Jewelry In Ancient Rome

Jewelry (joias) is a fascinating fashion accessory that has been popular from ancient times. It has played a variety of roles including political, religious and ornamental, and jewelry artefacts have helped modern historians shape pictures of the daily lives of ancient civilisations.

Jewelry in ancient Rome is no exception. There are literary accounts and pictorial depiction such as in the Regina tombstone, plus an abundance of other artefacts available that help us to understand the role jewelry played during this fascinating time.

Jewelry (joias) was worn by men and women though it was subject to conventions of the time; particularly with regards to the appearance of men. Male jewelry was typically practical in nature. Men usually wore a single ring. The ring would serve a functional purpose. Typically a signet ring, the male jewelry item was used to seal official documentation. The male signet ring was initially iron but was later produced in gold as it displayed status and wealth more clearly.

Other practical uses of the signet ring included the inlay being a type of key for a strong box. Literary evidence suggests that propriety regarding male jewelry (joias) was ignored by a minority of fashion fanatics, as with any other social group. Trends and attitudes also changed from the time of Emperor Augustus. The emperors were established with official state clothing during his reign which included jewelry as a display of status and power.

Jewelry also had a protective function in ancient Rome. Boys wore an item of jewelry known as a bullah. This was worn from being a baby. It was worn around the neck and was a form of chain with a pouch which contained an amulet. This was a jewelry item worn by most classes, but the rich upper class had bullahs made of gold. The amulet was often phallic in design, as boys were considered to be the stronger species and so needed protection. Another jewelry (joias) item worn by boys was a small gold ring which was again carved with a phallus for good luck

With regards to women, jewelry (joias) was first and foremost a display of wealth and status. Women had no obvious status distinction through their dress like Roman men. Therefore, hairstyles and jewelry were the only distinction possible. The importance of jewelry to the status of women is apparent through certain historical events. When the Oppian law was passed in 195BC curbing the use of jewelry and suggesting it be handed over for war materials, women demonstrated against this in the streets. During the campaigns of Marcus Curellius, women chose to donate their jewelry (joias) to get enough gold to send a huge gold vase as an offering to Delphi. Their behaviour was rewarded with speeches at funerals which had previously been only for men.

The type and amount of jewelry worn by women varied, but the richest women were the most flamboyant in terms of amount and style. Amber jewelry (joias) was only worn by lower class women and was thought vulgar by the wealthy who favoured gold jewelry. Other items used to make jewelry include pearls, coloured glass beads and polished stones. These would be inset in gold and would vary in size and style, depending upon status. It was possible to tell a lot about a woman in ancient rome by the jewelry she wore.

The types of jewelry worn include necklaces with adornments such as pendants, amulets. Fibula which are similar to safety pins were used as fasteners and so were often adorned to make them a piece of jewelry that was both function and beautiful. Earrings were popular and came in both hoop and drop styles. Rings were usually inset with stones or carvings.

Particularly popular jewelry (joias) items were engraved gems which were referred to as intaglio. These were gems such as carnelian, jasper and chalcedony that had a sunken or engraved image, created with the use of wheels and drills.

Tomb jewelry findings suggest that bracelets were usually worn in pairs with one on each arm. Some tombs have revealed up to 7 items of jewelry on each arm which shows how the conventions for men and women differed. Even gold thread hairnets have been discovered.

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About the Author
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/joias.php Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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How Jewelry Can Help With Charity

Jewelry (joias) is a common fashion item, worn by men, women and children alike regardless of social status. It is used for adornment and as a show of wealth or position around the globe. It is produced in thousands of tonnes every year, ranging from simple beaded jewelry to expensive and intricate gold pieces. It makes a statement about the wearer, and was as much a part of society in ancient times as it is in modern living.

However, recent trends towards the environment and economical situations worldwide have enabled jewelry (joias) to be used in a much more important way than mere investment or adornment. It is now being used to assist good causes and aid charities with funding.

The concept of charity is long established in the fashion industry, and now there is an influx of similar events around jewelry design, manufacture and production. Charity jewelry (joias) is a fantastic choice for many reasons. The obvious reason is that it raises money for a good cause. However, on another note it is often designed by famous designers at a fraction of the cost. It is often limited edition or unique in design, with each piece being hand made. It is a beautiful gift but has the added value of aiding a good cause. In time, the piece will become collectable.

One way in which jewelry (joias) is helping good causes is through charity events such as fashion shows. These fundraiser shows support specific causes with a donation of sales going to the named charity. Other features include famous designers providing designs for free to attract interest, or other famous names donating pieces to jewelry auctions with the funds donated.

Awareness jewelry is also a popular approach, with all major charities such as cancer research selling pin badges, ribbons and charity bands for small donations.

Another way in which jewelry (joias) is helping charities is through non profit charity organisations. These organisations encourage communities in need of financial assistance to create jewelry based on attainable natural resources including seeds, wood and semi precious stones such as jade. This enables communities in need to raise money which can be invested in areas that require urgent funding.

One such example is uniteforsight.org based in Africa. This charity supports rural villages and refugee camps by selling their handmade jewelry (joias) over the internet with the money that is raised funding their own eye care expenses. Other examples include organisations which work globally to rebuild lives of children and women at risk. The products are made by the people that receive the funds, creating employment and money raising opportunities.

Fair trade is a recognised organisation which is backed by the world leaders of the richest countries. They ensure that the jewelry (joias) they sell contains materials that respect conservation areas, that products replanted where possible and that any hazardous waste materials are disposed of correctly. This aids regeneration whilst ascertaining fair prices and employment for third world producers of jewelry and materials. There are 40,000 traders in America alone producing fair trade products, which include linens, food and jewelry. Products can be bought on the high street and are available also online for better marketing and availability.

Jewelry makers are also looking at the resources used. Precious metals are limited and so the amount released for the purpose of jewelry making is monitored yearly. It is environmentally safe as it is recycled as heirlooms and collectables. This means that jewelry (joias) is not destroying the earth supplies. Mining is safer for workers and the environment in modern day also. Another popular trend is to use natural and sustainable ingredients such as seeds, wood and semi precious stones, with recycled packaging.

About the Author
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/joias.php Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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Selling Artisan Jewelry Online

In the olden days of the Internet (early 1990's), that books, movies and music would sell well online, but crafts, jewelry and clothing, would not. In recent reports, retail jewelry sales have jumped as much as 250% in the first quarter of 2007. This jump is not necessarily in the area of one-of-a-kind or limited edition artisan jewelry, but it does indicate a movement toward a buying attitude by the public.

Your potential online artisan jewelry customer is a savvy individual who can easily access a wide range of jewelry artisans' work and compare them. She will understand that artisan jewelry is designed and made by an artisan and will be unique. This customer expects the best in craftsmanship, quality materials and service for her money.

Jewelry can be a very personal and emotional purchase. It can be particularly difficult to sell online as it can be difficult for your customer to get an idea of the actual color, craftsmanship, weight and size of a piece without seeing it. Since the character of artisan jewelry is that it is unique and frequently one-of-a-kind, it may be hard for your potential customer to relate it to a known item like production jewelry and get an idea of what the piece is really like.
Here are some other difficulties for those of us who sell our artisan jewelry online.

1. Of course, getting traffic to your site is the first hurdle for the online jewelry artisan.
2. The site should offer something of value to the visitor beyond just an advertisement.
3. It is difficult to present an accurate impression of color, size and detail when buying a piece of jewelry online.
4. The site visitor needs to trust your credibility to buy from you.
5. Payment security is a big issue for online buyers.
6. The buyer will want to see your guarantee, returns and privacy policies.

Your website and your online interactions with the customer can alleviate any uncertainty the customer holds and guide her in a decision as to which piece can best fit in her jewelry collection or match a particular outfit.

Building and maintaining your site will take about half of your time and marketing the site will take the other half. You are looking for potential buyers, not just other jewelry artisans who are looking for inspiration, so you need to know your customers and how to access them online. Online marketing is a huge subject that ranges from search engine optimization of the site itself to networking online and even to writing for other websites to gain those all-important incoming links. It is an area that is changing rapidly and we will explore some of these avenues in subsequent articles.

Content is the currency that visitors expect and will help keep them as repeat visitors to your site. Your site needs load quickly, be easy to navigate and present your jewelry accurately. Along with the jewelry, provide articles on jewelry, gemstone or fashion-related subjects. This will build your credibility as well as helping you establish your expertise in your subject.

Show the piece from various angles and tell the story of each piece - the inspiration, materials, techniques and measurements. Explain the differences between artisan made and production jewelry and how this benefits the customer. Colors are not necessarily the same on each monitor, and this should be noted. Offer a mailto so your site visitor can ask any questions. If you do get a question about a piece, answer the email immediately and consider adding the answer to the description of the piece.

Check your site for grammar and spelling errors, as this greatly affects your credibility. If a person sees a shoddy site, she may expect to see shoddy jewelry. Be sure your links work properly and that the site is up-to-date. If you have a show calendar, keep it current. Orphaned or neglected websites destroy your image as a credible merchant and artisan.

Your returns, guarantee and privacy policies must be readily accessible on your site. Payment should flow flawlessly. If there is a glitch in the payment process or it is not secure, your carefully cultivated buyer will just drop the purchase and leave.

Contact your customer soon after the date you expected the piece to arrive to see that it arrived safely. This always seems to surprise buyers, but leaves them knowing that you are standing behind your piece and want to continue the relationship.

About the Author
Louise Coulson has combined her experience (webmaster to 25 domains at once) with changes in Internet marketing. Her focus is now Internet marketing for artisans. Her eBook, Website ShowCase is an artisan's guide to website development and marketing. She is webmaster for www.jewelryspectrum.com and www.wireweavers.com.

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Wedding Jewelry - An Important Part Of Your Wedding Dress

If your wedding day is approaching, there is no doubt that most of your time has been occupied with preparing for the special day. Deciding who is coming, what type of dress you should get designed, your style of shoes, the bridesmaid dresses, and arrangement of flowers are just the beginning!

And of course, let's not forget the wedding jewelry!

Wedding jewelry forms one of the most important parts of the wedding. Let's face it; out of everything that happens that day, it's the wedding rings that continue on as a reminder of the event. Since weddings are seeped in tradition, particular use of jewelry on this day has also been an age old tradition, such as wedding rings and bridesmaid gifts. So it's important that you plan your jewelry and spend sufficient time in purchasing exactly what you want.

The first wedding jewelry always on the mind are the wedding rings. No wedding is complete without the wedding rings because the ceremony includes the exchanging of rings between the bride and groom. Wedding rings are the symbol of your love towards the person you are going to spend your life with. The age old tradition says that wearing wedding rings on the left hand prevents your love from escaping.

Though gold rings have in the past been the most preferred metal for weddings, these days there are variations that include a mixture of metals such as silver and platinum, or yellow gold and white gold. You can even choose to have gold rings studded with gems just for something unique.

The wedding rings for the bride and the groom need to be selected according to taste. Some brides and grooms decide to have matching ring sets while others go for completely different styles; one may be plain and the other a more intricate design.

Once you've purchased your perfect wedding rings, the other jewelry you may decide to buy are necklaces, bracelets, or earrings for the bridesmaids; cuff links for the best men; and possibly a new type of wedding jewelry - the groom's watch. If you're interested in the tradition behind the wedding jewelry, go online to find out the historical history behind the gift giving.

If you do decide to go for the traditional yellow gold you need to decide whether you want 9K, 14K, 18K, or 24K. The K stands for 'karat' or 'carat' and that refers to the gold content of the metal used. The carat measures the proportion of pure gold and other metal alloys mixed with it.

The higher the proportion of gold used the more expensive and valuable the wedding jewelry will be. Most men's wedding rings will be in 9K, 14K, or 18K for hard wearing. Antique wedding rings often come in the softer 24K gold.

When choosing the wedding jewelry for the groom, keep in mind his interests and taste. Ask him which metal he would like to have in his wedding jewelry. Confirm if he would like to have plain metal jewelry or jewelry studded with stones and diamonds.

Sometimes, there are sets of engagement rings and wedding rings. These look very smart together and are often designed to fit into each other like jig-saw pieces.

When choosing the wedding jewelry accessories, remember the type of dress you're wearing, your hair style, and also the neck cut of your outfit. All these are important when choosing your jewelry pieces as your jewelry must compliment what you are wearing.

Do not mix up your wedding jewellery. It doesn't look good if you have a necklace made of platinum while your ring is made of gold. Be it gold, silver or platinum try to have all the jewelry of the same metals and design style.

By choosing the proper wedding jewelry, you can make your day even more memorable for your bridal party. As a special event in your life, wedding jewelry is a reminder of this memorable day.

Summary:

Wedding jewelry forms one of the most important parts of the wedding. Since weddings are seeped in tradition, particular use of jewelry on this day has also been an age old tradition, such as wedding rings and bridesmaid gifts. So it's important that you plan your jewelry and spend sufficient time in purchasing exactly what you want.

About the Author
Brooke Hayles Check Out More Helpful Information About Wedding Jewelry For FREE! Visit http://www.weddingjewelryvault.com/ Now!

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Choosing Wedding Rings

The first piece jewelry that springs to mind with wedding jewelry is a wedding ring. Which wedding ring do you choose? Which pattern? Which metal? Well we have searched the web to give you all of the options to choose from on this one site.

For many people, their wedding ring may be the most expensive or even the only piece of jewelry that they will wear or own. Therefore it is important that the right ring is chosen out of the thousands that are available. The choices are almost endless but I will try and give you a few.

Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the left ring finger because it was believed that the vein in that finger went straight to the heart. Nowadays, the tradition still exists even though modern medical technology has proven the belief wrong. In some parts of the world the wedding band is worn on the right hand ring finger, places such as Norway, Germany, Poland, India or Russia.

The metal the ring is made from is the first and most obvious choice. This can be out of a variety of metals including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, titanium and platinum.

White gold is an alloy of yellow gold and is also measured in carats.

Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy with a reddish color so mainly used for specialist jewelry. Rose gold is also sometimes known as red gold or pink gold.

Titanium is a light, strong, corrosion-resistant metal white a white silvery metallic color. Titanium is as strong as steel but has only 60% of it's density so it is much lighter.

Platinum is a heavy gray white metal resistant to corrosion. Platinum is more precious to gold and it price varies along with it's availability, normally just under twice the price of gold.

These metals are used on their own, but often white and yellow gold, or two other metals or colors are used together in the same ring to give it an extra special effect, this would be called a two tone ring, sometimes three colours are used in a tri-colored ring.

It is a good idea to have your engagement and wedding ring made out of the same metal if they are going to be worn next to each other. This is because over a period of time a harder metal such as 9ct gold would wear down a softer metal such as 18ct gold.

Many different patterns are available in wedding rings, such as a plain band or a twisted pattern or engraving. Rings can be made of several bands intertwined together so that they move around each other even though they are as one ring. Some of the names of different styles of wedding rings are braided, hammered, Celtic and diamond.

Celtic jewelry is available in many different forms and designs such as Celtic knotwork. The most popular form of Celtic jewelry is the Celtic ring which many people choose for their wedding rings or bands, engagement rings, promise rings and also friendship rings.

Some couples have their names and the date of the wedding engraved into their wedding rings to strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of the rings as they become family heirlooms.

Wedding rings can cost anything from only a few dollars to thousands upon thousands of dollars. It depends totally on what you are buying, what your budget is and what sort of quality you are looking for.

Wedding rings can be tailor made to suit you, you could choose precious stones to be set into your ring, such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and many more. Birth stones are a personal touch to a ring also as a special idea.

I hope these ideas have helped you along your way to choosing the perfect wedding rings for you and your partner.

About the Author
Shelley Green is the owner of http://www.weddingjeweleryonline.com, a site that specializes in wedding jewelry including wedding rings, engagement rings, wedding resources, cufflinks, bridesmaids gift ideas and much much more.

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The Purchase Of Diamonds Online

Considering all of the opportunities for scams as regards diamonds, buying diamonds online seems beyond belief! Regardless, you really can buy diamonds online, free of any concerns as long as you are prudent.

Initially, consider your reasons for deciding to acquire the diamond online, as opposite to buying a diamond from a nearby jewelry outlet. The topmost common reason is value. Due to low running expenses , online jewelers and wholesalers are free to sell at greatly reduced prices. Regardless, you certainly have to be cautious because if a price is too low it could be a definite sign of a swindle.

One of the ideal bonus's regarding purchasing online is the almost inexhaustible choice . If you are shopping ' in the real world ', you are restricted to the offerings, in the stores, in their sales room. Online, there are no restrictions. But again, you should use a considerable amount of time and care prior to handing your hard earned money to some person you cannot see and , in all probability, have never even met!

Prior to shopping, study as much as you can regarding diamonds, in particular the type and quality of the cut, the depth of color, the overall clarity and carat weights. Now you are informed on the general aspects of diamonds, it definitely will be harder for a con man to rip you off. When you learn even more about diamonds, you will be prepared to begin shopping.

Dont be hasty. Ensure you take your time. Don't buy the very first diamond you see , even though it greatly interests you. Instead, shop for comparable diamonds for sale. Do compare prices while shopping to discover the best prices.

Now you discovered the best price, begin your analysis. You have learned a lot about diamonds, you've discovered a diamond which you adore, and you've discovered the best price but you are a long a ways off from really purchasing the diamond! Ask the seller about his, or her, credentials, such as any recognised jewelry associations they are a member of. Look at ,and run off on a printer, the dealer's product returns, refunds, and possible upgrade, policies.

Also ask about other beneficial services, such as stone settings and types of mountings, sizing, and no cost shipping and handling charges. Do a research for buyer reviews, on the business, on the Internet. It's a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau Online to see if there are, or have been, any complaints.

Ask for a diamond grading statement from an autonomous laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You most certainly should see the report prior to buying a Diamond. Lastly, use a respected escrow service for top-dollar diamonds preferably one which will value the diamond while it is in their keeping. The dealer sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you make available the fee, to pay for the diamond, to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised, sends the diamond to you, and sends the fee to the dealer.

Quite simply this is the surest way to defend yourself! Ensure you use a respectable escrow service! They will provide accurate details of 'your stone' and its value. This will provide confirmation of your own researches.

Its a double pleasure. You learned all there is to know about the Diamond, you purchased that Diamond and had confirmation that the work you put in led to you purchasing the very best Stone, at the very best price. A job well done.

About the Author
David Hill is known for his forthright views and deep knowledge of all subjects he writes about. Many of his Articles can be found here; http://www.articlepro.co.uk/international/

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Why Feathers Are The Hottest Accessory For This Season's Weddings!

Believe it or not, feathers are making a serious comeback when it comes to wedding style and if you are a bride who wishes to make a statement, then base your wedding theme on feathers and you won't go wrong.

The best way to get maximum impact is to go for a pure white wedding theme filled with bundles of pure white feathers. These can be used in bouquets, on the wedding cake, in hairstyles, attached to napkins and wedding favour boxes and even scattered on tables!

And don't think you can go overboard with feathers, especially if you are sticking to one colour, or maybe 2 colours depending on their shades.

So, if you wanted to introduce some baby blue or baby pink feathers to the white, that would look fine. But, if your colour theme is green and you want to start adding orange feathers, this could end up looking gowdy. If your colour theme is more exotic in nature, best to stick to just one colour of feather and make this your only accessory - no scattered petals or foil confetti on tables, keep floral arrangements simple and ensure shoes and jewellery are plain and unfussy.

Feathers are making such a come back because a feather themed wedding really brings purity, love and romance back into a wedding day. By nature, feathers are gentle, soft and warm, just like the perfect marriage. They represent peace and purity which forms the great basis of a wedding theme.

Even as early as the wedding invitation stage, why not send guests arty invitations finished with a simple feather? This will give them a taste of things to come. Then, when it comes to the big day itself, it's up to you how far you want to carry the theme.

Personally, I feel that feathers entwined with floral bouquets, soft marabou feathers in hairstyles and plenty of loose feathers for use around the reception rooms is adequate. When it comes to feathers, less is most definitely more!

When it comes to the wedding cake, if you are going for a pure and simple theme, ask for your cake decorator to ice the cake simply. Why not go for a pure white iced wedding cake scattered with feathers to match your theme?

So, if your theme is baby pink and white, locate a scattering of soft marabou feathers in pink and white across the cake. Keep some spare for scattering around the cake table. Ensure the theme is continued on the guest tables and scatter more of the feathers around crisp white table linen.

If you are having central floral arrangements, speak with your florist and see if feather sprays can be inserted into the arrangements. It might be a good idea to show her what you mean first, so that it's in keeping with your other design ideas.

To complete the look, fill delicious favour boxes with yummy favour fillings to complement your theme. Top them off with a simple feather decoration and simple favour tag. Name the tags and these will make stunning place settings for your guests!

About the Author
This article is brought to you by World of Wedding Favours - Offering brides high quality wedding favours and bomboniere at low-cost prices - please visit: http://www.World-of-Wedding-Favours.com

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Wear Your Gold Pendant And Flaunt It

A gold pendant is an ornament or charm (worn for protective or magical power) made of gold that hangs from a cord or chain worn around the neck. Even Necklaces have pendants.

Practical tips to purchase Gold Pendants

? Most gold jewelry manufactured in the U.S. is marked ''14K'' which means that the actual gold content in it is 58.3 percent. As pure gold is designated as 24-karat; hence, a 14-karat item consists of 14 parts gold and 10 parts of another metal known as an alloy which works out to 58.3 percent pure, unalloyed gold. The added alloy serves two purposes - They make the jewellery durable and reduce the prices greatly thereby making it affordable too.

? Sometimes gold pendants also come with the marking ''14KP''. Here ''P'' stands for plumb, meaning the pendant is exactly 14 parts pure gold.

? On the other hand if a gold pendant is engraved ''999'' it means it is a pure gold pendant which equivalent to 24-karat gold. ''999'' is the European designation for pure gold. Also sometimes more plentifully available in the market are European-manufactured pendants marked ''750'' which is equivalent to 18-karat or 75 percent pure gold. Actually, it is the 14K gold that is much popular in the US.

? The heft or weightiness of a gold item is measured in terms of Pennyweight. One troy ounce equals 20 pennyweights which equals 31.1 grams. Ounces and grams are the most common weights used in the U.S. and when you see prices quoted on pendants, such as $20 per gram it should be kept in mind that finished items, such as jewelry, have an artistic value that may be actually greater than the actual value of gold in it.

? Interestingly there are a few who would like to buy Gold in colors other than its natural yellow color which also has become quite a fashion. The most popular is the green gold. When gold is alloyed with metal combos like silver, zinc and copper, these metals contribute a subtle greenish tint. Only Copper is used to make pink gold and nickel is often used in white gold.

? Gold-plated items contain very thin topcoats of gold of about seven-millionths of an inch in thickness. Some better quality gold-plated items may also have more than the minimal 0.000007inch coating.

? Rules prescribe that the gold filling of an item should be at least 1/20 or 5 percent of the total weight of the item. Gold content must be stamped on items -- for example: 1/20 14K GF means the gold content is 14-karat and makes up one-twentieth of the total weight of the item.

About the Author
NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites http://www.gold-bracelet.info/sitemap.php, http://www.gold-bracelet.info/wholesale-gold-bracelet.php and http://www.onemoretopic.info

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How To Pick the Ideal Engagement and Wedding Jewelry

Jewelry holds a special place in the celebration of a marriage. Jewelry is used to symbolize a couples love for each other, representing a lasting bond between the two people. Wedding and engagement jewelry is also there to make sure you look great on your wedding day! When planning for your big day, there are three main kinds of wedding or engagement jewelry options that you should be considering.

Engagement Rings

This is the thing that will start the whole process off . The engagement ring, representing the promise of marriage. While alternative gemstones are becoming more popular, you can never go wrong with a traditional diamond engagement ring. If you are a potential groom who wants to present a traditional diamond engagement ring to your significant other, there are three main types to choose from. The simplest, and perhaps most elegant, is a diamond solitaire ring, which is a single diamond set on a gold band. This basic design can be spiced up a bit by adding accents, which are smaller gem stones placed around the main diamond. Finally, a diamond three-stone ring, representing the couples past, present, and future is also very popular and attractive.

Wedding Bands

Wedding bands (or wedding rings) are exchanged at the wedding ceremony to represent the couples life long commitment to each other and the marriage. For this reason, your wedding bands may be some of the most important things you ever buy, since all of your relationships love and respect will be bottled up in them. Wedding bands are usually plain for men and women, although some women will now inset diamonds or other gemstones into their wedding band. The main decision you have when choosing a wedding band is whether you want gold or platinum. Whatever you decide, it is best to keep in mind what the band will look like matched with the engagement ring.

Your Wedding Day Jewelry

To add an extra bit of style and pizzaz on your wedding day, consider getting some wedding day jewelry. This can involve anything from a tiara or necklace for the bride, to new cufflinks for the groom. If you are concerned about costs, given the nature of wedding day jewelry you can likely get away with high quality costume jewelry. After all, you could spend a lot of money on a new tiara and never really find the right opportunity to wear it again.

Picking the Perfect Engagement or Wedding Day Jewelry

There are a few common steps you should take no matter what type of wedding or engagement jewelry you are thinking of purchasing. The most important thing is to take your time, do not just rush into a store and pick the first thing that catches your eye. You are going to be wearing this jewelry for the rest of your life, so you want to make sure it is something you will be happy with. You also want to ensure yourself that you are only buying jewelry of the highest quality, no matter how much you like your piece, if it is of lower quality, it will not last.

About the Author
Steve Dolan has worked with some of the most exclusive jewelers to select engagement and wedding jewelry. Find out more at http://www.hotjewelryweb.com/weddingengagement. For more on pearls visit our sister site http://www.pearlswebsite.com

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Looking For An Engagement Ring? Antique, Vintage or Coloured? The Choice Is Yours

Today, most people opt for a diamond engagement ring. However, your options are endless when it comes to designing a custom ring that is appropriate to you and your future spouse. Your choices of metals, precious and semi-precious stones and millions of combinations are limited only by your desires and imagination. If you are a celebrity or you are rich then things can go up a size or two.

For example, Priscilla was engaged to Elvis Presley with a 3.5 carat diamond ring that was circled by another 21 smaller diamonds and diamond chips. Sharon Stone was given a three diamond, 3 1/2 carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Phil Bronstein.If you want an engagement ring that is unique and classy at the same time, you might consider giving your lady love an antique or vintage engagement ring.

Nowadays, brides-to-be are showing their unique style and individuality by selecting antique and vintage engagement rings. A popular ring is one that is somewhere between 100 and 200 years old. Many couples look at the future brightly by purchasing something from the past.You may choose that extraordinary engagement ring from many fine collections of beautiful yet unusual and untraditional antique engagement jewellery.

Also popular are antique engagement rings with gemstones, rubies and sapphires. Does your future bride like untraditional colours? Then go for an aquamarine antique ring. It is the perfect combination of modern and antique styles.No matter if you choose a cheap engagement ring with a real diamond or a fake diamond, the true spirit of the occasion should be remembered.

Choose a cheap engagement ring that will reflect the beauty of your true love and your love for her.Cheap engagement rings are not hard to find either, there are a multitude of online and offline jewellers that offer very affordable engagement rings. It is important that you look for a reputable jeweller who stands behind all of their engagement rings and offer a money back guarantee.

As long as weddings and engagements have been around, people have associated engagement rings with large sums of money. Often times, it is hard to find cheap engagement rings and this fact puts a damper on what should be a happy and exciting occasion. Something that you may not know is that there is a solution, cheap fake diamond engagement rings.

These cheap engagement rings can be just as spectacular and lovely as an expensive engagement ring. If you look in the right place, you can easily find a cheap engagement ring without compromising quality or beauty.

About the Author
Allen Jesson is the owner of several sites including http://www.vintage-engagement-rings.com, a site that specializes in vintage engagement rings and http://www.homebasednetmarketingbusiness.com a site that specializes in home based net marketing businesses.

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The Four C's You Need To Know When Purchasing Your Diamond

If you are thinking of purchasing a diamond, you must check out the four criteria that diamonds are graded by, namely the color, cut, clarity and carat of the diamond.

A diamond with no color allows maximum light to pass through it, therefore this type of diamond is usually preferred for its sparkle. On the color grading scale, diamonds graded D, E, and F mean they have no color. G, H, and I diamonds have very little color. J, K, and L mean that the diamond is a slight yellow color. P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, and X diamonds have a darker shade of yellow. Diamonds graded Z has a color other than yellow or white and are the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world. Generally, D-graded diamonds are the most valuable, and X the least.

The cut of the diamond refers to the shape it is cut into and also its reflective quality.

Diamonds are generally cut with 58 facets. The sparkle and brilliance of the diamond generally depends on its cut, its angles, its finish and its ability to reflect light. The most popular diamond cuts are heart, oval, marquise, princess, pear, trillion, round, and emerald. Common cutting problems include a diamond cut too thin that causes it to lose some of its sparkle, or a missing or off center culet.

The clarity refers to the diamond's internal and surface imperfections and blemishes. Diamonds that are clear are more brilliant; they are also quite rare and thus highly priced. These flawless diamonds have no internal or external imperfections or blemishes

The perfect diamond carries a grade of FL or IF, that is, Flawless or Internally Flawless. A diamond with a grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that it is imperfect, with I-3 being the worst grade. VVS1 and VVS2 means that the diamond is very very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2 diamond is very slightly imperfect; and SI-1 and SI-2 means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.

The unit by which the weight of the diamond is measured by is called the carat. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. A carat is divided into 100 segments called points, with 150 points equal to one and a half carats.

When you purchase a diamond, you must purchase a diamond certificate also known as the Diamond Grading Report. This report is issued by the Gemological Institute of America otherwise known as GIA. With this diamond certificate, you can verify the diamond's color, cut, clarity and carat. You can buy a diamond with confidence from the diamond dealer as long as the certificate is GIA-issued and not from the dealer. Do not accept certificates from any other institute other than GIA, as GIA has been established as the most trustworthy and respectable.

About the Author
For more tips on purchasing Diamonds, visit Susan's site at http://www.lovely-diamonds.info and http://www.exquisite-diamonds.info. Susan also enjoys writing on a wide range of topics at http://www.home-and-family-hub.info.

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Gemstones : An Introduction For You To Make An Informed Choice

Gemstones are mineral crystals or organic materials that have been cut and polished into beautiful items by skilled craftsmen. The minerals are naturally formed, solid, inorganic chemical compounds found in rocks. Each mineral has a fixed chemical composition and regular atomic structure, which gives it the specific hardness and color it possesses. Many natural crystals are attractive enough to be displayed. However, most of these crystals are faceted and polished to enhance their appearance.

Few gems, which are called organics, come from plants and animals. These gems include ivory, amber and pearl. There is a category of gemstones known as synthetics. They do not have any natural origin and are produce in laboratories. These artificial gems are cut to resemble the real ones. They have the same physical properties and chemical composition with natural gemstones. Gemstones are, typically, measured by their weight in carats.

To be considered a gemstone, it has to be rare, beautiful and durable. Gemstones, in its natural crystalline form, are rare, which means that they could only be found in certain parts of the world. Their scarcity makes them valuable in the market. The color of the minerals must be attractive, so that the gemstones will appear beautiful. Gemstones must be durable, which means that they should be hard enough to withstand scratches and damage.

The most valuable characteristic of gemstones is the color. Colorful gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are highly priced. Diamonds, though colorless, are made beautiful and brilliant by skillful forms of cutting. White light is made up of a combination of the spectrum of colors. When white light falls on a gemstone, some of the colors are absorbed while the rest are reflected back. Those colors that are reflected are what we see as color of the gemstone. As each mineral interacts with light differently, a wide variety of colors of gemstones is produced.

The physical properties of gemstones are their hardness, their specific gravity, and the way they break. These properties depend largely on the atomic structure and the chemical bonding of the stone. The hardness of a gemstone is measured by how well it resists scratching. The specific gravity or density of a gemstone is derived by assessing its weight base on the weight of an equal volume of water. Gemstones can break in two ways, either by cleaving or fracture. The way they break depends on the atomic structure of the stone. Gemstones that cleave will break along the planes of weak atomic bonding. Those that fracture will break along a surface which has no relation to its atomic structure.

Gem cutting is a form of art which is done to produce finely cut faceted gems. This art contributes to the beauty of the gemstone and its value. There has been much progress made in gem cutting and polishing methods. These improved methods, coupled with an increased knowledge of the way gemstones responds to light, have resulted in marked improvements made on the appearance of gemstones.

Gemologists are fascinated by gemstones. They study each gemstone in-depth, both in its natural state and after it has been cut and polished. Gemologists are able identify every individual gemstone, as well as distinguish between a natural stone and a fake one.

Since early times, gemstones are considered precious and are well sought after. In the past, gemstones are known to represent wealth and power. They are used not only as jewels to decorate crowns and robes but also as amulets, talisman and charms. Nowadays, gemstones are not only for the wealthy, but rather they are appreciated by anyone who finds them beautiful and charming.

Gemstones are commonly used to make creative jewelry pieces which are widely worn as accessories for personal adornment. Gemstones are highly treasured by people from all walks of life because of their unfading beauty with time. Being captivated by the timeless beauty of gemstones, most people desire to possess them. Hence, some people buy gemstones for collection purposes, while others buy gemstone jewelry for personal adornment or as gifts for friends. Gems that represent birthstones are commonly used as birthday presents. Due to the wide variety of gemstone jewelry items available in the market, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.

About the Author
Freelance Writer on various topics Please visit the URL for more information on Gemstones and fine Jewelry http://www.internetbizcenter.com/gemstone/index.htm

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What is Moissanite ?

There is a lot of moissanite info available on the Internet. Just simply scanning this moissanite info will show that moissanite is one of the most precious jewels on the planet. Moissanite contains many properties that other jewels do not possess. And this is one of the reasons why it took 104 years to learn how to reproduce this jewel in a laboratory. Moissanite info as described is easily available and all this info will show that moissanite is superior to many jewels in many different ways. Not only is moissanite more beautiful then diamonds but it is also known as being a superior diamond simulant. But it is a minor simulant because of the high cost and also the fact that there is a limited production of moissanite.

As production of moissanite picks up you can be sure that this will become a major diamond simulant. However most moissanite info will just tell you how limited moissanite is and also there will be a lot of comparisons to diamonds. Tests have been done on moissanite to see if this jewel is better then diamonds. The tests show that moissanite is superior then diamonds but people will always come to their own conclusions. If they want moissanite jewellery then they will buy that rather then diamonds. But diamonds are more well-known and therefore this will still be the best seller out of the two for many more years.

Many people including jewellers can mistake moissanite for diamonds it is only jewellers with a lot of knowledge of moissanite that will be able to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. They have gained a lot of valuable moissanite info and they know what the difference is between the two but it is not easy to tell the difference.

Nearly all moissanite info will contain the well-known facts that moissanite takes 104 years to reproduce in a laboratory. Also the fact that moissanite actually originated from a meteoroid crater in Arizona. Simple moissanite info is easy to find and if you look around you will find info on how to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. This could prove to be very helpful because some jewellers that cannot tell the difference will put moissanite on sale for the price of diamonds and this can equal a big saving for you.

Moissanite is going to be around for a long time and so it might be helpful for you to get some information on the jewel that could very well take the world by storm.

About the Author
http://www.artificialdiamonds.net/

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Secrets To Buying Diamond Jewellery Online

With all of the potential for scams concerning diamond jewelery, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamond jewelery online, without any problems, as long as you are careful.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to purchase the diamond online, as opposed to making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most common reason is price. Due to low overhead costs, online jewelers and wholesalers are able to offer lower prices. However, you must be careful, sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing online is the unlimited selection. When shopping offline, you are limited to the selection in the stores in your general area. Online, there are no limits. But again, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!

Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamond jewelery, especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once you know more about diamonds, you will be ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don't purchase the first diamond that you see that interests you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your investigation. 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 away from actually purchasing that diamond!

Ask about the sellers credentials, such as professional diamond jewelry associations that they belong to. View and print the seller's return, refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire about additional services, such as settings and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do a search for customer reviews on this particular company around the Internet. Also check with the BBB Online to see if there have been any complaints.

Ask for a diamond jewelery grading report from an independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD, EGL or AGS. You should see this before making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable escrow service for high dollar diamonds, preferably one that will have the diamond appraised while it is in their possession. The seller sends the diamond to the escrow service, and you send the money to pay for the diamond to the escrow service. The escrow service has the diamond appraised,sends the diamond to you, and sends the money to the seller. This is the surest way to protect yourself,again, make sure that you use a reputable escrow service!

Is Diamond Jewelery Really Rare?

When you walk into a diamond jewelry store and see all the diamonds in all of the various settings that are for sale, it is difficult to realize that diamonds and diamond jewelery are indeed rare. Most people don't even stop to consider how that diamond came to be sitting in that jewelers case! There is quite a bit of work that is done before a diamond is ready to sell to the general public!

For every one million diamonds that are mined, only one will be found that is a quality one caret diamond. In order to find a two caret diamond, about five million diamonds must be mined. More than two hundred tons of ore must be mined to find one small diamond, and even then, more than 80% of the diamonds that are mined are only good for industrial use, such as diamond drill bits.

So, the next time you visit your local diamond jewelry store, ask to see the one carat diamonds. You should look at this diamond with new appreciation, knowing that it truly is one in a million!

Diamond Jewelery Brands and What They Mean

Diamonds are one of the few products that simply cannot be 'branded.' Even though there are different cuts, different grades, and different values placed on each and every diamond in existence, no diamond jewelery is any specific brand, just as gold is not a specific brand.

Branding is actually based on who owns the diamond. For instance, if DeBeers owns the diamond, it is a DeBeers Diamond, but it is still just a diamond. If the diamond was cut by a specific well known cutter, then it might be branded in that way as well, but it usually isn't. It is still branded based on who owns it at the time. So basically, when it comes down to it, diamond brands mean absolutely nothing at all.

Do not allow a diamond jeweler to try to talk you into paying an exorbitant price on diamond jewellery because it is a specific brand. This is a bit of trickery used by unscrupulous diamond jewellers when they know that they are dealing with people who don't know much about diamonds. Remember that diamonds are not actually branded, unless mother nature has her own brand!

About the Author
Looking for diamond rings, diamond jewelry and loose diamonds? Visit "http://www.diamonds.infosite1.co.uk" for reviews, news, offers and more and save money on those diamond gifts.

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Is That A Fake Diamond On Your Hand Madam?

With the technological advances of today it is just about impossible to tell a fake diamond just from looking at it. Especially if you do not happen to know much about diamonds, diamond rings and vintage engagement rings. However, having said that there are various steps you should take to make sure that you do not become victim to an unscrupulous jeweller or diamond dealer.

That is the first and obvious tip, make sure that who you are dealing with are reputable. How long have they been in business? Are they part of any trusted associations? Can others vouch for them? People selling fake diamonds would not survive in the jewellery business for very long so in this instance, a good reputation is even more important. When you do find a jeweller you can trust, stick with them. Do not keep shopping around for diamonds and other diamond jewellery, including diamond vintage engagement rings without first having a great deal of trust in the person you intend to buy from.

Always ask for a authenticity certificate too (and make sure the certificate is authenticate too). Phone the issuing body if you need to.

Another good way to check for fake diamonds is by looking at the setting, if the setting is of poor quality or a cheaper metal then it probably means that the stone is not a real diamond and is probably one of the cheaper imitations, such as a Cubic Zirconia. Also, have a really close look at the stone itself, there should be no scratches or blemishes as real diamonds in real diamond engagement rings are one of the most durable things on Earth. Scratches or nicks are a very bad sign indeed.

Real diamonds also always sparkle and they have a lustre about them that is hard to match. Use your intuition too, do not underestimate your ability to sniff a fake diamond when you see one.

There are also many different cuts of diamonds to choose from. The cut essentially refers to the shape that the diamond is cut into, unless you are in the diamond or jewellery business, but this shape has a great impact on how much the diamond sparkles.

The most popular cuts are heart, marquise, princess, round, trillion, oval, pear and emerald cuts. The shape has an impact on how much the diamond sparkles, but the actual cutting itself, when the diamond cutter actually cuts the diamond into a particular shape, also matters a great deal. If the diamond is poorly cut, it will lose its sparkle.

When shopping for a diamond, you should choose the shape that you like the best, but then look at several different diamonds of that shape to find the one with the best cut, the one that sparkles the most, in all types of lighting.

Fancy colored diamonds are also all the rage these days. Gemmologists have developed new ways to create versions that are affordable for the average person, by treating less desirable diamonds. These cheaper diamonds are treated with irradiation followed by intense heat. This turns brown and yellowish diamonds into beautifully coloured diamonds that you most people can afford. This produces stunning greens, blues, yellows, reds, purples and other colours. These colours are considered permanent, but there is a possibility they could change during repairs if a high heat is used.

Most naturally coloured diamonds are rare and also extremely expensive. When shopping for coloured diamonds you need to assume that any affordable fancy colour diamond has been treated. Ask about the stones origin and request to view a lab certificate to verify authenticity.

A fancy diamond is a natural diamond that has colour. These colours vary from red, green, purple, violet, orange, blue and pink and most shades between. Fancy colour shades vary from faint to intense.

The most famous diamonds in the world are coloured diamonds. The Tiffany Diamond, which is yellow and the Hope Diamond which is blue are coloured diamonds.

Finally, if everything looks okay and you have gone ahead and made the purchase, very quickly go and get your ring appraised at other jewellers. You will very quickly know whether you are onto a winner or indeed you have been had. If that is the case, one of the options is just to keep quiet, after all, at this stage, only you and two jewellers know you have a fake diamond on your hand.

About the Author
Allen Jesson owns and writes for several sites including http://www.vintage-engagement-rings.com, http://www.agiftofpoetry.com and http://www.giftofpoetry.com

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Buying A Vintage Engagement Ring

If you are looking for an expensive vintage engagement ring to give to your beloved and you can afford to stretch your budget, then aim for the heavens and go for an antique vintage engagement ring. A vintage engagement ring is a huge investment - but one that your future bride will surely cherish forever.

So many choices: Solitaire diamond, pearl and sapphire, emerald , aquamarine, gemstone, filigree, diamond have all been used in vintage engagement rings and even eternity rings. You may also choose from an array of vintage engagement rings with unusual settings adorned with diamond and other gems.

Solitaire diamond rings come in all sizes and shapes. From the regular round rock to the solid square, and rectangles, solitaire diamond rings can look as unique as your loved one. It is sometimes better to purchase your diamond separately from the band and setting. This small step will ensure your purchasing good quality solitaire for your vintage engagement ring.

Generally, vintage diamond rings are available and affordable in Western countries. Jewellers will willingly assemble your own design, if the ring you want is not available or too highly priced. You can decide the rings design, working with goldsmiths and designers. With some intelligent choices you can have an exact replica of the ring worn by Madonna (an antique Edwardian three-stone diamond ring) or some other person you admire.

In modern tradition, a vintage engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand of the woman to be married, indicating her engagement. It represents an official acceptance of the marriage proposal and a commitment to a future together. It is also not uncommon for a woman to buy the man a vintage engagement ring.

To acquire gems and create distinctive rings in which to set them, the purchase of your engagement and wedding rings is one of the most significant purchases you will ever make, both financially and emotionally. No other single piece of jewellery will ever be as important.

No matter how successful you become, no matter how magnificent other jewellery purchases might be, nothing carries with it the same excitement and magic.Once jewellers see you are an informed diamond ring buyer, they cannot scam you into buying overpriced diamonds which are worth far less than the salesperson claims.

When buying vintage engagement ring diamonds and wedding rings, you should go into battle educated and prepared. You should use your research of diamond pricing and sample printouts of similar competing diamonds in your size range from online sites. You should also have a good diamond buying book with lots of colour photos to help you spot fakes, and worthless diamonds.

About the Author
Allen Jesson is the owner of several sites including http://www.vintage-engagement-rings.com, a site that specializes in vintage engagement rings and http://www.homebasednetmarketingbusiness.com a site that specializes in home based net marketing businesses.

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The Properties Of Platinum Wedding Rings

Platinum wedding rings are fast becoming the ring of choice these days.
For over a century platinum wedding rings have been increasing in popularity for many reasons.

Mainly because platinum is a very tensile and malleable to work with making it far easier for a jeweller to stud the ring and vary the design style.

Platinum wedding rings are also highly expensive and sought after with many of the rich and famous now wearing them. The exquisite and intricate designs incorporated into the rings make for an irresistible piece of jewellery.

One of the qualities of platinum rings are they are much more durable than some other metals and more importantly platinum wedding rings will not irritate and harm your skin like some other metals including gold.

Platinum is graded by the amount of platinum contained in the ring the highest being PT999 then PT950, PT900 and finally PT850 being the lowest. Platinum is also the heaviest of all the precious metals weighing nearly twice as much as gold. This also adds to the feel of quality when worn on the finger.

Although some platinum rings will be alloyed with other metals normally iridium and rallerium because these two substances are from the same metal group as platinum it is very rare that even alloyed platinum will cause any detrimental effects to the skin.

This cannot be said for even good quality gold rings which are not one hundred percent pure gold as the metals alloyed with gold can, if not always to begin with, cause irritations to the skin years later.

However that said, platinum is more expensive than gold and the risk factor should be considered and factored into your budget.

Over time and although durable and hardwearing platinum wedding rings will lose their colour and sheen. This is not uncommon with any metal and will be accelerated if the ring is worn regularly due to perspiration and levels of natural chloride found in the air. As opposed to if the ring is kept in a jewellery box or only worn on rare and special occasions.

The problem can be easily rectified by a qualified jeweller who will be able to professionally polish the ring back to its former glory. Furthermore if your platinum ring does become scratched there will not be any actual material loss as there would be with gold.

Platinum band also make exceptional engagement rings when studded with either diamonds or sapphires. Diamond and sapphire rings made from platinum have a very modern look and feel. The blue sapphire and white diamond perfectly compliment the silver white sheen of the platinum ring.
It is fair to say that platinum has over taken other precious metals due to its many assets together with its unique style and quality.

About the Author
Vicki Churchill writes for several sites including http://www.finest-diamond-and-sapphire-rings.com a site that specializes in Wedding Rings and also http://www.finest-diamond-snake-rings.com and http://www.finets-diamond-rings.com including how, where & what to buy.

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Fresh Water Pearls - Where Do Pearls Come From And How Are They Made ?

Freshwater pearls are a kind of stone that comes from freshwater mussels. They are produced in Japan, China, and the United States. They are often used in jewellery and are also crushed to make cosmetic paints. Pearl is valued as a gemstone and is cultivated or harvested for jewellry. The unique lustre of pearls depends upon the reflection and refraction of light from the translucent layers. The iridescence (that is, where the hue changes according to the angle from which the surface is viewed) that some pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface. They come in various pastel shades of pink, peach, lavender, white, black, plum, and tangerine, depending on the type of mussel.

A single mussel can produce up to 50 pearls. Natural pearls are seldom perfectly round or even nearly round, more often than not they are of irregular, elongated shapes. Although white is the most common colour of freshwater pearls, the most desirable (and therefore the most expensive) are the pastel pinks, roses, lavenders, and purples. The different colours are a function of the mussel species, genetics, water quality, and the position of the pearl in the shell.

Black pearls, frequently referred to as Black Tahitian Pearls, are highly valued because of their rarity; the culturing process for them means a smaller volume output from each mussel and thus they are never found in mass numbers.

Freshwater pearls are exceptionally popular for use in jewellery, and genuine pearls, as opposed to fake ones, will attract a high price regardless of location in the world. However, in some countries, where pearls are not locally produced, prices are on average higher than those of Japan, China, and the United States.

Regardless of the type, they all look spectacular in necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and rings. As opposed to diamonds and other gemstones, pearls are typically larger, heavier, and more visible, with the stunning iridescence of the pearl attracting the eye. these stones can be purchased both online and in retails stores worldwide.

But where do they come from and how are they made? Pearls are made by placing a nuclei of a pearl inside a live oyster, and returning three to sex years later to harvest to the full pearl. The nucleus is generally a polished bead made from mussel shell. Along with a small scrap of mantle tissue from another oyster to serve as an irritant, it is surgically implanted near the oyster's genitals. Oysters which survive the subsequent surgery to remove the finished pearl are often implanted with a new, larger nucleus as part of the same procedure and then returned to the water for another three years of growth.

Now that you know where these stones come from, you may look at them differently than you did before.
There is lots of jewellery makers out there using them, so go have a look.

About the Author
Hayden Barile is the owner of Gemstones Down Under http://www.FreshwaterPearlsonline.com

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GLASS BEADS -The History and Making Of

Beads are amongst the oldest human art and technology, dating back 30,000 years. They have been dated back to at least Roman times. Perhaps the earliest glass-like beads were Egyptian faience beads, a form of clay with a self-forming vitreous coating.

Glass beads are usually categorized by the method used to manipulate the glass. Most fall into three main categories: wound, drawn, and moulded. There are composites, such as millefiori, where cross-sections of a drawn glass cane are applied to a wound glass core. A very minor industry in blown glass beads also existed in 19th century Venice and France.

It is believed that the Egyptians first used faience (a glazed fused quartz composite) but later developed the core, wound and mosaic methods of using glass to make beads and other decorations. They were the first culture to have glass-making guilds.

Glass beads, however, were not limited to the Egyptians in ancient times. There have been glass beads found in archaeological sites dated between 2,000BC and 10AD in both Austria and Switzerland.

In modern times, they have become a popular form of jewellery, especially in African cultures with necklaces,bracelets, and anklets made of these materials. They can be extremely colourful and bright, making them fashionable and popular in modern times for all cultures.

There are many types of beads and all are named according to the way they are made, including wound, drawn, moulded,lampwork, Dichroic, furnace and lead crystal.

The Types of glass used to construct these include rod, sheet, soda lime, lead, and borosilicate. The material chosen often depends on the hardness, colour, durability, and size required.

Nowadays the Czech Republic is a well-known and reputable producer of these object. Both online and in stores worldwide, Czech glass beads will be sold for a much high price on average than most other types of glass beads. These Czech pieces are often used in necklaces and bracelets and are sold in renowned jewellers across the globe. The Czech's have a reputation for creating beautiful yet durable glass beads consistently.

Many people enjoy making their own jewellery . There are even stores where one can pay to make their own jewellery with glass beads that are provided for them. This has become a popular hobby for many people and has increased the recognition of glass beads across the world. In additon , Lampwork and other artictic craftybeads are back in vogue on the jewellery ciruit.

About the Author
Hayden Branston is the owner of Glass Bead Resource http://www.glassbeadresource.com

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A Diamond Promise Ring - What Does It Mean?

Giving a diamond promise ring is a promise to love and cherish. A promise ring is the forerunner of a diamond engagement ring and it brings with it the promise of love and fidelity forever. Most young women receive a diamond promise ring to cement the relationship and let others know they have a significant other.

There are many styles you can choose from with diamond promise rings. You don't have to stick to a white diamond and you might want to choose from natural colored diamond rings for a really unique promise ring. The diamond promise ring is not something new. It has its roots in the Scribbling Ring used in Europe hundreds of years ago. This type of promise ring contained imbedded diamonds and using the diamonds they could write love notes to each other.

The diamond promise ring is seen as a promise to get engaged to be married at a future date. The diamond promise rings are not as expensive as diamond engagement rings and the diamonds are usually smaller. You can use the diamond chips, such as those used in the 16th century, but usually these rings have white or natural colored diamonds set in yellow gold.

Before buying a diamond promise ring, you need to consider the recipient's taste in jewellery. Some people prefer silver jewellery or white gold and this option exists when buying diamond promise rings. You can also look at the main color the person has in her wardrobe and spend a bit extra for a colored diamond in the ring. Natural colored diamond rings usually contain white diamonds, but you can have just about any color of diamond you wish.

The setting of the diamonds in a diamond promise ring is also something you have to consider. If the girl likes simple jewellery, a ring with a small stone is perfect. On the other hand, someone that likes contemporary styles would enjoy a promise ring with diamonds set in a chanel setting. You don't have to stick to just diamonds either in diamond promise rings. Combining the diamond with other colored stones also looks very elegant.

The price of a diamond promise ring usually ranged from $100 to $400. Although promise rings are typically associated with women, you can also get men's diamond promise rings. The prices for these are a bit higher because there is more metal used in making the rings. If you really want to be creative, you can have a diamond promise ring designed according to your specifications. For the amount of money this ring would cost, you are probably better off buying a diamond engagement ring instead.

About the Author
For a website totally devoted to diamond rings visit Peter's Website Delectable Diamond Rings at http://www.delectable-diamond-rings.com/ and find out about Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Wedding Rings and more, including Diamond Promise Rings, Anniversary Rings and Mens Diamond Rings.

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