Saturday, January 31, 2009

Valentines Day Jewelry

The good news - it's Valentines Day and you are going to spend the most romantic day of the year with someone special. The bad news - you have no idea what to get her. You don't want to show up with the usual cliché gift: a heart-shaped box of candy, flowers or a teddy bear. Youn want to surprise her with something that says you understand her and your gift is as unique as she is.

Unique costume jewelry offers endless choices to match the stage of your relationship with the woman in your life. There is always a beautiful gift of unique costume jewelry to fit any budget.

Think of what you know about the lady in your life. If she is younger or you haven't known her too long, think light-hearted and appropriate. Sparkling anklets are fun for a girl, but elegant anklets are a fanciful gift for a woman. The girl who lives to talk and text will love the flash of cell phone jewelry.

For the woman who has everything, cell phone jewelry will be delightful. A young woman starting her first serious job still wants a little flash like a purple jeweled business card holder while a successful businesswomen knows you see her feminine side with a sensational purple jeweled business card holder. Western belts are perfect for the girl who line-dances and jeweled belts are the right touch for the woman who goes clubbing.

If this Valentines gift is for the love of your life, then you need something personal with a unique design. The chic woman wearing the latest trends will look stunning in a spectacular necklace of polished creamy marbled stones and overlapping gold ovals. For glamorous evenings shoulder-length earrings of Victorian elegance will steal her heart.

The sophisticated career woman can soften a severe business suit with necklaces of sleek, subtle draping chains. The Victorian elegance of a choker of rhinestone crystals will sweep your romantic lady off her feet.

Gypsy necklaces of overlapping gold ovals, red teardrop crystals and draping chains aredramatic and bold. If you see a wedding in the future, a spectacular necklace choker of rhinestone crystals and earrings of teardrop crystals will hint of a ring to come later. The perfect piece of jewelry with unique design subtly whispers love to any woman's heart.

By Mark Jeffery Weiss

Friday, January 30, 2009

Tips For Pearl Jewelry Care

Your pearl jewelry does require some additional care. Three to four times a year, you should take your pearl jewelry one piece at a time, place it in warm water, and dish soap for about 15 to 20 minutes without scrubbing. After the 15 to 20 minutes elapse you will rinse the pearls well with clear water until the soap has been completely washed away. You can tell when the soap is washed away because your jewelry will stop bubbling!

After this you will want to place your pearls on a towel and allow for them to air dry for 24hours. You need not put them in the sun; in fact you should avoid placing your pearls in the sun at all, just allow drying at room temperature. When your pearl jewelry is completely dry you should replace it in your jewelry box, keeping them separate from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratches.

In addition to washing your pearl jewelry every few months you will want to care for them additionally every two to three years. To preserve the luster of your pearl jewelry you should gently rub them down with a small amount of olive oil every two to three years. This seems like an odd combination, but this simple technique is known to keep pearl jewelry looking great for a lifetime!

As you can see, caring for your peal jewelry is not at all difficult; you just need to take some simple steps to make sure that they are as beautiful after being worn as they were the day that you purchased them. Many people assume that pearls are tough and nothing can take away from their natural beauty, but this is not at all the case and your pearl jewelry should be handled with care.

By Kheri Chawla

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Best Care of Pearls Or Pearl Jewelry

It is a good idea to take off your pearl jewelry before you take a shower, bath, or even before you go swimming. There are often chemicals or additives in water, even bath water, that can build up on the surface of your pearl and take away from its color and sheen. Many believe that since the pearls came from the sea they will be fine in water, but this is not necessarily true.

Pearl jewelry should be the last thing that you put on when you are getting dressed. Make up, soap, and lotion can all damage your pearls and many of them even have whitening substances in them that will take away from the luster and color of your pearl. It is a good idea to put your pearl jewelry on when you are completely dressed, your make up is done, and your hair is finished.

One time when you should avoid wearing your pearl jewelry is when you are cleaning the house or using any sort of cleaners or detergents. We never think that we are going to get these substances on us, but if pearls come in contact with these substances it could prove devastating. It is better to be safe than sorry with your pearl jewelry, as it is an investment, and one that is worth preserving.

When you have been wearing your pearl jewelry you should take it off and then gently wipe it down. You will want to wipe the jewelry down with a soft cloth that has been moistened with alcohol. The alcohol will safely remove any dust, sweat, or dirt. These are all things that can build up on your jewelry and take away from its natural beauty. This process takes just moments and is easy!

When your pearl jewelry is completely dry you should replace it in your jewelry box, keeping them separate from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratches.

By Kheri Chawla

Monday, January 26, 2009

Pearls Or Pearl Jewelry As Gifts

There are all kinds of items to choose from when it comes to buying a nice beautiful gift for loved ones. From flowers to fashion things, from low-end to high end and from regular to unique extra-ordinary things, jewelry is often considered as one of the most preferred item when it comes to offering someone the special gift of love.

For centuries women have loved and adorned all kind of jewelry from diamond to precious metals and gems. During ancient era, only the rich and affluent could afford and wear those prize expensive gem jewelry but in our present modern times, that is no more a big thing.

Diamonds are forever and really dazzling but not many people can afford whereas pearls or pearl jewelry on the other hand are as much adorable and look sophisticated as any precious gem.

Pearls are gifts from nature and have recently become much affordable now. When it is wedding times there is more demand for pearl jewelry than any other type as this is one of the most preferred choice for most brides and bride-maids.

There are many types of pearls and the pearl jewelry is designed with many styles and sizes.

There are freshwater pearls, akoya seawater pearls, Tahitian pearls and South sea pearls. Each type of pearls has their own unique beauty, color and grace. These come in different price range. Depending upon one's own preference and budget, one has wider choice to select any jewelry item he or she likes most.

Buying a complete trio set of necklace, earrings and bracelet is a wonderful idea. Not only one saves money on the complete collection but often it is cheaper to buy than buying them individually.

Most jewelers often offer great discount on the complete set. To select a gorgeous affordable gift for loved ones, pearl jewelry is one of the best and most preferred options.

By Kheri Chawla

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Creativity Glass Beads

Archaeological discoveries have revealed the existence of glass since a long period of time. It was a crushed crystal and one of the most beautiful materials contrived by man. Known to last for hundreds and even thousands of years, this material was used to make beads of varied shapes and sizes and have the outstanding characteristic of retaining color as compared to other art materials. Representing an aesthetic array of beauty with value, glass beads are nowadays available in enticing colors, finishes and shapes.

Glass is such kind of material which adds magical appeal and touch. There are varied kinds of beads like aurora borealis, druk, Czech beads, dichroic beads, Millefiori, lamp work beads, bumpy etc. All magnificent variety of glass beads comes in many sizes and colors which craftsman can take up to complete their art. They are really very stylish and elegant items to be purchased. Vastly known for high quality, they are really worthy, long lasting, hold values and a memorable treasure.

Glass beads are used to make a wide variety of articles such as necklaces, rings, belts, earrings, bands of necklaces, head bands. Craftsman also use combination of such beads with other materials like wood shell, rudraksha, copper and white metal to produce more attractive designs.

When glass is heated to a absolute temperature, it turns molten and after wards the craftsman can transform it to any shape or layer in which he wish. Many beautiful, graceful and fascinating designs are crafted by artisans. Now a days, variety of colors and textures are available in beads which offer immeasurable design notions. In delineation of them, number of beads per strand and strands per hank hangs on the size and weight of the beads.

Apart from different form of glass beads, pearls and cane are also available in the market which are really eye catching and beautiful. They are comparatively expensive from other beads.

These are very versatile kind of beads which can heighten the charisma of artwork as well as can line up with embroidery pattern or sequin pattern etc.

Glass beads Manufacturers is an online B2B marketplace providing in-depth information on Glass Beads.

If you are interested in wholesale purchase of different varieties of beads like lamp work beads, silver foil beads, mixed assortment beads etc. under the same roof, you must visit Wholesale Glass Beads.

By Rumani Phukan

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Style Pendant Necklace

One of the most enticing things women can do is accentuate her neckline. Men are practically hard wired to look toward this area of the body when they meet. By wearing a pendant necklace a women can draw a man's attention to her neck her face and her bosom. Let's face it ladies, we all like to get a little attention this little trick works!

There are many different types of pendants that women can use to accentuate her body line. Some styles are much more flattering on a women's frame. You can also decide on a pendant to go with the type of event of location you are attending. . Styles like gemstones, diamonds, .925 sterling silver are just to name a few.

Pendant necklaces come in a huge array of prices as well. High end fashion designers offer styles from the thousands to the hundreds of thousands range, while the budget minded shopper can find a sterling silver style with cz gemstone in the $20-$100 range.

Diamond heart pendants are also a very popular style amongst women. It has always been said that a diamond is a girl's best friend. If this really is true no women should live without a diamond heart necklace, or two. These types of necklaces come in all different shapes and sizes but with a little know how; you can find the perfect one.

No matter what the occasion the pendant necklace is a must have for your ensemble. Trust me, if you pick up this style you will be getting looks everywhere you go!

By April Babish

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Create Celebrity Inspired Jewelry Looks

Many times celebrities look unreal. From the perfect airbrushed make up to their sculpted six pack, many celebs look astonishingly glamorous. If you have let your looks slip a bit, truly paying attention to someone who looks put together can help you put things into perspective.

What celebrities out there have looks you want to try? If you are unsure a great start is to find a celebrity that has a similar body shape, face shape, or skin tone.

Creating a celebrity inspired look that you feel comfortable with is a fun way to explore trendy fashion jewelry. A great place to start looking for inspiration is on television. Watch programs that have actresses that have a look that you are sincerely drawn to. Use your TiVO or VCR to record one program. Pause the frame that has a look in it that you love.

Carefully study the images. First take note of the materials. What are the pieces made of? It could be a simple necklace with an open heart. Take note of every detail of the jewelry.

Another great resource is fashion magazines. Unlike your television or laptop your fashion magazine can follow you into the bathtub. Pick a relaxing time and circle all styles that you like. Go back and narrow down a few that you want to try.

Search online for the fashion jewelry pieces that emulate that trendy fashion jewelry look. If you are not sure of the name of the design, search by describing it's description in the search box.

Put the pieces together and enjoy your celebrity inspired fashion jewelry look. You deserve to do something a little special for yourself, everyone should be able to feel glamorous.

By Laverne Frances

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Pearls is Precious or Semi-Precious Stones

For many years now, semi-precious and precious stones have always been used by men and women alike. Similar to the modern-age jewelry that a lot of people wear today, the most dominant features of pieces are usually beautiful, attractive and colorful stones that are used as metallic embellishments and ornamentation.

These stones that are used for the crafting of various fine jewelry are basically divided into two types: the semi-precious stones and the precious stones.

These are heavily used in the jewelry market as variety and value is set and considered. Now although artistic merits are generally subjective, the values of these two types of stones would be dependent on their quality and rarity.

A lot of people who are in the market for jewelry that have these kinds of stones such as general consumer and collectors usually would prefer the rare stone to the beautiful one.

These semi-precious and precious stones are essentially rocks or minerals that have been taken from under the earth and then enhanced by the artisans through the process of cutting and polishing. The finest and the rarest of these stones and minerals are what turn out to be gems or semi-precious and precious stones.

For the precious stones, the most valuable would be the emeralds, rubies, sapphires and of course, diamonds. Pearls are also sometimes considered as precious stones. However, they are not actually stones but are still known for its beauty, elegance and value.

The most valuable semi-precious stones would be the amethyst, turquoise, lapis-lazuli, aquamarine, topaz, peridot, moonstone, tourmaline, opal, zircon, chrysoberyl and alexandrite.

Some other semi-precious stones that are not as valuable, though valuable still would include jade, garnet, chrysoprase, agate, azurite, bloodstone, coral, malachite, carnelian and a lot others.

By Priyanka Arora

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Hot Jewelry Trends For 2009

If you are one of those fashion conscious people who wants to be ahead on the new up and coming fashion looks, spring 2009 is holding a treat in colors and textures. The jewelry you choose will make a good style great. Whether style you choose to use, you are sure to be excited about all the options these new colors will give you.

What colors are going to be the rage this spring? It's predicted that fuschia, salmon and greens -as well as yellows in various shades as well as the soft lavender look will be popular when the sun starts warming the ground. How do you use jewelry to make these colors pop?

Jewelry in 2009 will be statement jewelry. This can be a piece that works from wonderful to wacky, but geometric shapes and exotic, rich colors with prominent stones/gems are the look on the runway.

How do you do this with your clothing? Last year, clothing was toned down to accommodate the jewelry. This year, wear both bold clothing and jewelry to give a memorable statement.

The coral and yellow colors give a warm palette offering. By using India as your inspiration, you can take beaded and etched metal to give a directional look to your clothes. The materials of choice for this are beads, mixed color threads, and worn "finished" metal.

Fashion jewelry is also offering chandelier earrings as a popular choice this year. This soft look will give a feminine touch to anything you wear. Combine this with any look for a sure hit. You can do this with an accent color, or use one of the bold new colors in your earring choice.

The new spring colors offer a great option for ring choices, as well. Wear a multi-colored stone ring to add bling to your outfit and versatility in clothing choices. This bold ring will please the eye and the pocketbook, since you will get such extensive use out of it.

This spring offers a great list of jewelry choices for you. Start looking now to find those perfect pieces. We all know that an outfit can be good, but it's the accessories that make it great. Be bold in your statements and pick some great pieces.

By Denise Sanger

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Winter 2008 and Spring 2009 Jewelry Trends

A lot of jewelry makers and artists don't think about trying to follow fashion trends and their sales end up suffering for it. Even if you already have a backlog of jewelry inventory I've found that you can sometimes introduce little changes that will make those older jewelry pieces have much more appeal to a wider audience.

Make the 2008 Winter and 2009 Spring season the time you turn your jewelry making style a little more fashionable and see your sales increase!

Warm and Dark:
There are lots of different predictors of color pallette trends for the winter, but all you really need to know is dark and warm. This means that dark reds, oranges and even some darker yellow colors are all very popular.

I've seen a lot of people wearing dark red gems and stones a lot, usually with a darker color or patina coated metal as well. Don't forget colors like brown, black and even muddied greys can be dark and warm.

Formal Wear:
The winter holidays bring a number of dances and parties and gatherings of all sorts, some formal and some informal. For formal events diamonds never go out of style, but instead of being draped in many different jewelry pieces and accessories expect to see people wearing one or two unique and large pieces. If you are making jewelry for formal events you may want to consider making an eye-catching pendant, cocktail ring and earring combination all using over-sized semi-precious stones or gems. As always, pearls and diamonds are always great for formal events, but fake pearls and large costume jewelry pieces can be popular and add sparkle just like anything else!

Gold vs Silver:
Silver's cool feel always makes it a hit in the winter months with the way is goes so well with the silvery shimmer of snow, but gold is making a comeback, especially with those warmer colors and bigger stones we're seeing.

These are just some of the many new and exciting jewelry fashions that hot for the upcoming cold months. If you're making your own jewelry then you'll definitely want to pay attention to these trends and keep them in mind as you make your own pieces, either for sale or for wearing on your own!

You can read the expanded article and learn a whole lot more about what to expect with 2008/2009 new jewelry trends and read over 140 more articles about making and selling your own handmade jewelry at http://www.BeadJewelryBlog.com

By L. Kay

Monday, December 29, 2008

Red Carpet Celebrity Inspired Jewelry

Have you ever seen pictures of celebrities walking the red carpet and thought to yourself "I want to look like that?" Their hair all done up, a pretty dress on and amazing jewelry. Wish no further, today there are many "knock off" companies that design jewelry to look like the stars. They specifically want to recreate what sparkled on the red carpet so you too can feel beautiful. Even if it isn't exact, it comes extremely close and looks great.

Most of these knock off stores have great quality items with top grade CZ and sterling silver. Why spend a ton of money for an item of jewelry when you can spend a fraction of the cost. It is important to realize that most of the time these celebrities are borrowing their jewelry anyways, they aren't even purchasing the stuff! So, neither should you at such a crazy price. But if it still looks amazing and purchased at a great price, make it yours!

Got a party to attend, a date you want to look nice at, or maybe you just want to feel like a star? Buy from a knock off jeweler and feel like a million bucks. The options are endless because most ofthese knock off companies are purchasing new jewelry weekly to keep up with the celebrities.

You want diamonds? They've got amazing CZ stones that shine. Looking for rubies? Have an itch for pink? It doesn't matter what you want, you can find it. Some of the stores also allow you to request specific pieces. It is amazing what is available for the paying customer. You can even find jewelry to wear on your wedding day. Your wedding day is an important day and you should feel like a star.

Now you can! Don't spend any more time feeling like you can't afford nice jewelry. You can if you purchase your jewels through celebrity inspired jewelry sites. With so many stores and great looking items the options are endless. You too can get the look of the red carpet all with one click of a button.

Buy Red Carpet Celebrity Inspired Jewelry now or Find a Red Ruby Cocktail Ring and more!

By April Babish

Monday, December 22, 2008

Pearls in Freshwater

Pearls are known all over the world for its lustrous appeal and women have been wearing them for many years. Before the 19th Century, deep sea was the only source to get natural pearls with the help of sea-divers. But then came the era of cultured pearls. The advent of pearl farming is often credited to Mikomoto of Japan who had perfected the technique of culturing pearls.

There are many types of pearls such as freshwater pearls, akoya seawater pearls, Tahitian pearls and south seawater pearls. Each one of these pearls comes from different oysters type.

Freshwater pearls are the only pearls that are harvested in rivers, ponds and lakes and all other types come from deep-sea water pearl farming. No matter what the source is, they are all cultural pearls and natural pearls are rarity now.

Pearls are actually formed when a small tiny object becomes trapped inside the tissue of oyster or mollusk or surgically implanted by human. What happens then is that the tissue secretes nacre, which is a combination of crystalline and other organic substances, building up layer upon layer which finally takes the shape of pearl. This is an amazing process that takes two to three years or more but the end result is just beautiful.

The quality of any pearl freshwater always depends upon the weather conditions and the water quality in rivers or lakes. Often the pearl farmers keep checking the growth process in order to get the best products.

The size, color, roundness and the luster are the key factors to determine the prices of these pearls no matter, which cultured pearl type and the source. Most online sites or brick and mortar jewelry boutiques have direct procurement from the pearl farms and often sell at discounted prices to the consumers. Freshwater pearls have become much affordable than ever before.

By Kheri Chawla

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Freshwater Pearl & Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

When it comes to Pearls the most common questions I have received over the past several years as a freshwater pearl jewelry manufacturer and dealer would have to be what are the difference between freshwater and cultured pearls and pearl jewelry? Simply put 99.999% of all pearl jewelry found in the world market of today is in fact cultured.

The only difference is that freshwater pearl jewelry are only a single type of cultured pearls. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls are in fact all cultured pearls.The current trend of confusion for the general public seems that they are led to believe pearl jewelry such Japanese Akoyas, South Sea or even Tahitian Pearls are all natural pearls when in fact as their freshwater siblings they are in fact cultured pearls...A cultured pearl is a pearl that has been created with the help of human interaction at the very start of the process.

Human intervention is required to allow the process of pearl nacre formation to begin, the task requires surgical precision to be successful but from that point on nature take over.

The irony of all of this would be that high quality gem quality freshwater pearls are in fact all nacre which would be the closet type of pearl to a truly natural pearl that may have been found 500 years ago.... Did you know that all salwater pearls which include the Japanese Akoya's, Australian South Sea's and Tahitian Pearls are nearly all started with a round plastic bead that is inserted the mollusk and pearl nacre starts to form around it ?

So the choice is yours a round plastic bead with pearl nacre coated around it or a gem quality all nacre freshwater pearl just like were being created millions of years ago.. the choice is yours but I know where I would spend my money.

Quality Freshwater Pearl Jewelry has been a passion of Pearlsintime.com, as direct importers we know pearls and love to give people the correct and accurate information about what we love.

By Marc Muhammad

Friday, December 12, 2008

Fashion Jewelry

Women love wearing jewelry in many styles which will tell their tastes in many areas of their life. These come in various shapes, sizes and colors from fashion jewelry wholesale stores. Sometimes you can buy them from the same place that you can buy costume jewelry. Since this jewelry is popular with women of all ages, they can be bought from wholesale stores at affordable prices.

The dealers show a wide range of the types you would wish to own. Before you buy, see the different designs and choose the best that appeal to you.

They will have jewels from various countries and periods to wear that runs with that type. You may think of mix and match to create a unique style from reputable jewelry centers. Considering the numerous ways to wear fashion jewelry, wholesale centers can have varieties that can make the designer in you lose. This way you combine the ethnic styles to create a unique look that will leave a lasting mark.

Fashion jewelry centers may also have costume jewelry that you can choose and combine these dissimilar styles. If you select a good quality fashion and costume jewelry from a reputable fashion store, you will look stylish; the various elements of fashion will mesh together perfectly.

With the vast selection items from these stores you will be choosing a fashion jewelry that you will love to wear for a long time. So the next time that you want to have distinctive and varied jewelry styles you should think about buying some fashion jewelry.

By Peter Gitundu

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Jewelry is the Perfect Gift For Your Teenager

All girls, of all ages, love jewelry of some kind. Some may be more interested in bracelets, or earrings, or necklaces, but none the less they all love some piece of jewelry. As they get older and grow into young women, they get harder to shop for, but never fear, here are some ideas to help you when shopping for your teen! Hearts, charms, lockets, some personalized and some not.

So if your teenager is more interested in stunning bracelets, why not give her a Personalized Heart Charm Toggle Bracelet? The first letter of her name is engraved for into the diamond cut heart and the open lined chains make it light looking. Another great idea is a Swarovski Crystal Silver Heart Charm Bracelet.

Once again, a single letter can be engraved into the heart charm, which is towards the clip of the bracelet, for no additional charge. The bracelet is decorated with dazzling Swarovski crystals of multiple colors. This would be a perfect "Mom & Daughter" bracelet, because any mom would love this too!

If your teen is into more bulky bracelets, then a wide cuff personalized bracelets would be the perfect choice. They can hold her name, initials, or nickname and are sterling silver.

Necklaces are so fun to pick from - personalized or not. They're just stunning and can make your neck seem longer and slimmer than it is. A great surprise for your teenager would be to buy her a Crystal and Pearl Personalized Circle Charm Friendship Necklaces for her and her best friends.

Each young lady could get their first initial on the circle charm and different colored crystals on the necklace. For something just for her, though, the Heart Locket Pendant on White Pearl Necklace is a beautiful gift to share with her. The locket opens up and can hold inside a picture of you and a picture of her. Yes, your teen will most definitely treasure this touching gift from you.

Another cute idea is to give a Rhinestone Key to My Heart Charm Necklace. This unique necklace has two chains connected at the clasp, an shimmering rhinestone key pendant and is very chic and can be worn with any outfit she selects.

So shopping for your teenage daughter isn't so hard if you know what you're looking for. The more personal the better but all pieces of jewelry are beautiful and that even without it being personalized it'd be treasured forever - because it was given by you.

By Denise Sanger

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Jewelry in Other Cultures

In Britain today it is typical to associate jewelry with special occasions such as weddings, gifts given to a person of importance, or as a symbol of belonging such as a cross worn around the neck. In other cultures however jewellery can be used in different ways and types of gems and stones can be regarded quite differently.

Historically, the first culture to make jewelry were the Chinese around 5000 years ago. Silver was more popular than gold and Jade was their favourite stone. The Chinese initially wore jewelry in order to display their wealth but later early tiara type pieces were worn by women to add to their beauty.

At the same time in Central and South America gold was much easier to find. Jewelry from this area was incredibly ornate however and included the combined use of gold with mother of pearl and amethyst inlayed. The Mayan civilization also used precious gems as a form of currency, whilst the Aztecs used jewelry and jewel-covered tools such as daggers during sacrifices.

Similar to the cross as worn by Christians, other religions have their popular symbols that are widely seen on necklaces and as pendants. Many Muslims wear the symbol of Allah and designs sometimes feature a ritual sword. Additionally, Judaism also has its typical designs such as the Star of David and the Hamesh Hand, a symbol that is traditionally believed to offer protection.

Body modification in some cultures uses jewelry. Inhabitants of Myanmar wear rings from an early age that stretch the neck over a long period of time. Whereas in the African tribes of the Mursi Lip plates are worn to stretch the bottom lip which is traditional before marriage.

Jewelry of the modern era takes on many forms. In the 20th Century artists and designers have used the medium in order to convey their ideas, whilst even pop culture movements such as Hip-Hop have adopted 'Bling' as a symbol of success and musical prowess.

By Sarah Maple

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Pearls and Pearl Jewelry

Pearls that were once the domain of rich, famous and affluent have now become available to all. Pearl has always been the most sought after gems because of its natural beauty and brilliant lustrous appeal.

Pearls were also treasured as a unique symbol of showing great opulence. British Royalties had exquisite amount of collections of rare beautiful pearls all the time. They were limited to be worn by worriers and rulers. Many European countries passed laws forbidding the wearing of pearls by others outside of the nobility. In Roman Empire pearls were considered ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity.

It was only the wealthy people who enjoyed the privilege of possessing and wearing the precious pearl jewelry. During ancient times, pearls were considered signs of love, health and prosperity. Many believed that they are tears from the Heaven or Goddess that nurtures in oyster's womb.

Pearl hunting was done by few sea-divers extracting them by opening the oysters from sea floor or riverbeds but that was dangerous and risky. Because of unpredictable nature of oyster growth, the pearls found were varying in quality and limited supply. Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan who perfected and patented his bead nucleating process in early 20th Century which revolutionized the entire pearl cultivation.

Now millions of these cultured pearls are produced in Japan, China, Australia and other Far Eastern Asian regions of the world. You will find pearl farming in Central America seawater as well as in Mississippi River area.

The most commonly used and internationally recognized grading system by the pearl jewelry industry in general is A to AAA to determine the true pearl value. Strict adherence is often difficult when matching in a pearl strand. But this alphanumeric ranking alone does not have much of significance to a customer and often puzzling.

Lustrous quality, color, size and pearl type are the key factors when it comes to pricing.

By Kheri Chawla

Friday, November 14, 2008

Quality Pearls and Pearl Jewelry

The holiday season is just around the corner and it is a wonderful season for receiving all kinds of gifts. For some, buying jewelry may sound a bit expensive - especially diamonds - but pearl jewelry is much more affordable now.

When it comes to buying gifts for your charming ladylove, the best favor you can offer her is to send her pearl jewelry. Dazzle your charming lady with one of the most lustrous pearls - a pearl necklace or any other pearl jewelry type. We all know women love jewelry and she will be more than happy to receive this wonderful gift coming from a person who loves and cares her most.

Pearl necklaces designed with most beautiful pearls are very attractive and look gorgeous on necklines. They are true natural gems and one of the best gifts from nature. They are formed inside the pearls oyster and it takes about two to three years to get the nice quality like gem pieces. Most jewelers will give you appraisal reports with the type of pearls, size and its quality. So you will know what you are getting for your money.

The best part of buying pearl jewelry is that it doesn't cost as much as diamonds, yet they always have been classic and never go out of fashion. They are must have items for any women's jewelry collection. Since these true natural shining gems are synonymous with white colors but they can be color-enhanced in pink, peach, golden, lavender or black. Buy the color and type you like most, as all cultured pearls are truly great investment.

By Kheri Chawla

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Freshwater Or Saltwater Pearls

Everyone has questioned it at least once. What is the difference between the freshwater and saltwater pearls in my jewelry? Besides the obvious difference of where they are grown; either in freshwater streams or saltwater oceans, there is the difference in the pearls themselves, which actually, is very little. The main difference can be found in the production of man-made pearls.

In all pearls that are man-made, the pearls are produced by inserting a small particle into the oyster's body itself. In a saltwater pearl, the small particle that is inserted into the oyster is usually a very small piece of mother-of-pearl shell. It is implanted into the oyster along with a small piece of mantle tissue, or connective tissue, from another oyster. The saltwater oyster will only produce one pearl, but not without both elements; the mantle and shell portion, being inserted.

For a freshwater pearl, there is no need to insert the small piece of mother-of-pearl shell. All that the freshwater pearl needs to be produced, is a small piece of mantle from another oyster. Then, the freshwater oyster starts to put layer after layer of nacre over it to produce a pearl.

The great thing about freshwater oysters or mullusks, is that multiple pieces of mantle can be placed inside an oyster to form multiple pearls! This is primarily the reason why freshwater pearls are lower in price than saltwater pearls.

Either way, they both look great worn as a bracelet, necklace, or earrings!

By Hollie Souza

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Amethyst Beads Jewelry

One of the most commonly used beads in beaded jewelry - are Amethyst beads. Amethyst beads are most famous semi precious beads, quite the size of stones, and hence the name. It's often used in jewelry making and makes good garnishing with bigger bead pendants or as trappings with bigger semi precious beads. When use this beads, gives a feeling of completeness when they act as concomitant to other kind of gemstone beads in a necklace, bracelet or any kind of beaded jewelry and ornament.

In jewelry or ornaments making the amethyst beads plays a big roll for give a different look of jewelry. The amethyst beads are a unique and beautiful option for use in all manner of beaded jewelry. Amethyst beads come in nearly every shade from green, blue and purple, and make a fine selection for decorating any piece of bead jewelry where you wish a stick with a traditional bead stone, yet want something a little bit different and special.

Amethyst beads also remember as birthstone of February. Once considered more valid than of diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally like crystals within rocks. The Amethyst stones are origin from mined of Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia, and Australia and in the mountains of Russia.

When we speak about the jewels, we simply let us not can discount the beaded jewels. Amethyst beads can be used both for jewelry and also otherwise. Amethyst beads convert beaded jewelry more brilliant and cool, whereas they play an integral part in other kinds of jewels. They are primarily used in our daily jewels while they can differ many hanging in various kinds from exclusive jewelry.

By Sunny Methwani