Jewellery : Silver Jewellery Fashion Changes

Jewellery : Silver Jewellery Fashion Changes

By Robert Kelly
Silver seems to be in with a capital ‘i’. More and more people are turning away from the expensive spectrum of jewellery like gold & platinum set with diamonds or other precious stones in favour of rhodium plated silver set with cubic zirconia’s and other semi precious stones. The process of rhodium plating has given silver a whole new look, but most people do not even know what rhodium is. Rhodium is from the platinum family of precious metals and is one of the rarest elements on earth! Rhodium is bright white in colour and extremely hard making it ideal for jewellery plating as its very scratch resistant. Rhodium has been used for the last few years to plate silver jewellery as it is very resistant to corrosion, so will protect your silver from tarnishing. The rhodium gives silver a shine that looks like white gold or platinum and with it still being a precious metal it means that you are not compromising with quality, just saving money. Rhodium plating or "platinum enhanced sterling silver" as it's sometimes known, means that your silver will not go dull and grey like silver items from previous generations, but instead will sparkle brightly like platinum.

Major fashion houses like Tiffany are producing some stunning lines in rhodium plated silver, along with other major designers like Gucci and Christian Dior. When rhodium plated jewellery is combined with semi precious stones, you get a very desirable look at a very affordable price. This allows people to change their jewellery much more frequently than before due to the affordability and wear it without the great fear of loss that we all have when wearing an expensive piece of jewellery. This also makes fantastic common sense as more and more of the countries police authorities advise against the wearing of any expensive jewellery when out in a busy place at night like London etc.

The semi precious stones for next season have to be peridot and bright cubic zirconia, there is still a strong influence of men and women wearing cubic zirconia instead of diamonds. The quality of cubic zirconia are so good now it is very difficult to tell the difference between a CZ and a good quality diamond. For a fashion item why spend hundreds on a diamond when a CZ will cost a fraction of the price, look very much the same and do the same job?

The future of jewellery and in particular silver is rosy. Women will always want jewellery, and no woman will ever have enough earrings or rings in her jewellery box. Silver is becoming a more precious and scarce material. With modern manufacturing and high standards of machine jewellery rather than hand made items the versatility is not only promising but also a method to be watched intently.

This article is brought to you by Robert Kelly of http://www.iluvm.co.uk - Wholesale Silver Jewellery
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Kelly

Jewellery : Secrets Of Diamond Jewellery Pricing

Jewellery : Secrets Of Diamond Jewellery Pricing

By Jeremy Kanzen
Pricing structure within the diamond industry is very secretive. For consumers this can be confusing as there are often big differences in the prices of Diamond jewellery.

If however you know the exact details of the jewellery that you are hoping to buy then comparing the prices can be a whole lot easier and the differences in the prices being asked becomes a lot more transparent.

Below are some “easy to understand” reasons as to why you will find variations in prices:

1.Branding Jewellery Is Difficult – Although products are usually more expensive buying into a brand makes price comparisons easier. The prices go up or down according to which brand you are buying from.

2.Diamond Jewellery Is Very Expensive To Stock – Unfortunately a high street jeweller not only has the normal day to day running costs of a shop they also have to stock expensive jewellery that they may not sell in large numbers. They also have to contend with higher than average insurance and security costs. It is therefore necessary for high street jewelers to have high profit margins in order to cover their higher than average costs.

3.The Quality Of Diamonds Used – The price of jewellery is greatly affected by the quality of the diamonds that are set within it. What might seem like small variations in quality on paper can end up hugely affecting the price.

4.Grading Diamonds Is Not A Science – Most people are unaware that the grading of a diamond is only an opinion and not an exact science. Of course the more trusted the source is who gives the opinion is of benefit but this is the key area where you could loose money when buying jewellery.

5.Retailers With No Scruples- Many diamond jewellery retailers will try and over grade their diamonds in order to push the prices up. You should only buy jewellery from a trusted source.

Above are just some of the reasons why it is important that you trust the jeweller you are buying your diamonds off. It is vitally important that you feel comfortable with your jeweller. Ultimately an honest diamond jeweller with his reputation to keep and nothing to hide will be keen to validate his pricing.

A large number of jewellery sales are now taking place online and I believe that these numbers are set to increase as we all get used to paying for larger items on the internet. We should however employ the same techniques for buying jewellery online as we do for buying it in the high street!

Before you part with any cash I would recommend that you call the online jeweller to ask them about their company and products, above anything this should give you a feel of the type of company that you are buying from. Good online jewelers also have clear returns and delivery procedures and should always have a strong visible contact number!

In our opinion the best way to buy jewellery is through recommendation so if you happy with your purchase don’t forget to recommend other people.

Jeremy Kanzen is the Managing Director of Slade & Kempton - one of the UKs leading diamond jewellery manufacturers and diamond jewellery wholesalers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Kanzen

Jewellery : Gold, Silver And Platinum - They're Not Called 'Precious' Metals For Nothing

Jewellery : Gold, Silver And Platinum - They're Not Called 'Precious' Metals For Nothing

By Elisha Burberry
When you're buying a special piece of jewellery - whether it's an engagement ring or a birthday necklace - it's likely you'll hear the term 'precious metal' thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a precious metal - and what makes it so 'precious'? When it comes to jewellery, the three most precious metals are silver, gold and platinum - in that particular order. And if you're buying jewellery made out of these metals, it's important to know what each of them denotes, and how expensive they are, before making your purchase.

Silver, for example, is one of the cheapest precious metals, and currently sits at about one fiftieth the price of gold by mass, although it did once trade at one sixth the price of gold before the Age of Discovery. As a soft metal, silver needs to be alloyed with other metals before being made into jewellery, in order to make the metal stronger and more resistant. 'Sterling Silver' needs to contain at least 92.5% pure silver in order to gain this mark (the remaining 7.5% is usually comprised of copper). This small copper content means that silver jewellery is likely to tarnish, so if you're thinking about buying a sterling silver ring or bracelet, it's important to make sure you clean in properly. Many people like to use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery, but if you're looking for a less abrasive cleaning formula, it's best to invest in a silver-cleaning fluid at the time of purchase. Further, to make sure the silver jewellery you've bought is high quality, ensure that it's been stamped with a purity mark (like 925) before you buy.

Gold, on the other hand, has long-held associations with investment and wealth as a precious metal. As with silver, gold is a soft metal and so also has to be alloyed with other metals to make it hard enough for jewellery making. Pure gold, for example is yellow, while white gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel, copper and zinc, and can sometimes look similar to platinum. In this way, the colour of gold can be manipulated in order to create a number of different types.

Of these three popular precious metals, however, platinum is the most expensive. Its heavy-weight and durable nature means that it's great for diamond-encrusted jewellery and is similar in colour, though not in properties, to white gold. Generally speaking, platinum jewellery is 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium or palladium alloy. Moreover, jewellery that contains more than 95 per cent pure platinum is marked 'platinum' (950 plat or 950pt), whereas 85 percent pure platinum will be marked 850plat or 850pt. Platinum jewellery is rapidly gaining popularity and other related metals - like palladium and titanium - are, as a result being used with increasing frequency in jewellery-making. Hence, platinum jewellery designs are often modern and chunky, with an ethos that reflects the lifestyle of its new buyers.

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elisha_Burberry

Jewellery : Palladium for Jewellery -- Turns Yellow Gold White

Jewellery : Palladium for Jewellery -- Turns Yellow Gold White

By Gary Hocking
Palladium is an exciting metal to use in jewellery making. It is a soft silver-white metal which is actually whiter than platinum. Gold and palladium are totally soluble in one another. When it is mixed or alloyed with yellow gold it turns the gold into what we know as white gold.

We used to use nickel to alloy with yellow gold to make white gold but nickel is highly toxic. Palladium is more expensive than gold and it costs more to alloy it with gold than nickel but it turns gold into a harder and stronger metal as well as being white. That’s why white gold costs more than yellow gold jewellery.

Palladium, discovered in 1803 by William Wollaston and named after the asteroid Pallas, has been used since 1939 for jewellery making as a replacement for platinum.

So palladium is not just used as an alloy with gold to make white gold but is a metal used by itself for making white jewellery. It has several advantages over white gold or platinum.

First of all it is lighter. 44% lighter than platinum and 38 % lighter than gold. That’s important because it allows you to make a larger, bulkier piece of jewellery and it is still not too heavy to wear. But on the positive side it is not as light as titanium or alluminium so you still have the comfort and feel that you are wearing your jewellery.

Secondly, being harder and tougher than gold it doesn’t need as much polishing and maintenance. Thirdly it is cheaper than the other two metals so the manufacturer can make more jewellery for less cost and you benefit there as well as a consumer.

Consider that if you want a white metal piece of jewellery at the high end you have three alternatives: Platinum, white gold and palladium. What you want ideally is a hard, tough metal which has a high lustre when polished and is the cheapest.

Palladium is harder than gold, does not need to be rhodium plated like white gold, has a high lustre like Platinum, is lighter in weight and when Platinum is $600 an ounce and gold is $400 then palladium comes in at a fantastic $200! No contest for me

Gary Hocking makes custom jewellery specializing in Australian opals. He has his own website http://www.jewelleryexpress.com.au Feel free to use this article as long as you keep the bio and the live link to his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hocking

Jewellery : Gems and Jewelry

Jewellery : Gems and Jewelry

By Ashwani Rawat
The word jewelry is derived from the word jewel, which was anglicized from the Old French "jouel" in around the 13th century. If you are beauty conscious and wish to look more and more beautiful, then gems and jewelry are the best way for looking beautiful. Women take special care towards their look, jewellery is their first choice for looking unique.

On the eve of special events like marriage party, birth day party, reception party and other occasions, women can go for numerous type of jewelry made of aquamarine, amethyst, blue topaz, citrine, garnet, tanzanite, diamond etc. Jewelleries like rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces; nose rings, brooches and anklets are the most appreciated jewelries. Today there are numerous companies and manufacturers who are engaged in manufacturing various kinds of jewelries.

Indian gems and jewellery have been admitted the world’s most exquisite items because of its design and quality. India is a rich source of numerous jewelries and gems in this sphere. It is India only where jewelry are made for every part of the body. Here the range of gems and jewelry is varied from religious to purely aesthetic one. Gems and jewelry crafted in India is not only for humans but it is for gods, ceremonial elephants and horses. It is the Indian jewelry, which has been given a royal patronage from ancient time. Indian manufacturers make such kind of gems and jewelry, which is not only eye-catching but it is traditional as well as modern also.

For more information on Indian jewelry manufacturers, exporters and suppliers you can visit the following link http://www.tradeget.com/companies/C10/gems_and_jewelry.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashwani_Rawat

Jewellery : Gold Jewellery: a Prized Possession

Jewellery : Gold Jewellery: a Prized Possession

By John Gibb

Gold is the most popular among the precious metals. No other metal has got such a fancy from mankind as Gold does. Gold Jewellery is the prized possession of the Humans from the ancient times.

Gold jewellery is known for its beauty and grandeur. The character of Gold offering extreme malleability and ductility coupled with the man’s imagination and his ability to create wonderful and intricate designs has made Gold Jewellery a thing of beauty.

Gold jewellery has become an expression of love and affection and sometimes it becomes a binding factor among the family members. It is considered the most auspicious thing in life by most of the cultures like the Oriental and Indians. A family’s wealth and status is measured by the quantity of Gold Jewellery held by it in these cultures.

In ancient Egyptian civilizations, the Pharaohs wore Gold Jewellery all over their bodies as a part of their royal ceremonial Robes. These were buried with the Kings on their death with a belief and wish that their dead Kings should look rich and pompous even after their death. Such was the affinity shown to Gold Jewels during these times.

Gold is mostly worn as Jewellery and the basic use is as Rings worn in the fingers of married and engaged People. Apart from this it is worn as ear rings, nose studs even in the tongue, belly button and other places on the body. But most of people use Gold Jewellery in their necks as Chains, Necklaces, Hip chains, Gold Bracelets and Bangles in their hands, as Ankle chains in their legs and toe rings in their legs.

Changing Styles, invention of machinery that aids in the production of low weight Gold jewellery with highly intricate designs all lead to the rampant use of Gold even by the less affluent people of the Society. Gold jewellery is a craze amongst the younger generations also and the changing fashions give different types of use for the Gold jewellery which are worn more as a show of Wealth rather than for their utility.

There are certain important things to be noted while purchasing Gold jewellery. The primary thing is the quality of the Gold metal measured by its purity in Carats. The higher the Carat value the purer the Gold. Pure Gold is mixed with other metals like Silver, Copper to give strength and other characters to the Jewellery made out of it.

For low cost market, the Gold Jewels are made in less pure gold and they too come out in equally good designs and that has a got a good Market also. The third and cheapest of the Gold jewellery is the imitation Jewellery which looks equally elegant like the originals but have less than 1% of the gold content hence they are the cheapest ones among the Gold Jewellery ranges.

John Gibb is the owner of gold jewellery sources , For more information on gold jewellery check out http://www.Gold-Jewellrey-Advice.Info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Jewellery : My Gold Jewellery – Is it Worth More Today?

Jewellery : My Gold Jewellery – Is it Worth More Today?

By Gary Hocking
As I write gold is worth about $630 US an ounce. Since August 2005 the price of gold has risen from $447 US which represents a whopping 43% increase.

So yes, your jewellery must be worth a little more if it is made of gold. Silver too has increased a good deal. However, don’t forget that the gold in your jewellery is made from an alloy of gold. That means that other, usually less costly metals, are mixed in with the pure gold to make its carat.

Chinese people like to buy jewellery made from 24 carat gold and some folks from the Arabic counties prefer 22 carat gold, but the rest of the world likes 9 carat which is the most used in Australia and a good deal in England, 14 carat and 18 carat which is used in the USA and Europe.

Let’s have a look at the factors that are important to the price of your jewellery. If your gold jewellery is made from nine carat yellow gold then it only has 37.5 percent gold in it, if it is 14 carat then it only has 58.5 percent real gold in it.

Now understand that an average ladies ring might have 2.5 grams of gold in it and at current retail rates that gold content might be worth say, $30 per gram. So if gold went up a further 50% then the gold in your ring won’t go up 50% because it is an alloy and not pure gold, and there is only a small bit of gold in the ring so your $600 ring might be worth another $30 or so.

Jewellery is priced on not just the cost of the gold content and the cost of even the precious stones but also the difficulty to manufacture it, and the design and the brand name of the manufacturer.

Gary Hocking is an Australian manufacturing jeweller and has his own website http://www.jewelleryexpress.com.au He will make that special piece of jewellery just for you. Ask him about custom jewellery work. You may copy and distribute this article as long as you use the bio and live link to his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hocking

Jewellery : Vintage Costume Jewellery Sparkles Again

Jewellery : Vintage Costume Jewellery Sparkles Again

By Martin Swinton
Men and women have worn costume jewellery since the Romans developed the ability to cut glass imitations of precious gemstones. Jewellery was worn to enhance appearance, display wealth and affirm love, friendship and loyalty. The reasons for wearing jewellery remain the same today, but the popularity of styles changes. Vintage costume jewellery is experiencing a revival these days as sparkling vintage rhinestone brooches are roaring back in style. Here are a few things you’ll need to know to help you pick out the right pieces.

What is it.

Costume jewellery is defined as jewellery that is made from non-precious materials such as cut glass.

Parures.

It is a set that includes a necklace, brooch and pair of earrings.

Demi-parures.

It includes a brooch and a pair of earrings.

Missing Stones.

Steer clear of an item with any missing stones. They are very difficult to replace.

Faux Pearls.

Watch closely any pieces with faux pearls because they chip easily and these chips cannot be fixed. Also, soap, cream and perfume can erode faux pearls.

Enamel.

Pieces with enamel can cause problems. Small areas of enamel damage can be retouched but large areas are very difficult to repair.

Condition Matters.

Good condition is important with vintage costume jewellery. Pin clasps that don’t work, hinges that are suspect may not be replaceable because they may no longer be made. Before you purchase, double check that all the pieces are in original condition and in good working order.

Names to Look For.

The biggest name in Canada for vintage costume jewellery is Sherman and it was usually signed. Other makers to be on the look out for are Trifari, Coro, Schreiner, Hobe and Schiaparelli.

Care.

Once you’ve found something you like, you’ll want to take good care of it. Store your vintage costume jewellery separately in small plastic bags to guard against scratching.

Where To Find Great Vintage Costume Jewellery.

Antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and Ebay are all good sources for vintage costume jewellery.

Value.

Prices range from under $20 for unsigned pieces to much more for signed sought-after pieces, parures and demi-parures.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Swinton

Jewellery : Name Jewellery - Why Do We Wear it?

Jewellery : Name Jewellery - Why Do We Wear it?

By Gary Hocking
Name Jewellery is far from a modern fashion. Carrie in Sex in the City did not invent name necklaces but she sure revitalized the interest in them and she made them a red hot fashion item for teenagers through the grandmothers.

People put their name on jewellery throughout the centuries for various reasons. Identification was one of the main reasons but it was a lot more than letting some stranger know what your name was.

It was often a warning that this person or piece of jewellery was significant. Kings and queens have had their names scripted on bracelets, bangles and neck jewellery. They were often buried wearing this jewellery.

Queen Victoria gave the Hawaiian queen Liliuokalani a gold bracelet with her name enameled on it and from then on every goldsmith in Hawaii had to be taught the art of making these pieces.

The ancient Egyptians made the cartouche and it was a really an ancient name pendant worn by royalty.

Today in Scandinavia lots of jewellery is found buried without the owner, but it does often have the original owner’s name sometimes on pieces of the jewellery.

Just like today people are doing something a lot more significant than letting other people know who they are. When you wear your name on a necklace you are making a statement about yourself. You are letting the world know that you are proud to be who you are. That’s a great thing!

Pure bodily adornment is another reason that people want to wear name jewellery. These items are often intricate and beautiful so the wearer is making a statement about themselves in two ways: you are proud of being you and beautiful at the same time.

Remembrance is another great reason. I once had the honour of being asked to make two necklaces from the dog tags of the first US soldier killed in one of our recent wars. I was asked to put gold around them and precious stones in them. Most honoured as I was it was too great a responsibility to send these items back and forward from Australia where I am from and the USA.

I make lots of name pendants with the names of children for mothers to wear. That’s a lovely statement of your total love for your children I believe. Love and name jewellery go hand in hand. Whether it is a healthy love of self or love of another it is a wonderful way to confirm this.

Everyday I am asked from people all over the world to make them an item of name jewellery. Check out my website for what I do.

Gary Hocking makes custom jewellery of all kinds. He has his own website http://www.jewelleryexpress.com.au Feel free to use this article as long as you keep the bio and the live link to his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hocking

Jewellery : Shopping for Jewellery / Consumer advice

Jewellery : Shopping for Jewellery / Consumer advice

By Jim Casnig
When shopping online or in a store consumers need to consider that sellers may not always specify gold filled or gold plated when advertising an item for sale. Items may be advertised with many features but if the words solid gold are not in the description it is probably not solid gold.

Pricing can be confusing and manufacturers exploit this to the consumers dismay often. If there is a lot of work or detail in a gold plated or gold filled piece it may be practical to keep it affordable. Not everyone can afford real Rolex or Cartier watches which is why good imitation jewellery is always going to be popular, but sometimes you will find them priced just under what you might pay for perhaps a thinner, genuine solid gold necklace chain. So you pay almost the same price for a large or heavy filled one as you might have paid for solid gold in a smaller item. Thats something to keep in mind when shopping for gold jewellery online or in a store.

Below are basic descriptions of the difference between the two most commonly used faux gold.

Gold plated jewellery is just as it sounds, electroplated jewellery that is prone to surface wear. Gold filled jewellery is made by heating and pressure-bonding a layer of solid sheet gold to another metal and less likely to wear for years. The best of these will use brass as the core metal and the cheaper gold filled manufacturers use cheaper base metal(s). Commonly you will find 12/20 gold filled and a higher standard if available is 14/20. The first number refers to the quality of the gold used and the second is the amount used. (eg) 12/20 = 12 Karat gold comprising 1/20 of the weight of the item.

James Casnig
Store Net - Online Shopping and Consumer Advice
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Casnig

Jewellery : This Season's Jewellery Trends Have Something To Say

Jewellery : This Season's Jewellery Trends Have Something To Say

By Andrew Regan
Accessories are a key look this season, as well as a great way to update any wardrobe. And a number of both fresh - and timeless - jewellery trends are emerging on the market to help you do just that. A few of the hottest trends this season include right hand rings, cocktail rings, charm bracelets, vintage style jewellery, circle jewellery and layered jewellery.

However, aside from retaining an unfailing fashion-ability, jewellery is about stating who you are - just look to the defining jewellery trends of iconic and alluring stars like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner. That said, even today, there's no better place to uncover the latest jewellery trends than on your favourite celebrities. Jennifer Lopez and Drew Barrymore, for instance, love the layered jewellery look, while the likes of Jennifer Anniston, Cameron Diaz, Kiera Knightly and Paris Hilton have all been seen sporting circular jewellery - or more specifically, the 'circle necklace'. Moreover, jewellery trends tend to outlive fashion trends - so your jewellery will dazzle season after season.

The right-hand ring jewellery trend, for example - a trend by which women buy diamond rings for their right hand - represents women's independence and empowerment. The trend has been big in the US for some time, but is making its way over to the UK this season. Another variation of this is the cocktail ring. Every fashion-conscious woman is wearing one: they're big, bold and colourful, and are generally worn on the right hand. And while cocktail rings can be crafted out of diamonds, they're most often big gem stones or prominent statement pieces.

Bracelets form another large category in this season's top jewellery trends. Wooden bracelets, for example, are making a big comeback; however, other bracelet trends seem to hold an incessant gaze in the jewellery market. One trend that's always in style, the charm bracelet is a simple yet fun way to accessorize. You can buy them already assembled, or you can purchase a linked chain, collect your charms, and make your own, distinctive charm bracelet.

Certain styles of jewellery - such as vintage - are also expected to maintain their appeal this year. Classic vintage jewellery always holds some part of the jewellery market limelight; it captures the spirit of the 1950s, featuring modern interpretations of vintage classics which will, in time, become classics themselves. Stylish and timeless, heirloom vintage pieces will never go out of fashion.

Circular jewellery is another prominent component of this season's defining trends. The circle, perhaps the simplest of all shapes, is an endless symbol of love and life; circular jewellery is therefore a perfect way to celebrate a big step or a turning point in your life. Another major trend in the US, the circular design is particularly popular in the form of the 'circle necklace' - a necklace with a circle pendant, often decorated with diamonds.

And finally, layered jewellery is stong this season! Layering is about wearing many of the same type of pieces at the same time - a particularly strong trend with yellow gold jewellery. And if this approach to jewellery seems a little heavy-handed to you, rest assured that layering needn't look heavy or overdone - just as long as the right pieces are layered together. So don't buy one necklace, bangle or bracelet this season - buy five!

You'll find a number of jewellery specialists who prioritise and recommend the latest and most classic jewellery trends - so you can take your pick and accessorize - whether it's to update your wardrobe or simply complement your distinctive style.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist who lists travelling and rugby among his interests.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan

Jewellery : Beading And Jewellery Making - A Passion For Fashion!

Jewellery : Beading And Jewellery Making - A Passion For Fashion!

By Caroline Sykes
Your jewellery makes a statement about you. We all know how important first impressions are, and what you wear contributes to that impression. There are so many styles of jewellery available to the consumer, with prices ranging from a few pounds to thousands of pounds. So why make it yourself?

Making your own jewellery accomplishes several aims for the consumer. One of the key attractions has to be that your jewellery is exclusive; no-one else can have it. (Unless you want them to.) No-one else will be wearing the same thing and no-one will know it only cost you £2.30! There are few things as satisfying as having someone comment on the piece you made and asking where you got it from.

The art of jewellery making is itself a satisfying hobby. You can ensure you are always up to date with the latest fashions, will always have something to match your outfit, and can spend as little or as much time as you want creating your pieces. For many of us in the trade, it was an enjoyable hobby which led gradually into a profitable business, giving you a whole new freedom from the grind of 9-5. Such a big thing from such a small bead!

Beading and jewellery making as a hobby can cost you as little or as much as you want. Materials range from inexpensive silver and gold plated findings (the metal bits used to make jewellery), through to precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum. Beads are available in glass and plastic, gemstones and semi-precious stones, silver, gold, plated metals, pearls and shell, wood and even bone and horn. Tools needn’t be expensive if you shop around, and for the beginner standard pliers will be fine.

So prepare for a new addiction. Jewellery making is both satisfying and creative. You will surprise yourself with the range of ideas you have as you start, and with countless fashion sites across the web, as well as huge ranges in the high street, inspiration is never far away. To help in your quest for perfection, this season’s colours are black, white and red, with hints of green and gold. Beads are definitely in, and long necklaces, big earrings and chunky bracelets are all the rage. Go wild, and find yourself the envy of everyone you know.

At Magpie Jewellery, They retail a huge range of beads and jewellery at excellent prices with Free UK Shipping. With loyalty points for registered customers, They believe They have some of the best deals on the web, with the best customer service. Visit them today at http://www.magpiejewellery.co.uk/ and start a long relationship with your new hobby.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Sykes

Jewellery : Silver Jewellery - Information and Cleaning

Jewellery : Silver Jewellery - Information and Cleaning

By Elizabeth Brodie
Pure silver is generally far too soft to be used for jewellery so is combined with other elements to improve its durability and colour. The most popular silver mix used for jewellery is Sterling Silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver alloy with copper usually making up most of the other 7.5%. However, there is at least one company currently producing 925 (i.e. 92.5% silver or sterling silver) silver using a combination of different elements to help reduce tarnishing significantly. This is a new product though and unlikely to filter through to more mainstream silver jewellery for some time.

In the UK it’s illegal to actually call a product ‘silver’ unless it comprises of at least 92.5% pure silver, although unless the weight is greater than 7.78g silver goods do not require a hallmark by UK law. Indeed, on smaller items it is often uneconomic to have silver items hallmarked although many will carry a ‘925’ stamp usually applied abroad during the manufacturing process to indicate Sterling Silver.

Due to it’s very nature silver is prone to tarnishing with prolonged contact with the air or the chemicals found on the surface of many people’s skin. Tarnish can easily be removed by gentle polishing with a silver cloth or commercial silver dip available in most jewellers and supermarkets. However, these solutions are often unsuitable for silver jewellery inset with stone or composite jewellery so make sure to read the instructions properly before use.

Although some people will swear by more abrasive cleaners, even using something like toothpaste, this will usually simply dull the shine over time by leaving small scratches in the silver.

An alternative to occasional cleaning with specialist cleaners is simply a more regular cleaning in warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Once cleaned this way jewellery should be thoroughly dried.

Elizabeth Brodie is the owner of Silver Jewellery World an established online jewellery store from the UK specialising in quality designer silver jewellery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Brodie

Jewellery : Diamond Jewellery Care

Jewellery : Diamond Jewellery Care

By Eli Butbul
Diamonds are the most durable substance on earth. With appropriate care, they can last forever. However, like anything else they can be scratched, chipped, smudged and soiled. Powders, soaps, lotions and even the oil from your skin will create a film on diamonds. Keeping your jewellery looking brilliant requires only simple maintenance. This simple maintenance will be rewarded with beautiful, long-lasting jewellery. It is essential that you aware of how to care and clean for your jewellery.

Caring for you diamonds:

Try to protect all jewellery from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, sunlight and extreme temperatures. Chlorine and related chemicals can severely discolour and damage jewellery as well as loosen stones and settings.

Remove rings when working with your hands, such as gardening or heavy housework. Carefully wipe jewellery with a soft chamois or flannel cloth after each wearing to remove oils and salts.

Store each item of jewellery separately to prevent scratching with other pieces.

Clean your diamonds on a regular basis.

Cleaning your diamond jewellery:

Here are four ways to you clean your diamonds:

1. Detergent bath: Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any kind of mild liquid detergent. Brush the item of jewellery with a small soft brush creating a lather. Place the piece on a wire strainer and rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a soft lint free cloth.

2. Cold Water Soak: Mix a small bowl of solution with 6 parts water to 1 part household ammonia. Soak the piece for several minutes, lift the piece out of the solution and tap gently around the piece with a small soft brush. Rinse the piece in the solution again and drain on a piece of tissue paper.

3. Quick-Dip Method: Purchase a brand name liquid jewellery cleaner, be careful to choose the cleaner which is best for your stones. Read the label carefully and follow the instructions. Be careful not to touch your clean diamonds with your fingers, handle the piece by its edges.

4. The Ultrasonic Cleaner: There are several types of these small machines available in the market. They will clean any piece of jewellery that can be soaked in a liquid within minutes. They are comprised of a metal cup, which you fill with water and detergent. When the machine is turned on, a high-frequency turbulence is created. Please read the machines instructions prior to use.

Written by Eli Butbul - http://www.goldenet.com.au
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eli_Butbul

Jewellery : Gold Jewellery Has Been Prized for Thousands of Years

Jewellery : Gold Jewellery Has Been Prized for Thousands of Years

By John Gibb
Gold jewellery has been prized for literally thousands of years for its beauty, being used both to show enormous wealth and as an expression of love and affection. You probably know that gold goes back to the time of the Pharaohs, who wore it all over their bodies, and were buried with it upon their death.

Today, gold jewellery is everywhere. It’s most commonly seen as rings on the fingers of married or engaged people, or as earrings, but many people also put jewellery in their nose, tongue or belly button, among other places. Hip hop culture has led to a resurgence in large pieces of gold jewellery being worn as a deliberate show of wealth, as ‘bling’, and this fashion has spread to many of the world’s young people.

When you buy gold jewellery, there are two important things to consider: the first is what the piece itself actually looks like (the quality of the jewellery itself), and the second is the purity of the gold, measured in carats. Although many people can be snobbish about low-carat gold, it is often what you do with it that counts, with a well-made piece from lower-quality gold actually being much more pleasing than a badly-made piece from expensive gold, and cheaper to boot.

Of course, if you’re not into gold, there are plenty of alternatives. Silver is gaining in popularity all the time, as a way to stand out from the crowd and counter the perception of some that gold is tacky, and platinum is also a well-regarded metal for jewellery-making. It’s possible to make just about anything into nice jewellery given time and skill, with some interesting materials to try being glass, shells and even wood – you can even make your own jewellery out of inexpensive beads and string, if you’re looking for something unique.

John Gibb is the owner of gold jewellery guides For more information on gold jewellery please check out http://www.Gold-Jewellrey-Advice.Info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Jewellery : Jewellery and Hallmarking – A Brief Guide

Jewellery : Jewellery and Hallmarking – A Brief Guide

By Elizabeth Brodie
There seems to be a lot of confusion over hallmarking in the UK, especially on silver items. The reason for this is simple – many items of silver jewellery simply do not require a hallmark.

Hallmarking on the three main precious metals, platinum, gold and silver, is only mandatory when the finished item is over a certain weight. In the UK this is 0.5g for platinum, 1g for gold and 7.78g for silver. This means that all items under this weight need not be hallmarked, although they will usually carry some kind of mark declaring the quality i.e. a piece of sterling silver will often carry a ‘925’ mark made by the manufacturer to signify 92.5% silver content (the silver content required for sterling silver).

Indeed, although obviously silver is available in far larger quantities than either gold or platinum, which is reflected in the price, one of the other factors that helps to keep smaller items of silver jewellery so affordable is the lack of hallmarking – it costs money to have an item hallmarked by an Assay Office.

Although silver under 7.78g and gold under 1g may not need to be hallmarked, there are restrictions in place when selling such items. You cannot for instance sell and item as ‘silver’ unless it is actually silver of 92.5% purity or better. This in effect means that you should be perfectly safe buying any jewellery under the minimum hallmarking weights even if unhallmarked from any ‘legitimate’ retailer, be they online or in the high street. If the store in question declares an item of jewellery to be made from a certain material then it has to be made from it.

As for jewellery that is fully hallmarked, recognising the hallmark can be a little trickier now than in the past. Any jewellery hallmarked in the UK conforms to a set format declaring the Assay Office that the item was hallmarked at, date and quality of the jewellery i.e. a ‘925’ inside a set of scales for sterling silver jewellery. However, jewellery manufactured within the European Economic Area (EEA) often carries marks a little different from those found in the UK but which are still valid for jewellery sold in the UK.

Despite this much of the jewellery sold in the UK is manufactured in the Far East and if over the minimum weights, will require assaying and hallmarking when it reaches the UK. As stated though, even jewellery not hallmarked will usually carry a symbol stating fineness stamped on it by the manufacturer.

So to summarise as long as the piece of jewellery that you purchased falls under the minimum required weight, don’t panic if you can’t find what appears to be a valid hallmark. If uncertain you can easily have any reputable jewellery check a piece of silver or gold to ensure that it is ‘real’, but again it is illegal to sell jewellery as silver, gold or platinum unless it is actually so with or without a hallmark. All jewellery over the minimum weights MUST be hallmarked before it can be legally sold in the UK.

Elizabeth Brodie is the owner of Silver Jewellery World an established online jewellery store from the UK specialising in quality designer silver jewellery.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Brodie

Jewellery : Creative Ways to Storing Jewellery

Jewellery : Creative Ways to Storing Jewellery

by: Emma Starkey
Do you have trouble trying to store jewellery without it getting all tangled, earrings separated from each other, tipping out your whole jewellery box just to find one piece of jewellery?? Well here are some tips for on storing your jewellery in a neat and decorative fashion.

Designing and selling jewellery both on a website and from home I need to be able to display my earrings in an organised and professional manner - I hope you can find some inspiration from the ideas below.

Store earrings (hooks) around a wine glass for an instant neat and decorative look.

A long string of pearls across the top of your mirror and hang your earrings in the gaps.

A small storage box from the hardware shop, the ones that have little draws for nails etc. There are 16 draws so you know exactly where everything is.

Store earrings on a long piece of ribbon and tack the ends onto the back of a dresser/wardrobe

Use a corkboard, with pins on it and the earrings and necklaces hang off the pins. Or if you are feeling crafty you can decorate the frame of your cork board - remove the actual cork inside the frame, paint the frame and add some little decorations like sequins, beads, lace, ribbon etc staple a piece of mesh (tulle fabric or mesh from your hardware store) and staple that to the frame, this provides room to hold lots of earrings this idea also works with old picture frames as well. To hold necklaces and bracelets simply screw in some little hooks (you can get these from hardware shops) around the frame.

Large clear bead containers that are round and screw on top of each other-they are fantastic for rings, beaded bracelets etc as you can see exactly what it is you want and if you don't wear something for awhile it doesn't get dusty. Nothing gets tangled either!!

A roll of film which is damaged place the film horizontal across your shelf and hook your earrings on those little square holes that film has on the edge

An ornate candelabra that to dangle earrings, necklaces and bracelets from you can sometimes pick these up cheaply at op shops.

A decorative glass light fitting and then hang them around the edge just like you would on a drinking glass - you could pick up a cheap old light fitting at markets, garage sales etc and then you just dismantle it.

Mug/cup holders from homewares shops are great for draping your jewellery on.

A great idea for studs and brooches is to get a pretty piece of thick ribbon or lace then attach the jewellery through the material and you can hang it or pin it across ways near the rest of your jewellery.

Visit her website and get a $5.00 discount on your first order at www.divinedesignsjewellery.com
About The Author
Emma Starkey – jewellery designer based in NSW, Australia www.divinedesignsjewellery.com.
emstar@mail2rose.com

Jewellery : How to Choose Wedding Day Jewellery

Jewellery : How to Choose Wedding Day Jewellery

by: Richard Green
However quickly your wedding day might flash past, your memories of it (not to mention the photos) will last forever.

You will want to remember it as the perfect day, and you will want to look your very best. Preparations often seem to focus around the dress, but there are many other elements of your look to consider.

Most people build up a “look” or theme around one particular piece of their wedding day outfit. It might take a while to settle on a theme, and it may change several times before the big day, but at some point you will probably see a gorgeous pair of shoes, or an adorable bouquet of flowers that inspires the rest of your outfit, or even the whole wedding. Whatever your inspiration, it’s a good idea to try and get each piece of the outfit to sit harmoniously with everything else. Don’t feel that you have to colour match everything perfectly, but don’t buy things in isolation.

How to shop for Wedding Day Jewellery and Wedding Rings

Buying a wedding ring is not a purchase to be rushed. While wedding day jewellery is key to bringing together your look on the big day, you will wear your wedding ring forever. Many jewellers like H.Samuel ( http://www.hsamuel.co.uk )now have fantastic websites to complement their high street stores. This means that you can either research on the web and go into a store to buy your rings or vice versa. Websites are great for getting hold of unusually large or small sizes, and frequently offer delivery within a couple of days of your order. You can often find more information about jewellery around the site, and even view large photos of the pieces to be sure you are getting exactly what you want. The Blue Nile ( http://www.bluenile.com/ )website is also a good tool for investigating different styles of jewellery, especially engagement rings.

What jewellery should I wear on my wedding day?

What you wear on your wedding day will depend on the style of the occasion.

Classic Blushing Bride

If you are having a traditional, meringue-y wedding dress, then you can get away with big, eye-catching pieces. Try dazzling diamond earrings with a matching tennis bracelet and a delicate pendant. If you’re on a budget, you can get the same look for a fraction of the price with gorgeous cubic zirconia versions of classic jewellery pieces. To perfectly accessorize a strapless gown, try a loosely swept up-do to draw attention to your shoulders, along with some simple, elegant drop earrings that will move and twist and catch the light. Diamond earrings ( http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/browse/N/4294967245+63/ ) will frame and light up your face for all the photos to give you a radiant glow.

Cool, Contemporary Woman

It’s trickier to get the balance right when your dress is the sort of sleek, elegant creation that characterises the modern wedding. You might choose traditional jewellery to contrast with and soften the contemporary look of your dress. Pearls are a perennial favourite of blushing brides, even before they were worn by the stunning Grace Kelly at her wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. Pearls have a timeless elegance and they are available in a huge variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Make a statement with iridescent, blue-grey Tahitian pearls, or add a feminine touch with perfectly round pretty pink ones. Cultured pearls are readily available on the high street and are much more affordable wedding jewellery than natural pearls. Teardrop-shaped pearls are perfect for ladylike drop earrings or pendants, while a string of gorgeous pink pearls is a reliably feminine accessory.

Indie Chick

Not everyone goes for a traditional white wedding; some opt for genuine individuality and self-expression. Whether your unconventional wedding is planned around a medieval banquet style or a funky urban brunch, pearls and diamonds are unlikely to hit the spot. Jewellery stores (and websites) are full of pieces set with coloured stones, and you have the choice between genuine gems and simulated stones. Coloured cubic zirconia looks fabulous, and you’re bound to find just the right shade somewhere. To really make an impact, why not try accessorizing with funky, gothic-y, vintage-y jewellery? Marcasite jewellery or big black beads will add a striking accent to your wedding dress, whether it’s vintage Edwardian, elegant cream column, or a scarlet tea gown.

Celebrity Weddings

Celebrities through the ages have made their wedding days an occasion to make a style statement. Gwen Stefani, one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People of 2004, is famed for her unique but immensely successful style. When she married Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, she wore a stunning white and pink John Galliano creation. To accessorize her unusual, asymmetric gown, Gwen wore an elegantly simple white gold and diamond cross, which looked fabulous. The couple recreated their London wedding two weeks later in Los Angeles, where Gwen’s individual style shone out – she wore the same dress, but instead of the discreet cross, she chose a striking heart pendant of pink tourmalines, peridots and diamonds. Madonna is another big star who chose a simple cross as an accent to her Stella McCartney gown, although not many of us could afford to emulate that particular 37 carat Harry Winston piece.

With this ring, I thee wed.

Of course the most important pieces of jewellery on the big day are your engagement and wedding rings. Most couples opt for simple, timeless wedding bands that will look stylish forever (remember you’ll be wearing it every day for the rest of your life) and will perfectly complement the bride’s sparkling engagement ring. It is traditional to wear your engagement ring on the right hand throughout the ceremony, to leave the third finger of your left hand free for the most symbolic piece of jewellery you’ll ever own, your wedding ring.

About The Author

Richard Green lives in Edinburgh, occasionally writing for the personal finance blog Cashzilla ( http://cashzilla.blogspot.com/ ), and talks to himself a lot, although he is yet to find any intelligent conversation.

Jewellery: Information You Should Know When Looking to Buy Jewellery

by: Peter Roberts
For the average person looking at jewellery can be exciting, but confusing. What do all these terms mean?
Jewellery terms, especially relating to actual Gem stones, are very important because the price of the final item is dictated by the stone quality and cut. Following are some of the terms you'll come across.
Blemish: Imperfections found on the surface of a Diamond.
Brilliance: describes how well a diamond reflects white light.
Carat: is a unit of weight measurement used for weighing diamonds. For more information see The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Clarity:How "clear" the diamond is. For more information see The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Cloud: Most diamond defects are dark. This however is a milky colour, and a lot less noticable as a result.
Colour: The tint of the diamond. For more information see The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Crown: The upper surface of a cut diamond.
CT or CTS: Carat Total Weight of a diamond.
CTW: Carat Total Weight of a diamonds on piece of jewelry.
Cut: The shape of a finished diamond. For more information see The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Eye Clean: Diamond looks clear to the naked eye. For more information see The 4 Cs of Diamonds
Facets:The number of angles cut into a diamond. The more facets the shinier the diamonds appearence.
Finish: As you may expect, this is the quality of the diamond's workmanship.
Make: The cut and proportion of a diamond.
Polish: How well buffed the facets of the diamond are.
Symmetry: Good diamonds have been cut symetrical.
Table:Top surface of a cut diamond. Flat like a table top.

About The Author

Peter Roberts - Staff writer at http://make-picture-frames.com All things to do with picture frames and picture framing. Strictly for enthusiasts, with informative articles updated regularly.

articles@mame-picture-frames.com

This Season's Jewellery Trends Have Something To Say

By Andrew Regan
Accessories are a key look this season, as well as a great way to update any wardrobe. And a number of both fresh - and timeless - jewellery trends are emerging on the market to help you do just that. A few of the hottest trends this season include right hand rings, cocktail rings, charm bracelets, vintage style jewellery, circle jewellery and layered jewellery.

However, aside from retaining an unfailing fashion-ability, jewellery is about stating who you are - just look to the defining jewellery trends of iconic and alluring stars like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner. That said, even today, there's no better place to uncover the latest jewellery trends than on your favourite celebrities. Jennifer Lopez and Drew Barrymore, for instance, love the layered jewellery look, while the likes of Jennifer Anniston, Cameron Diaz, Kiera Knightly and Paris Hilton have all been seen sporting circular jewellery - or more specifically, the 'circle necklace'. Moreover, jewellery trends tend to outlive fashion trends - so your jewellery will dazzle season after season.

The right-hand ring jewellery trend, for example - a trend by which women buy diamond rings for their right hand - represents women's independence and empowerment. The trend has been big in the US for some time, but is making its way over to the UK this season. Another variation of this is the cocktail ring. Every fashion-conscious woman is wearing one: they're big, bold and colourful, and are generally worn on the right hand. And while cocktail rings can be crafted out of diamonds, they're most often big gem stones or prominent statement pieces.

Bracelets form another large category in this season's top jewellery trends. Wooden bracelets, for example, are making a big comeback; however, other bracelet trends seem to hold an incessant gaze in the jewellery market. One trend that's always in style, the charm bracelet is a simple yet fun way to accessorize. You can buy them already assembled, or you can purchase a linked chain, collect your charms, and make your own, distinctive charm bracelet.

Certain styles of jewellery - such as vintage - are also expected to maintain their appeal this year. Classic vintage jewellery always holds some part of the jewellery market limelight; it captures the spirit of the 1950s, featuring modern interpretations of vintage classics which will, in time, become classics themselves. Stylish and timeless, heirloom vintage pieces will never go out of fashion.

Circular jewellery is another prominent component of this season's defining trends. The circle, perhaps the simplest of all shapes, is an endless symbol of love and life; circular jewellery is therefore a perfect way to celebrate a big step or a turning point in your life. Another major trend in the US, the circular design is particularly popular in the form of the 'circle necklace' - a necklace with a circle pendant, often decorated with diamonds.

And finally, layered jewellery is stong this season! Layering is about wearing many of the same type of pieces at the same time - a particularly strong trend with yellow gold jewellery. And if this approach to jewellery seems a little heavy-handed to you, rest assured that layering needn't look heavy or overdone - just as long as the right pieces are layered together. So don't buy one necklace, bangle or bracelet this season - buy five!

You'll find a number of jewellery specialists who prioritise and recommend the latest and most classic jewellery trends - so you can take your pick and accessorize - whether it's to update your wardrobe or simply complement your distinctive style.
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist who lists travelling and rugby among his interests.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan

Assessing The Value Of Jewellery

By Syed Abedin
Carat (ct) : In the world of jewellery, carat has two measures; mass and purity of gold. First of all I will explain the mass part.

Carat (mass):
In terms of mass, if your jewellery weighs one carat, it is equivalent to the amount of 200 milligrams (0.2g). The higher amount of carat the jewellery has, or the heavier the jewellery is, the more expensive it will be. This is because more gold is used to make the jewellery, so as the weight increases, so will the price. However, this is not always true. Mass is also dependent on purity (the other type of carat).

Carat (purity):
In terms of gold, purity and mass go hand-in-hand. For example, you may have bought a piece of jewellery that weighed 10 grams (50 carats) for £25 and you may have thought you had grabbed yourself a bargain. The truth is you were probably conned for its value. The jeweller might have used cheap metals such as steel or iron and painted it gold to yield an easy profit. Or he might have put 0.01 carats of gold into the jewellery (2 mg) and the rest were worthless metals. To test gold you can buy gold analysers which will measure the weight of your gold and the purity of it too.

Cubic Zirconia (C/Z):
Cubic Zirconia (abbr: C/Z), is an extremely rare mineral that is often used to simulate the appearance of diamonds. It is usually hard, optically flawless and colourless and you would usually see advertised as costume jewellery and not real diamonds. It is a very good way of looking pretty without having to pay outrageous prices. It is usually quite expensive because it is a rare mineral but it definitely beats the cost of having to pay for pure gold.

An Investment in gold:
If you have a bit of spare cash (£10k+), you might want to invest in gold. The price of gold is increasing as we speak. Due to the ongoing extraction of gold, the amount of gold in the world keeps decreasing. If you can get your hands on some gold now, you are sure to get a profitable return in a few months time and a very profitable return in a year.

About The Author
Syed Abedin is currently a Mortgage Advisor. He owns a credit card comparison website called Credit Cards UK. His site will search the market for credit cards with the best rates to suit your needs. All you need to do is to go to http://www.creditcardsuk.org.uk/ and sign up for the credit card(s) the suits you best for FREE.
For any queries, email him at spzat8@btinternet.com
Article Source:: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Syed_Abedin

Exclusive Wedding Jewellery

By R. Roger
Since its origin till now a wedding ceremony has a special significance in every society. Undoubtedly Wedding Jewellery is an indispensable aspect for a wedding ceremony. Wedding jewellery shops besically tries to provide you with jewellery which are gorgeous and at the same time easy to afford. Whether you are the bride, bridegroom or you want to attend a wedding ceremony, jewelleries collection would surely suit your purpose.

Wedding Jewellery collection mainly consists of extremely beautiful Crystal, Pearl and Diamante jewellery. Whether you want earrings, bracelets, pendants etc for the bride or cufflinks for the bridegroom or something for yourself our crystal wedding jewellery consists of sophisticated designs with innumerable variety. You can opt for Angelic Lg Earrings and Pearl Sparkle Earrings which are likely to be worn in a wedding ceremony. Customers are provided with colours like blue, green, purple, bronze, azure and ruby crystals according to their choice. Matching earrings are available with Small Heart Pendant on Satin Cord. A customer, ready to attend a wedding ceremony, cannot help but purchase 279 cufflinks which sparkles with shimmering crystals on a silver base from our collection. We have many more items of Wedding Jewellery which is being made by crystals.

Fresh water pearls are favourable to many people especially for a wedding occasion. Among the wedding jewelleries, exclusive pearl Wedding Jewellery collection is blended with both trend and tradition which are likely to suit customers' choice. The sparkling and shimmering Dazzle Lg Bracelet (available in either gold or silver), Eternal Lg Bracelet (available in both crystal and pearl) and Double Pearly Bracelet are some of our unique collection of pearl jewellery. Being worn with Dream Lg Earrings and Flower Earrings (available in sterling silver and plated gold), a bride would look even more gorgeous.

You can find a more variety of necklaces, earrings and bracelets in the Diamante jewellery collection within affordable range. One can find the best Wedding Jewellery each of which are unique pieces of beauty and at the same time can give you a lavishing experience.
http://www.ayedo.co.uk/wedding_jewellery.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Roger

Diamond Solitaire Rings

By Johnny Mayer
Diamond Solitaire Rings on you mind? Does your lover cherish diamond solitaire rings? Here are tips on choosing a beautiful diamond solitaire ring for your lover. Like most other purchases, start your search by browsing the net for diamond solitaire rings. Here are some useful tips on comparing and buying diamond solitaire rings.

Diamond Engagement Rings

What are the most exciting diamond engagement rings on the market? Perhaps, the most elegant diamond engagement are diamond solitaire rings in popular styles including basket diamond engagement rings, trellis diamond engagement rings, cathedral diamond engagement rings, bezel set diamond engagement rings and of course the Tiffany classic diamond solitaire rings

Unique Engagement rings

For unique diamond engagement rings, browse online antique style engagement rings and antique looking diamond rings. Many couples design their own unique engagement rings. There are also unique engagement rings based on reproductions of engagement rings through the centuries. These unique diamond engagement rings include antique diamond solitaire rings, antique platinum engagement rings, plain antique ring settings and antique wedding diamond bands.

Certified Diamonds - Diamond Solitaire Rings

Certified diamonds are a wise choice when buying diamond solitaire rings. The major organizations that issue certified diamond certificates are the GIA and EGL. Buying certified diamonds gives you a sense of security as to your diamonds quality. Equally important, certified diamonds are readily accepted by insurance companies. Also, if you ever want to sell or trade, certified diamonds will bring more money and sell much quicker then other stones that are not certified diamonds.
The Diamonds Company is a leading diamond and jewelry store offering diamond solitaire rings, unique engagement diamond rings. Find the best selection of certified diamonds at the best prices. Visit The Diamonds Company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnny_Mayer

Gold Jewellery: a Prized Possession

By John Gibb
Gold is the most popular among the precious metals. No other metal has got such a fancy from mankind as Gold does. Gold Jewellery is the prized possession of the Humans from the ancient times.

Gold jewellery is known for its beauty and grandeur. The character of Gold offering extreme malleability and ductility coupled with the man’s imagination and his ability to create wonderful and intricate designs has made Gold Jewellery a thing of beauty.

Gold jewellery has become an expression of love and affection and sometimes it becomes a binding factor among the family members. It is considered the most auspicious thing in life by most of the cultures like the Oriental and Indians. A family’s wealth and status is measured by the quantity of Gold Jewellery held by it in these cultures.

In ancient Egyptian civilizations, the Pharaohs wore Gold Jewellery all over their bodies as a part of their royal ceremonial Robes. These were buried with the Kings on their death with a belief and wish that their dead Kings should look rich and pompous even after their death. Such was the affinity shown to Gold Jewels during these times.

Gold is mostly worn as Jewellery and the basic use is as Rings worn in the fingers of married and engaged People. Apart from this it is worn as ear rings, nose studs even in the tongue, belly button and other places on the body. But most of people use Gold Jewellery in their necks as Chains, Necklaces, Hip chains, Gold Bracelets and Bangles in their hands, as Ankle chains in their legs and toe rings in their legs.

Changing Styles, invention of machinery that aids in the production of low weight Gold jewellery with highly intricate designs all lead to the rampant use of Gold even by the less affluent people of the Society. Gold jewellery is a craze amongst the younger generations also and the changing fashions give different types of use for the Gold jewellery which are worn more as a show of Wealth rather than for their utility.

There are certain important things to be noted while purchasing Gold jewellery. The primary thing is the quality of the Gold metal measured by its purity in Carats. The higher the Carat value the purer the Gold. Pure Gold is mixed with other metals like Silver, Copper to give strength and other characters to the Jewellery made out of it.

For low cost market, the Gold Jewels are made in less pure gold and they too come out in equally good designs and that has a got a good Market also. The third and cheapest of the Gold jewellery is the imitation Jewellery which looks equally elegant like the originals but have less than 1% of the gold content hence they are the cheapest ones among the Gold Jewellery ranges.
John Gibb is the owner of gold jewellery sources , For more information on gold jewellery check out http://www.Gold-Jewellrey-Advice.Info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Hand Made Jewellery - Better than Casting?

By Gary Hocking
We need to understand two things before we can make a decision as to whether a piece of jewellery made by hand is better or worse than a casting: What is a casting? What is made by hand?

Hand made Jewellery.

Jewellery made by hand is jewellery which is made by the use of bending, twisting, hammering, filing sawing and soldering metal until it has the form of a piece of jewellery that the maker wants.

Let’s take a simple example: a plain wedding band or wedder as it is often referred to. The jeweller starts off with a lump of gold which he melts down and pours into a steel mould. It comes out of this mould in the shape of something resembling a big nail. He takes this piece and rolls the metal through a mill until finally he get a long flat piece of metal. He cuts that piece to a length which will fit around the customer’s finger. Next he hammers it into the shape of a ring and he solders it to form a ring. After that he might file it into a nice rounded shape, polish it, and he now has a gold wedding band! The whole process probably takes about an hour or a bit more

Now he wants another one for the customer’s spouse to be. So the whole process starts again and proceeds just like the last. Tomorrow a new customer comes in and wants a ring just like the one he made yesterday so wouldn’t it be better if he could have copied the first one some how?

The casting process.

He now makes one perfect wedding ring. Once finished this is called the model or master. From this master he is going to make tens or hundreds of copies all identical to the first one that he made by hand. In the jewellery trade the main casting method is called The Lost Wax Casting Method.

Advantages and disadvantages of the two methods:

A hand made piece takes hours and sometimes days to make while a casting takes minutes to cast a hundred identical pieces. Of course there is cleaning up to do but the time spent is nothing like making a piece by hand. So the labour cost is a fraction of the hand made piece.

A hand made piece is likely to be stronger and denser and as it is hammered and filed it becomes harder in the process. The jeweller is carefully making this single piece and is naturally conscious of its quality all the way.

Sometimes a casting can have bubbles inside which may be missed by the manufacturer causing the item to break years later for no apparent reason. Of course, in a modern, well equipped workshop things like this are under tight control, but it can happen.

Is a hand made piece unique? Not necessarily. The jeweller might have a cast piece which he is copying. I am often asked to copy a grandmother’s piece of jewellery so that it can be given to a second daughter.

So what’s the answer? Which is the better method? A casting will be cheaper and so more people can enjoy the same thing. Would I be happy for my daughter to wear a cast ring? Absolutley, in fact she does. But I have also made her many pieces by hand.

A one off engagement ring may be better if it is made by hand with all that attention to detail and quality, but it is going to cost you for the priviledge!
Author: Gary Hocking. A manufacturing jeweller who makes items of jewellery for people all over the world. He has his own websites: http://www.jewelleryexpress.com.au and http://opaljewelryexpress.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Hocking

How To Own Stylish & Elegant Jewellery Without breaking The Bank!

By Robert Nabbumba
10 facts about affordable gold or rhodium plaited jewellery that is suitable for both casual wear and for special occasions, and which does not have to be stored in a vault!

* A gemstone is a mineral that has been cut or faceted then polished, examples of gemstones are quartz, jasper, amethyst, Ruby and Malachite.

* Facets are flat faces on geometric shapes, that either occur naturally in crystalline structures or as in the case of gemstones are cut into them to improve their appearance. Faceting is usually applied to transparent gemstones.

* The Moh’s scale of mineral hardness characterises the scratch resistance of minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer one.

* Softer gemstones with a Moh’s hardness scale of less than 7 are easily scratched by dust and grit. On the Moh scale a window pane has a Moh scale rating of 5.5, whilst Quartz is 7, Topaz is 8, and Diamond is 10. In fact Diamond is fifteen times more harder than quartz.

* Rhodium is a hard silvery white and durable metal with a high reflectance. The reflective properties of Rhodium make it suitable for jewellery products.

* Rhodium flashing is known in the jewellery trade as the process of electroplating; whereby a white gold metal is placed in a rhodium salt solution and when an electrical current is passed through the metal the white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium. This process gives the rhodium plaited metal a highly reflective white surface.

* Rhodium has a Moh’s hardness of 6 compared to Silver and Gold that both have a Moh’s hardness of just 2.5.

* Cutting is usually applied to opaque gemstones that are impenetrable to visible light while faceting is mainly carried out on transparent gems. As softer gemstones are more readily scratched so they are shaped and polished in order to reduce any visible signs of scratching.

* Rhodium belongs to the group of Platinum metals and is considered to be an even more precious metal than silver.

* By definition, a Cabouchon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished making attractive jewellery for all occasions.
Robert Nabbumba is a distributor for Cabouchon Jewellery and invites you to view this stylish range of jewellery. For more information on becoming a distributor, see http://www.topbusinessbuilder.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Nabbumba

Choosing Jewellery for Women

By Sheila Robinson
First of all, think about what type of jewellery she tends to wear, mostly gold or mostly silver? Most women either mainly wear gold, or mainly wear silver jewellery.

Does she wear necklaces? Bracelets? Earrings? If you are unsure, it might be an idea to choose a jewellery set, and let her pick what combination she would like to wear. Are her ears pierced? If you are not sure, have a look at her ears! There are clip-on earrings that are suitable for both pierced and non-pierced ears.

Colours

What colour stones does she tend to have on her jewellery? Also consider what colour clothes she normally wears as the jewellery needs to match or co-ordinate with an outfit. She might mainly wear plain gold or silver jewellery in which case it would be best to avoid picking any jewellery with coloured stones (you can still pick things with diamonds, cubic zirconium, and diamanté). Does she have a favourite colour and if she does, is it a colour she wears? A piece of jewellery with her favourite colour in it is a nice way of showing that you’ve put a lot of effort into the present.

If you are thinking of buying her some jewellery for day wear, what colour clothes does she wear to work or wear casually? Jewellery worn during the day is less glitzy than evening wear. This doesn’t mean it needs to be plain, although simple classic pieces can be worn with so many different outfits. If you are thinking of buying her some jewellery for evening wear, what colour clothes does she dress in to go out for the evening? Jewellery for the evening can be bolder and glitzier than jewellery worn during the day. A diamanté choker may be appropriate evening wear, however a less glitzy necklace may be better for daytime wear.

Style

What type of styles does she wear? If you are looking at necklaces, does she wear chunky ones, fine ones, ornate, or simple? If you are looking at earrings, does she wear long dangly ones, or smaller stud ones? If you are looking at bracelets or bangles, does she wear narrow or wider ones? A lot of women have certain styles that they like, so it’s a safe bet to stick with the style of jewellery you know she would choose herself. The style will vary depending on whether the piece is meant for day or evening wear.

Allergies

Does she have an allergy to nickel? Many pieces of jewellery contain a small amount of nickel which usually causes no problems for the majority of people, however some people can be very sensitive to it. Have a look and see what kind of metals she wears. If in doubt, stick to what you know she can wear.

Summary

To summarise, when buying jewellery make sure you know whether you are picking an everyday piece, or something for more special occasions. Her preference for gold or silver is important and look to see the style of jewellery she already has. Make a note of colours she likes or wears a lot, and then you know you’ll pick a piece that she will love.
For more helpful information on choosing appropriate gifts for women go to http://www.him4her.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Robinson