The Myth and Lore of Garnets: January's Birthstone

The lore of garnets can be traced back to the ancient Greek myth of Persephone. She was the maiden daughter of Zeus, the most powerful Greek god, and Demeter, the Earth mother whose realm was plants and agriculture.
Persephone was picking flowers when she was abducted by Hades, the ruler of the underworld. Zeus sought out Hermes to find her and bring her back, but because she had eaten of the pomegranate seed, she was obligated to spend a third of the year with Hades, who became her new husband.

The term garnet comes from the Phoenician term for pomegranate: punica geranatum. From this came the Latin term, "granatus," which translates as "seed." Garnets appear like pomegranate seeds individually and also, in their natural matrix where they can be found in clusters.

Persephone's rising up from the underworld and disappearing in the late autumn months represents the seasonal cycles of plant growth in temperate climates. In the winter months, when plants are barren and the Earth itself seems to be asleep, Persephone is underground. In the spring, she rises up with to be with her mother, Demeter, who brings the bounty of leafy growth with joy at her daughter's return.
The mythological association of garnets, particularly red garnets, with Persephone suggests that the gemstone might be associated with a particular type of love - not the superficial type of love, but deep love that takes you so far out of yourself that you end up in a different world.

Note that Persephone was not courted. She was swept down. Once she tasted the underworld, she could never leave; it was an initiation of sorts. Hades, Persephone's husband, inhabits a world in which one is forced to leave one's body behind in ashes.

Hades was also sometimes called "Lord of the Riches," because indeed, all riches do come from the earth. Jungian depth psychology and astrological lore associates Hades with catharsis, radical change from deep within. The underworld is a metaphor for the unconscious currents of one's existence - the dream world, where archetypal characters interact in stories that have mythological patterns.

Apart from the myth, over the centuries garnets have been the subject of much lore. There's a Biblical story about Noah hanging a garnet around his neck in order to have safe passage through dark and stormy nights, which perhaps accounts for garnets being offered to travelers as a talisman for safe journeys.

Garnet is named as January's birthstone. The zodiac sign is that of Aquarius, a sign associated with the warmth of friendship and working well with groups of people.

The Koran describes Heaven's light as all pervasive, glowing because of garnets. Garnets, in this case, contained a powerful internal energy. Romans compared the glow of garnet to that of coal and the passionate red, led them to associate the gem with Mars, the god of war. Garnets are also associated with the hot weather of summer time.

Perhaps the lore of garnets also has something to do with how they are formed. Garnets, found in metamorphic and volcanic rock, are formed deep underground and under extreme pressure and temperature. They are a type of silicate that share a common crystalline, isometric, cubic structure.

Though we most often identify them with the color red, they can be found in a wide variety of hues, depending upon the composition of calcium, iron and manganese. Garnets range from green, lemon yellow, black, rose, orange and even black.

Human beings have used garnets for adornment for thousands of years. Garnets have even been found in bronze age tombs. According to Knuth, the earliest recorded garnet mine is in Sri Lanka, and dates back about 2500 years.

Today, garnets are mined on several continents. Those that are not gemstone quality are quite common. I remember picking out small red in granite in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire which I explored as a teenager.

If you want to learn more about garnets and your relationship to them, here's an entirely different approach. Just try holding a garnet in your hand for a while and see if you get a new feeling. Perhaps you'll see some images in your mind's eye.

Contemplate what you feel and see if it provides any insight. This may seem crazy, but ask the garnet a question. You might be surprised about what a garnet can teach you about your personal journey, picking flowers with your sweetheart, or wandering about in a dream somewhere in the realm of Hades.

References: Most of the historical content, myth and lore referenced in this article came from two books, both of which are in print and available on line:

George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, New York; Dover Publications, Inc. 1913, 1971 edition.

Bruce Knuth, Gems In Myth, Legends And Lore; Parachute, Colorado, Jewelers Press, 2007.

As a jeweler, I am often asked about birthstones by my customers. Yet few understand the historical connection behind between gem and month. Nor do many considered what is behind the attraction one may feel toward a particular gem. This article considers garnets, the birthstone of January, using myth and lore, to grasp this gem's metaphysical "meaning".

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/The-Myth-and-Lore-of-Garnets--January-s-Birthstone/129153

How to Get a Good Deal Buying Rubies: What Your Jeweler Won't Tell You

When shopping for a ruby, you want to be sure you buy the best one you can for your money. Salespeople in jewelry stores, though perhaps well-meaning, are usually not gemologically trained. They are not often able to explain the properties or rareness of a particular gemstone, but rather use softer terminology like "beauty" and "sparkle". Before you buy your ruby, read about the common things that jewelers do that can be misleading.

They show you rubies that are the wrong color:

The most important factor in determining the value of a ruby is its color. The most valuable color for ruby is bright bright red. It is nicknamed "pigeon blood red". Most of the rubies that a jeweler will try to sell you are either:

1. Too dark. They are the color of wine, or slightly brown or slightly purple, or
2. Too light. They are dark or hot pink

Now, if you like these colors, then you should buy them. However, you must also make sure that the price takes the "less valuable" color into account.

They don't tell you that the ruby is poorly cut

Most rubies commonly found in fine jewelry are cut too shallow. This means that when you look at it from the side, it is disc-like. A well cut ruby is about as tall as it is wide. You can tell a good cut by the amount of sparkle: a perfectly cut ruby will dazzle you. A poorly cut ruby will either have a dark spot in the center without any sparkle, or more commonly, you'll be able to see through it (in clearer stones).

The quality of the cut has nothing to do with the shape of the cut. If you are shopping for a ruby, look at the stones available to you and examine each one for the amount of sparkle they return.

They make you think that just because it's a ruby, it's precious

This is not the case. You can buy loose rubies for under $10. The value of a ruby completely depends on its qualities as a gemstone (color, clarity, cut and size). The finest rubies can be worth more than diamonds. If you are buying a piece of jewelry because you think the ruby it contains makes it valuable, you have to be careful. Examine it for yourself according to those 4 characteristics.

If you go into the shopping process well educated about what is valuable, you can end up with a precious treasure that will hold its value for generations.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/How-to-Get-a-Good-Deal-Buying-Rubies--What-Your-Jeweler-Won-t-Tell-You/146930

Diamonds, Gemstones, Bargains- From Marco Polo to Now

The ragged wretches who banged on the door of the Polo family manor had learned to behave as like lepers, to avoid contact over the thousands of miles as they saw was the requirement of the moment.

Bandits controlled central Asia then, and as today perhaps. Only those who seemed diseased and too ragged were bypassed, left untouched in fear of contact with the plague.

In the middle of 1200 to be a western trader going into the wilds of central Asia carried their trade packets east in hopes of returning alive with diamonds and gemstones and riches seemed a simple formula.

So forward went the Polo three in their trade mission and see what they would find, and answer each band of brigands, why were they there? To have some adventure and make some money. How will they achieve that? By working our way into the central heart of their system, show we have much to offer as well as receive, and work to any strong hand we sense as it arises.

They thought this, did not disclose this to the occasional brigands, who they simply clawed and begged to and tried to touch with their long fingernails and possibly disease filled body; get away. And so they traveled more thousands of miles east, and then west, and changed the west forever. Soon gunpowder, iron, fire works and silk, spices and riches for our furs.

They were warned to always avoid conflict. The mighty Khan who would as soon behead you as listen, if he senses he is in the presence of a fool. Make your first sentences simple and clear, show great homage to his might and your simple desire to serve.The mighty Khan received the Polo family well.

He admitted he knew of the Pope, and of the Jesus story who was the western Prince of Peace. The mighty Khan informed Marco and his father and uncle that he would welcome one hundred scholars of the Christian faith. Upon his return, Marco made a special trip to Rome and delivered this message to the new Pope.

The letter asked the Pope to teach Christian values and thoughts to his people of China, who chafed under a Mongol ruler. Please send one hundred scholars of Christ.It never happened.

So, instead of returning with a note that the pope took action on, Marco had to be satisfied that he had enriched himself with diamonds and gemstones, riches from the fabled Orient. He knew the great globe, the land mass from Europe through Asia, better other than any man. He would spread his beads and gemstones, gather his diamonds and return to Venice: rich but well known as mad. He was as mad as a Himalayan fox.

History has long admired Marco Polo: the horrors and terrors of the long walk, the vastness of the area to cover,the eerie majesty of the Court of mighty Khan. This missed offer to the West for 100 Christian scholars to teach his people about Jesus is one of the missed opportunities of history.

But China did accept one hundred scholars of Buddha, and have been happy with that, and the recent revival. Marco brought rags to China and returned with vast riches. It may be they think it is their turn now.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Diamonds--Gemstones--Bargains--From-Marco-Polo-to-Now/144756

Is There Such A Thing As Fair Trade Jewelry?

A Google search for "fair trade jewelry" will bring up numerous companies, many of which sell ethnic jewelry produced in small villages in the developing world. The 'fair trade' concept draws the socially responsible shopper, yet the third party labeling organization, Fair Labeling Organization (FLO)- of which Transfair USA is a member - does not currently list jewelry as a category certifiable as fair trade. Apart from that, some large players in the mainstream jewelry industry are beginning to tout concepts such as "fair trade diamonds and gold." So how does one make sense of these jewelry claims, especially as they relate to the $150 Billion plus mainstream jewelry industry?

Investigating the Self-Proclaimed Fair Trade Jewelers

'Global Exchange' comes up number one on Google in the organic, unpaid listings for the "fair trade jewelry" search. The Transfair logo at the bottom of their website would lead a shopper to believe that their jewelry, like the coffee they sell, is third party certified.

In the context of their claim, I emailed them, asking about the source of their precious metal and the environmental safeguards for their manufacturer's; proper ventilation and disposal or toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing of the jewelry they sell. Finally, sterling silver is supposed to be .925% silver. Imports out of small villages in developing countries are notorious for labeling as sterling silver jewelry which has less silver content than real sterling silver.

Global Exchange wrote back explaining that that what qualifies as fair trade jewelry is that their jewelry is made in a village by small scale artisans and fair working conditions, which they monitor. They could not answer questions about the environmental practices of these small manufacturers and did not monitor sterling content.

This application of the term "fair trade" to jewelry by Global Exchange is backed by a fair trade concept that exists outside of FLO. Global Exchange also referred me to the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), of which they are a member. FTF's website FAQ pages lists jewelry as a "fair trade" product. I interviewed Carmen Iezzi, the executive director of FTF, which helped me understand that FTF has nothing to do with products: only businesses that sell them - a subtle distinction probably lost on the average person.

Global Exchange, at least, has some history behind their ethical stance; there are many small and large companies and stores using the "fair" and "eco" label around jewelry with more questionable accountability.

Though "fair trade" jewelry is helping some villagers in the developing world, it is a negligible niche market in the mainstream jewelry industry as a whole, which does over hundred and fifty billion dollars annually.

The Difficulty of Fair Trade in the Main Stream Jewelry Industry

Taking the concept of "fair trade" jewelry out of the village and into the mainstream global jewelry market (think gold, diamonds, bling bling) is like banging that old square peg into a round hole. At present, the industry is totally commodity based and price driven, somewhat like lumber or oil. Fair trade is just not part of the paradigm.

Consider the general conditions required for a fair trade item which is fairly straight forward: coffee. The beans are organically grown often in farms that work collectively, fostering entrepreneurship which translates into broader community prosperity. Third party certification assures a level of integrity that the ethical consumer buying at Whole Foods feels good about.

To translate the same concept into a jewelry product, one would have to factor in labor and environmental practices in the sourcing of precious metal and gemstones. Mining and development of the raw material - metal refining and gemstone cutting - are additional steps. Manufacturing a finished product presents another process with its own labor and environmental issues. Plus, there is a wide range of jewelry products, from toy rings to the high end. Attempting to come to an agreed upon criteria of what is ethical with such an elaborate, disparate supply chain is daunting.

The Ethical Sourcing Movement in the Mainstream Jewelry Industry

Meanwhile, a small segment of passionate, dedicated people in the mainstream jewelry industry are attempting to define "ethical sourcing", with the ultimate aim of some kind of agreed upon criteria leading to true, third party Fair Trade Jewelry certification. This is going to be a long process.

To that end, the first Ethical Jewelry Summit was held in late October of 2007 in Washington DC. Fair trade oriented suppliers, NGOs, Manufacturuers, Miners from all over the world as well third party certification groups like TransfairUSA came together to start this process.

The jewelry industry derives most of its revenues from diamonds, precious and gemstones and precious metal. The ethical sourcing movement has attracted the interest of governments, large corporations and the World Bank, where the Washington meeting took place.

Most raw materials in the jewelry industry are sourced from small scale mining and efforts are under way to bring ethical practices to this sector. FLO's early efforts focus on ARM (Association For Responsible Mining). Some companies, such as the Rapaport Group and Columbia Gem House, have taken strong initiatives on their own, extrapolating the fair trade concept to apply to gemstone sourcing. However, precious metals and gems in themselves do not make up an entire piece of jewelry.

Though a finished piece of jewelry could be analogous to a fair trade chocolate bar which may have parts that are independently certified, we cannot have ethically sourced jewelry without addressing manufacturing which has its own labor and environmental concerns. Fair trade concerns items that are produced in developing countries. Unlike coffee, mainstream jewelry cannot be easily manufactured in a developing world village because it requires a huge initial investment in equipment and raw materials.

Apart from companies that source their manufactured products from ethical factories, the most notable experiment in this regard is taking place in South Africa in a project called, Vukani-Ubuntu. The project essentially trains people from local townships into the mainstream jewelry trade, providing training, mentoring and equipment. It is heavily supported by government and NGOs. But according to Lores Mares, CEO of the South African Jewelry Council, one of the most difficult challenges is bringing the product to a market.

Jewelry is strictly a commodity that is heavily cost driven. This ethical sourcing concept does not bring added value because the market is undeveloped. My anecdotal research shows that the progressive, green shopper who buys from Patagonia does not feel at ease with a typical jewelry sales person. Winning the progressive 'eco' demographic back will not be easy. Yet those in the mainstream jewelry world who are involved, are sincere and heavily driven by humanitarian concerns - with the possible exception of the larger corporations who may be joining to polish their blood diamond, dirty gold image.

Though millions of websites reference "fair trade
jewelry," the designation is, at this point, too ambiguous for all but a few main stream jewelry manufacturers to use. The consumer interested in ethically sourced jewelry needs to look for detailed information as to sourcing, labor and environmental practices. At present, transparency is often more valuable to the consumer than any 'fair trade' designation.

Third party certified "fair trade" jewelry does not exist; yet if you google "fair trade jewelry" millions of sites come up. Written for the consumer and the trade, this short article, extensively researched and referenced, sorts though challenges around ethical sourcing in the jewelry sector. The article concludes that transparency is more valuable than any "fair" or "eco" labeling.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Is-There-Such-A-Thing-As-Fair-Trade-Jewelry-/127949

Funky And Stylish Jewelry For Teenagers

Teenagers always keep experimenting with their looks. Blame their age or their hormones, teenagers are quite fickle minded and cannot stick to one fashion or trend for long. So while buying jewelry for your teenage children it becomes very important to keep in mind that your child might soon get bored with expensive piece of jewelry you bought.

A very important thing to keep in mind while buying jewelry for your teenage child, is that your child might not like the idea of wearing some jewelry that you bought on your own without asking about his/her choice. Teenagers are often rule breakers who believe in getting their own way.

They have their personal fashion statements and like to stick to them as long as they wish to. If you really wish to give your adolescent child some jewelry, then you can ask him/her to accompany you while you go shopping. You can also log on to the net to choose from a wide range. In this way you'll get your child something of his/her own choice and you can budget as well.

Teenagers often try to get replicas of the jewelry that celebrities wear. Hordes of these types are available in the market in less expensive material to suit every pocket. Other hot trends among the teenagers are jewelry for different pierced parts of the body and funky bracelets and bands. Body piercing is now a rage and has a huge market for jewelry that adorns different parts of the body.

Belly buttons are especially in vogue among teenagers and they sure want to flaunt it off with a funky piece of jewelry. Teenagers often give each other bracelets or bands, woven or beaded, as a sign of their friendship. They often make them personalized by creating these bracelets themselves.

If you don't want to burn a whole in your pocket by buying expensive jewelry for your teenage child, you can opt for semiprecious gemstones. Gold and silver plated jewelry is also a good choice for the adolescents. Unusual stones, silverwork, leatherwork, beadwork and all types of bizarre things are finding their way into teenage jewelry. Not only guys, but also many girls want a sporty look and try to bring it out with the help of jewelry. Jewelry made of stainless steel, leather, rubber, shell, wood, bone, etc is gaining ground among the teenagers.

Teenagers wear jewelry to stand apart from the crowd. They have a deep desire to be noticed, to be one and yet to be different from the crowd. They wear attractive colors and rebellious designs to draw attention. They have drawn the attention of manufacturers who now pay special attention towards creating jewelry that is designed especially for teenagers.

Jewelry that is made up of semi precious stones or Swarovski crystals has flooded the market and targets the teens. This type of jewelry is not very expensive and at the same time great to flaunt. Teenage dedicated jewelry has in fact added to the business of jewelry makers who now lay great emphasis and attention on making jewelry that actually helps one to stand apart from the crowd.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Funky-And-Stylish-Jewelry-For-Teenagers/145075

Gems To Suit Your Mood

Natural stones are believed to have unlimited powers. You must have come across necklaces made up of beautiful gemstones, but have you ever thought about the mystical powers and natural healing qualities these stones have? It can be great fun to know what these gemstones can do besides complimenting your wardrobe. Some of the gems and their special properties are as follows:

Amonzonite:

The name has been derived from the Amazon River, even though no deposit of amonzonite has been found there. There are variations in the color of this stone. It ranges from yellow green to blue green, and sometimes fine white colored streaks can also be seen. This stone is said to have exceptional healing qualities and it can be very effective in making your skin look better. It also helps in relieving anxiety and fear. Many people believe that amonzonite can bring a lot of happiness into married life. When you buy this stone, make sure that you don't confuse it with jade.

Chalcedony:

Chalcedony is a term that has been derived from an ancient town in Greece called Chalkedon in Asia Minor. This stone is commonly found in yellow, pale blue, gray with a wax like luster and brown color. Some other varieties of chalcedony that are marketed are buff, white or light tan. It is very expensive and it is also considered to be one of the best stones in the market.

As far as healing qualities are concerned, this stone is believed to help an individual fight depression, hysteria, fear, sadness and mental illness. It also reduces fever and can be very good for the eyes. Chalcedony has mystical powers for promoting peace and calmness. Creativity can be stimulated if you wear this stone. This is not only one of the best stones to wear, but many people also like to collect them.

Agate:

This stone got its name from the Greek word 'Agate' which means happy. Based on another theory, this word comes from the name of a Greek stone that was found in Sicily in Achates River, now known as the Drillo River. This river is still the main source of agate stone. You can find agate in transparent or opaque varieties, in several beautiful colors.

It is a cooling stone that is supposed to be effective in quenching thirst, reducing fever and good for the stomach. Your heart beats and pulse can be regulated with agate. It is said to be the best stone for a healthy and prosperous life. This stone can guard you from any sort of danger and makes you not only cautious and temperate, but content as well. Agate has the mystical power of helping an individual view him or her self with more clarity and a broad viewpoint. You are supposed to get pleasant dreams and sleep well if you wear agate.

Alexandrite:
This stone is named after Czar Alexander II. It is said to have power of absorption and that is why it looks purple in artificial light and green in daylight. Alexandrite is believed to fight low self esteem and improve the disorders of the nervous system. It can also bring relief in problems related to spleen and pancreas.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Gems-To-Suit-Your-Mood/145076

Diamonds, Gemstones, Pirates- How Sir Walter Raleigh Created the American Dollar

Diamonds, gemstones and most of all Spanish galleons filled with silver coins known as the dollar would be transferred from ships bound for Spain to smaller, lighter ships now bound for England.

And this booty would be in the name of the Queen, but of course there were always the expenses, to be paid mostly by the Spanish silver dollars that were worth their weight in silver.

The Kings and Queens were welcome to the diamonds and gemstones and glories and planting flags. But all those who did the work made sure they also received their honest silver dollars. Each dollar was worth it's weight in silver, and the Queen could only count what she could see.

So when your share of your dollars due was to be finished off with some change, they would cut up a silver dollar in half, and then in half, and again, until they had eight equal pieces of silver, each worth it's weight equally.

You had your payment in Spanish dollars, and as change some pieces of eight. Awk, is that your parrot or mine? So while forms of money varied after Sir Walter, many types of money were tried and used between each new town.

You could pay in Pounds or Francs or Guilders in New Amsterdam, or any other money there. Everywhere, English Pounds in many places were more accepted than the poor Revolutionary dollars that kept becoming worthless.

A point arrived along with independence that some semblance of a financial system needed to be worked out. And while they worked on that they continued to apply the dollar as their standard. Exchange a Spanish King for an American President, all in English, One American Dollar, and complete makeover except the basic concept.

And about those pieces of eight. They are still with us. Two bits of those pieces of eight made a quarter, or two bits. Every one knows four quarters make a dollar. Lucky they did not use Peso that far back, or can you imagine the backlash in Washington DC today?

But about the dollar and two bits. What is so new about that? Apparently, not much. Wonderful when a pirate named Sir Walter decides where to create HQ for the new great civilization, inside huge Chesapeake Bay, name the south side Virginia and start there, cotton and tobacco.

But you also taught us how to steal the concept and the real dollars and the pieces of eight to get away from that stuffy English Pound system. What a guy, Sir Walter. You deserved a finer end to your life, considering it was you and a handful of Drakes and such chaps to send the language of 2.5 million in 1500 to work into becoming the working language of the world.

And you started smoking that pipe in a place you named Virginia. Excellent vision, Sir W. This Spanish dollar system continued to be used by the New York Stock Exchange until beyond 1990. That is just one legacy of one of my very favorite pirates, Sir Walter Raleigh.

Raleigh noted it was quicker to obtain more diamonds and dollars than Pounds and pence. He is a real diamond in American history. Raleigh found his choice between paying in Spanish bargain dollars by the galleon, or find pinch penny pounds. If he were you, what would you do?

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Diamonds--Gemstones--Pirates---How-Sir-Walter-Raleigh-Created-the-American-Dollar/145624

Gemstone Jewelry - An Attraction Guaranteed

Gemstones and similar brightly colored stones have been part of body adornment ever since man became aware of the importance of attracting the opposite sex.. On record, from the pre-historic and recorded times, are cave paintings and proof of the use of various materials in nature in jewelry making.

Gems, glass bits, stones of various colors, shells and bone have been used for jewelry in earlier times. However, of all the materials and gemstones continue to enjoy importance within the industry. The bright and opulent diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires have become common settings today. Each one is even awarded a month and certain qualities.

Diamonds were long considered the most precious of all the gemstones. Adamas was the term used to refer to this brilliant wonder. India, Botswana, Russia and Canada enjoy the revenue of this trade with other countries because of the market for this gemstone worldwide.

The gemstone is weighed, guaranteed, and certified in carats and set delicately, in varying sizes, in gold, silver and platinum jewelry. The importance of the diamond in the engagement and wedding rings is undeniable and the popular one liner "diamonds are a girl's best friend" does well for the demand.

There are a number of other gemstones set in modern jewelry too. The amethyst may have less value than the diamond enjoys because of the methods of extracting and importing adopted today, but its place within the industry is unquestionable. Women, men and teenagers the world over indulge in this beautiful gemstone jewelry. Many man-made gems are now set in place of the natural gems, like the zirconia that amply replaces the diamond as the poor man's version of the original.

In the case of gemstone jewelry, set in gold, platinum or silver, there are many different techniques used to create the different designs and offer the desired finesse. The techniques used today include polishing, the satin or matte finishing; as per demand, brushing and hammering. The aim of these processes is to ensure that the jewelry finally created, with the metal and gemstones setting, should be highly-reflective and ethnic.

The exquisite satin or matte finesse given to such jewelry enables the craftsman to tone down the shine of the metal used in the jewelry and accentuate the gemstones such as emeralds, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, zirconia, corals and pearls.

The extensive brushing process in the modern jewelry making industry is done to offer a well-textured look, with authentic brush strokes that are left behind via the brushing action which is quite similar to the common sandpaper effect. The hammering procedure in modern jewelry making makes use of a soft, rounded hammer that is specially created to give the jewelry a wavy texture.

Gemstone jewelry has been around for ages with the prime aim being to denote status, power and glamour. There have been laws in the past that actually dictated who could wear what type of gemstone jewelry! This was primarily based on rank and social status. Gone are the days when the wearing of jewelry like earrings by men was considered effeminate; today men make equal demands within the modern gemstone jewelry industry.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Gemstone-Jewelry---An--Attraction-Guaranteed/145210

Of Emeralds And Emerald Jewelry

Emeralds were not only the "object of fascination" for Cleopatra. Since time immemorial men and women have equally been attracted to this birthstone of the month of May. A fine and real emerald is actually a breathtaking sight. No wonder it is one of the "big four" other than ruby, sapphire and diamond. An emerald is often used to commemorate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

The major producers of Emerald are Colombia and Brazil along with the other countries in South America. A lot of Emerald mines can also be found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Zambia, all in Africa. Often a particular color of the stone, which is usually collected from different places, is named after the place from where it is most commonly found. So Columbian Emerald is the slightly bluish stone, whereas Brazilian Emerald is the lighter version.

From blue-green to yellow-green, a large range of the green color can be found in Emeralds. The most popular one is the grass green one, which has a hint of blue as well. The monetary value of the stone varies with the intensity of the color. The worth of an Emerald is also altered by its size. Almost all emeralds have internal flaws, which are filled up with oil or colored epoxies. Inclusions, which make the stone fragile, are more acceptable in Emeralds than in any other stone. Emeralds of top quality that are un-enhanced are much more expensive than the treated ones.

Glass, green cubic zirconia, YAG, spinal triplets and beryl triplets are the imitations of Emerald that can be found in the market. The stone is also produced synthetically via 2 major processes, for the last 50 years. However, there are signs that can help the appraisers and gemologists to differentiate the original from the synthetic ones.

Emeralds as solitaires can be commonly seen in earrings and rings. However, the color-range of the stone compliments one another and enables them to be clustered in necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets. Almost all the shades of the gemstone go well with gold. A very bright Emerald is more glamorous when set in white gold or platinum.

Diamonds are most commonly used as accent stones for Emerald jewelry. But the stone can be very well combined with other colorful gemstones like ruby and sapphire as well, as in the Tutti frutti collection of Cartier. If you are falling short of cash then you can also choose to combine it with semi precious stones like garnets, amethyst or citrines.

Emerald jewelry should never be cleaned with any ultrasonic cleaner. The internal flaws that occur in the stone due to this cleaning procedure can shatter actually it. Soapy water should also be avoided when cleaning Emerald jewelry because the liquid might erode away the oil fillings in the stone. Emerald is very hard but the inner flaws of the stone make it susceptible to breakage on impact.

There are many jewelers who sell Emerald jewelry. You can also purchase it online. You should, however, be careful before investing a fortune in purchasing Emerald jewelry. Always ask for a certificate of authentication if the jeweler claims the stone to be real, as it can be very expensive. If you are getting an artificial one, then you should enquire about the method in which the stone has been created and check the clarity as well. While buying Emerald jewelry online always look out if you are provided with a certificate and a money back guarantee.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Of-Emeralds-And-Emerald-Jewelry/145243

The Safest Way to Buy Loose Diamonds

When buying loose diamonds, it is very important that you yourself know how to judge a real diamond from a fake diamond. You must also know how to gauge the different types of diamonds so that you wind up buying loose diamonds that are of the highest quality that you can get for the price you pay. And that means knowing the 4 C's involved in the purchase of loose diamonds - these are namely the Cut, the Clarity, the Color, and the Carat of each diamond that goes through inspection.

When a loose diamonds expert describes the cut of each diamond, he is referring to how the diamond was cut so that its brilliance is stunning to the naked eye. The cut of the diamond will allow this gem to reflect light much better compared to the badly or poorly cut diamonds. When you encounter an artisan who has mastered the fine art of cutting diamonds, he can literally transform each diamond that passes through his hands into a masterpiece. But a novice or untalented artisan who gets even the best rough diamonds will produce badly cut diamonds that would never pass scrutiny at any time.

The clarity of loose diamonds becomes apparent when each stone is handled under 10-power magnification. This helps the artisan see if the loose diamonds have any surface flaws because surface flaws will diminish the brilliance of the final product. The rating for diamonds based on clarity start at "completely flawless" (which means these are the loose diamonds of the highest caliber) and culminate with "noticeably imperfect" (which means these are the loose diamonds with the lowest possible rating a gemologist can give). The "completely flawless" loose diamonds will sparkle the brightest under light.

The most desirable color for any loose diamonds is crystal clarity with zero color. But in reality, diamonds come in a host of colors aside from being just clear diamonds. You can get diamonds that may start at color yellow then progress to brown, and even some loose diamonds that have rare colors such as blue, green, and pink. (If you have ever heard of the famed "Pink Panther" diamond, then you probably know this is true.) There are other colors too for diamonds, dubbed "fancies." The highest possible rating based on color is D (for those diamonds that are crystal clear with zero color) while the lowest possible rating is Z (for those diamonds that are colored a robust yellow.) It is believed that a diamond with zero color sparkles the best, especially when you compare it with colored diamonds.

All loose diamonds are measured in terms of carats when their weight is considered. Each carat is made up of 100 points. If, for instance, you have a diamond that merits 75 points then it is said that diamond weighs .75 carats. It does not automatically follow that two diamonds with equal points (meaning they have equal carats) have equivalent value though. Carat weight only helps you determine which diamonds have the biggest size but total quality per diamond is measured by combining each of the 4 C's during appraisal. That is why you can get diamonds of superior quality which are much smaller than other diamonds of lesser quality.

So before you set out to buy loose diamonds, it would be best to become proficient at judging loose diamonds based on these 4 C's first. If not, you should get loose diamonds from reputable gemologists instead.

When buying loose diamonds, it is very important that you yourself know how to judge a real diamond from a fake diamond. You must also know how to gauge the different types of diamonds so that you wind up buying loose diamonds that are of the highest quality that you can get for the price you pay. And that means knowing the 4 C's involved in the purchase of loose diamonds - these are namely the Cut, the Clarity, the Color, and the Carat of each diamond that goes through inspection.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/The-Safest-Way-to-Buy-Loose-Diamonds/125412

All that Glitters ... The Best in Boca Raton Jewelers

Boca Raton is a city that has garnered an indisputable reputation as being one of the most elegant and lovely communities in the United States. Boca Raton is home to everything from magnificent homes to fine dining to sterling jewelry stores that offer a fantastic selection of pieces that are suitable for all occasions. If you are a resident of South Florida, or if you are planning a trip to that region sometime in the near future, you may want to give serious consideration to checking out what is available today at Boca Raton jewelers.

When it comes to Boca Raton jewelers, there are a number of jewelers that provide the highest quality pieces to be found anywhere in the world. Fine pieces of the highest quality really are hallmarks of the inventory maintained by Boca Raton jewelers. No matter what you may be looking for in the way fine jewelry, you really will be able to find it all at any one of a number of Boca Raton jewelers.

In addition to the Boca Raton jewelers that carry the best in jewelry, there are some elegant stores and shops that provide consumers the ability to have custom made jewelry designed. Of course, when all is said and done, there is nothing quite as special, nothing as unique, as a piece of Boca Raton custom designed jewelry. Whether you are seeking such a piece of jewelry for yourself, or to be given as a gift for a person who has a special place in your life, custom jewelry is idyllic.

In considering Boca Raton jewelers, you can also find shops and jewelers that specialize in classical pieces. Of course, there are jewelry items that stand up to the text of time, classical pieces that bespeak class and elegance not only today but into the future as well.

On the other hand, if you are a person who is interested in jewelry that is contemporary and even a bit trendy, you can also find exactly what you are looking for when shopping around the various Boca Raton jewelers. These jewelers are on the cutting edge of design and style and can offer to you the very latest in this type of jewelry.

In taking a look at Boca Raton jewelers, St. Moritz Jewelers is a prime example of what you can expect to find on the Boca Raton marketplace. St. Moritz Jewelers carries a wide selection of jewelry items in a range of prices. Whether you want something that is more casual or whether you are looking for a fine piece of jewelry for a special occasion, the staff at St. Moritz Jewelers will work with you in order to find the perfect piece of jewelry for you.

Once again, whether you live in South Florida or whether you will be traveling to South Florida on a holiday or vacation, you really will want to take some time to shop the Boca Raton jewelers. You may find that these venues have exactly what you have always dreamed of when it comes to perfect jewelry pieces.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/All-that-Glitters-----The-Best-in-Boca-Raton-Jewelers/145119

Cufflinks That Cause A little Commotion

Let's face the facts; if you're looking for something different in men's fashion accessories, you have to look long and hard. Even the retailers are commenting on the generic nature of many brands. And the press are having a field day, there's a lot to write about, but it doesn't make it any easier for the customer.

Well they're a few well know brands and lesser known to, that are producing collections that defy common trends and you won't necessarily find them hanging sadly with all the other dots and stripes that just rolled off the conveyer belt.

As brands are bought, sold and corporatized, the essence that sparked their beginning is lost, naturally. But there are always budding designers to step up to the blocks and start a new cycle. They're not necessarily young, some designers bud later in life. Vivienne Westwood is at the peak of her creativity at 65.

Quietly, Quietly
Ian Flaherty quietly arrived on the market and produced some beautifully formed English Pewter cufflinks, giving life to lifeless forms. There is a horse and rider in breathless pursuit of the unfortunate Fox, the Mallard and Partridge, Pheasant, and Trout, all brought to still life by the artistic prowess of Ian Flaherty. You can surf the net and trod the high streets, but you'll be hard pressed to find anything that compares with Ian's latest work.

The Truth
Veritas is a Latin word meaning "truth" and the truth is Veritas Gifts manufacture a range of elegant men's fashion accessories, from cufflinks to collar stiffeners. And they're engineered to take the load; just a brief handle will satisfy your senses and make you feel immediately you're in touch with stylish quality.

The Name
Vivienne Westwood, driven by an endless creative imagination, has been applying key design principles proportionately to all her collections. Combining colour, pattern, texture, proportionately, has become the trademark of all her design work, from crockery to clothing, from silk Ties to evening gowns for Royals. The Orb is now an internationally recognised brand symbol, with a difference.

A Swank History
Swank Inc a popular designer and manufacturer of men's cufflinks were incorporated on April 17, 1936. When Cufflinks peaked in the 1960's they were making 12 million a year.
Even though these were aimed at the lowest end of the market, retailing for an average of $2.50 a pair, that still adds up to a lot of men wearing cufflinks. These days the figure is closer to 200,000, but cufflinks are making a strong comeback with gross sales having increased consistently over the last ten years, while the French cuff continues to be the most prestigious type of shirt. The most expensive cufflinks ever sold were a pair given to the soon-to-be King Edward VIII by his later wife Wallis Simpson. These featured diamonds set in platinum and sold at auction for $440,000.

Who's Nathan?
Nathan Tim is a new name to the fashion industry, armed with a mission and a collection of floral Cufflinks that reflect the brilliant hues of nature, showcased in rigid Murano Glass. The flowers captured within, reflect not just the timeless beauty of its petals, but also a richly textured history of fine glass making, stemming back many hundreds of years. And Nathan Tim has unearthed the best of the best.

Simplicity: The Simon Carter philosophy
Simon Carter's reputation stems from his revolutionary approach to men's fashion accessories design following his introductory men's brooches, in the mid to late 80's. Some of his original designs are classified vintage. Simon Carter's cufflinks maintain a philosophy of simplicity in his designs; simple, functional, without loosing their stylish edge. His cufflinks not only firm to cuff, they glean a touch of elegance and frame perfectly an object of expression. This lovely display of style and engineering will harmonise with any outfit, formal or casual, here an important function inherent in Simon's philosophy of simplicity, a cufflink for all occasions.

And Fred Bennett
A name familiar in fashion accessory circles, he's been around a while and so have his cufflinks. They don't resemble originality and perhaps the essence once prevalent has been lost as the business becomes more business like. Never the less the new range is compelling enough.

And Now Timothy Everest
A Savile Row Tailor in Spitalfields and creator of the modern Spitalfields flower pattern. His underground approach takes him down an infrequent road travelled -- many follow. In a career spanning the rise and fall of countless fashion cycles, from the hazy days of Tommy Nutter to the Creative force behind the rebirth of British fashion icon Daks. Miniscule perhaps, but, Introducing a range of cufflinks would conclude nicely a growing range of signature accessories. And it's on the cards.

Let's face the facts; if you're looking for something different in men's fashion accessories, you have to look long and hard. Even the retailers are commenting on the generic nature of many brands. And the press are having a field day, there's a lot to write about, but it doesn't make it any easier for the customer.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Cufflinks-That-Cause-A-little-Commotion/127748

Diamonds, Gemstones, Pirates- How Sir Walter Raleigh Took Magna Carta To The World

Diamonds and gemstones were on the mind, and perhaps in the hull of his ship as Sir Walter Raleigh searched the west coast, as Raleigh saw it, of the Atlantic Ocean and see what he could see. Unclaimed by more powerful Spain between Florida to Maine, Raleigh picked the midway point, which was still able to grow cotton and tobacco.

Sir Walter named the south side of the bay Virginia, and with the mighty bay an Armada of English speaking naval officers could be trained to manage the armada of ships that could be in this great safe harbor.

Here they could defend their great city, their new Athens on a hill, and live as free men. However, as we know, the first trickle of English would try to make a go of it in a new land, just a bit too low and swampy malarial low land in their first few tries.

But what a great nation to begin! And it began when a pirate, or hero, in a small privateer ship, searched the bays and coves of the western Atlantic seaboard for the perfect place to begin. The area Raleigh saw was a perfect paradise, with friendly natives.

While he did not enjoy success on his first attempt at settlement in 1580, by 1608 came swampy Jamestown, then up on a hill Williamsburg. Then when in 1620 other English were blown off course for Virginia and arrived much further north.

Those more prudish Puritans with muskets would create New England. Soon, more English arrived, and created, after arriving further south, Charleston and Savannah. King Charles wanted more of the thriving now independent from Spain, the new Dutch riches.

English ships pulled into and took command of New Amsterdam in 1664 and renamed it after the brother of the English King, the Duke of York. As he was also the Duke of Albany, the Dutch Fort Orange was renamed Albany.

The King had a mistress adorned with diamonds and gemstones, Nell Gywn, who in her tattle later years referred this James, Duke of York as Dismal Jimmy. James was to become King James 11, and his follies become more hilarious. So for you dear citizens of New York that will be all about that for now.

And by now, there was soon the basic frame for a land to go forward to the next sea and all be one, teach the native English and we will all thrive.

Well, we know there have been some twists and adjustments in that, yet America has indeed been an inspiration to the world. We worry about China, yet recall their brave students created a statue of Liberty and died under tank tracks, so we may really be quietly evolving well still yet. I believe we are.

And at any rate, look where we have gotten ourselves to. President Thomas Jefferson read a great deal, and Jefferson surely knew what had been on the mind of Sir Walter Raleigh.

American Presidents make great errors some times with good intent, but none would have caused visionary Walter to lose his head for seeing too well.

And where Sir Walter choose! The warm climate and fame from Raleigh brought most English here for centuries. Nearby are the ancestral homes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. And about that Athens on a hill.

It became a place they officially named The District of Columbia. But as George Washington was ailing this capitol here had really been insisted on by Jefferson. So going to the District of Columbia became known as going to talk to Washington, so they made that name first.

And what foresight by Raleigh! What has been shortened into Washington, DC has evolved into the nerve center of America and the world, including the White House, protected by the greatest naval base in the world, from Newport News to Virginia Beach, as eternal protection to the Capital.

And, as Raleigh saw, your best officers should be nearby. Annapolis has worked fine. America always needs to train more excellence where ever they are needed. them. All to the good: all foreseen as Sir Walter Raleigh surveyed the coast from Florida to Maine.

And now here we are, and still going forward.Sir Walter, what was in that pipe?

Some visionaries die feeling their life was and all for naught. Sir Walter Raleigh, you must not feel that. You envisioned an English speaking continent, and who knows perhaps by trading in each port, one day an English speaking world.

So, Sir Walter, you selected what began as the best port on the east coast, and could protect a new world democratic Athens. We say bravo. You too America. You did the heavy lifting. He saw, you came, you conquered.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Diamonds--Gemstones--Pirates--How-Sir-Walter-Raleigh-Took-Magna-Carta-To-The-World/143624

Looking for Affordable Sparkle? Try a Cubic Zirconia!

What is a Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, rhinestone, crystal, imitation diamond...people often use these terms interchangeably, but do they really know what each item is? Sterling silver jewelry often features a sparkling, clear or colored stone, but consumers are frequently unsure as to which type of stone they are looking at, much less what it is called or how it differs from other look alikes. Although each of these gems look somewhat alike to the untrained eye, cubic zirconia and the others are all made of different substances, and have very specific qualities.

Cubic Zirconia, which are widely used today by makers of sterling silver jewelry, are in fact an imitation, or synthetic version, of themselves. Unknown to many is the fact that cubic zirconia are actually genuine gemstones in their own right. A 'gem', as defined by Websters Dictionary, is a 'cut, polished, faceted stone...notable for its beauty, perfection, or rarity'. A natural cubic zirconia, formed under extreme heat and pressure, over a long time, from the mineral zirconium dioxide, is all that! However, as with crystalline carbon (aka diamonds), this natural process yields up very few genuine cubic zirconia of any size.

Originally noticed in 1892 in Russia, the very simple cubic zirconia was deemed irrelevant and unstable for use in either the scientific realm or for the jewelry trade, and was thus ignored. This same basic stone was then created, in a stabilized form, by German scientists in 1930. Interestingly, in 1937 naturally occuring stable cubic zirconia were 'discovered' again, although these stones were tiny and virtually disregarded. Then, in France in 1960 research into manufacturing cubic zirconia began in earnest. The process of synthesizing zirconium dioxide to create the cubic zirconia we see in sterling silver rings and earrings today was finally perfected by Russian scientists in the early 1970's. This Russian stone was briefly named a 'fianit', but regardless of its name or lack therof, by 1980 the commercial production of manufactured cubic zirconia had reached 50 million carats! Of course, all these scientists were not working to find an affordable gem for the jewelry trade, they were seeking a reliable source of diamond-like stones for use in the laser and optical applications currently being filled by genuine diamonds.

Happily for sterling silver jewelry lovers everywhere, this perfected method of creating Cubic Zirconia does mean that jewelry designers have an almost unlimited supply of gemstones, ranging in sizes of .5mm or less to 12mm or more. The manufactured gems most often seen in sterling silver rings, earrings, and necklaces today differ only very slightly from their natural state. The main difference with stones available to the jewelry trade today is that a metal oxide stabilizer has often been added to the zirconuim dioxide during the sythesizing process. As with crystal, to which lead is added to increase the value and strength of the end product, Cubic Zirconia manufacturers have their own 'recipe' for the creation of just the right gemstone. The addition of metal oxide allows producers to customize the stone by controlling the quality and 'cut-ability'. When a high quality cubic zirconia is cut, polished, and set in a beautiful sterling silver setting, the resultant jewelry item will rival any fine gemstone for desirability, and can't be beat for affordability.

In the jewelry world, cubic zirconia are one of the most significant imitation stones available. It could be that this gem is valued for its extreme versatility, as cubic zirconia are also available in many colors, created in a similar fashion as that used by artisan glass-makers, by adding different minerals powders to the molten zirconium dioxide during synthesis. It could also be due to the fact that cubic zirconia offer a gem that is very like a diamond by all measurable means (except price!), and therefore offers limitless possibilities for jewelry makers and those whe like to wear jewelry, as cubic zirconia are the gem most often used by designers of sterling silver jewelry. When compared to crystalline carbon--( not as catchy a name as 'diamond', but let's be scientific here)-- cubic zirconia stand up fairly well. Check it out....

Crystalline carbon: 10 Moh's rating; .044 dispersion rating; 2.417 refraction index

Cubic Zirconia: 8.5-9 Moh's rating*; .056-.060 dispersion rating*; 2.176 refraction index*

* these figures vary slightly due to the 'recipe' used by the manufacturer.

Clearly, by all accepted scales, diamonds and cubic zirconia are not that far apart, except for price. These numbers are universally accepted as standards for the valuation of gems and minerals, and enable consumers to compare 'apples to apples', so to speak? The hardness of all minerals and metals is measured on the Moh's rating scale, where 10 is the highest possible value. The sparkle of any gem indicates its 'dispersion' ability. The values in this case show that cubic zirconia have a higher dispersion rating, which means they have more sparkle than diamonds. The refraction index measures how well a gem can 'break' light that passes through it into the various colors that make up light, and diamonds are slightly better at this. Also measured in the world of gems is the 'specific gravity', or weight, in carats. Cubic zirconia are 1.75 times heavier than diamonds, and are also virtually colorless, unless colored on purpose, whereas only very few natural diamonds are colorless.

Among the many available diamond look-alikes, cubic zirconia stand above the rest for quality and durability. The process of manufacturing synthetic versions of this gemstone has been perfected over time to create a stone that is sought after in the jewelry trade, most particularly by those who make sterling silver rings, earrings, necklaces or pendants. Cubic zirconia are a perfect medium in that they measure up very closely to the 'queen' of gems, the diamond, and can also be colored to make high quality simulations of colored gems such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. The affordable price of manufactured cubic zirconia makes this beautiful stone accessible to everyone as well, suggesting that it will probably continue to enjoy popularity as a gem of choice for jewelry designers and consumers for years to come!

A brief outline of the origins of cubic zirconia gems, and how they are used today.

About the Author:

Originally written for and published on http://silvertreeco.com . Information sourced from wikipedia, World Book Encyclopedia, and Webster's Dictionary.

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Looking-for-Affordable-Sparkle--Try-a-Cubic-Zirconia-/126534

Diamonds, Gemstones, English, Democracy - In Search of Wealth, Won The World

The diamonds and gemstones sought by Sir Walter Raleigh was all and more worthy of the highest compliments since he was stealing from the evil Spanish on the Spanish Main. Here winds would blow home the ships laden with diamonds, gemstones, gold, silver for the high living luxury enjoyed by the court of Spain.

This caused ruinous inflation in Spain, and the eventual downfall of Spain as the dominant power. But that would take centuries. And all this, with the slavery and misery of the native peoples from Mexico to Peru.Walter Raleigh as a lad from Devon felt that need to go down to the sea in ships, and so he did, in ways that inspire young English lads today.

Raleigh came from lower middle class, and even at that he was able to attend Oxford University, no mean feat. Here he would make high society level connections that would ease his eventual introduction into the new Court of the new queen, Elizabeth. First, he must, and did make marks of distinction. He was successful enough that he was soon in charge of his own ship.

And with a bribe here and nudge there, Raleigh was soon in private attendance with the vibrant new Queen, Elizabeth. He was soon collecting diamonds from Spanish ships, and felt he found a new land with a perfect climate for healthy lifestyles for new English settlements. Virginia he named it.

Raleigh had taken time away from diamond explorations and explored the west coast, to him, of the Atlantic from Spanish Florida up to frozen Maine, and found the greatest natural port for a mighty English speaking new nation. What we now know as Chesapeake Bay could contain a mighty naval armada in this still mild land.

He named this land Virginia. It was at the northern edge of growing the cotton plant he called silk weed, and another peculiar habit of the natives, tobacco. He famously introduced it to London, with a pipe filled and lit with tobacco, but that is another story,Raleigh on fire with his pipe; a pail of water thrown on him in London.

Raleigh could see a natural capitol of this new free land of English and the Virginia area and all towns of this gentle land for many years brought most English settlers: ancestral home of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are of this bay, and later became the central area of a new America.

Elizabeth took a fancy towards this handsome gallant. Raleigh was soon bestowed with honors, a knighthood,a manor house, and more. Raleigh returned these honors by returning often from the Spanish Main, the predictable wind path across the Atlantic all heavy Spanish galleons had to take on their route back to Spain.

A light fast ship with heavy cannon could easily overwhelm a slow moving huge galleon laden with riches. That was the route that had them laden with gold and silver from the slave mines of the South and Central America. And yet, as we say, between his rich raids on the Spanish, Raleigh found himself exploring the coastline north from Panama and the West Indies.

Florida was the end of the tropics, he noticed, and there were few good harbors north of St. Augustine, already there half a decade, built of coral and walls so thick they merely absorbed cannon balls. Up around the cape when flight would occur centuries later by English speaking brothers from Ohio, Raleigh came into an area that was still warm, not tropical but he was able to take home cotton plants he called silk plants.

But there was much more. Raleigh noticed that here on this middle Atlantic coast no power of Europe yet had control. They felt frozen off the coast of Maine and felt the French were welcome to anything north of there. They surveyed every bay and harbor down to Spanish Florida.

And Raleigh returned to the vast Chesapeake Bay and realized this was the perfect place to begin a mighty civilization: a huge armada could be safe from Atlantic storms, that would then be able to protect any great city or capital of an English speaking people inside this protection, in this mild climate. Nearby could be an academy for naval officers, able to train with the great armada that could be held here, and easily report to seniors.

Can you imagine Sir Walter Raleigh seeing this here then. This could be the most pleasant and mighty armada located in front of the great new Athens on a hill that could be created. And the new armada could be quickly out on the attack if needed, facing ever feudal Europe.

Raleigh named the south side of this great bay Virginia, where the cotton and tobacco grew.

Raleigh realized this area is perfect, and English speaking people can spread like the fingers of a mighty hand from here, until who knows, they reach the vast edges of the Pacific. Over there, English Captain Drake was finding also one mighty harbor. As Drake sailed into San Francisco Bay, he could only dream in 1580 that English would one day be spoken this far from England.

Then further English sailors would land on each continent, teach the locals the English football we call soccer. And even though each nation considers the football their game, that English would ever be spoken anywhere but in tiny Britain was somewhat in the future in 1580. They came for diamonds, but they left gemstones of ideals that are taking over the world.

And we think that is a diamond of an idea on how the world is lifting more people out of poverty than ever.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Diamonds--Gemstones--English--Democracy---In-Search-of-Wealth--Won-The-World/143626

Making Your Own Jewelry Beautiful

Jewelry making is interesting work for children who wish to make jewelry of silver and other metals. It is an ancient and honorable craft which has unlimited possibilities.

An interesting feature of this type of craft work is that from the beginning, with a few essential tools, materials, and simple working drawings, one can learn to make really wearable jewelry. As in any craft, practice is necessary in order to acquire the workmanship which will give good results.

Wire Work

Wire may form the foundation of a piece of jewelry, or it may be applied as a decoration. It is often twisted to add lightness to a design, and can easily be formed into coils or line units of decoration for flat or curved surfaces. Twists and coils of wire can be made of round, half round, or square wire.

Keep the 14 gauge or heavier wire in coils. Wire of a lighter gauge may be wound on spools. If kinks occur in the lighter gauge wire they can be removed by holding the wire ends firmly and the length taut while drawing it over the edge of a wooden bench, or block of wood.

The Jig

The word "jig" is a mechanics' term given to a device which is used to guide a tool or a material. A jig makes the forming of an article easier during construction and makes the finished pieces mechanically more perfect. When a design requires duplication of parts, a jig is often used.

Wire Twisting

Often a design calls for a twist of given length, sometimes a tight or loose twist. To determine the length to cut the wire is important. The gauge of the wire as well as the number of twists the wire is given will determine the length of the finished piece. When round wire is used, two or more lengths are necessary for the twist. A rope-like effect may be obtained by twisting a single length of flat or square wire. All wire should be annealed.

Twisting Wire 18 Gauge or Lighter

Measure the amount needed for the twist. Loop the wire length in the center, and insert the two loose ends through the hole in the spool. Hold the ends in the jaws of a table vise. Insert a small steel rod through the loop of wire, and pull the wire taut. Hold the spool firmly against the rod. Turn the rod to twist the wire.

Twisting Wire 16 Gauge or Heavier

Hold the looped end of the wire in the jaws of the hand vise. Clamp the loose end in the jaws of the table vise. Turn the hand vise to twist the wire.

To Determine The Length

In cutting the wire for a definite length of finished twist, the following examples have been given of two round wires of different gauges and lengths.

18 gauge, 26 inches, twisted 50 times, gives 11 1/8, inches

18 gauge, 26 inches, twisted 75 times, gives 9 5/8 inches

18 gauge, 14 inches, twisted 50 times, gives 5 1/4 inches

The Jig

Select a round steel mandrel the diameter of the coil desired. Place between two blocks of soft wood parallel with the grain of the wood.
Press the blocks between the jaws of the table vise to form a groove in each block. Remove the mandrel from the blocks, and file a groove at a right angle to the groove made by the mandrel.

Coiling the Mandrel

Place the mandrel between the blocks in the groove letting the end extend beyond the blocks about 1/2 inch. Hold the blocks in the jaws of the table vise tight enough to hold the blocks but loose enough so the mandrel will turn and move out of the groove as the wire is coiled. Make a few coils on the end of the mandrel.

Clamp the mandrel and coils in the jaws of the hand vise. Hold the loose end of the wire in the filed groove during the coiling.
During the process guide the wire and keep the coil even. Use the hand vise as a handle to turn the mandrel to form the coil.

The above processes, once mastered will allow imaginative decoration to be added to the jewelry.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Making-Your-Own-Jewelry-Beautiful/143732

How to display mannequins in your store

Your store front window is a great catalyst for communication between you and your customers whether you're store is open or not. Your window display can be very effective with the use of mannequins. Mannequin displays help to convey a personal feeling to your prospective customers. A mannequin personalizes a display. People can more readily identify with the style and personality of your store if they have something tangible like a mannequin to connect with.

Use your mannequin display to create a mood in your store or front window. You can create a sporty atmosphere with the use of poseable or mechanical mannequins. For example, you can have a mannequin scoring a soccer goal. With the use of some wire, you can suspend the player in the air. Other player mannequins can communicate a feeling of desperation as they attempt to block the kick. What this accomplishes is a feeling of movement in your window. It's not the same old boring mannequin standing, facing forward, doing nothing. Suddenly you've created a really dramatic scene that attracts a lot of attention and fuels the competitive spirit of your customers.

You may want to display a feeling of high fashion, city life. Here you can really use the latest in fashion on your mannequins. You can use jewelry, sunglasses, hats and shoes to promote multiple items at one time. Be careful not to stage your mannequin just facing front and center. This could easily be passed by without being noticed. You can use mannequins facing front, of course, but it's really more effective if you have multiples to create a theme. For example, you could dress three or more mannequins, depending on the space, and line them up at a slight angle. Having them all look identical or almost identical could grab some attention.

Most of the time, you should concentrate on conveying a feeling of movement in the display. Body language can easily be imitated to portray a feeling or situation. If you're selling children's clothing, you can use child mannequins. One example of creating a situation would be to have a little boy mannequin offering a little girl a bouquet of flowers. She could have her head down, hands behind her back, and one foot turned slightly inward. This shows a very cute scene that gets the attention of parents shopping at your store. The little girl shows shyness and you can easily imagine her moving to that position when offered the bouquet. That's really what you want to concentrate on. It should be easy for onlookers to quickly imagine events leading up to whatever pose you choose.

You can use your imagination to come up with a scene that's unique to your store. Keep emotion and movement in mind as you design your display. Each mannequin should be uniquely positioned to convey a meaning or feeling to people passing by. You may even decide to move the mannequins a little bit each day to show events leading up to a grand finale. Whatever you choose, have fun with it and change your displays often. You'll keep customers interested and entertained.

Your store front window is a great catalyst for communication between you and your customers whether you're store is open or not. Your window display can be very effective with the use of mannequins.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/How-to-display-mannequins-in-your-store/127065

Jewelry Pieces Are Used For Decorative Purposes

There are jewelry craftsmen all over the world who are willing to create intriguing pieces of art, which are suitable for wear on any part of the body. The stiff and rather refined body ornaments are delicately molded of the finest metals in the world in a controlled smelting process. These body ornamentations are sought after by millions of people all over the world and each shopper is looking for something unique.

Some jewelry enthusiasts present these jeweled items as a sign of affection while others make the grander presentation of single ring as an example of the love that they have for another person. People have gone to great lengths to own the rarest jewels in the world and when they find them they rarely want to wear them in public. Instead, these jewelry fanatics will choose to mount those gems in intricate weavings of gold and titanium and store them away feeling very content that they finally own them.

The jewelry merchants of old would travel the world over to find the metals that would craft crowns and medallions worn by royals. Some charms were fitted with hinged windows that opened to allow the view of a lover's face. Memories of the past are never lost when they are encased for eternity in brilliant substances that warm to the touch. Some lockets were passed down from generation to generation.

Exquisite jewelry pieces that were finely crafted for wear by the upper class of society are now tucked away safely behind guarded rooms. Some large crowns and scepters have been crafted as complimentary pieces of jewelry that is worn at ceremonies only, and then they are secured in royal vaults away from public view.

There are still some finely crafted pieces of jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets that are shown under glass in museums from time to time, but they are a paltry representation of how powerful a foreign country was at one time or how rich the heritage was during a specific time period. Some jewelry pieces have been secreted so long that some museum curators are unable to assign a dateline to when they were made.

Fine jewelry and accessories are used as signs of power and eminence. People hoard these body decorations in boxes until they can be used effectively bartered for a cause. There have been many trinkets used as collateral for securing business ventures around the world and banks hold many of these exquisite items still in their safety deposit boxes.

Jewelry represents stylish fashion accents in many forms and expresses cultural inspirations. The jewels, trinkets, charms, necklaces, bracelets and rings that make up this exquisite class of art are heirlooms of the heart and the fruit of the land. These timeless treasures are highly valued by anybody lucky enough to wear them fashionably.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Jewelry-Pieces-Are-Used-For-Decorative-Purposes/144055

Turning Old Bling Into Fresh Green

Like many women, I've collected an assortment of gold jewelry over the years, and some of it I never wear anymore. So recently, I decided it was time to join the growing number of people who are taking advantage of skyrocketing gold prices to turn old bling into fast cash.

Certainly, the time is ripe. Yesterday, gold closed at $963.90 an ounce -- up 15% since the beginning of the year, and 52% since the end of 2006. The last time gold prices soared like this was 1980, when the annual average price was $612 an ounce, the equivalent of $1,660 in today's dollars. Back then, lines stretched out the doors of jewelry stores as people tried to sell their gold.

Gold refiners, wholesalers and jewelers say the number of people wanting to cash out their gold has picked up significantly in the past year, though it is tough to quantify. Several sources say there are frequently lines at gold buyers in Manhattan's diamond district. One refiner notes that people are cashing in not just their old or broken jewelry, but also gold bars and coins they bought for investment purposes. Jewelry stores, pinched by a softening economy, are selling their old inventory to refiners, too.

So now seemed like a good time to join the gold rush and offload my unwanted pieces to someone who'd pay for the metal. But like any business venture, turning gold into greenbacks starts with getting an education. Who buys gold jewelry for its meltdown value? Which pieces would be most worth selling? And how would I know if I was getting a fair price?

Finding a jewelry store or dealer to buy my gold wasn't that difficult -- there is no shortage of companies advertising their services on the Internet, in the newspaper and on TV. But when it comes to getting a good deal, selling requires some shopping around.

For advice, I called David Firestone, third-generation owner of Firestone & Parson in Boston, a dealer in estate jewelry and antiques who was recommended by a colleague. He said I should expect to get at least 90% of the gold's value based on that day's price on the open market. He also suggested I find someone who deals in gold coins, a full-time gold broker, or skip the middleman and go directly to a refiner to land the best price. Also, I knew to check out the company I chose with the Better Business Bureau and the city or state department of consumer affairs.

Sentimental Sorting

When cashing out, my first step was deciding what items I was willing to part with, which can be an emotionally complex task. I was willing to sell some pieces that had been gifts over the years from relatives. One very dated gold-nugget bracelet handed down from my mom also went into the sale pile. But a heart-shaped locket inscribed with my grandmother's initials and the date 1908 went back in the drawer. Even though I don't wear it, it's a sentimental keepsake. In the end, I decided to sell three nondescript gold-link bracelets and a necklace, plus the circa-1960 gold-nugget bracelet.

Before I could calculate my likely take, I found that gold prices are quoted based on pure gold, or 24 karats. Most jewelry is 14-karat, though some better pieces are made from 18 karat, and cheaper jewelry is often 10 karats. So my gold pieces are worth only a proportionate fraction of the 24-karat price. In other words, a 14-karat gold bracelet is valued at 58.5% of the 24-karat gold price. The karat is usually stamped on the jewelry, but is sometimes too tiny to see with the naked eye. So I relied on the dealers to tell me the makeup of my metals.

Next, I needed to find out how much my gold pieces weighed. Gold is most often measured in penny weights, with 20 penny weights equaling an ounce. Again, a dealer determined the weight of the items I wanted to sell.

On Feb. 22, when I was flogging my jewelry, the price hit a record $949 an ounce. But I knew I couldn't expect to get full value. Dealers have to make a profit, and they'll factor in how much of a discount refiners are giving them when buying the loot. These days, so many people are selling their gold jewelry that refiners are backed up, causing meltdown delays and raising carrying costs for brokers. I wanted the best price I could get, so my job was to figure out how much off full price was reasonable.

With my task framed, I was ready to go. But where?

My answer arrived in the weekend newspaper, where I noticed a loud, four-page ad screaming, "BUYING 7 DAYS ONLY -- INSTANT CASH FOR ALL." A group of 25 independent buyers was setting up shop in a local Dallas hotel, buying diamonds and gold and select antiques.

I took my bag of jewelry and headed to the hotel, where I met Harrisburg, Pa., antiques jeweler Rodger McKinley. He told me he travels 30 weeks a year buying gold. He resells some pieces and melts down the rest.

From Mr. McKinley I learned I had exactly 60 penny weights, or three ounces, of gold jewelry, which included one five-penny, 18-karat bracelet, with the rest 14-karat. He offered me $750. I was ecstatic -- until I began to wonder if a 50% discount was the going rate. That day gold was selling for $902 an ounce. Three ounces of my jewelry at 58% of the market price would come to $1,569. I knew Mr. McKinley deserved to make a profit, but how much was fair?

I decided to keep looking. My next stop was the Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange Inc., a huge store that sells used jewelry and watches on its premises and in online auctions. A jeweler there looked at my four pieces through a jeweler's loupe, weighed them, and then offered me $600. No good.

Next, I turned to the Internet and found a Dallas gold broker and wholesale jeweler who offered me $730 over the phone after I gave him my weights and karats. I told him I'd already received a $750 quote when gold was at $902, and prices had gone up to $939 that day. "Oh, I didn't realize it was that high," he explained hastily. "I'll go as much as $1,000 then."

Overnighting Jewelry

Not good enough. I went back to the Internet and found a gold broker in the heart of Manhattan's diamond district, U.S. Gold Buyers, which buys and refines precious metals. A customer-service representative said the company pays 96% of the spot price for five ounces or more and on a sliding scale for lower weights. I could overnight my jewelry at the company's expense, and a representative would give me a quote the next day. If I declined the offer, the jewelry would be sent back at no charge to me. If I accepted, I could expect a payment to be processed within 24 hours. I could choose a wire transfer, or have the money sent via PayPal or by postal mail.

As reassurance that the company could be trusted, she gave me the company's license number with the Better Business Bureau and the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.

Using the company's Federal Express account, I sent off the loot, and the next day a salesman called with a quote just as gold hit its new $949-an-ounce high. U.S. Gold Buyers' offer: $1,570.17.

Sold. My check arrived the following Tuesday. Article published by the Wall Street Journal.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Turning-Old-Bling-Into-Fresh-Green/117317

How To Find An Affordable Engagement Ring

Proposing to your sweetheart is such a romantic gesture and as you want every moment of it to be perfect, you want to find an engagement ring that your honey will love.

The very first step when shopping for an engagement ring would be to determine how much your budget is. Most, though not all salespersons, would trick you guys into thinking that the measure of your love for your sweetheart is equivalent to the cost of the engagement ring that you will be buying for her. It is best that before setting foot in any jewelry store you already have your budget in mind. According to the diamond industry, one that is worth your two months salary would be a good place to start, but still in the end you are the judge of how much you could really afford.

You will be in for a lot of choice selections. It would be good if you had done your homework in advance by observing the type of jewelry that you sweetheart likes to wear or is usually wearing. In this manner, you will know if you should go for gold, platinum or white gold and if it should be in traditional or modern style as well as simple or flashy design.

Most jewelers will sell you a preset ring but quite often you get a good deal when you select the diamond stone and then have it set. It would help if you know what shape your honey would prefer and having even just a bit of knowledge on the important 4Cs in diamond buying would be helpful as well. After choosing the stone, you will then choose the setting.

When shopping for jewelry having someone with you to select it with like a buddy, your sweetheart's friend or your mother would help you with the decision making. Ensure that they have good taste and that they won't reveal the surprise to your honey. While bringing your sweetheart with you during your engagement ring selection would ruin a perfect surprise, you can be assured though that she will definitely like the selection. Many couples are actually doing this.

Ask recommendations from family and friends on a good quality jeweler. Make sure that the jeweler is a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has a Jewelers of America accreditation. Ask as well for the return or exchange policy in case you change your mind and would want to have the engagement ring changed.

The diamond should come with an independent grading report from the American Gem Society or GIA plus you should get it insured.

Learn to maximize and stretch your budget. Planning ahead is very much important so that you can save up and have ample time (some engagement rings may take a couple of weeks especially if it is custom made) to choose a ring in time for your proposal date.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/How-To-Find-An-Affordable-Engagement-Ring/97058

Tahiti "Mother of Pearls" Unraveled

Nowadays, those people who are wearing pearls are in fact wearing CULTURED- pearls. Cultured pearls are thought to have astrological influence, because cultured pearl is NOT REAL, but it's some from of pre-formed shell-ball embed. Cultured pearl contains some percentage of real pearl, which means that its not completely natural, but just a slight covering over the real pearl material called nacre.

During ancient years, 'Pearl' was referred to only 100% natural pearls because until recently cultured pearls did not exist. However, nowadays other than the gemologist, all the people consider that the hollow "cultured pearl" is the real thing, and this is all due to mass ignorance.

Tahitian Pearls are the best natural pearls that are obtained from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Tahitian Pearls are obtained from Black lipped oysters that have a tendency to grow much larger in the warm waters than in other areas. This enables them to produce larger pearls. Tahitians use large protected lagoons that are free from pollution to farm the pearl oysters. To product best quality Tahitian pearls, the oyster beds are watchfully controlled for water temperature and nutritional levels. Their ecological and natural conditions are also carefully monitored.

Formation of Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are formed from pearl oyster secretions called as aragonite. Aragonite is a structure of calcium carbonate. The shell's interior is layered by the aragonite, which produces the Tahiti "mother-of-pearl" lining on the inside of the shell. The interior of the pearl is formed from a small three-sided prism.

Layers of Tahiti pearls are formed due to the constant aragonite secretion of the oyster. The layers thus formed are about one micron or 0.001 mm thick and more or less four layers are produced in a day. Oysters that produce Tahitian pearls generally live for about two years, thus producing about two thousand layers. Therefore, Tahitian pearls have more layering as compared to most other pearls. These pearls emit a shimmering appearance when light reflects through the thin layers of Tahitian pearls due to the light refraction. Tahitian pearls are popular for the shimmer and brilliant colors.

Criterion

Pearls evaluation is based on certain criterion.

Dimension - The larger the pearl the more expensive it is. Tahitian pearls are much larger than the regular Chinese or Japanese pearls. Tahitian peals are about 9mm and 14mm. The largest Tahitian pearl measures more than 20.92mm or 13/16 of an inch in diameter and is called the Robert Wan Pearl.

Form - Even though round pearls are the most sought after, they also come in semi-round and semi-baroque. Round Tahitian pearls generally differ more than 2% from being sphere-shaped.

Quality - This is determined by the imperfections and the shine.

Luminosity - Tahitian pearl's shimmering quality and luster is highly noticeable as compared to other pearls.

Exterior transparency - Tahitian pearl purity is influence by marks, scratches or irregularities on the exterior.

Pearl width - This depends on the amount of microscopic layers that surrounds the nucleus.

Colors

Tahitian, the mother of pearls comes in black. Tahitian Pearls also contain highlights of silver or even a tinge of gold. These pearls are unique in their color combinations, as they also can include the overtones of purple, blue and sometimes even green. Therefore, go ahead and select striking looking jewelry that is fashioned with gemstones and metals combined with a variety Tahitian Pearl shades!

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Tahiti--Mother-of-Pearls--Unraveled/96295

5 Top Tips for Buying Native American Indian Bracelets

Nothing allows you to express your personality, feel closer to the spirit of traditional American culture, and add something truly unique and personal to your life like wearing an authentic Native American bracelet on your wrist. But how do you safely choose a real, attractive piece that also says the right things about you?

The wonderful craftsmanship, striking appeal, and fun originality of Native American Indian bracelets make them the top choice for the person who wants to wear something a little different than everyone else and own a unique piece of jewelry. However, the range of styles, the unknown authenticity, and the difficulty of finding the right store can make the choice difficult.

Fortunately, the selection of your Native American bracelet doesn't have to be difficult at all. Once you know a few easy points to keep in mind, you can relax and shop to your heart's content, without that fear of making the wrong choice or ending up with a bracelet that isn't right for you.

1. Turquoise bracelets come in many varieties.
Everyone has a different mental image spring up when they hear "turquoise bracelets." You may picture large stones, closely spaced and reaching orderly around the wrist. Or you may think of a circular, mandala-like arrangement of smaller blue-green stones on a centerpiece on the top of the wrist, with the band wrapping around underneath.

In fact, the use of turquoise in Native American bracelets is varied, often used in conjunction with other, multi-colored stones or clever use of silver and other metals. Often, the best piece will include one or two small turquoise pieces to accentuate other colors and textures. Then again, some pieces employ turquoise stones as their main feature, and do so with the utmost craft and beauty.

It is up to you which suits you, but you can shop secure in the knowledge that Native American turquoise retains its beauty even as other trends come and go.

2. Simplicity is beautiful.
It is entirely possible that the piece that speaks to you the best is very simple in design. Perhaps it is a silver band with a simple twisted pattern, or a restrained series of ridges. Maybe your look and personality are accented best by a bracelet with a single, large stone of turquoise or other mineral - just a splash of color to catch the eye. Complicated designs and details may look good in the shop display case, but aren't necessarily the type of Native American bracelet that suit your taste.

3. Intricacy is beautiful.
On the other hand, the intriguingly intricate designs of an elaborately-crafted bracelet can be the conversation piece that sparks confidence, inspiration, and even admiring comments from others! The obvious genius that has gone into a bracelet with clever juxtapositions of its carvings, stamps, stones and/or silverwork can be just the thing that heightens your daily experience and communicates to others just what you want to say.

4. Only shop at places that offer buyer protection.
The most comfortable, free way to shop is when you know that your purchase is backed by a reputable company. In this internet age, the best place to buy Native American bracelets is online, through websites that offer protection to the buyer.

For example, the web's premier auction house, eBay, always has hundreds of listings featuring one-of-a-kind Native American bracelets and other jewelry. eBay features an extensive system to ensure buyers are happy; you can contact the seller before bidding, check comments from the seller's previous customers, send payment safely with your credit card through PayPal, keep your private information hidden, and even appeal to eBay when an item is not as described.

Furthermore, eBay listings feature one or more pictures of the item, as well as its dimensions and, often, the piece's history. In short, you should stick to places like eBay that bring together sellers and buyers with several layers of protection for you. The biggest sites became big thanks to buyer satisfaction, which they take very seriously.

5. Nobody knows what you need like you do!
Sellers will try their best to use flowery language and convincing descriptions to get your business. However, only YOU know what is right for you. And as long as you are happy about the financial protection you as a shopper are receiving, you can tune all of that out and just get the Native American bracelet that speaks to you the loudest. YOU know which one that is... it's just a matter of looking until you find it! Look at websites like http://native-american-store.fournotes.com for the widest selection of bracelets and sellers. Choice is always good!

Whether buying a lovely Native American bracelet for yourself, or as a gift for a friend or family member, it's important to remember that there are very easy ways to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. You want to be sure the bracelet is authentic, the seller is reputable, and the design suits the person it will be adorning. Use the tips in this article and you are virtually assured of being happy with your beautiful, exclusive bracelet!

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/5-Top-Tips-for-Buying-Native-American-Indian-Bracelets/99047

Bracelets for All Occasions

Bracelets for All Occasions
Bracelets -- they've been worn since the beginning of time and still are to this day. In ancient times, bracelets often held religious meaning or denoted a wearer's social status. Today, bracelets can still hold meaning and significance, although often bracelets are worn as a simple fashion statement. Let's take a look at some of the most trendy and popular bracelet styles.

Jelly bracelets were highly popular in the 1980's and have shown a resurgence in today's society. They are made from a soft rubbery material and come in every color of the rainbow, including clear. To wear them the right way, pile them on! The best thing about jelly bracelets is their price -- they're incredibly cheap. While we're on the subject of the 80's, let's discuss another vintage trend -- cuffs. Arm cuffs are worn around the wrists and can be fastened with Velcro or snaps. Cuffs are normally quite wide and often feature bright or eye-catching ornamentation, colors or patterns. Some arm cuffs, or bands, are made from stretchy terrycloth material.

Maybe you're looking for something a bit more classic. If so, you're in luck! One of the most popular and traditional types of bracelets is the diamond tennis bracelet. Diamond tennis bracelets can be a row of pure diamonds, or feature gold designs in between each diamond. These types of bracelets can be incredibly expensive. Luckily, today's simulated diamonds are as beautiful and lasting as the real thing.

Another hot bracelet trend is the bangle. Although some bangles have hooks or clasps, many of them simply slip onto the arm. Bangles can come in gold or silver and are often worn in bunches on one or both arms. Most bangles are skinny in width, but you can find wide bangles as well. Not all bangles are gold or silver. Some are crafted from alternative materials like wood, plastic or stainless steel.

Pearl bracelets are popular these days as well. They add a classic Victorian flair to any outfit and come in many different varieties. Most pearls are of the cultured variety, and come in many different colors like white, cream, pink, lavender and black. You can find pearl bracelets that are single strand, and those that feature multiple strands of pearls held together with a clasp.

Bracelets of all kinds make great gifts, for a friend, loved one, or even yourself! Rather than worry about what's fashionable, choose pieces that you enjoy wearing. This will ensure that you'll be happy with your choice for years to come!

All About Bridal Jewelry

Bridal jewelry refers to any pieces that are worn by a bride on her wedding day. The most common type of bridal jewelry is of course the engagement ring and wedding band. The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring is steeped in history and meaning. The diamond is not only the hardest stone, but one of the most ancient as well. Diamonds represent eternity, beauty, and rarity -- which is why they're so commonly used as a symbol of loving promise. The wedding band is often thought to represent the sanctity of marriage and the simple circle stands for infinity and an unbreakable relationship.

There are many new trends in bridal jewelry. Some brides are sporting engagement rings that are not only diamond, but contain other gems as well. Gold is the traditional metal used for bridal jewelry, but many couples are choosing platinum and even stainless steel for their wedding jewelry. The engagement and wedding rings are not the only type of bridal jewelry out there, however.

Often a bride will wear additional jewelry on her big day. This might include a special necklace such as a pendant shaped like a heart or a single diamond solitaire. Another popular pendant style is the eternity circle, which is a simple circle pendant that is similar in design to a wedding band, although bigger. This type of pendant may be adorned with diamonds. Diamond or rhinestone tiaras are worn as hair ornaments by some brides, depending on their hairstyle.

Bridal jewelry isn't just limited to the bride, either! It's customary for a bride to present her maid of honor and her bridesmaids with a small token of appreciation, and this is often a piece of jewelry to be worn at the ceremony. This can include a necklace or pendant, bracelet or ring. Even the guys can sport ceremonial ornamentation, such as a special man's ring or pair of cuff links.

Because many pieces of bridal jewelry are made with diamonds, it's important to know how to select and care for diamonds. Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, cuts and colors. You will want to choose a diamond with good clarity and few imperfections. Because diamonds are so tough, they're fairly simple to clean. A simple scrubbing with a toothbrush or traditional jewelry cleaner can be used to keep your diamonds sparkling.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Bracelets-for-All-Occasions/98933