Friday, February 29, 2008

Fashion Jewelry on the Rise

The word jewelry is derived from the Latin word 'jocale' meaning plaything. Fashion jewelry is inexpensive to moderately priced jewelry such as a necklace, ring or bracelet, made up of semi-precious or simulated stones, metals and other materials like crystals, glass, brass, wood, leather, silver and more, designed to wear with current fashions. Fashion jewelry can be categorized on the basis of the material it is made of like brass, silver, wood, beaded etc.
The material used in making fashion jewelry is usually cost effective and trendy. Some of the examples of fashion jewelry are brass jewelry, leather jewelry, beaded jewelry, mixed metal jewelry, gemstone jewelry and costume jewelry.

Fashion jewelry is made in all sorts of styles from contemporary mod inspired filigree earrings to mixed metals necklaces hanging at various lengths. Fashion jewelry can also be classified on the popularity of the products available in the market for example cocktails rings, brass bangles, chunky crystals, faceted stones, leather cuffs, beaded necklaces, symbol statements encrusted with jewels. Fashion jewelry is very much in demand because it is stylish and trendy and is available at affordable prices. You can find all of these elements and some of the most stunning artisan crafted jewelry at 3bjewels.

The exceptional handcrafted jewelry at Beryl Blush Blonde Jewelry is a refreshing choice when it comes to fashion jewelry, as they incorporate all of the exciting new jewelry trends along with classic elements at an affordable price to satisfy any woman's fashion jewelry indulgence. The handcrafted custom designer jewelry encourages you to get edgy this season with jet black, inky beads, burnished mixed metals and chunky bright crystals. The artisan jewelry designers say to experiment with pyramid faceted stones, shimmering beads and wrap bracelets for ultra glam. Or, refresh your look with updated, chic sophistication. Explore nouveau vintage inspired jewelry with layers of delicate chain and filigree pendants. Whichever you decide you will make a confident statement showing off a fabulous piece from the Beryl Blush Blonde fashion jewelry collection at 3bjewels.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Fashion-Jewelry-on-the-Rise/80874

The Price and Setting of Platinum Jewelry

Today at work I did some price checking. You might be surprised at what is said here. I picked out a ring shank which is about 2.25mm wide at the top and a heavier than usual 6 prong setting.

A while back before platinum prices went up so much and the "spot price" for platinum was $700 the prices were a lot different.Now, today with a spot price of $1187 per ounce. The spot price is for pure platinum metal, as traded and bought on metals markets. This price changes and with it also change the costs of platinum jewelry parts.

At the old $700 price, the 2.25mm shank would run about $450 and at today's price about $$650. The prong setting was at about $205 and today is $306.

That comes to a combination of shank and setting of $956! Today, some jewelers realize the price is getting so high for platinum that they are not putting the same mark-up on platinum they did last year.

There is competition from jewelers who are still selling( perhaps foolishly) at the old prices and higher prices discourage customers. Today, at where I work we would not mark-up the platinum as much as we did a year ago.

The total price for the shank and setting mentioned would be sold for about $800. This is for the parts and no labor included.

To assemble the ring, size and set the stone would run about $150. I don't know if your ring requires more work than assembly of the head to the shank, sizing and stone setting. That added work could account for the labor charged. Then again, if only "putting together" the labor seems high to me.

Perhaps the cost is balanced out with the lower price for the head. I don't know what is going on with the jeweler with whom you are dealing.

All in all, the platinum prices are not out of line, but the head is too low unless very light weight. The labor seems too high. Totals are not that far off from the price charged you.

Then again, there is not a real excuse for charging more than the original estimate unless you had been informed that parts are going to cost much more due to rising platinum prices. Perhaps the jeweler is sticking to original head costs and making up the difference in labor, who knows. In any regard, sight unseen, the price total is not far off what I quoted. Keep in mind I picked a fairly medium heavy shank and a heavier than usual head. I might be comparing apples and oranges here and that should be kept in mind.

The trade-in price for your old ring is not that far off, either. This is true IF you were told you were getting the "scrap" price and not trading in a usable ring. Scrap rates vary from refiner to refiner but according to today's platinum prices, we would likely offer about $110 for the old setting as scrap metal.

Sure, we would get more than that form the refiner but once overhead including refining costs, a profit and the fact the ring might sit around a while until we had enough metal to send to the refiner, the price quoted is not out of line. At first, I thought the price too low. I visited some refiner sites today and double checked.

If you were to sell you ring directly to the refiner, certainly you would get more the platinum content. The problem is, refiners often require minimum amounts of metal to be accepted for refining and one ring is not enough.

This is the final part of the answer. I will summarize by saying, the labor seems too high unless more work than assembly, sizing and setting is needed. The head seems too low unless quite light weight. The value offered for scrap (if that was the agreement!) is not far off at all.

I know it seems very low compared to new materials from the supply house. That is a fact of metal accepted as scrap and not as a usable item of jewelry. The broken prong is not your responsibility. The jeweler has little excuse for not informing you of the much higher finished price than estimated or quoted.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/The-Price-and-Setting-of-Platinum-Jewelry/38850

Are Movado Watches Worth The Price?

There is no question whether or not movado watches have won over society with its brilliant artistic features and display for time. However, the movado price is perhaps a little too much for a watch. By raising their prices to what they are, it ultimately narrows its target market down significantly. So the question is, are movado watches worth the price?

The answer to this question depends solely on what you are looking for in a watch. If you want a classy business-like watch, then it is certainly worth the price. Everything from the strap to the dial to even the hands is crafty and provides style. However, with all this said there are a number of downsides to purchasing movado watches at the movado price.

The first downside to movado watches does not necessarily apply to all of their watches. Their signature one dot at the 12 o'clock mark is very classy, but it makes it difficult to read the time. With no hour or minute markers, the consumer has to guess approximately what time it is. Not all watches have the signature dot only, but that is what the movado watches are known for.

Next, aside from the sports edition movado watches, there is not much variety among the watches. They are all similar in appearance with regards to the strap, dial and hands. The most obvious difference between some of the watches is the single dot or all of the hours displayed, and whether the watch is silver or gold. This makes it difficult to decipher one watch from another.

The last downside to movado watches is the most obvious one, the movado price. There are a few watches out there that you will find under $500, but a few is exactly what there is. A majority of the watches sold by movado are above $750 and are targeted for the wealthy businessman or business woman.

Every company has its target market, but it would be better if movado watches branched out a little to give everyone in society a taste of their artistic styling watches. You may say that this will defeat the purpose of having a classy company by selling lower end watches. However, movado watches have a distinctive quality and style that no other company has, which makes it difficult for those who can't afford the high-end watch to enjoy the artistic qualities that movado has to offer.

While it is obvious that there are a number of benefits to movado watches, there are also the downsides to purchasing one. The only way to answer the question of whether or not it is worth the movado price for a watch is to answer that yourself. It all depends on what you are looking for and whether or not you are willing to drop the cash to get the watch.

Copyright (c) 2007 Patrick Bedford



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Are-Movado-Watches-Worth-The-Price-/38862

Jewelry For The Hair Goes Back Thousands Of Years

Of all the things about a woman's appearance that can preoccupy her, at the top of the list has got to be the hair. We wash it, comb it, cut it, dye it, tease it, roll it, braid it, and decorate it to death, sometimes literally. Then we have to cut it and treat it and start all over again. That's how we do it today anyway. We generally assume that cave women probably did not worry too much about their hair, but that might not be true.

Hair ornaments from as far back in history as 10,000 B.C. have been found, mainly boxwood combs from the stone- age period. Hair spikes or sticks have been common in many cultures throughout history. In early Egyptian and Oriental cultures, many different hair adornments were used, such as the hair sticks, along with forks, combs and spikes. These items could sometimes indicate a person's social class, individual status, or represent different stages of their lives.

Since the earliest days when wood or bone were the first substances used to make hair items, later in time many other substances were added to make them from. Bone was used in cultures like Native Americans, early Celtic society, and in Africa for a long time and is still seen in use there today by more primitive tribes.

Gold was used by the Egyptians. It could be elaborately embellished with shells, coral or gem stones. Coral and shell could represent fertility and protection. Some people, like the Moorish society, thought that gold was evil and wearing it was forbidden. Ivory was used a lot to make hair articles, but in some places only royalty was allowed to wear it.

In most of our current cultures, hair adornments do not usually hold much significance other than embellishing the hair for reasons of our own particular style, fashion, or simply holding the hair out of one's way. Jewelry for the hair can be the most simple of designs when used for playing sports or other activities.

Plastic items are popular to use for casual wear. It can also be made from very elegant, intricately designed styles that are for dressing up the hair. Combs, barrettes, clips, pony tail holders and even tiaras are made with precious metals and precious gemstones.

Other substances like coral or mother of pearl are still used today as long ago. Women have evidently been preoccupied by hair for many years past and will probably remain preoccupied with their hair for as long as they have it on their heads.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Jewelry-For-The-Hair-Goes-Back-Thousands-Of-Years/100105

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Will you Marry Me ? ~ The Message of the Engagement Ring

History reveals that the first recorded engagement ring, was given in 1477; a gift from the Archduke Maximilian of Hamburg given to his bride-to-be, Mary of Burgundy. He gave her a diamond engagement ring to grace her finger and announce their betrothal. Apparently that standard became the highest by which all other rings are measured, as the diamond engagement ring is still the most popular purchased gemstone for this occasion.

The "Vein to Her Heart" ~ Where to Place the Engagement Ring

It is believed that the fourth finger of the left hand was chosen due to the belief held by the Greeks that this finger contained the vena amoris, or vein of love, which lead directly to the heart. The circle shape of the ring is symbolic because its unending shape is representational of eternity and love everlasting. As these two beliefs were so popular, the customer of placing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because standard practice.

A Quick History of the Engagement Ring

Initially, diamonds and other gemstones were reserved for royalty and the wealthy so the gift of an engagement ring was not common practice until approximately 1870 when diamonds were discovered in South African mines. With this discovery, diamonds and other gemstones became much more accessible and affordable to the general public. In the 18th and 19th centuries, colored gemstones settings were very popular choices for engagement rings. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the "Tiffany" or "solitaire" diamond setting was introduced. Immediately, this style became popular and had remained one of the top choices for engagement rings to this day. The early 20th century brought larger and an increased number of stones in the settings of many of the engagement rings. The "princess setting" has three to five large diamonds in a row across the top and is a very popular style today. The diamond is still by far the most popular gemstone chosen for such an important occasion.

How to "POP" the Question

No matter what style of engagement ring is chosen, it is the proposal that will take the most preparation and planning. Even a "spontaneous" proposal is one that grows deep within the heart before the words are whispered to the intended bride-to-be. When it comes to a proposal of marriage, there are as many ideas and there are couples. Some might consider an on-camera proposal at a sporting event to be perfect; while others might prefer to hide the ring in a special dish at a favorite restaurant; another more private idea is to visit a special spot shared between the couple; while another opinion may hold that it is the one moment, above all others, when you just can't stop yourself from proposing that is best. No matter where you are, when the right moment grabs you, you will know. When you decide to make a proposal for marriage, your guide will be your heart and the idea or dream that you will want to remember for the rest of your life.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Will-you-Marry-Me-----The-Message-of-the-Engagement-Ring/41267

How to Select and Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry is widely popular and available in many different styles. In order for silver to be classified as sterling, it must contain 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent some other type of metal, often something like copper. The copper or other metal added to the silver gives it strength and durability. Fine silver, also called pure silver, is almost 100 percent silver and is too delicate and soft to make jewelry.

Sterling silver maintains its beauty and does not wear away as silver plating often does. When purchasing a piece of sterling silver jewelry, you'll want to look for the stamp which designates it as fine quality sterling. You may also see a symbol which designates the maker. Quality crafted sterling silver can last a lifetime or more if it's cared for properly. Like all silver, sterling silver jewelry is susceptible to tarnishing, especially if it's not worn very often. Luckily, this is an easy problem to take care of and prevent. Choose a polish or jewelry cleaner especially designed for sterling silver. You may even want to have your silver jewelry polished by a professional jeweler on a periodic basis.

If you like shopping online, then you'll definitely want to take a look at the gorgeous jewelry offered at bluenile.com. Not only does this online vendor offer gold, diamond, pearl and platinum jewelry, they offer incredible pieces of sterling silver jewelry as well.

One of the most popular items is the sterling silver charm bracelet. Choose from a wide variety of silver charms to add significance and beauty to your charm bracelet. Charms include initials, lockets, birthstones, numbers, religious symbols, and even baby booties. Other affordable and beautiful choices include the popular heart pendants offered by this retailer, available in a variety of sizes and styles. You'll also find bracelets, rings, earrings and more!

Sterling silver jewelry makes a great gift for anyone in your life. Many couples these days are even choosing sterling silver for their engagement and wedding rings. Silver looks gorgeous with every skin tone and hair color. You can find delicate and dainty pieces of sterling jewelry, as well as large, bold pieces for more adventurous wearers. When it comes to great jewelry, sterling has it all -- beauty, durability, and affordability!

Tiffany Jewelry -- The Ultimate in Classic Sophistication
The name Tiffany and Co., as well as the widely recognizable turquoise box, is synonymous with sophistication and quality. Who wouldn't want to unwrap a gift to find that distinctive Tiffany's box? Tiffany jewelry is some of the finest and most beloved in the world today. Let's take a look at some of the most popular selections available:

Tiffany Hearts Pendant: This gorgeous gold and diamond pendant is suspended on an eighteen inch chain and is crafted from 18k gold and stunning round diamonds. This incredible pendant makes an ideal romantic gift for a special woman.

Tiffany Stars Pendant: 4.44 carats of brilliant round diamonds make up this incredible star-shaped pendant, suspended on a 16.25 inch chain. Like all Tiffany jewelry, it makes a perfect gift and is the ultimate in quality and beauty.

Tiffany Celebration Rings: Celebration rings are platinum rings which feature gorgeous brilliant diamonds. You can stack and combine these rings, or wear only one. They are perfect for marking a significant event, such as an anniversary, marriage or birth of a child.

Tiffany Circlet: This circle style platinum and diamond ornament can be found in pendant and earring form. Rounds of sparkling Tiffany diamonds are encased in stunning platinum.

Frank Gehry Collection: One of the newest offerings in Tiffany jewelry is the Frank Gehry collection. There are a variety of different styles, including Axis, Equus, Fish, Fold, Orchid and Torque. This incredible collection features pendants and bracelets crafted from materials like sterling silver and green jade. Every piece in this collection is stunning and modern, as is the architecture they're inspired by!

Paloma's Sugar Stacks: These stunning gold rings are stackable and designed by Paloma Picasso. They come in a variety of gemstone choices, such as amethyst, rubellite and aquamarine set in 18k yellow gold.

Lock Charms: Tiffany's silver lock charms can be snapped onto most anything you wish, such as a necklace, bracelet, or purse. The charms feature the alphabetic letter of your choice, while some of them sport the classic Tiffany logo.

A book could be filled with descriptions of the various Tiffany jewelry pieces that are available! There are diamonds, jewels, gold, silver and platinum in a variety of different styles. Need a piece of jewelry that's beautiful and functional? Tiffany offers a plethora of stunning watches that are the ultimate in quality and style.

Why and How to Obtain Wholesale Jewelry

If you are looking for a fun business, why not consider selling jewelry? The great thing about this is that there are many places where you can find wholesale jewelry at a great price. When it comes to buying wholesale, you receive such a dramatic reduction off of the retail price because you're buying in bulk. There are many different places where you can market and sell your jewelry.

While you could open a retail store, many people choose to conduct business online. It's certainly easier and less expensive than selling your wares in a brick and mortar location. There are many different ways to sell jewelry online. You could open a web store where you offer your jewelry for sale at a fixed price. Many vendors are finding success this way. However, another option for Internet sellers is the online auction route.

After all, there are more than 100 million members registered on Ebay. That's a staggering potential customer base! The only thing about selling on Ebay is the competition. With so many sellers offering similar items as you, you'll need to offer quality merchandise, low prices and excellent customer service. If you can, then there's a distinct possibility that you can make a very good living this way. Ebay offers its sellers the ability to open their own stores for a low monthly fee. This can be a way to sell your items at a fixed price while still having the clientele and support that Ebay provides.

There's no limit as to what kind of jewelry you can sell. Some people offer fine jewelry, while others go the costume jewelry route. Still others specialize in between the two extremes, especially those sellers offering sterling silver and gemstone jewelry at moderate prices. Once you decide that you want to sell jewelry, the next step is to find a great place to buy it. One fantastic online vendor that offers wholesale jewelry for entrepreneurs is pippinbass.com.

At Pippin Bass, you'll discover gorgeous wholesale jewelry such as necklaces, rings, earrings and more crafted from fine sterling silver and beautiful gemstones. They offer lots of selection, great customer service and everything a jewelry seller needs to start and maintain a thriving business.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/How-to-Select-and-Care-for-Sterling-Silver-Jewelry/100128

How Durable is Gold Plate

You ask how durable is an 18k gold plate. Wow, I do wish I could give you an answer in months or years or in any time frame. The fact is, without knowing how thick the plated surface actually might be there is little way to predict wearability. Even if I knew the thickness, the best I could say is, "It will wear better (or worse) than this or that other sort of plate or layer."

So much depends on how often the ring is worn and the conditions of that time when worn. I do believe you will take good care of the ring and that does make me happy. Too many folks will come into our business with a worn out ring, packed with dirt and stones dull from all of it...then proudly say, "I never take it off." What a mistake they make! Gentle and regular care and cleaning is so vital to keeping a ring looking the best and detecting if any stones might have worked loose.

When the ring is worn, if your hands are in contact with surfaces which contact the ring, daily wear will eventually take the plate from that contact area. This wear might come from a desk, keyboard hand support or simply items you regularly handle in day to day work and living. Being more alert to what the ring touches will certainly give you a "heads up" on preventing wear from everyday contact.

The National Gold and Silver Marking Act (USA) requires certain thicknesses of gold plate for a jewelry item to be stamped as gold plated. The mark might be "gold plate", "hge" for heavy gold electroplate or simply "plate" or "plated". These marks indicate a recognized thickness of gold plating. If there is no mark saying gold plated in one form or the other, likely the plate is of the thinner sort and not thick enough to qualify for marking as plated. Sure, it is plated but not thickly enough to warrant the marking. If not marked as plated, the ring is likely plated about as thickly as typical costume jewelry and will wear about as well.

How long? I simply cannot say. My wife wears lots of jewelry items all with only a wash of gold color on them. (She happens to like it..) Still, it is surprising how long the surface does last. I suspect your ring has a thicker plate than that and should last longer.

When caring for the ring, use essentially the same steps to clean as with CZ's. However, do not often use a polishing cloth, especially the chemical or rouge treated ones. These are made to remove tarnish and are capable of eventually wearing away the gold plating on the ring! Wipe gently with a soft cloth only to dry from cleaning in a mild detergent solution. You may use a soft brush to clean behind the stones.

The surface will show some wear from daily contact and that is normal. This will happen long before the plate is worn through. Trying to polish out the wear from daily contact will only help remove the plate and greatly reduce the life of the ring.

There are simply no fast rules as to how long a plated jewlery item will last since each person has a personal life and conditions are different.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/How-Durable-is-Gold-Plate/38915

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Winter Jewelry Trend Forecast is Bright

There is much to celebrate with the upcoming winter season in jewelry trends, with an explosion of colors for the cold weather wardrobe to lift the spirits. So, excitingly it will be a hot season for jewelry lovers. According to the artisan jewelry designers at 3bjewels, the most unexpected color trend for the winter 2008 season is yellow, generally a color we connect to the warmer days of spring and summer. As a way to challenge the closed in winter days, yellow is coming to brighten up our daily lives. Drape yourself in refreshing gemstones like citrine, yellow topaz, amber and smoky topaz glass beads and keep your neck, earlobes, wrist and fingers seasonably warm. Look to 3bjewels for great cocktail rings paired with one of these brilliant stones that will keep you way on top of the seasonal jewelry trends.
The popular winter color trends also include the favorite and classic black. It is a wardrobe favorite that is easy to wear and never really goes out of style. In the world of jewelry black is showcased to its best effect with jet faceted glass stone, black onyx, black diamonds and black pearls says one of the top jewelry designer at 3bjewels. In additional to these dark hues, different variations of gray are also ultra fashionable for the season, especially seen adorned on a beaded and wire wrapped necklace 3bjewels carries. Also look for bracelets this year, especially chunky bangles and cuffs encrusted with large crystals, and delicate chain/link bracelets adorned with ornate gemstones such as smoky quartz.
So for the fashion conscious consumer, having the perfect jewelry designs has never been easier than at 3bjewls. The trick is to pick classic designs that will stand the test of time, mixed in with modern elements. Whether the fashion jewelry has genuine gemstones or handcrafted beads you can enjoy classic design that never really goes out of style. Simply match your much loved jewelry with new season jewelry pieces and you'll have a spectacular look that all will covet. This can all be made easy by visiting Beryl Blush Blonde Jewelry at 3bjewels, where you will find exceptional handcrafted fashion jewelry designed by crafty artisan jewelers.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Winter-Jewelry-Trend-Forecast-is-Bright/80875

Saturday, February 23, 2008

The Cultural Beauty of a Celtic Engagement Ring

The beauty, intricate designs and symbolism of the Claddagh engagement ring and other Celtic engagement rings has built a following among many young couples today. In a world of turmoil, confusion and duplicity, many of the younger generations are revisiting their roots for direction and guidance. The Irish community is rich in mythology, spiritualism and cultural beliefs. The Celtic engagement ring is a sign of deeply held family customs and beliefs.

A Sentimental Gift is Found in the Celtic Engagement Ring

The Celtic engagement rings are known for the sentiment that is symbolized in each ring. The designer usually bases the design of each ring on a wedding sentiment such as "love for all eternity", "tying the knot" and some other sentiments of love. Then the ring is designed to match and is named after the emotion or sentiment. Most rings have some sort of knot shape or combination of knots to symbolize the union of two lives. The most popular style of Celtic engagement ring is the Claddagh engagement ring.

The Claddagh is Rich in Irish Folklore

The Claddagh is the symbol for the Republic of Ireland, a design that is deeply embedded in the Irish folklore. The image on the ring is that of two hands surrounding a heart with a royal crown placed directly above the heart. The design symbolizes the welcoming hands of a marriage union; a strong and loving heart and the crown represent the proud people of Ireland.

Many Believe Irish Design isn't "Irish" Unless it's Made in Ireland

There is a common held belief that jewelry made in the Irish design isn't real if it wasn't made in Ireland. There are specific regions in Ireland that are responsible for custom design. So a couple shopping for the symbolism, sentiment and beauty of a true Celtic engagement ring would want to access Irish internet web sites or a visit to a jeweler of Irish heritage. However, keep in mind that in many traditional Irish circles, it is considered bad manners to wear the Claddagh if you are not of Irish descent.

The Claddagh Engagement Ring is Rich in the Irish Culture

The Claddagh Celtic engagement ring usually doubles as the wedding band. While the Claddagh engagement ring is available in a wide variety of styles, the specification to how it is to be worn is absolute. The importance of Claddagh Celtic engagement ring is significant with how it is worn on the young woman's hand. When a woman wears a Claddagh ring, she must turn the heart inwards if she is unmarried and change the direction of the heart upon becoming betrothed. The heart facing outward tells the world that she is bound is marriage and has given her heart away.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/The-Cultural-Beauty-of-a-Celtic-Engagement-Ring/41989

Shopping for the Right Vintage Engagement Ring

Shopping for an engagement ring is a very exciting time in any relationship. Whether the groom-to-be is shopping alone or has taken along his bride-to-be, it is important that he be well informed about the wide variety of engagement rings available prior to making a purchase. Today, many young couples are purchasing vintage engagement rings. In recent years, antique and vintage engagement rings have become quite popular.

Undeniably Popular for Statements of Love

When inquiring about estate or vintage engagement rings, realize that this category refers to anything less than fifty years old. It many even refer to a used ring that was bought only one year ago. When discussing a vintage engagement ring, the term "vintage" is often a term used as a catchall that really means "old ring".

Antique and vintage engagement rings are popular for many reasons; they are generally less expensive, well constructed, and once purchased they become an instant heirloom. These facts alone make the antique and vintage engagement rings an easy sell for most young couples that are just starting out and building a new future together. The idea of creating an heirloom for their future family increases the emotional value of the ring and the shopping experience.

Currently, the art deco style of engagement rings, made during the 1920-30's is the most popularly purchased vintage engagement ring. Antiques rings from this time period reflect the geometric fashion trend that was so popular during this time in history. It is not uncommon to find vintage engagement rings that copy this bold style because it is still a popular fashion choice today. The distinction between antique and vintage art deco rings is that the antique was made during that time period where as a vintage ring is more likely a copy of that fashion statement.

Always Know What You Are Buying Before You Lay Your Money Down

When buying an antique or vintage engagement ring, always review any written description and gemologist reports thoroughly. Since antique and vintage engagement rings are often found in places such as estate sales, pawn shops, online auctions and antique stores and jewelers; you want to insure that you know all there is about any ring before you buy it.

Make sure that the seller of the ring is able to provide you with a detailed description of the vintage engagement ring including the 4-C's of jewelry: color, cut, carat and clarity. These aspects of the ring need to be clearly addressed in the written document. It is also very important that the age of the ring, ring size, and current condition of the ring be mentioned in any written document. If it is at all possible, obtain a copy of the gemologist report as well.

Prior to payment, it is a good idea to establish what type of return policy the seller offers in case a problem should materialize with the ring. You want to make sure that your purchase is covered financially.

As you begin to shop for your engagement ring, remember that this is a very important symbol of your love and marriage vows. So, purchase the ring you fall in love with but be intelligent about the business aspect about the sale. Hopefully, this is the one ring you will wear for the rest of your life; make sure it will stand the test of time.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Shopping-for-the-Right-Vintage-Engagement-Ring/42423

Jewelry Gifts For Mothers

There is not a person in the world that has not had a problem deciding what gift to give their mother at one time or another. By the time you are old enough to treasure your mother as one should, chances are she already has every thing known to man and lots of times it might seem like there is simply nothing left to give her that she does not already have, except maybe the things you know she would not want! What an ordeal it can be, because no matter how many times they tell you, Save your money, I do not need a thing, you know they never mean it.

So what do you give her? Even if she already owns tons of jewelry, there is always one more piece that she will love. There is not a woman or mother in the universe who does not love getting jewelry, no matter how much she already has, unless she might be the wilderness type, but as a general rule, most do.

When you are faced with what piece of jewelry to pick out for your mother, or even mother in law, which giving quality jewelry to your mother in law can probably score you some major brownie points, think about these choices.

Birthstone jewelry is always good because it is personal to her and even if she already has some birthstone jewelry a piece in a different style will give her a new choice. Mother's rings, pendants, or brooches can be wonderful pieces of jewelry for moms. They will include the birthstones of all her children and this represents a life time of cherished memories for her.

If she already has a mother's ring, try getting her a pendant, bracelet or brooch to match. These pieces may have to be special ordered due to the exactness of stones needed in the piece, so this is one choice that definitely needs to be thought of ahead of time.

If you are a daughter giving your mom jewelry, think about getting a ring, necklace, or bracelet for you and her that matches. The significance of both of you having one alike will represent to her a bond the two of you share that will never be broken. To most moms, the more sentimental something is the better.

One more idea that can be a hit is to have a piece of jewelry custom designed just for her. It will be something you absolutely know she does not already have and something that has been made just for her alone. It could be the most sentimental gift of all time.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Jewelry-Gifts-For-Mothers/100145

Cartier Watches Posted By : David Done

Exoticism and Sensuality Upon the Wrist: The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch

The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch is a stunningly designed luxury timepiece that illuminates the exotic preferences of a luminous film star as well as the mastery of luxurious design and superb craftsmanship - two facets virtually synonymous with the house of Cartier.

A tribute to the sensual Mexican actress and Cartier patron Maria Felix, the La Dona de Cartier watch is modeled after the magnificent necklace which the star commissioned from Cartier after a visit to the Paris boutique in 1975 -- accompanying her on this trip was a live baby crocodile, which the flamboyant actress requested be a model for a stunningly original piece of luxury jewelry. The result was a singular masterpiece of the jeweler's art and a uniquely personal homage to a luminous celebrity.

Like the original Cartier necklace made famous by Maria Felix, the La Dona de Cartier watch evokes a sensuality which is inspired by the exotic form and untamed reptilian savagery of the crocodile. Supple, fluid, and unique, the interlocking bracelet links display superlative finish and flow harmoniously to offer an exceptional comfort on the wrist, as well as a strikingly stylish presence. The trapeze-shaped case excites with its asymmetric form, counterbalancing the classical details of the elegant Roman numeral dial, with its silver sun-pattern decoration, and blued steel sword hands.

The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch is presented in both small and large sizes, and is available in 18K yellow, white, or pink gold, as well as stainless steel. Magnificent diamond-set versions, including those with full pave setting reveal the enviable skill of Cartier's master jewelers, while versions with alligator straps and finely crafted deployant clasps are ideal for those who desire the mystique of this luxury watch, but prefer maximal subtlety. The singular, exotic elegance of this modern Cartier classic is thus tailored to the widest array of expressive preferences.

Fitted with a highly precise, battery-operated quartz movement, each Cartier La Dona de Cartier timepiece is a superbly reliable timekeeper. As is the case with every Cartier watch, the La Dona de Cartier is fitted with an extremely hard crystal crafted from synthetic sapphire. All models are water resistant to 30 meters.

Article source: www.vialuxe.com/News/Cartier-Watches-Exoticism-and-Sensuality-Upon-the-Wrist--The-Cartier-La-Dona-de-Cartier-wat/4349,28275


Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Cartier-Watches/159486

Friday, February 22, 2008

So - What On Earth Is Marcasite?

What is Marcasite?

Marcasite is a natural mineral that is called iron sulfide and is often mined in South America although it is found naturally all around the world and marcasite is related to iron pyrite which is also called Fools Gold due to its likeness to gold but relative low value miners would mistake iron pyrite for gold when staking a claim and only realising their mistake later.

The color of marcasite ranges from dark grey to black often with sparks of yellow or gold throughout the stone. As with all natural stones, the color can differ slightly. Marcasite was considered to reduce negative energy and improve communication.

Marcasite Becoming Fashionable

Marcasite jewelry became fashionable in the Victorian era its black color was fashionable at the time especially at the end of the Queens reign when sombre clothing and adornment were the trend. Cameo pendants and brooches/pins were especially popular and there are many examples of the dark marcasite contrasting with ivory.

Marcasite Nowadays

Present marcasite jewelry is now fashionable due to its relations with the past. A whole niche has been fashioned for what is often called vintage style where traditional materials are used to make new, fashionable pieces and are often seen being worn my a medley of celebrities who enjoy the style.

Caring For and Cleaning Marcasite

Often, marcasite is secured in its setting with jewelers cement and because of this, it may require special cleaning.

Do

Wipe gently with a soft and clean damp cloth.

Dry with a clean, soft and absorbent cloth.

Use a towel to ensure that the piece is entirely dry.

Dont

Use a steamer, hot water or sonic cleaner

Expose to chemicals or cleaning agents

Expose to extreme heat

Soak in water

As with all jewelry, a bit of love and patience gives its own reward with longer lasting pieces.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/So---What-On-Earth-Is-Marcasite-/43498

Cartier Watches Posted By : David Done

Exoticism and Sensuality Upon the Wrist: The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch

The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch is a stunningly designed luxury timepiece that illuminates the exotic preferences of a luminous film star as well as the mastery of luxurious design and superb craftsmanship - two facets virtually synonymous with the house of Cartier.

A tribute to the sensual Mexican actress and Cartier patron Maria Felix, the La Dona de Cartier watch is modeled after the magnificent necklace which the star commissioned from Cartier after a visit to the Paris boutique in 1975 -- accompanying her on this trip was a live baby crocodile, which the flamboyant actress requested be a model for a stunningly original piece of luxury jewelry. The result was a singular masterpiece of the jeweler's art and a uniquely personal homage to a luminous celebrity.

Like the original Cartier necklace made famous by Maria Felix, the La Dona de Cartier watch evokes a sensuality which is inspired by the exotic form and untamed reptilian savagery of the crocodile. Supple, fluid, and unique, the interlocking bracelet links display superlative finish and flow harmoniously to offer an exceptional comfort on the wrist, as well as a strikingly stylish presence. The trapeze-shaped case excites with its asymmetric form, counterbalancing the classical details of the elegant Roman numeral dial, with its silver sun-pattern decoration, and blued steel sword hands.

The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch is presented in both small and large sizes, and is available in 18K yellow, white, or pink gold, as well as stainless steel. Magnificent diamond-set versions, including those with full pave setting reveal the enviable skill of Cartier's master jewelers, while versions with alligator straps and finely crafted deployant clasps are ideal for those who desire the mystique of this luxury watch, but prefer maximal subtlety. The singular, exotic elegance of this modern Cartier classic is thus tailored to the widest array of expressive preferences.

Fitted with a highly precise, battery-operated quartz movement, each Cartier La Dona de Cartier timepiece is a superbly reliable timekeeper. As is the case with every Cartier watch, the La Dona de Cartier is fitted with an extremely hard crystal crafted from synthetic sapphire. All models are water resistant to 30 meters.

Article source: www.vialuxe.com/News/Cartier-Watches-Exoticism-and-Sensuality-Upon-the-Wrist--The-Cartier-La-Dona-de-Cartier-wat/4349,28275


Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Cartier-Watches/159486

Aquamarine - The Gemstone of March

March Birthstone - Aquamarine

It is more common for women to be aware of their birthstone then man, purely because women tend to wear more jewelry with their birthstone it in. Even if you do know what your birthstone is it is still doubtful that you will know that the significance of your stone is.

Aquamarine is also known for being the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. You can find the bulk of this stone in Brazil, Nigeria, and Zambia.

The name aquamarine is made by combining the Latin words water (aqua) and sea (mare). Aquamarine is clearly named for resembling the blue dark seawater. Aquamarine is made up of a variety of minerals that crystallize within the earths crust.

Aquamarine can vary is color from a blue-green to a light blue. For a while the stones that contained green were regularly heat-treated to get rid of the unsightly color. Generally aquamarine gemstones are flawless.

It is said that if you dream of aquamarine that this signifies the making of new friends. Wearing aquamarine brings you love and affection. Giving this gemstone offers the gift of knowledge, foresight, and individual inspiration. It also symbolizes youth, devotion, hope, and health.

When purchasing this precious stone be sure to buy it from a reputable source. This gem can diminish upon prolonged exposure to light.

There are many people who believe that aquamarine can help on the dependence of drugs, as an aid in digestion, and can be used as a remedy for swollen glands. Aquamarine is also said to release anger and negativity and replacing it with mental peace and clarity. It is commonly used as an aid in meditation and to help assist in self-expression.

It is believed that the connection with water led to the thought that aquamarine was particularly strong if immersed in water.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Aquamarine---The-Gemstone-of-March/43822

The Amazing Versatility And Range Of Titanium In Products Today

Titanium is an amazing metal. Jewelry makers have long considered it a noble metal, and as such, it is often used to craft men's wedding rings. Titanium is most famously used in the construction of airplanes and spacecraft. Doctors have even used it for bone replacements, while construction workers use it to build bridges.

This element was discovered by a German chemist in 1795, and it has been listed on the periodic table of elements ever since. In the years since its discovery, countless uses have been discovered for titanium.

Titanium in Jewelry

Jewelers have embraced the amazing quality of titanium to for it's incredible tensile strength and resistance to environmental wear. It's completely hypoallergenic qualities make it perfect for daily wear associated with wedding bands. Many men are attracted to the sleekness and feather lightness of men's titanium wedding bands.

Body jewelry, such as earrings, is made predominantly from titanium because of its ability to not interact with human body chemistry. This can shorten the healing time following a piercing, because a person's immune system is not trying to attack the invading titanium earrings or barbells.

Divers and other people who work and play in and around the ocean often prefer to purchase titanium wedding bands and jewelry, due to titanium's corrosion-resistance capabilities in saltwater environments.

Titanium in Aircraft Manufacturing

The aircraft industry is the largest consumer of titanium in the world. The strength and lightness of titanium make it ideal for manufacturing aircraft.

Aluminum was originally used in the production of aircraft because it was also lightweight. As engineers began experimenting with faster travel, they discovered that aluminum could not handle the increased heat and pressure associated with high-speed travel.

Now, there are very strict standards for what materials are used to manufacture of aircraft, especially passenger planes. Aircraft construction materials must be strong, corrosion and crack resistant, and they must be light; titanium is one of the best-suited materials for this purpose. For high speeds and altitude, the ability of a metal to withstand drastic temperature changes is also critical.

The Lockheed Corporation was the first aircraft manufacturer to experiment with titanium in the building of their aircraft. The first airplane to incorporate titanium in its design was the A-12, which was the predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane. Since then, titanium has become the industry standard for aircraft manufacturing. Its basic chemistry is ideal for the rigid conditions aircraft have to endure.

Marine Titanium

Like the aircraft manufacturing industry, many of titanium's features have made it ideal for use in marine crafts as well. Its resistance to corrosion in saltwater makes it ideal for use in many underwater devices.

Scuba diving gear is critical to the survival of a diver. Faulty equipment can be dangerous, especially if it fails at the wrong time or wrong depth. External mechanical components that are made out of titanium are resistant to the corrosive powers of the ocean.

Desalinization factories extract salt from ocean water. This provides both usable salt and fresh drinking water. Much of the equipment in these factories is made with titanium to avoid rusting and the cost of replacing expensive machinery.

Many fish hobbyists know that a considerable number of marine aquarium equipment pieces are made from titanium. For example, the heating elements available for many fish tanks are made from titanium.

Titanium is also commonly found in fishing equipment. High quality rods and reels are made from titanium. Many lures and accessories are also made from titanium to avoid damage, from the contact with fish and water.

Titanium in Industry

In many factories around the world, titanium is a key ingredient in much of the machinery. The industrial world has become accustomed to the ease and dependability of titanium and has incorporated it into many of the aspects of their work.

Many different automotive manufacturers use titanium not only in their factory equipment, but also in their vehicles. The extreme heat of engines creates many of the same problems that face aircraft manufacturers, and both industries have found similar solutions.

Consumer Products

Many products in everyday life feature some level of titanium. Quite a few of them may be surprising to many people. Frames for eyeglasses can be made from titanium to provide a comfortable yet durable wear.

A large range of sporting equipment is made with titanium. Tennis racquets, golf clubs, and bicycle components are made from titanium or have titanium parts. Many helmets are titanium reinforced for better durability.

Camping equipment is commonly made with titanium, making them easy to carry for backpackers and frequent travelers. This can include cooking utensils, dishes, and tent supports.

In Conclusion

There are whole lists of products that titanium has been used to improve. Whether it men's wedding bands or high-speed fighter jets, titanium can be an essential element in manufacturing the perfect entity.

The uses of titanium are constantly increasing. The development of new technology is always leading to additional uses for materials already in use in other fields. Some companies are now exploring using titanium in laser production. If we look at products developed using titanium ten years from today, there are certainly going to be a wide range of new uses that we cannot even imagine today.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/The-Amazing-Versatility-And-Range-Of-Titanium-In-Products-Today/48212

Jewelry And Mother Of Pearl

Mother of pearl is also known by the term Nacre. Nacre is produced inside the shell of many types of mollusk or mussels. Over time, secretions of the mollusk from its epithelial cells, produces layers of the substance forming what is known as mother of pearl. The hardened layers of nacre, is used by the mollusk to smooth the inside of its shell.

The nacre secretion is also used to combat parasites or foreign objects that can sometimes infiltrate the shell. The secretion covering and recovering a parasite or foreign object, or irritant to the mollusk, like a grain of sand or even a bead purposefully placed inside a mollusk by man, is what creates pearls. This is basically entombing the parasite or object, similar to the way a spider spins its web around its prey.

This coating of the inside of the mollusk shell and the coating of an object inside the shell will continue as long as a mollusk is alive, thus ever thickening the pearl lining and enlarging a pearl.

So, technically the hardened pearl inside the mollusk shell is made from the same substance as natural pearls, only constructed in a different way. Mollusk that produce this pearl lining are typically found in the south seas oyster and in many species of mussels found in rivers in the United States.

This type of pearl has many uses including making jewelry. Black and white pearls of this nature are used in some architectural purposes. Natural pearl's of this type can be tinted to be many colors. This rate is cut into pieces which are usually about 1/16 of an inch thick and shaped for specific purposes.

These pieces are generally laminated to the surfaces that are being decorated, such as ceramic tiles or marble bases. After these pieces are laminated to a surface, they are polished and have a highly glossed sheen that is uniquely beautiful, and have a resemblance to the look of a pearl.

In the United States, a lot of the shells that are harvested are used here and some are shipped to other countries, even some countries that produce mother of pearl themselves.

Items like jewelry or novelty boxes are laminated with mother of pearl. Jewelry made from mother of pearl include, laminated bangle bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, and brooches. The prices of jewelry made from this types of natural jewelry vary depending on whether it is set in fines metals or combined with other gems like diamonds. Either way, mother of pearl makes some very beautiful and elegant jewelry and novelty creations.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Jewelry-And-Mother-Of-Pearl/100153

Some Of The Factors To Consider In Silver Gemstone Pendants

If you are the type of person that likes variety then you will love what you can find in the silver gemstone pendants. There is such diversity in colors and styles that you could easily have a different look every day of the year without wearing the same piece again.

It can be challenging to find just the right pieces particularly for those who are really trying to stretch their dollars and get the most for their money. Of course one of the variables that will affect the price of the jewelry is the size and quality of the gemstone that is placed in the piece. This is one of the reasons it is important to know what characteristics to look for in certain gemstones.

One of the things that one needs to look for and be knowledgeable about is the natural color of a certain stone. In the jewelry business the gems are sometimes enhanced by dyeing them to change the color of the stone. If you are trying to get a particular color that is okay but you don't want to be unpleasantly surprised by dye running on your clothes from a supposedly naturally colored stone.

Sometimes you may pickup a pendant with a stone that appears just a bit too perfect and on top of that is less than ten bucks. If this is the case you should probably pass on it because it is most likely a fake stone since natural gems will have natural veins and color fluctuations that make them look different. This is another reason why it pays to know what a natural stone should look like.

The next thing that you want to do is check the setting and be sure that the stone is secure in the setting. In many cases it takes more than just wiggling the stone, you may want to shake it around a bit to see if you hear it rattling in the setting which of course tells you that it is loose. You don't want to be walking down the street and have your stone fall out and shatter all over the sidewalk.

The size, weight, and cut of the gemstone will also affect the price of the pendant as will the rarity of the particular gem you have chosen. Choosing a high quality gemstone pendant will give you many years of enjoyment and will guarantee that your investment hold its value for a long time.

It is relatively easy to find and buy a quality silver gemstone pendant with great confidence if you are educated on all of the factors you need to be aware of which you now know. Stay on top of the market and you are sure to be happy with your purchase.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Some-Of-The-Factors-To-Consider-In-Silver-Gemstone-Pendants/100251

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Timeless Handmade Jewelry

Jewelry has always been essential to people who loves to accessorize. One special piece can make such a difference in the presentation of same outfit. There are so many different variations and handmade jewelry stands out because of its uniqueness. Beaded, carved, filigreed, engraved, sequined, knitted, and painted, various techniques for handicraft arts have been continually developed in all cultures throughout time, which certainly expand the variety of handmade jewelry.

Handmade jewelry makers utilize many types of metals and gemstones in their work, such as brass, copper, silver, gold; and crystal, quartz, turquoise, coral and amethyst. Many contemporary jewelry artists make use of even more diverse materials such as glass beads, fabric, acrylic as well as organic /natural material such as wood, leather, shell, hemp, raffia grass, animal horns, bones and even teeth. In fact jewelry made of these materials gains more and more in popularity.

Compare to mass-produced jewelry, handmade jewelry involves much more with culture, humanity and history. Most handmade jewelry has a certain ethnic flair. Or I should say, most culture has their own unique handmade tribal jewelry. Miao, for instance, an ethnic group at South West China, is well-known for their amazing women's 20+ kg silver costume jewelry set as well as their extraordinary craftsmanship on silver jewelry making. Although Miao silver (a combination of nickel and copper) is utilized as a more affordable alternative nowadays, the popularity of Miao handmade hairsticks and accessories is still increasing because of their varied and creative designs. Tibetan handmade jewelry, on the other hand, featured bold styles and dramatic colors. The styles are versatile enough for you to find "go anywhere" pieces to wear with anything from jeans to evening dress. Thanks to the convenience of internet, I have collected native American cuffs, African leather necklace, Tibetan style beaded turquoise and coral bracelets, Miao hair jewelry sets, Indian Kundan necklace and earrings, and oriental carved lacquer and Cloisonn?airsticks, with some simple clicks of mouse. My biggest surprise was a piece of one-of-an-kind refractory porcelain hair stick. The exquisitely handmade flowers look so real and almost too pretty to wear.

Finding a gift for loved ones or special events such as bridal shower is never easy. If you want to make an unforgettable present, you might want to consider handmade jewelry. My friend Maggie, a pretty and smart girl, bought dozens of Tibetan silver cuffs studded with gemstones for her bridal shower. "How many times will a woman want to wear identical stuff as somebody else's?" She said. How true! Her gift turned out to be a "bomb" on that day!

Price is always the concern. The price for handmade jewelry varies in a large range depending on the material, craftsmanship and sometimes brands. The most important thing to remember when shopping for handmade jewelry is that you are looking for uniqueness. It does not have to expensive or made of precious material. It is the style that catches you and others eyes. Also, while the internet made it easy for us to shop at home, it also provides means for us to compare styles and prices, as well as searching for best deals such as free shipping, on-sale and coupons.

Whether you are looking for something to accent a dress for the special occasion or unusual gifts for the loved one, try handmade jewelry and make the memory timeless.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/The-Timeless-Handmade-Jewelry/48282

Watches - Fashion Accessory Or Time Keeping Device

If it seems to you like watches have always been in existence you aren't alone, there is surely nobody living today who remembers a time when there were no watches. Since the invention of the time keeping device there have many different styles and many new innovations. There are mechanical watches, quartz watches and the new kinetic types and more. These days companies generally are not working on new methods to show the time and any new innovations in the watch are usually to do with style. New releases that come out are essentially just a rehash of an old type. Sometimes, it is hard to comprehend that it wasn't really that long ago that this type of watch was actually invented.

The quartz watch is a type of watch that first came into the public interest in the early seventies. Quartz crystals are used to power it and it is still one of the most popular of all watches. Over the years it has improved a great deal and has many features including stopwatches and timers.

The first wristwatches were the analogue type, a type of watch that has individual hour, minute and second hands. These days most analogue watches wind back up automatically, though at one time they had to be wound back daily by the owner.

There are numerous other specialist watches used by the army and divers. These are watches that have been brought to the marketplace after being used by these groups, such as the Navy SEALS that first used the Luminox watches. These watches were perfect for the SEALS because it allowed them to check the time and many other functions under water. Of course these watches are also waterproof to a great depth.

Another great innovation of watches recently is the number of different features that you can get on them. Even some of the old style analog watches have started offering these newer features. Some of the more expensive watches also have stopwatches and display at the side of the face the month and date.

Watches are really becoming more and more known as a fashion accessory. Watches can be equipped with leather, metal, rubber and plastic straps. You can even go to a watchmaker's shop now and change the strap if you don't like the one it came with. Some sport watches make the stopwatch and timer the biggest feature and often have very flashy stopwatches where even lap times can be counted and sometimes saved.

These days watches just like home phones have been virtually replaced by the cell phone which can do everything a watch can do and more. Watches really need to be repackaged and probably the only way the watch can survive is by going back to the old times and selling self as an nice-looking fashion item..

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Watches---Fashion-Accessory-Or-Time-Keeping-Device/100771

Diamonds May Last Forever...

For hundreds of years, couples have used diamonds to symbolize their everlasting love and commitment to one another. Strangely however, people have always insisted on mounting their diamonds in soft metal bands like gold or silver - bands that are prone to scratching and breakage.

A diamond may last forever, so why would you want to put it onto a gold band when the stronger, lightweight titanium is available? Clearly, both gold and titanium make beautiful pieces of jewelry, but when compared to the inherent weakness of gold, titanium's strength seems a much better match for the diamond.

Strong Traditions

Historically, couples have always valued long-lasting jewelry as a sign of their enduring love and devotion to one another. Tradition has led brides and grooms to utter the words, "Till death do us part."

In modern times however, half of all marriages will end up in divorce court. As a reflection of the trend towards, "Till argument do us part," truly committed couples have been seeking jewelry that reflects a more sincere promise.

As the strongest substance on earth, diamonds have always been the perfect representations of ideal love, because they are beautiful and can withstand any conditions.

Almost universally, people will take their perfect diamonds and set them in gold - one of the softest metals available. Sure, gold rings look great when they are first molded, but gold is a notoriously weak metal. Gold is so soft that in the Old West, old men would bite into the gold to see if their bites would leave teeth marks. If their bite would leave an impression, then they knew that the metal was truly gold.

Although giving gold is still considered a lovely sentiment, old gold loses its shine quickly and gets scratched without much difficulty. Next to the durable diamonds, gold begins to look worn and tired in a very short amount of time.

A Strong Alternative To Gold

Titanium is a more recent discovery in the world of metals. Many jewelers believe that titanium would have been the predominant metal for jewelry, had it been discovered at a time earlier in history. But, titanium was not discovered until the late 18th century by a German chemist.

Titanium is a metal equivalent of a diamond. It is beautiful; and it is stronger than steel, but as light as aluminum.

The more people learn about them, the more popular titanium wedding bands are becoming with consumers. Their strength is just one of the many factors that appeal to many perspective buyers.

While titanium rings will still be somewhat susceptible to the elements, the wearing away is so miniscule that it will barely be noticeable over a lifetime.

Like gold and silver, titanium is actually very comfortable to wear. Unlike gold and silver however, titanium is hypoallergenic, which means that it is much less likely to cause a skin rash on the wearer.

Strong Designs

Titanium comes in three different grades, 6/6/2, 6/4, and CP 2.

* Grade 6/6/2 is made up of 86% titanium, 6% aluminum, 6% vanadium, and 2% tin. This is the strongest variation available.

* Grade 6/4 is most commonly used in the construction of aircrafts. This is derived from 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium.

* CP 2 is the purest grade of titanium available. This grade is best for people who actually do have known allergies to certain metals, especially those who have experienced rashes due to aluminum or tin.

The strength of titanium makes the creation of elaborate designs very difficult. Elegant designs are meant to capture the beauty of the metal and of any stones in the piece. But, a simplistic approach is often taken when molding this metal into jewelry.

The classic designs are very popular with men who may be concerned about wearing excessively feminine-appearing titanium wedding rings. As you may well imagine, unadorned men's wedding bands have always been more popular among the male species.

For couples interested in matching wedding bands, most jewelers are more than happy to create custom pieces to match the desires of the customer. There are countless ways to mount jewels into titanium, as well as options available for coloring a piece of titanium jewelry.

Titanium is a refractory metal. One of the characteristics of refractory metals lies in the ability to anodize its surface. Anodizing is a process that forms a coating on the surface of the metal, by the process of electrolysis. Anodizing allows the titanium manufacturer to produce a large palette of colors in their metals, of which black is among the most popular.

For additional design options, various kinds of metal inlays can be fused to the ring to create a new depth and dimension in the jewelry. Rose-colored gold inlayed in black titanium is a popular choice in women's wedding rings.

Conclusion

Wedding bands and rings as signs of commitment have been used for so long it is nearly impossible to find an accurate account of their origin. Had the first wedding rings been made of titanium, we might still have an accurate record of their history because specimens would have undoubtedly survived.

The permanence of marriage is not as enduring as it was only a century ago, but the permanence of titanium is as eternal as diamonds. If you would like a wedding band set that will convey your everlasting promise of commitment, then a diamond set in a titanium wedding band will be your perfect selection.



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Diamonds-May-Last-Forever---/48531

Cartier Watches Posted By : David Done

Exoticism and Sensuality Upon the Wrist: The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch

The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch is a stunningly designed luxury timepiece that illuminates the exotic preferences of a luminous film star as well as the mastery of luxurious design and superb craftsmanship - two facets virtually synonymous with the house of Cartier.

A tribute to the sensual Mexican actress and Cartier patron Maria Felix, the La Dona de Cartier watch is modeled after the magnificent necklace which the star commissioned from Cartier after a visit to the Paris boutique in 1975 -- accompanying her on this trip was a live baby crocodile, which the flamboyant actress requested be a model for a stunningly original piece of luxury jewelry. The result was a singular masterpiece of the jeweler's art and a uniquely personal homage to a luminous celebrity.

Like the original Cartier necklace made famous by Maria Felix, the La Dona de Cartier watch evokes a sensuality which is inspired by the exotic form and untamed reptilian savagery of the crocodile. Supple, fluid, and unique, the interlocking bracelet links display superlative finish and flow harmoniously to offer an exceptional comfort on the wrist, as well as a strikingly stylish presence. The trapeze-shaped case excites with its asymmetric form, counterbalancing the classical details of the elegant Roman numeral dial, with its silver sun-pattern decoration, and blued steel sword hands.

The Cartier La Dona de Cartier watch is presented in both small and large sizes, and is available in 18K yellow, white, or pink gold, as well as stainless steel. Magnificent diamond-set versions, including those with full pave setting reveal the enviable skill of Cartier's master jewelers, while versions with alligator straps and finely crafted deployant clasps are ideal for those who desire the mystique of this luxury watch, but prefer maximal subtlety. The singular, exotic elegance of this modern Cartier classic is thus tailored to the widest array of expressive preferences.

Fitted with a highly precise, battery-operated quartz movement, each Cartier La Dona de Cartier timepiece is a superbly reliable timekeeper. As is the case with every Cartier watch, the La Dona de Cartier is fitted with an extremely hard crystal crafted from synthetic sapphire. All models are water resistant to 30 meters.

Article source: www.vialuxe.com/News/Cartier-Watches-Exoticism-and-Sensuality-Upon-the-Wrist--The-Cartier-La-Dona-de-Cartier-wat/4349,28275


Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Cartier-Watches/159486

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Choosing Pearl Jewelry for your Wedding

Why Should I Choose Pearl Jewelry For My Wedding?

For centuries pearls have been synonymous with purity, sophistication and romance. There is nothing more classic than a Bride in a white flowing gown, her neck draped with dazzling ivory pearls.

Because pearls come in a variety of shapes, colors and overtones they are very versatile; allowing them to be a perfect choice to support most any wedding theme.

Matching the Wedding Theme

One should consider the overall theme of the wedding before deciding on which pearls to buy.
- Traditional
Pure white or cream Akoya, Hanadama, South Sea and Freshwater pearl sets are the classic choice for a traditional wedding. Larger sizes, starting in the 7-8mm range are customary.

- Modern / Contemporary
Akoyas with rose overtones or White South Sea pearl sets are excellent choices for a modern wedding.

- Tropical
Black Tahitian or Golden South Sea pearl sets are ideal choices for an exotic wedding.

Choosing Jewelry for the Wedding Party

The Bride
As she is the star of the ceremony, the Bride should wear the largest and prettiest pearls. Her pearls should reflect her individuality and personality as well as the wedding theme. This means that she should be free to choose the pearls that appeal to her most in color, overtone and size.

The length of a pearl necklace will be determined by the neckline of the dress she has chosen to wear. If her dress has a high neckline above the collarbones, a 16 inch choker necklace is most appropriate. If the dress has a moderate neckline slightly below the collarbones, a 17-18 inch necklace is the best choice. If she is wearing a dress with a low neckline, the 18-22 inch range is recommended.

A 32 inch single strand necklace is also a good idea due to its adaptivity. For example, during the ceremony the Bride can double up the length, turning the necklace into a double strand. After the wedding, she can wear the necklace at its full length to create a fashionable effect.

For a modern, contemporary look, choose a White South Sea Pearl Pendant and Earring set.

The Bride's pearl jewelry should also be complimentary and relative to her frame and figure. If she is a petite woman, a small necklace and earring set in the 6.5-7.5mm range is appropriate. If she is of a moderate build, a necklace and earring set in the 7.5-8.5mm range is an excellent choice. Generally, 7-7.5mm is the most popular size, as it is neither too big nor too small in appearance.

Groom and Groomsmen

Although your Groom may be unaware, pearls are appropriate for men as well as women. A pair of small 5.5-6.5mm pearls can be set into matching cufflinks; perfectly complimenting the Groom's attire while adding an extra touch of class.

Bridesmaids

During the ceremony the Bridesmaids are living extensions of the Brides' own beauty; each one representing the love and friendship she carries with her throughout her life. It is important for their jewelry to reflect the Brides' while not overshadowing it. For this reason smaller sizes, shorter lengths or different quality pearls than that of the Brides' are very appropriate.

For example, if the Bride wears a 7-8mm Akoya pearl set, Bridesmaids should be outfitted with a 6-7mm Freshwater pearl set. If the Bride wears an 8-10mm Tahitian pearl set, the Bridesmaids should wear a 7-8mm Black Akoya pearl set.
To especially distinguish your maid of honor, bestow her with pearls that are slightly bigger, longer or of a different color than that of the other Bridesmaids. This will make her stand out and feel that she is extra special to you.
Flower Girls

As the Flower Girl(s) is usually quite young, it is customary that their jewelry be smaller than that of the Bridesmaids'. A very small pearl size, such as 6-6.5mm, is very appropriate. For necklace length, choose something in the 14-15 inch range.

Mothers and Grandmothers

As a woman matures and ages she is complemented best by larger pearls; something starting in the 7-8mm size range. Longer necklace lengths, such as 18-22 inches, are appropriate as well.

Overall

Ultimately, your wedding is a reflection of the commitment you and your partner have made to one another. Every aspect of the ceremony should represent this as much as possible. After all, this is supposed to be a celebration! Good luck!

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Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Choosing-Pearl-Jewelry-for-your-Wedding/49887

Garnet Jewelry - Express your love

Garnet is the birthstone for people born in the month of January and it is supposed to contain powers that will facilitate your night vision and help you to achieve success. It is also the traditional stone that symbolizes the second marriage anniversary. In the past, some archeologists have found different types of garnet jewelry in the lake dweller graves. According to them, garnet was a popular form of jewelry in the Bronze Age. Today, you can find garnet mines in India, Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Siberia and Africa.

Not all the garnets are a high quality gem but the ones that are of high quality, they are more than just priceless. You buy a garnet ring once, it is for life! They are available in a broad spectrum of colors except in blue. You will find a vibrant orange garnet ring, lime green garnet ear rings, pink garnet in affordable jewelry, and even shades of violet.

Garnet consists of certain minerals like Pyralspites (aluminum), Ugrandites (calcium), Pyrope, Uvarovite, Almandine, Andradite etc. Apart from pure varieties of garnets, there are some mixed varieties like malaia or malaya, and grandite. Another type of garnet comes in a hue of purple and it is called rhodolite. As far as the color of garnet is concerned, there is a special type of garnet called the Spessartite garnet.

Spessartite garnet is ideochromatic, which means that is gets its color from magnesium. Magnesium produces the vibrant orange in garnets, which has become irresistible and popular. Now if you mix some iron in the form of almadine, then the garnet will produce a deeper red color, more like the red wine and is as intoxicating. Did you know that the garnet actually got its name from the Latin word granatum meaning grain?

Garnets are available in two different forms, the igneous and the metamorphosed rock formations. These rocks are formed due to intense heat like the one produced by volcanoes. Garnets hold a strong reputation of being tough and they are used as a gemstone and also in the abrasive industry. It is an excellent substitute for mineral slag and sand in blast cleaning treatments.

One of the new found type of garnet is the Spessarite garnet. Most Spessartite garnets are available in three different categories. The light colored garnet and bright ones with deep orange or red color comes from Nigeria. There is the spectacular tangerine orange or mandarin garnets, which come from Namibia and they are a class by themselves. The Spessartite garnet has a deep red color but it will look its best in incandescent light. So if you are planning to buy one then check it under the incandescent light. The garnet is quite a strong stone and measures 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale and this means that it can stand the test of time just your love. When you gift a garnet then it becomes symbolic of your love and devotion for that person.

Affinity Jewelers is committed to offering the absolute highest quality jewelry at the guaranteed lowest prices. You won't find a better deal on wedding bands, diamond anniversary bands, diamond necklaces, pearl rings, earrings, bracelets, and gemstone jewelry anywhere on the web. At Affinity Jewelers, quality jewelry can be affordable jewelry



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Garnet-Jewelry---Express-your-love/74492

Silver Jewrly Creates Beautiful Mementos

Silver jewrly is greatly valued by jewrly lovers because of the shiny texture of the precious metal. Some people love wearing many pieces of silver jewrly because of the inexpensive costs associated with owning it. Silversmiths are clever craftsmen who are totally devoted to the work they do. These artisans love tooling molten silver into a wide variety of fashion accessories and accents that are worn and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Some of the most common silver jewrly accessories are rings, bracelets and pendants that are fashioned from melted silver metal. The styles of silver fashion accents range from contemporary to modern and some silver body ornaments have been transported to the realms of religious artifacts and adorned with precious gemstones that are viewed by masses of people at one time.

There are many silver jewrly artifacts that have been recovered that show how fashion was used a long time ago. These marvelous silver jewrly pieces are often admired from afar because they are considered to be very rare and will never be worn by anyone again but can be admired by many when they are displayed under glass in a beautiful museum.

Silver jewrly pieces are part of the American Indian native heritage and the tribesmen wore these soft metal fashion accessories with a great sense of pride for ceremonial attire complemented by natural stones like turquoise and onyx. Silver is an easy metal to work with and silver accents can be added quickly and jewrly pieces can be decorated with intricate designs or molded to any form in a shorter period of time than 14K gold would ever allow.

Heartfelt silver jewrly mementos are fashioned as charms and small trinkets and some are presented in unique shapes that dangle from the ears and the precious silver metal is incorporated into the ear posts that hold the silver jewrly in place. Silver jewrly is brilliant enough to be considered by some to be 14K white gold. The selection of silver earrings choices is limitless and some fashion designers choose to craft them without gems because the metal is so beautiful.

Silver jewrly bracelets and watch designs serve as ornaments for the wrist and are highly rated fashion accents that create a coordinated look when combined with matching pieces by the same designer. The coordinated looks achieved in these stylish trinkets are a direct reflection on the wearer's sense of style and how they feel about their appearance and will always be fashion mementos that any woman will cherish and enjoying wearing for the remainder of her life.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Silver-Jewrly-Creates-Beautiful-Mementos/102900

Designing Beaded Jewelry for Friends and Relatives

The most meaningful gifts that I have received in my life are those that my close friends and relatives have made for me. There is something very special about opening a present and knowing that not only did that person spend their time searching for just the right things to go into it but they also crafted it with their very own hands! It's something like the difference between a home cooked meal and a restaurant one: subtle but undeniable.

One of the important things to keep in mind when you are designing jewelry for someone is their personal taste. I know it may sound obvious but how many times have you received a gift and thought, "Well, it's nice enough but isn't this more like something they would wear, eat, listen to, watch, etc," It's very easy to get carried away when you are designing something and think, "Oh, these delicate diamond beads look gorgeous with these elegant sapphire briolettes! I 'll use them together." However, when you are designing for someone who would prefer chunky amethyst nuggets beads and huge keishi pearls even though the piece you design with the diamond beads and sapphire briolettes might be stunning they might not appreciate it quite as much as you do. Therefore the first thing to consider when you are designing jewelry is, "What do they like?"

If you know them well you will be able to recall their favorite colors. Do they go for anything dramtic and really wild? Or are they more into subtle and delicate? Or is absolutely everything they own neutral? Or do they follow every new fashion? If they love drama and color you might think of some of the more colorful gemstones that come in larger sizes like blue chalcedony, fluorite, lapis, kunzite, turquoise or ruby zoisite. If they really love delicate and elegant then precious stones will win their hearts. Try ruby, emerald, sapphires or for the more adventurous: spinel, tsavorite garnet, tanzanite, apatite, tourmaline (one of my personal favorites!) or diamond beads if you really want to wow them. Don't be deterred by the expense of precious stones. You can always go for a few briolettes and make a nice necklace by hanging them from an open link chain or you could get a pair for earrings. If you're designing for someone who loves neutrals you can go with classic pearls or any of the many varieties of agate, mother of pearl, quartz or moonstone. Fossilized coral is also a lovely neutral with interesting patterns: perfect for pendants! If they follow the latest fashion it's really fun to get them something that few people have ever heard of like hypersthene, chiasolite, bronzite, kunzite, fuschite, or hemimorphite stone beads.

There are so many stones to choose from that the most challenging part is narrowing it down. I find that once you have chosen the stones you think they will like best the designing part takes care of itself. You've already thought about their personal style so it's easy to come up with something that will work for them. After you've picked out your beads and designed your piece the really fun part begins: giving the gift and if you've done your job right watching their eyes light up when they open it. By designing something yourself for your friend or relative you get something really special. Not only do you get to give a wonderfully personal gift to someone you love; you get the enjoyment of watching them wear it and cherish it for the rest of their lives. What could be more wonderful?

Unique gemstones for bead gifting such as hypersthene, chiasolite, bronzite, kunzite, fuschite, and hemimorphite can be seen on: www.SilverRoseBeads.com Under Precious & Shimmer Stone categories Stone EnergyMetaphysical Musings www.SilverRose.net\stoneinfo.htm



Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Designing-Beaded-Jewelry-for-Friends-and-Relatives/56006

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Unique Fashion Jewelry Shopping Online

Beryl Blush Blonde Jewelry is an online shop where you can find original handcrafted jewelry inspired by pieces seen in fashion magazines and those worn by celebrities. You can find brilliant baubles, bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces that can literally transform any outfit! The items featured on this site are constructed from various materials such as semi-precious gemstones, colorful crystals, gold, sterling silver, antique bras, wood, leather and unique delicate filigree findings.

Shopping online for jewelry at Beryl Blush Blonde is very easy to do. You just go to the website, browse for jewelry that interest you and purchase it online. The price and description of the jewelry is posted clearly next to the picture of the item. Once you decide to purchase an item, you can pay easily through PayPal with a check, credit card or debit card, and buyer's can now make payments even without opening an actual PayPal account.
All orders, no matter the cost, will be shipped US Priority Mail for a $6.95 shipping and handling fee, which includes insurance. Orders usually arrived 3-4 days after being shipped. If your order is large in size, or needs special shipping arrangements, please call Beryl Blush Blonde so that they can expedite your order and meet your deadline. Overnight and 2nd day delivery is available for an additional fee which will be determined at that time. Please note; they are not currently shipping internationally.
Although most items are in stock and available for immediate delivery, some items may take 7-10 days as each piece is handmade. If the order cannot ship within that amount of time (7-10 days), you will be contacted via email. All shipments within the state of Georgia will be assessed 6% sales tax.
All of Beryl Blush Blondes pieces are designed, using only the best materials. They make every effort to ensure the colors on the website closely reflect the actual pieces. Although due to the inherent nature of gemstones, slight variations in size and coloring will occur. The actual colors you see on your monitor may vary, and they cannot guarantee accuracy of your screen. They only ask that you keep those things in mind when ordering.
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, returns are made simple. Beryl Blush Blonde will gladly take returns for most items, unless it is a custom order. Custom orders sales are final, and may not be returned, or exchanged. Sale items may be exchanged only for store credit. The shop also offers free-of-charge repairs for defective items where fault lies solely in the craftsmanship. Please read the terms and policies posted on the site to ensure that both parties are in understanding of the terms and conditions of the transaction being made. Customer information submitted to the website shall and will remain confidential.
Start today and enjoy the freedom of shopping online today from the comforts of your home, and feast your eyes on the most creative one-of-a-kind jewelry you can find on the net at 3bjewels.
3bjewels is the place for your fashion jewelry fix!



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Unique-Fashion-Jewelry-Shopping-Online/81289

Tips on Buying a Replica Watch!

Every time you stop outside that glass window showing those glittering, stunning Rolex watches. This is a heartfelt desire to wrap your wrist with this most well-known name, Rolex. There is good news for you. Now, you need not to spend those big bucks for acquiring your dream watch. Your answer is Replica watches. Yes, it makes you buy your desired luxury within your budget.
As there are so many online sites and stores are available. But you should not buy without prior information from any store. You should have certain knowledge about replica watches before buying one. I have listed some information which will help you to select your Rolex replica. Below are a few points you need to know about a watch.
Water Resistance - this refers to the protection a replica watch has been provided to control the damage from water.
Waterproof - if your Swiss replica watch claims to be waterproof, it means there is no possibility of entering water.
Stainless Steel - a shiny durable white metal which is not affected by corrosion or rust. Almost all fake Rolex have option of steel.
Stop Watch - this is a second hand that measures intervals of time in the replica watch.
Strap - this is also called a band any Swiss replica watch has in either cloth, leather or other non-metal material.
Subdial - A small dial used for keeping track of elapsed hours or minutes in your fake Rolex.
Digital Watch - this is a replica watch that checks the time using digits not hands.
Dual Time Zone - A Swiss replica watch that measures more than one time zone.
Battery - this is provided for the power in your replica Rolex.
Bezel - The bezel is that portion of the case that immediately surrounds the outside of the replica Rolex watch crystal.
Crystal - this is the glass that covers the face of your Swiss replica watch. Two main crystal types which are used in replica Rolex are Mineral and Sapphire.
There are things you should do before making an actual purchase.
1. Talk to somebody in that store in person to get full knowledge. Enquire about each thing mentioned above.
2. Ask about their return policy and warranties.
3. Know in advance their shipping cost, delivery time and how to track the status.
4. Know about different brands and models that store has.
5. Testimonials are really helpful. Ask for customer reviews, it will give an idea about authenticity of that place.
6. After sale services. Just ask if they want to exchange this replica watch for another one.
7. Compare with other stores. Find out the reasons of difference in prices of replica watches and all.
For more information about replica watches,swiss replica watches,log on to- http://www.replicahours.com



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Tips-on-Buying-a-Replica-Watch-/82722

The Best Jewelry Trends for Fall & Winter 2007-2008

While we've been taught that diamonds are a girl's best friend, costume jewelry has recently made a huge name for itself capturing a place on women's ears, necks, wrist and fingers all across the world. At Beryl Blush Blonde you will find some of the hottest jewelry trends for the upcoming 2007-2008 fall & winter seasons. Among what's popular according to Style Editor Bobbi Thomas are pieces that sparkle; crystals and gemstones of any bright hue will do the trick. In the past these natural wonders have been a summer staple, but thick, chunky chains and gilded gold accents give these pieces a decidedly fall presence. Whether your favorite piece is a pair of stylish earrings, a fabulous bracelet or cuff, layered metal necklaces or a radiant gem encrusted cocktail ring, the key is to keep it simple with these brilliant baubles. Wear your jumbo gems with a dark or neutral hue, and let one piece literally transform an outfit. For an urban rocker edge chose shades of gray, chocolate brown or black, as they will once again be a wise choice for the fashion conscious consumer. What does this mean for jewelry lovers? Quite simply, it means that smoky quartz, simulated chocolate and/or champagne color gems will be worn by the most conscious style fanatic. Incorporating shades of gray from willowy dove to smoky charcoal, mixed with layering chains of assorted metals, such as gold, antique brass and silver provide the perfect backdrop for the season's style.
Whether you are looking for genuine gemstones or enjoy the affordability of costume jewelry, remember that a classic design never truly goes out of style. While color trends may suggest that some colors are hotter than others, it doesn't mean that you should tuck away your old staples. Instead, wear them proudly with some of the newest additions to your jewelry wardrobe; the mixture will give a modern twist to a classic look. 3bjewels recommends highly of mixing the old and the new.
For any occasion when you need to accessorize make it Beryl Blush Blonde jewelry. The captivating pieces with simple yet bold designs at an affordable price make your fashion indulgence truly reasonable.



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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/The-Best-Jewelry-Trends-for-Fall---Winter-2007-2008/81290

Mens Jewelry in Classic and New Materials

In recent years, men's jewelry has come into the spotlight. Years ago, Tiger Woods began wearing magnetic bracelets to apparently help his golf game. These bracelets were titanium, steel or sterling silver and were often in the cuff style. Well, I do not know if the bracelet improved his game but it may have helped start the ball rolling on the bracelet jewelry trend. Soon after, more and more professional golfers began to wear these bracelets and soon after that more and more golf enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, these enthusiasts were soon wearing their "golf" bracelets all the time. Perhaps they thought that the more they wore their bracelet, the greater benefit it would have. In hindsight, I wonder if there was something more to the increased popularity of these seemingly functional-only bracelets.

Years later, professional cyclist Lance Armstrong unveiled his now infamous yellow rubber "Live Strong" bracelet and launched his Lance Armstrong Foundation. These little yellow yet powerful bracelets were soon being worn by everybody from celebrities to your next door neighbor - men included. Lance's choice of material - rubber - and color (very gender neutral) were probably key factors to their immediate and widespread popularity. This is, of course, not to mention that the bracelets were for a worthy cause and led by one of America's favored sportsman at the time.

Well, many years have passed since the Tiger Woods magnetic bracelet and the Live Strong bracelet. However, the jewelry designers began to take notice of the bracelet trend and immediately went to work creating men's jewelry, and in some cases entire men's collections. At last year's JCK jewelry trade show in Las Vegas, hundreds of designers showed off their mens jewelry and collections. Several themes emerged from the many designers. Popular materials were sterling silver (think John Hardy Jewelry and David Yurman Jewelry) and leather, platinum and white gold (think the D.Side collection, accented with tiny diamonds, by Damiani), and also rubber (think the Falco for Men collection by Di Modolo). The rubber material may have been inspired from the Live Strong bracelet or from the material now being popular strap choices for mens sport watches. Popular items were bracelets, perhaps thanks to the early pioneers of the men's jewelry trend and pendants on sturdy chains (again think of the D.Side collection by Damiani). While women's jewelry has been the center of attention, men can finally find multiple luxury designers and luxury jewelry intended just for them with the sole purpose of enhancing their style with classy, attractive and not-too-blinged-out jewelry.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Mens-Jewelry-in-Classic-and-New-Materials/95534