl. Though, the elegance of the Akoya pearl might be more, but the freshwater pearl is comparatively more durable. Due to the hard deposit of solid nacre on its periphery, it has greater longevity.

Some of the Akoya pearls, which are chemically synthesized, often break off and wear out due to the thinner deposit of nacre. In this case, the freshwater pearl emerges victorious in terms of less tendency of chipping away.

But, the luster of higher grades of Akoya pearls, once again, turns the tide in its favour. But, the bracelets which are made of freshwater have a rainbow iridescence on its beads, which is not found on the former pearls. Though the nacre of akoya pearl, is definitely thin, at the same time, its shine cannot be compared with any other types of pearls.

In a nutshell, the debate still stands open. But then, the freshwater pearls are giving a tough competition to the establishment of Akoya pearls. They might emerge as tomorrow's heirloom. The jewelry industry is changing rapidly and hence, there is more scope for innovations and different establishments.

By Pattrick Jhonson

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Jewelry for Yourself

Shopping for jewellery for the loved ones in your life can be an extremely overwhelming task and can feel like the most impossible choice of gift with all the different types, materials and fashions of today.

But have you ever thought about treating the one person who you know best?

Do you recognise that feeling of receiving a jewellery gift and falsifying a reaction of delight, when really you're thinking of excuses for when the person asks why you never wear it in the future?

Well now is the time to receive a perfect gift that you love and will treasure forever...from yourself.

You can now choose a perfect jewellery item to suit your own needs rather than the sentimental messages and symbolism that normally come in addition with presents. When looking for something to catch the attention of friends and family, colourful choices such as gemstone jewellery or diamond rings is definitely the way to get you noticed.

Or for a more fashionable approach, why not purchase an item to suit your clothing or help emphasise the haircut you've just had. You could even choose your favourite colour such as emerald for green and topaz for blue or ensure an outfit is always colour coded with a matching necklace and earrings. Your choices as a customer are endless.

The greatest part about shopping for yourself in today's world is that you no longer have to enter a jewellery store in order to find the perfect item. You will also no longer be pestered by shop assistants causing the horrifying feeling inside when you have to tell them that you're in fact shopping for yourself. The Internet has now eliminated all of these problems.

Shopping for jewellery online now means you can search over pages and pages of beautiful items and read details of certain features or measurements of your product. Each product also has additional pictures from all angles and the choice to change your mind before you buy (less embarrassing than messing around a shop assistant) Purchasing online means you have a lot more time to make your choices about your perfect gift too.

You can even compare prices of a range of sites who usually offer a discounted price anyway, due to the absence of overhead expenses that a brick-and-mortar jewellery store would slightly less have.

All products featured on the sites are shipped quickly and safely and ensure a return and refund policy on all items. The whole process is extremely easy and this is all surprisingly from the comfort of your own home.

So treat yourself today and visit an online jewellery store for that perfect gift that you've never received.

By Gerald Bergam

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Pearls-The June Birthstone

Pearls are the birthstone for June, and are also the gemstone for the astrological signs cancer and gemini. the pearl is considered the gemstone for modesty and purity.

This may be part of the reason that it is also the classic gemstone worn by many brides and also members of the wedding party.

Cultured Pearls - Most pearls that are sold today are cultured pearls. A natural pearl is one created by nature and is a random act. When an irritant enters an oyster or mollusk it's natural reaction is to cover it with nacre and that is how a natural pearl is formed, through a random act of nature.

Pearls formed by purely natural means are often odd shaped and not saleable for the purpose of creating jewelry, and then there is the problem of finding them.

In the nineteen hundreds a method was perfected for creating cultured pearls. Instead of waiting for nature to take it's course, man devised a method for introducing an irritant into the oyster or mollusk so it would begin it's job of creating a pearl.

From the introduction of the irritant, the oyster takes over and does what it has known to do for thousands of years. The process is no different. It is basically farming.

Those who farm cultured pearls provide the oyster or mollusk with the best environment which helps to produce more pearls and ones that have a better chance of being more uniform and acceptable to the marketplace for the making of jewelry.

This process has taken a natural gem which was once so costly that in ancient times the price of one fine pearl could finance a war, and brought it into a price range that makes it available to most anyone who is gainfully employed.

Pearls are a distinctive gem in that they are the only one that is created by a living organism and the only gem that needs no cutting. They are also distinctive for their luminescent quality.

Pearls are a wonderful choice for jewelry and can provide many occasions for wear and display. A pearl necklace or earrings are appropriate for both formal and casual occasions and will look just as appropriate when worn with a formal gown as they will when worn with a casual skirt and sweater.

They are a very good choice for wear with a wedding gown as they display their luminescent beauty without overplaying. Since a wedding gown will only be worn once, it should not be outdone by the accompanying accessories. Pearls are a very good choice.
By Illa Maden

More information on pearl gemstones and many other precious gemstones, to view at Pearl site....

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Long Pearl Necklaces

Pearl jewelry is a part of fashion trends through the ages. Pearls add that exotic and unique style to any outfit. While pearls were a luxury enjoyed only by the royalty and the rich in the olden days, they now are a part of every woman's collection around the world.

Pearls are a part of every type of outfit and occasion. Pearls are worn with passion for formal parties, casual outings, weddings and a host of other occasions. Colorful pearl strands add to the beauty of every woman and enliven any occasion.

Short and long pearl necklaces are worn by women of all ages. Pearl necklaces are equally popular among children, teens and ladies young and old.

Pearls come in a variety of finishes, shades, shapes and sizes. You can accessorize any dress effectively and elegantly with pearls. Pearl necklaces of different lengths can be worn with different outfits.

Long pearl necklace is a hot fashion trend. This necklace in any colour either matching with or contrasting to your outfit looks very ideal and refined especially with high necklines. A long pearl necklace is flexible in the sense that it can be either worn long or can be doubled to serve as a two strand choker.

Long pearl necklaces made of pink or peach colored fresh water pearls are in fact a hot favorite. They are worn with pink or peach bikini. Choose from our wide range of long pearl necklaces strung elegantly and expertly by our craftsmen. You can find necklaces made of different types of pearls.

A riot of colors are available for you to choose from and we can even custom make long pearl necklaces complementing and contrasting different colored pearls to make stunning and unique masterpieces. After all, every customer deserves the best.
By Shelley Boswell

Monday, June 02, 2008

Ladies Wrist Watches

In the modern day highly competitive world, an individual who does not honour his time commitments cannot expect to keep himself going for a long time. In addition to that, no modern day individual wants to stay behind his or her friends, colleagues and competitors when it comes to anything, even stylish watches. The watch is almost a necessity for business executives, professionals, students and even busy housewives to keep a vigilant eye on time.

The present day watch market has been bolstered by several positive factors. The high market competition, emergence of new players (manufacturers), favourable customer preferences and market trends have all contributed to a significant growth on a consistent basis in the last few decades.

If you are looking for some of the high quality cheap ladies watches then there are several factors that must be duly considered before making a purchase. You must give attention to aspects such as overall quality, performance, reliability, affordability, brand name and customer service.

Having a brief look at some of the most renowned watches in the market will help you to get a good deal; you must have a look at both the traditional as well as the online market.

Some of the leading names in the world of ladies watches are Casio, Omega and Wenger. All these watch manufacturers have been able to create and sustain their existing customers along with adding millions of more names to their customers' list. This all has been possible due to their eye on innovation and technology apart from rendering high-quality products and services at the right time.

Out of these three big names, Casio has been a market leader when it comes to performance and quality. Its products receive laurels from the customers and the company has been able to make a name for itself purely on the merits of its implemented favourable policies for the market King.

The Casio watches are exceptionally high on reliability and quality and are easily available at affordable prices.

However, do not buy a watch by just going through its outer looks, make a search for its overall quality and you will never be disappointed.
By Raisa Raima

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Dangle Pearl Earrings

Pearl earrings happen to be one of the most favored jewelry items. Pearl earrings can be made easily, even as anklets, bracelets or necklaces are the pieces that come to mind, when pearl jewelry is thought of.

With alteration in the kind of earrings, the requirements for the material required for making these also changes. Dangle, chandelier and stud are among the kinds of earrings that are available.

Making use of a couple of pearls that are round in shape and are quite plain otherwise, designs for earrings that are graceful and yet quite simple can be prepared. Being expensive and fancy need not be essential qualities associated with pearl earrings.

Pearl bracelets and necklaces of the matching type can also be created, apart from previously owned pearl jewelry being combined with the earrings created on one's own. A dangle earring pair can be created by following the procedure described here, which, obviously, has to be repeated twice.

Flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and wire cutter are among the tools for making jewelry that would be required, along with ear hooks, wire and head pins. Beads made of turquoise or crystal can also be used, if a combination is desired to be prepared, besides the basic requirement of pearls for making the earrings.

The head pin's remaining part has to be wrapped around itself, after one end of a previously made loop of wire is slipped into it. Nosed pliers are used to create the loop, after beads and pearls are strung, taking the head pin. Loops are created on both ends of the wire before that and, making use of bent nosed pliers, wire is wrapped around one loop.

For each clothing ensemble that one has, a set of earrings that matches perfectly can be created, by making earring pairs of various colors that are constructed from affordable material like freshwater pearls. Otherwise, pearls that are black or white in color can be used to create earrings that can then be worn with any clothing ensemble.

By Shelley Boswell

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Tips for Buying Freshwater Pearl

Over the course of the past few decades freshwater pearls have been growing in popularity and demand for a few good reasons. To begin with, quality freshwater pearls show more colors than cultured saltwater pearls and tend to have a brighter luster.

However; they can be expensive and in fact tend to be more expensive then saltwater pearls. China has recently emerged as a dominant force in the freshwater pearl production industry and the quality of Chinese freshwater pearl jewelry has increased dramatically over the past few years.

Of course you will always find the best deals on freshwater pearl jewelry online but there are a few things to bear in mind. Only shop from reputable websites, is rule number one. If you insist on shopping around for deals blindly, then you do so at your own risk.

If a deal sounds too good to be true then it most likely is. Also you have to bear in mind that certificates of authenticity are easily counterfeited now, so get too excited if an online source is offering them, unless of course, if it is a reputable website.

As jewelry goes, pearl jewelry including freshwater pearl jewelry is delicate. They are considered to be soft and that means that they can scratch if they are not worn or stored carefully. Only wash pearls with pearl cleaner, as standard cleaners can degrade the surface of a pearl.

Also, remember to wipe them down after you have worn them, as acids on your skin can have a negative effect on the luster or sheen of pearl jewelry. Hot and humid weather, as well as sweat can also have a negative effect on the surface of pearl jewelry, so it is advisable that pearls not be worn in that type of climate if at all possible. However; the fact is that if freshwater pearl jewelry is properly cared for and maintained it will last indefinitely.
By StellaJussen

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Pearl Earrings Care

Pearls are derived from oysters and are appreciated as valuable gemstones. You can locate pearls in various shapes as well as colors. You wouldn't be amazed to know that, not all pearls are natural. Most of them are commonly cultured. This is for the reason that in every 10,000 oysters, considering the maximum probability, only one natural pearl will be created. A cultured pearl is just like a minute bead which is entrenched in an oyster and is then left to grow further.

Looking for an appealing hot black set of pearl earrings that will add to your elegance and also suit your budget limits you can refer to countless options. Internet provides you the elegant way to buy black pearls to divulge a new rich look every time you wear it. Not only does it provide a fair and competitive pricing, it also does have a decent quality which you are looking for. Also, while buying pearls, it is better to take an informed decision, once you are done with your search.

• Worth and Uses of Pearl Jewelry :-
The worth of the pearl jewelry is decided considering some important factors like its luster, size, color, and lack in surface flaw along with its symmetry. Natural pearls are very extraordinary jewels; as a consequence they are not too easy on pockets too. The appraisal factors include shape, size, surface quality, point of reference, as well as the luster in body.

• Grading as well as Quality considerations:-
Disparate from diamonds, there is no specific conventionally accepted standard for their grading. Pearls are only one of its kinds among gemstones for the reason that they are natural, organic and derived from living creatures, so they have unusual grading standards.

• Caring of Pearls:-
Pearls are organic materials comprising of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). It is very essential to take proper care of your pearl earrings, bracelets and other jewelry as these can be spoiled by use of cosmetics, hair spray, perfumes, or any other chemicals, even natural acids including body oil and sweat can erase the luster of pearls.

So, you are supposed to wear the pearl jewelry with a minimum time span of 30 minutes, after you apply such cosmetics including chemicals. Wipe down the pearls by using some soft cloth before and after you wear them, which will make sure that they remain free of any destructive effects relating with chemical compounds.

By Pattrick Jhonson

Friday, May 23, 2008

The True Worth of Pearl Necklaces

Almost all the jewelry connoisseurs around the world will never underestimate the worth of freshwater pearls . Pearls are mostly used in designing jewelry which is extremely valued all over the world. Pearl necklaces are generally stringed together by making use of round or half button pearls with generally a tear drop pearl being used as the central pearl or pendant.

Pearl necklaces can be classified either as uniform or graduated. In a uniform strand of pearls, all the pearls used in the necklace are generally of a standard size without any variations among them regarding their size. A pearl necklace which is composed of freshwater pearls will always measure to a length of full millimeter, provided all the pearls used in the string necklace are of uniform size.

However, a graduated strand of necklace often comprises of varying sizes of pearls which are stringed together in order to form a symmetrical shape, starting from the small-sized pearls at the ends to the biggest pearl kept in the middle which serves as the pendant. These graduated strands of pearl necklaces are recorded to have a difference of at least 3mm between their central pearl and the pearls which are stringed together at the extreme ends.

Pearl necklaces are also judged depending upon the quality of fresh water pearls which are used in it. The grade and the color of the pearl are yet, some other factors which help to determine the price of a necklace. Necklaces which are formed using white and black pearls continue to enjoy immense popularity among the masses till date; however it is also possible to find pearls which have hint of different colors in them.

It must be noted that a graduated strand of necklace is immensely favored by the masses due to its comparatively cheap price as compared to a standard sized necklace. It is a standard size pearl necklace which is generally considered more valuable, as it is extremely hard to find freshwater pearls, all of standard size and color. It may take even a few years to string one authentic standard size necklace and this is the reason why pearl necklaces are considered immensely valuable.

Though it's a pain to culture these freshwater pearls , but going by their looks, outer appeal and price which they fetch, they are definitely worth the effort.

By Pattrick Jhonson

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Freshwater Pearls

Pearls, which are grown from fresh water mussels in bays, lakes and rivers, are known as freshwater pearls. The largest producer of freshwater pearls in the world is China and next follows Japan and United States. The first freshwater cultured pearl farming was executed in U.S by John Latendresse in 1963 in Tennessee.

Freshwater pearls have different shapes. The shapes of cultured pearls are determined by the quality of water, as well as, the shape of nucleus and its position in the mussel. You would find beautiful Freshwater pearls, which are round in shape and have a high lustrous quality.

Freshwater pearls are cheaper in cost and also have less quality than salt water cultured pearls due to its unique shape, size and color. However, high qualities pearls are round in shape and also are as good as salt-water cultured pearls. There are many color varieties of freshwater pearl such as pink, white, cream and black etc. Among them, white color pearl is the most common pearl and expensive whereas black pearl is gaining its popularity in the field of fashion and design.

Moreover, white pearl though, expensive are considered as classic and traditional whereas black pearls with its deep color are considered as dramatically modern. Some of the factors that result in freshwater pearls to have different types of color are the quality of water and the position of the shell in the mussel. Some pearls are artificially dyed in different colors with the development in the field of fashions and styles.

High quality freshwater pearls are no doubt rare, exotic and flawless in their construction. With its luster, shine and shape like a saltwater pearl, freshwater pearls have a distinguishing character rarely found in any other cultured pearls.

One can find these pearls sold in the market under different brand names. There are various extra ordinary developments happening in the pearl market these days. Freshwater pearls have changed their stature incredibly in fashions and designs.

They never wear out of time, as they are truly cultured and composed solidly of nacre in freshwater mussel.

Pearls of Joy is a leading online retailer provides detailed about Pearl Jewelry, Freshwater Pearls and more.

By Pattrick Jhonson

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Jewelry Beautiful Accessory

Jewelry is considered much more than an accessory. It can be a remembrance or a promise, a fashion statement or a frivolous decoration. Fashion, fine and bridge jewelry are some of the types of jewelry which provide you with variety of choices and allow you to change your look.

Fine jewelry is uses as a 14 karat gold or precious gems like diamond, rubies, sapphires and also other precious metals and charges highest prices. These can be bulk-produced but the artisan jewelry has a limited production which can be found in jewelry stores or in galleries. The hot trend followed now- a-days is the use of pendant necklaces which adds womanly touch to whatever you wear.

The jewelry that flatters you is the pink flower jewelry. It looks super cool, stylish and trendy when you match Black and White colors with the pure silver chains, silver necklaces or silver earrings.

Another fashion trend is the use of sun-kissed shades such as green, yellow, orange. Imagine a necklace made of green adventuring jade, golden yellow topaz crystals which catches the attention of everyone!!! Semi-transparent jewelry is very much happening these days, mostly rose quartz, smoky quartz, clear quartz. They can also be matched with crystal beads which is an awesome combination. Nowadays both jewelry and fashion are interlinked to each other.

The fashion jewelry is found in discount stores, department stores and drug stores. The fashion-jewelry is very much affordable than any other jewelry. Huge semi precious stones, necklaces with silver color chains and mint color with all shades of blue are in fashion now.
By Robin Brain

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Black Pearl Earrings

Looking for hot black pearl earrings set that match with your elegance and also fit into your budget... The internet gives you the smartest way to get black pearls to reveal a new facet every time.

It not only provides fair pricing but also the decent quality to look for. However, it is better to learn a bit about pearls so that you can make the best choice amongst all. A bit of online shopping savvy is also important.

First of all, it is better to ensure if you are buying for yourself or for someone else? It is because of the fact that when you buy them for someone else, you probably decide about a price in mind that you are willing to spend.

While buying Black Pearl earrings for yourself, usually you think about your particular pattern in mind and then worry about pricing later. In addition, natural pearls are much more expensive than cultured pearls so start looking for sources that can give you the best quality in significantly less price.

Generally, pearls are graded on the basis of several factors such as the diameter of the pearl, the type of pearl, the luster and the texture. The shape of the pearls also plays a vital role in deciding its value. It simply means that pearls vary in their size, color, and pattern.

How can you distinguish the faux pearl and the natural pearl?

The natural or original pearl is slightly heavier than the faux pearls. They give a slightly uneven feel when you rub them gently with your hand. The faux pearls are simply painted plastic beads.

Pearls can be available in varying shades such as white, silver, pink, lavender, blue, green, black pearls and other colors. Choose a black pearl jewelry for yourself and add more shine & glamour into your looks.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Your Bridal Party Jewelry

Trying to decide on jewelry for your bridal party? Have you considered going designer jewelry? I know what you’re thinking – unaffordable. Not true designer jewelry can be very affordable.

It’s the perfect way to get jewelry for your bridal party that’s truly unique to your wedding. Of course is you’re a savvy shopper you will shop around and find beautiful bridal jewelry that's already on the market. Take your time and look for beautiful estate costume jewelry, or even modern fashion jewelry that is designer signed. You can choose unique pieces for each member of the party – it’s perfect.

When you take your time and utilize the internet you will likely be able to find some fabulous designer jewelry at a great price. There are many up and coming wonderful designers online and some of the pricing is excellent. Even finding affordable designer estate costume jewelry isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think.

First you have to figure out what it is you want. Whether you are looking for vintage designer pieces or other modern designer jewelry you have to know what you need and want. Choosing your bridal jewelry is no small matter – it’s as important as the members of your bridal party and what they wear.

Make your fashion statement count! You must decide what it is you want your jewelry to say to your bridal party. Are you looking for bold or something a little more subtle? As the bride you’ll want the focus on you so consider this when choosing.

The modern designer pearl always makes a great addition to bridal jewelry. You simply can never go wrong with pearls. But if you’d like a little bling then choose either rhinestones or Swarovski crystals.
By Sher Matsen

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Genuine Pearls

How to different genuine pearls and fake pearls. Fakes include glass and plastic beads, and mother of pearl beads, coated with ground mother of pearl. Also there are some fake pearls that are made from the solid part of the shell and sold as "pearls".

The best way to tell a genuine pearl from an imitation pearl is to rub the pearl across the front of your teeth. A genuine pearl will feel gritty, it easily recoverable back in smooth surface by rub again by figure. An imitation pearl will feel smooth. Not completely reliable, this test has been used for years.

Similar to the tooth test, rub two pearls together. They will feel gritty. Glass or plastic will feel smooth. For genuine pearls easily recoverable in smooth surface re-rub again by figure.

Magnification will show the edges of the drilled holes, and that they are drilled pearls or not. The surface of the genuine pearl will look under magnification to be irregular and rough, compared to the "perfect" machine made bead. A lot of what makes a pearl identifiable is that it is not "perfect" it has irregularities.

X-rays can show a nucleus in a cultured pearl. All pearls that are cultured have this bead inside that is visible when x-rayed. Generally Freshwater Pearls and natural pearls are not bead nucleated, and are solid nacre.

Put at the pearl necklace into the sun. The sun with it's full spectrum of light will show the irregularities such as color, overtones and surface. A real pearl necklace will show the pearls in one necklace to vary in color, shape etc. An imitation pearl necklace will look perfect, all seamlessly matching in color and size.

If you are buying from a reputable pearl jeweler, you will be unlikely to buy fakes. The current fake fad is Masami "pearls". Made from a bead cut and rounded from a shell, they blatantly call them "pearls". They are made from the discarded shells. They may be coated with a mixture of mother of pearl.
By: Patrick Cavanaugh

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Mother's Day Gift - Pearls

Think of pearls and the image of divers in saltwater bays comes to mind. Ah, but there are also freshwater pearls that are just as magnificent.

Long a symbol of culture and class, pearls have been worn for centuries by wealthy women who wanted to show off their money and status. While pearls still hold some of this meaning today, there is a new class of pearls available that are affordable and accessible to nearly everyone.

Freshwater pearls, in their many shapes, sizes and colors, can be worn by women young and old, and are both classic and hip in their looks. Pearls are no longer seen as jewelry that is just for the mature and dressed-up woman.

Freshwater pearls do not come from oysters, the way that saltwater pearls do – but they are created in much the same way that a saltwater cultured pearl is created. In both cases, an irritant is introduced into the mollusk (in the case of freshwater pearls, this is a mussel), which causes the mollusk to coat the foreign object with nacre. Nacre is the same material that mollusks and oysters use to build their shells.

When a “natural” pearl is found in a freshwater mussel, it is usually because sand or a pebble was able to breach the shell, and became coated with nacre.

When a freshwater pearl is cultured, the mussel is opened slightly, and small cuts are made in the mantle tissue of the mussel. Pieces of tissue from other mussels are inserted into these cuts – and these pieces then become the foreign object that is coated with nacre, becoming a pearl.

The Chinese were the first to come up with this manner of culturing freshwater pearls, and they began having large scale success with the process in the 1930's.

Today, some freshwater pearls are as round and beautiful as saltwater cultured pearls – some even more so. Many consumers prefer the pearls from the Biwa region of China for their jewelry, as these pearls have the best sheen and lustre.

Freshwater pearls are also cultured in other parts of the world, and even in the United States –but the goal is not always a perfectly round pearl. Potato pearls, stick pearls and other odd shapes are also prized in jewelry making, and colors ranging from light purple to pink, peach and cream are also found.

Freshwater pearls are a great way to have the natural beauty of a pearl in your jewelry without having to pay the sometimes exorbitant prices of saltwater pearls. These pearls also have “character”, meaning they can go with many other jewels and gems, as well as different metals, allowing a combination of different looks from just one pearl.
By Arsene Bergkamp

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Akoya Pearls or Saltwater Pearls?

Akoya name means saltwater in Japanese language and for decades pearl industry has been extensively selling these most lustrous pearls to the consumers and even now it commands a very decent share when it comes selling and buying pearl jewelry among pearl jewelers and consumers.

Akoya pearls are the classic cultured pearls of Japan. Akoya pearls luster is intense, their nacre is thick and colors brilliant. Undoubtedly, they carry higher values than freshwater pearls.

Although Japan is the originator of producing akoya pearls, so to say, as Kokochi Mikimoto of Japan had invented and patented the bead-nucleating technology of culturally growing these pearls in the seawater.

Akoya pearls are primarily cultivated in the sea salt waters off the coastal areas of Japan and China but in recent years China is producing in large quantity and their quality is exceeding remarkable.

With new improved modern techniques of culturing pearls, it has become possible to harvest better quality akoya pearls. It takes about 3-5 years to grow nice quality akoya pearls and pearl farms in China and Japan constantly monitor its growth during this period in order to get good harvest as well as good quality akoya pearls.

Very small mantle tissue beads are implanted inside the Pinctada fucata martensii oysters to form beautiful akoya pearls. Akoya oyster rarely produces more than two pearls whereas freshwater oysters are nucleated to produce about fifty pearls each. Akoya pearls normally take longer time to grow and the total quantity comparatively is not very large due to variable seawater climatic conditions and oysters’ mortality.

Akoya pearls come in natural white and cream colors with natural overtones. Akoya Pearl Necklace is made with akoya pearls, which are known for their brilliant luster and nearly perfect round shapes.

Akoya pearl necklace is designed and hand-knotted with very selective lustrous pearls. It takes about 40-50 pearls to make a standard pearl necklace of princess length style, which is widely worn around by all women. Akoya pearl necklace is the preferred choice for many women and adorned all over the world. Akoya pearls are very alluring and make excellent luxurious gifts.

Enhance your beauty with most lustrous akoya pearl jewelry.
By Kheri Chawla

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Tips For Buying Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Freshwater Pearl can be expensive and in fact tend to be more expensive then saltwater pearls.

China has recently emerged as a dominant force in the freshwater pearl production industry and the quality of Chinese freshwater pearl jewelry has increased dramatically over the past few years.

Of course you will always find the best deals on freshwater pearl jewelry online but there are a few things to bear in mind. Only shop from reputable websites, is rule number one. If you insist on shopping around for deals blindly, then you do so at your own risk.

If a deal sounds too good to be true then it most likely is. Also you have to bear in mind that certificates of authenticity are easily counterfeited now, so get too excited if an online source is offering them, unless of course, if it is a reputable website.

As jewelry goes, pearl jewelry including freshwater pearl jewelry is delicate. They are considered to be soft and that means that they can scratch if they are not worn or stored carefully. Only wash pearls with pearl cleaner, as standard cleaners can degrade the surface of a pearl.

Also, remember to wipe them down after you have worn them, as acids on your skin can have a negative effect on the luster or sheen of pearl jewelry. Hot and humid weather, as well as sweat can also have a negative effect on the surface of pearl jewelry, so it is advisable that pearls not be worn in that type of climate if at all possible. However; the fact is that if freshwater pearl jewelry is properly cared for and maintained it will last indefinitely.

By Stella Jussen

Pearl Jewelry - The Best Mother's Day Gift

Jewelry has always been the most exciting gift item to choose and pearl jewelry is the perfect gift for moms! We all love moms, her eternal love and generosity cannot by summed up in few words but we can always show our gratitude, love and affection by remembering her on Mother's Day. She will be glad and delighted to receive a surprising gift from her kids.

Women now have the luxury to wear the most beautiful and luminous pearl jewelry that was once a privilege of Royal families and rich affluent people. It has always been the great challenge to find a heartfelt and unique gift when shopping for a special one and that'll let mom know just how special she is to you that will leave a lifetime exciting experience. Jewelry has always been the most exciting gift item to choose and pearl jewelry is the perfect gift for all women.

Bring a dazzle in her life to whom you love most with the luminous pearl jewelry and she will be thrilled to know that you really love her and care.

To love and share your feelings with mom is ongoing thing but to send her lovely gift is indeed a wonderful thing especially on Mother's Day. It surely brings joyous and warm feelings. Since all women love jewelry and pearls being the natural gift from nature will enhance the celebrations on Mother's Day.

If diamonds are forever, pearl jewelry is a timeless fashion statement. Pearl necklace is classic and yet always in fashion. Bring a dazzle in her life to whom you love most with the luminous pearl jewelry and she will be thrilled to know that you really love and care. The luminous pearls always bring shine and glow to women's attire. If diamond jewelry is hard on budget, pearl jewelry is the best bet!

Pearl necklace sets can be a complete set of pearl necklace, pearl earrings and pearl bracelet -"Trio" or just a pair of pearl necklace and matching pearl earrings or pearl pendant with it. Choose the one she will like her most. Always buy quality pearls after all moms are special to us.

By Kheri Chawla

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Necklaces In The Past

Archaeologists say that the necklace was first worn by man in the Stone Age. In the year 2004, some scientists were digging a South Africa caves and were able to discover 41 mollusks that were believed to have been strung together to be some kind of neck jewelry some 75,000 years ago.

Gold began to be used for neck jewelry in 2500 B.C. Gold neck adornments as well as gold chokers were unearthed at a location called Royal Grave of Ur, which is a place located in what is known as Iraq. In 2000 B.C., bead neck jewelry that were made and used by Sumerians started to make use of alternating patterns of colored gemstones and stones as well as metals like copper and silver.

Meanwhile, neck jewelry, which were worn by ancient Egyptians, evolved from the simple stringed beads to the more complicated patterns, including the pectoral and the 'broad collar' type. These necklaces were worn by both women and men, and mostly by royalty and wealthy citizens. When the owners die, they even request for these necklaces to be buried with them.

In around 480 to 300 B.C., which was the period of the Classical Greek, a lot of necklaces were in the form of three-dimensional pendants. These necklaces were usually in the form of seeds, heads or acorns and were hanging from a row of different or similar flat elements that were commonly like rosettes.

When the second and third centuries came, the act of wearing multiple necklaces at the same time became a trend. Sometimes, the types of necklaces worn indicated the class or level of wealth or class of the person wearing it. Necklaces became popular in all kinds of styles, designs and forms they came in. Over the next couple of centuries, necklaces became unpopular but regained their fame during the late 14th century.

Today, there are many trend, Pearl is one begin in the latest part of century and forever being demand in royal family as a sign of label, continue become popular in the jewelry trend, recently freshwater cultured pearls being fashionable and affordable price for every women.

By Bill Pratt

Pearls All Girls Will Love It

Pearls have long been cherished for their exquisite beauty, unique qualities, and timeless elegance. Throughout history, women have loved to wear pearls because of the way that their lustre casts a soft radiant glow onto the skin of the wearer. Is it any wonder then that pearl bridal jewelry has become the adornment chosen by so many of today's brides? Nothing enhances the special glow of a happy bride better than the look of fabulous pearls draped on her neck, wrist, and ears.

The wonderful thing about pearls in the modern era is that there are so many different styles, shapes, sizes, and colors available.

You may wonder how to find just the right special pieces among all of the options. Keep in mind the personality of the bride, the style and formality of the wedding, and the look and details of her gown. The elegance of pearl bridal jewelry is the perfect accent to the gorgeous satins, silks, and laces of wedding gowns.

Jewelry should compliment the neckline of the wedding dress, so a v-neck would look great with a long pendant, a strand would be just right with a scoopneck gown, and a high neck might call for just a striking pair of earrings and a bracelet. The classic strand of akoyas or a simple pendant are wonderful for the traditional bride.

A woman wearing a gown with sparkle might prefer her pearl bridal jewelry [out]to be accented with Swarovski crystals. There are also great handcrafted and custom pieces available, in every design imaginable.

Brides looking for more casual jewelry will love the look of affordable freshwater pearls mixed with sterling silver. And for true drama, try one of a kind pearl bridal jewelry made with black pearls or created in multi strand designs. The wide array of colors also makes pearls ideal for bridesmaids and more adventurous brides.

The beauty of pearls shows very well in photographs, which is especially important for wedding pictures, since you will have them forever. (A special note to all of you brides wearing strapless gowns: a bold necklace and earrings are a must so you do not look naked in your close up shots!)

One of the most wonderful things about pearls is their timelessness. The pearl jewelry that you wear on your wedding day will always be in fashion, and when you wear it over the years, it will remind you of that romantic day.Check this out if you are want to lean more about the history of pearls. By Bridget Mora

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Houston Jewelry

Many people choose to accessorize their outfits with different items. Houston jewelry is one of the most frequently used items to make your clothes take on a different look. What you wear with your clothes will affect whether they look more casual or dressier for fancier occasions. The choices that you make in these items will affect the way that you look.

Both men and women enjoy wearing Houston jewelry to accessorize. Men do not often look at it as much as women do. However, they also wear these items. They may not see it as accessorizing but they will wear it just the same. Unlike women, though, they often wear the same pieces over and over again rather than having separate pieces for different purposes. The most common items that many men wear include necklaces and rings.

Women, on the other hand, will likely possess many different pieces of Houston jewelry in order to have a wide range of choices. They will own different colors of metals as well as different gemstones to match each of the different outfits that they may wear. They will own jewelry that is more casual and some that is fancier for those special occasions. Women also wear a wider range of items including bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more. They have more to choose from but they also use these items differently than men do.

Each person has their own individual tastes. These tastes will effect which pieces of Houston jewelry that they choose to own and which ones they choose to wear for certain situations. These items can tell a lot about a person's personality and what they are trying to portray about themselves. In fact, which items a person chooses to wear with an outfit can even cause one particular outfit to look either casual or fancy. Who knew that jewelry was so powerful?

Many people choose to wear Houston jewelry to create a new look for themselves. They will choose their items based on what they are wearing and what they will be doing that day. Certain pieces are best for a fancy dinner party while others are more suited for a quiet day in the office.

These pieces can truly change the way others perceive you.
By Andre Zayas

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Swarovski Crystal

Swarovski Crystal (Austrian) jewellery is gaining more and more popularity in the world of fashionable and stylish accessories and jewellery. Women and even men are caught in the allure of the rich and varied colour and excellent quality of Swarovski Crystal. There are a number of reasons for this growth in popularity:

Swarovski Crystal jewellery looks good and goes well with almost any outfit - you can see a total transformation of a plain little black dress with the addition of Swarovski crystal accessories. They look equally well on your journey to the supermarket or your journey down the isle.

They can be worn day or night to enhance an outfit. Crystal is a hard material and to cut these in such a way that they have a hundred identical facets in several directions is a very complicated task. This however, is what gives the end jewellery piece the ability to capture and reflect the light in such a magnificent way.

There are so many wonderful colours to choose from. There are several basic colours that are common, such as Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Siam and so Forth. Then there are variations of these colours like Light Sapphire, Dark Sapphire, Light Siam, Dark Topaz, Smoked Topaz, Light Colorado Topaz and so on.

Your only difficult decision is choosing which colour! The popularity of these magnificent crystals have resulted in the creation of a number of retailers selling individual beads, make-your-own jewellery books and all the tips of the trade to allow a total beginner to make their own jewellery.

For those less adventurous have a browse online to view some beautiful Swarovski crystal sets as well as rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and tiaras.
By Lou Bee

Friday, April 18, 2008

Buy Cultured Pearl Jewelry

There are a couple more jewelry and accessories, which could be considered as more elegant, compared to pearl jewelry.

However, a lot of people still think that pearl jewelry could be a bit expensive for their taste. Actually, what some people do not know that pieces like a pearl necklace, pearl earrings and pearl jewelry sets could be affordable as long as you would be shopping wisely. So here are some guidelines to help you out choose your pearl trinkets.

The first would be the matter of choosing natural or cultured pearls. Natural pearls are those pearls that are crated by an oyster naturally. They usually are able to create them from an irritant or a parasite. Only around one in every hundred oysters are able to create a pearl naturally and only around one in ten of those would turn out to be quality pearls.

On the other hand, cultured pearls are made similarly however the introduction of a parasite or irritant is done in a controlled environment. And so, cultured pearls or freshwater pearls turn out to better in quality compared to most natural pearls.

Similar to diamonds, pearls are graded based on the various qualities that they have.
By Bill Pratt

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Status in Texas Jewelry

Many people view their jewelry as somewhat of a status symbol. They feel that their jewelry will speak to others about who they are and possibly even how much money that they have left to throw around. In reality, this perception that others get from the jewelry that you wear is not entirely accurate. However, many in Texas like to take advantage of this perception of the gold jewelry that they wear.

Gold in Texas has long been perceived as being worth a lot of money. Thus those who wear a lot of jewelry will give off the perception that they have a lot of money. Some people like to make others think that they are rich and have money. Others do not like to give off a false impression but are not willing to give up the gold jewelry that they wear. Regardless of whether or not they intend to give the impression that they have money, there are those who will think it.

Having a preference for gold in Texas does not mean that you can afford to buy the jewelry that you desire. Many who prefer this type of jewelry cannot afford to purchase it and may be forced to seek out an alternative. For many of these people, silver jewelry may be the only alternative that they can afford but it does not offer the same look. Finding gold plated sterling silver jewelry to wear instead of spending all of the extra money on the pure jewelry instead. Sterling silver jewelry is much cheaper and this alternative offers the same look people desire.

The desire for the look of gold in Texas can be very powerful. With the state of the economy, many people can no longer afford the more expensive jewelry. They will need to find alternatives to achieve the same look they desire while spending less money.
By Andre Zayas

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Unlike akoya seawater pearls, freshwater pearls are grown in ponds, lakes and rivers and most of these pearl farms for freshwater pearls are found in China. With the new improved techniques of culturing pearls, China farms have been able to produce not only large quantity of pearls every year but its quality of freshwater pearls are becoming as good as akoya pearls.

Freshwater pearls are very much cultured pearls. Freshwater pearl necklaces are designed with matching size pearls in many lengths and styles. Most popular length size is princess length (16”-18”) designed with pearl size between 6mm to 9mm (millimeters) of different shapes. One doesn’t have to spend fortunes to buy these freshwater pearl necklaces. Large freshwater pearls production has not only helped the pearl jewelry industry in boosting sales but customers can now buy at much affordable prices. Quality of freshwater pearls is excellent and pearls are really attractive.

Freshwater pearl necklaces come in wide array of colors such as white, pink, peach, lavender, pink and black. Among most popular sizes for freshwater pearl necklaces, young girls often go for small size freshwater pearl necklaces whereas others prefer to wear higher pearl size freshwater pearl necklaces around their necklines. Pearls natural beauty and its lustrous appeal have always attracted women of all age.

Brides love wearing freshwater pearl necklaces and have often gifted their bridesmaids with all types of pearl jewelry to appreciate their love and friendships. Its very common among men to present their loved ones with freshwater pearl necklaces on their marriage anniversaries. Freshwater pearl necklaces are the perfect gifts for graduation or for valentines.
By Kheri Chawla

Sunday, April 06, 2008

History of Bracelets

The earliest known bracelets hark back to 2500 BC, worn by the ancient Sumerians of Southern Mesopotamia. Bracelets, along with other jewelry like anklets, earrings, necklaces, and rings, were worn by the women to show off the wealth of their husbands. As such, they were a symbol of status – much like some jewelry is to this day. They often had religious connotations in addition to the perception of wealth and adornment. Bracelets were enjoyed for many centuries after this time but emerged as highly coveted pieces of jewelry in Ancient Egypt in 2000 BC.

However, bracelets became increasingly popular with men during Grecian times – soldiers wore defensive bands of leather often decorated with gold, silver, and other gemstones on their forearms. They were called Bracels, from the Latin term for arm, “Brachium”. The Grecian women realized that these accessories would look good on them, so they began wearing smaller versions – called Bracel-ets. The idea took favor and the fashion spread far and wide.

The history of bracelets spans ages, reaching up to the present time. They have been crafted from different materials, and have always been popular – bracelets have varied according to dress styles and, of course,dictated by fashion. Bracelets are worn by men and women alike today, and bracelets today are not only of traditional materials, but also of acrylics and modern plastics. They make for trendy, unique items of jewelry. Some bracelets are also crafted from metals like titanium and zirconium, which have become popular because of their lightness and hypoallergenic properties. By Eric Hartwell

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Pear Diamond Engagement Ring

In choosing the perfect engagement ring for your beau, aside from the price and the size of stone, an important consideration is the shape of the gem as well. The pear shape diamond engagement ring may not be a conventional choice but any engagement rings that profess love are truly fit for the woman you love.

The pear diamond engagement ring is also known as the teardrop shape. It is actually a cross between the oval and marquise shape of stone. You may have seen this type of engagement ring as popular cuts for earrings and pendants but lately this type of shape is making its way on engagement rings as well.

Unknown to many, the pear shape diamond engagement ring or teardrop diamond is cut and perfected by a Flemish in the name of Lodweyk Van Berquem as early as the 1400's. Although this diamond engagement ring did not gain much popularity because gemologist and jewelers feel the design was a waste of diamond.

Since this diamond is cut in a way that one end is round and elongated and the other tip is pointed, so most part of the gem is cut away.

Fortunately with the advancement in technology, different machines and methods for cutting the diamond is invented so not much of the diamond is wasted. The pear diamond engagement ring would be perfect as a solitaire but you can have it styled set and designed with other stones or precious gems to accentuate the diamond itself.

The most controversial pear diamond ring would probably be the one actor Richard Burton gave to his lady love Elizabeth Taylor. It was a 69.42 carat pear diamond. Eventually it was sold in 1979 for three million dollars $3M that helped build a hospital in Botswana.
By Alice Sy