Archive for July, 2008
Posted in jewelry July 30th, 2008
For men’s gold jewelry - individuality is the universal message. For a growing group of men, the only way to achieve individuality is to have their gold jewelry custom designed. Men like being involved in the design process, so they will end up with something totally unique. The new trend in men’s gold jewelry - whether custom designed or carefully selected - seems to boil down to individual taste and style.
Modern men want something more innovative in their wedding bands and rings particularly. Thanks to a growing group of artisans who are rethinking the design of men’s gold jewelry, men have more choice than ever before. The new wedding rings and bands run the gamut from modern, sculptural designs to turn-of-the century antiques. And the matte finishes on many of these rings and bands have an undeniable modernity.
Gold often has a special symbolic meaning, and men who prefer a lighter colored metal will find great choices in white gold wedding bands. While buying a white gold wedding bands, men need not worry about the cost since white gold tends to cost about the same as yellow gold.
Some rings and bands are even a combination of precious metals: Jewelry designers are mixing metal colors - like yellow with white gold, or traces of once popular platinum. Platinum was the standard in the early 1960s but gradually the trend moved to white gold.
For some men, only a real heirloom jewelry will do - particularly for their wedding day. They want something steeped in history that symbolizes the long-term commitment they’re making. And here, too, the trend is toward that single gold band. The rich artistry of these pieces can easily substitute for the lack of precious gems in wedding bands.
If you are looking to buy cheap men’s wedding bands, then you should always remember that your wedding band is a piece of jewelry that you are going to wear all the time and therefore, it’s very important to choose a band that you really like. So, look for hottest styles in wedding bands and not just one that’s cheap.
It is also possible to design your own wedding band by combining multiple wedding band designs. You can select your own band shape, size and mix of colors. These can be combined together to make a unique wedding band that fits your personal style.
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Visit GiftBoxJewelry.com for an excellent selection of jewelry including wedding bands, and jewelry for men.
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Posted in jewelry shop July 29th, 2008
Gold has been pricing out over $580.00 an ounce in recent weeks. Earlier this year the price was $730.00 an ounce. On May 12th, the price reached a 26 year high of $732.00 an ounce. Since then, prices have dropped twenty-two percent which still leaves the price in the $580.00 an ounce range.
Prices for gold jewelry seems to depend more on the design value of the jewelry than the actual amount of gold contained in it. According to the World Gold Council, sales in the United States seem to be rising. The Council believes the US customers buy gold for adornment, not the investment value of the jewelry
Since jewelers place their orders months in advance, it will be interesting to see what merchandise is available for the holiday season. With the fluctuating prices, it will be more difficult for both designers and retailers this year.
The gold in the stores now, was purchased prior to this recent instability of the price. Since gold is at a high now, the gold in our stores for the holiday season will have been purchased at almost all-time high prices when the inventories must be increased for the seasonal sales.
Some retailers, including Blue Nile, an online jeweler, is not totally passing on the higher prices to the consumer. This creates lower profit margins for designers but make gold a better buy for the consumer.
Shop wisely. Check prices. If you can be flexible, your will find exactly what you want at an affordable price. Give the “Gift of Gold” to your special person.
Nan is an Accountant and RealEstateAgent with an interest in GoldJewelry
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Posted in silver jewelry July 28th, 2008
Man wearing silver jewelry like chain, cross or even bracelet is not so uncommon now days as it was sometime back. Those days are over, when wearing any kind of jewelry by man was looked as girly. Nowadays for man, Silver Jewelry can be a perfect way of showing others that you have your own distinct way of fashion sense. Wearing a cool artistic silver chain or a cross can really make you star attraction of any party and it shows that you like to stand out of the league. Always remember that you may have a pleasant personality but it’s going to be what you wear, which will count first.
There are certain factors like being cheap, easy to handle as compared to gold and getting customized, which makes silver jewelry popular among today’s man. The best thing about silver jewelry is that you can wear them as casual wear unlike other costly metal wear. You can wear them while on beach, or playing some outdoor game or at some meeting.
The cost of silver Jewelry for man can vary a lot as it depend on factors like how much artistic work has been done on it, what kind of finishing it has and whether it’s having any other costlier metal or gem in it. But still you can get a good ear ring or chain for around $20 to $50.
The most popular silver items among man are chain, rings and crosses. After that we can count earrings, bracelets and some other jewelry. It’s advisable to not to buy silver jewelry from online stores but find a shop in your town, as the looks can be highly deceptive from what you see online and what the actual jewelry is. If you have a friend who knows a thing or two about jewelry than take him with you.
You can much more information on Silver Jewelry for Man at Man Silver Jewelry
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Posted in jewelry shop July 27th, 2008
While binky beads are trendy and can be made to match any theme you can imagine, child safety is of the utmost importance. That’s why Bellisimo Bracelets manufactures customized couture binky beads and bracelets with very strong 49-strand jewelry wire. Since our crystals are not glued on, they are not just an expensive novelty item, they can actually be used daily with adult supervision. Binky Beads are doubled crimped for extra strength and in the interest of mitigating breakage. They are also carefully inspected to ensure our customers get nothing short of what they expect: safe, durable, high-quality, en vogue products that can be worn with confidence and admired by all. While every effort has been made to ensure the durability and safety of our products, they are not intended for unsupervised use by infants or children under 3 as they can pose a choking hazard. This item is doubled crimped for safety. Just as you check pacifiers for signs of wear, please do the same with your Binky Beads.
Made using a myriad of color combinations in Swarovski Crystals and Cat’s Eye or Japanese Miracle Beads, your prince or princess will stand out like a Hollywood baby when he or she wears binky beads and bracelets made by Bellisimo Bracelets!
In fact, they are a perfect for even the most selective grandmother, godmother sister, brother, father, or relative who wants to provide their loved ones a unique, one-of-a-kind baby shower, birthday, or christening gift. We even make binky beads and bracelets to match the Gymboree lines too!
A portion of the proceeds from all of our polymer bracelets sold by Bellisimo Bracelets will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Researchers are closer than ever before to finding a cure and With enough funding it will happen! If you would like more information about Juvenile Diabetes please visit: http://www.jdrf.org.
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This article was written by Patrina Roberts, President of Bellisimo Bracelets, LLC. To contact Patrina, please feel free to email her at: patrina@bellisimobracelets.com, or use her “Contact Us” form on her website at: http://www.bellisimobracelets.com
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Posted in jewelry shop July 25th, 2008
Jewelry and gems; The Buying Guide
Pearls
The riches merchandise of all, and the most sovereign
commodity throughout the whole world, are pearls.
- Tahitian Black Pearls.
Tahitian Black Pearls, large pearls produced by a black-lipped saltwater oyster unique to the waters of Polynesia. They range from gray to black in color, and the color is natural; both natural pearls with natural black color, and cultured pearls with natural black color have been found. These varieties are distinctive because of their unusual shades of color, including tones of gray, blue gray, gunmetal gray, brown black, or greenish black. The color in the Tahitian black pearl, however, is often not uniform throughout. The stone can be black on one end, and much lighter on the other end. The rarest and most expensive color for Tahitian black pearl is black with an iridescent peacock green overtone. Tahitian black pearls are seldom smaller than eight millimeters. they are rarely perfectly round. Teardrop shaped baroque pearls are more common. As with other South Sea pearls, these are rare and expensive. Remember, however, not to confuse “natural” black color with being a “natural” pearl; most are cultured. In addition, beware of “irradiated” or “dyed” black pearls, which are common and inexpensive.
Choosing your pearls
When buying pearls, it’s important to take the time to compare various types, sizes, and qualities to develop an eye for differences. Here are some suggestions you might find helpful:
- Compare the pearl quality factors as you shop.
Pay attention to differences in luster and orient. color/tint, cleanliness, roundness, and size. Pay special attention to the luster and orient. This is the most important quality factor you should learn to judge.
You should also weigh the innumerable variables in quality against each other: if luster is good, roundness may be poor; if roundness is good, luster may be poor; if luster and color are good, they may not have clean surfaces; shape may be good but matching in the strand may be poor. You can learn a great deal about pearl quality simply by looking.
- Examine pearls against your own neck and face to be sure the color of pearls suits your skin and hair coloring.
- Ask whether or not color is natural,
especially when considering colored pearls (gray, blue, black, etc.). Pearls of natural color often sell for much more than white pearls, whereas dyed pearls should sell for much less. If color is natural, be sure it is so stated on the bill of sale.
- Compare the pearl size.
As you shop, ask what size the pearls are, and compare differences in cost for the same quality in different sizes. A double strand of smaller pearls may create and equally lovely look, and cost less than a single strand of larger pearls.
- Be sure to ask whether or not pearls are genuine or simulated,
and be sure that “genuine cultured” or “genuine natural” is in writing on the bill of sale. Don’t be afraid to use the “tooth teat;” if it won’t harm the pearls (but remove lipstick first).
Shopping around can be of tremendous help before you buy pearls. It will help you become familiar with the wide range of pearls available within your price ranges; it will also develop your eye to distinguish quality differences, and help you decide what color, size, and shape is best for you. If you take the time to follow our advice, your pearls will give you unending pleasure and pride.
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 July 24th, 2008
Buying jewelry at auctions can be exciting and you could get a good deal but auctions are risky. Especially onilne auctions like ones found on eBay. We will talk about information to arm yourself when thinking of buying jewelry at auctions.
In online auction settings check the sellers ratings and feedback. This will tell you a lot about them. Look for someone that has lots of good feedback and a high rating. If they have a lot of complaints and negative feedback, stay away from them. Also if it’s not a major auction site like eBay, look into them more. See if they have had any problems and what their track record is.
Make sure when your buying expensive jewelry they you try and get some sort of paperwork that certifies the quality of the gemstones. Ask them for more photos or any questions you have about the piece. They should be somewhat knowledgeable on the piece. If they are reluctant to give you more information, you should not even bid on the item and look somewhere else.
Check the better business bureau on companies that sell jewelry through auctions. If they want you to pay by wire transfer or western union don’t. Scammers use this tactic. Use credit cards or paypal to purchase jewelry at auctions. Try and avoid sending checks or money order. With credit cards or paypal you have at least some protection if something should go wrong.
See what they charge for shipping. Some sellers may add big shipping charges that are unnecessary. Also see where they are located. Sellers not in the united states can be hard to track down and get a refund or whatever action needs to be taken.
Offline auctions are not that common. Definitely not as easy as online ones either. If you know of auctions in your area, go to them. Check it out. Get a feel of how the process works. Go to a couple, ask questions possibly register and get a bidding card.
Offline auctions have the same rules for jewelry. Take a look at the quality of the gemstones, craftsmanship and bring a jewelers loupe or magnifying glass of some sorts if you really want to check out the jewelry. Look it over carefully. If you have a description before the offline auction, try and find comparable items online. See what those prices are.
Dave William G. runs http://www.TheJvirus.com, a website devoted to all things jewelry. From designs to gemstones we try and cover it all. So please visit us today. You can sign-up for our 7 part mini-course on diamonds while you’re there. http://www.TheJvirus.com
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Posted in jewelry shop July 23rd, 2008
The idea of body jewelry has come a long way since the post modern preference for ear piercing on women. Today’s generation, believe it or not, much like ancient societies throughout history, have gone to the more extreme multiple piercing of various body parts.
If you ask around, you’ll get a lot of different opinions about body piercing, both pro and con. Many people use piercings to help express who they are and what they’re about, completely endorsing this type of adornment and what they endorse. However, you’ll also get people who are completely against body piercings and couldn’t imagine who in their right mind would allow something to be permanently placed through their skin. Although both sides seem to have valid points, the reality is that many of the piercing holes will close up as long as they’re not made too large.
Body piercing, the process of puncturing your skin in various locations and placing a metal jewelry adornment through the hole is a very ancient statement. Even today, many indigenous cultures practice body piercings for both adornment and as a status symbol. Though there has been a recent resurgence in native and tribal body piercings, most modern body piercings are done as purely a form of adornment.
So, should you get a body piercing? The answer varies greatly from person to person, but regardless of who you are there are a few things to consider. Answering these questions honestly and openly will help you realize whether or not body piercing is right for you. Are you particularly attached to a certain image that means something to you, or do you want to get a body piercing merely for the sake of getting a body piercing? Most people who are satisfied with their body piercings years on down the road are happy because they have made this decision not because of peer pressure but is something meaningful to them personally. Can you see yourself with the same body piercing when your seventy-five years old? It’ll probably still be there.
Since a body piercing is permanent, don’t just waltz into the nearest body piercing parlor, look at the flash in the case, and pick out something you like. Though this can be a good technique for getting ideas, there’s no rush to get it done immediately.
One final thought about body piercing is that it can cause some unexpected side effects. Do you think it will matter to your future significant other that you’ve pierced a certain part of your body? Understand that this decision “may” limit your choice of partners at least a little.
Next up on the unintended consequences list is that body piercing can dull the senses of the pierced body part. This may not be important today be understand that the decision is long term — lifetime — and losing sensitivity in private areas can be something that might be missed later in life.
Lastly, there’s the issue of loose stools. That’s right, we’re talking about leakage. A couple of piercings usually are not a problem but if you tend to go all out and get quite a few, the risk of anal leakage goes up with each piercing. The reason is that the metal from the piercings tend to leach into your body and increase the level of certain heavy metals. Nickel is especially prone to this effect and can cause leaking anal problems
Although the problems are something to consider, if the desire to have piercings for the right reasons continues to interest you, then take a deep breath and go for it.
If you have an image that you’re attached to, decide where you want it on your body. Most people who get body piercing ed, even those with large body piercings covering their arms, legs, or back, will avoid getting body piercings on their hands, neck, or face, due to the fact that many employers frown on body piercing and because body piercings which are always visible can make it tougher to get hired at certain jobs. Think of how visible you want your body piercing to be; should it be seen when you’re wearing short sleeves? What about shorts?
Finally, make sure you get body piercing ed at a respectable body piercing parlor. All of the needles should be sterile, as should the general working conditions. Be picky about your artist as well, view his or her portfolio and see a sketch of your design before getting inked, since you should be 100% happy with your body piercing.
Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects that affect families today. With several teenagers the subject of body Jewelry has come up so look here for more information. http://www.bodyjewelry.vitalsource.org
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Posted in jewelry July 20th, 2008
When is it common to see a man wearing lavish jewelry around the neck, on the ears, or on the wrist? While there are some men out there who will flaunt their ice, you probably won’t see a man wearing lots of jewelry. In comparison to women, men are generally more modest in their jewelry wear.
But what about wearing jewelry on a special occasion, like on a groom’s wedding day? A man’s jewelry might be especially highlighted then, featuring his wedding ring and maybe some cufflinks or a bracelet.
When I think about a man’s jewelry, the only thought that comes to mind is a wedding ring. Little did I realize that a man’s jewelry is also extended to cufflinks and bracelets but also to key rings, money clips and tie bars and tie tacks. Items that I once thought were basic accessories are now reconsidered as a man’s formal jewelry.
Aside from a typical man’s jewelry that comes in gold or silver form, a man’s jewelry doesn’t just include his wedding ring. In this article, a man’s jewelry will be defined as an accessory in which a man treasures and wears frequently.
Tie tack-My dad still has the eagle tie tack that my brother presented to him many years ago when he received his Eagle Scout rank. Not much of a jewelry fan, my dad will wear the tie tack for church as a proud display of his son’s recognition. For my dad, the tie tack is a sentimental treasure, and for him, it is his own personal jewelry.
Bracelets-You might not qualify this next item as ‘jewelry’ but it can be a man’s (or a boy, for the matter) fashionable accessory. In grade school, one of the ‘coolest’ things to wear was a slap bracelet, featured in various fluorescent colors and designs. I recall boys especially using these multipurpose bracelets not only to sport, but to also keep them busily entertained and occupied in class or at recess.
Key rings-A key ring as a man’s jewelry? A key ring holds what’s important to a man; the keys to his home, his car, job, or key chains that highlight a vacation or his personal interests. The frequent carrying of a key ring requires the man to find a suitable key ring to his taste. As little and maybe unnoticeable a key ring may be, as long as a man requires access to his many entries, he will be seen with his key ring. Better yet, let it be a fashionable key ring!
Now that you can stretch the definition of what a man’s jewelry can be, it can be just about anything so long as it’s what he values wearing.
A man’s jewelry has never been so easy to find at Harris Michael Jewelry!
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Posted in jewelry shop July 19th, 2008
1) We have all seen the ads touting “SOLID 14K GOLD.” However, this is simply not true as there exists no such jewelry item containing solid 14k gold. Solid gold is as it exists when mined from the earth in an exceptionally pure form. It’s entire make up is simply pure gold-or as defined in the modern world; 24 karat gold.
To attain the level of 14k gold, the chemist must dilute the pure 24k (1,000%) gold with a ’specification alloy’ of approximately 415%. According to all worldwide acceptable standards- the pure gold has now been reduced to 14k gold, or in many countries .585 gold.
Following this formula, 18k gold must contain 750% pure gold, 250% alloy.
2) “Why did my brand new, solid 14k gold ring turn my finger green? My other 14k gold rings wear fine and are no problem.”
There are two MAIN areas in which this problem can occur. Neither one is very nice. One, the ring may have a hallmark inside the shank indicating 14k, but could be anything but…The Jewelers Board of Trade, and the U.S. Customs Service are overwhelmed and undermanned and there is far too much fraud being perpetrated upon an unsuspecting purchaser by dishonest jewelers. Too many known instances whereupon the gold content is very, very low wherein the percentage of alloy simply overwhelms the gold content-thereby making such a “green finger” reaction possible.
Legitimate precious metal manufacturers are never knowingly involved in such nefarious proceedings. However, a shipment of alloy from their chemical company could inadvertently contain certain contaminated metals that could cause your “green finger.” This is uncommon, but does exist.
3) “I’m truly confused. We looked at a number of 14k gold rings in well known fine jewelry stores with fine reputations and there seems to be no consistent shade of gold. How do I know which is the best 14k gold?” Excellent question and my answer to that will put your mind at ease.
Most precious metals manufacturers purchase all their metals from well established precious metal laboratories. Since the American market for precious metal jewelry is the world’s largest-there are fine jewelry items on display from a multitude of countries with 1000s of manufacturers.
Pure 24k gold is a rather “yucky” color and these special precious metals chemists know exactly how to blend various metals to obtain the ’shade of gold’ to their liking. The exception is “specification gold.” Large retailers can specify the shade they prefer, and the chemist can create that specific shade with all the proper alloys at his disposal.
In our next exclusive “3 JEWELRY SECRETS…REALLY…”segment, I will continue to share my 50 year knowledge of the wonderful world of jewelry.
PS: STERLING SILVER IS UP NEXT. Please let us know your most important question(s.) We will try to help with knowledgeable answers…
About The Author: Donald Gist is the president and founder of the Shavonne Corporation whose jewelry is sold worldwide. His 50 year background encompasses every facet of the jewelry industry-from design to sale. http://www.shavonne.com is the largest specialty jewelry website in the world.
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Posted in silver jewelry July 18th, 2008
The Great Wall of China is not working. Built in 200 BC to protect the land from Mongols hoards, the Great Wall is a symbol of the vast breadth and scope of the economic development of the Chinese nation. International corporations have taken the place of invading Mongols, as they have occupied the Chinese worker in factories across the country. With the approval of the Chinese government, businesses around the globe have made China their main industrial source for all things manufactured. The silver jewelry industry is one such example.
The latest in silver jewelry designs come primarily from Europe, mostly from Italy. Annually, Europeans hold highly anticipated fairs and conventions featuring the newest styles in jewelry. From clothing fashion to jewelry design, Europeans have always been at the forefront of inspired modern style. Yet due to the rise in cost of production as influenced by higher wages for workers and regulatory restrictions in the production process, Europe, as a whole, finds itself unable to compete with Asia from a manufacturing standpoint.
European countries tend to feature the rights of individual workers in terms of reasonable compensation for services rendered, as well as protection from discrimination and an expectation of fair treatment. There are also restrictions concerning environmental standards for production, waste and materials that may be generally harmful. Most countries in the west adhere to these seemingly righteous societal constructs. As a result, the hands of the factory owners in Europe are tied, rightfully so. China, however, has a different perspective.
Workers in China don’t have the benefits of their counterparts in Europe. The government, as a non-elected body has allowed for the purest form of capitalism with market forces dictating all, without concern to the well being of the people and the environment. There are no restrictions concerning the individuals rights of worker to receive proper compensation and fair treatment, rather it depends on what depths the workers are willing to go. There are no regulations concerning the environmental impact of manufacturing, allowing for the cheaper production of goods. As a result, Chinese labor is the most cost efficient and productive in the world. Enter, silver jewelry.
The only advantage Europeans have is traditionally, they have set the trends when it comes to silver jewelry, including a high standard of craftsmanship. European retailers have remained loyal to their industrial core but more and more they are viewing China as a formidable opportunity. Other types of jewelry markets such as gold and gemstones have long since been penetrated by Chinese manufacturers. Silver has been the least affected industry as the Chinese manufacturing machine was busy in other more ostensibly profitable jewelry markets. It is within the last ten years that Silver has been recognized as a viable industry with a great potential. So what was China to do match the quality and style of the Europeans?
China has had to compensate by introducing products based on European designs, in effect duplicating the look of the European style. They have also maintained a high level of quality craftsmanship including the use of .925 sterling silver and cubic zirconia imported from Russia. All is not lost for the Europeans, however, as they have maintained a strong hold on the production of sterling silver chains and necklaces, known worldwide for their distinctive perennial designs.
It is hard to predict how this awkward relationship of style and substance between the Europeans and the Chinese will play out. Will China gain the ability to create inspired original design? Or will the Europeans find a means by which to produce their ideas more efficiently, perhaps through the onset of industrial and technological advances? Regardless of how this competition may develop, businesses in Europe and America will gladly benefit with lower prices and high quality merchandise for their customers, ensuring more silver jewelry will be bought and sold than ever before.
Derek Belay holds a BA in English Literature from Cal State Pomona. He writes part time primarily as a hobby. He currently works for Jewelry Payless.com as a marketing manager.
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