Jewelry Palace

Jewelry... just in time for Christmas!

2007-11-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

Many times I get questions from my readers asking me for a place I personally recommend to buy jewelry online. Well, there is one company that stands out: Simply Whispers! They offer great jewelry at excellent prices and they have a full range of allergy safe items that are really awesome. Take the time to have a look for yourself by clicking on the following link:

Gemstones: Natural, Synthetic, or Imitation?

2007-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Gemstones are an important commodity in today's marketplace. They have been sought after for thousands of years for their beauty, metaphysical properties, and commercial uses. In earlier times there were no such things as synthetic gemstones but today they are quite common. So what's the difference?

Natural gemstones are items that have been formed by nature with no interference by man. They form in a variety of ways in many different environments from many different chemical compounds.

Sapphires, rubies, tourmalines, and many many more natural minerals and organic gems are found around the world. Natural gemstones are often subjected to a variety of treatments including, heat, irradiation, diffusion, and others. Many gems, such as blue topaz, are so routinely treated that the treatment is expected and assumed. These treatments, also called enhancements, are accepted in the industry providing they are disclosed.

Synthetic gemstones are man made products of the same chemical makeup and structure of natural gemstones. The natural mineral corundum, which includes sapphires and rubies, is the hardest mineral except for diamond and this property makes it very useful.

In the late 1800's corundum was synthesized and is now used in many commercial applications such abrasives, lasers, medical equipment, even space technology. These synthetics are commonly used in jewelry applications and are accepted in the trade as long as the product is disclosed as synthetic.

Imitation gemstones can be anything that resembles a natural gemstone but does not have the same chemical makeup or structure. These items are usually much less expensive than the natural forms and give consumers other options for items that appear similar. Imitations can be natural or synthetic. For example, blue glass, natural blue spinel, and synthetic blue spinel, can all be referred to as imitation sapphire. Cubic zirconia is used as an imitation diamond in many jewelry applications. Imitations are accepted in the trade providing the disclosure of the true nature of the product.

Natural, synthetic, and imitation products all have uses in today's marketplace. As long as you know what the item actually is you can make an informed purchase.

For more information on gemstones please visit http://www.majesticgems.com

About the Author
Brett Rye is a Graduate Gemlogist and the President of Majestic Gems.

Simple Tips For Cleaning Your Diamonds

2007-03-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

When you first received your diamond and whatever setting it came in, it was shiny and sparkly and full of fire. However, as the days or weeks or months have gone by it has slowly been accumulating a residue and causing it to dull. Everyday, in fact, your diamond will collect dust, oils from your skin and all kinds of other dirty grime that erodes its luster.

In order to help your diamonds retain their brilliance it's important to clean them and keep them clean. It only takes a few minutes to bring them back to their original beauty and with a little care it's easy to keep them that way.

Tips For Cleaning Your Diamonds

1. When cleaning your diamonds, use a small brush that has soft bristles. Eyebrow and lipstick brushes work great. Soak the brush in bowl of warm water that has been mixed with a mild detergent, or, your jeweler will often provide excellent diamond cleaner when you make your purchase.

2. Immerse your diamond jewelry in the water and detergent solution. Slowly and while your diamonds are still immersed, brush your diamonds with the soft bristles of the brush.

3. Make certain you have completely brushed the diamond and then rinse it completely clear of any soap or suds that may remain. An easy way to do this if you are cleaning multiple pieces of jewelry is to place them in a kitchen strainer with small holes and then run them under the faucet.

4. Finally, using a cloth that is lint free pat them dry. Good cloths for this purpose are the kinds that opticians supply with new glasses, or cloths supplied by the jeweler where you purchased your diamond.

If you find yourself needing to clean your diamonds quite frequently, and if your jeweler did not supply a diamond cleaning kit, you will probably want to purchase a kit designed specifically for cleaning diamonds. Typically these kits come with a ready-made solution, brush and a strainer for dipping your jewelry.

When selecting a commercially produced cleaner be sure to read the label and ensure that it is safe to clean your particular diamond item with it. Some cleaners are better than others for particular purposes and some cleaners may also cause damage to your diamond or the setting it is in.

Finally, if you are in need of a more serious method of cleaning diamonds you may want to look into the purchase of an ultrasonic diamond cleanser. These are machines that clean your diamond via high-frequency turbulence and can complete the cleaning process in a matter of minutes.

To keep your diamonds sparkling longer after you have cleaned them, try to avoid touching them with your bare fingers or any type of oily substances as these will again leave a residue on your diamond and re-attract all of the dirt and grime you have just cleaned off. Of course, if your diamonds don't get dirty, you won't have an excuse to clean them.

About the Author
You can find even more information about Diamonds at the Diamond Engagement Ring website.

What is Diamond Clarity?

2007-03-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

One of the most important aspects of a diamond is the clarity of the diamond. When a person first looks into the purchase of a diamond, or diamonds, they at first can become overwhelmed with the codes that jewelers use to grade diamond clarity.

In reality, after a bit of study and looking at diamonds you will come to realize it is fairly easy to learn the grading of a diamond and it's clarity.

In essence there are two aspects to grading a diamond's clarity: inclusions and blemishes. Additionally, you'll hear about features that were caused during the diamond enhancement procedures: such as laser lines. These, however, are also considered to be inclusions or blemishes.

Diamond Inclusions
There are eight different inclusions taken into consideration when determining the clarity of a diamond. Typically an inclusion is an aspect of the diamond that takes place internally and is often considered a flaw, as it will cause the diamond to be considered not perfect.

An inclusion is most often caused by the irregular growth of the crystals that make up the diamond. Inclusions that affect the diamond clarity grading will sometimes appear somewhat milky and contain slight lines and streaks through the diamond.

Inclusions do have an affect on the brilliance of the diamond as they can refract light and cause interference with it as it passes through the stone. The way the inclusions appear in a diamond are very unique and are sometimes considered to be "nature's fingerprints" as they can be used to identify individual diamonds.

An example of an inclusion is an imbedded crystal or mineral. These are actually nothing more than a smaller diamond that had become trapped within the larger diamond as the crystal was forming.

Other types of inclusions include: pinpoints, feathers, clouds, knots, cavities, cleavage, bearding and internal graining.

Diamond Blemishes
The other major aspect to the grading of the clarity of the diamond is the level of blemishes the diamond contains. Blemishes are external surface imperfections that have become characteristics of the diamond. Most often a blemish is a natural occurrence but can also be caused when the diamond is cut and polished as well.

Fortunately, the majority of blemishes on marketable diamonds have very little effect on the appearance of the diamond since it is very difficult to see them with the naked eye. This is actually a good thing for the casual diamond buyer as blemishes that lower the diamond clarity grade, also lower the price of the diamond without diminishing the diamond's brilliance.
Some examples of diamond clarity blemishes include: polish lines, grain boundaries, naturals, scratches, nicks, extra facets and pits.

Diamond Clarity Grading Guide
The codes and definitions used in grading diamond clarity are defined as follows: Flawless: No inclusions or surface blemishes. IF: Internally the diamond is flawless and has few surface blemishes. VVS1: Flaws are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification. VVS2: Flaws are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.

VS1: The flaws are difficult to see with the face up under 10x magnification. VS2: The flaws are somewhat easy to see with the face up under 10x magnification. SI1: Flaws are noticeable under 10x magnification. SI2: Flaws are easy to see under 10x magnification and may be visible to the eye.

I1: Flaws are obvious at 10x magnification and visible to the eye. I2: Obvious at 10x, visible to the eye and beauty/durability is somewhat affected. I3: Flaws are obvious at 10x magnification, visible to the eye and durability is affected.

Whenever shopping for a diamond or diamond jewelry you should always shop with a jeweler your trust. If this is something new for you, ask your friends and family for references. By choosing a qualified and knowledgeable jeweler you can learn even more about diamond clarity and be able to securely purchase the perfect diamond for what you're looking for.

About the Author
Find more information about Diamonds or if you want information on buying an engagement ring or other diamond jewelry check out: Diamond Engagement Rings

Get an astounding 82% OFF retail on our best-selling White Gold Diamond Earrings! Enter code: J56. Expires 6/30/07.

Danger! Jewelry Lovers Beware...

2007-02-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

You worked hard for you money, you even paid for your new gold necklace and bracelet in cash. You wear this lovely new matching set everywhere, and the compliments pour in! As they should since you chose the classiest item on display.

4 Months Later It Is In For Repairs!!!

Not just gold, but silver jewelry also is subject to being damaged by the mis-informed consumer who asks, "Can I wear it all the time?" The clerk answers, "Well yes of course, this is a solid gold bracelet which you can most definitely wear all the time!"

Often sales staff in jewelry stores are not well versed and educated in the metalurgy, and composition of the jewelry that we wear (that they are selling). Not their fault, it is the companies who hire them and fail to properly train the staff, keeping them uninformed may very well keep the profits up. Education is your asset here.

Truth is, you cannot wear your new jewelry everywhere. Example situation, many women clean with javex and other harsh chemicals. They are exactly that, harsh chemicals, most of them are acidic and slowly eat away at the metals and alloys which are your precious jewelry!! Low and behold, you are having a repair order written by the same store who told you,:" Why yes of course you can wear this all the time!"

Perhaps that is why the staff is uneducated, so the store can continue to have a huge repair business. Who knows. The fact of the matter is this,

(1) keep your jewelry away from household cleaners, no matter how mild they claim to be.

(2) Beware of chlorinated pools, jacuzzi's, even the chlorine in the tap water now is concentrated enough to do long term damage to your jewelry over the years. The acidity level and constant or even infrequent exposure will cause your jewelry to deteriorate over time. Often rendering them unrepairable.

Certainly, we collect many jewelry items over the years, and some are even passed down from generations. Ideally, jewelry is made to last a very very long time. As well it should, that is why many jewelry items are so expensive. We hold a certain responsibility as with everything to take care of our jewelry, so that one day it may perhaps be enjoyed by our children, our grandchildren.

About the Author
Gerald Aubin, custom goldsmith and diamond setter, offers FREE 1 on 1 expert diamond buying and educational consultations. 300 clients per year only. Call now 1-800-371-3078 or visit http://sudburydiamonds.com

Get 10% off with DISCAFFB10 Enter this code at checkout.

Do You Need Diamond Ring Insurance?

2007-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you have to ask whether or not you need diamond ring insurance you probably do. There's something nagging you in the back of your mind saying "this thing's just too darn valuable to have it stolen or misplaced!" And you're right.

While you should never look upon your diamond jewelry as an investment, there's no harm in being smart about covering things you're spending a fair amount of cash on, and diamond ring insurance can go a long way toward easing your concerns. There are a few things to consider, however.

Diamond ring insurance is usually found as a rider to most homeowners or renters insurance policies, at least in the US. Many insurance companies won't bother, but most of the larger ones will. There are basically three types of diamond ring insurance: Actual Cash Value, Replacement Value, and Agreed Value.

Actual cash value replaces the ring at current market rates, either higher or lower than you paid for it. This coverage is rather rare. Another rare form of coverage but the most desirable, is Agreed Value. This is where you and the insurance company agree on the value, and that is the amount you are compensated in the event of a loss. The most common type, and the policy that most people are sold is Replacement Value.

This is where the insurance company replaces your ring at the lowest cost they can negotiate. This is sometimes much less than the amount the ring is insured for. This is an area to be careful. Always insist on an independent appraisal, as you don't want to be paying premiums for a ring appraised at $15,000, and then have it replaced for $3000.

Make sure your diamond ring insurance covers you when you travel, and for most normal occasions. I've seen policies that only covered the ring in the house, causing problems when it was lost or stolen outside the home. All is all, diamond ring insurance isn't difficult to obtain, just keep these guidelines handy and you'll be able to buy some piece of mind!

About the Author
Keith Thompson is a diamond devotee and owner of www.diamondstoday.info. For more information on diamond insurance please visit today!

Jewelry Television™

How Are Diamonds Formed?

2007-01-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Just how are diamonds formed? You probably remember from grade school something to the effect that diamonds are formed primarily by intense pressure over long periods of time. That's basically it, but there are a lot more interesting tidbits we can learn by examining the formation of diamonds a bit further.

Diamonds are formed when enough pressure is produced ninety miles under the earth's surface, along with temperatures of 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Without these particular conditions, diamonds can't be formed. You've probably heard of synthetic diamonds, made in the laboratory by duplicating these conditions, however, for diamonds to be formed in the earth those are the conditions necessary. In technical terms, the pressure needed to produce a diamond is 5 gigapascals.

Diamonds are formed deep within the earth and eventually, over extremely long periods of time push their way to the earth's surface, usually through volcanic eruptions. The age of these diamonds from beneath the surface of the earth are from 1 to 3.3 billion years old, though I cannot personally verify that from experience! There are other conditions when diamonds are newer and don't follow this script, such as when meteors plow into the earth and cause similar pressure and heat. These are called nanodiamonds, or microdiamonds.

When diamonds are formed and begin their ascent to the earth's surface, they do this through what are know as volcanic "pipes", literally channels where the magma from the volcano rises to the surface, picking up diamonds along the way and eventually depositing them on the surface, where they are eventually found and mined. Because of this laborious, natural process diamonds have always been a rare and precious commodity, used for both adornment and later, for industry.

So the next time you venture into a jewelry store and gaze at that incredible diamond ring, (assuming it's a real one!) you'll have a better appreciation of just what it took to find it's way onto your finger!

About the Author
Keith Thompson is a diamond devotee and owner of www.diamondstoday.info. For more information on diamond formation please visit today!

Free Shipping! Use DISCJAAFFS on your next purchase. Good for use through January 31, 2007.

Where To Find The Latest In Jewelry Trends

2006-12-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

When it comes to finding the latest jewelry trends, there are a number of places to look. You can pick up the most recent copy of your favorite celebrity magazine, which is sure to feature plenty of famous faces showcasing the next hottest thing in jewelry. Or, you can watch the award shows and get an idea of the latest in glamour wear. Whether your taste is casual, trendy or glamourous, cubic zirconia set in sterling silver can combine the best of all worlds into one sparkling piece of jewelry.

One of the best places to find the latest in jewelry trends is retailers. Because they are eager to move their inventory, they are forced to stay abreast of the latest trends and will regularly showcase the hottest new pieces.

Thanks to the internet, shopping is just a click away. Whether you are looking for cubic zirconia rings in sterling silver, a beautiful pendant and matching earrings or the perfect bracelet to dazzle your wrist, there is one place to find all of the choices imaginable - the internet.

In addition to retailers, e-tailers have a lot of competition and are consistently searching out the latest jewelry trends for inclusion in their virtual storefront. Therefore, if you want to know what's hot, simply check out the homepage of your favorite cubic zirconia and sterling silver jewelry business. One such popular online destination is AlmostDiamonds.com, which features everything needed to sparkle from head to toe.

One of the greatest things about jewelry trends is that, when done in cubic zirconia and sterling silver, they are affordable. Diamonds will always be in style, but the price may not always fit your budget. If this happens, you can take great pride in knowing that a very similar design in cubic zirconia and sterling silver jewelry is not far behind.

For instance, when the 3-stone diamond design came back into fashion in a big way not so long ago, the styles featuring genuine diamonds were real budget busters. Today, that same design can be purchased in cubic zirconia and sterling silver at a fraction of the price. Are the original designs crafted in diamonds and gold still available? Absolutely. Are the designs featuring cubic zirconia and sterling silver more affordable? You bet.

Cubic zirconia, which is the world's finest diamond simulant, combines with sterling silver, which offers the warm look of white gold or platinum, produces a very rich look at a price that you can live with.

Although some jewelry trends will move on to become classics, others are passing fads that may be out of style a year from now. If that's the case, why spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a trend that may be out of style before the credit card bill is paid off? Instead, the best option may be to enjoy the same trendy look in cubic zirconia and sterling silver and, in the process, save a bundle of money.

If the look goes on to become a classic, you will enjoy knowing that sterling silver is a precious metal that is designed to last a lifetime. If the trend goes south, you can take comfort in knowing that you were in style when it mattered and can feel good about knowing that you did not spend a fortune in the process. The truth is, being a smart shopper is always in fashion.

About the Author
For more information on cubic zirconia jewelry and cubic zirconia rings visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Caring For Pearls

2006-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

If you want a stylish and elegant accessory for any outfit, then you can't go past pearls. They're beautiful and glow with their own luster, and as they're reasonably neutral in color they can be worn with almost anything. Unlike most other gems, pearls are very soft, so you need to handle them with care and clean them on a regular basis. If you want to keep your pearls looking their best, here are a few hints to help you do it without damaging your pearls.

Cleaning Your Pearls
Firstly, the best way to keep your pearls shining with their natural luster is to clean them with a soft cloth. You should moisten the cloth with water, but never use any type of detergent when cleaning pearls. Pearls are very quick to absorb things like dirt, perfume and skin oils, because they're so soft. So it's a good idea to clean your pearls after you've worn them, to stop the pearls absorbing any dirt or grime.

How To Store Pearls
Pearls prefer being stored at moderate temperatures, and can be damaged or lose their sheen if exposed regularly to extreme temperatures. So the glove box of the car is definitely not a place for your pearls on a hot day! Don't store them in a place that might get cold or damp, either, like an attic.

Being so soft, pearls scratch very easily, so store them in a box lined with something soft. Or at least wrap them in a soft cloth before you put them away. Most other gemstones, like diamonds, are much harder than pearls, and can give them a nasty scratch if they're jostled together. If you have to put them in the same box, the pearls must be wrapped up to protect them.

Pearl Safety Tips
Keep chemicals away from pearls, or they will get damaged. Chemicals can erode the pearl's lustrous surface, leaving them dull. So avoid any alcohol based cleaning fluids, or anything with vinegar. It's a good idea to put your pearls on just before you leave, so that you don't accidentally get any makeup or hairspray on them. Both of these can stain or damage your pearls.

As an extra precaution, it might be worth getting your pearl jewelry restrung every year or two. Pearls are often strung on silk thread, and this weakens over time. If you wear your pearls a lot, the constant movement of the pearls can also damage the silk. Although pearls require some care to keep them at their best, it's definitely worth the effort.

About the Author
Mary Amos loves jewelry and pearls in particular. Click on Pearls to find more tips, ticiks and article about pearls and Jewelry for more on jewelry.

Egyptian Jewelry - A Classic New Trend

2006-11-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

The jewelry of ancient Egypt has fascinated the world for centuries. The beautiful designs in gleaming gold with brightly colored inlays have never gone out of style. Not only are they beautiful in themselves, but they also evoke the mystery and aura of ancient Egypt and its pharaohs, gods and goddesses.

Modern Egyptian artisans make stunning jewelry today, inspired by the artifacts from ancient tombs. In gold or silver, and in necklaces, rings and bracelets, the unique style and beauty of ancient Egyptian jewelry is available today, and can be personalized for each wearer in fascinating hieroglyphics. The two most common forms of Egyptian jewelry are the Ankh, the ancient hieroglyphic symbol of Life, and the Cartouche, the symbol which enclosed the name of a pharaoh in ancient Egypt.

Ankh - the ancient Hieroglyph symbol for Life
The ankh symbol is one of the best known and beloved symbols in the world, classic and simple in its form. Pre-dating the cross and even most pagan symbols by thousands of years, the ankh has survived to this day as a powerful symbol of Life. Both the form itself and the timeless meaning have a wide appeal, and the ankh is often worn as an affirmation of life itself.

Cartouche - the symbol of divine royalty
The ancient Egyptians believed that their rulers, the Pharaohs, were descendants of the gods. While the name of anyone could be spelled out in hieroglyphs, only the names of royalty, or, in a few cases, gods themselves, would be encased in the cartouche symbol.

The cartouche symbol, or shem, was originally round, and became elongated over several centuries, probably to accommodate the longer names of later pharaohs. The shape signifies a rope encircling the pharaoh's name and then tied at one end. This symbolized the pharaoh's divine rule over all that is contained in the cosmos.

Today, modern Egyptian artisans make beautiful cartouche and ankh jewelry, which can be personalized with the wearer's name or other message in intriguing ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Egyptian art is known for its bright, rich colors as well as its stylized forms, and the jewelry is no exception. Finely crafted gold or silver jewelry with bright inlays of stone or richly colored enamel create a unique and remarkable look that is classic and timeless.

About the Author
Ann M. Hession is the founder of Egyptian Artisans. A graduate of Harvard University, Ms. Hession has been fascinated by ancient Egyptian art and culture since high school. Egyptian Artisans is dedicated to sharing the beauty and mystery of ancient Egypt through making available fine Egyptian art and jewelry.

The Charming Black Pearls

2006-11-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Black pearls belong to the black group. Legends tracked black pearls of the South Pacific regions and to the wide stretch of Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Archipelago and in French Polynesia, specifically the Gambier Islands. Cook Islands are the area producing almost 38% of the world's supply of pearls at present.

The most common black pearl is the Tahitian black pearl which is acquired through grafting. Pictada Margaritifera is the term used to denote those skilled technicians who cultured black pearls in Tahiti.Tahitian pearls carry a metallic steel gray color; naturally these color is produced from the secretions from multi colored mother of pearl.

Black Pearls also called black lipped pearls have variety of colors such as black, dark grey and dark green. Quite famous and expensive are "peacock green" pearls. There are also black dyed pearls and these are synthetically made. These dyed pearls usually lose their color overtime.

Black pearls are naturally bigger than white pearls because the mollusks producing them are generally larger. The black pearls' mollusks can grow as large as 12 inches and can weigh up to 10 lbs. White pearls are cultures for only a period of 5 to 6 months, thus the growth is inhibited.
There are two classifications of black pearls:

1. Natural Black pearls which is rare. These pearls are found only in one every ten thousand mollusks. Diving the mollusks are illegal because endangering these pieces of natural pearls are being avoided.

2. Cultured Black Pearls are grafted from 18 to 24 months and harvested when the mother of pearl have produced the necessary thickness needed for the pearl's durability.

Black pearls are alluring and can be valued from A-D grade using the following criterion:

1. Color or Hue. The brilliance or luster a pearl carries is usually a striking characteristic and catches the eye. The lustrous effect is not only brought about by reflection but also refraction of light. The mirror like brilliance in black pearls is the highest quality it carries.

2. Shape. 1 to 2% of pearls in the South Seas have perfectly round shapes. Round pearls are the most precious pearls with regards to shape categories. Drop or the pear shaped pearls can also be expensive when transformed into a highly priced necklaces, earrings or pendants. Some oysters which are organically produced pearls used in buttons, necklaces and bracelets are rated for the uniqueness they have. Flat pearls are commonly used for earrings and means accessories such as rings, tie tacks or tuxedo sets.

3. Size. Black pearls' diameter can be measured by its millimeter. Polynesian pearls measure 8 to 12 mm; some large pearls found there can measure 13 to 18 mm. The largest pearls are the ones found in South Seas. Size can be a category in rating pearls although it does not increase the value they possess.

4. Surface. Pearls' surface is another factor in grading a black pearl. Jewelry appraiser examines a pearl on its outer layer. Those pearls with markings (2 to 3 pin pricks) can still belong to A rating as long as its surface is clean. Those perfect pearls with flawless surface are rarely found although available and thus highly priced. Any spots and marks in the nacre reduce the rating of pearls to B C or D.

About the Author
Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com www.aperfectharmony.com or www.a-1hypnosis.com

How To Avoid Fake Diamond Rings

2006-11-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

Diamond rings are expensive. In fact, this is one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry that you will be buying in your lifetime. Because of this, there are a lot of people out there who would take advantage and try to sell you a diamond that is not really a diamond.

With the creation of the zirconia, a diamond that looks and feels like a diamond but is not really a diamond, telling the fake from the real is all the more harder. It is important then to be very careful in buying diamond rings. If you feel that you are not buying your money's worth, do not buy. It is better to err on the side of caution, as they say. Below are some tips that will help you to avoid buying fake diamond rings.

1. Know what you are buying
Research on diamond rings and make sure that you know enough before you set out to buy one. Buying something that you do not have an idea about is a sure recipe for disaster. So don't attempt to. If you must really buy and don't have the time to ask around, bring someone who know a little about diamond rings or better yet someone who have already bought one. Chances are, that person will be able to help you in your search.

2. Buy in reputable stores
If you do not know how to spot the real from the fake then only go to stores that you know will not sell fakes. These are the stores that are located in malls or those who have already been in the jewelry business for decades and therefore would not do anything to sully their names. Although these places may offer much higher prices, at least you are assured that what you are buying is real and worth every cent of your hard-earned money.

3. Ask for certificate
Reputable stores give certificates of authenticity to its customers. Ask for one when you buy. This will serve as your insurance just in case the jewelry that you bought turned out to be a fake. It is also a good idea to ask the store if the issue certificate of authenticity before you actually shop in that store. Certificates of authenticity is very important especially if you really want to hold on to a document stating that what you are buying is worth it.

About the Author
For more information on Diamond Rings & other useful information, please visit http://diamond-ring.articlekeep.com

Diamond Rings: take $200 OFF any purchase over $800 today! Click here & enter Code J26.

Pearl, the unique birthday gift

2006-10-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a unique birthday gift idea? Have you ever been perplexed by what birthday gift to give to her?

Birthday comes once a year, and every birthday is truly special for a lady in her life. It is hard to choose a right birthday gift for her no matter whether she is your mom, sister, girlfriend, wife, or daughter.

Just like flowers and chocolates, jewelry is the favorite gift for all women, but it will last long to remind your love when she wears it.

As birthstone for June, pearl is especially special for a lady whose birthday falls in June. It makes your June birthday gift truly thoughtful and personal.

Pearl jewelry is versatile and timeless in fashion. It can add elegance to the glamorous evening gown; it can add attractive to sportswear; it can also add a successful "executive" touch to the business suit. Suitable for each different occasion, pearl is a gem that make women drool over.
A poetic metaphor for life, pearl is also the most symbolic one among all gems.

Unlike diamonds or gold, pearl is the only gem created by a living creature. Pearl carries special meanings for women with different ages, making your birthday gift truly meaningful.

A pearl gift for your sweet heart symbolizes purity and innocence. The name "Margaret" (or other forms like Margaret, Margarita, Marguerite, Peggy, Maggie, Gretchen, Gretal and Rita) means "pearl" in Roman, indicating purity, innocence, sweetness and child of the sea. The pearl necklace you offer will become a young girl's everlasting gift.

A pearl gift for a special lady in your life reflects unique taste. Each lady is unique, so does pearl. The Romans use the word unio represent a large and perfect pearl; unio also means unique attesting to the fact that no two pearls are identical.

A pearl gift for your admired lady of wisdom, health and longevity. Ancient astrologers associated pearls with the moon that symbolize wisdom. Like human's wisdom, the pearl is timeless allure. Pearls are also believed to offer health and longevity; they have been used to treat a variety of ailments for over two thousand years.

No matters what stage in her life, pearl suits the need and personality of every woman. If you are looking for a meaningful and unique birthday gift, surprise her with pearls. Your pearl gift will be the constant reminder of your love and it will be cherished for life.

About the Author
Mindy Pearl is the advisor of pearl-gift-ideas.com. You can find more on how to choose the right pearl necklace, and a wealth of information about pearl and pearl gift there.

Enter DISCOCAF15 to Get 15% Off your next purchase from Jewelry Television! Good for one use before 9/30/06. Not valid on auction items.

Turquoise Jewelry

2006-10-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Turquoise Jewelry Is Absolutely Magnificent. Examples of turquoise jewelry have been found that date back to ancient Egyptian times. The famous burial mask of Tutankhamen as adorned with turquoise and there were many other pieces of turquoise jewelry found in his tomb.

There have also been numerous pieces of Aztec turquoise jewelry that have been discovered. These ancient cultures appreciated the beauty of this blue-green mineral. Throughout history, other cultures produced turquoise jewelry and other items that incorporated turquoise. The native Indians of America have made use of this gem throughout the centuries it is still considered an essential part of their colorful heritage.

Turquoise jewelry is a wonderful gift for anyone, but it is especially appropriate for anyone born in December. This is because the gemstone for December is traditionally turquoise. It is an extremely versatile mineral and can be set into silver earrings or elaborate 24-carat gold necklaces. There are different grades of turquoise and it is possible to buy a piece of turquoise jewelry for only a few dollars. Of course, the value of a piece of turquoise jewelry depends on the quality of the stone used, the amount and also the value of any other stones that are in the piece.

As turquoise is not a naturally hard mineral. This does make it easier for the gem to be cut to fit any type of turquoise jewelry. A hardening process is used to help protect the mineral once it has been cut to the desired shape and size. The most expensive forms of turquoise are those that require the least amount of hardening treatments. This does, however make it more difficult to use them to form turquoise jewelry, as it is easier for it to break.

The lower grades of turquoise require a lot of hardening and waxing before they can become pieces of turquoise jewelry and are less sought after. The color of the turquoise also has an impact on its value. If a piece of turquoise jewelry comprises a piece of sky blue turquoise then its value is going to be far higher than a piece that utilizes greenish-blue and speckled turquoise.
Due to the fragility of turquoise, special care needs to be taken when wearing a piece of turquoise jewelry.

It is also extremely vulnerable to damage from solvents as it is a phosphate mineral. Special care needs to be taken to avoid any turquoise jewelry coming into contact with perfume, skin oils and chemical cleaning fluids. All of these can cause deterioration of the color and shine of the turquoise. Perfume, cosmetics, sunscreen, and hairspray need to be applied before you put on a piece of turquoise jewelry to lessen the potential damage that may be caused to the gemstone. Direct sunlight can have an extremely detrimental effect on turquoise as it causes it to fade and dry out which makes it more brittle and easier to break.

Always clean turquoise jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any build-up and store in a separate box from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.

About the Author
Roy Dietelzieg worked in the jewelry industry for 10 years and has been writing about his reflections on jewelry philosophy. Read Roy's articles about buying tips for Turquoise Jewelry.

Something To Go Along

2006-10-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Having something to go with the dresses a person wear is no longer just a trend but it is now a necessary style icon habitual for people. Whether it is a man getting dressed or a lady adorning herself, with these accessories gives people a sense of triumph and self confidence.

The positive aspect of this trend of using these things is that they can work as a cover. Incase a person is wearing a totally simple dress, the beholder's glance is withdrawn from what that person is wearing and direct it towards a person's entire body. That is handsomely and richly adorned with a variety of material. They serve a noble purpose by being auxiliary.

These adjuvant ornaments refer to hats, gloves, boots, ponchos, scarves, jewelry and fur etc. They can no longer be separated from clothing. The choice and decision, however, depends upon individuals and varies from country to country. The general concept remains unaffected, the same urge and desire of beauty unmoved throughout the world.

Europeans and western clothing comprise of pants, jeans, skirts, mini dresses, shorts and so on. Along with such dresses ornamental styles include boots. Boot variety is vast; there are long boots, knee length boots, metallic lined boots, leather boots and boots in all colors. Even cowboy boots are back in fashion in exotic styles and designs. Handbags are other necessary items that women can't do without anymore.

One huge hand bag that provided enough space for a lady to fill it with her needy items is simply an intolerable concept now. The women now require small, funky, and eye catching hand bags and purses that must match with their dress. For this purpose traditional hand bags with intricate designs are available in all shopping malls. Leather bags, bags made out of rough fabric dyed in attractive colors and not to mention the hangings especially made for hand bags make it even more provoking for people to buy more and more.

Belts and chains are rather becoming .Their use is more pertinent to youngsters used over jeans, skirts and long dresses. For older women or the male sex plain leather and clothed belts serve a decent style. Cufflinks and fancy watches do a great deal of a decorative job. Old ladies like covering their heads with scarves instead of hats. Like these there are numerous items people use every day ordinarily used for clothing seems incomplete with their use.

About the Author
Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Clothing, Home Improvement, and Shopping

Click here to stop jewelry irritation - Try Simply Whispers

Jewelry Gone Platinum

2006-09-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

Imagine a beautiful piece of platinum jewelry, offset with diamonds. Wouldn't you just like to go and buy one immediately. Platinum jewelry displayed in jewelry shops attracts buyer's attention with its cool white sheen, which is a quality very unique to this metal. Next to gold, it the most preferred metal for making jewelry.

The history of using platinum in jewelry goes back to ancient times. It was first used in ancient Egypt, but became very popular only in the 18th century when members of royal families started to wear them. The world famous "Star of Africa" and "Hope Diamond" are both set in quality platinum.

During WWII, the U.S. government declared platinum as a strategic metal and after this declaration, it ceased to be used in jewelry and was confined to official purposes. Now, it's made a comeback and is popular as it is considered one of the most precious metals to possess as part of one's jewelry collections.

Platinum is used to make jewelry because of its durability. Unlike other metals where a bit of the metal is lost when it is scratched or polished, platinum does not wear down. It's a metal that's designers like to combines with diamond because its white shine accentuates the brilliance of diamonds inlaid in the design. The strength of the metal helps to hold diamonds firmly in place. So if you are planning to get a diamond engagement ring for your fiancé, setting it using a platinum head will defiantly enhance the ring's beauty.

You will find platinum is used to make a variety of jewelry such as rings, ear-ring, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and much more. When buying platinum jewelry you will come across marks such as Pt 999, 950 Plat, 900 Plat. Each of these marks indicates the percentage of platinum used in making the jewelry and the presence of other metals. Pt 999 stands for 999 parts per thousand of platinum and 1 part of some other metal, Pt 950 indicates 950 parts per thousand of platinum and 50 parts other metal and Pt 900 shows 900 parts per thousand of platinum and 100 parts some other metal.

Maintaining your platinum jewelry is very important, as otherwise it can loose its luster. You can maintain your platinum jewelry by soaking it in a mild solution of soap and warm water for some time. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled brush to maintain its beautiful white luster.

About the Author
Linda Polansky writes about Jewerly , Zales promo codes and Diamond coupons.

Take $50 OFF any order over $250 at Harris Michael Jewelry! Enter Code J21. Expires 9/30/06!!

Buying Gold: Things To Look Out For...

2006-09-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

The first rule when you are buying any type of gold jewelry is a simple one: make sure that the gold is hallmarked. Gold is stamped according to how pure it is as you can have 24K,22K,18K,14K,10K, and 9K.

There are some instances where the hallmark comes in the form of a fraction to show the exact percentage of its purity. When looking into gold jewelry you need to look if there are the letters GP or EP anywhere on the piece of jewelry. GP stands for gold that is not pure gold but gold-plated. This is important because a piece of jewelry that you think is inexpensive can carry this insignia and it basically means that there is not much actual gold on the piece. EP means that the gold is electro-plated.

If you run into someone selling gold where there is no marking on the gold at all assume the worst that it is goldtone which is not gold in any way but a metal which is golden in color. If the price of a gold piece of jewelry is too good to be true it probably is. There are many types of gold available at different prices just be aware of the different worth of each type of gold and then see if it is a good deal or not.

You can not judge gold by its color. Even though with gold with a higher level of purity it will be brighter in color than a lower level purity gold. If you are looking into buying gold jewelry which is older if it is solid gold it should still not tarnish. If the piece is made from goldtone or is gold plated than it generally will show some sign of tarnishing.

These are some little things to know about gold, but considering gold and gold jewelry can be expensive it can be wise to have a professional jeweler or metals expert look at a piece you will be buying to see if it is the read deal or just fool's gold.

About the Author
Christine Loxley contributes to goldjewelryworld a site of gold jewelry articles and gold rings information.

The Classic Beauty of Pearl

2006-09-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Pearls have long been considered a traditional and elegant form of adornment. They have taken center stage in artwork, photographs, and fashion over the centuries and have set the standard for beauty and refinement. The luster and understated grace of the pearl is legendary.

Pearls of the Past Pearls are naturally occurring and thus have been used in cosmetics and jewelry for thousands of years. The oldest piece of pearl jewelry found to date was in the sarcophagus of a young Persian princess dating around 520 BC, and for much of their long history, pearls have been considered the most valuable of the gemstones. Yesterday and today, they are greatly admired for their flawless beauty.

Over time, pearls have been used in a variety of fashions. While the earliest use of pearls was as simple jewelry and adornment, new uses for pearls have been created. Beginning in the 13th and 14th century, pearls made a leap from basic jewelry to fashion accessory. Both men and women used pearls as decorations on their clothing, and the use of pearls in this manner was a blatant statement of wealth.

In the Americas, natives began harvesting pearls, and the uses spread further. Pearl pendants and earrings were worn by both genders, and pearls also became adornments on clothing. Pearls were additionally used as a form of tribute, or money, and the shells of mussels that produced the pearls were commonly used as armbands and gaming pieces.

The Distinction of Pearls In ancient Rome, only individuals of a certain noble distinction were allowed to wear pearls, as the gemstones were considered almost magical in their beauty. The same was true during the Renaissance period. Today, pearls have a similar context, and are often symbols of class and distinction.

Pearls are still considered elegant and symbolic by societies around the globe. Pearls are often seen at weddings to symbolize purity and innocence. In fact, in the Hindu religion, piercing an unblemished pearl is part of the marriage ceremony. Debutantes and brides are adorned with simple strands of pearls, while other fashionably elegant women and men demonstrate discriminating taste by accessorizing with pearls.

Jacqueline Kennedy, the wife of President John F. Kennedy, was well known for her style and decorum. She often used pearls to accessorize, and the simple strand became one of her trademarks. Women around the globe began to imitate Jackie's effortless taste and classic lines, including the understated use of pearls.

Almost thirty years later, another First Lady brought back the timeless elegance of the pearl, Barbara Bush. Mrs. Bush was almost never without her strand of pearls, and again, it became a symbol of her distinction and taste.

Pearl jewelry is classic in nature, and elegant in design. The use of pearl accessories bespeaks a certain merit of class and exquisite taste. To see a woman adorned in the perfection of pearls is to see the true radiance of her splendor.

About the Author
Rock Ren is the owner of xaxe.com. You can find more information at http://www.xaxe.com

Take $50 OFF any order over $250 at Harris Michael Jewelry! Enter Code J21. Expires 8/31/2006!

Tips to Buy Jewelry Online

2006-08-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Do you think buying jewelry on the internet is safe? You need to know certain things to make your purchase really worthy. Price, Quality, Variety, Availability and good Customer Service, they offer you everything that satisfies your need.

When you buy a piece of jewelry in a store, you pay for everything that's include the expensive location, the beautiful and costly store display, sales and security staff. In fact, the price differences between online and store can be of 50 - 70 %. It's better to switch to internet to get your kind of jewelry.

The smart and learned people with access to the internet have realized the importance of internet. As internet is the fastest media in the world, spread in hours, around the world to offer you the best.

Always follow these 9 rules to ensure your purchase online.

Rule # 1: Have faith in a web site (company or organization) only if they publish on their web site, the full businesses details, address (not only a PO. Box) and phone number. Sometimes some website doesn't publish their addresses because they own many web sites altogether and have the same contact person and would show the same address and phone number.

Rule # 2: Ensure their testimonials and contact to existing clients. You will soon find out if they are real or not.

Rule # 3: Inquire about the professional trade networks and organizations, in the concerned jewelry field.

Rule # 4: Verify the site with your local Better Business Bureau. Usually, they are one of the first organizations that will receive a customer's complaint.

Rule # 5: Confirm if the company you are dealing with offers a full money back guarantee of at least 5 days or not. So, that you can have enough time to have the item checked by a professional of your choice.

Rule # 6: Select your the appraiser / gemologist yourself to have a true evaluation of your purchase.

Rule # 7: Do not trust pictures of jewelry only. Sometimes, they can be very misleading.

Rule # 8: Don't wait to get your preferred stone too long because this stone could be sold to someone else leaving you to start all over again. Otherwise, you may have to compromise too.

Rule # 9: Compare your bought stone with other stone. Try to hold both certificates next to each other. Understand all the facts and compare, consult the gemologist if data is not clear or you need advice.

In last few years, the confidence and trust in online jewelry firms grows enormously. In the age of 21st century; you don't have to spend hours in jewelry stores and compare & run to the next store to restart the process of evaluation once again. It is also a tiring, long and expensive way to get your preferred jewels.

For more about buy jewelry online visit to wholesale fashion jewelry At http://www.preciousglow.com/

About the Author
Do you think buying jewelry on the internet is safe? You need to know certain things to make your purchase really worthy. Price, Quality, Variety, Availability and good Customer Service, they offer you everything that satisfies your need.

Find incredible prices on today's most stylish rings at Jewelry Television™. Browse our ring selection today.

Fall Birthstones: Personal And Beautiful Gifts

2006-08-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

The birthstones for September are opal and lapis. Most people associate sapphires with the color blue, and this is the most common and popular color for sapphires, but they can also be found in colors like yellow and and white.

Sapphires are the same mineral as rubies, corundum, so when sapphires are red or pink, they are called rubies instead. Sapphires are very hard, almost as hard as diamonds, and do not scratch easily.

They are sometimes called the gem of the heavens because they are blue like the sky. Their blue color is also linked with loyalty and faithfulness, and many couples choose sapphires as the stone for engagement rings, with or without diamonds. Lapis is more common and not as expensive, but is the same brilliant color blue. It does not shine like a sapphire, but is dull instead.

October's birthstones are opal and tourmaline. Opals are unusual among gems in that you will find many different colors in a single stone. Most of the world's opals come from Australia, and they are sometimes called rainbow stones to reflect their multicolored nature. Opal is the same chemical composition as quartz, but contains water that refracts light, causing the different colors. Unlike sapphires, opal is very fragile and brittle.

As such, a lot of opal jewelry is covered with clear protectants like resin or enamel. Opal becomes more brittle as it loses its water, so it should not be kept in very dry areas for lengthy periods of time. In fact, opal jewelry should be worn frequently, as it can absorb humidity from the skin. Like opal, tourmaline is a multicolored stone, but is a different chemical composition.

Yellow topaz, the birthstone for November, ranges from a warm brownish yellow, to shades with more red and orange. Both the ancient Romans and Egyptians associated topaz with their sun gods, and many believe it has protective powers. Citrine resembles topaz, but is a variety of quartz and is much more affordable.

About the Author
Dana Bradley writes about Ice coupons, Harris Michael Jewelry and Jewelry

Watch For The Four C's When Buying Diamonds

2006-08-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Of all the precious stones in the world, the diamond is certainly the most popular. You've seen it worn by royalties and celebrities, but it's also available to every me and you.

Its toughness and beauty have been known and praised since ancient times. The actual word "diamond" comes from the old Greek "adamas", which means "unconquerable".

The decision to purchase a diamond is a rather important one. To the Romans, diamonds were falling stars that tipped the arrow of Eros, the God of love. This meant that those who wore them would be filled with love and spread feelings of happiness around them.

Whether or not the belief was based on real facts, diamonds seem to have some form of energy around them, and you should pay special attention when choosing one.

The Four C's
Assessing the Four C's is a method that helps us see the true value of a stone we're about to purchase. Used mainly by professional jewelers, it's still very simple to be applied even by an untrained eye.

So What Are The Four C's?
They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

The Cut...
... is considered by many jewelers as the most important of a diamond's properties.
Depending on how well it is made, it determines how well it reflects light. Professionals strive to make the cut as precise as geometrically possible so that it will reflect more light. If the cut is too shallow, light escapes out the sides and the diamond loses brilliance. If the cut is too deep, light is lost out the bottom and the diamond appears dark or dull.

Therefore, a bright shining diamond, with a symmetrical appearance is a definite sign that the cut is of high quality.

Color
Despite the common belief, not all diamonds are white or colorless. In fact, most diamonds you will find have slight tones of yellow, brown or blue.

There is an actual scale you can use to get a beautiful diamond at a reasonable price. It covers all leathers from D to Z.

D to F are colorless diamonds. These are the rarest and of course, the most expensive. Unless you have a huge pocket, look for stones in the range of...
G to I. These ones offer excellent value and they have a light blue color.
Stones graded above K can still be lovely if they have a great Cut and ...

Clarity...
... refers to the number of imperfections in the stone. Absolutely perfect diamonds are extremely rare.

So the value of the crystal is deeply influenced by the number of "Inclusions" or "Blemishes".
There is also a more complicated scale to rate the perfection of a Diamond, but I won't bore you with it.

Just watch for diamonds rated "I", which have imperfections that may be visible with the naked eye. The other grades aren't important because when mounted in jewelry, the slight imperfections become invisible.

Carat
This is generally the only property people follow when purchasing diamonds.

The carat is the measurement unit for a diamond's weight. One carat weighs 200 miligrams, or 1/5 of a gram. Each carat is divided into 100 points.

The bigger the crystal, the more carats is has and the bigger the price.

Don't be tempted to say the bigger the better. Ultimately, you want a diamond that has a balance between the Four C's.

With this kind of knowledge, you are now ready to start searching for the greatest gift you could ever think of. So wait no longer. I guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the jewel you'll choose.

About the Author
Eugen Lisov is the creator of http://www.A1-Birthstone-Jewelry.com , where you'll find great information on birthstones and other jewelry. To read more about diamonds, visit http://www.a1-birthstone-jewelry.com/april-birthstone-diamond.shtml .

Choosing And Caring For A Tanzanite Pendant

2006-08-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

Tanzanite is a very highly prized stone found only deep in the mines of Tanzania, Africa. There is speculation that the mines will soon be depleted and no other sources of Tanzanite has been discovered.

Legend has it that the Masaai tribe discovered tanzanite after lightning had struck the plain brown stone, turning it a dazzling shade of violet. It is said that the Masaai traditionally give tanzanite as a gift when a baby is born.

Brought to consumers by jewelry legend Tiffany and Co. shortly after it's discovery in 1967, tanzanite has been a popular choice for jewelry ever since.

A tanzanite pendant can be a beautiful addition to your jewelry box. Ranging in size from one to usually no more than ten carats, a tanzanite pendant can be delicate and small or bold and big. The larger the stone, the more it will usually cost per carat.

Tanzanite has the amazing capacity to display shades of purple, blue, and even green and red, depending on it's cut and the way the light hits the stone. The most valuable stones are the ones with the deepest saturation of color.

Take care not to expose your tanzanite pendant to prolonged heat or elements such as seawater. Never put your tanzanite pendant in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Your jeweler can advise you of the best way to clean your tanzanite, or they can simply do it for you. If your tanzanite pendant becomes smudged, simply polish gently with a soft cloth.

Tanzanite is preferred in pendants and earrings because of it's Moh's scale ranking. Coming in at 6.5, tanzanite is not as durable as other common gemstones. Tanzanite rings are more likely to be damaged than a harder gemstone. Pendants and earrings do not usually take as many jostles and hits the way rings might in everyday situations, so tanzanite is a fine choice for these types of jewelry.

About the Author
For more information visit Tanzanite or Gemstone.

Shopping for the Perfect Custom Wedding Rings

2006-08-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

When you have found that special someone, and start planning for that special day, there are a number of things you need to do.

One of the things you will need to shop for are wedding rings. This can take a lot of thought, and at the same time you may find yourself unable to find the perfect wedding rings you are looking for. This is when you might want to consider looking for custom wedding rings.

Many local jewelers aren't well prepared to create custom works that are perfect for what you want, and for this occasion, that should be exactly what you want. It's a once in a lifetime occasion.

When shopping for custom wedding rings, you will probably find the most options online. Whether you are looking for specific arrangements of stones, metals, and so on, there are a number of sites that will literally allow you to customize your wedding rings from the comforts of your own home.

Before shopping you will probably want to put a lot of thought into it, and some of the ideas may come from the local jewelry stores, though often their selection will be smaller, it probably has some aspects of what you will find in the perfect wedding rings. Take a notepad, and take notes on what you do like, and what you don't like in the wedding rings that you see. If you don't find it, you will at least have a good idea what it will take to make the perfect custom wedding rings online later on.

Often sites offering custom wedding rings will have interactive web interfaces to allow you to select many different options such as how many and what stones are used. Beyond that, there is the question of how they are arranged as well as what metal and style the band will be.
Maybe you want 3 diamonds and a bouquet of other stones around them, on a silver band. Or maybe you want gold and a huge diamond in the middle.

There are countless combinations available when shopping for custom wedding rings that you probably won't find elsewhere.

Some of these web stores that offer custom rings have artists for jewelers. Their experience is in putting together rings that aren't simply from some mold. Maybe they need to cut the diamonds themselves in some fancy way. Others may just have a huge selection and often deliver directly out of inventory. Regardless, you will find the largest pool of choices for your wedding rings, from those that deal with custom wedding rings.

Another side of shopping for custom wedding rings is the fact that you can try many combinations, then come back later on a fresh mind and try more. Unlike being at the store with the jeweler, the web offers you as much time as you want to really try anything.

Of course don't loose site of your goal, when shopping for custom wedding rings, and get caught up in the fun of trying out different interactive combinations. Remember, when you are done, you intend to have the perfect custom wedding rings. Though make sure to have some fun doing so as well.

About the Author
For more informative articles please go to www.acmeshoppingdirectory.com This site is increasing the number of articles it presents on shopping ideas and issues.

Global Fascination With Jewelry

2006-08-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Our fascination and appreciation of jewelry date back to 3,000 B.C., in ancient Egypt. At least this is just the earliest we've been able to trace it, through work done by a team in the 1920s to uncover King Tutankhamen's tomb.

By 300 B.C., the Greeks had caught on and were making multicolored jewelry, using emeralds, garnets, amethysts and pearls. They also used colored stones, glass and enamel. Next, the Italians stepped up to the plate and worked with gold, in particular. They made large necklaces, bracelets and earrings. To this day, Italians are still renowned for high-quality, stylish, gold jewelry.

In 13th Century Europe, it started getting "cliquish." Yes, even back then, only the very high-class were al lowed to wear pearls, gemstones, gold or silver. You wouldn't have wanted to have been a "regular" per son in those days, that's for sure.

Not surprisingly, jewels have always been used as love tokens, and though many fine gems and precious metals were all the rage from the 14th to the 17th Centuries, "faux" jewelry had already come into play. It was, however, meant to deceive only. Much the way fake Rolexes are sold on the black market today, Europeans sold the fake goods and started making a fortune. Good glass imitations were often used, for example, and no one knew the difference. Funny how some things never really change.

To be sure, the importance of 17th Century earrings and dress ornaments, such as brooches, worn by women -- dressed or undressed -- was paramount. Jewelry has always been regarded as an important element of a particular "class" of people; jewels in the 17th Century provided one of the best ego-strokes and status symbols of the time.

Finally, in the late 18th Century, England got the message and began producing glass and porcelain cameos, for which they are still famous today. Also in England, ornate shoe buckles were part of the fashion-conscious, as well as jeweled buttons.

OK, the haute-couture capital of the world, some argue, is in France, so where were they when all this was going on? Don't think twice. Famous in France for many centuries were matching suites of precious and semi-precious gems (such as uncut garnets and amethysts) made into brace lets, necklaces, rings and, of course, the ubiquitous earrings.

Poor America and Australia. They lagged behind, but soon enough jumped on the bandwagon during the Victor ian era. They bought from artist craftsmen only and actually staged a rebellion when they learned some of their jewelry was machine-made.

How times have changed, and how they have stayed the same, as the saying goes. To many of us living in the 21st Century, the creative setting and use of hair is considered an attractive "type" of jewelry in and of itself. Women enjoy mixing antique jewels with a classic, trend-setting hair style.

Yet what was previously known as "fake" jewelry became the widely accepted and appreciated costume jewelry, still fashionable today. Costume jewelry can enliven a fashion wardrobe and bring a dash of panache to any occasion.

In these uncertain financial times, if you want job stability, a good bet is to get into the jewelry industry, don't you think?

About the Author
Yvonne Volante, the author, is a big fan of jewelry and writes for florajewelry.com, which is the premier jewelry resource on the internet. You can see all of the articles over at http://www.florajewelry.com

Take $50 OFF any order over $250 at Harris Michael Jewelry! Enter Code J21. Expires 8/31/2006!

Your Special Birthstone Bracelet

2006-08-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

When shopping for a birthstone bracelet you must keep in mind that not all bracelets are the same. There are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best birthstone bracelet for your money. We'll talk a little bit about them here.

Many of the birthstones have some of the same value definers. Birthstones for January, February, May, July, August, September, November, and December are (respectively) garnet, amethyst, emerald, ruby, peridot, sapphire, topaz, and zircon. These stones should not be opaque, but can be slightly translucent.

You want to pick up a birthstone bracelet that contains stones that are free of streaks and markings. Each stone should have a rich, single coloration, rather than a light or multicolored appearance. A birthstone bracelet for the month of March should be made of bloodstone, a multicolored, opaque stone. The stone should be extremely smooth to the touch.

April is the diamond month. A birthstone bracelet made of diamonds is of course going to pay of the more pricier bracelets that you going to come across because diamonds are so sought after. Although diamonds are used in many other pieces of jewelry, the quality for the birthstone bracelet should not be sub-par.

Clear, colorless, and pristine diamonds are the most valuable form of the stone, but there are other colors. Clear diamonds are always more valuable than those with a yellow and cloudy look to them, but though they may hold a little less beauty these stones are still nevertheless quite valuable and have great appeal. A unique idea when it comes to diamonds is a colored diamond.

There are even some colors that are unique to certain diamonds which of course just enhance the value and beauty.

Pearls are the stone of June. A pearl's value is based on its color, sheen, size, and shape. The purer the color, the rounder the shape, the greater the pearls value. For a birthstone bracelet, pearls usually are in settings of more than one. When this occurs the pearls should all be perfectly matched in the bracelet for a uniform a pale.

A birthstone bracelet for October should consist of either opal or pink tourmaline. It may be tough fines because many jewelers will not have pink tourmaline in stock, but opal is a beautiful stone and you can't go wrong with that. A valuable opal has a multitude of beautiful colors playing throughout its surface.

There are two different kinds of opals (the white kind and the black kind), but the white kind is usually the one used in a birthstone bracelet for October.

In many jewelry stores, the find knowledgeable and helpful attendance thing to cater to your every whim. Many times they are the actual owners of the stores if the stores themselves are not national chains. And always ask questions if you're unsure if something. If you do not see what you are looking for within their cases, they may be able to help you locate exactly what you have in mind.

About the Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning fashion and jewelry. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Birthstone Bracelet

Find incredible prices on today's most stylish rings at Jewelry Television™. Browse our ring selection today.

How to Buy Diamond Engagement Rings

2006-08-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

There is much to consider when purchasing a diamond - especially diamond engagement rings! The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy - and in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to will expect a ring to accompany that proposal!

First,do a little detective work to find out what your fiance would like to have. After all, she will be wearing it for a very long time. So you can subtly get her opinion on the subject by suggesting that a friend is seeking your help in picking out a ring for his fiance and ask your fiance's opinion. She will most likely describe to you exactly what she would like.

Next, determine how much ring you can afford. Most people use the two or three months salary rule. This means that the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. Because you have other bills to pay, saving up this amount of money may take quite a bit of time. You should consider financing.

You will want to take into consideration how your fiance feels about jewelry. If she's really into jewelry, you will want to get her as much ring as you possible can.Say she's not into wearing jewelry so much.You could get her a less expensive ring with a lower profile (not so raised off the finger and not so flashy) and she will be very pleased. Just take notice on how much and what type jewelry she wears and what her opinions are on the subject and use your best judgement.

Quality is very important. There is a great range of color, clarity, carat weights and cuts. All these aspects of diamond engagement ring buying can be very confusing and intimidating if you don't know much about it. Perfect diamonds are very, very rare, extemely expensive and difficult to find.

Clarity ranges from Perfect to imperfect. Perfect diamond have no flaws and are the most expensive and least available. Imperfect diamonds have eye visable flaws such as black carbon spots, cloudiness, and crystal like imperfections. The in-betweens are VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2,and SI3. You will most practically and affordably want to stay in-between in the SI range. The diamonds in this range are eye clean and attractive.

Carat weight and cut are a matter of personal preference. The higher the carat weight, the bigger the diamond. And as far as cut,which is the shape of the diamond, there is a variety of shapes available which can be viewed on the education page of this website. Princess cut or square cut is the most popular diamond shape these days.

There is also the matter of which style...solitaire, solitaire with side diamonds, cluster, 3 stone rings and so on. 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Rings are extremely popular. There is a variety of this type ring in various carat weights, yellow or white gold, platinum and different cuts (shapes) available to choose from here at Ashley Henning Fine Jewelry. Feel free to browse around.

About the Author
Mindy Landa is an Online Jewelry Store owner and expert on the subject of fine jewelry. She has studied the field of gemology since 1991. Mindy Landa Ashley Henning Fine Jewelry 114 Raintree Circle Jacksonville, NC 28540 Mindy@AshleyHenningFineJewelry.com (910)795-4177

Jewelry Television™

Diamond Earrings: Why Some Cost More Than Others

2006-08-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Diamond earrings are classy and tasteful earrings that every woman loves to wear. They can be so versatile, and come in many styles and colors as well.

Earrings with diamonds in them never go out of style, and just a single pair of earrings added to your outfit makes you feel all dressed up and ready for a night on the town. While most diamond earrings might look the same to the naked eye, you are probably wondering why some of them will cost more than others do.

There are several reasons that one pair of diamond earrings may cost more than another. You see, the diamonds are sold by weight in Karats. When you have a diamond that is a higher karat than the other, the one with the higher karat weight will be more expensive. This is the reason you can have two different pairs of earring with diamonds in them, and they both look the same, but one might be more expensive because the karat weight is higher in one pair than the other one.

Another reason that one pair of diamond earrings might cost more than another is because of the diamond cut. There are so many different diamond cuts that you can have in a pair of earrings, and each and every one of them are unique in their own way.

Some of the cuts are harder to get than others and make perfect. This would mean that particular cut would be more expensive as it is harder to achieve. All women have their favorite cuts that they love diamonds in, and the princess cut diamond is probably the most popular of them all.

Something else to think about that may increase the cost of a pair of diamond earrings is the setting that the diamonds are in. There are so many different settings to choose from when you are looking at earrings with diamonds, and some of them are a little harder to get. When you have a really complicated setting for the diamonds, you are looking at paying more per pair of earrings than you would just a single stud setting.

Diamond earrings are so beautiful, and come in many different metal settings that you can choose from. You will find that there is 18K Gold, 14K Gold, and 10K gold. This only covers the yellow gold that you can choose from.

There is also white gold, and sterling silver that are ever so popular with earrings. However, you will also find that for those that are allergic to gold and silver, you will be able to get titanium earrings with diamonds in them. This is a great alternative for anyone that has allergies to the other metals, it is a little more expensive, and it is readily available in most jewelry stores.

As you can see, diamond earrings are any female's favorite. You can not go wrong when you surprise a girl with a pair. You now know why some earrings with diamonds in them may look the same but cost different. If you were to buy a pair of pair that had a really high diamond karat weight you would making an investment that would be cherished for many years. Diamond jewelry never goes out of style and you can wear it with anything to any occasion and look great.

About the Author
Laci has been in the fashion industry for more than 20 years and has recognized several trends in the jewelry industry. She has recently decided to write about the many different earrings that can be found at her website, http://www.earwears.com which offers diamond earrings information.

Pearls now become affordable by all

2006-08-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Like buying an airline ticket on the Internet has become a regular thing for all of us, so has online shopping for women, be it clothing, gifts or buying jewelry.

Anyone looking to buy a nice piece of pearl jewelry for her self or for a gift can go online and check out the best deals. Best part is there is no selling pressure of sales person that shoppers often come across when buying in stores or in malls.

When you buy online you buy at your own pace and comfort. You have all the benefit of comparing prices, designs, style and quality etc. There are a couple of websites that have ventured into selling pearl jewelry online and established their reputation.

Most of these pearl jewelers buy directly from source and are able to procure the best quality freshwater and seawater akoya pearls directly from the pearl farms in China, Japan, and other countries of the far east, thus bypassing all the middlemen and selling directly to consumers at bargain prices saving up to 300% of the retail prices.

Amazingly, their quality is superb, and prices are very attractive. Most of them have a 90days return policy and offer one hundred percent satisfaction. The consumer is the winner now. Undoubtedly, pearls, which previously were for the rich and famous, have now become affordable by all.
www.pearlprincess.com

About the Author
Pearl jewelry articles writer and online seller

Buy Gemstones Find thousands of loose stones; diamonds,tanzanite,sapphire,opals,garnet,tourmaline,parcels,citrine,quartz,danburite

Sapphire : A Gemstone of Wisdom and Purity

2006-08-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

All corundum (aluminium oxides) that is not red is called sapphire. The word sapphire comes from the Greek 'sappheiros' meaning blue.

However, sapphire does not occur only in blue color. Sapphires can be yellow, green, brown, purple or pink, depending on the presence of various types of minerals. For example, the presence of chromium produces pink sapphire and the presence of iron produces yellow and green sapphires.

Sapphires are mainly found in Sri Lanka, India and Burma. Indian sapphires come from Kashmir. They are cornflower blue in color and are regarded as the finest blue sapphires. Sri Lankan sapphires are the most common and are typically light to medium blue in color. The majority of fancy-colored sapphires available in the jewelry industry are from Sri Lanka. The most common of these fancy sapphires are yellow, or golden, and pink in color. The pinkish orange ones are the rarest and most expensive.

Sapphires are also found in Thailand and Australia, and they are dark blue in color. The gems obtained from these two countries generally belong to the category of the inexpensive to average priced range of sapphire gems in the jewelry market. Montana is the only important source of sapphires in the United States.

The sapphire produced is of an attractive metallic blue in color. China, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria have recently also become sources of sapphires.

Most of the sapphire gems being sold today have had their color enhanced, most commonly by heating. The purpose of heat treatment is to enrich the color and improve the stone's clarity. With this method of treatment, colorless or paled-colored stones can be turned into brilliant blue or yellow ones. Depending on the original material and the type of heating process, heat treatments of gemstones can produce a variety of results.

For example, sapphires that have rutile (titanium dioxide) crystals can be treated by heating and then being cooled rapidly. This would result in the rutile crystals dissolving into the corundum and the gemstone becomes clearer. Colorless or pale-colored stones after undergoing heating without the presence of oxygen would turn to rich blue color. However, if these stones are being heated in the presence of oxygen, they would turn into intense yellow color. Most yellow sapphires have been treated in this manner.

Sapphires have been of great significance to past societies. For example, the Mystical Jews considered the blue gemstones as a secret message from the beyond. The Persians believed that the world is resting on a giant sapphire and the sky is a reflection of the color of the stone.

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, sapphires were believed to be an antidote against poisons. Although sapphires occur in a wide variety of colors, traditionally blue has been the most popular and valuable. The blue sapphire gem was widely used in jewelry of royalty and was considered the most appropriate stone for ecclesiastical rings. It is known to be the bestower of truth and good health.

Gemstones are considered beautiful, rare and durable. The beauty of a gemstone is undiminished with time. A gemstone could sparkle as brightly many years from now. It has lasting value and is well liked by many. Hence, beautiful pieces of gemstone jewelry are created and widely used for personal adornment as well as gifts for friends and loved ones. Presenting these beautiful items as gifts is always well loved and cherished.

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. As such, a piece of jewelry with this gemstone makes a perfect elegant birthday present for those who were born in that month. Sapphire is also the anniversary stone for the 5th and 45th year. A piece of jewelry with this gemstone can also be a great anniversary present in these years.

You will be amazed how this beautiful gemstone can be made into different jewelry items such as rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, brooches and pendants. With such a wide variety of items, you will never experience any shortage of gift ideas.

Some people buy gems for the purpose of collecting them. They find these gems fascinating and enjoy having a collection of the pieces that they like.

About the Author
Freelance Writer on various topics
Please visit the URL for more information on Sapphire, Gemstones and fine Jewelry
http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/Sapphire.htm

Click here to stop jewelry irritation - Try Simply Whispers

Flowers, Chocolates or Jewelry?

2006-08-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Let's take a look at these 3 popular items to determine the best choice. Whether you are buying your lady a birthday, anniversary or a "just because" gift, you want your gift to say, "You are special to me."

Scenario#1: Mr. Smith is on his way home from a bad day at work. Making a quick stop at the grocery store to buy his favorite comfort food or drink, he spots several day old bouquets wrapped in plastic and remembers that it's his anniversary. He grabs the flowers, pays for his items and presents Mrs. Smith the bouquet (still in the plastic with the price tag on it) upon arriving home. As she smiles and thanks him, she's secretly thinking, "What a disappointment. I can't believe he forgot again."

Scenario #2: Remembering several days ahead of time, Mr. Smith purchases a nice box of chocolates and takes the time to wrap it. He presents it to his wife on their anniversary. She is very pleased that he's remembered their anniversary and is happy with the chocolates.

Scenario #3: Several months before his anniversary, Mr. Smith starts surfing the web internet for the perfect gift. Deciding on a bracelet, he is pleased with Mrs. Smith's reaction as she opens her gift. She is genuinely delighted. This is a gift that says, "You are special to me."

Flowers and chocolates are not necessarily a bad choice for a gift- as long as there is thought put into it. Women look at things differently than men. The thought, effort and time put into selecting a gift means almost as much, if not as much to them as the gift itself. When you buy her jewelry, it tells her that you have put thought into selecting this gift because there are so many places that you can buy jewelry.

It also shows that you know what she likes. Another way of looking at it when trying to decide which gift to buy her: Flowers will die, chocolates will be eaten, but jewelry will last. Every time she wears it she'll be reminded that you bought it for her and that you think she is special.

About the Author
Korey Laster, founder and owner of www.koreyzkreationz.com has been proudly selling her jewelry since 2002.

Get FREE Standard SHIPPING on ANY ORDER at Harris Michael Jewelry. Choose any of our stunning designs!

Buying A Contemporary Wedding Ring

2006-08-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

After all the wedding photos, wedding moments and wedding games, there would be one thing which would be your constant companion all through your life-- the wedding ring.

In fact your wedding ring would always remain the all beautiful and visible reminder of that special day that marked the new phase of your life. So, in order to ensure that the appeal and the charm of your wedding glisten on your wedding ring forever, you can choose from the latest wedding rings available in the market.

Let's have a quick peep into the popular choices of contemporary wedding rings.
Platinum Wedding Rings Platinum wedding rings are the latest addition to the market of wedding rings. Actually these are placed just second to diamond wedding rings in terms of style, value and class. Like the old times, platinum rings are no longer combined with yellow gold. In fact today, they are available as high polished platinum which speaks for itself.

Platinum wedding rings are considered to be very durable and provide high resistance to the wear and tear caused to the ring following the routine activities. Moreover, platinum wedding rings are the best buys for the people with sensitive skin. For, platinum is neutral to the skin and thus doesn't trigger any allergic reactions to it.

Despite a large number of advantages attached to the platinum wedding rings, their cost is relatively less when compared to the diamond wedding rings. On the other hand, it is approximately three times expensive than a gold ring.

Well, if you choose to buy a platinum wedding ring for yourself, you can assure yourself that the charm and appeal of platinum would last with you forever.

Moissanite Wedding Rings Moissanite wedding rings have become the latest sensations in the wedding rings arena. These wedding rings provide you the charm, sparkle and appeal of a diamond ring. In fact moissanite wedding rings look exactly like diamond rings. No one can differentiate between a moissanite wedding ring and a diamond wedding ring through naked eyes. In fact a majority of jewelers won't be able to identify a real diamond and a moissanite, at once.

Despite the elegance and grace of diamonds, a moissanite wedding rings costs as low as 1/10th of the price of a diamond ring of the similar dimensions.

Some people even believe that moissanite holds a greater degree of sparkle than an authentic gold ring. While others quote that these are imitation diamond rings. But the truth is that these wedding rings are becoming immensely popular and the best substitutes to the expensive diamond rings.

Titanium Wedding Rings Titanium wedding rings are yet another recent addition to the market of wedding rings. One of the most prominent forms of titanium wedding rings are the black titanium rings which are immensely popular among the young peeps.

Titanium wedding rings are famous for their very unique properties. These rings do not corrode, dull or rust over a large period of time. They are available in popular wedding band shapes- the domed and the flat bands. Apart from the shapes, these wedding rings are available in various unique designs and engravings. The prices of these rings are very less as compared to the costly diamond, gold and platinum wedding rings.

Well, these were some of the trendiest and mod wedding rings available in the contemporary jewelry market. So, if you are planning to buy a wedding ring, you can definitely consider one of these options.

About the Author
Burt Cotton http://www.wedding-rings-guide.org

Buy Gemstones Find thousands of loose stones; diamonds,tanzanite,sapphire,opals,garnet,tourmaline,parcels,citrine,quartz,danburite

Jewelry a Major Fashion Accessory This Season

2006-07-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just glance through today's hottest fashion magazines and catalogs, and you'll see that costume jewelry has taken center stage, becoming not just an accent but a major part of a woman's wardrobe.

One, two, or three necklaces, fashioned from a mixture of wooden, ceramic, and silver and gold beads, combine to make a dramatic statement, perfectly setting off the neckline and contours of a superbly matched dress or shirt. Watches, once subtle, practical accessories finely crafted of gold or silver, have become bold jewelry; the watch faces themselves have grown in size and are adorned with semiprecious gems, fired clay tiles carved with a variety of folk symbols, and leather, ribbon or metal, while bracelets are also bigger, bolder, and more dramatic.

Almost anything goes these days, but not everything is going to make a successful statement. There's a fine line between dramatic and over the top. Before you decide to buy some of the more creative necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry items out there, take a look at your wardrobe. Are your outfits classic, sporty casual, ethnic, funky?

If you're like most people, you probably have a mix of styles and a range of colors. Think about the clothes combinations you wear most often, and ask yourself what would accentuate these outfits. Tear pictures of jewelry items you admire out of your favorite magazines and look at them beside your favorite clothes. Do they fit? Would the combination be jarring?

Think also in terms of coordination versus contrast. An outfit in monochromatic tones of beige and brown might call for something in lighter or deeper tones of the same colors, with some black and / or white added. A basic black outfit, on the other hand, could be dramatically accented with silver and turquoise or green hues, or with golds and reds.

Don't forget proportion. A necklace that wonderfully accents the bodice of a six-foot model might end up hanging to your waist if you're five-feet-five, and look ridiculous. If you like the necklace but it's too long for you, find something similar in a smaller size, buy it and alter it, or make your own.

Finally, take your own personality into account. If your friends see you as a gypsy woman or free spirit, you could probably wear your jewelry by the pound and get away with it. If, on the other hand, you're fairly shy or reserved, choose a few pieces that will add refinement and a bit of drama without going overboard. Too much jewelry could make you feel self-conscious, and would probably work against you.

Jewelry has become a wearable art form and a mode of self-expression both for the creator and the wearer; with a little thought and some self-examination you should be able to find or make jewelry accessories that make a really great statement about who you are.

About the Author
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com.

Click here to stop jewelry irritation - Try Simply Whispers

Tips On How to Keep the Silver Sparkling

2006-07-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

There are some tips on polishing the silver to keep them sparkling and in good condition. In this article you will learn on how to polish the silver and what polish shall you use.
How to clean the silver pieces with the gold linings or lacquer finishes? Here are some tips that can be helpful for you.

FOR BEST RESULTS IN POLISHING SILVER, wash it first in hot water with a detergent or soap. Then use a good silver polish, based on whiting or jeweler's rouge, or use either of these two substances with ammonia or denatured alcohol. Avoid polishes that contain harsh abrasives such as silica. The electrolytic method, which involves aluminum and zinc, plus baking soda, or salt and soda, is harmless but jewelers frown upon it.

It removes the oxidation completely, leaving the design flat and the finish dead. Also not recommended by silver authorities are the "dip and shine" polishes. These are not only expensive but require great care and caution in use. They remove the oxidation from designs and have a tendency to "burn" the finish. This does not mean that these polishes eat into the silver, but that they can cause a discoloration that is not attractive.

IF YOU USE A COMMERCIAL POLISH, or one of the treated silver-polishing cloths, read the directions and follow them carefully. Polishes made with whiting will be white in color, while those containing jeweler's rouge will be pink.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN POLISH get a fine grade of gilder's whiting at a good paint store it is very inexpensive and apply it with a damp cloth, soft brush, or sponge moistened with ammonia. Go over the silver carefully, in straight even strokes, and wipe off the tarnish. Let the powder dry on the silver, then polish it with a soft flannel cloth or piece of chamois leather.

This is how England's famous silver is cleaned, in a matter of minutes, however tarnished it may be. If you want a brighter polish, use alcohol with your whiting instead of ammonia. Last of all, wash the silver to remove every trace of polish, rinse it in hot water, and wipe it dry. Polish left on silver causes it to retarnish more rapidly.

SILVER PIECES WITH GOLD LININGS should never be polished inside. The lining is a mere wash and gold is a soft metal. It can be removed by just plain rubbing. New linings, of course, can be put in by your jeweler.

THE CARE OF SILVER PLATE is the same as for sterling or solid silver, but don't rub it too hard or too often, or it will have to be replated. Actually, silver does not need to be polished vigorously each time you remove tarnish. Just wipe the tarnish, wash the piece carefully, and it will be lovely when you wipe it dry.

LACQUER OR PLASTIC FINISHES are sometimes applied to ornamental silver pieces so that they will not require cleaning or polishing. Lacquered pieces need only dusting or an occasional washing in mild lukewarm suds. Lacquering silver is a job best done by a jeweler.

IF POLISHING SILVER IS A CHORE, clean and polish the little-used pieces, wash them carefully, wrap them in tissue paper or special cloth from your jewelry store, and put them away until needed. They will remain bright because air is excluded. A camphor mothball or two in your silver chest or drawer helps keep tarnish away too.

Wash the silver in hot water with detergent or soap before polishing, use only good silver polish based on jeweler's rouge. You can use a commercial polish or treated silver-polishing cloths. You can also use fine grade of gilder's whitting.

When you polish the silverware or silver piece, do not polish the inside of the silver piece with the gold lining. Silver doesn't need to be polished every time. Silver with lacquer or plastic finishes can be only dusted.

About the Author
Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for http://www.kitchen-plans-n-designs.com/ , http://www.mycollectablestips.info/ , http://www.ezcollectablesresources.info/

Take $50 OFF any order over $250 at Harris Michael Jewelry! Enter Code J21. Expires 7/31/2006!

Online Jewelry vs. Traditional Jewelry Stores

2006-07-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

It happens every time you walk into a store. "Excuse me, ma'am, are you looking for something?" Every time, you resist the urge to politely explain that if you wanted help you would have asked for it and offer a simple, "no, thank you."

Often times we forget about the additional opportunities that the Internet offers us. We have the option to enter any store at any time from the privacy of our own homes. One of the best facets of online shopping is that of online jewelry. The Internet has forever changed the way people shop for jewelry.

Online jewelry shopping lets you see pictures of the product from several different angles. Product descriptions, right down to the size, weight, karat and metallurgy are readily available, as opposed to having a salesperson spend precious time searching through a binder for these same facts. Detailed information about purchasing, shipment, and return policy are available at the click of a button. Reviews and information about every online jewelry vendor is available on each site. Customer service is paramount, and online vendors have to compete over you.

Savvy Internet customers make price comparisons on the piece of jewelry that interests them by looking up the piece on several websites. No longer do you have to drive to three different stores! Three clicks of the mouse and three online jewelry stores are at your fingertips. This is both a time and a sanity saver. Another asset of online jewelry shopping is faster delivery service.

A website accurately depicts its stock and delivery time, whereas a store will only give you an estimate as to when it can have something available. People agree, however, that price is the best reason to shop online. Most online jewelry stores do not have actual brick and mortar stores, so they are able to give you the item at a large discount, usually close to wholesale price! Without numerous employees, stores to pay rent on, and security to worry about, the online vendor provides the customer with the best possible value.

One such online jewelry store is Apples of Gold Jewelry. Their prices often beat their competitors' both online and offline. Their "about us" page, says of their jewelry, "The difference is not the jewelry. The difference is the price". These and other online jewelry stores are an excellent source in today's age for getting the best value, quickly, efficiently, while still maintaining your high standards for quality jewelry.

It is readily apparent when making the comparison that online jewelry shopping gives the consumer a wider product selection and clear cut payment procedures. With the click of a button you can purchase low-cost, high quality merchandise and know exactly what you're getting and from where it will arrive. When added together with the ease of shopping from home, and having all of the information at your fingertips, is it any wonder that online jewelry sales have increased greatly in the past several years?

About the Author
Afshin Yaghtin, graduated as an English Major from UCLA before earning his Master's Degree at the University of Wales, in Aberystwyth. He now runs Apples of Gold Jewelry.

Rose Gold Jewelry

2006-07-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

A unique twist on a timeless tradition is a wedding ring made of rose gold. This particular style of ring is often chosen by couples because of its romantic tones.

A karat is a measure of the purity of the metal of a ring. The lower the karat in a gold ring, the more durable the ring will be. Rose gold is made up not just of gold, but of other metals such as copper. Different shades of rose gold are created when the amount of copper and gold in the alloy are adjusted.

The lower the karat of the ring, the stronger the rose color will be. 14 karat rose gold is often made with close to 60% gold and over 30% copper. The remaining alloy used is silver. The additional alloys help keep the rose gold ring in excellent condition to last through your lives together.

Rose gold is not only beautiful, but durable. It makes a statement that sets a couple apart from other newlyweds. This unusual, beautiful shade is a nod to the riches and symbolism of the olden days. It is a fashionable, timeless way to express your love and marriage.

About the Author
Afshin Yaghtin, graduated as an English Major from UCLA before earning his Master's Degree at the University of Wales, in Aberystwyth. He now runs Apples of Gold Jewelry.

All About the Clarity of Diamonds

2006-07-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one. It is actually quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond. There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are 'eye clean' meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories.

Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn't so. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond. The best diamonds, of course get a grade of FL or IF - Flawless or Internally Flawless - meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the worst.

Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond is very, very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and SI-2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.

Bonus Article:

About Diamond Weights
Diamonds are measured in Carat Weight. One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If a diamond is referred to as four grains, this also means that it is a one carat diamond. The word Carat comes from the word carob. A carob is a bean that grows on a tree in the Mediterranean. In times past, if a diamond weighed the same as a carob bean, it was one carob, or one carat.

However, in the far east, where Carob trees do not grow, rice was used to measure the weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed as much as four grains of rice, it was four grains - or one carat as we know it to be now. The majority of diamond purchases are for diamonds that are 1/3 of a carat.

Beware when shopping for diamonds that are already set or mounted. If more than one diamond is used in the piece, the tag on the jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total Weight - it does not tell you the carat weight of each stone in the piece. You need to ask the jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in the piece to truly understand what you are buying.
This article may be used any way you wish as long as you keep this lower section in tact.

About the Author
TR Brown, Logo Registration Directory http://logoreg.com Copyright 2006 3rdgen Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Buying Diamonds Online

2006-07-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

With all of the potential for scams concerning diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamonds online, without any problems - as long as you are careful.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful - sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection in the stores in your general area. Online, there are no limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!

Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds - especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don't purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your investigation. You know about diamonds, you've found a diamond that you love, and you've found the lowest price - but you are still quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!

Ask about the seller's credentials, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller's return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints.

Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds - preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself...again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!

About the Author
TR Brown, Logo Registration Directory http://logoreg.com Copyright 2006 3rdgen Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Choosing The Cut of A Diamond

2006-07-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

There are many different cuts of diamonds to choose from. The cut essentially refers to the shape that the diamond is cut into - unless you are in the diamond or jewelry business, but this shape has a great impact on the much the diamond sparkles.

The most popular cuts are heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, round, trillion, and emerald cuts. The shape has an impact on how much the diamond sparkles, but the actual cutting itself - when the diamond cutter actually cuts the diamond into a particular shape - also matters a great deal. If the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose its sparkle.

However, in the diamond industry, the cut of a diamond doesn't refer to its shape at all. Instead, this is a reference to the stone's depth, width, brilliance, durability, clarity, and other aspects of the diamond. Common cutting problems include a missing or off center culet, misalignment, a diamond that is too thick or too thin, cracks, or broken culets.

When shopping for a diamond, you should of course choose the shape that you like the best, but then look at several different diamonds of that shape to find the one with the best cut - the one that sparkles the most, in all types of lighting.

About Author
TR Brown, Logo Registration Directory http://logoreg.com Copyright 2006 3rdgen Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Buy Gemstones Find thousands of loose stones; diamonds,tanzanite,sapphire,opals,garnet,tourmaline,parcels,citrine,quartz,danburite

Jewelry - Women Simply Just Love Them

2006-07-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

The most breathtaking things in the lives of women are jewelry. No one could possibly explain satisfactorily, as to why women love jewelry so much. But, what no one can deny is, this one passion has single handedly made jewelry a big industry which generates an official demand for over 3000 tons of gold, worth $55 billions. Diamonds score another $50 billion figure with USA purchasing more than a quarter of it.

Historically, men and women have gone mad over gold and diamonds which can be tracked easily by tracking wars. Today, jewelry has many occasions and parts to adorn your body, thanks to innovative and revolutionary designing and manufacturing aided by sophisticated computers.

Jewelry Making Common precious metals used in jewelry making are gold, silver and platinum. It is generally gold alloy which is used and the purity thus varies from 10K to 22K. While for platinum it is 900K to 950K. Silver ornaments are made from sterling silver.

Gemstones boost up the beauty and value of jewelry. All stones, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and the whole host of them are very popularly used all over the world with same fervor. Synthesized stones and semi precious stones are also equally popular as these provide unbeatably appealing looks.

Jewelry designing is a big industry which still has retained the same charm as olden times even with the onslaught of technology driven young kids. Jewelry design software makes things look so easy that with a few clicks you can design or redesign and preview your jewelry.

Where Do You Want To Wear Them You have ornaments for whole body and occasions; so the question is where you don't want to wear. Jewelry is available for head to toes to genitals and occasions like marriage to prayer to mourning; some are piercing types and some are just wearable. But the big question is whether all these are genuine; where and how to buy jewelry?

How to Buy
Buying jewelry can be safe if you are vigilant. Here are some tips.
1. Buy from reputed jewelers.
2. Prices vary every minute and as per designs, purity, number of facets and 4Cs (for gems).
3. Insist on invoice with accurate weight, carats and warrantee.
4. For gold jewelry, check for gold hall mark.
5. For gems look for manufacturers' microscopic signature and insist on certificate issued by Gemological Laboratories.

About the Author
NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Jewelery, Fitness and One Stop Information

Take $50 OFF any order over $250 at Harris Michael Jewelry! Enter Code J21. Expires 7/31/2006!