A Fake Diamond Or Real Diamond - How Do You Know?

Before we get too far, I do need to say that the term "fake diamond" is not technically correct from a Gemologist's point of view. Any term that ends with the word "diamond" must be an actual diamond... such as synthetic diamond, man-made diamond, or clarity-enhanced diamond. If a gemstone that just looks like a diamond but it really is something totally different, then the term that must be used is a "diamond simulant" because it simulates a diamond. In this article, and only in this article, I will use the term fake diamond because it gives more of an impact.

It's been going on for a long time!

Hundreds of years ago, fake diamonds were made out of glass, and commonly referred to as "paste", this is the Italian term given to it because the molten glass had to have the consistency of pasta before it was pressed into the molds that formed the shape. There have been many other "fake diamonds" over the years but recently they have gotten really, really good.

A good gemstone gone bad....

According to the dictionary, fake has the same meaning as counterfeit. What changes a diamond simulant to go to the "dark side of the force" and become a fake diamond is the addition of the human emotion of greed. The diamond simulants by themselves are fine, actually I've seen some terrific pieces of jewelry made with Synthetic Cubic Zirconia or Synthetic Moissanite. The greed comes in when one person convinces another person that what they are looking at is a real diamond and that the diamond could be bought at a very good price.... and the seller will say that these inexpensive diamonds are only available now.... "this great deal is going away and you need to act right now!". You can get them right now because the seller is in real need of cash... or because the seller is so well connected into the jewelry business that they know how and where to buy diamonds, and in the process they "cut out the middle man" in order to get the best deals!

Many times the main reason that a diamond simulant can be passed off as a real diamond is because the buyer already has the belief that diamonds are overpriced, are a waste of money, are a rip off, and maybe the buyer really doesn't want to buy a diamond but needs to buy a diamond... so this leaves the buyer open to a seller who comes along and tells the buyer that a whole bunch of money can be saved by buying what "looks just like the real thing".

Diamond simulants have their place in the jewelry business. They are a good inexpensive choice for earrings, a pendant, or a pin. However, a clarity-enhanced diamond should also be something that you should consider for these types of jewelry. A diamond will always outshine any simulant I've ever seen!

Yeah, yeah... but how can you tell? Come on give me the magic test!

On the Internet, I have seen a lot of articles and videos on how to test if you have real or fake diamonds.... the same 6 lame "tests" have been regurgitated over and over again! And all of this fantasy about testing a diamond started with an overly self-promoting bonehead that published a book full of misinformation about diamonds! Only a very few people would be able to tell if a stone was a real diamond or a fake diamond by using these tests! And some of the tests could be destructive. The gemstones that look like diamonds that have been developed in the past 30 years are certainly impressive!

I remember when CZ (synthetic cubic zirconia) was first put on the market in the mid 70s, there were some jewelers who were running around crying that the end of the world was upon us. CZs are really not that difficult to separate from diamonds and Synthetic Moissanite is even easier. The best test is to look at the stone using 10X magnification, but you do need to know what you are looking at! In most jewelry stores, they have "easy to use" electronic testing devices developed to help in separating the simulants from the real thing. Sometimes it is difficult to know for sure when it comes to very small stones by just looking at them.

I love inclusions!

Diamond inclusions, the fun little things that are included inside of your diamond, are always nice to see. Not only does it give your diamond some character!... it will immediately help identify the stone as being a real diamond. Inclusions can be like a fingerprint and if you remember what your inclusions look like; you will be able to recognize your diamond just like you'd be able to recognize an old friend.

Maybe the only test that could be of any use is when you place the stone over some fine print and if you can see the text through the stone it may or may not be a diamond. So if you need to know if it is a diamond, go get a phone book, (plenty of fine print in there!) turn to the yellow pages, now look up a good local jewelry store, go visit them and if you ask nicely, they might be able to give you a "real or fake diamond" answer.

Bud Boland has been in the jewelry business for 40 years and has done everything from watchmaking, diamond setting, jewelry making, and has been a Gemologist for nearly 35 years. He is a Graduate Gemologist from GIA, which is also the place where he was an Instructor. He has taught about diamonds to hundreds of students from all around the world.

He is currently committed to producing the only diamond buying guide anyone would ever need... unbiased advice from inside of the jewelry business... Some additional important tips on "fake diamonds" or about diamond simulants can be found on his website Diamond-Buying-Made-Easier.

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14k Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl 6.5-7mm Necklace and Stud Earring Set

14k Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl 6.5-7mm Necklace and Stud Earring Set Review

I purchased this set as a gift for my wife, after being disappointed with the Single Strand 18 Inch 7-8mm White Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace. Although the two necklaces cost about the same, the difference between the two is like night and day.

The necklace in this set had pearls that were all round or near-round (you really need to examine the pearls closely to see ones that don't look round), and you could tell that the best pearls are in the front, while flawed pearls are near the clasp. The color of the pearls were surprisingly consistent, and well-matched throughout the strand.

As far as flaws go, they're definitely there, and you don't need to look too hard to see them -- but again, the pearls like that were all by the clasp. Granted, this isn't very helpful if the wearer has short hair, but otherwise, nobody would know they're there.

I wasn't fortunate enough to get this when it was in the Gold Box or Lightning Deal, but at Amazon's normal price, it's still a very good value.

My only real gripe is that everything arrives in a small pouch. I would have liked a better presentation for gift giving, but for the quality you get at this price, it's hard to complain.

14k Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl 6.5-7mm Necklace and Stud Earring Set Feature

14k Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl 6.5-7mm Necklace and Stud Earring Set Overview

Project radiance and sophistication in this gorgeous Akoya cultured pearl necklace and stud earring set. Lustrous round Akoya cultured pearls, with a diameter range of 6.5 to 7mm, are individually knotted on silk cord to form the 18-inch necklace. This classic pearl strand is finished with a fancy filigree clasp, in radiant and durable 14 karat yellow gold. The matching stud earrings also feature round 6.5-7mm Akoya cultured pearls, with 14 karat yellow gold posts and backings.

These are fine quality round pearls, well-matched for size, shape and color, with light blemishing and a beautiful deep luster. Their color is white-rosé--in other words, white but with a slight rosy hue. Akoya cultured pearls are produced in salt-water mollusks in Japan and China. They were the first type of pearl to be cultured, back in the 1920s, and remain the most popular and classic choice for pearl strands. Akoya cultured pearls are prized for their smoothness, roundness, and gorgeous deep luster. Though they may look similar to freshwater cultured pearls, when the two are placed side-by-side, the Akoya pearl's superior qualities are clear.

A traditional pearl strand and matching pearl stud earrings are a versatile addition to any woman's fine jewelry collection. They will complement everything from a daytime professional outfit to an evening cocktail dress, and their timeless beauty ensures they will look as classy and elegant years from now as they do today.

14k Yellow Gold Akoya Cultured Pearl 6.5-7mm Necklace and Stud Earring Set Specifications

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 21, 2009 19:20:25

Healthy Guide

Retail Store Lighting Tips

Store lighting is critical today and is becoming more important as time passes because of the aging Baby Boomer population. Unfortunately, as we age, deteriorating eyesight is often an accompanying malady. Deteriorating eyesight makes it more difficult to read labels and therefore, more difficult to make informed buying decisions. Depending upon your retail product offering, higher lighting levels communicate to this important spending group, (the Baby Boomers), that you want them in your store. This is however, but one important consideration in lighting your store. So here are some more retail store lighting tips.

If your store offers general merchandise, let's say hardware, groceries or variety merchandise, then the high light levels referred to above are spot on (no pun intended). In fact light levels in the range of 75-150 fc are recommended for maximum visibility. Maintain light levels in even the lower level of this recommended spectrum and your store will appeal to us seniors. There are a number of light fixtures on the market today that can produce these levels of illumination and do so efficiently.

If however, you wish to "upscale" your offering in perhaps a clothing or gift store, then the rules of lighting change. A lower ambient lighting level coupled with accent lighting can create a "gallery" type atmosphere. Marry this type of lighting with classical music and appealing aromas and 'voila' you have sent a message to your customers that your offering is quality, exclusive and therefore, slightly more expensive. Not a bad message to send in the aforementioned store types.

If your budget does not allow new light fixtures then here is a basic but very important retail lighting tip. Make sure your lighting fixtures are cleaned regularly. This often overlooked housekeeping chore can help you keep your existing light fixtures operating at their maximum potential. LDD is an acronym that refers to Luminare Dirt Depreciation and its effects are startling.

Of course, the use of light in your store can encompass much more than mere functionality. Light can be splashed and sprayed on walls and key displays to create visual interest, grab attention and guide consumers through your store.

Philip H. Mitchell is the author of Discovery-Based Retail. His book has been endorsed by Scott Wright of the North American Retail Hardware Association, Art Brown of the Mid-American Lumberman's' association and other industry experts. Philip is also one of the founding partners of a retail consulting company of the same name, Discovery-Based Retail. His company works with retailers, both small and large, helping them enhance their profitability by improving their customer interface. Their company also specializes in improving the production of the entire sales space and designs floorplans to accomplish this.

Visit his website at http://www.discoverdbr.com

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Kaos Softwear Silicone plugs, body jewelry for stretched ears

www.kingsbodyjewelry.com Silicone body jewelry is one of the newest and most popular styles of plugs to wear these days, so I thought I would make a video talking about Kaos Softwear and a little bit about silicone jewelry. Kaos is without a doubt the highest quality silicone manufacturer right now, so if you are looking for a good quality set of plugs they are for sure worth checking out. If you have any questions feel free to hit me up, I would be glad to help, and check out our website if ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPvOD2rgJuw&hl=en

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London Boutique Hotels - Styles That Set Them Apart

The distinctions among London bed and breakfasts, full-fledged London hotels and London boutique hotels which set each group apart have nothing to do with size, amenities or services provided. It quite simply comes down to a matter of "style".

Boutique hotels revolve around a theme and each room within the hotel reflects that theme individually. Sometimes each room will have a name to denote its adherence to the theme and the room will be decorated in keeping with it.

London boutiques are fantastic examples of this increasingly popular type of hotel. The Brits are true experts in demonstrating how it should be done using imagination and good taste. Even when over-the-top, the British boutiques still come shining through as comfortable and beautiful gems that you will enjoy and want to come back to. In many cases, you'll be so allured by the many displays of interesting items to feast your eyes on that you may not want to venture outside!

If you've ever been to Miller's Residence, you'll know what I mean. This lovely luxury boutique is set in the style of an 18th century residence. They have an eclectic assortment of rooms all echoing shades of the past surrounded by antiques and curiosities. All of their rooms are named after famous romantic poets to help get your imagination in gear. Choose from Keats, Blake, Byron, Shelley, Coleridge, Browning, Tennyson or Wordsworth. Each one is filled to the rafters with paintings, books, knick knacks, mirrors, period pieces and furniture all reminiscent of the era and the famed poet it is honoring.

For total and complete opulence in an Italian style, there is Baglioni's. This London boutique is one of many Baglioni hotels throughout Europe and has won the distinctive recognition as one of the "Leading Small Hotels of the World". This Tuscan-inspired hotel will greet you with a beautiful fountain, Italian ceramic and stone floors and unbelievable gold vases brimming with white roses. There are more than 50 suites here and you will have access to a personal shopper, a butler, spa, fitness centre, and don't forget the chauffeur driven Maserati Quattroporte! The rooms are decorated in sumptuous fabrics and linens with gorgeous Venetian glass and mirrors all put together in a refined elegance.

When looking for a boutique - in London - here are a few tips to help in your selection:

• Decide on where you want to stay, i.e. which area of London, before looking at the choices.


• If you have predetermined needs, such as WiFi in your room, write these down. Most of the boutiques we show you will more-than-likely have these, but better just be sure.


• Is it necessary for you to be by a tube stop?


• How easy will it be to grab a cab?
  One of my absolute favorite boutiques is Blakes. But it's tucked away in a residential area of Chelsea and sometimes it can be difficult to grab a taxi. (Chelsea in the evenings is especially hard to find a taxi as there are some great restaurants in the area and many people are finishing up their meals and leaving at the same time.) You may need to walk to a main road. If you're unsure and this is important to you, call the hotel to see if they've a door man who will fetch one for you.

With all of those items checked, now it's time to determine which hotel offers your preferred style. Do you like minimalist decor or are you a Victorian ambience junky? There are so many styles of boutiques in London that we have classified them to help you narrow down your choices by what you're looking for as follows:

• Traditional British


• Quirky English


• Continental


• Modern Trendy

We have 24 boutique hotel reviews on our website within these categories. All have detailed descriptions, pictures, maps and added off-beat comments you won't find just anywhere. Please stop by!

One thing is certain, if you choose to stay in the Quirky English boutique, The Gore, and stay in the Judy Garland room, (where you'll sleep in her bed), you will definitely know you're not in Kansas anymore!

Catherine Mitschele lived in England for 7 years and traveled extensively throughout England and Europe. She uses her inside knowledge from friends in the senior positions in the travel industry combined with her personal experiences to weave a different type of travel log.

For more information on great London hotel reviews, visit http://www.BestLondonHotelReview.com

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Boutique Marketing - How to Make Your Business a Success

If you have taken the big step of starting your own boutique, it is important that you develop a meaningful boutique marketing strategy for your store. Through this article you are provided with the basic information that you will need to develop and then maintain an effective boutique marketing strategy and plan. By following the information that is presented to your within this article you will be in the best position of ensuring the success of your boutique ... today and into the future.

The first factor that you need to keep in mind when it comes to ensuring the success of your boutique business is to develop a thorough and comprehensive boutique marketing plan. If you want your boutique marketing efforts to be a success you have to have a guideline that you can follow. You need a blueprint on which you can build your overall boutique marketing efforts.

Beyond your marketing plan, it is important for you to make sure that you get the most appropriate inventory for your boutique. Your whole boutique marketing effort will depend upon making sure that you have the best inventory for your business enterprise, an inventory that will be attractive to people who you do hope to attract as customers to your boutique business.

In addition to a plan and great inventory, in regard to effective boutique marketing you will want to make sure that you take the time to identify those segments of the market that will be most interested in the merchandise that you will be selling through your boutique. In this day and age, niche and targeted marketing is the most effective way of reaching your potential customer base in such a way that you will have these individuals coming into your boutique's doors early and often ... not only today but into the future as well.

When it comes to boutique marketing you simply cannot underestimate the importance of the Internet and World Wide Web. Towards this end, you will want to design and build an appropriate website to promote your boutique business. In this regard, you will want to make sure that your website nicely displays your merchandise, is user friendly and allows customers the chance to purchase your merchandise over the Internet. You need to keep in mind that an ever growing number of people are purchasing products of all types online and you will want to make sure that you can take full advantage of that trend.

In the end, by following these boutique marketing ideas you will be well on your way to establishing and then maintaining a profitable and successful boutique business venture.

Eveline Wong is the creator of "Success Secrets of Opening A Boutique". If you would like to learn more about boutique marketing or how to open a boutique business from real boutique owners, please visit: http://www.openingaboutique.com

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Design My Own Engagement Ring - Don't Forget the Wedding and Eternity Rings

When designing your own engagement setting it can be very easy to forget about your wedding band. Many girls have inadvertently selected an engagement band and then found to their horror down the track that the wedding band of their dreams does not fit with their solitaire. This can sometimes be an issue if you admire the more traditional wedding band that has no cutting away.

However the great benefit of having a custom made engagement ring is that your jeweler should be able to accommodate your wishes. If you want a flat band speak up at the design stage so that you are all on the right page.

* Your wedding ring. The wedding band that you will be wearing is actually a more important consideration than many girls realize. Will you be wearing your wedding band alone? Will you always be wearing your engagement and wedding as a set? Once they are married, some girls opt to just wear their wedding band solo for day to day activities, preferring to keep their solitaire for better events. This can have some advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of not wearing your solitaire all the time is that it is exposed to less wear and tear. The downside being if it is extremely valuable and should become lost or stolen while not on your finger.

If you are planning on wearing your wedding band on its own, do you prefer the look of a more traditional ring or would you be happy to have a cut out band? If you are not interested in a cut away band be sure to mention this to your jeweler before they start work on your engagement ring. The advantage to a cut out band is that it will fit perfectly with your engagement ring and anchor it firmly in place.

Another question you need to consider is whether you will be wanting your band to have any diamonds in it. This can impact significantly on the design of your engagement ring. Custom made diamond solitaires allow you to have your engagement and wedding band made all at the same time. This will ensure that everything will be a perfect match, right down to the width of the matching bands.

* His and hers. Some couples elect to have matching or similarly styled wedding bands. Some custom jewelers such as Tacori have a range of men's wedding bands that complement their bridal jewelry range. Matching wedding bands are not only eye catching but a great way to display your union.

* Eternity settings. Will you be wanting an eternity ring on your first wedding anniversary? Will you be wanting to wear it on the same finger? Will there be any room left on your finger? These are all questions you need to consider and raise with your custom jeweler. Will the style of eternity ring that you have always admired tie in with your engagement and wedding ring?

When designing your jewelry it is important to consider your band. One day that gorgeous creation sitting on your finger will have an accompaniment. Your jeweler will be able to advise and assist you with your requirements.

Don't forget about your wedding ring in the excitement of designing your own engagement ring.

Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry business buying and selling over $20,000,000 in diamonds, engagement rings and custom designed jewelry. He as traveled to Belgium and Israel to work with international diamond dealers and works as an advisor for DBC Diamonds an international consortium of diamond dealers. His experience in the jewelry business has become invaluable to consumers and business owners. He can be contacted at 1-888-296-4890 or to learn more about how you can Design my own engagement ring visit Rokstok.

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Gold Jewelry Hallmarking Secrets Revealed

We should be familiar with the BASIC hallmarks mentioned on the website. It might pay you to read them again, just to bring you up to speed and ensure you have grasped the principles. If you have not yet had the chance to read them please go to the website listed below.

Let's quickly remind ourselves where we should be regarding Hallmarks.

The first three marks mentioned before were:

1: The Makers mark

2: The Assay Office mark

3: The Quality mark

And that brings us to the last mark...

4: The Date stamp.

Please note that more mistakes are made with this mark than any other.

This is caused by two reasons.

The first: because 26 letters can only be used for 26 years (a different one for each year, although they did use italics or capitals for a change). So in order to extend their use, they changed the shape of the stamp mark itself.

One series of 26 years may use a Shield shape, while the next 26 years may use a square shape with the corners trimmed off. Go figure?

And second: because humans being humans, (and contrary to common belief, Jewelers are Human), a manufacturer who lived in Birmingham had to use one shape of stamp, while jewelers in London had to use another shape.

All very good, you say, until a jeweler who USED to live in London went to Birmingham to work and took all his old tools and stamps with him, and couldn't be bothered (they cost money) to buy a new set. So he used his old set....

Ahhh... Life is never simple.

However; and in general terms, if all else fails use common sense.

As London was the Largest and most common stamp, you may find a Birmingham mark with a slightly wrong date stamp, although the date YEAR mark should be the same.

By using all of the marks together and taking into account the wear and look of the item - plus what it is, you should get fairly close to accurate.

If your still not sure, get a written valuation done with your local professional Jewelry Appraiser, and use that piece of paper as fact.

Even though YOU know, they are going through the same process of 'Dating' it's still a little confusing. Plus it's not the only form of Dating I get confused with...? And my plastic eyeglass doesn't help at all....

Look out for these tips next time you're spying with your eyeglass.

HALLMARKING TIPS #1:

In Circa 1821 the Leopard's Head Hallmark became 'Uncrowned'
In Circa 1891 Queen Victoria's head was no longer used in Hallmarking.
The major point is to use ALL of the Hallmarks, not just the date letter.
Also check the style of an item, as this could give a clue to the period.

HALLMARKING TIPS #2:

As a general rule, Hallmarks should be assessed by going from the 'Big Picture' to the 'Small Picture' or the particular date in question.

For example: Date the article within a 25 year time span first, as this can be calculated from the overall 'SHAPE' or style of the stamp mark (Shield or Oval etc). Then go to the actual 'Year' stamp mark.

Remember, these can sometimes be wrong, but if we are in the ballpark, so to speak, we won't be too far out.

It is interesting to note that the expression 'Circa' or 'c' actually means 'around'...

Silver imported into England carried the 'F' mark (for Foreign) between 1883 - 1904.

HALLMARKING TIPS #3:

It is helpful if we can remember some of the more important changes to Hallmarking and just how that effected Quality.

For example:
The quality of Hallmarked Gold can give us a clue regarding its age.
Items of 22ct stamped with the 'Lion passant' were made up to 1844.
After that date items were stamped 22ct with a 'Crown' hallmark.

HALLMARKING TIPS #4:

UKHM stands for the United Kingdom Hall Marks and has been in existence since 1300. Yes... 1300!

The basic marks are:

The Assay Mark which indicated the 'Guarantee of Quality'.

The Origin Mark which shows WHERE it was Assayed.

The Duty Mark to confirm 'Tax' had been paid.

The Maker's Mark to indicate the company or individual who made the item.

The Date Mark based on the letters of the Alphabet, changing each year.

The Assay year was NOT a Calendar year as it began (as for London) in May. That means it covered TWO Calendar years.

There are several other SPECIAL REPORTS available through our eMail-on-Demand subscription box at the website, so please take some time to visit.

There is a timely warning on Security issues. It's good advice, plus there is some great tips on Investing in Jewelry, Insurance guidelines and other notes on selling, Hallmarking tips etc, and they are being added to all the time.

And the best bit is they are FREE....

Thank you for taking the time to read this special report. If you thought it interesting, useful or found it helped you in any way I would appreciate your comments via email at the address shown below.

This is my personal email address and I read every comment - good or bad.

Alternatively: why not pass it on to a friend. I'm sure you can think of someone who might benefit from this useful information. Treat it as doing me a big favor. I will certainly appreciate it.

Thank you... As usual take care and watch the road... Kind regards...

P.S. There are many other complimentary Reports available to you at our website, or if you haven't yet done so, you may like to subscribe to our email-on-demand Newsletters - the Antique Jewelry Guide - full of Hints - Tips - Secrets and Articles in every issue.

P.P.S.
If you administer a website or publish an ezine, please feel free to use this article as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed below. Although it's NOT compulsory I would personally appreciate it if you could send me an email at: gemmo1@online-jewelry-appraisals.com to let me know if and where you used it. If you need other great content - complimentary of course - then drop me a line at the email address given - 'cause I've got Quality Content and Gallons of the stuff....

(c)David Foard - All Rights reserved

David Foard F.G.A.A.
President gemologist/valuer at the Online Jewelry Appraisal Center.

David Foard has spent over 30 years in the Antique Jewelry Trade as a qualified gemologist and member of the Valuers Council. Get a FREE 3 part 'Hallmarking Report' on How to Identify your Jewelry Hallmarks at Home or Work by going to ==> http://www.jewellery-antiques.com and grabbing yourself a fistful of Hints - Tips and Secrets.

gemmo1@jewellery-antiques.com

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What You Should Know in Buying an Antique Diamond Ring

Buying an antique diamond ring-whether as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or for personal satisfaction-is always an investment. Considered as "nature's perfect gemstones," these rings can be priceless and rare especially if they contain high-quality and high-grade diamonds.

If you are looking forward to buying one, the first thing to consider is the 4Cs of a diamond. Knowing the elements that reveal the true value and rarity of a diamond is the first step to know if you're likely to possess an antique diamond ring for keeps.

The 4Cs comprise of Carat, which refers to a diamond's weight; Clarity, which measures the purity of a diamond; Cut, which determines the diamond's brilliance and Color, which gauges a diamond's whiteness.

For wedding

Since it signifies romance, innocence, and reverence, such rings are becoming one of the most popular choices in wedding rings today.

For a ring to be antique, it should be over than 100 years and originates from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco. Typically ornate and detailed, they are usually authentic pieces or a reproductions inlaid in gold, platinum, titanium and silver.

Remember that antique diamond ring personifies character and history, which sets it apart from other modern designs. Before you purchase it as a wedding or engagement ring, here are some of things you might want to consider:

1. Make sure that it is professionally appraised before your pay for it. By doing this, you can be sure that all of its gems are authentic. You can also determine if the ring has been repaired or if it need repairs in case there are stone chips or cracks.

2. Look for a photograph with a hallmark or written and signed interpretation to know when was the ring authenticated.

3. In case the ring needs a repair, get an estimated cost of before proceeding.

4. Be open-minded. There are gemstones and designs other people consider as unlucky. If you're not into these myths, you might want to consider them because they might be less expensive than others.

5. Make sure that you inspect and examine closely the condition of the antique engagement ring. Take note of the prongs holding the center diamond and the shank of the ring.

6. Do some research on 10X jeweler's loupe.

7. Buy from a reputable jeweler or jewelry store.

8. Make sure that everything about the antique wedding ring is written on receipts, appraisals, and certifications.

9. Know if the stone is a genuine diamond or if it is a cubic zirconia, moissanite or other synthetic substance.

10. If possible, get a certificate from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to ensure the authenticity of your antique diamond ring.

Low Jeremy has been a hobbyist writer for more than 3 years. During this free time, he contributes informative articles on various topics like health, electronics and gadget reviews for websites. His latest contribution talks about credit card imprinter where he reviewed among the popular brands of credit card swiper and other accompanying accessories.

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Body Jewelery - Unique and Modern Fashion

The tradition of wearing body jewellery is centuries old and is still followed by modern generations. People love to have a number of piercing on their body like nose, lips, tongue, belly button and other body parts. Nose piercing is very old and almost every girl has nose and ear piercing and wears beautiful and unique nose rings and earrings. The younger generation wants to express themselves through body art and body piercing is one of the hottest trends of body art. Other than piercing the art of body also includes tattoos and painting. In some cultures wearing jewellery is a way to represent religious values.

The fashion of wearing body jewels has been adopted by many cultures. Lip piercing is also very common and is done anywhere along the lip line. Labret studs, circular barbells, ball closure rings, body spirals, smooth segment rings and bar closure rings are suitable for lips. The unique and lovely studs are preferred for lips as they are personalized lip jewellery. The stud sits inside the piercing and only the ball can be seen which is fitted onto the front of the piercing. Navel piercing is also very common and you can find a variety of dazzling jewellery for navel. Gold ball closure rings, white gold barbells, navel banana bells of gold are perfect for navel. Navel jewellery adds a charm to your body and makes it more fascinating.

Eyebrow piercing is also very common and teenagers love to have pierced eyebrows so that they can wear trendy and cool jewellery on their eyebrows. Bars are most suitable for eyebrows which are made of white gold, titanium or silver. Spiral or twister bars with balls on each end look excellent on eyebrows. Different beads and stones are used in body jewellery like diamonds, birthstones and pearls and they add to the beauty of different jewellery articles. Another unique fashion of body piercing is the piercing of nails. Girls love long and pierced nails. Silver rings are usually used for nails and they look very stylish. Tongue piercing can be quite risky as it can cause infection of the mouth. If you want to get your tongue pierced then go to a safe piercing shop. You may face the problem of increased saliva after piercing but there is nothing to worry about as it is a normal condition which stays for a few days.

The body jewellery should be beautiful and appealing as well as safe and of good quality. You cannot afford to compromise on the quality of the jewellery for different parts of your body. This jewellery goes inside the hole on your body and can cause any harm to you if it is of inferior quality or if the metal used is of poor value. So you have to be very cautious when buying jewellery for your body. You should always go to a reputable jeweler as this trendy jewellery is easily available at renowned jeweler shops. Gold jewelers also deal in body articles with precious and semi precious stones and diamonds. You can find gold jewels as well as jewels of other metals like; white gold, titanium, sterling silver, platinum and stainless steel.

Chameleon charms

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Modern Wedding Rings

Customized, modern wedding rings are today's trend. Couples can choose from many different and nontraditional metals, stone colors and jewel cuts. If you are considering a modern wedding ring, a professional jeweler may have innovative ideas beyond what is shown in their display case. For your first consultation, bring your ideas, preferences and an open mind in order to select the best modern wedding rings.

Choosing the Right Metal

Yellow gold for wedding rings was the traditional choice. Today's trends for modern wedding rings generally center around the silver colors, with white gold, platinum or even titanium. Titanium is particularly a popular selection for men's rings with its deep gray color that can be shiny or matted similar to a nickel finish. Modern wedding rings often use mixtures of metals or inlays of different metal colors with custom designs. Some more unique metal selections include tungsten carbide and stainless steel. These specialty metals typically have smaller in-store selections readily available but are great options for customized rings.

Gemstone Colors

Diamonds have traditionally been for the bride, but are showing up in men's modern wedding rings. Brides selecting from trendier rings are also leaning towards colored diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and other colored gemstones rather than the traditional diamond. One benefit of using different gemstones over the traditional diamond for modern wedding rings is the cost. Gemstones can be far cheaper than traditional diamonds.

Modern wedding rings are typically unique with clean lines and high quality gemstones. There are many gemstone selections that may not be familiar to a couple. Instead of the traditional peridot or emerald greens, choosing tourmaline, a rare but beautiful green stone could be an option. Sapphires can provide a beautiful deep blue, but tanzanite comes in sparkling shades of blue and purple. By consulting with a jeweler and starting with colors you may like, your jeweler should have some ideas for stones that you may not have been aware of, such as pink diamonds or white topaz.

The Right Stone Shape

Modern wedding rings frequently use square, princess cut diamonds as solitaires for engagement rings. Small diamonds encrusted across the wedding band in a tasteful setting is also common. Using slivers of baguette diamonds on both men's and women's modern wedding rings are an understated and modern way to add a little sparkle to your ring sets. For wedding bands that are wraparounds of an engagement ring, using the same shape of stone typically depicts the clean, streamlined style of modern wedding rings.

Customized Modern Wedding Rings

Modern wedding rings are all about being a statement of your personality and being unique. Keeping your price range in mind will help to focus your design choices. Prices for customized modern wedding rings can truly be as high or low as you need. Especially if there is a design you like but a price you can't afford, it may be possible to use an alternate metal type or different stone type to bring your ideal ring into your price range.

Before making a final purchase decision you may want to take some time to consider the options for many modern wedding rings. A professional jeweler or gemstone expert may help you to broaden your idea of wedding rings to create a memorable, symbolic piece of jewelry that will be treasured throughout your marriage.

Why not visit our website for more help with your wedding plans along with more ideas for the wedding rings

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Fashion Jewellery Trends For 2009 - 2010

Gold is becoming more expensive then ever, so many people are turning to Fashion Jewellery. They are so pretty and the designs are getting better and better, so you don't have to end up with just few designs.

Fashion jewellery are colourful and affordable and changing all the time. They are made of with Silver, Metal alloys, Beads, Glass, Plastic etc. There are hundreds of online shops trading and offering lovely designs and sizes. Even the celebrities are turning to fashion jewellery and its becoming so popular among them.

If you need something unique or different, its best to look in the smaller outlets online. There you can find some one off items and some limited designs. Best of all, you can sit in your comfy warm sofa browsing all the jewellery and accessories in store and just wait for them to arrive.

Wedding Jewellery: Fashion Jewellery is a great way to add colour to your wedding day. The bride and her bridesmaids can look for jewellery for the big day.

Beaded: Many people love beaded jewellery. It is a great way to treat yourself and make perfect presents for friends or the special lover in your life.

Hand Made: Most women want to follow the latest fashion trends by wearing unique fashion jewellery. We all want to look beautiful and so we love to wear classic handmade jewellery which makes us more pretty.

Victorian Style: Are becoming so popular, there are so many online shops which are only specialised in Victorian style jewellery.

Silver Jewellery: We all love silver and it will always be in demands and quite popular in all parts of the world because it is affordable and stylish.

The most popular designs/Shapes that people just simply love are Hearts, Butterfly and flowers.

Wasim Ghouri is the owner of http://bargainbeadedjewellery.blogspot.com and prides himself on providing top quality fashion jewellery.

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Finding The Best Places For Jewelry And Watches

Show someone you love and care about them with jewelry and watches purchased online, from a department store, a jeweler or a consignment shop.

For online browsing, you can check ShopNBC to find reasonably priced items from Carrera, Seiko, Bulova, Croton, Gucci, Tag Heuer, Movado and more. The site is easy to navigate and once you click on the "watches" tab, you can narrow your search by gender. Within gender, you can narrow it down by type of strap, price, brand and style, making it quick and easy to find what you're specifically looking for.

You can also choose the "sorting" function to arrange the items by price, newest models or top sellers. If you're unsure, just browse in your desired price range or check out the new arrivals and best deals sections for ideas. There's a huge selection of items under $200 as well. Shopping for jewelry and watches is a breeze with ShopNBC!

Overstock is another terrific site for online jewelry and watches browsing. Most items are 1/2 price and come directly from the manufacturer. Get a 10-karat, 1/2ct diamond tennis bracelet for $219 or a Movado ladies black Classic Museum watch for $424.

Shipping is only $2.95 per order, there's an online best price guarantee and you also have the option of purchasing extended warranties through the site. Many people also like their "Bill Me Later" option where there's no payment requirements for six months.

Sometimes you just want to run into a store and select jewelry and watches right then and there. Whether you're looking for jewelry watches or sport watches, you can find reasonable selections and prices in a department store. Macy's, Sears and Bloomingdales carry many designer brands and you can even browse their websites beforehand to get an idea of what's offered.

Zales, Kays and Littman Jewelers are in many cities across the US and specialize in diamond-studded jewelry and watches, so you're able to find something elegant yet relatively inexpensive, rather than just all-around cheap. For the rich and famous, Tiffany and Co offers jewelry and watches in the thousands for that very special occasion where you're set to impress.

If you happen to be hunting for a new Rolex, don't trust any online retailer or a stand at the mall. There are only three stores in North America carrying authentic Rolex watches (in New York City, Toronto and Mexico City), so buyer beware!

What about used or pre-owned jewelry and watches? They say that the value of a Rolex depreciates the moment you purchase it, much like an automobile -- but, a pre-owned or used Rolex (or other high quality brand) could be a better buy. The same rings true for diamonds.

The person you're buying for will never know that the item has been pre-owned and if you find a trustworthy jeweler selling used items, they will give you a full one to two year warranty and paperwork guaranteeing authenticity. For many shoppers, used or pre-owned jewelry and watches is a matter of sensible shopping.

Dealers vary from city to city, but you're probably better off visiting a jeweler, rather than making a hefty investment online.

To show that special someone you love them, consider jewelry and watches for your next major gift. While it generally requires a little bit of forethought, planning, budgeting and research, your loved one will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity!

This is a gift idea that not only lasts a lifetime, but could also last several lifetimes, getting passed down from generation to generation as a keepsake.

Mike Selvon portal offers free articles on jewelry. Find out more about where to find reasonably priced jewelry and watches, and leave a comment at the jewelry watches blog.

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Choosing Your Favorite Jeweler

There are many different jewelry stores that offer many different things. Each store will generally offer their own special items as well as a wide array of common, popular jewelry items. Because everyone has their own specific style of jewelry that they prefer, they will seek out a Texas jeweler that offers the items that they will want. Each person will have their preference for jewelry stores just as they do for jewelry.

Every Texas jeweler will offer the basic jewelry items. Each store will likely carry everything from rings and earrings to necklaces and bracelets. They will carry gold and silver jewelry styles as well as a wide range of gemstones that are set in the jewelry. However, each store will carry a different overall style of jewelry that is unique to their particular store.

Some Texas jewelers will offer only various types of jewelry instead of a little bit of everything. For instance, a jewelry store may specialize in gold jewelry and only carry items that are made of pure gold. Others may specialize in silver and only carry silver items. Choosing a jewelry store that specializes in whichever metal you prefer can mean finding more jewelry that is to your liking.

Some people choose their Texas jeweler based more on the selection that is available than the specialty that they offer. You may desire a bigger variety to choose from. This is especially beneficial if you do not have a particular style that you prefer or you prefer different styles for different occasions. Being able to choose the style of jewelry based on your mood is important for some.

Many people find a href="http://www.silverjewelryimport.com" target="_blank">Texas jeweler that they go back to again and again for their jewelry needs. They may offer a specific style that you desire or a variety that keeps you happy. No matter what your reasons are, finding a jewelry store to be loyal to can be quite satisfying. Many women especially prefer to be loyal to one place rather than going to several stores to find what they want.

Andre Zayas is a professionally syndicated author.

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14k White Gold, Round, Diamond Stud Earrings (1/2 cttw, J-K Color, I2-I3 Clarity)

14k White Gold, Round, Diamond Stud Earrings (1/2 cttw, J-K Color, I2-I3 Clarity) Review

when i orderd these earrings i couldnt wait to recieve them and when i did recieve the earrings i was not disappointed to say the least. the shine and sparkle on them is beautiful. i havent took them off. i will be purchasing from amazon.

14k White Gold, Round, Diamond Stud Earrings (1/2 cttw, J-K Color, I2-I3 Clarity) Feature

14k White Gold, Round, Diamond Stud Earrings (1/2 cttw, J-K Color, I2-I3 Clarity) Overview

Add a touch of class to your wardrobe with these genuine diamond stud earrings. This versatile pair features round diamonds (1/2 cttw) cradled in four-prong settings of radiant and durable 14 karat white gold. The white gold setting complements the diamonds beautifully. The perfect accent for day or night, these earrings are set on posts with friction backs.

14k White Gold, Round, Diamond Stud Earrings (1/2 cttw, J-K Color, I2-I3 Clarity) Specifications

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 08, 2009 23:45:46

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Jewelry-Making DIY Basics - What is a Lobster Claw Clasp?

Those who works with jewelry supplies and beading projects may forget that not everyone knows all the terminology of jewelry making components.  Learning the terminology of jewellery-making supplies will help you to communicate your desires for jewelry components to your local bead store, your jewelry designer or your jewelry supply vendor.

Handmade artisan jewelry, mass-market costume jewelry and fine jewelry frequently uses lobster claw clasps to fasten jewelry and to enhance jewelry appearance.

What is a lobster claw clasp?

"Lobster claw" is a term often used generically for a family of clasps having triggers that open and close.  Lobster claw clasps primarily hold two ends of a jewelry piece together by locking the clasp trigger around a jump ring or through a link of chain on the opposite end of a necklace, bracelet or anklet.  Some jewelry makers will use lobster claw clasps to attach charms or, if the lobster claw has a fancier design, to act as a visual centerpiece in the front of a necklace.

Jewelry purists will tell you that lobster claw clasps have long, straight oval shapes.  Pelican clasps, specialty trigger clasps,  are curved specialty trigger clasps with the trigger on the outer convex surface.  More symmetrical teardrop shapes describe oval trigger or rounded trigger clasps.  Balloon clasps, with a longer oval shape and thinner construction, often require less metal than a traditional oval trigger clasp; therefore, balloon clasps will weigh less than a similarly sized lobster claw or trigger clasp.  Other specialty clasp shapes include heart trigger clasps, elephant trigger clasps and cat trigger clasps. lobster claw finding

Swivel clasps, a style of oval trigger clasp where the base rotates separately from the rest of the claw, may offer the wearer more comfort by giving another "degree of freedom" to the bracelet, necklace or anklet.

Precious metal jewelry clasps in the United States must carry quality stamps to indicate their precious metal content per Federal Trade Commission guidelines.  Lobster claw metal type will generally match a dominant metal in the jewelry piece.  Lobster claw materials in the United States will most often fall into the following categories:

• Platinum


• Palladium


• Gold: 18 karat, 14 karat, 12 karat in yellow gold, white gold, green gold, rose gold


• Gold-Filled: base metal with karat gold mechanically and thermally bonded to visible and wear surfaces


• Silver: sterling silver (.925 silver) including argentium silver and blackened silver


• Titanium


• Surgical Steel


• Lead-free Brass, usually plated with gold, silver, copper, imitation rhodium, gunmetal, and optionally antiqued or oxidized

Some designers and consumers consider lobster claws as less stylish than toggles.  However, lobster claw clasps usually offer more secure fastening than do toggles because toggle bars may slip out of their loops, even if the pieces are appropriately sized to the wearers. The most common flaws of lobster claws, more common with inexpensive costume jewelry clasps, are:

• A lobster claw trigger that sticks


• A trigger with a spring that "pops"


• A lobster claw base with little strength which fatigues and breaks with ungentle wire wrapping or wearing

Jewelry makers learn the merits of each type of lobster claw by experience -- judging the size, weight, cost, appearance and ease-of-use with respect to their vision for different jewelry pieces.  There is no one perfect lobster claw design for all jewelry applications.  Fortunately, there are many different designs of lobster claws to accommodate the needs and budgets of amateur and expert jewellery makers.

Paul Brandon knows jewelry clasps and sells jewelry chain and other components at http://www.OhioBeads.com

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Jewelry Manufacturing Terms - Explained

If you have ever shopped for jewelry, you have likely encountered numerous seemingly foreign terms which describe the way particular pieces of jewelry are crafted. You have probably heard jewelry industry terms such as handmade, electroplate and gold filled, and wondered what these terms are actually supposed to be telling you. By understanding commonly used terms which describe the way jewelry is made, you will be a more educated jewelry consumer and able to make informed decisions when purchasing fine jewelry such as necklaces or eternity rings. Below are explanations of some common terms that will give you insight into the construction of particular pieces of jewelry:

-Cast: Cast jewelry makes up a majority of the jewelry you will see for sale in stores and online. Casting is a widely used jewelry manufacturing process in which metal is poured or forced into a mold, called a die, making it assume the shape of the cavities of the mold. The metal then cools and hardens in the desired shape, at which point it is called casting.

-Die Struck: Denser and thus more resilient than cast jewelry, die struck jewelry is formed by compressing precious metals into shape by striking or stamping them using harder metal dies. Requiring specialized equipment and more production time, die struck jewelry is more costly than cast jewelry.

-Handmade: Just as it sounds, jewelry marked “handmade” has been constructed entirely by hand without the aid of mechanical devices. All major components of handmade jewelry have been individually crafted by hand, and no machine manufactured parts may be incorporated into jewelry designated as “handmade.” Handmade jewelry can be relatively costly but is highly sought after due to its uniqueness.

-Gold electroplate: Jewelry carrying this description is composed of a non gold base metal coated with a layer of at least ten carat gold. In order to be classified as gold electroplate, the layer of gold must be applied to the base metal through an electrolytic process and measure at least 0.175 microns (about seven millionths of an inch) in thickness.

-Gold filled: Gold filled jewelry is also comprised of a base metal coated with at least ten carat gold, though the gold coating of gold filled jewelry is bonded to the base metal mechanically through the application of heat and pressure. Gold must comprise at least 5% (or 1/20th) of the weight of a piece in order to be classified as gold filled. You may also see gold filled jewelry referred to as “gold overlay” or “rolled gold plate.”

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings, diamond rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit http://www.Maliere.com

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Cheap Body Jewelry

Body jewelry is an ancient way of expressing one's ideas, religion, and so on. But it is still popular to this day, and probably always will be. Wearing jewelry is no longer the sole pastime of a woman. Now men equally enjoy decorating themselves with beautiful jewelry pieces.

But sometimes it is not possible for you to go for valuable and expensive jewelry made of precious metals like platinum or gold. As an alternative to the highly priced expensive body jewelry, a whole new range of jewelry has occupied the market, which is cheaply priced but looks as beautiful as the real gold or platinum jewelry. Body jewelry, better known as fashion or costume jewelry, is made of low-priced metals like silver or titanium, glass or plastic. This kind of jewelry is available with gold polish and with the use of semi precious stones like beads, diamonds, kundan etc, to give an exquisite look.

This kind of cheap body jewelry is especially targeted to the college crowd, who tend to want a cool and modern look via earrings, nose rings, naval jewelry and the like. This group, however, has limited pocket money and can’t afford expensive stuff. This kind of jewelry is also meant for middle class society, who want to be in tune with fashion and decorate themselves with trendy and charming jewelry, but whose resources are limited. So the concept of cheap body jewelry gives the freedom and opportunity for a not-so-rich class of society to decorate themselves with body jewelry.

Body Jewelry provides detailed information on Body Jewelry, Wholesale Body Jewelry, Gold Body Jewelry, Cheap Body Jewelry and more. Body Jewelry is affiliated with Tattoos And Piercings.

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Jewelry Symbols of Hope

By definition, hope is a feeling of want or desire to get something, do something or for something to happen. For most people, this word has a very individual meaning. For instance, someone may have hope in earning a college degree, starting a family or simply finding happiness. Whatever the term means to you, it's a wonderful way to live every day with hope in your heart. If you are looking to add this special sentiment to your jewelry collection, there are a number of symbols and/or styles that you can wear and enjoy.

Many of us love gemstones and appreciate the color that they add to our jewelry collection, but what we may not always realize is that every gem has its own special meaning. Pink Tourmaline, for instance, is the gemstone of hope. This bright, medium-pink stone is considered to be rare and is highly sought after in the world of jewelry.

When it comes to hope, many people look toward their religion for comfort. Cross jewelry, for example, can provide wearers with a great sense of hope. A prayer box, typically worn as a pendant or bracelet charm, is a small box that features a hinged lid. Many wearers enjoy placing a handwritten prayer inside, or possibly penned words of encouragement.

A dove may a small bird, but its symbolism is very significant. Many newlyweds release doves at their wedding, which can signify happiness and hope. The image of a dove in a jewelry accessory may provide the wearer with a sense of possibility or a new beginning.

To many, the symbol of an angel is reminiscent of a guardian, a protector and a symbol of hope. For those who choose to wear the image of an angel in their jewelry, they often feel comforted. As one of the most popular symbols in jewelry, the angel design is easily found in various pendant or charm styles.

If you still aren't sure which symbol best describes your definition of hope, think of something that you wish for. If you hope for sunnier days in your future, consider jewelry with a sun motif. If you're reaching for a goal, perhaps the image of a star would suit you well. If you are hoping for a little better luck in the coming year, perhaps the image of a clover, horseshoe, ladybug or an elephant would be your jewelry of choice.

In conclusion, the jewelry that you wear may or may not be anything more than a fashion statement. When one design goes out of style, another is sure to take its place. With so many trends on the forefront of fashion, it's often impossible to know what's 'hot' and what's 'not' on any given day. When choosing the pieces that you wear, however, it's worth noting that symbols of hope are timeless. A jewelry accessory that gives you hope or reminds you to never give up on the things that mean the most will far outlast the trends of today or tomorrow.

For more information on sterling silver jewelry and cubic zirconia, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

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Oak Mission Style Jewelry Box - A Prestigious Possession

Sometimes the person closest to you can be most difficult to buy a gift. So do not wait until the last minute to find that very precious and perfect gift for friends and family. An oak mission style jewelry box will add a touch of style and sophistication to a room's décor.

If you treasure your jewelry, you owe it to yourself and your collection to store in properly .It offers convenience to find new jewelry  when already you know what you have. If you are looking for the perfect jewelry box for your treasures, it is important to organize your jewelry efficiently to know your requirements and then buy a new jewelry box.

Mission Oak furniture has been called the first truly modern style of American furniture. In both the manufacturing and finishing of handcrafted mission oak jewelry cases, emphasis is to buying forth the character and beauty of the wood. They all have variations in the color and grain; this is the part of its natural beauty. It is impossible to guarantee an exact match between two pieces of boxes, even after applying identical finishing process. This quality gives them its unique charm.

The best picks for Oak mission style jewelry cases:

1. Mission Oak jewelry armoire- Powell 255: Powell has created one of the finest wood mission oak furniture. This chest provides excellent storage for all your jewelry and accessories. You can safely store your rings, earrings bracelets, in the eight black full- lined drawers. A flip top mirror opens to a beautiful black lined compartment. Touch latch side doors swing open to store chains.

2. Mission Style Oak finish wood jewelry storage armoire: this is a perfect piece of beauty. It has eight fully lined green drawers. Flip top mirror opens beautiful green-lined compartments. Touch latch side doors swing open to store chains.

3. Mission style Oak jewelry chest: Have fun organizing your oak mission jewelry chest. Eight drawers lined in black felt give you space to store whatever you choose. Wooden jewelry armoire has a toasty warm, mission oak finfish. It has two side cabinets with necklace hooks. Top lifts to mirror and ring storage.

4. Jewelry armoire mission modern large solid oak: the lid of top drawer actually lifts to reveal beveled mirror and storage for your jewels. The seven small drawers and two large drawers are lined with protective, anti tarnish burgundy velvet. There is padded watch and ring drawer; the remaining small drawers have wooden dividers. The two side doors open revealing hooks to hang necklaces, bracelets, pearls, strings of beads. It has heirloom quality, super finely finished to protect everything from snags or scratches to safeguard your treasured pieces.

The choices of these boxes reflect your personal tastes, personality, his or her likes and dislikes.

Cynthia Olga is the author and webmaster of a website about jewelry box for gifts and jewelry box porcelain rose

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All About Handcrafted Jewelry

Have you ever found handcrafted jewelry in your local shopping area? If the answer is yes, you may find that the most popular handcrafted jewelry is made by Leah Company. Leah has each piece individually designed and handcrafted by their team of jewelry artisans that design the jewelry both in contemporary and modern design.

Gemstones

Gemstone jewelry is generally included as a handmade quality of jewelry. The materials that are used are genuine gemstones, semi-precious stones, and other materials like freshwater pearls. All the material applied by designer companies comes from reputable jewelry and gemstone suppliers. In addition, some jewelry company gets the stones from exhibitions, local jewelry, gemstone suppliers, and shows of jewelry.

Costume Jewelry

The costume handcrafted jewelry obtainable today befits every lifestyle and occasion. Lots of outlets are obtainable if you are looking for personalized jewelry. The craftsmanship of today's jewelry in designer shops is exceptional.

The beauty of any jewelry is that each piece is warily designed and crafted after a careful selection of pattern and color.

Shopping Online

Shopping for jewelry online is very easy. Nevertheless, the jewelry that is mostly available is beaded jewelry.

Use of Beads

Generally, lampwork glass beads are applied for beaded jewelry. An artist called Holly Kincaid makes this unique handcrafted jewelry. The use of Swarovski crystals, semi precious gemstones and pearls are mostly applied for this type of jewelry. Beaded jewelry is strung on 49 strand wire that guarantees its strength and durability.

Shopping online can be one alternative for you if you're planning to get handcrafted jewelry as present for your friends or family members.

Olivia Sanders writes about jewelry and find more articles, please visit her website at beatiful jewelry.

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Molten Body Jewelry

MOLTEN BODY JEWELRY was founded on the basis that all people deserve great quality body jewelry... at even greater prices! Yes, we know that there are tons of other sites on the net, but our experience is, "you get what you pay for! What we lack in product selection, we make up in customer service. For some reason, everyone has traded customer service for lower prices. We keep overhead costs low, and can still maintain low cost high quality products... passing the savings on to you! No more ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PumtoWzQG8&hl=en

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Body Jewelry

Body jewelry has come a long way in recent years. Years ago it was considered strange if anything more than your ears were pierced and to see earrings on a man would actually be frowned upon. Nowadays it is quite common to see large amounts of piercing and body jewelry being worn by one single person.

Body piercing was seen as something the more adventurous would have considered having done and even then it would be limited to ears. With increasing popularity body piercing is becoming a trend and sometimes an addiction.
Quite often you will see people with not only their ears pierced but also various other parts of the body including the navel, lips and tongue. These piercing are not limited to women they are also seen on men.

Having a body piercing involves puncturing your skin with a specialist tool and adding a piece of body jewelry hygiene is an important factor when having any sort of piercing as infections are common.
It is important to keep the pierced area clean and germ free, it is recommended that you should not touch a piercing for at least 24 hours and after that make sure your wash your hands before touching the piercing due to the amount of germs your hands carry.

You may find that your piercing becomes a little sore and red in the first day, this is down to the healing process, you may even find a clear liquid will seep from the wound, this is quite normal.

You may find the company who did the piercing recommends a solution to clean your piercing however you can always tea tree oil. Just add a few drops to some water and use a cotton bud to clean the area.

If you have a piercing in your mouth or lip it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke as this can irritate the skin, if this is not possible try using an alcohol free mouthwash after smoking or rinse with mild salt water.

Try not to over clean the piercing as this can cause irritation and soreness buy make sure you inspect the area each day and if you are unhappy with it or feel you may have an infection then it is wise to see your GP as you may need antibiotics.

Once the area is clean and you are at a point where you can change the piece of body jewelry you can start looking around for new pieces of jewelry.

Body jewelry can be anything from belly button rings to toe rings, its any type of jewelry you place on your body.
Wholesale body jewelry is where large quantities of jewelry are sold in one go, this is often the method used when purchasing stock for a shop or factory.

Buying wholesale body jewelry can and will save you money, wholesalers are able to reduce the costs when selling in bulk and therefore saving you money.

Vicki Churchill writes for several sites including Diamond And Sapphire Rings and Diamond Rings and also a site that specializes in Platinum Wedding Ring

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Camilla Charm Bracelet For Those Lovely Divas

The best thing about charm bracelets is that they never go out of fashion. If you want to look unique and elegant, try a Camilla charm bracelet which comes in so many beautiful designs and styles. These Italian bracelets are now widely available on the internet and are not very expensive.

These bracelets by Camilla can also be given away as beautiful presents to those lovely divas who always want to be in style. Unique handmade bracelets in this category can be found in materials like sterling silver, gold and even less expensive materials like stainless steel and wood.

A camilla charm bracelet comes in many different colors like aqua, black, red and copper. The skilled artist makes use of all kinds of beautiful beads to adorn her bracelets, which can be worn on different occasions. Some girls also like to wear simple bracelets casually, and such elegant bracelets can also be found in this category.

Beaded bracelets can easily be made at home. If you see the wonderful collection by Camilla and want to make your own bracelets, you can follow her style and make lovely bracelets by hand. Camilla makes use of rare gemstones and beads like smoky quartz, pink jade, feldspar, snow flower crystal, amber glass, abalone, jasper, and carnelian. Lovely colors like purple, cobalt blue, amber, and turquoise can also be found.

Camilla bracelets are available in the price range of $20 to $80 depending on the materials used. All bracelets are unique handiwork of this expert jewelry designer and are simply incomparable with other kinds of bracelets. Since they are quite affordable, they can make excellent gifts for all occasions. Buy a camilla charm bracelet today and surprise your loved one.

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Medical Alert Bracelets: A Guide

With personal health becoming more important to more people, many are looking to use medical alert bracelets in order to properly identify their medical concerns in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

The concept of boring medical tags is long gone, as these bracelets are showing up in trendy styles by an increasing amount of vendors, especially over the Internet. Stylish necklaces, pendants, and bracelets are available; and medical alert ID bracelets specifically come beaded and in many attractive metals for adults and children. Forget stainless steel – nowadays, medical alert ID bracelets also come in gold. These bracelets are now available in designer styles, making them more appealing to wear.

You can use a medical alert ID bracelet all the time; its life-saving information goes where you do. Just put it on, and rely on it in the event of an emergency. These trusty bracelets are used in emergency situations, when people cannot relay important medical information to the paramedics or other helpful persons. Even family members and friends may not know about a condition, so the bracelet provides
information that can quickly be used to make sure that allergic reactions, for example, do not occur. Paramedics can also quickly contact your ""in case of emergency"" person with a glance at the bracelet.

Everyone with a medical condition or allergy should consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. These important bracelets can help those with a myriad of conditions, yet don't draw attention to a condition because of the hip styles. The new medical alert bracelets look more like plain jewelry than the older medical alert bracelets and tags.

Whichever medical alert bracelet you choose, be sure to purchase one if you have a medical condition. They are easy to use, attractive, and most of all, have the unique ability to save your life in a time of need.

Medical Alert Bracelets Info provides comprehensive information about gold, beaded, designer, lyphedema, diabetic, child, senior, and free medical alert bracelets. Medical Alert Bracelets Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

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Sterling Silver 1/10 cttw Diamond Bracelet

Sterling Silver 1/10 cttw Diamond Bracelet Review

I like this bracelet.... I don't love it, but I like it. But, of the 39 individual links, only 20 actually have a (one each) diamond in them. And the diamonds are very cloudy to boot. So, don't buy this if you are looking for diamonds because without the use of a strong magnifying glass, you'll never see them. The photos I shared are an attempt to give you an idea of what you are buying. The diamonds are about a third of a millimeter.... the overall width of the bracelet is 3/8 inch.

The other reviewer that doesn't like the clasp.... I understand the problem, but after several times of pushing it in and releasing, it has loosened up to the point that I can put it on by myself.

Sterling Silver 1/10 cttw Diamond Bracelet Feature

Sterling Silver 1/10 cttw Diamond Bracelet Overview

This elegant tennis bracelet features subtle diamond accents (1/10 cttw) set inside curvy links of polished sterling silver. Finished with a dressy box clasp, it adds a delicate sparkle to your wrist.

Sterling Silver 1/10 cttw Diamond Bracelet Specifications

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 19, 2009 16:17:49

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Body Jewelry and Piercing Basics

If you can pinch it, you can pierce it, or so the saying goes. And as a result of this, we have seen a real renaissance in terms of both body jewelry and where the piercings can be placed. If you are interested in fascinating ways to adorn your body, getting yourself pierced in a fun and interesting way might be exactly what you are looking for. While there is a whole culture that uses body modification as a way to express themselves and their views, what is important is that you are getting the piercing for a reason that is important to you, whether you have always wanted a certain type of jewelry or you have always felt a certain bareness when you are looking at a specific part of you.

The first thing to think about is finding the right piercer. Rather then heading to the mall or having a friend doing it with a sewing needle, head to a piercing parlor, where someone who has been trained in the art of piercing can go about it with the proper tools. The gun that so many retail stores use to pierce with cannot actually be sterilized, and it will leave a ragged puncture wound that will take a long time to heal. A trained piercer will only use hollow, single-use needles. This needle will remove a tiny core of flesh after sliding in very swiftly and painlessly. Using a trained piercer can help you avoid an extended healing time and severe infections.

When you are looking for jewelry for your body piercing, you'll have a wide array to choose from. Take some time to discuss the piercing jewelry with your piercer; many people are at least a little bit allergic to nickel and this can lead to a lot of irritation and inflammation. Most piercers will use jewelry that is made out of surgical steel, which lacks nickel altogether. Titanium and niobium are also possible when you are looking for good, non-allergenic metals.

Make sure you think about the consequences of getting pierced. While many piercings are becoming more acceptable and even desirable in a professional context, you'll find that your workplace might have some rules and regulations about it. Make sure you understand what the results might be of wearing a nostril piercing or an eyebrow piercing to work. Similarly, remember that many sports that are high contact and even some that aren't will not allow you to wear jewelry on to the field. When you think about the fact that you should not take your jewelry on and off while it is healing, this can be quite problematic.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to think about when you are considering getting pierced. Remember though, that your body should express the person you are. Think about how you feel about your body now, and how you think you would feel about it after you've gotten the piercing or piercings that you are interested in. You'll find that a critical look at the way you think about body jewelry is a great way to access the beauty inside you.

To learn more about body jewelry visit http://www.costume-jewelry-guide.com a popular website devoted to helping you look your best with jewelry of all kinds. You'll not only learn about the different types of jewelry, but get information on obtaining wholesale body jewelry as well.

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Designer Jewelry

Usually, when the word designer is attached to an item, like 'designer jeans' or 'designer clothes,' it means that the item has been made by a well-known designer, making the item very valuable. This is because designer items cost more to produce than items that have not been created by famous designers. This is very true with regard to jewelry, as well. A piece of jewelry that has been designed by some of the most famous jewelry houses are considered more valuable, and the price tags of most of them attest to this fact.

Some notable designers

Some of the more notable designers of fine jewelry include Coco Chanel and Elsa Shiparelli, whose designs were not only applied to fine jewelry. They were also used in combination with costume jewelry. Other notable designers include Adrian Buckley, Christian Dior, Joan Rivers, Joan Collins, Ciro, Butler and Wilson, Swarovski, Pearlman House, and Napier, who, up to this day, continue to come up with high-quality fashion jewelry.

Getting designer jewelry

Nowadays, you need not go to a jewelry store or to the shops of some of the more famous jewelry houses in order to buy designer jewelry. This is because the jewelry houses have joined the E-commerce bandwagon and they now sell their jewelry online. From these web sites, you can pick from a wide selection of jewelry. You could also have customized jewelry made for you. In addition to this, these web sites also provide other helpful information that can guide you in your purchase. For example, some sites explain what you should look for when buying diamonds. However, some people still prefer going to the stores because they believe that nothing beats seeing and fitting the jewelry yourself.

If you choose to buy online, you should be careful when doing so and you should make sure that you are buying from a reputable jeweler, as the Internet also hosts some unscrupulous companies who may want to fool you out of your money.

Designer jewelry is considered to be more valuable than other types of jewelry because it has been designed by some of the most famous jewelry designers and people who buy the pieces are assured of getting the highest quality jewelry. Recently, getting this kind of jewelry has become easier because they can be purchased online. However, when doing so, consumers should be careful and make sure that they buy jewelry from reputable jewelry houses to ensure they get only the best designer jewelry.

Jewelry provides detailed information on jewelry, fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, religious jewelry and more. Jewelry is affiliated with Horse Hair Jewelry.

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Worlds Biggest Diamond (Carat, Weight & Size)

The world's largest diamond was the Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed 3,106.75 carats uncut. It was cut into the Great Star of Africa, weighing 530.2 carats, the Lesser Star of Africa, which weighs 317.40 carats, and 104 other diamonds of nearly flawless colour and clarity. They now form part of the British crown jewels.

The Cullinan was three times the size of the next largest diamond, the Excelsior, which was also found in South Africa. The world's largest documented polished diamond - unearthed in 1986, also in South Africa - is called Unnamed Brown. It weighs 545 carats and was cut down from a 700 carat rough diamond. It took an international team of expert cutters 3 years to complete the masterpiece. Another impressive diamond that also took 3 years to cut, and also is part of the British crown jewels, is the Centenary Diamond. It weighs 273.85 carats and is the world's largest flawless diamond.

Carat is the term used to express the weight of a diamond, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams of actual weight.

Carat Abbreviations

The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of a single diamond.

The abbreviation ct TW means carat total weight, and is used to express the total weight of multiple diamonds used in a piece of jewelry.

Carat Weight vs. Size

Carat weight is used as a measure for other gemstones, but different gems of the same weight aren't necessarily the same size, because some gemstones are more dense than others--meaning that they pack more weight into a smaller space.

Weight of Small Diamonds

The weight of smaller diamonds is often expressed as points, not carats. There are 100 points in a carat. Another way to look at it is to say that each point equals 0.01, or one-hundredth, of a carat.

For tips on buying diamonds online go to http://www.diamonds11.com

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Jewelry Hallmarks

Jewelry hallmarks are a relief to individuals trying to date and authenticate antique jewelry. However, knowing exactly what jewelry hallmarks are and recognizing them is significantly more difficult. Basically, a jewelry hallmark is simply the indented number on the metal that reflects the amount of metal in a piece of jewelry. This guarantees the purity of the metal and is not a maker's mark. However, some jewelry hallmarks do include maker's marks as well. It is important to understand that a maker's mark and a jewelry hallmark are not the same thing at all. Most of the time jewelry hallmarks are found on valuable objects and although it is sometimes found on jewelry it is not always. Although, when a jewelry hallmark appears on a jewel it lends many clues as to where the piece of jewelry was manufactured as well as when and even the metal content.

London's Goldsmiths' Hall of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths initiated the first hallmarks and keeps track of all the hallmarks that have been used throughout Britain's history. Basically, a hallmark is a impression in a fine metal that reveals its karat or quality. Generally, hallmarks are found on gold, platinum, and even silver. These hallmarks, also called purity marks, may sometimes contain a maker's mark, exportation mark, or more depending on where it was made and by who and whether it was exported or not.

British hallmarks are especially interesting because they have been used since the 14th century. France is another country that has also used hallmarks since this point in history. There are a lot of other countries that use hallmarks, mostly European ones. However, the United States has never really used hallmarks. The type of metal in carats and purity is marked in the United States, but the use of actual hallmarks never really caught on like it did in the European countries.

As far as British hallmarks are concerned there were usually five different symbols marked on a precious metal. These included the standard mark, city mark, date letter, duty mark, and maker's mark. Not always was a maker's mark included, and the marks could appear in any order. However, when reviewing a piece of jewelry or antique made of a precious metal the hallmarks give away where it was made, with what, if duty had been paid, and more.

The British hallmark system is pretty difficult and complicated, but it is pretty constant and once you learn it it is not so difficult to determine what the hallmarks mean. However, there are other hallmarks from other countries that are significantly more difficult to decipher and determine what the hallmarks mean. There has been significant research into hallmarks, both British and other European hallmarks, so finding out where a specific item came from and when it was made is a lot easier today with the help of the Internet. Nevertheless, hallmarks con provide plenty of clues into the origination of a precious item although the clues can sometimes be practically impossible to decipher.

Now that you know a little more about jewelry hallmarks you will be more prepared to conduct your own research into the origination of certain antique pieces in your possession. Of course, if you are really interested you might become a collector or a hallmark expert. Regardless, hallmarks provide a lot of information about different pieces of jewelry and other fine objects. It just takes time and effort to determine what the hallmarks stand for.

Clark Hunter - Chanel Earrings

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