Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Evolution of the Jewelry Trade

The jewelry trade had its humble beginning in the days of the caveman. Today it is a massive and flourishing industry. Jewelry is worn with everything from jeans and sneakers to elegant evening wear. How it all happened is quite an interesting story.

Earliest forms of jewelry were worn by cavemen. Their jewelry was crudely fashioned of sea shells as well as animal teeth, claws or bones. Graves of prehistoric people have revealed beaded jewelry as well as jewelry made of ivory, wood or metal.

Studies of the ancient Egyptians revealed well-crafted jewelry. The Egyptians were probably the first to combine gemstones with gold or precious metals. The priests of Bible days wore breastplates made with rows of diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones.

Workers who made implements or weapons for battle became the first jewelry craftsmen.

As they worked with metals to make the implements of war, they discovered the fine art of using the metals to create precious jewelry.

The jewelry trade came to America with the first settlers. An artisan could repair a broken farm implement, a wagon wheel or fashion a wedding ring. New York City became the leader of the precious metal industry in the 1890s with the first jewelry store opening at the beginning of the 19th century.

The 20th century ushered in machines which created jewelry and mass production began in manufacturing plants. Jewelry became more available and more affordable. New York City is still the headquarters in the United States for the leading designers and artisans.

During the mid 1900s jewelry artists began designing and creating their own special lines of jewelry. These are sold in up-scale stores, boutiques or galleries. Today, jewelry is available in specialty jewelry stores, department stores, mall kiosks, craft shows, etc.

The Internet and television shopping channels also claim a large portion of jewelry sales.

Many celebrities now have their own line of jewelry. These are mostly sold on television or in up-scale department stores. Usually the designs are high-fashion and elaborately crafted.

Jewelry is worn by men, women and children of all ages. It has become increasingly popular. There is always joy in giving jewelry to mark major occasions such as engagements, weddings, birth of a child, anniversaries, etc. Jewelry will be around for eternity.

When shopping for gold and diamonds, the name to remember is www.normasfinejewelry.com. Norma’s has many beautiful jewelry items at 40% to 60% less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price every day. If you are shopping for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or diamonds rings, be sure to see the 100s of choices at Norma’s. There is no need to wait for a sale or fight the Mall traffic. Norma welcomes you and every order will receive her personal attention.

Several Bead Jewelry Designs

Working with beads can be fun and exciting in the same time for those who love to participate in arts and crafts . This can turn into a passion, but also into a business as well. Bead jewelry design is used for clothing and shoes decoration, and for many other things. All the spectacular beads can be used in bead jewelry designs, from small colorful beads to large beach theme beads.

Seashells can also be used o create beads designs, buttons, and many other decorative objects. Everything depends of the imagination and creativity, taste and experience. When someone decide to make bread jewelry design, is wise to begin using beads found at a local craft store.

The color and size must match with the project you are designing. There are many options to choose from, everything depends on your imagination and creativity. Ever the craft store looks like having a wide variety of products; remember that a craft store is not specialized in items to make bead jewelry designs. It is possible that after making some pieces of bead jewelry, you get tired of the selection offered to you there.

This is the moment when you can search some sites specialized in offering materials for bead jewelry design. There are many great sites that you’ll find convenient to become your only materials’ provider. You will have the possibility to buy from those sites all the supplies you need. Make sure that you made the best choice; you must collaborate with the most appropriate firm for you. If you can manage to have a long term relationship with them, it will be to your benefit.

You can read the reviews coming from the site’s clients. Many people are buying from the internet bead products. Here is a great jewelry resource http://www.thejewelrydelivery.com. You can share their experience and opinions. Consumers’ review can be really useful and give you the information you need. You can find companies you didn’t’ even know existed, but it will give you the opportunity to learn from other people experience and don’t make the same mistakes.

There are some website that never comes through their promises that hey are proposing in the website content. It is not a pleasant experience to order your bead jewelry designs to a company online and wait a few days without any result. It is very discouraging to realize a few days after that your will not receive your beads and the money are lost.

After a serious research, you’ll find the serious online companies that can provide you everything you need; you can make bead jewelry and sell them after back on the internet.

It is a great chance to create a profit doing what you love to do. If the profit isn’t interesting you, the bead jewelry designs will be the most appropriate gift for your closest friends and family, on birthdays or special occasions.

Sterling Silver Money Clips

It’s always harder to shop for gifts for men than for women because although they have fewer accessories to choose from, they tend to be more picky than women especially when they have an “image” to maintain. If you’re looking for the perfect gift that your man won’t feel ashamed of using, stay away from risky clothes and jewelries and start visiting accessory boutiques to look for the best sterling silver money clip you can find.

Why Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver unlike other types of silver won’t get rusty even when it’s exposed to water and other elements. As such, your man won’t have to worry about getting his sterling silver money clip ruined when there’s a sudden downpour.

Sterling silver is also considered a classy material especially when compared to materials like leather. It is also more durable and it definitely won’t break or bend easily when pressure and force are exerted.

Money Clips vs. Wallets

Although there are more styles, colors, and designs to choose from when shopping for wallets, there are also more disadvantages to be found if you choose to purchase a wallet instead of a money clip for your man.

Firstly, wallets usually create a noticeable bulge in the pocket which effectively reduces the sexiness of the person. If you want your man to look good, he’ll be better off with a slim and compact sterling silver money clip.

Secondly, there’s no turning back time when your wallets become victims of wear and tear. Old leather will always be old leather. Immortality on the other hand is granted to sterling silver money clips. All you have to do is polish them regularly with the right cleaning tools and you’ll have a brand new looking money clip all the time!

Thirdly, money’s more accessible when using a money clip. All you have to do is pull off the exact kind and number of paper bills you need and payment is instantly made.

Fourthly, money clips are especially advantageous to men who love playing the field. Instead of having to changing photos in their wallets all the time to avoid hurting their current flavor of the month, no evidence can be garnered against them when they’re using money clips. It’s just money after all!

One major concern of yours should be that you are actually getting the right kind of metal, and that the money clip is indeed made of sterling silver, it is never too difficult to find someone who understands something about silver and get them to the shop with you. It is also advisable that you think about the person you are getting this for, ideally the money clip should be fitted to their habits and needs, if you will observe the person you will know what kind of money clip will suit him best.

Platinum Vs White Gold

Platinum Vs White Gold; Why is My White Gold Ring Turning Yellow?

Many women complain that their white gold jewelry is turning yellow. They don’t understand why this is happening and they’re confused.

I am the author of a platinum brochure that helps clear up some of the confusion. In it, I delve into the history of platinum as well as answer some of the most popular questions concerning platinum vs. gold. For example:

Q: What is the difference between white gold and platinum?

A: There is a tremendous difference between the two metals and it has to do primarily with purity. White gold is a fabricated color. In order to obtain the ‘white’ look of white gold, pure gold is diluted with white metal(s), such as nickel. However, this resulting metal is still not a true ‘white’ and must be plated in platinum to achieve the look of platinum. Over time, this plating wears away and a yellowish tint emerges. This yellowish hue is not tarnish; it is the true color of white gold. To restore the white and bright finish, the metal must again be plated. Platinum, on the other hand, is 99% pure and will always remain naturally ‘white.’

Here’s another question that often comes up.

Q: Why does platinum cost more than white gold?

A: The market value for platinum per ounce is much higher than gold. One reason is that platinum is much more rare than gold. In fact, it is 60 times rarer. It takes ten tons of ore and eight weeks to produce just one once of platinum. But it’s worth it.

There is an additional factor to the price disparity. While platinum requires less ongoing maintenance than that of silver or gold, platinum does require very special attention when fabricating a quality piece of jewelry. Today, there are few jewelers who can work well with platinum. It requires special tools, special techniques and highly trained individuals.

Platinum is the metal of kings. It’s pure and it’s dense. Did you know that a six inch cube weighs an incredible 165 pounds? I’ve always advised my customers to purchase platinum when they could afford it.

Types of Diamonds

Diamonds are classified broadly under the categories of Natural Diamond, Synthetic Industrial Diamond and Thin Film Diamonds on the basis of their process of origination.

Diamonds remain to be the most fascinating gift that a woman can ever dream about. The word “diamond” is derived from a Greek word “adamas” which stands for “invincible”. Due to its atomic structure, diamond is the hardest natural matter. This expensive and translucent gem is made of carbon.

Diamonds can be scientifically classified into 4 types, known as type 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b.

Diamonds are made of carbon, and are extremely pure, but in almost all diamonds there are tiny proportions of other elements, interspersed within the carbon as part of their crystal structure. These "impurities" are not what are known as inclusions, and are so small as to be invisible even under a very powerful microscope.

Type 1 Diamonds

Type 1 diamonds contain nitrogen. About 98% of all diamonds are type 1a

Type 1a

If the nitrogen atoms are clustered together within the carbon lattice, then the diamond is said to be a Type 1a diamond. Because these diamonds absorb blue light, they can have a pale yellow or brown color. 98% of diamonds are Type 1a.

Type 1b

If the nitrogen atoms are evenly spread out throughout the carbon lattice, then the diamond is said to be a Type 1b diamond. These diamonds absorb green light as well as blue light, and have a darker color than type 1a diamonds. Depending on the precise concentration and spread of the nitrogen atoms, these diamonds can appear deep yellow ("canary"), orange, brown or greenish. Less then 0.1% of diamonds belong to Type 1b.

Type 2

Type 2 are diamonds that absorbed no, or very few, nitrogen atoms.

Type 2a

These diamonds can be considered as the "purest of the pure" - they contain no, or minuscule amounts of impurities and are usually colorless. Unless, that is, the carbon tetrahedrons that make up the diamond were twisted and bent out of shape while the diamond rose to the surface of the earth. An imperfect carbon lattice will make the diamond absorb some light, which will give it a yellow, brown or even pink or red color. 1-2% of diamonds belong to Type 2a.

Type 2b

These diamonds contain no nitrogen - but they do contain boron, which absorbs red, orange and yellow light. These diamonds therefore usually appear to be blue, although they can also be grey or nearly colorless. All naturally blue diamonds belong to Type 2b, which makes up 0.1% of all diamonds.

Addie Jakson is 25 years old, article writer by education because she loves to. In addition to writing about fashion, she is a specialist of writing articles for studs’ jewelry. She is known for great articles for studs’ jewelry.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Some Common Jewelry Questions

What is my birthstone?

There are several different lists of birthstones. Following is a list of some of the most commonly accepted birthstones.

January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine/Bloodstone
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Alexandrite/Moonstone/Pearl
July - Ruby
August - Peridot/Sardonyx
September - Sapphires
October - Pink - Tourmaline/Opal
November - Topaz/Citrine
December - Blue - Zircon/Turquoise

What is the difference between 10, 14 &18 karat gold?


24 kt = 99%
22 kt = 91.66%
20 kt = 83.33%
18 kt = 75%
14 kt = 58.33%
10 kt = 41.66%

What does .925 mean?

This is another method of marking sterling silver and refers to the percentage of silver 92.5%).

How is gold colored?


Varying the alloys creates the various colors of gold. Red has more copper, green has more silver, and white has nickel or palladium added.

What are the 4 Cs?

The four Cs are Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight.

What is the difference between created and simulated stones?


Both are manmade stones. Created stones are chemically the same as the natural stone. Simulated stones are stones that are made of a material other than what it is attempting to copy. Cubic zirconium, lab-grown corundum, lab grown spinel and glass are common materials used to simulate gemstones.

What is stress fracturing?

Stress fracturing is a problem associated with white and lower karat gold. Gold of 10 kt or less are susceptible. White gold often has this problem. Stress fracturing is caused by chemicals that dissolve the alloy out of the gold which, of course, weakens it. This can cause an item to suddenly just break for no apparent reason. This is most often seen as a prong tip on a white gold setting that is suddenly missing. Chlorine is one chemical that can cause this problem. Never soak your jewelry in strong cleaners.

Why does my fine jewelry turn my finger black?

This is most often not a problem with the quality of the metal. Whenever a metal is ground into a fine enough powder, that powder is black. If the hand cream or makeup that you are using contains any abrasive materials, this will rub on the piece of jewelry and create a black smudge. Many of the materials used to color makeup are mild abrasives.

Fashion Jewelry Bargain Prices

Keep Up with Fashion Jewelry Trends at Bargain Prices

The jewelry trade had its humble beginning in the days of the caveman. Today it is a massive and flourishing industry. Jewelry is worn with everything from jeans and sneakers to elegant evening wear. How it all happened is quite an interesting story.

Earliest forms of jewelry were worn by cavemen. Their jewelry was crudely fashioned of sea shells as well as animal teeth, claws or bones. Graves of prehistoric people have revealed beaded jewelry as well as jewelry made of ivory, wood or metal.

Studies of the ancient Egyptians revealed well-crafted jewelry. The Egyptians were probably the first to combine gemstones with gold or precious metals. The priests of Bible days wore breastplates made with rows of diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones.

Workers who made implements or weapons for battle became the first jewelry craftsmen.

As they worked with metals to make the implements of war, they discovered the fine art of using the metals to create precious jewelry.

The jewelry trade came to America with the first settlers. An artisan could repair a broken farm implement, a wagon wheel or fashion a wedding ring. New York City became the leader of the precious metal industry in the 1890s with the first jewelry store opening at the beginning of the 19th century.

The 20th century ushered in machines which created jewelry and mass production began in manufacturing plants. Jewelry became more available and more affordable. New York City is still the headquarters in the United States for the leading designers and artisans.

During the mid 1900s jewelry artists began designing and creating their own special lines of jewelry. These are sold in up-scale stores, boutiques or galleries. Today, jewelry is available in specialty jewelry stores, department stores, mall kiosks, craft shows, etc.

The Internet and television shopping channels also claim a large portion of jewelry sales.

Many celebrities now have their own line of jewelry. These are mostly sold on television or in up-scale department stores. Usually the designs are high-fashion and elaborately crafted.

Jewelry is worn by men, women and children of all ages. It has become increasingly popular. There is always joy in giving jewelry to mark major occasions such as engagements, weddings, birth of a child, anniversaries, etc. Jewelry will be around for eternity.

When shopping for gold and diamonds, the name to remember is www.normasfinejewelry.com. Norma’s has many beautiful jewelry items at 40% to 60% less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price every day. If you are shopping for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or diamonds rings, be sure to see the 100s of choices at Norma’s. There is no need to wait for a sale or fight the Mall traffic. Norma welcomes you and every order will receive her personal attention.