My love affair with pearls began many years ago when my husband bought a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings for our fifth wedding anniversary. I had never worn pearls and never thought I would enjoy owning any. My opinion of pearls at the time was that they were a step down from the diamonds and gold that most of us are accustomed to, and I likened them to gaudy costume jewelry baubles or southwestern turquoise jewelry that I still wouldn’t be caught dead in.
That all changed with my first pearls, and ever since, I’ve been a pearl devotee. At that time, I had already amassed a fairly nice collection of yellow and white gold jewelry, from rings and necklaces to bracelets and earrings. I had diamond earrings and rings, ruby pendants, emerald rings and quite a bit of silver jewelry as well. I remember wearing the pearls on the night they were given, and the next day made a place for them within my jewelry collection. In the back of my mind, I had already designated them for permanent placement and thought they would rarely see the light of day again.
Pearls are beautiful on their own, but when placed next to other types of jewelry, one quickly realizes what makes them so unique. Pearls have an understated beauty that I can only describe as rich and deep. A diamond will reflect light and occasionally, the colors surrounding the room. Gold’s beauty is almost lost once it’s polished, as the inflections of what makes it gold disappear into a shiny haze. Pearls, on the other hand, have beauty from within. There is a depth to the reflection of a pearl, and an iridescence that sets pearls apart from everything else.
Since then, I’ve made it a point to ask for and purchase pearl jewelry, and I find that wearing pearls imparts an intelligence to my wardrobe that simply wasn’t there before. I prefer the understated beauty of pearls to the other options at my disposal. Best of all, pearls can go with almost anything, and when I’m getting dressed, they almost always do.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Birthstone Gems Make an Awesome Gift
There are different gemstones for every calendar month, which is why they serve as the perfect birthday present. Some believe that these gemstones bring you those who wear them good fortune, and are also believed to have special meanings that reflect a personality trait of the holders. Whether it is someone’s birthday, or just a token of love gemstones are the perfect gift.
Birthstone jewelry is perfect for someone important to you, on any occasion such as a Valentine’s Day gift or a Christmas present. When you surprise a loved one with a birthstone gem be sure to tell the recipient about the meaning. Showing attention to the gift shows that you put effort and time into the jewelry giving it even more meaning.
Sometimes purchasing a birthstone gem can be expensive and difficult, especially if you are on a tight budget. There are some gemstones that are rare and expensive including diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. If you are not able to purchase a genuine birthstone then you can also purchase a synthetic gemstone which looks like the real thing, but for an affordable amount. The most commonly purchased synthetic gemstone is a cubic zirconia which looks very similar to a genuine diamond.
There are many retailers and online store retailers who specialize in genuine gemstones and cubic zirconia set in sterling silver. You are able to select from a range of jewelry items such as earrings, bracelets, pins, rings, necklaces, and pendants. You can find websites that specialize in genuine birthstones and cubic zirconia, as well as sterling silver to keep the price affordable. You can easily find a company that offers breathtaking sterling silver solitaire rings that represent each month of the year. You can purchase solitaire rings with heart, princess, or round cut stones.
Birthstone jewelry is perfect for someone important to you, on any occasion such as a Valentine’s Day gift or a Christmas present. When you surprise a loved one with a birthstone gem be sure to tell the recipient about the meaning. Showing attention to the gift shows that you put effort and time into the jewelry giving it even more meaning.
Sometimes purchasing a birthstone gem can be expensive and difficult, especially if you are on a tight budget. There are some gemstones that are rare and expensive including diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. If you are not able to purchase a genuine birthstone then you can also purchase a synthetic gemstone which looks like the real thing, but for an affordable amount. The most commonly purchased synthetic gemstone is a cubic zirconia which looks very similar to a genuine diamond.
There are many retailers and online store retailers who specialize in genuine gemstones and cubic zirconia set in sterling silver. You are able to select from a range of jewelry items such as earrings, bracelets, pins, rings, necklaces, and pendants. You can find websites that specialize in genuine birthstones and cubic zirconia, as well as sterling silver to keep the price affordable. You can easily find a company that offers breathtaking sterling silver solitaire rings that represent each month of the year. You can purchase solitaire rings with heart, princess, or round cut stones.
Aquamarine
March's birthstone and the traditional stone for a nineteenth wedding anniversary, Aquamarine is the greenish-blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl (which includes emerald and the pink variety called morganite). The name comes from the Latin for "sea water."
People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine magically conveyed insight and foresight. Holding one in the mouth allowed a person to call up spirits to answer life's most vexing questions. Water that an aquamarine had soaked in was prescribed for eye troubles, respiratory diseases, and hiccups.
Many huge aquamarines have been found. One well-formed crystal found in Brazil in 1920 weighed 243 pounds. It was 19 by 16 inches, greenish on the outside, blue on the inside, and so transparent that objects were clearly visible through its length.
The British Museum of Natural History has a flawless aquamarine of 879 carats, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History has a fine 638-carat stone. In 1935, the Brazilian government gave Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,847-carat aquamarine. It is now in the museum at Hyde Park, the Roosevelt's New York estate.
We carry this beautiful cool gem in the greenish-blue hue range in light to medium dark tones. We offer you a choice of two qualities of faceted aquamarines. In both qualities the gemstones are eye clean with good cuts. Our AA quality consists of light to medium tone stones and our AAA quality has a medium to medium dark tone.
We want to be your number one source for gemstones, so we continue to add new shapes and sizes throughout our product line. If you ever need a particular gemstone that is not found in our regular stock, just call our Gemstone Special Order Consultant.
People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine magically conveyed insight and foresight. Holding one in the mouth allowed a person to call up spirits to answer life's most vexing questions. Water that an aquamarine had soaked in was prescribed for eye troubles, respiratory diseases, and hiccups.
Many huge aquamarines have been found. One well-formed crystal found in Brazil in 1920 weighed 243 pounds. It was 19 by 16 inches, greenish on the outside, blue on the inside, and so transparent that objects were clearly visible through its length.
The British Museum of Natural History has a flawless aquamarine of 879 carats, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History has a fine 638-carat stone. In 1935, the Brazilian government gave Eleanor Roosevelt a 1,847-carat aquamarine. It is now in the museum at Hyde Park, the Roosevelt's New York estate.
We carry this beautiful cool gem in the greenish-blue hue range in light to medium dark tones. We offer you a choice of two qualities of faceted aquamarines. In both qualities the gemstones are eye clean with good cuts. Our AA quality consists of light to medium tone stones and our AAA quality has a medium to medium dark tone.
We want to be your number one source for gemstones, so we continue to add new shapes and sizes throughout our product line. If you ever need a particular gemstone that is not found in our regular stock, just call our Gemstone Special Order Consultant.
Amethyst
February's birthstone and the traditional stone for a sixth wedding anniversary is Amethyst.
Of all the quartz varieties, amethyst is by far the best known and most valuable. Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word meaning, "not to intoxicate", and its reputed power to prevent inebriation led to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness.
Amethyst gave rise to many other legends. It was thought to safeguard soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters, protect against diseases, control evil thoughts, quicken the intelligence, and make its owner shrewd in business.
Several amethysts adorn the coronation regalia of England. The Orb, a golden ball six inches in diameter, contains a spectacularly colored amethyst one and one half inches high (4cm). The Royal Scepter is studded with amethysts, as is the coronet of the Prince of Wales. Today, Roman Catholic bishops often wear amethyst rings, and their ceremonial wine is drunk from goblets made from amethyst.
The colors that create purple are red and blue, two colors poles apart physically, emotionally, and symbolically. Since the brain is uncertain which color it is responding to, red or blue, purple is known as a psychologically oscillating (swinging) color. People either have a positive passion ("purple passion"), or hate the color.
SELECTION
We offer amethyst in a variety of shapes, sizes, and color hues. Five qualities of genuine faceted amethyst are available for you, including our new checkerboard cuts. We also carry genuine amethyst in four qualities of Signity machine cut faceted gems and one quality of cabochon cut. Currently offer is amethyst cut from rough.
Of all the quartz varieties, amethyst is by far the best known and most valuable. Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word meaning, "not to intoxicate", and its reputed power to prevent inebriation led to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness.
Amethyst gave rise to many other legends. It was thought to safeguard soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters, protect against diseases, control evil thoughts, quicken the intelligence, and make its owner shrewd in business.
Several amethysts adorn the coronation regalia of England. The Orb, a golden ball six inches in diameter, contains a spectacularly colored amethyst one and one half inches high (4cm). The Royal Scepter is studded with amethysts, as is the coronet of the Prince of Wales. Today, Roman Catholic bishops often wear amethyst rings, and their ceremonial wine is drunk from goblets made from amethyst.
THE COLOR PURPLE
The colors that create purple are red and blue, two colors poles apart physically, emotionally, and symbolically. Since the brain is uncertain which color it is responding to, red or blue, purple is known as a psychologically oscillating (swinging) color. People either have a positive passion ("purple passion"), or hate the color.
SELECTION
We offer amethyst in a variety of shapes, sizes, and color hues. Five qualities of genuine faceted amethyst are available for you, including our new checkerboard cuts. We also carry genuine amethyst in four qualities of Signity machine cut faceted gems and one quality of cabochon cut. Currently offer is amethyst cut from rough.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Diamond Carat Weight: Shoppers Buying Guide
The weight of a diamond is usually expressed in carats. The term carat originated in ancient times when gemstones were weighted compared to the carob bean, where one bean weighed about one carat. The term was standardized and converted to the metric system in 1913 so that the current carat equals 0.2 grams, which is a little more than 0.007 ounce.
Knowing the technical definition of a carat is one thing, but the diamond shopper needs to understand carat weight so they can make the best purchase decision for their diamond. The carat weight of a diamond influences several key factors that should be part of the diamond decision.
Sometimes in the jewelry trade, the term carat weight is used synonymously with size. The implication is that all diamonds that weight one carat are the same size and those that weight two carats are the same size. This is not accurate and an astute diamond shopper will work to understand the difference between size and weight.
The size of diamonds can vary with the same weight because the shape of the diamond can be different. A one carat round diamond has a very different length and width than marquise shaped diamond weighing one carat.
The diamond industry has developed its pricing structure based on the carat weights that consumers request when they go into a jewelry store. Even carat weights have taken on a social importance far above their simple weight so consumers typically ask for whole carat weights or simple fractions of a carat. For example, a diamond shopper might ask for a half-carat, one carat, a carat and a half, or a two-carat so the diamond industry sets the price increases at these weights. A diamond weighing 1.00 carats has a significant higher price per carat than one that weighs 0.99 carats so diamond cutters to get the finished diamond weight at or over these requested carat weights. As a result, there are many more diamonds cut just over 1.00 carat than just under. Knowledgeable shoppers know there are some great values at just under the even carat weights but with few diamonds cut, the demand is greater than the supply.
The weight also affects the price in that the larger the carat weight, the fewer diamonds are available. Diamonds loose approximately 40-60% of their rough weight in the cutting and polishing process. Therefore, it can take over a two-carat rough diamond to produce a 1.00 carat finished diamond. Most diamonds mined are very small with larger stones relative rare. It can take many thousands of rough diamonds mined to yield one that results in a 1.00 carat finished diamond. The price of larger carat weights increases with the rarity. For example, a two-carat diamond can be almost four times the price of a one-carat diamond with the same quality.
Even with the same shape of diamond, the carat weight does not tell you the size. It is similar to asking how tall a 200-pound man is. Just as the height of a man can vary with the same weight, a diamond’s length and width can vary for the same carat weight. The challenge is to find diamonds that have the right depth parameters to give them beautiful brilliance and sparkle in addition to big size for the carat weight.
The weight of a diamond also affects the size, as diamonds get heavier the length and width do not go up as fast as the weight. For example, a two carat round diamond weighs 100% more than a one-carat diamond but the surface area you see only increases 64%.
Note that as the carat weight goes up, the price per carat goes up faster and the size goes up slower. The result is that as the carat weight goes up it takes a lot more weight and even more money to make the diamond noticeably bigger to the eye.
Perhaps the biggest question a diamond shopper has is what carat weight of diamond they should purchase. Of course, their budget is going to be limiting factor in determining what carat weight to buy but the target carat weight is influenced by several factors including the size of the finger, type of mounting, and the carat weight of friends and family diamonds.
Buying the right diamond requires consideration of many factors and understanding the impact of carat weight is one of the keys to making the best purchase decision possible.
Knowing the technical definition of a carat is one thing, but the diamond shopper needs to understand carat weight so they can make the best purchase decision for their diamond. The carat weight of a diamond influences several key factors that should be part of the diamond decision.
Sometimes in the jewelry trade, the term carat weight is used synonymously with size. The implication is that all diamonds that weight one carat are the same size and those that weight two carats are the same size. This is not accurate and an astute diamond shopper will work to understand the difference between size and weight.
The size of diamonds can vary with the same weight because the shape of the diamond can be different. A one carat round diamond has a very different length and width than marquise shaped diamond weighing one carat.
The diamond industry has developed its pricing structure based on the carat weights that consumers request when they go into a jewelry store. Even carat weights have taken on a social importance far above their simple weight so consumers typically ask for whole carat weights or simple fractions of a carat. For example, a diamond shopper might ask for a half-carat, one carat, a carat and a half, or a two-carat so the diamond industry sets the price increases at these weights. A diamond weighing 1.00 carats has a significant higher price per carat than one that weighs 0.99 carats so diamond cutters to get the finished diamond weight at or over these requested carat weights. As a result, there are many more diamonds cut just over 1.00 carat than just under. Knowledgeable shoppers know there are some great values at just under the even carat weights but with few diamonds cut, the demand is greater than the supply.
The weight also affects the price in that the larger the carat weight, the fewer diamonds are available. Diamonds loose approximately 40-60% of their rough weight in the cutting and polishing process. Therefore, it can take over a two-carat rough diamond to produce a 1.00 carat finished diamond. Most diamonds mined are very small with larger stones relative rare. It can take many thousands of rough diamonds mined to yield one that results in a 1.00 carat finished diamond. The price of larger carat weights increases with the rarity. For example, a two-carat diamond can be almost four times the price of a one-carat diamond with the same quality.
Even with the same shape of diamond, the carat weight does not tell you the size. It is similar to asking how tall a 200-pound man is. Just as the height of a man can vary with the same weight, a diamond’s length and width can vary for the same carat weight. The challenge is to find diamonds that have the right depth parameters to give them beautiful brilliance and sparkle in addition to big size for the carat weight.
The weight of a diamond also affects the size, as diamonds get heavier the length and width do not go up as fast as the weight. For example, a two carat round diamond weighs 100% more than a one-carat diamond but the surface area you see only increases 64%.
Note that as the carat weight goes up, the price per carat goes up faster and the size goes up slower. The result is that as the carat weight goes up it takes a lot more weight and even more money to make the diamond noticeably bigger to the eye.
Perhaps the biggest question a diamond shopper has is what carat weight of diamond they should purchase. Of course, their budget is going to be limiting factor in determining what carat weight to buy but the target carat weight is influenced by several factors including the size of the finger, type of mounting, and the carat weight of friends and family diamonds.
Buying the right diamond requires consideration of many factors and understanding the impact of carat weight is one of the keys to making the best purchase decision possible.
Things you Need for Bead Jewelry Making
Bead jewelry making is an activity that can be done by anyone, even if they haven’t been particularly trained to do beadwork. In other words, there is no level of skill forced upon you in order to complete an incredible decorative necklace or pair of earrings made out of beads. The number one advantage of creating your own jewelry or ornaments is the fact that they can be 100% original. Your creativity together with the benefits of the online shops which allow you to buy almost anything regarding jewelry making supplies will assist you to create unique pieces. If you are not interested in creating jewelry and simply want to buy wholesale beads, by visiting gemmall.com you will certainly find a wide range of beads from where you can take your desired pick(s).
When you get involved with jewelry making, experience is always a plus. In case you are not inspired, then you should make sure to have close at hand specific patterns to work on and, if possible, a tutorial to help you through the process, particularly if you are a beginner. Concerning the beadwork patterns, make a simple choice if you are a novice. You will also need thread, i.e. beading thread. Don’t use sewing thread or dental floss – they will break easily. Many bead makers favor C-Lon and Nymo types of beading thread. They are fairly resistant, even in high humidity circumstances. In addition, beading needles are a must: you will use them to pass the thread through the beads.
It is preferable to approach jewelry making in a “step by step” manner, but with imaginative enthusiasm. The results won’t be disappointing and you might discover yourself as an artist. As soon as you finish your first ornaments, you will feel more confident and attracted to future beadwork possibilities. In case you consider you’re not very skilled in jewelry making, gemmall.com can supply you with already stringed wholesale beads according to your taste. The amazing crafts will surely catch your attention and you might even find yourself in a difficult position of not knowing what exactly to choose from so many wonderful offers.
The key to successful bead making consists in the beads you’ll use. The choice is yours and the result depends on the material, the texture and color of the beads. By taking a look at the wholesale beads available on the above mentioned website you will be delighted to discover a world of gemstones, glass beads, crystal, plastic, wood or even sterling silver and gold beads. Attractive through color and shape these wholesale beads themselves can be a source of inspiration in creating some particular decorative item.
Because obviously no beadwork can be completed without beads, you should check out the available wholesale beads that interest you above all without leaving aside the other possibilities you have. It’s good if you know exactly what you want to purchase, but a second look at the other options might determine you to change your mind. Temptation is at every turn. And you might even realize the wholesale beads you bought now can be of help and an inspiration later on while jewelry making and while paying attention to the creative process.
Since you are buying wholesale beads, you will most likely be at an advantage: you will get them in cost-effective terms and in amounts that guarantee you can go ahead with your jewelry making without interruption caused by the lack of beads.
Finally, the workspace where you create your ornaments is very important. This means that you will need quality lighting conditions, particularly if you wear eyeglasses or if you feel that at a certain point during your work, your eyes sore - it is a clear sign that either you are tired so it’s time you took a break or lighting conditions are not appropriate. Jewelry making can be a particularly meticulous occupation. Attention to details is a must and you need to be able to notice everything.
Other measures you should approach out of caution concern the amount of beads you have at hand. It is preferable that you don’t get cheap about the amount of beads you purchase. There is nothing more unpleasant than finding that you are left with no beads just when you’ve managed to get a bit accustomed with bead threading or when you are close to the “finish line”.
Also, make sure that you have some spare needles. A single needle might get lost or misplaced. At times, it may even break should it come in rough contact with some other objects. So, in order to prevent a sudden interruption caused by your need to go to the nearest shop and buy another beading needle, it is best to stay on the safe side and secure a “supply” of needles and of wholesale beads prior to any potentially unpleasant event. Finally, you can start your work on the beadwork pattern. Good luck!
When you get involved with jewelry making, experience is always a plus. In case you are not inspired, then you should make sure to have close at hand specific patterns to work on and, if possible, a tutorial to help you through the process, particularly if you are a beginner. Concerning the beadwork patterns, make a simple choice if you are a novice. You will also need thread, i.e. beading thread. Don’t use sewing thread or dental floss – they will break easily. Many bead makers favor C-Lon and Nymo types of beading thread. They are fairly resistant, even in high humidity circumstances. In addition, beading needles are a must: you will use them to pass the thread through the beads.
It is preferable to approach jewelry making in a “step by step” manner, but with imaginative enthusiasm. The results won’t be disappointing and you might discover yourself as an artist. As soon as you finish your first ornaments, you will feel more confident and attracted to future beadwork possibilities. In case you consider you’re not very skilled in jewelry making, gemmall.com can supply you with already stringed wholesale beads according to your taste. The amazing crafts will surely catch your attention and you might even find yourself in a difficult position of not knowing what exactly to choose from so many wonderful offers.
The key to successful bead making consists in the beads you’ll use. The choice is yours and the result depends on the material, the texture and color of the beads. By taking a look at the wholesale beads available on the above mentioned website you will be delighted to discover a world of gemstones, glass beads, crystal, plastic, wood or even sterling silver and gold beads. Attractive through color and shape these wholesale beads themselves can be a source of inspiration in creating some particular decorative item.
Because obviously no beadwork can be completed without beads, you should check out the available wholesale beads that interest you above all without leaving aside the other possibilities you have. It’s good if you know exactly what you want to purchase, but a second look at the other options might determine you to change your mind. Temptation is at every turn. And you might even realize the wholesale beads you bought now can be of help and an inspiration later on while jewelry making and while paying attention to the creative process.
Since you are buying wholesale beads, you will most likely be at an advantage: you will get them in cost-effective terms and in amounts that guarantee you can go ahead with your jewelry making without interruption caused by the lack of beads.
Finally, the workspace where you create your ornaments is very important. This means that you will need quality lighting conditions, particularly if you wear eyeglasses or if you feel that at a certain point during your work, your eyes sore - it is a clear sign that either you are tired so it’s time you took a break or lighting conditions are not appropriate. Jewelry making can be a particularly meticulous occupation. Attention to details is a must and you need to be able to notice everything.
Other measures you should approach out of caution concern the amount of beads you have at hand. It is preferable that you don’t get cheap about the amount of beads you purchase. There is nothing more unpleasant than finding that you are left with no beads just when you’ve managed to get a bit accustomed with bead threading or when you are close to the “finish line”.
Also, make sure that you have some spare needles. A single needle might get lost or misplaced. At times, it may even break should it come in rough contact with some other objects. So, in order to prevent a sudden interruption caused by your need to go to the nearest shop and buy another beading needle, it is best to stay on the safe side and secure a “supply” of needles and of wholesale beads prior to any potentially unpleasant event. Finally, you can start your work on the beadwork pattern. Good luck!
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