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To the un-trained eye, much of the handmade jewelry available for sale on the internet, in boutiques and at craft fairs may look to be essentially the same. However, this is not the case. Jewelry designers have a myriad of choices when creating their pieces. It is important to be aware of the different materials that may be used and how they compare; both in quality and in price.

Metals

The most common metals found in handmade jewelry are some form of silver or gold. Most jewelry buyers, however, are unaware of the differences between materials that bear similar names.

Fine Silver

Fine silver is the purest form of silver that is commonly used in jewelry. It is 99% pure silver. As well as being more costly, fine silver is softer than sterling, and will not tarnish.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is the most common form of silver used in handmade jewelry in the United States. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, the rest is a combination of other metals including nickel and copper. This makes sterling more affordable, but it also makes the jewelry more likely to tarnish.

Silver Plate

Silver plate is a very, very thin layer of silver over a base metal, commonly brass. Over time, the silver plating will wear off and reveal the duller metal below.

Karat Gold

This is what most people think of as gold. The higher the karat number, the purer and more valuable the gold. Common variations are 10, 14, 18, 22 and 24 karat gold. As the karat number increases, so does the bright yellow color of the gold and the softness. Gold is also available in white and rose colors.

Vermeil

This material is actually gold-plated sterling silver. Many people prefer vermeil because it is a more affordable option than pure gold, but is still entirely made of precious metal. Most vermeil is plated with high-karat gold, and has a bright yellow color.

Gold Filled

Gold filled beads, wire and chain are made by applying a coating of gold to a base metal core. It is also called rolled gold. Unlike plating, this layer is quite thick and is very unlikely to rub off in the life of the jewelry. It is an affordable and durable alternative to karat gold. Most gold filled components are made with 14 karat gold.

Gold Plate

Like silver plate, gold plate is made by covering a base metal with a very thin layer of real gold. The layer of gold is likely to rub of, generally within several years of purchase, depending on how often the piece is worn, and what it is subjected to. While plating offers a very affordable option for trendy jewelry, it is not a good choice for jewelry that is intended to be worn often, or to become a family heirloom.

Gemstones

There are many varieties of natural, synthetic, and enhanced gemstones available to jewelry designers today. Although most people have no idea about the vast range of possibilities there are when buying gemstones, it is very important to be aware of the differences when buying handcrafted jewelry.

Dyeing Gemstones

Dyeing gemstones is not necessarily a bad thing. It can bring life to otherwise dull materials. Be aware that jewelry made with dyed stones may bleed color if it gets wet. This may be avoided if the designer rinses the beads before using them in finished pieces.

Many quartzes, including garnet, amethyst and rose quartz are commonly dyed to enhance their natural color. Howlite and malaysian jade (not really jade) are also often dyed in very bright hues of purples, pinks and blues.

Chalcedony is another stone that is often dyed into brighter shades. It is important to be aware that some dyed chalcedony will fade over time. To avoid fading, do not store your chalcedony jewelry in direct sunlight.

Freshwater pearls are commonly dyed as well, but do not seem to have a problem with fading or bleeding their color.

Enhancing Gemstones

Enhancing gemstones is the process of treating them either with chemicals, heat or pressure to increase their value or durability. Smoky quartz is commonly enhanced to improve its color. Turquoise is often stabilized, or impregnated with a resin substance to make it harder and less absorbent of water and oils which may damage it.

Synthetic Gemstones

This is where it’s most important to know exactly what you’re buying. Many natural gemstones have very convincing synthetic counterparts. Some common ones are turquoise, jade, coral, and many types of quartz.

The synthetic quartzes, actually made of glass, are now found in a rainbow of colors and a wide variety of names. When these synthetic quartzes were first introduced to the United States by overseas manufacturers, they fooled some very experienced bead retailers and jewelry designers. Common varieties of synthetic quartz are tanzanite quartz, amethyst quartz, lilac quartz, and “fruity” quartzes. These include strawberry, cherry, blueberry and pineapple.

Synthetic gemstone beads can be gorgeous and affordable additions to a designer’s palette. Some very lovely variations include opalite and goldstone.

Putting it all Together

It is always a good idea to ask the designer direct questions about the materials used in his or her designs if you are at all concerned about authenticity or quality. Most designers will greatly appreciate your interest and happily answer your questions.

All of the choices can be overwhelming, but this shouldn’t deter you from buying handcrafted jewelry. A design created by an artist is unique and special. Armed with your new knowledge, you’ll be able to find the perfect piece of jewelry that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Georgia Hadley is a jewelry designer, writer, and small business owner who lives in rural Vermont. In addition to her own business, Adorneya Jewelry (http://www.adorneya.com), she is also a founding editor of Craft Revolution (http://www.craftrevolution.com), a website dedicated to promoting mainstream awareness of independent designers and their products as desirable alternatives to big-box stores.

Do you know how the tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand started? The ancient Egyptians started this tradition symbolizing undying love as they believe the love vein Vena Amoris ran directly from this finger to the heart. Later in AD 860 the Pope Nicolas I made this practice of wearing gold engagement ring official.

Here are some engagement ring ideas.

You want to be unique. Consider getting a colored diamond. They are rarer than white diamonds. In fact, only one in 10,000 diamonds is a colored one. The colors range from yellow, pink and blue. Remember Jennifer Lopez’s infamous pink diamond engagement ring ? A pink diamond ring is extremely rare and very expensive with prices starting from more than a hundred thousand. Yellow diamond is more common than the other colors and is definitely more attainable for a well to do couple. Generally, colored diamonds cost 25 to 50% more than white diamonds. In either case, choose a quality diamond by looking at the 4Cs.

Couples are also opting for bigger diamonds. The traditional one carat engagement ring has been superseded by 3 to 5 carat diamonds.

There are many new ideas for engagement rings. You can choose new diamond settings too. I understand round diamond is the most popular followed by the princess cut. The bezel setting is now very popular . Instead of the diamond being elevated, it is surrounded by metal. How about a tension set diamond engagement ring? The diamond seems to float and is actually held on its edges. It looks very cool.

Three stone rings are also hot now, the bigger center diamond is accented on both sides by smaller stones of the same shape. Guy Ritchie and Madonna,Phil Bronstein and Sharon Stone are two of the hottest Hollywood couples currently sporting them.

If you really want to be unique, consider antique diamond or heirloom diamond jewelry where the cutting was actually done manually by craftsman. You can then take out the old setting and place the diamond in a new modern setting. Alternatively, you can also consider getting a new diamond to be placed in your old setting thus making it unique.

The choice of metal is also important. Platinum is sought after for its hypoallergenic properties. It is stronger and heavier than gold and will remain tarnish free forever compared to gold. Other innovative use of metal include two toned rings and even rings that combine three metals.

If you want different gemstone, consider alternative gemstones like Sapphires, rubies and emeralds.

If money is an issue, consider getting a gemstone that looks like the real thing such as Cubic zirconia or moissanite. Moissanite rates an impressive 9.25 on the Mohs scale ( a diamond is a perfect 10) which is harder than emeralds and rubies.A one-carat moissanite cost about $500 while a diamond of the same size may set you back by $6,000. You can always upgrade to a diamond ring on your next wedding anniversary.

Buying a diamond? Check out the diamond prices at http://www.alljewelry.info/diamond-prices.php to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Here is where you can get Three stone diamond rings

Considering all of the possible chances for scams concerning diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unimaginable! Even so, you absolutely can acquire diamonds online, with no problems as long as you are careful. First, consider your reasons for wanting to buy the diamond online, contrary to making a purchase from a local jewelry outlet. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer reduced prices. However, you should be wary, because sometimes a price that is too low is a possible indication of a scam.

One of the excellent things about purchasing diamonds online is the unconstrained selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the choices in the stores in your general location. Online, there are no such limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and attentiveness prior to handing your cash over to someone that you cannot see and have never met in person.

Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds - specifically cut, clarity, color and carat weight. When you know more about diamonds, it will be that much more difficult for an unscrupulous merchant to rip you off. When you know significantly more about diamonds, you will then be prepared to start shopping in earnest.

Take your time. Don’t purchase the first diamond you see that interests you. Instead, look for diamonds that are very similar but are priced lower. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you have found the best price, start your investigation. Now you know about diamonds, you’ve found a diamond that you love, and you’ve found the lowest price… but you are still quite a ways from actually purchasing that new diamond or piece of jewelry.

Ask about the seller’s credentials. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Be sure to check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints lodged against them. You’ll want to know any professional jeweler associations they belong to. View and print the seller’s return and refund policy, as well as their upgrade policy. Also, inquire about additional services, such as providing settings and mountings, sizing rings, and free shipping. Ask for a diamond grading report from an independent laboratory, such as GIA, EGL, or AGS. These are organizations that are respected around the world in the gem industry. You need to see this before making a jewelry purchase that includes diamonds, such as diamond engagement rings.

Lastly, use a trustworthy escrow service for high-priced diamonds and diamond jewelry - preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their keeping. The merchant sends the gem to the escrow company, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond independently appraised, sends the diamond to you, and forwards the money you’ve paid to the seller. This is the surest way to shield yourself. Again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service that you’ve also vetted for security and excellent business practices.

I hope you have gotten some good ideas from this article and that you are able to use them in preparation for your upcoming diamond purchase. Remember, always investigate the diamond merchant’s credentials and any complaints filed with the local Better Business Bureau. If you still have a nagging little voice telling you something’s wrong, you should move on and check out another seller.

© John Schwartz (all rights reserved)

John Schwartz is an experienced diamond buyer, a professional freelance writer, and website publisher. For more information and tips on diamond rings and related jewelry, visit his site at http://www.diamond-rings-1.com today.

Bracelets – Fashionable and affordable attractions and various bracelet types.

Bracelets are an inexpensive way to impress the right people.

We have Friendship bracelets, Family bracelets, donation bracelets, sex bracelets and many more. With companies like Lance Armstrong and Nike jumping in there, is going to be a lot more coming.

What are bracelets?

Bracelets are ornaments worn around wrists or upper arm. These are often called armlets when worn above elbow.

Bracelets have been used since a very long time but the style has definitely changed considerably.

Indian civilization has recorded wearing bracelets since 6th century.

Bracelets can be made using a variety of articles.

Cloth
Metal
Rocks
Wood
Shells
Stainless steel is commonly used.
Nike and Lance Armstrong Companies use silicon now.

Also they are used for medical and identification purposes.
Here is how—
Patients with allergies, diabetes or who has a previous history of heart illness wear bracelets. Identifying these patients can be tough under emergencies and these bracelets can be extremely useful in saving a patients life sometimes.

Bracelets are more famous than wristbands and bangles and necklaces.

They can be made at home and commercially they are available for cheap.

Friendship bracelets are more famous among children and teens. They are given as a symbol of friendship. Usually embroidery threads or wool are used. By tradition they are not to removed voluntarily as any intentional removal will mean end of friendship.
They have to fall off naturally.

Another type of bracelets that are becoming popular are sex bracelets.
Various types are coming in everyday and they convey different messages from romance to sex.

Ankle bracelets have been and are used in courts for prisoners. They have been used on ankles of certain criminals on probation especially in the Pima county Superior court.

Susan Smith is very passionate about bracelets. She shares her tips on bracelets at
www.braceletsworldonline.com

Also visit
www.teddy-bears-world.com
www.ceramic-tile-resources.com

A necklace is the jewelry consisting of a cord or chain, often bearing gems worn round the neck as an ornament. It’s especially the women jewelry. A glow necklace is one of the wearable glow products. It is a neck ornament that glows in darkness.

A glow necklace is an important part of the trendy glow jewelry in rave culture. It’s made of sheer flexible plastic or any other such material. The voguish people regularly attending the rave parties usually wear the glow necklaces.

The rave culture is an extremely popular epicurean culture of Europe, Canada and America. The rave bashes are the dance parties that last all night featuring dance and electronically synthesized rave music. The rave bashes have earned a great ill fame because of the alcoholism and drugism involved in them.
There are many colloquial expressions used for different types of ravers. A ‘baby raver’ or a ‘newbie’ is someone new to raving and the hardcore ravers are called ‘pure ravers’ or ‘true ravers’ or ‘partykids’.

The glow necklaces are highly in vogue among the female young ravers commonly dubbed as Club kids, Candy kids or Candy ravers. The young raver girls wear bright, flashy, gaudy clothes such as the t-shirts featuring cartoon characters, and do child-like fashions, such as, carrying glow sticks, blowing flashy whistles and wearing glow bracelets, glow necklaces, glow earrings, glow glasses, glow gloves etc.

The glow jewelry including glow bracelet, glow necklace, glow earrings, is the important part of glowsticking, a light-oriented dance.

The glow necklaces are available in mickle of styles, ranging from single color, bicolor to multicolor glow necklaces. The flashing star necklaces are brilliant and glow pendant necklaces are splendid. The glow necklaces can be ordered or purchased online also.

About Author: The author owns the website on Glow Necklaces, a comprehensive guide on glow necklaces, offering volumes of info and tips on buying glow necklaces, cheap glow necklaces, best glow necklaces etc. For more info click here

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 10 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.

Author: 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.

Rare metals and gemstones together with a pleasant design and quality crafting are the best ingredients for the creation of the perfect piece of jewellery. Every beautiful precious stone can become a beautiful jewel if crafted right.
If you want to create a custom designed jewel, so that you can choose the metal and the gemstone that make the perfect piece of jewellery for you, you should take some things into consideration.

First of all, ask for an expert gemologist’s advice in this matter. He can share precious tips and tricks with you and most important he can help you evaluate the stone’s value and authenticity, because these days the market is full of stones that claim to be genuine but in fact don’t worth anything. It would be perfect if the expert knows you as a friend, and he knows your tastes, because this will help him choose and design the jewellery that fits you best.

Make sure that the stone that you have chosen will be complementary to the jewel’s design. The form and color of the metallic part must be attuned with the gemstone.
Some people prefer to incorporate, instead of a precious stone, a picture of their loved one. Pictures are usually incorporated in pendants or brooches.

If you really want your custom-designed gemstone to be very special you can purchase one of the rarest stones available on the market, like a violet sapphire for example, which is only found in a few rare places in Tanzania. There are many gemstones available, so there are many colors and textures that you can choose from. Do not rush, make sure that you look at a large number of stones for your jewellery, because there are infinite possibilities in front of you when creating custom jewellery. Invest plenty of time in the search for the stone and design, because this search will be rewarded with a perfect jewel for you! If you want to order a custom piece of jewellery as a present for your significant other’s birthday for example, start searching at least a month before the birthday.

Nowadays custom bracelets are very fashionable. They can be found in many shops. A custom bracelet is a special bracelet that has your own name imprinted on it. They are perfect at familiar birthday parties as a reminder from the person who organized the party.
Custom bracelets are also used by charitable organizations in order to increase the popularity of their events. Between the letters that spell your nme various stones can be placed, making some of the custom bracelets very beautiful and full of taste, they can even be considered artistic.

You may consider antique, or even other culture’s jewels a source of inspiration for your custom design.
If everything will work as it should, you will have a lasting piece of jewellery of great emotional value and beauty.