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 : Beading And Jewellery Making - A Passion For Fashion!
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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
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
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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
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 IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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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
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
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Sabrina
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
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 IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Sabrina
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