03/31/2008 (8:59 am)

The Jewelry Accessories

Filed under: Latest News

Picture this: you are getting ready for a night out. You have on your flattering black ensemble and that pair of killer stilettos.

Just a touch of gloss and you are good to go. Until a quick glance at the foyer mirror confirms what you’ve been suspecting…

An outfit that used to work well, is simply not cutting it for you tonight. Something is missing.

That extra “sumpthin sumpthin.” You rummage through your little box, not exactly sure what you are looking for. That minor addition that will have a major impact; you’ll just know it when you see it. It is utterly amazing how a bracelet, choker, chunky necklace or whatever accessory fits your mood turns an outfit from drab to fab.

Accessories make or break an outfit. This is now a fact that’s ranked up there with gravity and climate change. They could turn the very same get-up from ho-hum to va-va-voom in a heartbeat. The “less is more” school of thought is slowly being undermined by the more contemporary “more is not enough” spirit.

The beauty of accessorizing is that you can essentially create different outfits for different occasions while using the same basic pieces. It goes without saying that depending on which piece you decide on, you are not only transforming your look but also your aura (du jour). Allow me to demonstrate. Equation: your favourite pair of jeans plus white cotton tank top P many possibilities.

Put on sandals and a delicate multi-coloured necklace and voila, sweet girl-next door. Behind door number two: a pair of killer heels plus as many bangles as you want plus your favourite hoop or dangling earrings P urban chic. I could go on and on with the permutations but I am sure you get the point:

You become what you garnish yourself with. The even better news is that the big, and ridiculously expensive, jewelery houses no longer have the monopoly on unique, eye-catching pieces.

You are just as likely to stumble upon that “wearable art-piece” in a flea market as in those snooty places in Bond street. And if you, like me, do your best shopping at home (that is, curled up on the couch with a nice glass of red wine and state of the art wireless technology), online accessory-shopping doesn’t pose the same problems that besiege clothes or shoes because well, they will always be the right size.

There is sure to be a piece that fits any occasion, mood or any personality you dare to become. And with affordable prices,buying  accessories (unlike handbags) do not entail having to starve oneself after the purchase.

So remember people, why minimize when you can accessorize?

By F. Lamontagne

03/31/2008 (8:42 am)

Jewelry Symbols of Hope

Filed under: Latest News

By definition, hope is a feeling of want or desire to get something, do something or for something to happen. For most people, this word has a very individual meaning. For instance, someone may have hope in earning a college degree, starting a family or simply finding happiness. Whatever the term means to you, it’s a wonderful way to live every day with hope in your heart. If you are looking to add this special sentiment to your jewelry collection, there are a number of symbols and/or styles that you can wear and enjoy.

Many of us love gemstones and appreciate the color that they add to our jewelry collection, but what we may not always realize is that every gem has its own special meaning. Pink Tourmaline, for instance, is the gemstone of hope. This bright, medium-ink stone is considered to be rare and is highly sought after in the world of jewelry.

When it comes to hope, many people look toward their religion for comfort. Cross jewelry, for example, can provide wearers with a great sense of hope. A prayer box, typically worn as a pendant or bracelet charm, is a small box that features a hinged lid. Many wearers enjoy placing a handwritten prayer inside, or possibly penned words of encouragement.

A dove may a small bird, but its symbolism is very significant. Many newlyweds release doves at their wedding, which can signify happiness and hope. The image of a dove in a jewelry accessory may provide the wearer with a sense of possibility or a new beginning.

To many, the symbol of an angel is reminiscent of a guardian, a protector and a symbol of hope. For those who choose to wear the image of an angel in their jewelry, they often feel comforted. As one of the most popular symbols in jewelry, the angel design is easily found in various pendant or charm styles.

If you still aren’t sure which symbol best describes your definition of hope, think of something that you wish for. If you hope for sunnier days in your future, consider jewelry with a sun motif.

If you’re reaching for a goal, perhaps the image of a star would suit you well. If you are hoping for a little better luck in the coming year, perhaps the image of a clover,horseshoe, ladybug or an elephant would be your jewelry of choice.

In conclusion, the jewelry that you wear may or may not be anything more than a fashion statement. When one design goes out of style, another is sure to take its place. With so many trends on the forefront of fashion, it’s often impossible to know what’s ‘hot’ and what’s ‘not’ on any given day.

When choosing the pieces that you wear, however, it’s worth noting that symbols of hope are timeless. A jewelry accessory that gives you hope or reminds you to never give up on the things that mean the most will far outlast the trends of today or tomorrow.            By Melanie Spark

03/26/2008 (11:22 am)

Wedding Ring

Filed under: Latest News

Although a great deal of planning is involved when a couple marry, it is the choice of wedding rings that is the most significant; this is something a couple will do alone as it should be a special time. While it may seem only a minor matter, this could not be further from the truth; rings should represent the way two people feel for each other. Quality jewelers are not always easy to find and those that specialize in wedding rings are even harder; whilst a shopping mall may be the favored destination it is unlikely this is the best place to try.

Although you will undoubtedly find you can buy this type of ring in a mall jewelers; they may not have the range or the quality of a specialist. When choosing, you will want a ring for the bride that will complement the engagement ring she is already wearing.

Remember the wedding ring should not be excessively elaborate, or overshadow the engagement ring; some jewelers are able to provide rings that were designed to match. Alternatively you will just need to spend time trying new wedding bands until you find one that matches the engagement ring.

Metals most often used are, Silver, White Gold, Yellow Gold and Titanium. Lately, platinum has become the ring of choice, especially for men that are looking for something more durable. Choosing a ring that is made of durable material is especially important for the groom’s ring and platinum is an ideal choice. Men can be harder on rings; especially those with jobs that include manual labor so be sure the rings you choose will last and look beautiful for years to come.

A simple but necessary part of the process is to check finger size so the wedding rings fits correctly; this ensures there won’t be a problem fitting the rings on the wedding day. Neither ring should be so tight that they require lubrication to put them on or take them off; just as in the same way they can be so loose they can be easily lost.

The jeweler should be given plenty of time to complete this task because there may be others he is adjusting rings for; make certain that you give plenty of time before your wedding day for both choosing and for adjustments to be made. With so many wedding band designs available today, picking the right one is not a fast process; this will certainly take longer than you expect and another reason not to delay.

Wearing a wedding ring should make you feel content that you have this commitment to another person; perhaps this is why they are used in so many cultures around the world.                                                             By Maria Mbura

03/21/2008 (1:41 pm)

Pearl Jewelry Always Popular

Filed under: Latest News

Pearl jewelry has always been very popular and it continues to be today. In the past, pearls were saved for those very special occasions, but today they are worn to the office, with jeans, and just about any time a woman wants to feel beautiful. There is a variety of pearl jewelry out there including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and pieces for your hair. When it comes to pearls, there truly is something for everyone.

There are many different types of pearls on the market today that all offer something just a little bit different in size, shape, color, and luster. When you begin shopping for pearls you may be surprised at just how many options you have. Many women have a hard time choosing just one thing because there are more options than she had ever imagined there would be!

While it can be overwhelming, the options are great. The most commonly found pearls are the freshwater pearls. These are generally the white or cream-colored pearls that we all envision when we talk about pearl jewelry. You can find that these pearls are used in a variety of jewelry pieces and often offer the traditional styles and looks that we are after when shopping for this type of jewelry. Most jewelry stores offer a wealth of freshwater pearl jewelry.

Freshwater pearls come in a lot of different sizes and even shapes, allowing each consumer to get exactly what they are looking for. A lot of people also like these pearls because they are the most affordable when you compare them to the black and other colored pearls that are out there. While they are more affordable, they are still very beautiful. With time pearls have become easier to get but no less desirable.

The most classic piece of pearl jewelry is the pearl necklace. Women have been wearing pearl necklaces for centuries and they have always been a prized possession. A lot of the value of the pearl necklace in the past had to do with the fact that the pearls were wild caught, but today the pearl necklace is just as loved by its owners as it once was, the only difference is that they are easier to come by.                                           By Kheri Chawla

03/18/2008 (11:30 pm)

How to Match Jewelry with Your Dream Wedding Dress

Filed under: Latest News

How to choose your dream wedding dress after the last search is over. What about the jewelery and the tiara to match it?Maybe you’ve never worn a tiara before and do you need a necklace, bracelet, earrings to go with it as well?

Usually the most important planning is for the dress and then the jewelery is chosen to go with it. Only occasionally as a jeweler have I met brides who have chosen their jewelery and then embarked on a search for a dress.

So here is a general guide to buying your wedding jewelery. Of course all these guides and rules can be broken - if it feels right for you, then that’s all right.

The necklace is usually the easiest to decide on because you will already know what sort of thing you like. If the design of the dress is very elaborate, then choose a simple necklace and let the shape of the necklace follow the neckline. For instance, a “v” shaped dress looks good with a necklace. A gentle scooped neckline looks good with a round shaped necklace.

An off-the-shoulder dress can look stunning with a choker or collar necklace. If the dress is more plain in style then the more elaborate the necklace can be. In this case, a matching bracelet or drop earrings can also complement the outfit. Brides with long necks can wear an elaborate necklace and long drop earrings very well. With a shorter neck, it’s best to wear necklaces a bit lower.

The tiara is the hardest to decide on. It’s not something you can wear every day as you can with the necklace, earrings and bracelet. It’s a good idea to try on as many tiaras as you can and see what suits the shape of your face. When you begin trying them on you may be surprised to discover that what you had been certain about, isn’t right for you. Generally, tall curvy girls can look really good in a bold, large tiara and can take a tiara of 3 inches or 7 cms high. Smaller girls look best in a more dainty tiara with a height of up to 1.5 inches or 3 cms.

Many ladies worry about how to wear a tiara, thinking there are definite rules - but there aren’t : it just depends how it looks. Most tiaras are malleable to some extent so don’t be afraid to adjust the base so that it fits more comfortably. Do you wear the tiara at the front or the back of your head? Again that’s up to you - and possibly your hairdresser to decide -but they can be held in place with a small hole in the back or even with a pair of plastic combs attached at the back.

If your tiara is very bold or elaborate choose a simple necklace or even omit the necklace and keep the earrings to a simple stud. This will ensure that the focal points of your dress look just right. If the necklace is highly elaborate, then perhaps a flower or comb at the back or the side of the head rather than a tiara keeps the balance just right.

Finally, remember this is just a general guide and once again, rules can be broken - because once you look in the mirror and smile, you know it’s right!

By John Cartman

03/15/2008 (10:21 am)

Pearl Bracelets

Filed under: Latest News

The pearls can be ordinary or refined and the freshwater pearls are in huge requirement these days for the cause that not together from the usual white dye, there are additional colors like red, rose, the blue, the cream, the color the violet, the yellow, the golden, the silver etc. They also move toward in a group of shape like drop, the egg shaped, the round, the pears etc.

With so a lot of colors and diversity of shape, these freshwater pearls are fetching a real treasure for woman who worth taste and style. Pearl jewels are geared up in diverse designs and method with freshwater pearls every now and then mixed with other gems too. a number of of the styles of bracelets are sequence and association, in which the pearls are alienated with gray cable chain or gold, elastic bracelets where pearls are matching with bullion beads with the assistance of stretchable nylon. Then a bangle method of bangle, which is of many strands of pearl of identical or dissimilar colors tied in single silver clasp and fastening style is the bracelet with pearls with a clasp at the conclusion to grasp the bangle so that it holds on your wrist.

Pearl bracelets can be shopped online in addition and you will come across group of online stores and you have to investigate and discover out the most excellent well-matched for you. You should also have a good quality information of pearls previous to opting to pay money for online. In fact many of the online supplies have websites which present abundance of information on pearls. To keep away from scratching, pearl jewels should be reserved separately.

Because of their unusual attractiveness, the pearls are a much loved for jewelry. Their wonderful colors and shapes are more than ever set off in gem bracelets, and as such, pearl jewels are a much loved among women, and even a small number of men, alike.

Natural pearl for pearl jewels are deemed uncommon, and reasonably luxurious. Pearl bracelets with normal pearl are tough to come by - the majority pearl jewels sold are those prepared of cultured pearls.

Pearls for pearl ornaments can also be sea water or freshwater - it depends on wherever the natural of refined gem originated. Their shapes also classify pearls you will become aware of that no two pearl bracelets are accurately similar.

This, in itself, gives a impression of individuality and, for that reason, value. The option of pearls does, for that reason, necessitate a number of consideration as the ended result may, or may not, be to your personal taste and preference.

by Dave Text

03/14/2008 (11:28 pm)

Costume Jewelry Wearing Style

Filed under: Latest News

People have always found pleasure in adorning themselves with costume jewelry and; when it comes to fashion and style, the search for a particular piece of jewelry that will complement a particular wardrobe is, in most cases, all-consuming.

In the past, and also in this day and age, not only was jewelry worn to enhance a woman’s beauty, but in most cases it also showed their wealth. And, not only did they want to adorn themselves to heighten their looks, as a lot of pieces are also very attractively feminine, or for social status, it was also believed costume jewelry could ward off certain evils.

A person did not necessarily have to be superstitious to believe in evil spirits, but just knowing that a beautiful piece of jewelry would probably protect them in a way made that piece of jewelry even more attractive.

Costume jewelry of any kind is appealing because of its beauty and the reflection it has for the fashion time period it was, or is, produced in as some new designs were produced for every season. The ever-changing fashions in clothing prompted the abundance of different styles of costume jewelry and as time passed, costume jewelry became more and more affordable for the not so affluent wearer. In some cases, costume jewelry could look as good as the real thing and no one, but the owner, need to be the wiser.

As time passed, fashionable jewelry became more and more pretentious and quite desirable especially for the rich who could well afford to own several pieces, even going into a little more expensive jewel. Most costume jewelry is truly appreciated more for adorning the wearer than for its monetary value; therefore, even a person not having the means to afford expensive pieces can wear jewelry that looks every bit as good as the person who can afford expensive jewelry.

Because it is often produced in large quantities, most costume jewelry is very affordable. Also, since the workmanship and materials are usually as good or even better than precious jewelry, a collector can well afford to own several pieces.

A person’s own wearing apparel will dictate a jewelry collection but costume jewelry is fragile and must be carefully looked after. If a piece needs repair, it should be taken to a jewelry specialist but to do so is quite expensive. The owner should take into account the original cost of the jewelry and if it is worth repairing it or just replacing it.

Finally, in this day and age, women have a large selection of fashions that are constantly changing in style and quality and which are mass produced. Because of this mass production, to personalize the outfit, the best way was to accessorize with costume jewelry. The designs of costume jewelry are as vast as the designers, the creators and the desire of the jewelry lover and collector and most of this is accomplished without a thought of the cost, especially for a most sought-after piece of jewelry.                                                By Irene Harriman

03/12/2008 (10:03 am)

Pearl Necklace Types

Filed under: Latest News

Pearl necklaces are always trendy. They are classic, elegant and versatile pieces of jewelry. They re commonly used for wedding gifts, since it is also the birthstone of people who were born in June. They possess a mystical and lasting appeal that has been adored for thousands of years.

Now, making the choice of which kind of pearl necklace to wear would depend on the age, neck size and body type of the person who will be wearing it. Generally, longer necklace elongate the neck unlike shorter necklaces, which actually flatter long necks. Here are a couple of the different lengths for pearl necklaces.

1. Collar

This kind of pearl necklace is usually 10 to 13 inches in length and could be for casual wear or formal wear. They are worn high on the person’s neck, above the base.

2. Choker

This pearl necklace is around 16 to 18 inches in length and they surround the neck’s base. This would be an ideal choice for those ladies who have long and thin necks as they take away the attention from the length of the throat.

3. Princess

This pearl necklace is around 17 to 20 inches in length. This is the most common and popular length, which are classic pieces of jewelry that could match whatever neckline or outfit.

4. Matinee

This pearl necklace is around 20 to 24 inches. They are great to be worn with business suits, dresses and other kinds of corporate wear. They are also good accessories for semi-formal wear.

5. Opera

This pearl necklace is around 28 to 34 inches in length. They are usually worn for formal gatherings and events. Because this kind of pearl necklace is long, it could be doubled so that two strands.

6. Rope

This would be the longest of the pearl necklaces, which start at a length of 37 inches. They are best worn with pantsuits.
By Bill Pratt

03/08/2008 (10:01 am)

Buy Jewelry and Gemstones Must Know

Filed under: Latest News

Asking the critical questions is crucial to getting the right jewelry at the right price. If you’re comparison shopping for gemstones or jewelry, there are a few key questions you should ask of every jeweler and about every piece before you buy. In this article, we cover them all.

Remember, a reputable jeweler should be able to answer all these questions and include their answers on your item’s bill of sale. Always have all gems’ statistics verified by an independent retailer.

Keep reading to learn what to ask before you buy your next piece of jewelry:

1. Is this a natural stone or a synthetic stone?

Remember, synthetic stones can legally be described as “genuine,” so don’t get confused. Natural stones are mined naturally and develop with little human intervention. Synthetic stones are typically grown or “enhanced” with chemicals.

2. Is the color all natural?

Some gemstones can be enhanced with dyes, heat treatments, radiation, oils or colored waxes. Before you buy, ask if the color has been enhanced. Be sure to protect yourself against buying dyed pieces that won’t retain their colorful brilliance over a long period.

3. What is this stone exactly, and what does the name mean?

Always be sure you understand the name of a particular stone. For example, “Rio Topaz” is a gemstone, but it’s not topaz. Always ask specifically what a stone’s name means and whether it is natural, genuine or synthetic.

4. Is the clarity acceptable? Do the inclusions devalue the stone or affect its durability?

Because too many inclusions or flaws can actually affect the durability of your stone, it’s important to ask your jeweler to be up front about the effect a particular diamond or stone’s inclusions will have on your purchase. Ask him or her to write this answer out on paper and bring it with you to your independent appraisal.

5. Do you like the color? Is it too dark or light?

Color is often a personal preference, but asking your jeweler’s opinion can give you an indication of how a particular stone’s color can affect its value.

6. Will the color stay permanently?

Because some color enhancement methods are temporary, it’s important to ask if a stone’s color will fade over time. Even with natural stones like amethyst and kunzite, fading is possible.

7. Does this stone need a special, protective setting?

Some less durable stones, like emerald or opal, require a protective setting designed to keep the stone safe in case it’s banged or hit. These types of stones ought not be set up in a vulnerable or unprotected casing.

By Jared Adams

03/04/2008 (11:11 am)

What to Expect From A Jewelry Store

Filed under: Latest News

The five most important things to expect from a jewelry store when hunting for your next piece of ornament. The idea that buying jewelry is an investment that you make for yourself or for others. Here are the 5 important things to expect from a jewelry store:

Service -

Service includes: from store presentation to how the “expert” treats you. The person behind the counter should be able to give you a sense of trust. Buying jewelry is something to take seriously, not only when buying the ring you already saw once before or even when starting to look for the perfect jewelry from the very beginning.

Before going to a jewelry store or browsing on jewelry stores online, one should always have an idea of what you are looking for, be it a ring, necklace or pendant.

Knowledge -

“Once you are in front of a person that is taking care of you at the jewelry store, you will have a very short time on making your decision”. That was what a friend told me once when I was going shopping for jewelry a few years ago. I am the kind of person that shops very, very fast, doesn’t matter what it is. But really, shopping for jewelry means that you are “investing” on a gift or on a personal treat. Take you time, ask questions, if you didn’t do your research before launching yourself to the jewelry store. Ask questions until you feel comfortable with what you are buying.

Quality and Store Popularity -

Always ask yourself, is this store certified? Will it be here next time to fix my bracelet if something happens to it? Believe it or not, many of us try to get stuff cheap by visiting “the corner jewelry store”. Granted! You got your fabulous white and yellow gold dolphin pendant… and at a really cheap price. WOW!

Suddenly you notice that you dolphin’s skin starts pealing off, the white and yellow gold is turning to a pale white or even rusty. Oh no! it is fantasy. You go back to the store and they don’t have a quality policy or worst… they are just not there.

Find a store that you heard about before. You will feel better purchasing your jewelry and will have a peace of mind.

Value -

Value is a very important point when purchasing jewelry. There are a few factors that need to be considered when finding the value of jewelry. What kind of jewelry are you buying? Pearls, diamonds, gold, silver, any other metals? My advise on this, other than doing your research before going out to purchase your jewelry, like I wrote before… ask questions related to the piece of jewelry you are considering.

Selection -

A good jewelry store should have a wide selection of jewelry to choose from including jewelry collections, jewelry sets, matching sets, colors, gems, pearls, diamonds, gold, silver, titanium, platinum, tungsten and more and more types of jewelry.

There are some materials used for making jewelry that are still being introduced to the public such as tungsten carbide and timascus, so there will be some jewelry stores that probably won’t carry them at this time.

As a conclusion, I believe that the more you educate yourself on buying jewelry, the more you will enjoy your purchase. Keep high expectations when visiting a jewelry store online or at the physical location. Always ask questions, the answers may lead you to making a better decision on your purchase. Pay attention to details related to the jewelry store, the jeweler, and the jewelry you are contemplating at that moment.

No matter what your final decision is, you should always feel comfortable and happy at the end of your journey.
By Veronica Escobar

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