Diamond Jewelry: September 2008

Handmade bridal jewelry

The Best Places to Shop for Handmade Bridal Jewelry

It can be hard to get a grip on anything for your wedding because there are so many different decisions and you already have enough on your mind so it can definitely be difficult.

If you want handmade bridal jewelry for your wedding, which is not uncommon because it is so genuine and unique when compared to the jewelry that most brides wear, there are a few jewelers in particular that you are going to want to check out.

Blue Heron

For the most gorgeous handmade bridal jewelry, you will want to visit the Blue Heron site. They even feature handmade bridal jewelry that is diamond bridal jewelry, which is really quite extravagant.

From classic pearls to sparkling crystals, precious metals to fine gems, they have the perfect jewelry that will add that finishing touch to your special day, your wedding day.

The artist is Emily Palm, and with over a decade of experience originating in the time honored trade of ship building, she has that kind of eye for detail that is necessary for something like jewelry to be crafted so beautifully because she has such an attention to detail.

The marriage of wood and silver, of gemstones and gold, is made real in her skilled hands and you know that you can always find the perfect handmade bridal jewelry piece when you shop here.

Fresh Collections

The Fresh Collections Company is another great option if you are looking for handmade bridal jewelry. They are an independent jewelry design boutique and on their site you can browse their handmade jewelry, beaded jewelry and bridal jewelry collections. Their selection is always being updated with new, modernized jewelry so you can always check back and find new pieces.

Each of their piece is completely handmade and originates from a visual inspired by a beautiful gemstone, complimentary color combinations and exotic travel destinations or whatever other element provokes their creativity.

No matter if you have certain preferences for your jewelry, certain colors that you would like to work with or a certain style that you want to go for, you will be able to find it here.

There are so many tremendous options out there when it comes to bridal jewelry, so you should definitely take some time to see what is out there and find the perfect pieces to finish off your beautiful outfit and make you that blushing bride that you imagined of being your whole life since you were a little girl.

The Luxuriously Rich History of Ancient Jewelry

Since the beginning of time, humans have made use of creating ornamental jewelry for their personal adornment. In fact recently, there have been located Nassaruis shell beads, that date back as far as one hundred thousand years. That is a very long time when you consider the manufacturing of functional and decorative jewelry. However, historically many jewelry items were first created as a means of fastening ones clothing, the display of wealth and status in society as well as for creating storage units for coins and other trinkets in jewelry boxes. With a bit of research, you will find that various cultures have their own cherished wealthy possessions of precious metals and gemstones. Long ago, wedding dowries included such treasures as the family jewels for a daughter about to be married.

The Early Age of Jewelry

The Cro-Magnons were some of the first jewelry makers, approximately 40,000 years ago. The graves of Cro-Magnons, were commonly found with jewelry made from anything from mother-of-pearl, to stones, bones, teeth and mammoth tusks. Bracelets and necklaces were strung onto pieces of string or animal sinew. They held their clothing together with carved bones. Around 7,000 years ago, copper appeared on the scene of jewelry making.

Some of the most well-known jewelry makers were the ancient Egyptians, who began incorporating gold into their jewelry, which was one of their most favorite metals to work with, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. Although, the ancient Egyptians had an abundance of precious gemstones to work with, they often preferred to use colorful pieces of glass in their jewelry. They had some very impressive formulas for creating the desired color glass, since various colors were important and significant for fashionable jewelry of that time. For example, the color red symbolized the need of Isis for blood, while green represented new growth and fertility in crops. Most often Egyptian jewelry workshops were attached to their temples and palaces.

Ancient Greece was the birthplace of several types of fashion jewelry worn today, such as the cameos fashioned by Greek jewelry makers. Most often ancient Greek women wore jewelry for commemorating the special occasions of their lives as well as for any appearances in public. They were especially fond of precious metals, such as gold, silver and bronze, while they enjoyed the stunning appearance of pearls, emeralds and amethyst as well as other interesting gemstones. Jewelry then was most often given as gifts, while showing off their social status of wealth as well as for the beauty. Later they incorporated the use of clay and ivory into their jewelry ensembles. Most often their jewelry held special religious symbols, while other styles offered the comfort of lending the owner mystic powers and protection.

Meanwhile, the ancient Romans added their own special flair of creative artistry into jewelry making styles, such as the ever popular brooch. However, their pinning creation was born of the need for securely fastening their clothing. The ancient Romans were very fond of imported goods and made beautiful use of such gemstones as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and amber. Although the majority of Roman men wore one ring upon a finger, however, there were some who wore more, their women usually wore many more pieces of jewelry than they. Rings of that time were often carved of beautiful gemstones, and utilized for sealing documents with an engraved wax seal, as was customary during the middle ages by kings and noblemen alike.

Considering that our ancient ancestors had a lot to do with the constantly evolving world of jewelry making, we owe them a great debt of thankfulness, for their inspirational means of fashioning functional and ornamental jewelry styles of various gold and stunning gemstones.

Titanium: The New Trend In Jewelry

When most people hear titanium the first things that come to mind are probably golf clubs, medical plates or rods and aircraft. This naturally occurring element has various uses including a relatively new application in jewelry making.

In 1791, titanium was first discovered near Cornwall, England by pastor William Gregor who was an amateur geologist and unaware of what he had uncovered. In 1795 this metal was rediscovered and given its name which comes from the Titans in Greek mythology. Although titanium can be found around the world in abundance it is always bonded to other elements making the process to recover it is fairly extensive. The Kroll Process named after William Kroll in 1946 was and still is today used to produce titanium for commercial use.

Titanium is known for its strength in fact it is the strongest naturally occurring metal known (steel is not a pure natural element). This strength makes titanium resistant to dings, scratches, dents and bending that most other metals are prone to. Another advantage of this strength is that titanium jewelers are able to created designs by carving, grooving or inlaying without causes damage to the integrity of the piece.

This silver or grayish white metal is very lightweight, strong and 100% hypoallergenic. In fact titanium is biocompatible in that it will not cause reactions or irritations with your skin or cause a discoloration which is common with many other metals.

Although titanium does not corrode or rust it does respond to an oxidation process that enables you to get titanium in many different colors that are not possible with platinum or gold. For instance these color variations can give you a silver ring that in different lights or at different angels can appear blue or purple. If you like color variations it is also possible to find rings that are made from a combination of metals for instance gold and titanium.

Since titanium is not a precious metal, jewelry made from it are among the most affordable available. In fact you can purchase rings of basic design for under a hundred dollars, making them an extremely good buy.

One characteristic that you must be aware of when purchasing a titanium ring is that in most cases they can not be resized. In some cases jewelers may be able to size up by a very small amount but it is safer to assume that the size of ring you buy is the one you are going to have to keep. By the same token it is important to know what grade of titanium your ring is made of because in an emergency situation not all grades can be cut off very easily.

The New Classy: Emerald Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut engagement ring is steadily growing in popularity with individuals from all walks of life including the rich and famous. One of the reasons for this new trend is classic rectangular shape makes it a perfect blend of classic elegance and polished modern sophistication.

The emerald cut as the name implies was specifically developed for emeralds, allowing this relatively hard stone to be cut without causing breakage due to the many natural occurring inclusions. It was found that the only way this could be accomplished is by using a stepped approach with rounded corners, leaving the overall shape that of a rectangle. These clipped corners provide the perfect place for the prongs that will securely hold your stone in place.

The elongated shape of the traditional emerald cut diamond tends to have less “fire” in comparison to the “round brilliant” cut however it also tends to have fuller, more striking flashes of light. The tailored lines of emerald cut diamonds bestow both an elegant and classic look regardless of if you choose a simple or elaborate setting. In the end it comes down to personal choice and the expectation you have for sparkle on your finger.

While buying an emerald cut diamond, it's especially important to consider the quality, as the faults, color weaknesses, and inferior cuts are much more evident to the naked eye. With that being said, emerald cut diamond rings are much more affordable so the quality of diamond that you will be able to acquire will be much higher. This is partially due to the fact that the emerald diamond is still growing in popularity as well as the cut its self is much easier perform therefore less time consuming to produce.

Traditionally an emerald cut engagement ring is set perpendicular to a ring, however the possibilities are endless. You can have your emerald cut diamond set as a solitaire for maximum impact or you can have a number of accent stones to play it up. When deciding on a setting remember to try them on your finger do not just pick one out of a catalogue and send your partner in to pick it up. An emerald cut diamond is indeed stunning but the traditional rectangular shape is particularly suitable for women with long and slender fingers. If you have shorter fingers and the emerald cut really appeals to you choosing a more square shape may be an option. Again it comes down to personal choice if think your chosen ring looks great then that is the one you should get because you are going to be the one wearing it.

Ladies Watches

Most any female could admit that jewelry is no stranger to her and it is desirable. Rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and ladies watches are just a few examples of what may be found in any given woman's jewelry box. The topic of choice is that of ladies watches and most will find that an appealing timepiece truly compliments the outfit. In some instances the watch can match all of the other pieces of jewelry being worn on any given day.

So much emphasis is placed on rings or necklaces that perhaps most forget about the importance of ladies watches. The idea behind a woman's watch is to be able to look nice and also be aware of what time it is whenever curious. There is no reason for a watch to be bulky or unattractive especially when it comes to that worn by a lady. In many instances, ladies watches are readily visible at most any formal event or function.

Some ladies watches have gold or silver or diamonds or a combination of all three possibilities. Some ladies watches are big or small or decorative so as to allow modification of any look or outfit to be possible. In actuality, many women may find it difficult to find a watch that is to her liking only because there are so many to choose from. As a gift, it is important to make certain, when selecting from the many ladies watches out there, that it is appropriate for the person to receive it.

Ladies Watches As Conversation Pieces

Perhaps one day a female finds herself waiting among strangers for a bus and no topic of interest is at hand to pass the time. In some cases the ladies watches that are decorative or extravagant or sometimes even simple may lead to a thought provoking discussion. Questions in regards to where the watch was purchased, how much it cost or why the person had chosen it, is often common in this instance.

Another possible scenario involving a ladies watch as a conversation piece would perhaps be on a date with another person. That deafening silence as a newly met couple waits for their meal to arrive at a restaurant could perhaps be converted to a casual comfortable conversation about the particular watch the female had chosen for the evening. There is obviously more than meets the eye when it comes to the possibilities of ladies watches and the situations or circumstances that surround them.

The thought behind Ladies Watches are to be able to look nice and also be aware of what time it is whenever curious. Watches can also add style and elegance to a women. To view more no cost articles on watches visit, http://www.watches.jsgenterprises.com.

A Guide to Amber Jewelry

The alluring amber has always attracted the gemstone lovers with its potential for creating artistic jewelries. In the vintage collections as well as in the modern designs you will come across ample use of this bright luminescent stone. Starting from necklace and earrings or finger rings to pendants and bracelets, amber can add a touch of class in all types of jewelry.

Before you invest in an exquisite piece of amber jewelry, equip yourself with some basic information about amber.

Origin

The most interesting part of amber is that: it fascinates men from all strata of society. It interests the geologists and jewelry lovers alike. This is because of the unique origin of this gemstone. Amber is in the nature of fossils and is born out of the resins of ancient trees that grew in the amber forests millions of years ago.

Variety

The largest deposit of amber can be found in the Baltic region. Though amber is also found in the other parts of the world, the Baltic amber is the most sought after variety so far jewelry making is concerned.

Color and Clarity

When you are going to make jewelry with any gemstone, the first two things you have to check are color and clarity of the stone.

So far as the color of amber is concerned, this beautiful gemstone closely resembles the golden yellow color of honey. However, the coloring may range to burnt red or rich orange to reddish brown. However, though rare, it is not unusual to find amber in blue, green or even different shades of black.

Translucency is a much desired quality in amber. Depending on the degree of transparency, amber may be clear or cloudy. The transparent ambers are found with golden yellow or reddish yellow hues. When the amber is semi-transparent or opaque, it appears cloudy. Depending on their color and clarity, the amber stones are categorized as fatty, bone (or osseous) or foamy (or frothy).

So how will you choose a piece of amber to get your dream piece of jewelry? Remember, while translucency is a desired quality in any gemstone, the inclusions make the stones even more interesting and hence more expensive. Amber with high clarity is expensive; but even more prized is the amber with slight inclusions having unique charm of its own. Depending on the types of inclusions the amber is known by such names as fatty, bone, bastard amber and so on.

A fragile stone

The last but most important information about amber jewelry: due to its organic origin, this fascinating gemstone is not a long lasting one. However, with proper care and maintenance you can significantly add to its life span. Store your amber jewelries in cotton lined jewel box separately. Do not expose it to direct sunlight and heat. Avoid using harsh chemicals; clean it in lukewarm water with soft clothes. You can apply olive oil from time to time to retain the shine and polish of the stone.

Amber no doubt renders value to your jewelry wardrobe. Their unique color makes them fit for both formal as well as casual look. Its typical physical and chemical properties make it a darling with modern designers who can experiment with the cut and design of this stone to their heart’s content. With amber jewelry you can also experiment a lot.

Consider making your own fashion statement with an exquisite piece of amber jewelry; online shops are the great place to catch the latest trends in amber jewelry.

Why Platinum Jewelery?

Today like no other time in history the choices in metals that can be used to make jewelry especially engagement rings and wedding rings is almost over whelming.

A metal that may be new to many people is platinum, however it does have a rich history with its use in decorative pieces dating back to the 7th century and ancient Egypt. The use in jewelry and decor began its rise in Europe in the 18th century however it was not obtainable to those who were not royalty or extremely wealthy. In 1930's during the time of the great depression and WWII platinum became a controlled substance therefore its use in jewelry making was almost unheard of.

It has only been in the last ten years that platinum has made a real resurgence. This metal has gained popularity in recent years among the general population however the price makes it an unrealistic choice for most of us. A platinum ring generally costs double the amount of its white gold counterpart therefore it still viewed by many as a symbol of wealth and status.

Platinum is a white metal that is appreciated for not only its beauty but its strength and long wear ability. This is one of reasons many skilled jewelers especially those making high end items like to use platinum prongs in order to set diamonds and gems in their pieces. It is also a desirable choice because it does not oxidize and is hypoallergenic. Another characteristic that makes platinum stand out from the competition is that when it does sustain a scratch this will not cause further damage to your ring, where as if a gold ring is scratched the gold will continue to breakdown in that area.

Unlike gold, high quality platinum has a purity of 95% and is often alloyed with metals such as titanium, copper, rhodium, palladium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. Platinum is rated by a 1000 count, with platinum of 950 parts per thousand being used to make high quality jewelry. It is recommended that if you are going to pay the money for a quality platinum piece that you do not buy anything below 850 parts per 1000. High quality platinum will have a mark stating what its count is and it should be and combination of the number such as 950 and the lettering Pt or Plat.

If you ever decided to purchase or even try a platinum ring on the first thing you will notice is the weight of it. Platinum is a very dense metal therefore a platinum ring will weigh approximately 60% more than the same ring made from 18kt gold. As well platinum has a much higher melting temperature then gold, and can be heated over and over again allowing very small intricate pieces to made. Platinum allows a jeweler the flexibility to make pieces that are very elaborate and detailed without losing strength or durability.

Platinum rings may not be for everyone however if the price is out of reach then an option may be to purchase a ring that has its diamonds or stones secured with platinum prongs. Other options can be to go to a simpler design with the added security that your ring will last or do to a ring with a mix of metals.

Choosing a Diamond Tennis Bracelet

When one seeks a gemstone bracelet, diamonds in a tennis-style bracelet are a splendid choice. But choosing a bracelet, whether it be a diamond tennis bracelet or any other, is a personal choice. It must reflect your style as well as your unique fashion sense. Diamonds in tennis bracelets are a superb choice, because diamonds have such a hard toughness that they cannot be scratched, yet are still beautiful works out art. Diamonds are open to other dangers. The setting quality and cut of stone, as well as the clasp's integrity, will often determine the strength of a bracelet.

It is essential to recognize quality in a diamond tennis bracelet. First you must choose your diamonds at a well-known jewelry dealer's shop, one with a good reputation. To affirm the dealer does carry gems of high quality, first view some loose stones before committing to buying anything.

Browse the finished bracelets. Find out which stones you like best, whether the diamonds be colored or not.

Focus on metal setting. This way you will get a feel for whether you prefer simple chains or tooled settings, and whether you would like them to dangle or a closely hug your wrist.

Examine the bracelets you like with a jeweler's lope, looking for diamond quality. Since the setting limits the view somewhat, note as much about brilliance and clarity as possible.

Return and examine the bracelet in different lightings, coming at different times of the day to see how it looks in the natural light at that time of day. Since light affects different diamonds in different ways, you will wish to know how they perform in different circumstances.

After choosing a bracelet you simply cannot live without, ask for documents of its authenticity.

Since a novice can evaluate loose stones for quality a lot easier, look at them as is, and then with a magnifier in order to detect any flaws in the stones themselves.

When choosing a setting, keep in mind that gold and white gold will not tarnish.

Get your jewelry appraised by an outside source. Best thing you could do.

See that the stones are set well, since a tennis bracelet is as susceptible to knocks and bumps as a ring is. Buy from a well-known and reputable dealer.

For cleaning diamonds, you will need dish washing liquid, tooth brushes, small bowls, and paper towels.

Remember to take care of your jewelry, and it will love you for a long time to come.

Buying Diamonds Online

loose diamonds

With all of the potential for scams concerning loose diamonds, buying diamonds online almost seems unthinkable! However, you actually can purchase diamonds 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.

The vast selection is one of the ideal things about buying online. 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 diamonds – 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 on sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your investigation. You know about blue 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 seller’s credentials, such as professional 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.

Independent laboratories such as HRD, GIA, AGS, and EGL are great sources when asking for a diamond report. 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!

Amber Jewelry 101