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The Basics Of Collecting Charms

July 17th, 2009

Starting a charm collection from scratch is a great way to start a child, wife, mother or loved one with their own bracelet and collection of charms. Each event in the person’s life can be marked with a charm for the bracelet, including one of a kind events such as graduations, weddings and those milestone birthdays. Charms and charm bracelets can be an assortment of charms or they can be all focused on a specific topic or theme.

The type of metal that is selected when starting collections of charms will have an impact on the overall appearance of the bracelet. Silver charms are very popular with old and young alike and they stay dazzling and brilliant with very little specific care. Slight darkening in different areas of the charms only adds to the beauty of the silver.

Gold charms are also popular and may be ideal for evening wear or sporty outfits and events. Since gold is very easily matched with almost all colors it is a versatile color for bracelets.

For a touch of color different types of materials can be used in creating charms. These materials can range from different gems or metal with gems as accents through to beads or even cut glass to add simmer and shine.

With a particular color for charms in mind, the next decision is what type of charm bracelet to select. Link styles will vary greatly between bracelet and some of the double and triple links offer lots of options for attaching charms.

Italian style charms and charm bracelets are ideal for those that want to have endless possibilities to mix and match charms. These flat, tile like charms can be simply and easily taken on and off the bracelet, allowing a new configuration as often as you want.

Mixing and matching gold and silver charms with a particular color or metal of charm bracelet is a popular option, regardless of the theme of the bracelet. Themes will range from hobbies, interests or areas of talent through to religious or career themes.

Once friends and family know you are collecting charms it won’t be long until your collection grows. Be sure to let people know if you are collecting a particular theme of charms or you want to stick to either gold or silver colors in your collection.

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Realizable Luxury with Tiffany Gifts and Jewelry

July 4th, 2009

Tiffany & Co. was founded upon the desire to provide exorbitant goods to those seeking quality and luxury, and Tiffany has done just that. It has a line of products to include beautiful jewelry, diamonds, silver gifts and house wares among other quality goods appealing to customers as the company has since its inception.

John Young and Charles Lewis Tiffany (known as the King of Diamonds) founded Tiffany & Young in 1837 and later changed to Tiffany & Co. when Charles Tiffany took over. The company originally opened as a stationary and fancy good emporium in New York City but now offers a wide array of quality goods including its popular Tiffany jewelry.

The silver jewelry pieces from this early time period are beyond beautiful as they are timeless in artisanship. In fact, vintage jewelry remains popular among consumers. You can still find many antique pieces in the original light blue boxes, and this light blue color remains the packaging choice for the company.

Items that could be purchased at Tiffany & Co. during this earlier era include silver jewelry, silver cups and saucers, monogrammed dresser sets, presentation bowls, games, silver trays for calling cards and men’s dressing sets. The souvenir spoons made by Tiffany & Co. and other manufacturers were very popular during the late 1800s.

The art jewelry section of Tiffany & Co. was created in 1902 for the original purpose of displaying the jewelry and enamel art of Louis Comfort Tiffany, a son of Charles Tiffany. It is Louis Tiffany who created some of the famous Tiffany products, including the stained glass lamp shades, which portray the artisanship and design for which Tiffany & Co. is refuted.

Tiffany & Co. moved to Manhattan on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in 1940 where it still stands today. The name Tiffany & Co. has become known for its realizable elegance and luxury in its fine goods whether it is diamonds, jewelry or many other gifts and fine Tiffany goods.

From its inception to its now established reputation for quality, extravagant goods, Tiffany & Co. continues to present the most exorbitant jewelry and goods that consumers expect from Tiffany products. With its innovative yet classic jewelry designs to the fine silver items, there is certainly the right gift for the special person in your life.

With such a wide selection of jewelry and other elegant goods, shopping for holidays and special occasions should no longer be such a challenge with the ability to find and purchase Tiffany products either in one of its stores or online.

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Costume Jewelry For Dummies

May 22nd, 2009

What makes up costume jewely?

1. Synthetic stones such as glass, rhinestone, cubic zirconia, or plastic are a primary component of most costume jewelry. The most popular of which is cubic zirconia because of its sparkle, hardness, and durability. It is used to create simulated versions of precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. Its sparkly appeal and inexpensive price tag allow for much larger, bolder pieces that instantly attract attention. Colored glass can also be used to simulate precious stones and faux pearls. Rhinestone jewelry is also popular because of its glitzy appeal and color choices. Epoxy and acrylic are plastics that is often used to make inexpensive bead jewelry.

Although typical costume jewelry consists of manmade stones sometimes semiprecious stones such as pearls, topaz, black opal, amethyst, or peridot are used to provide a more fine jewelry appeal.

2. A base metal such as copper, brass, nickel, aluminum that has been altered to look like precious metals such as silver, gold, or platinum. This is achieved by one of the following methods:

tone: Have you ever heard of costume jewelry that is referred to as silver or gold tone? This means just what the name implies. Tone refers to the color of the metal only. Gold and silver tone jewelry are silver and gold in color but contain no actual gold or silver.

electroplating: In this process an electric current is used to deposit a thin layer, as little as 2 micro inches (a micro inch is one millionth of an inch) onto the base metal which is immersed in a salt bath solution of the precious metal that will be used to plate the object. This is probable the most common method.

layering: This method also uses plating only the object is immersed for a longer period of time allowing for a much thicker layer of precious metal. Layered gold or silver may consist of approximately 20-50 micro inches of gold or silver. Although it doesnt sound like much, this thicker layer results in a much more durable jewelry piece especially when coated with a protective material such as Tarniban which is an organic substance that provides a protective shield and adds to the hardness of the metal.

overlay: This method utilizes heat rather than electricity to combine the base metal with the precious metal to form a new alloy. This creates a permanent bond between the metals which creates jewelry that can be as durable and long lasting as the real thing with proper care. Gold overlay jewelry is also sometimes referred to as gold filled. It is generally safer for sensitive skin than costume jewelry made by other methods.

Technibond: This is considered to be one of the most desired methods of gold plating because it uses a full 40 micro inches of 14kt gold over .925 sterling silver. For gold and silver lovers it is the best of both worlds. However, as with any plated item, a protective coating should be added for best results.

vermeil: This is considered the creme de la creme of gold plating.This method uses as much as 100 micro inches of gold over .925 sterling silver and as you can expect is also more expensive.

3. Costume jewelry may also consist of odd materials such as wood, stone, and shell which can be either natural or colored.

Caring for your costume jewelry

Although costume jewelry doesnt require much of an investment, it is still important to get the most bang for your buck by taking proper care of your costume jewelry by following a few simple steps:

1. NEVER allow costume jewelry to come in contact with oils, soaps, perfumes, or any harsh chemicals which can fade or even ruin the item.

2. ALWAYS remove jewelry before sports, swimming, exercising, washing hands, showering, cleaning, doing laundry, or applying lotions or creams.

3. NEVER store jewelry wet. Always dry with a soft cloth before storing.

4. Store jewelry in a plastic ziploc bag or soft jewelry pouch away from other objects and jewelry items to avoid scratching.

5. Store jewelry in a clean, dry, cool, not cold place away from heat and dust.

6. When cleaning, be gentle! Use a soft toothbrush and jewelry cleaner that specifically states that it is safe for costume jewelry. Make sure it does not contain acid, alcohol, or ammonia. Only use jewelry cleaner as directed. DO NOT over scrub.

7. Use a jewelry cloth for buffing.

8. Regularly check for loose stones.

Costume jewelry is a fun and inexpensive way to express your own unique style. When it comes to variety and affordability in fashion, costume jewelry is unparalleled.

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Priceless Substances Bring Out Greed In Others

March 30th, 2009

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, they say. They are highly prized by everyone. But most of us don’t know what goes into getting those precious stones from the ground and onto the world’s most beautiful jewelry. Sadly, it’s not a pleasant story.

For most of history, diamonds were found in river beds. Then in 1871, diamonds were discovered in South Africa’s volcanic pipes. These stones were known for their excellent quality and for their size. As a result South Africa quickly became the world’s largest diamond producer. Other countries with diamond mining operations include Russia, Canada, Australia and Botswana. But South Africa is still the leader in diamond mining.

Diamond mining is a complex process. The gem has to be removed from kimberlite (the surrounding igneous rock). The diamond ore is transported to another location for processing and sorting. Most often this occurs in the wash method: Water washes away the lighter debris from the heavier diamonds that sink into a pan. Think of “panning for gold” and you’ve got the idea.

There are other processing methods used, such as the “cones and cyclones” method, the x-ray separator and grease tables. In any event the diamonds are carefully separated and sorted by employees who can determine the diamond’s grade in seconds. Mining employees are carefully scrutinized to make sure the valuable product is not stolen. Priceless substances can bring out the worst in some people

Of course mining is a very hard-scrabble career. It is not an easy life by any means. The lust for diamonds also means that those seeking diamonds are not always the most scrupulous. Unfortunately, the proceeds from the sale of diamonds are not always used for good causes: Revolutionary groups have taken over some diamond mines. The profits from diamonds sold from those mines are used to buy arms for those groups’ efforts. Those diamonds are known as “blood diamonds”.

The United Nations and other agencies have been trying to eliminate the blood diamond trade. In 2002, the UN introduced the Kimberly Process, a way of registering the source of specific diamonds and record to whom they are sold. Eventually this may result in the end of the blood diamond trade but it will take time. Sadly, the illegal diamond trade still exists and probably will do so long as long as diamonds are so highly prized and there is no global effort to stop the blood diamond effort.

So while we all appreciate the beauty of diamonds, it is important to remember the people who struggle to dig them from the earth. Remember that those who bring them to market do not necessarily have the most altruistic motives at heart. That’s not to say you shouldn’t enjoy your possessions but be aware of what may be behind the most valuable jewelry.

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Pieces of Jewelry for Mom

March 28th, 2009

The most elegant gesture that you could bestow is giving jewelry for mom. During special occasions, this is one of the most timeless gifts that you could give to your mother. With all the types of jewelry around, you are sure to have a number of options.

A Jewelry Set

A set of jewelry for mom would be an excellent choice, if you are feeling extravagant. This is an act that is full of thought, and it’s a very grand gesture of showing that you care. It could be for her birthday or Mother’s Day. Jewelry can never go over the top.

A complete set of jewelry for mom will undoubtedly make her the center of attraction for any function or celebration that she attends. Imagine just how great it would feel when she starts bragging that her beautiful jewelry set is a gift from her beloved son or daughter!

Necklaces

However, getting a complete set of jewelry for mom is a bit pricey, and not everyone can afford it. The next best thing is a necklace. True, the chains are a bit common, so don’t forget to spruce it up with a pendant!

You can choose from loving family, kids, precious babies, memorial tear, family tree, or the classic mother and child pendants. Whatever type of pendant you get for this type of jewelry for mom, remember to give a little extra. This could be in the form of additional pendants such as your mom’s initials.

Brooches

A brooch can be both functional and beautiful, and if you choose well, your mom can wear it as jewelry to add a touch of class to her next business meeting or client lunch. Its shape and size is completely up to your mom, and you’ll have to know your mom’s taste if you opt for this kind of jewelry for mom.

A personalized brooch is even more special than one brought from a store, no matter how fancy or expensive the latter one is.

Bracelets

Bracelets are a great gift! Simple, practical and elegant, they can be worn casually or formally. For those moms who love a bit of fun and creativity, get a charm bracelet! This kind of jewelry for mom is practically one that she’ll treasure all her life, as she can add more and more charms as the years pass.

Let it be known, however, that there’s more to material things. The type of gift you get your mom does matter, but what’s more important is the sincerity attached to such a gesture.

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Replica Tiffany’s Jewelry - Important Facts

February 3rd, 2009

Tiffany’s is one of the most well known brand names and design houses in the jewelry business. The quality of service, customer satisfaction and the fine designs offered by the company are one of the best in their times. The company is primarily famous for its superb quality and artisanship.

However, as this amount of beauty and quality comes at a price, there are many jewelry lovers who are just not able to pay the high price and look for suitable replicas instead. This is the reason there are special designers that now offer beautifully made Replica Tiffany Jewelry and that too, at a much lower price.

The Style

The Tiffany’s is one of those brands that actually mark the onset of a classic style and design on its own. Some of the designs of this brand name have become so common and popular, that they are bound to be copied by artisans all over. These replicas are created either by using a mass production technique or by an individual jewelry designer who is striving to make a name for his services and capitalize on the original designs. These kinds of procedures have made the replica business a very lucrative one, with scores of skilled designers paying close attention to these designs and producing them effortlessly with same style and appeal.

These designers also have full knowledge of the materials, metals and stones to be used to imitate the look of the real jewelry. It is a very common sight to find paste gems with plastic bezels or pendant pieces. Often, one also finds jewelry that uses a quartz crystal of a diamond or even silver instead of platinum. Such techniques are extremely useful and come handy when preparing replica Tiffany jewelry.

A Warning

It is important for genuine jewelry lovers to notice that there are fake designers who can pass off their imitations as genuine replica Tiffany jewelry. Before you actually buy jewelry, make sure there is the mark Tiffany & Co., engraved on the piece. By rule, all of replica Tiffany’s jewelry carries an identification mark for the benefit of its customers.

There are also other ways that help you spot the fake pieces. For instance, one of the methods is to see whether the dealer has several sizes in one piece or if the fake platinum is excessively bright. It is always helpful to have prior knowledge of the important aspects of the replica Tiffany’s jewelry to help you avoid such situations.

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The Bezel Set Diamond Engagement Ring

February 2nd, 2009

Getting married is a major decision; you have to be ready financially and emotionally prepared before you tie the knot. Of course every woman dreams to have the perfect engagement ring, a bezel set diamond engagement ring would be one precious gift a man can give to his loved one.

A diamond has a true beauty of its own but it is enhanced when it is a bezel set diamond engagement ring. These kinds of engagement rings have a particular attraction because it enhances the diamond’s brilliance especially if it is set in silver or platinum bezel setting.

The bezel set diamond engagement ring would particularly work for woman who prefers a retro style or have a vintage effect on their engagement ring. These kinds of rings are also best for those who prefer an active lifestyle because these kinds of rings protect the diamond itself since it surrounds the diamond.

When a diamond ring is also set in bezel, it would actually hide chips or imperfections on the side the diamond.

Prices of diamonds vary depending on the size, design and how it is set, in this particular case for a bezel set diamond engagement ring. Here are some of the points to consider:

If the diamond has a perfect cut and it does not really require to be set in bezel for the purpose of hiding its imperfections; the price depends on the size of the diamond, this price would be higher if the bezel set diamond engagement ring has intricate design that helped enhance the diamond’s brilliance.

The bezel set diamond engagement ring is readily available in local or major jewelry stores anywhere, even online.

In case you plan to give your bride-to-be a truly special engagement ring, you could have it custom made, again this may cause you additional, but it’s really worth it when you see the happiness it brings to your loved one.

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The Quality Of Tiffany & Co. Is Expected

February 1st, 2009

Starting with an idea, a vision, and turning that dream into a world-famous name brand company is accomplished by only a few in human history. But one New York man was able to do just that in the jewelry world. Charles Lewis Tiffany founded Tiffany & Co. with the vision of making quality items that would be desired by a discerning group who sought luxury from the items they bought. Producing exquisite jewelry and other products, using only the finest materials, brought Tiffany unparalleled success. He used the highest quality diamonds and fine silver to create what have become classics. In addition, the company produced dazzling tableware, lamps and other goods that attracted customers like no other items of the time.

It didn’t take long for the customers and the press to dub Tiffany the “King of Diamonds.” With the assistance of John B. Young, the Tiffany & Young store opened on Broadway in New York in 1837. At first offering fine stationary and fancy goods of different types, the quality shop became Tiffany & Co. a few years into its existence. Customers began to notice, and buy, amazing jewelry pieces such as engagement rings created from silver in these early years. Because of the craftsmanship that was obvious in the pieces, even the general public became aware of the store. Today, 170 years later, many of the Tiffany products from the first decades Tiffany was in business are prized collectibles with a value far beyond their original purchase price. Some of these pieces are still kept in their original boxes, a light blue container that was recognized among jewelry enthusiasts. This color is still used for Tiffany & Co. packaging in the 21st century.

Among the items first offered by the company were silver jewelry, monogrammed dresser sets, cups and saucers in silver for children, presentation bowls, silver calling card trays and men’s dressing sets. Tiffany & Co. also produced some popular games, unique in style and quality. The company also offered very popular souvenir spoons in the late 1800s, a practice used by several manufacturers at the time.

Tiffany & Co. is perhaps best known for its Art Jewelry sector, created in 1902 to put outstanding jewelry and enamel goods on display. Most of the desirable pieces were created by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of Charles Tiffany. This member of the younger generation also created the now-famous stained-glass lampshades and windows in what was then known as the Tiffany Studios. More than 100 years after first opening the Tiffany & Young location, the company moved to its current site at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan.

Today, the Tiffany & Co. name is associated with the most beautiful and elegant products in the world. Store catalogues and marketing material show diamonds, watches, necklaces, gifts and other items from various departments of the famous store.

Growing from a small store, Tiffany’s wider vision has become reality. Not many individuals start with a realizable goal and make it come true. However, Charles Lewis Tiffany and the Tiffany name are now considered the sole source for many status symbols in jewelry and other fine products. Designs that are both classic and innovative spring from the Tiffany minds, and become reality in special items that are treasured around the globe.

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IS online shopping better than retail?

February 1st, 2009

Online shopping is quickly becoming the primary method of buying goods and services. The internet offers an almost endless supply of goods at competitive prices.

As retail stores are shutting their doors, online malls are growing rapidly. As this occurs it becoming increasingly difficult to find what you are looking for at retail stores because their inventory is shrinking.

The frustration mounts as people go into a retail stores looking for an item as advertised. When they get to the store they find out the store only carries a limited selection and the rest have to be ordered. I have had this similar experience and was not satisfied with the shopping experience.

After I left the store I went online. I found the pack cheaper and with free shipping. I was able to have it at my doorstep in four days.

In my opinion this is part of the problem of why retail stores are not retaining customers. Yes the economy has a part to play, however if the store does have what you want then why shop there. As the financial pressure grows the store with poor service and lack of inventory will sink.

Online malls offer everything from video games like the Nintendo Wii, X Box and PS3 to fragrances, jewelry and everything in between.

Finding an online mall that offers wholesale pricing is icing on the cake. Most web malls are set up similar to department store or the specialty retail store you are used to. In my opinion why shop anywhere else.

I am sure either you or someone you know does their shopping online. Shopping online can save you from undue stress as well as save you gas. My only suggestion is to research and find the online mall that will suite your needs and can deliver what you are looking for.

Just a bit of advice, if yo shop retail be sure to find out what happens to any warranties should the store shut down. This has happened to me and an item I bought with a warranty is no longer valid.

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Buying Gold Jewelry Is A Smart Investment

January 31st, 2009

What is the latest trend in jewelry that rocks your world ” gorgeous or gaudy? Remember jewelry is decorative, like tattoos, and we love to show both of those works of art off. Although fashion central looks like it is advocating gaudy jewelry, check to see how much it costs, chances are the price tag will tell you it’s really considered gorgeous.

If you’re searching for an enduring jewelry collection, one that has value, stick to gold. Even though we’re in a recession, we value our gold simply because it never loses its worth or it attraction over time.

Surveys have recently shown that those “must get” items we so covet rank gold as being close to the number one spot, not other expensive jewelry as you may expect. Amazingly the next ranked “must get” item was a fully loaded new Smartphone cell phone.

Gold jewelry is considered to be a keeper, not just because it is beautiful, lasts for an eternity and speaks of elegance, but because it is a tremendous investment. Without a doubt gold’s versatility makes its financial value appealing and its laid back beauty makes it infinitely wearable. Let’s face it; gold has been around since forever.

Sterling silver is still showing a strong preference in the standings, as are other fine gemstones pieces, such as those with precious and semi-precious rocks. Earth tones in a wide palette of colors also seem to be in vogue.

However, the best way to tell what is hot and what is not ” if you keep up with the trends that is ” is to check out the latest, hot off the presses fashion magazines (and the celebrity gossip columns) to see what everyone is wearing now.

Here’s another tip to stay ahead of the jewelry fashion trends, simply check out your clothing catalogs. The minute you get your new books, find out what will be on the shelves for the next season and order right then. Ordering when you see the latest new jewelry means you’ll be in tune and in style for the up and coming season.

Store windows are one of the best places to start looking for the latest in fashion trends, and that includes the hottest of hot for new jewelry as well. You won’t have any trouble finding something you like. High end fashion stores make sure they are several steps ahead of the latest trends and will even show you how to mix and match looks for an extra fashionable flare.

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