Jewelry Bonanza » Earrings

Earring Jackets Provide Versatility and Elegance

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:51:15 +0000

Earring jackets are relatively unknown to many people. They are just as the name suggests, a “jacket”, an item of jewelry that wraps around another piece of jewelry (a stud), which allows the simple stud earring to become more versatile. They are an excellent means to dress up pretty much any pair of stud earrings already owned. They come in many forms and styles, but the dangling or hoop style all have a small loop at the top where you put the stud post through, put the post through your ear holes, place the backing on and it creates a totally different look. The wrap around styles do just as the name implies by having a ring of gems or decoration of some sort or a round hammered disc with an opening in the center with a hole for the stud post to go through. This way studs can be used over and over again with several different jackets. This saves an immense amount of money, especially when using diamond studs, allowing you to be able to afford several different styles for less. In short, they are “add-on jewelry.”

The earring jackets can be made of all sorts of materials, such as white and yellow gold, sterling silver, or the most popular and most expensive, platinum. The newest rage in jewelry recently is a combination of yellow and white gold, since it meshes well with most apparel and is more versatile. Be careful when choosing the jacket, making sure that it fits the size and style of the stud that will be used with it. For example, do not match a round stud with a princess cut earring jacket, or use a stud that is too small or too large for a wrap around style. Also, choose jackets that are appropriate with your face shape. Round face shapes look best with straight style earrings, long chains with dangling gems or threaders. People with square face shapes should look for smaller earrings and J-hoops. Those who are fortunate enough to have an oval face shape are lucky and can pretty much wear any shape, style or size they prefer. If possible, test the stud with the jacket before purchasing to make sure they work well together.

There are various types of earring jackets that include hoops, hammered discs, gemstones, dangles, chandelier, diamonds, love knots, tear drops and themed items such as snowflakes, stars, sea themes, animals and sports just to name a few. Popular with brides recently are the diamond white gold wrap around jackets that can coordinate with their engagement and wedding rings.

Earring jackets do not have to be paired with diamond studs only, they can dress up even the plain gold or silver post earring creating an entirely different, bold, amazing and sometimes very elegant look. Prices of jackets can range from a few dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the type you buy. If matching with a diamond stud, that is usually the most expensive purchase, with the jackets being less expensive. However, if you bought several different sets of earrings, which would each include that same size diamond stud that you already own, you would be spending that amount several times over for each pair. With the jackets, you are just spending the cost of the stud once. Consider a diamond stud surrounded by a ring of black diamonds, or that same stud with a dangling chain with multi-colored gems on the end, or in the middle of a gold love knot. Then you could use a pearl stud with a double hoop, or a chain with a starfish and shell with a pearl in the middle of the shell, or surrounded by smaller pearls in a ring. A simple silver stud with a silver hoop, or a snowflake dangling beneath, or surrounded by rubies would bring an elegant addition to those plainer earrings. There are just so many possibilities.

Earring jackets basically fulfill one purpose only, to generate different and new looks, spicing up an old style utilizing a piece of jewelry you already own. Try them out for yourself and see all the compliments you will receive. After trying one, you will find that one will not be enough!

How To Shop For Garnet Earrings And Other Jewelry

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:25:09 +0000

As with all other gemstones, it can get tricky when shopping for garnet earrings and other jewelry. You want to ensure you are getting your money’s worth and not getting scammed and taken advantage of. For anyone who is not a professional jeweler it can be incredibly difficult to tell authentic gemstones from others and can make the joy of shopping turn into nothing more than a big drag.

Garnet is the birthstone for January and is one of the most loved gemstones because of its gorgeous red color. Authentic garnet gemstones look expensive and regal, and work perfectly in pretty much all jewelry designs. From rings and earrings to necklaces and bracelets, the color and style of garnets is versatile and stunning. They can be worn with more casual outfits, but also easily dressed up and worn to special and regal events.

Keep in mind that there are different colors of garnet stones. There are even color changing stones, which actually go from one color to another. These tend to be the most valuable and therefore most expensive garnet stones, as they are the rarest. Garnets with the most value are in colors of purplish reds and blood reds with the least valuable a drab brownish color. Color is so important when shopping for any gemstones but garnet more than most others.

One of the most important tips is to watch for stones that are too red. This usually means they are fakes, as authentic garnet gemstones appear richer and deeper in color.

When shopping for garnet earrings, make sure you always ask for a certificate of authenticity from the jeweler you are doing business with. If they are not willing or able to provide this you can pretty much bet that they are scam artists. Professional, reputable jewelers will always have this type of information on hand to ensure their customers complete satisfaction.

Clarity is another of the more important issues when shopping for any garnet jewelry. The more clarity a garnet has, or in other words, the fewer flaws the stone has, the more valuable it is. Typically, one cannot tell just by eye as to the number and depth of flaws in a gemstone and it must be magnified before a proper assessment can be made.

The cut of the stone is also important. The better a garnet stone is cut the more sparkle and shine it gets from light reflecting on it. These are what most people seek out in their jewelry designs because they are the most beautiful. Garnet earrings with a good cut are really the cream of the crop but do not be surprised as the price goes up.

If you want a set of garnet earrings but are not willing to spend the hefty price of an authentic pair, there is always the option of going with a synthetic garnet stone. This is obviously not the same thing because you are getting imitation gemstones but as long as you know what you are paying for that is what matters.

The size is another factor in the pricing of pieces. Obviously the larger stones used in the earrings or other jewelry piece, the more expensive it will be.

These are all important things to remember if you are ever shopping for garnet jewelry. By making yourself more educated and informed, you will be more comfortable and enjoy your time more shopping for jewelry. The best thing you can do is bring a professional jewelry expert with you or at least someone who is in the business so they can be there by your side when you shop and ensure you get your money’s worth it. There are more than enough qualified and reputable jewelers out there but also just as many con artists who are only out to make a buck off unsuspecting customers. To help your chances and prevent getting scammed, take time to research the actual jewelry companies before going shopping. You want to do business with only the best and by reading reviews and checking with the Better Business Bureau, you can make sure of this.

Garnet earrings are absolutely beautiful as is all garnet jewelry. Just be sure you find some you can afford and know what you are doing.

Try on a Pair of Bamboo Earrings and You Won’t Want to go Back to Your Old Ones

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:56:00 +0000

People are curious creatures especially when it comes to the attire they dress their bodies with. Throughout recorded history, people have used clothing, jewelry and other adornments to dress themselves. The dress varied from culture to culture but within every culture, dress codes and fashions were a thing of the norm. One year, a certain fashion would be worn by everyone who had the means to afford it and by the next year, another fashion would take its place, leaving the other one a distant memory of the past. It is not much different today except that fashions tend to be more of a global thing with people from all cultures all over the world following the same ones year after year. Moreover, with designers out there willing to put out these fashions at both extremely high prices and very affordable prices, everyone can afford to be fashionable if they choose!

Throughout the years, many items that were been considered en vogue when they first hit the market became out-of-style the next season. Think of most of the styles that have come out of the eighties and if you really take a look around, I doubt you will find a single women wearing a floor length empire gown or a chemisette unless she is on her way to a party that asked guests to wear things that were in style in the 1800’s! This being said, there are many items that made it onto the fashion scene many eons ago and remain there to this day. Bamboo earrings are one of those items that have been worn throughout recent history without faltering.

Although it is considered normal now for men to pierce their ears, it is more common for women to have this procedure done. At a very young age, usually as soon as they are given the okay from their parents, many girls get their ears pierced. It is almost a rite of passage. To young girls, having their ears pierced is the ultimate in fashion and is a very grown up thing to do. The clip-on earrings are replaced by long, dangly and colorful ones. Bamboo earrings are usually hoops but can come in many other styles as well. They are usually shaped like the bamboo that their name comes from. These earrings are probably one of the most popular types of earring on the market and for many reasons and here are some of them:

1) They are always in style.

2) They look great on anyone of any age.

3) They can look good whether you have long hair or short hair.

4) They match any color and any outfit.

5) Genuine bamboo earrings are made with the best materials, which are usually natural so they last long, and will not cause irritation.

6) They are affordable.

There are many types of bamboo earrings to choose from so you do not need to be stuck wearing hoops if that is not what you want. Some are dangly, some are square or triangle. All come in a variety of colors so you will have no problem finding a pair to match your personal style. They can be bought almost anywhere but if you are looking for the best quality, fine department stores and jewelry stores will have a large selection available for varied prices. Depending on the type you buy, a pair can cost anywhere from thirty dollars to one thousand dollars. The ones on the higher price scale are usually made of gold or other expensive or rare materials while the ones on the lower end of the scale are made of cheaper materials. Your best bet is to go somewhere in the middle to ensure you get something you want that will last and not cost a lot of your hard-earned money!

Bamboo earrings have been around for so long now that I doubt they will leaving the fashion scene anytime soon! The earrings are so versatile in that they look good with anything and on anyone that you will only really need one pair to make your signature look. However, you will love them so much, that you will want to have more than one pair to change it up from time to time!

How To Make Gold Drop Earrings

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:53:17 +0000

Gold drop earrings are an absolutely beautiful and stunning jewelry piece that can work well on any skin tone. We all love to shop for jewelry but if you are really eager and willing to take on the task, why not make your own pair of gold drop earrings? Even with little to no jewelry making experience you can still quickly and fairly easily make a set and save money, not to mention feel proud of yourself for your hard work.

First, you must gather together all the required tools and supplies needed for the job. For a basic set of earrings, you need two headpins, two earwires, two earnuts, two gold beads, chainnose pliers and any extra beads you want to include on the earrings. You may want to have one or more gold beads on each earring, along with a few others of your choice if you prefer. The number and type of beads used in the earrings is totally up to you and your personal preference because you will still make them the same way.

For supplies, the best idea is to head online. You can take a look around at local shops but chances are you will find much better deals at wholesale jewelry supply stores online. There are more than enough to choose from, with jewelry making being as popular a hobby as it is today. Browse around at a few different stores to get a better idea of asking prices on supplies you need. You should not have to spend more than $50 or so to get the basic supplies required to make this set of gold drop earrings. It also depends on whether you choose to use 14kt gold or simulated gold beads.

Make one earring at a time. Take a headpin and place the beads on in the appropriate order. Once you have it looking how you want, use the chainnose pliers to twist the top of the wire around until you make a full circle. Your goal is to make as round a loop as possible and tuck the extra wire into the first one or two beads on the top of the earring. This way the end of the wire is neatly tucked away, giving the earring a nicer and more finished look. Some people choose to wrap the extra bit of wire around the loop but this can look amateur.

The loop does not have to be completely accurate but it should be relatively small. Do not worry if does not turn out perfectly because people are going to focus on the beads on the earring rather than this small loop of wire. Avoid making sharp edges, as this does not look professional. Once you have the loop set in place you can apply a drop of jewelry glue to ensure the wire does not move out of place. Allow this to dry for several hours before going ahead with the rest of the earring.

Now you simply use your chainnose pliers again to open the small loop already created on the earwire. Make sure you move the end of the loop over to one side rather than away in the opposite direction as this makes it much more difficult to get it back perfectly in place. You do not want to alter the premade loop and by moving it over a few millimeters to one side, you can easily move it back into place afterwards.

Slip the loop of the headpin with your beads into this opening so it is sitting evenly in the loop on the earwire. Take the pliers and close the loop up. The headpin should sit nicely inside with plenty of room to move around. Again, you can use a small amount of glue to the second loop to ensure a tight seal. Now you are finished one of the earrings and can move on to the next, repeating this process exactly. Once you are finished the second earring you have a gorgeous pair of gold drop earrings that work well for any occasion.

Gold drop earrings are one of the most basic, easiest jewelry designs to make and make you feel like a real professional jewelry maker.

Diamond Cluster Earrings

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:01:59 +0000

How to Buy Diamond Cluster Earrings

Diamond cluster earrings are a very stylish and fashionable accessory that women love to wear. These particular items can come in all different sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. If you are looking to buy some either as a gift, for someone else, or for yourself then it may be a good idea for you to learn a little bit about these diamond earrings prior to going out shopping. This will help you to understand what you are looking for when you make a purchase so that you know you are getting a good value for your money. Anytime you are dealing with diamonds, prices can get very expensive very quickly so it is important to have a good basic knowledge of these particular products. We are going to take a look at some of the different types available, some ways to find good deals on these earrings, and some things to look for to make sure you are getting the quality you are paying for.

Different Types of Cluster Earrings

It is possible to find these types of earrings in all different shapes and sizes. Many of them have different types of settings that they are placed in and different cuts of diamonds. Since there are so many different combination’s of these earrings it can make it hard to pick a pair that you like as well as falls into your budget. The higher the quality of the diamonds and the larger the size of the diamonds, that are clustered in the earrings, the more money you should expect to pay. Since everyone has a little bit different tastes, it is easy to see why you can find so many different variations of these earrings. You can find princess cut, round cut, and even pavé style diamonds. The particular style that you choose is going to be purely personal preference. The settings can be round, square, or even a custom shape. They are often made of white gold, platinum, and gold.

Finding Good Deals on Diamond Cluster Earrings

In order to find a good deal on these types of earrings it’s going to be necessary to do some homework. It is possible to buy these particular types of products from local jewelry stores, but in most cases, you will pay a premium when purchasing them from retail shops. To find a really good value for your money it is much easier to purchase online. There are several different reliable resources that sell these types of products and that would be safe to buy from. The number one thing you need to be careful of when purchasing online is buying from a legitimate and reliable source. You want to make sure that they have a return policy that will allow you to send the earrings back if the quality does not match up with what they claimed to be.

A good way to find a high-quality source to buy jewelry from is to find a website that you have heard of already or that you can find substantial information about. When you first look at a website, you have not seen before, verify that they have a return policy as well as a contact page on their site. It also is important to make sure that they have a physical address and a phone number that they can be reached at. You want to help protect yourself when you are spending a good amount of money buying jewelry online.

5 Decisions When Choosing Diamonds

Since the diamonds inside of the diamond cluster earrings is what makes them so special it is important to know a few things about diamonds before buying. The important aspects you need to understand are the shape of the diamond as well as the cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. All of these can be personal preference as to which ones you choose, but it is important to know that the higher quality the diamonds are the more expensive your earrings will be. The highest quality diamond will have a very nice cut, the clarity will have very few imperfections, and the color will be very clear. As far as the carat weight is concerned, it also plays a large role in the price and the higher the carat weight generally the more expensive the diamond earrings will be.

You now should have a good idea of some of the things you need to think about and consider before purchasing diamond cluster earrings. An easy way to narrow down the options is to figure out your budget beforehand and then look for sets of earrings that are priced in your budget range.

Onyx Earrings: An Introduction

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:42:58 +0000

The scientific name for onyx is chalcedony quartz. The stone is a silicone dioxide, and it can be colored black, brown, reddish-brown, or red carnelian. Black onyx, which sometimes has bands of white running through it, is commonly incorporated in the design of elegant onyx earrings.

The stones are created when gas pockets form and dry in lava, solidifying into hard crystal shapes. The resulting raw onyx is usually polished before it is carved into a particular shape.

The white bands that run through black onyx are always parallel to each other. The black stones’ appearance makes them a popular choice, not only for earrings, but for carved figures and cameos as well. Once polished to a fine shine, cut stones have an absorbing appearance likened to that of staring into a still black pool.

The Spiritual Significance of Onyx Earrings

Those with a yen for the spiritual believe onyx gemstones are able to banish grief and release other negative emotions. Additionally, they protect the wearer from toxic or unhappy relationships while encouraging happiness, relaxation and creative inspiration.

With its association with healing, self-discipline and helping a person master their own fate; some people turn to the stone to help break bad habits. Moreover, onyx has been worn in relation to wisdom, good luck, happiness and self-confidence since ancient times. The healing and protective properties that come with wearing a pair of onyx earrings are supposed to enhance the ability to guide your own dreams, visions and mediation, while strengthening the heart and kidneys.

Face Shapes and Complementary Earring Styles

Onyx earrings come in a variety of styles. Choosing the style that best complements one’s face shape helps to bring out the best appearance from both earrings and the wearer:

A round face can appear less doughy when wearing earrings with angular shapes like squares, rectangles and triangles. Long, thin earrings complement even the roundest face while short, wide earrings emphasize a round face shape. As such, it is best to avoid earrings that echo this face shape.

A pair of truncated earrings can complement an oval face, which can appear elongated sometimes. Examples include studs, short hoops or bead bursts to keep the face from looking too long. The same can’t be said for long, solid earrings. A person with an oval face can pull off long earrings as long as the earrings’ shape is distinct, such as a crisp square or a sharp circle.

As with the round face, a person brings attention to a heart-shaped face when wearing earrings the same shape as the face. It’s best to avoid diamond-shaped, oval or pointed earrings. Instead, earrings that narrow the forehead and emphasize the chin, such as triangle or chandelier earrings shapes that are relatively bottom heavy are preferable.

The long and thin appearance of an angular, rectangle face can be made to look softer with curved lines, such as earrings shaped as wide hoops. The key is to step away from long, heavy earrings that pull the face down and draw attention away from the cheekbones.

Like a rectangle shaped face, the person can soften a square face by wearing earrings formed in a rounded shape. Angular shapes or anything with distinct corners is a no-no as they can make a square face look too rigid and heavy.

Caring For Your Earrings

Caring for a pair of onyx earrings is as simple as wiping them clean with a soft, moistened cloth. It is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can chip or scratch the gemstone. Onyx can be a porous gemstone, and absorb the chemicals in detergents, ammonia and plain soap. This can build up inside the stones, dulling the shine and even causing discoloration. The setting can be cleaned with a paste of baking soda and water, which should be wipes off with a soft damp cloth.

Onyx jewelry was once highly valued by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians because it was so rare. Today though, things like onyx earrings are much more common, but no less treasured despite their lower value. The stones, especially the elegant black onyx, look good in both silver and gold jewelry settings, and are subtle and effective accents for other gemstones.

Black Pearl Earrings and Jewellry Sets

Sat, 15 May 2010 04:09:20 +0000

If you really like black pearl jewelry in general, then it is a good idea to get a nice set. A few sets on the market are both affordable and quite nice, such as the Evening Trio Cultured Pearl set that includes earrings, a necklace and a bracelet with cultured black pearls for only $99.00. On the other hand, you can get a nice set with freshwater black pearls that cost only $55.00. However, if you have the budget for it, then you can choose from some stunning black pearl sets. You can get a beautiful set with a necklace, bracelet and earrings made from black Akoya pearls that will cost around $365. Akoya pearls are one of the more popular kinds of black pearls for jewelry due to their high shine and warm glow.

If you are simply looking for earrings, once again you can choose between the cheaper ones, the very expensive ones, or some that are in the $100 – $250 range. The prices vary a lot as often they are made with either 10K or 14K gold, and some have diamonds added to the earring as well. Sears offers great looking black earring made with either 10K white gold or 14K yellow gold; they make a few different styles such as studs and lever back earrings and these costs in the range of $120 – $160 and are made with Akoya pearls; different earrings have different sized pearls.

Tahitian pearls are also look quite beautiful in necklaces, pendants and earrings. You can buy a set of earrings with rare Tahitian pearls with 18K white gold, in pushback style; these cost in between $370 – $500, depending on the size of the pearl. As these pearls are more rare, the jewelry made with them costs more.

No matter where you buy your black pearl earrings from, it is very important to make sure you are buying from someone who you can trust. Unless you are a jeweler or have a lot of experience in buying pearl jewelry it is easy to get cheated. If you buy from a well-known shop such as Sears or another famous jewelry store, then you can be assured that what you are getting is authentic. There are, however, a number of sites online that sell some stunning pearl jewelry, some at a very good price too and there can be many advantages to buying your pearl jewelry this way, if you are able to make sure that the items being sold to you are genuine.

If you can find an online retailer that you can trust, you can often get good quality jewelry at a better price than it is sold in a shop. You can also frequently find styles that are not available in the department store that will suit you very well. Besides making sure the retailer you are considering doing business with is honest, you should also ask about the shipping costs. Some retailers will ship to you free of charge while others will require you to pay for the shipping. Some retailers will advertise that they ship free of charge, but in reality they only do so to a certain area. It is important to read all the fine print on the site and know what you are getting into.

Often it is easier to shop for jewelry at a store, as then you are able to see the items you are considering buying. If one shop does not have the style of jewelry you are looking for, or the kind of black pearl that you want, then you can always check a few different shops. Black pearl jewelry is an investment no matter what kind you buy, so it is important to get something that you like and that suits your style.

Black pearl jewelry is stunning; while many people prefer either white or pink pearls, black pearls carry their own unique allure and many people find them quite classy. There are actually a few different kinds of black pearls, such as saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Hawaiian pearls, Tahitian pearls, and more. The price of black pearl jewelry varies wildly, depending on what kind of pearls are used as well as what other jewels or metals are used in the jewelry.
If you really like black pearl jewelry in general, then it is a good idea to get a nice set. A few sets on the market are both affordable and quite nice, such as the Evening Trio Cultured Pearl set that includes earrings, a necklace and a bracelet with cultured black pearls for only $99.00. On the other hand, you can get a nice set with freshwater black pearls that cost only $55.00. However, if you have the budget for it, then you can choose from some stunning black pearl sets. You can get a beautiful set with a necklace, bracelet and earrings made from black Akoya pearls that will cost around $365. Akoya pearls are one of the more popular kinds of black pearls for jewelry due to their high shine and warm glow.
If you are simply looking for earrings, once again you can choose between the cheaper ones, the very expensive ones, or some that are in the $100 – $250 range. The prices vary a lot as often they are made with either 10K or 14K gold, and some have diamonds added to the earring as well. Sears offers great looking black earring made with either 10K white gold or 14K yellow gold; they make a few different styles such as studs and lever back earrings and these costs in the range of $120 – $160 and are made with Akoya pearls; different earrings have different sized pearls.
Tahitian pearls are also look quite beautiful in necklaces, pendants and earrings. You can buy a set of earrings with rare Tahitian pearls with 18K white gold, in pushback style; these cost in between $370 – $500, depending on the size of the pearl. As these pearls are more rare, the jewelry made with them costs more.
No matter where you buy your black pearl earrings from, it is very important to make sure you are buying from someone who you can trust. Unless you are a jeweler or have a lot of experience in buying pearl jewelry it is easy to get cheated. If you buy from a well-known shop such as Sears or another famous jewelry store, then you can be assured that what you are getting is authentic. There are, however, a number of sites online that sell some stunning pearl jewelry, some at a very good price too and there can be many advantages to buying your pearl jewelry this way, if you are able to make sure that the items being sold to you are genuine.
If you can find an online retailer that you can trust, you can often get good quality jewelry at a better price than it is sold in a shop. You can also frequently find styles that are not available in the department store that will suit you very well. Besides making sure the retailer you are considering doing business with is honest, you should also ask about the shipping costs. Some retailers will ship to you free of charge while others will require you to pay for the shipping. Some retailers will advertise that they ship free of charge, but in reality they only do so to a certain area. It is important to read all the fine print on the site and know what you are getting into.
Often it is easier to shop for jewelry at a store, as then you are able to see the items you are considering buying. If one shop does not have the style of jewelry you are looking for, or the kind of black pearl that you want, then you can always check a few different shops. Black pearl jewelry is an investment no matter what kind you buy, so it is important to get something that you like and that suits your style.

The Beauty of Turquoise Earrings

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:53:11 +0000

Some of the most beautiful and refined jewelry in the world is made from turquoise, perhaps among the most exquisite of these pieces is the chandelier earring. There are various types and styles of jewelry cast with this mineral, but this particular earring shows best the delicacy with which the stones are molded and the artistic ability needed to design and create a beautiful piece of artwork from a simple, colored stone.

Over 2000 years ago, Native Americans found that hydrous copper aluminum phosphate, better known as turquoise, made both beautiful jewelry for trading and withstood elements well for use in cave paintings and mosaics. The oldest known mine on the North American continent is believed to be approximately two millenniums old and has been mined by Native Americans since its discovery in Sate Fe, New Mexico. The Cerrillos Mine, and what southwestern natives found there, is believed to be the beginning of a long standing tradition in jewelry and its beauty has been found up to 1400 miles from the mine in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, better known as the Aztec Rome. Archeologists believe that the beauty found in the Cerrillos mine was passed from tribe to tribe until artisans from not only southwest tribes but to tribes such as the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and various others by the 1850′s.

Early on, the drilling of the beads for jewelry compilation was done with simple tools and the stones were molded by rubbing them against sandstone. Polishing of the stones was accomplished with coarse sand, clay, or in later years, leathers. After being shaped, polished, and drilled, the beads were strung on buckskin or sinew, and then rolled on sandstone slabs to coax the beads into the shape of a cylinder. Still some Natives American artisans use this method of hand rolling.

In or around the 1850′s, Native Americans began to see the “value” of turquoise jewelry as an item that could be sold or bartered to the “white man” for goods, weapons, or money. The pieces created for this purpose were of somewhat lesser quality than their tribal works but appeared to be more elegant as the beads were strung on thin silver ropes and imprinted with die stamps with emblems such as eagles, bows, Native symbols designed to better embody what “Indian jewelry” should look like. This early tourist jewelry was quite inexpensive but today it is considered to be rare and is a highly collectible item selling for large amounts to collectors.

The quality of turquoise is agreed upon and reached by jewelers in color, luster, hardness, rarity and matrix grading. However most artisans believe the quality of this stone to be subjective and believe that quality should be decided by the artisan and admirers or collectors. Typically, however a “good quality” stone can be defined as having a robin’s egg blue color, slightly pale, must be a very hard stone, have a high luster, and no matrix. Matrix refers to the volume of “mother rock” that can be seen through the turquoise color. Much of the quality of turquoise jewelry is decide upon by personal taste and, while experts agree upon a measure of quality, there are many that do not use this measurement.

While keeping these factors in mind and deciding what is the best quality for one’s own personal taste, the collector or casual consumer must beware of “fake” turquoise just as with any other gem or stone. Some minerals such as howlite can be made to look like turquoise and mimics its beauty quite well. Colored glass and plastic are among some of the most atrocious imposters as they are obviously not mineral based but can mirror the refinement and allure of the art beautifully as well.

Chandelier earrings are among the most delicate and intricate pieces of turquoise jewelry created by artisans. They reflect the beauty and heritage of the past and offer a look into future innovations. The tools with which the earrings are made and the dies in which they are cast are of course far more advanced than that of our native ancestors but the beauty and quality still hold fast and can be best seen in this particular piece of artwork.

A symbol of love and commitment, Aquamarine earrings

Mon, 10 May 2010 23:35:51 +0000

These gems have been valued for centuries, both for their beauty and for the properties attributed to the jewels. Aquamarine protects the wearer from the sea. It is mentioned in Greek mythology as being worn by Greek soldiers for protection against the fury and wrath of the ferocious Sea Gods they faced in their dangerous journeys. The Jewelers Association of America released a list of jewels and corresponding months in 1912. This list was enthusiastically greeted worldwide and continues its popularity today. Many centuries ago, the common belief was that each stone protected the wearer during a certain month and the wearers had to have twelve stones. Back then, only the very rich could afford the jewels and only the very, very rich could afford twelve.

These stones are imported. This stone was first discovered in Madagascar. Now it is imported from Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia. During the process to bring the gem to life and turn it into Aquamarine earrings, heating is used to improve the blue color and make it more desirable (valuable). Once heated, the enhanced blue color stays.

These beautiful blue earrings frame the face like rays of sunlight sparkling off a warm blue sea. The clear, cool blue is artfully wrapped in a mounting of sterling silver, white gold or titanium, bringing the luster to life. Simple studs of sparkling blue water enhance the eyes and smile of the wearer. When combined with fire of diamonds and allowed to dangle, a lovely sway charms the viewer when the head moves. This color of Aquamarine earrings compliments almost any skin. These earring designs can be customized for a truly special gift or just the right creation chosen from the variety of designs and styles already assembled. There are single stones, multiple stones, studs, hoops, dangling chandeliers with recessed mounts displaying the beauty and coolness of the liquid water that twinkles and flows from the delicate earlobes of this lucky, chosen one. Among the many benefits contributed to this jewelry are feelings of good cheer, harmony, friendship and trust. A gift of this jewel to a loved one brings a happy and long union.

The colors of these Aquamarine earrings range from light blue to sky blue and even teal. These stones are super clear, without any mars. A buyer will check the cut, color, clarity and carat (size) of the stones before purchasing the gift. A good cut allows light to play with and off the gem, without dull or dark spots. Color is the most important part and is rated by the hue, the tone and the saturation. The hue is the basic primary color desired. The tone is a lightness or darkness of the color. The saturation is the purity and intensity of the stone. The stone should be rich, bright and vivid. Some stones are very clear and some are naturally not, aquamarine is very clear and has a high clarity rating. Carat is the weight of the stone; a carat equals 200 mg or .20 g.

When the lady receives the lovely Aquamarine earrings, she will treasure the gift forever. To preserve their radiant beauty, the earrings should be stored in jeweler’s paper or the gift box they came in. After each wearing, they should be gently wiped with a soft cotton cloth to remove the natural oils that accumulate. When dressing, these are the last bit of adornment, added after the hairspray and perfume has been used to protect them from the exposure to harmful chemicals. Fingerprints or dust can be removed by soaking the aquamarine earrings in a weak solution of gentle soap and warm water for a very short time, then rinsing and patting dry.

Aquamarine earrings are a great way to let a special someone know that they too are a treasure to be kept and cherished.

March’s birthstone represents the serenity of the sea and the expanse of a light blue summer sky. Aquamarine earrings bring the sparkle and energy of the sea and the sky to the face when these are worn. After all, it is Aquamarine, the gemstone that represents wealth and happiness. This beautiful blue gem became March’s prize in 1912 and is valued by its color, cut, clarity and size. These gems have been valued for centuries, both for their beauty and for the properties attributed to the jewels. Aquamarine protects the wearer from the sea. It is mentioned in Greek mythology as being worn by Greek soldiers for protection against the fury and wrath of the ferocious Sea Gods they faced in their dangerous journeys. The Jewelers Association of America released a list of jewels and corresponding months in 1912. This list was enthusiastically greeted worldwide and continues its popularity today. Many centuries ago, the common belief was that each stone protected the wearer during a certain month and the wearers had to have twelve stones. Back then, only the very rich could afford the jewels and only the very, very rich could afford twelve. These stones are imported. This stone was first discovered in Madagascar. Now it is imported from Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia. During the process to bring the gem to life and turn it into Aquamarine earrings, heating is used to improve the blue color and make it more desirable (valuable). Once heated, the enhanced blue color stays. These beautiful blue earrings frame the face like rays of sunlight sparkling off a warm blue sea. The clear, cool blue is artfully wrapped in a mounting of sterling silver, white gold or titanium, bringing the luster to life. Simple studs of sparkling blue water enhance the eyes and smile of the wearer. When combined with fire of diamonds and allowed to dangle, a lovely sway charms the viewer when the head moves. This color of Aquamarine earrings compliments almost any skin. These earring designs can be customized for a truly special gift or just the right creation chosen from the variety of designs and styles already assembled. There are single stones, multiple stones, studs, hoops, dangling chandeliers with recessed mounts displaying the beauty and coolness of the liquid water that twinkles and flows from the delicate earlobes of this lucky, chosen one. Among the many benefits contributed to this jewelry are feelings of good cheer, harmony, friendship and trust. A gift of this jewel to a loved one brings a happy and long union. The colors of these Aquamarine earrings range from light blue to sky blue and even teal. These stones are super clear, without any mars. A buyer will check the cut, color, clarity and carat (size) of the stones before purchasing the gift. A good cut allows light to play with and off the gem, without dull or dark spots. Color is the most important part and is rated by the hue, the tone and the saturation. The hue is the basic primary color desired. The tone is a lightness or darkness of the color. The saturation is the purity and intensity of the stone. The stone should be rich, bright and vivid. Some stones are very clear and some are naturally not, aquamarine is very clear and has a high clarity rating. Carat is the weight of the stone; a carat equals 200 mg or .20 g. When the lady receives the lovely Aquamarine earrings, she will treasure the gift forever. To preserve their radiant beauty, the earrings should be stored in jeweler’s paper or the gift box they came in. After each wearing, they should be gently wiped with a soft cotton cloth to remove the natural oils that accumulate. When dressing, these are the last bit of adornment, added after the hairspray and perfume has been used to protect them from the exposure to harmful chemicals. Fingerprints or dust can be removed by soaking the aquamarine earrings in a weak solution of gentle soap and warm water for a very short time, then rinsing and patting dry. Aquamarine earrings are a great way to let a special someone know that they too are a treasure to be kept and cherished.

Pink Sapphire Earrings, Necklaces and Pendants

Mon, 10 May 2010 01:11:32 +0000

Pink Sapphire earrings come in all different styles – leverback, drop, and stud. You can get a nice looking pair in the range of $60 – $130, made with either 14K white gold or yellow gold. If you have the budget for it, then there are some stunning drop earrings made with pink sapphires, diamonds and 14K gold (either white or yellow) that you can buy for several hundred dollars. However, you do not have to pay this much to get nice looking drop earrings with pink sapphires. You can buy some that are made with sterling silver for less than $100; the Bentelli collection offers a few different styles at this price and they are all quite nice looking.

You can also have your jewelry custom made and this has several advantages. You can spend thousands of dollars on pink sapphire jewelry, or perhaps only a few hundred, but either way, you want to get something that you like, that will suit you, or perhaps that can even be passed on to future generations. Having jewelry custom made is one way to ensure that it is unique to you and exactly what you want. Naturally, this will cost a bit more than buying your jewelry from a shop, although the exact costs depends on the size of the sapphire stones, what, if any, other stones you include in the jewelry, and whether you use gold, silver, or platinum to make the jewelry.

If you are not having your jewelry custom made then you can either buy from a store or an online retailer. Buying online offers a few advantages in that you can often get a better deal than at a shop, you can more easily find the exact style of jewelry you want, and you do not have to leave your house and shop around; you can buy your pink sapphire jewelry with a click of the mouse. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind regarding online shopping. For one, when it comes to jewelry, it is often better to see the item you are buying up close, get a good look at it and see if it will suit you. Everyone is different and a style that suits one person often will not suit another. You will also want to know that the jewelry you are buying is authentic; while there are many honest retailers online, it may be hard to tell them apart from those who are not honest. If you are not sure, then you can either buy from either a well-known store, such as Sears, or do an Internet search on the site you are considering buying from. You can often find reviews on different Internet sites online, by doing a search. Another good idea is to ask the site you are buying from what kind of guarantee they offer that their jewelry is authentic; you should be able to get some kind of certificate or guarantee that what you are buying is the real thing.

Many people, when they think of sapphire, tend to think of the more common blue sapphire stone. However, sapphire comes in a few different colors, and pink sapphire jewelry is quite beautiful as well. The prices vary a lot depending on how large the sapphire stone is, what other metals it is made from, and whether other precious stones, such as diamonds, are used along with the sapphire stones. There are so many different styles of earrings, necklaces, and pendants that you are sure to find something that will suit you.
Pink Sapphire earrings come in all different styles – leverback, drop, and stud. You can get a nice looking pair in the range of $60 – $130, made with either 14K white gold or yellow gold. If you have the budget for it, then there are some stunning drop earrings made with pink sapphires, diamonds and 14K gold (either white or yellow) that you can buy for several hundred dollars. However, you do not have to pay this much to get nice looking drop earrings with pink sapphires. You can buy some that are made with sterling silver for less than $100; the Bentelli collection offers a few different styles at this price and they are all quite nice looking.

Pink Sapphire necklaces and pendants are also quite beautiful. You can either buy a set with necklace, earrings and bracelet or you can buy them separately. You can get pendants with a circle, oval, heart, two hearts, key, or pretty much any other shape there is. If you want something that will stand out, then Sears makes a few styles that are both affordable and eye catching. The pink stones tend to go well with diamonds; getting a pendant, necklace, ring or bracelet with these two stones together is quite classy, although it may be a bit more expensive than getting something with only the sapphire stone.
You can also have your jewelry custom made and this has several advantages. You can spend thousands of dollars on pink sapphire jewelry, or perhaps only a few hundred, but either way, you want to get something that you like, that will suit you, or perhaps that can even be passed on to future generations. Having jewelry custom made is one way to ensure that it is unique to you and exactly what you want. Naturally, this will cost a bit more than buying your jewelry from a shop, although the exact costs depends on the size of the sapphire stones, what, if any, other stones you include in the jewelry, and whether you use gold, silver, or platinum to make the jewelry.
If you are not having your jewelry custom made then you can either buy from a store or an online retailer. Buying online offers a few advantages in that you can often get a better deal than at a shop, you can more easily find the exact style of jewelry you want, and you do not have to leave your house and shop around; you can buy your pink sapphire jewelry with a click of the mouse. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind regarding online shopping. For one, when it comes to jewelry, it is often better to see the item you are buying up close, get a good look at it and see if it will suit you. Everyone is different and a style that suits one person often will not suit another. You will also want to know that the jewelry you are buying is authentic; while there are many honest retailers online, it may be hard to tell them apart from those who are not honest. If you are not sure, then you can either buy from either a well-known store, such as Sears, or do an Internet search on the site you are considering buying from. You can often find reviews on different Internet sites online, by doing a search. Another good idea is to ask the site you are buying from what kind of guarantee they offer that their jewelry is authentic; you should be able to get some kind of certificate or guarantee that what you are buying is the real thing.