Archive for January, 2008
Posted in jewelry shop January 31st, 2008
A few weeks ago I went to a bachelor party of one of my old time high school buddies, since almost everyone there came from different backgrounds and economical situations it was very interesting to see the group of young men discussing many different issues, from foreign policy to buying engagement rings.
Yes, that is right, one of the main issues of the bachelor party was the dynamics of purchasing a engagement ring. It all started when one of the guys asked the soon to be married bachelor how did he decide on the engagement ring, and if he did it alone or used anyone to help him choose the ring.
This question sparked a very interesting talk between the already married guys, the main issues was not the kind of engagement ring and not the big debate on having a more traditional diamond on the ring or going with the modern no diamond engagement ring, but rather on how much money should be spent on a engagement ring, and more particularly - how many salaries should a young man put into his engagement ring.
Most of us know that there is this unwritten rule that states that an engagement ring cost should be equivalent to two salaries of the future husband. This is was the base of the debate at the bachelor party, and surprisingly enough most of the young men did not think that this is a rule you should abide to.
Today’s reality has many financial burdens on a young man, and this is even worst if you are already talking about a couple. Since most couples live together for some time before deciding to get married, some man find it very hard to deal with payments of the regular daily lives and the financial planning in involved in a wedding proposal and the future costs of a wedding. Add to this the fact that most young man invest a little more in their wedding proposal and do it in a fancy restaurant or on a weekend resort hotel and you got a very stressful financial situation.
The solution is creating a budget for the whole proposal, and trying to keep this budget as close to the real financial ability at the time, or looking for outer financial help on making the marriage proposal of your dreams, and paying for it piece by piece later on, without it causing you financial stress for a few months.
The two month salary rule is not a standard, but getting a fabulous ring that your future wife can show the whole world is, so you should plan this purchase in advance and try to find out financing conditions and standards in the jewelry industry, you will be surprised to learn that some places are very understanding and helpful, and that it might be much easier to upgrade your marriage proposal than what you think.
No matter what you decide to do, I strongly advise you to research the jewelry market online and find out how you can make the most with your hard earned money. Good luck.
Roy Dietelzieg worked in the jewelry industry for 10 years and has been writing about his reflections on jewelry philosophy. Roy currently writes articles with tips for buying Engagement Rings at http://www.zupatips.com
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Posted in jewelry January 30th, 2008
Men grow cold as girls grow old
And we all lose our charms in the end
But square-cut or pear-shaped
These rocks don’t lose their shape
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
– from the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”
Diamond hoop earrings are perfectly popular these days, thanks to young pop divas like Jennifer Lopez or J-Lo, hiphop diva extraordinaire. J-Lo is also known for spreading the trend of the chandelier earring, and other cascading-style ear ornaments.
Now take another diva and examine her choice of jewelry. We’re talking about actress Elizabeth Taylor and her special fondness for diamonds. When she was dubbed a Dame of the British Empire, the nation held a “black tie and diamonds” event, to commemorate her love for that specific precious stone. Diamond hoop earrings are part of Miss Taylor’s not inconsiderable jewelry collection.
Take hoop earrings up another level and what do you get? Precious stones set into the hoops. What precious stone is considered the most popular, the most prestigious, and the most in-demand throughout the ages? Of course, it is the diamond.
Diamonds are formed over a period of a billion or more years deep within the Earth’s crust - about 90 miles deep - and is pushed to the surface by volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in volcanic rock called kimberlite, or in the sea after having been carried away by rivers when they were pushed to the surface.
Hoops, for their part, come in a variety of thicknesses and sizes. Sometimes they are so fragile as to create cascading earring designs, and at other times they are so thick that you can set stones and other materials into them. Hoop earrings used to be a favorite jewelry style among ancient Central and South American tribes, at a time when gold flowed freely and primarily held only decorative value.
Combine the youthful appeal of hoop earrings and the distinguished status of the diamond and you’ll have an entrancing diamond hoop earring. A small, thick hoop earring made of fine silver or gold may be studded with diamonds. Conversely, a hoop earring may also host even just one diamond, snugly fitted into its metal niche. Diamond hoop earrings are a unique design, pursued and appreciated for their earthly elegance.
Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.
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Posted in jewelry January 29th, 2008
Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute touch, and it can be a keepsake for when the baby is all grown up. The sentimental value that comes with baby jewelry cannot be measured. Sometimes certain items of jewelry come with memories; like this bracelet one was bought right after little Sarah took her first steps, or this pendant was bought soon before Davey started to say his first words.
When we say “baby jewelry,” we usually mean bracelets: the safest item of adornment for infants. Many baby bracelets come with letter-blocks that spell out the baby’s name. These may well be a baby’s first opportunity to learn how to read! Some baby bracelets also double as toys, and some charms come with rattles and colorful beads that could easily endear them to the infant.
We may admit that baby jewelry is cute and fun to use, but some mothers are concerned: won’t jewelry be too dangerous to hold so close to the baby? Teething babies will tend to want to bite into their bracelets, or put them in their mouths — and won’t the baby swallow the charms, the item itself, or bits of it that may come off? Also, won’t silver, gold, and certain plastics be bad for the baby’s skin?
Baby jewelry is necessarily hypoallergenic, to keep from irritating a baby’s supremely delicate skin. The charms that come with baby jewelry are usually tightly woven in, so there is no danger of falling off or apart even if the baby is teething. Infant jewelry also has safe clasps. Pin latches or sharp clasps are definitely a no-no.
Toddlers, who are more capable of appreciating body accessories, may in fact enjoy sporting jewelry, especially ones they can play with and show off to other toddlers. Mom and Dad can have their toddler pick out his or her own bracelet. After all, babies and toddlers appreciate bright, sparkling and fun stuff that are visually stimulating and attractive. Baby jewelry is something they can enjoy, and it will be a reminder of that time that passes all too quickly.
Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.
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Posted in jewelry January 28th, 2008
Terms used to describe optical effects in faceted and non-faceted gems
Physical characteristics of colored stones are often described in terms of the way light travels through them, their unique visual effects, and the way they are cut. Here are a few terms you need to know:
Transparent. Light travels through the stone easily, with minimal distortion, enabling one to see through it easily.
Translucent. The stone transmits light but diffuses it, crating an effect like frosted glass. If you tried to read through such a stone, the print will be darkened and obscured.
Opaque. Transmits no light. You can not see through it even at a tin edge.
Special optical effects
Adularescence. A billowy, movable, colored cloud effect seen in some gemstones, such as moonstones; and internal, movable sheen.
Asterism. Used to describe the display of a star effect (four or six rayed) seen when a stone is cut in a non-faceted style. Star ruby, garnet, and sapphire.
Chatoyancy. The effect produced in some gemstones (when cut in a cabochon style) of a thin, bright line across the stone that usually moves as the stone is moved from side to side; sometimes called a cat’s eye effect.
Iridescence. A rainbow color effect produced by a thin film of air or liquid within the stone. Most iridescence seen in gemstones is the result of a crack breaking their surface. This detracts from the value, even if it looks pretty.
Luster. Usually refers to the surface of a gemstone and the degree to which it reflects light. Seen as the shine on the stone. Diamond, for example, has much greater luster than amethyst. Pearls are also evaluated for their luster, but pearls have a softer, silkier looking reflection than other gems. The luster in pearls is often called “orient.”
Play of color. Used frequently to describe the fire seen in opal.
Cut
Colored gems can be faceted or cut in the cabochon, or non-faceted, style. Generally speaking, the preference in the United States until recently was for faceted gems, so the finest material was usually faceted. However, this was not always the case in other eras and other countries; in Roman times, for example, it was considered vulgar to wear a faceted stone. Preference also varies with different cultures and religion and the world’s finest gems are cut in both styles. Don’t draw any conclusions about quality solely on style of cut.
Cabochon. A facet-less style of cutting that produces smooth rather than faceted surfaces. These cuts can be almost any shape. some are round with high domes; others look like square shape domes (the popular “sugar-loaf” cabochon); others are “buff-topped,” showing a some what flattened top.
Many people around the world prefer the quieter, often more mysterious personality of the cabochon. Some connoisseurs believe cabochons produce a richer color. Whatever the case, today we are seeing much more interest and appreciation for cabochons around the world, and more beautiful cabochons than have been seen in the market in many years.
Faceted. A style of cutting that consists of giving to the stone many small faces at varying angles to one another, as in various diamond cuts. The placement, angle, and shape of the faces, or facets, is carefully planned and executed to show the stone’s inherent beauty; fire, color, brilliance, to the fullest advantage. Today, there are many faceted styles, including “fantasy” cut which combine rounded surfaces with sculpted backs.
The importance of cut
Cutting and proportioning in colored stones are important for two main reasons:
They affect the depth of color seen in the stone.
They affect the liveliness projected by the stone.
Color and cutting are the most important criteria in determining the beauty of colored stone, after which carat weight must be factored in; the higher carat weight will usually increase the price per carat, generally in a nonlinear proportion. If a colored gemstone was a good quality material to begin with, a good cut will enhance its natural beauty to the fullest and allow it to exhibit its finest color and liveliness. If the same material is cut poorly, its natural beauty will be lessened, causing it to look dark, too light, or even “dead.”
Therefore, when you examine a colored stone that looks lively to your eye and has good color; not too dark and too pale, you can assume the cut is reasonably good. If the gemstone’s color is poor, or if it lacks liveliness, you must examine i for proper cut. If it has been cut properly, you can assume the basic material was poor. If the cut is poor, however, the material may be very good and can perhaps be re-cut again into a beautiful gem. In his case you may wan to confer with a knowledgeable cutter to see if it is worthwhile to re-cut, considering cutting costs and loss in weight.
Evaluating the cut of a colored gem
When examining the gemstone for proper cut, a few considerations should guide you:
Is the shade pleasing, and does the stone have life and brilliant?
If the answer is yes to both questions, then the basic material is probably good, and you must make a decision based on your personal preferences and budget.
Is the color too light or too dark?
If so, and the cut looks good, the basic uncut material was probably too light or too dark to begin with. Consider purchase only if you find the stone pleasing, and only if the price is right, i.e., significantly lower than gemstones of better color.
Is the gemstone’s brilliance even, or are there dead spots or flat areas?
Often the brilliance in colored gemstone is not uniform. If the color is exceptional, subdued brilliance may not have a dramatic effect on its allure, desirability, or value. However, the less fine the color, the more important brilliance becomes.
Weight
Weight, as with diamonds, weight in colored gemstones is measured in carats. All gems are weighted in carats, except pearls and coral. These material are sold by the grain, momme, and millimeter. A grain is 1/4 carat; a momme is 18.75 carats.
Normally, the greater the weight, the greater the value per carat, unless the gemstone reach unusually large sizes, for example, in excess of 50 carats. At that point, size may become prohibitive for use in some types of jewelry (rings or earrings), selling such large gemstones can be difficult, and price per carat may drop. There are genuine cut topazes weighting 2,500 to 12,000 carats, which could be used as paper weights.
As with diamonds, do not confuse weight with size. Some gemstones weigh more than others; the density (specific gravity) of basic material is heavier. Ruby is heavier than emerald, so one carat ruby will have a different size than an identically shaped and proportioned emerald; the ruby will be smaller in size since it is heavier. Emerald weighs less than diamond, so a one carat emerald cut in the same shape and with the same proportioning as a diamond will larger than the diamond, because it is lighter, and more mass is required to attain the same weight.
Some gemstones are readily available in large sizes; tourmaline, for example, often occurs over 10 carats. For other gemstones, sizes over 5 carats may be very rare and therefore considered large, and will also command a proportionately higher price. Examples include precious topaz, alexandrite, demantoid and tsavorite garnets, ruby, and red beryl. With gems that are rare in large sizes, a 10 carat stone can command any price.
Scarcity of certain sizes among different colored gemstones afects the definition of “large” in the colored gemstone market. A fine 5 carats alexandrite or ruby is a very large stone; an 18 carats tourmaline is a “nice size.”
As with diamonds, gemstones under one carat sell for less per carat than stones over 1 carat, but here it becomes more complicated. The definition of “large” or “rare” sizes differs tremendously, as does price, depending upon the type of the gemstone. for example, an 8 carats tourmaline is an average size stone, fairly common, and will be priced accordingly. A 5 carat tsavorite is extremely rare, and will command a price proportionately much greater than a 1 carat stone. Precious topaz used to be readily available in 20 carats sizes and larger, but today even 10 carats stones of very fine color are practically nonexistent and their price has jumped tremendously.
Colored Gemstone certificate
Systems for grading colored gemstones are relatively new and standards are not yet established worldwide. As a result, certificates or grading reports for colored gemstones are not yet used extensively. While diamond grading reports are widely relied upon to describe and confirm diamond quality using precise, universally accepted standards, reports for colored gemstones have a much more limited value. Nonetheless, reports for colored gems are becoming much more important. Today’s synthetics and other newly discovered gemstone materials are creating a need for reports that verify both identity (the type of gem) and genuineness (whether it is synthetic or not). For any expensive colored gemstone today, especially gems of unusual size or exceptional quality and rarity, we recommend obtaining a report from a recognized laboratory. The most widely recognized reports for colored gemstones include those issued in the United States by American Gemological Laboratories, Inc. (AGL), and the GIA Gem Trading Laboratory; in Switzerland, leading firms are Laboratory Gubelin and Schweizerische Stiftung fur Edelstein-Forschung (SSEF).
At the least, colored gemstone reports should identify the gemstone and verify whether it is natural or synthetic. You can also request a grading report which will provide, in addition to identity, a full description of the gemstone and a rating of the color, clarity, brilliance, and other characteristics. This information is always useful for insurance purposes and can also be helpful if you are comparing several gemstones with an eye toward purchase.
Where sufficient gemological data can be compiled from careful examination and with proper testing, some reports will also disclose whether or not the gemstone’s colr is natural or enhanced and, if enhanced, by what method. reports issued by Laboratory Gubelin, one of the most respected gem testing laboratories in the world, as a matter of policy will not disclose treatments. They believe that since most colored gemstones have been routinely treated in some manner for centuries, it is unimportant and that comparative quality, beauty, and rarity are the important considerations. Also, depending upon the information, some laboratories will indicate country of origin, if requested. Laboratory Gubelin and AGL will indicate origin where possible; GIA will not indicate country of origin.
Fees for colored gemstone reports vary depending upon the type of gem, the type of report requested, and time, skill and gemological equipment necessary to perform conclusive tests.
When considering a colored gemstone that is accompanied by a report, keep in mind the different types of reports available. Also keep in mind the information provided on the report is only as reliable as the gemologist performing the evaluation, so be sure the report is issued by a respected laboratory; if in doubt, check with one other of the respected labs to see if they are familiar with the laboratory in question. Next, ask yourself what the report is really telling you; is it confirming identity and genuineness only? If so, remember that quality differences determine value; a genuine one carat ruby, sapphire, or emerald can sell for $10 or $10,000 or more, depending upon the quality of the particular gemstone. Being genuine doesn’t mean a gemstone is valuable. Only by taking time to look at many gemstone, ask questions, and make comparisons can you develop and understanding of the differences that affect quality rating, beauty, and value.
The article above can be used on your web site or newsletter.
When it is published, May I request that you include my name and resource box (the bio., contact and copyright information that follows the article. I would also appreciate if you could send me an e-mail of notification along with a complimentary copy of publication.
Bijan Aziz is the owner and Web Master for The Jewelry Hut.
http://www.thejewelryhut.com
The best source for fine Diamond, gemstone, and Pearl Jewelry on the Web
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Posted in jewelry January 27th, 2008
Jewelry appraisers can provide valuable services to people who own diamonds and jewelry or are in the process of buying diamonds and jewelry.
First, the jewelry appraiser can identify your jewelry as to the material, quality, workmanship, condition and other characteristics that influence the item’s value. For example, diamonds that appear similar to the eye can vary in terms of color, clarity, cut, fluorescence, measurements and durability. These are all factors that uniquely identify one diamond from another and can cause the value of one stone to be more than double that of another even if they are identical to the unaided eye.
Second, the jewelry appraiser can estimate the value of the jewelry item. The definition of value can vary depending on the purpose of the appraisal. For example, an appraisal value could be quite different if the purpose is 1) selling the item, 2) purchasing an item from a retailer, 3) insuring the item after purchase, 4) settling an estate, 5) distributing property in a divorce, or as an expert witness in a lawsuit.
Third, the jewelry appraiser is a witness to the existence of the property. This is important in the process of filing an insurance claim for the loss of an item where proof might be required that the jewelry existed at a certain point in time and was in a certain condition. This is why an appraiser should insist on examining the jewelry item when updating an insurance appraisal.
Fourth, the jewelry appraiser can provide advice as to the durability, wearability, and repair of jewelry items. Jewelry made of metal and gemstones can vary greatly in their hardness, toughness, and resistance to heat or chemicals. Because the appraiser has professional training (i.e. Graduate Gemologist) and is not involved in the sale of the item, they can provide unbiased recommendations based on their experience.
When selecting a jewelry appraiser, understand why you are seeking the jewelry appraiser’s services so you can choose the best provider of those services. Professional jewelry appraisers set their fees based on an hourly rate or a per item basis, never as a percentage of appraised value. Appraisers who are efficient and highly computerized can often provide lower prices for services than those performing the same task but take twice as long to perform them.
Denny Reinke is the Vice-President of Diamond Source of Virginia, an online diamond retailer specializing in loose diamonds, diamond rings and diamond jewelry located in Richmond, Virginia and on the web at http://www.diamondsourceva.com. You can also visit Denny’s blog at http://www.diamonds.blogs.com.
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Posted in jewelry January 26th, 2008
Costume Jewelry Trends
Clean designs, quality materials, and bold looks are promising an excellent summer in costume jewelry. If you are tired of the superficial look of bling, this season’s classic looks will be a breath of fresh air. Big is the word, but it will be a refined big using natural components like shell, gemstone, and wood. Out are large fake diamonds and in are large shell pendants. Components from nature make the look. Designs that have a one of a kind look are very in. Costume jewelry that focuses on large shell or gemstone pendants (like unakite, tiger’s eye, or carnelian) suspended on multiple cords or strands of Bohemian glass give that unique one of a kind appearance.
Also fashionable are chunky designs in long lengths or chokers. This bold style is showing up from the runways to the fine department stores. Designs with polished stones, big beads, or multiple beaded strands are very in. The colors are borrowed from natureturquoise, coral, beige, brown, black, ivory, and olive. Brights with a soft feminine touch are also good especially fuchsia, lavender, pale lime, and teal.
Layered looks provide one of the hottest trends with multiple strands from short to very long. Chains, beads, faux pearl, or combinations are used to create the design. Add to the layered necklaces a long strand of large beads and you have a very chic look.
In plating silver remains important and will be through the summer. Gold is rapidly gaining popularity and dark platings like antique bronze, gunmetal, and hematite are uptrending. Among plated items, geometrics are big with pendants in circles, triangles, and diamond shapes as well as large oval links in necklaces and bracelets. .
So in choosing costume jewelry for the summer, think big, think natural, think layered, and especially think classic one of a kind.
New Sunglass Fashions
With one glance through a fashion magazine, the importance of sunglasses as a summer fashion accessory becomes very apparent. This year’s fashion in sunglasses is breath-taking. Oversize and retro designs lead the way for ladies sunglasses. Think the Jackie O or Sophia Loren look. There are exciting remakes in these nostalgic styles with square lenses or round lenses and embedded rhinestones or studs are giving retros a new twist.
Oversize shields provide another exciting trend in sunglasses this summer. Shields are a monolens sunglass with no break at the nose piece. Some styles have wide arms that taper creating sleek lines. Round lenses are most popular, but square lenses are hot also with their stylish linear look.
Aviators are always the favorite style for men, but there not just for men anymore. Just look at the celebrities and you will see the chic look of oversize aviators. Another exciting twist for the ladies is aviators in fashion colors with frames and lenses matching.
Plastic frames are more popular than metal this season and the most popular colors are black and shades of brown, especially tortoise. More daring colors are also very good like white, pink, rose, and lime. Everyone can find something exceptional with the variety of fabulous looks in sunglasses that are offered in the current fashion trends.
Summer Trends in Accessories
Handbags and belts are the accessories stirring up excitement this summer. Celebrities set the pace by showing up in magazines carrying those oversize bags and suddenly nothing seems to be too big in handbags. Roomy totes with buckles, studs, and zippers are very in. Slouchy hobos with wide shoulder straps short enough to fit nicely under the arm are chic. In smaller bags, satchels with outside pockets are stylish and crocodile print is hot.
This summer you can match that croc handbag with a belt because belts are making a major comeback. Croc prints as well as grommets and studs are in and that low slung look of the eighties is back. All widths are in style, but the wider belts are most popular.
Accessorizing is important for the fashionable look this summer, so everyone that loves fashion jewelry and accessories, the current fashion trends will be exciting.
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Posted in jewelry January 25th, 2008
The Celtic Knot Design originated from Irish Monks around the mid 7th
century. The Celtic Knot is one of the most recognizable art designs that
is immediately connected to the Irish culture.
What is amazing about the Celtic Knot Design is that there is no starting
point or and ending. It represents true artistry, which is both exquisite and
beautiful.
But what does the Celtic Knot Design mean?
What does it all stand for?
Some believe that this style of jewelry represents Love or Passion, for men s jewelry
some believe it stands for strength, bold, and even thought to mean brotherhood.
The truth is that it means all of the above. Let me clarify, there are no real concrete
historical facts that state of informs what the unique Celtic Knot Design
represents. So enterpitation is left up to you. What you see and feel in this style of
artwork like most artwork is for now, what it represents. Because of the amazing
amounts of different styles and looks available each could be interpreted differently
depending on the piece of jewelry the Celtic Knot Design is on.
A thin soft looking piece of jewelry may interpret the Celtic Knot as feminine
meaning love or passion were a thick / wide piece may appear masculine and mean
strength.
It is truly a mystery and intriguing how one jewelry design, how one style of artwork
can have so many different meanings to different people.
The answer to the question - What does the Celtic Knot Design mean, is
truly in the eye of the beholder.
This article was written by: Toni Rossi. Spending many years in the manufacturing
and caring of Sterling Silver. My experience insures confidence and quality in Unique Inspirational Gift Ideas,
our NEW Website list only high quality sterling silver jewelry and gifts. Visit our
website today at: http://www.inspirationalsterling.com
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Posted in jewelry shop January 24th, 2008
For fall 2006, jewelry is hot, bold, classic, gold, vintage, rich, refined, elegant, but the one thing it is not is subdued! It will warrant your attention as a very vital part of the fall fashion story. With the dark, rich color story this fall, make jewelry the spotlight of your wardrobe. It is the easiest way to keep your wardrobe from becoming drab or depressing as the darker color tones take over. Fall 2006 jewelry keywords are gold, natural, color, bold, and movement!
Let’s first check out at the metal story! We have been hearing that gold is returning for several seasons now, but this is truly the season where it works the best. Accentuating the rich, darker tones of the clothing, gold imparts luxury and warmth in a way that silver doesn’t. Heavy mirrored cuffs, hammered metal, Yurman-inspired textured items, and tricolor metals are all important looks emerging for fall.
Nature will be the fastest growing influence on the jewelry looks this fall. The wonderful rich colors of semi-precious stones, gemstones, and other natural materials make the color story even more dynamic as they tie together the nature-inspired apparel colors. Mixing metal with these natural materials will segue into a truly bold high-fashion story!
While the fall story is bold, the traditional and classic looks will remain an always important part of the overall jewelry story. Vintage or estate looks will instill a sense of history, especially as we revisit the bohemian Dr. Zhivago era in clothing. When transitioning into the holiday season, we will see jet rise in importance, which mirrors the importance of black in apparel.
Now, we know what jewelry is going to be made of for fall, but which looks and items will be headlining the story? One keyword to concentrate on will be ‘movement’. Chandelier earrings, whether they are cascades of sparkle or clusters of coin-like pieces, all which will move as you move are back with impact! Yes, dramatic chandeliers are back with zeal! Watch the celebrities on TV and in magazines to see that this trend has already reappeared! And earrings won’t be the only movement, as long, long ropes of 48 and 60 inches, worn long or double wrapped as a choker and long, will sway with your steps as you walk! These long ropes will appear in a variety of materials from fine gold chain, pearls, to briolette.
Whether you like your jewelry to tell a bold story or to subtly accent your outfit, fall 2006 will be a fun season to include jewelry as a part of your wardrobe. Make your wardrobe complete with changes of jewelry that can alter an outfit from one look to many looks. If jewelry has not been an important part of your wardrobe, this will be the season to give it a try.
copyright © 2006 by Barbara Borchert
Barbara Borchert is Sales and Marketing Manager for Jewels by Park Lane, a direct sales company selling high quality fashion jewelry since 1955. She has a MBA in Marketing Management from DePaul University and has an extensive background in retail and field sales.http://jewelsbyparklane.com/
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Posted in jewelry January 23rd, 2008
If you have a lot of ideas for various products or ways of marketing your product, the way to success is to focus your efforts. You may be very creative and have many ideas for new products or ideas for marketing your product. If you have a lot of ideas, you must learn to focus your efforts on the most profitable and viable ideas that you have. Being able to focus your attention on the most productive activity is a key to success.
Multi-tasking is a buzz word that gets a lot of attention these days. When you are building a business, you can only successfully work on a few things at a time. Having a lot of ideas can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you treat the ideas. Don’t become too attached to your ideas. Analyze them with the business part of your mind (left brain). Step away from the idea for a new product and ask hard question about how many people will buy it, how much will it cost to produce it, sell it, and promote it? What resources do you have to produce and market this product?
It is not easy to be objective about your own ideas. You may want to ask others their opinion. Most ideas seem like they are the best idea ever, when you first think of them. If you are going to make an idea a successful reality, it takes a lot of time and effort. If you start with a flawed idea, you can waste years of time trying to make that idea work.
Maybe you have what you think is a great idea for a product but you do not have the money needed to buy equipment or raw materials to make that product. You can borrow money from banks or private sources, or you can look for investors. If you look for money for your idea, you will need to do the research that will prove to others that your idea will be profitable. You should do this kind of research even if you finance the project yourself. If you do enough research to prove to others that an idea will work, you will have a much better chance of success.
Bounce your ideas off of others. Don’t just present them to people with your own taste. Get feedback from people with different likes and consider what they have to say. Ultimately the decision is yours concerning which items you are going to make and sell, but you may receive some valuable input from someone which will help you to sell a lot more products. Some designers believe that if they consider input from others, they will not be making something totally original.
I am not advocating copying someone else’s idea and calling it your own. But if you want to make money, you have to do what smart business people do. You have to get as much information as you can and make good decisions about what products to make and market. Your products are the foundation for making money with your designs. The time spent up front to research the potential market for your product is time well spent and will make the difference between making lots of money or being a “starving artist”.
Look at your ideas for products and your possible avenues for marketing those ideas objectively. If you have identified what you believe will be good saleable products, be sure that you are not trying to do work on too many products that are very different in nature. For instance, if you are making beaded jewelry, it is fine to make necklaces, bracelets, earring, or other jewelry item that compliment each other. The problem comes when you try to do jewelry and other products that are unrelated at the same time. If you can build your jewelry business to where you have people making and marketing your jewelry, then you could start your interior design products line.
Focusing on one product line at a time and how you sell it. This is an essential key to making money with your products. Once you are successful at selling your first line, you can expand your market and increase your sales by selling your product in different ways. Do this and you will have a good foundation for success.
John and Kay Jacobs have been successfully making and selling their own products for 15 years. They operate a booming internet business selling stone beads and pearls. Their experiences selling at wholesale and retail shows and on the internet gives them an excellent insight into successfully making and selling hand-made products. More information for success can be found at http://www.pizazzworks.com.
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Posted in jewelry January 22nd, 2008
Jewelry styles in India are as varied as the regions, people and their culture. Jewelry-making is considered an art form, passed down through generations of artisans or karigars. These days, classical Indian styles are seeing a comeback with brand names houses and prominent designers heavily reviving and endorsing them.
Here is a look at some of the most famous regional styles of jewelry in India. There are probably many more exclusively regional styles, but these are well known all over India.
From Delhi
Mughal: This style of jewelry was brought to India by the Mughals and never went out of fashion. It is extremely ornate with a focus on elaborate designs heavily inspired by nature. Common motifs include flowers, leaves, vines, ambi (mango), birds, etc. Mughal style jewelry usually employs Jadau work, so these styles go hand in hand.
From Rajasthan
Kundan Jadau: This is a style of embossing or encrusting gemstones, usually kundan (a semi-opaque crystal) in the surrounding metal leaf. As mentioned above, this work is a part of the Mughal style of jewelry and is now a specialty of Jaipur artisans.
Meenakari: Another Rajasthani specialty, Meenakari is the art of enameling or fusing metal with different colored lacquers, usually red, blue or green.
Theva: This is a rare art, being revived by prominent Indian designers, in which gold is enameled onto glass. Red, blue or green foil below the glass highlights the gold for an exquisite look.
From Gujarat
Gheru: The Gheru style of Baroda is to give jewelry a beautiful dull red copper finish.
Pachchikam: A Gujarati specialty for generations, Pachchikam style involves holding together uncut semi-precious stones and glasswork by tiny metal claws (as opposed to the Kundan Jadau style of embedding or encrusting).
Polki: Gujarat jewelry made of uncut diamonds.
From Bengal
Filigree: A style in which patterns and designs are made with twisting thin silver wires. Also done in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Navrattan: Traditional Bengali style jewelry comprised of nine gemstones - ruby, emerald, sapphire, cat’s eye, coral, turquoise, pearl, opal and diamond.
From Tamil Nadu
Temple: Temple jewelry, a specialty of Nagercoil in South India, is elaborate chunky jewelry comprised of 22 karat gold and precious stones. This jewelry was traditionally made to adorn the idols of gods and goddesses in temples (hence, the name), and is now worn by Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dancers. The designs and motifs are nature inspired.
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