Definition of Pearl Necklace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTUnF2puBp0&hl=en
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Buying Guide for a Mikimoto Pearl Necklace
The highest quality cultured pearl necklaces are those produced and created by Mikimoto. These pearls are known for their unparalleled beauty and brilliance. It is said that once you wear Mikimoto pearls, any other kind of pearl will seem second-rate. Mikimoto pearls are so refined in quality that its fans include the royal families of Britain and Japan, Marilyn Monroe and Monaco’s Princess Grace.
Here are some information on what Mikimoto cultured pearls are, where they came from and how to buy them.
How pearls are formed
A pearl is the result of an oyster or mollusks’ reaction to an irritant that invades its shell. To try to protect itself, the mollusk secretes a crystalline substance called nacre which builds up in layers upon layers, surrounding the irritant. When this happens, a pearl is born.
Pearls have been cultured for centuries not just in Japan, but in other countries as well. Much of the products result to semispherical pearls, also called mabe pearls from the oyster that grew them, and not in the more coveted spherical pearls. It was Kokichi Mikimoto who developed a special technique to induce oysters to create a round pearl.
The man behind the name
Cultured pearls as we know them, owe a lot to Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who perfected the pearl culturing method that is still used today. Contrary to popular belief, he did not invent the industry although he did play a very significant role in advancing the techniques which contributed to the improvement in cultured pearl quality.
Mikimoto, the son of a noodle restaurant owner, was born in 1885 in Toba City, Japan. He was first introduced to pearls when he started raising oysters. Around this time, Japan was already trading pearls with other countries and pearl oysters were in danger of becoming over-harvested. Mikimoto decided to concentrate on experiments in seeding oysters and producing pearls.
The first endeavors were failures. Mikimoto and his colleagues repeatedly encountered disappointing results, due in part to uncontrollable factors like water temperature and red tide. But this did nothing to dissuade Mikimoto from his dream.
His efforts paid off eventually. On July 11, 1893, with his wife Ume, he discovered a beautiful pearl in one of his oysters. He never looked back since. By the time he died in 1954, the highly honored Mikimoto had successfully advocated and promoted cultured pearls and opened markets all over the world. Today, his name is synonymous to the highest quality cultured pearls.
Buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace
Pearl necklaces come in several lengths. From the shortest to the longest, they are: collar (10”-13”), choker (14”-16”), princess (18”-20”), matinee (20”-24”), opera (28”-34”) and rope (37” and longer). The length of the pearl necklace will depend on the woman’s age, body composition and neck size, although an 18 to 24-inch pearl necklace is a good length for anyone. Generally speaking, the longer the necklace, the more it ‘elongates’ the neck.
The mark of “M”
Every jewelry created by Mikimoto including pearl necklaces, has an “M” stamped on its setting. This is a guarantee of quality. However, in some cases, the mark of “M” will only guarantee that the setting is genuine and not the pearls, which can be replaced and restrung.
A caveat: there is a black market for Mikimoto clasps, where original Mikimoto clasps are used for cheaper or imitation-quality pearls. Beware also of ‘closeout’ Mikimoto sales, even if they come in ‘new’ 18k gold.
The best way to distinguish a true high-quality Mikimoto pearl from other pearls is to look for a unique road map or line pattern on the surface of the pearls under a 10x magnifying lens. Experienced jewelers can recognize this. On your own, you will want to find genuine Mikimoto pearls to compare with your intended purchase. Once you see the difference, true Mikimoto pearls are easily recognizable.
You might also encounter pearl necklaces that are labeled ‘Mikimoto quality’. This is misleading. These are not pearls produced under the patented Mikimoto process. True Mikimoto pearl necklaces are those produced under stringent conditions in Ise in Honshu, Japan.
Akoya vs. Mikimoto
Another fine quality pearl is akoya pearls, although this is a general term used to refer to saltwater pearls. These are not Mikimoto pearls and they don’t cost the same.
Grading method
Mikimoto pearls are rated using four grades, with AAA being the highest. There are 4 sub-grades starting with AAA1. Highest-grade pearls are those with the best luster and reflective quality, almost mirror-like, while lower-grade pearls are those with reasonably clear reflection.
When buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace, be sure to ask for grading certificates. This is not only good for insurance, but it is also a guarantee that what you are paying for is a true Mikimoto pearl necklace.
For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com, http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com, or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Beading Patterns Free Peyote Stitch
The peyote stitch is an easy and enjoyable bead stitch to learn. Beginner beaders to advanced fall in love with the peyote stitch because of its versatility, flexiblity and beauty. The peyote stitch almost feels like fabric and can be use to make chokers, beaded purses... and endless bead designs.
Supplies
40" (60cm) Nylon beading thread
Beading needle
Size 11 seed beads
How To Bead A Peyote Stitch...
Step 1. Thread on a top bead
Step 2. Thread on 7 more beads
Step 3. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 3rd bead from the end.
Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the 8th bead of the first row.
Step 4. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the 4th bead from the end of the first row.
Step 5. Repeat Step 4, 2 more times, weaving the thread through every other bead on the first row.
You will end the second row with the thread going through the stop bead. (your first bead).
You should have added 4 new beads.
Step 6. Now, lets continue with a third row...
Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the first bead on the second row.
Pull the thread so that the new bead sits on top of the stop bead
Step 7. Thread another bead and then thread your needle through the next bead on the second row.
Step 8. Continue like this until you have 4 new beads threaded for the third row.
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Visit www.beadpatternsonline.com to read this article with easy to follow diagrams.
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Keep going! The peyote stitch takes a bit of practice at first. The trick is to keep the thread tension tight, and still allow the weave to lay flat. Practice with larger seed beads at first to get the hang of the stitch. Once you learn the peyote stitch, you will be hooked! Bead long strips of seed beads to make a choker!
Happy Beading!
Jennifer Thoden
Discover free bead patterns, beading instructions and an online bead store directory. Visit http://www.beadpatternsonline.com to enjoy free designer bead patterns, detailed step by step bead instructions, dozens of beading related articles and a growing online bead store directory to help you find the beading supplies you need.
Friday, September 11, 2009
How To Make A Hemp Necklace The Hippie Way With Insider Tips And Tricks
Materials to make a hemp necklace.
Hemp
Beads
Scissors
Optional materials.
Glue
Shower ring
Step 1. Cut your hemp cord.
a) Cut two cords that are 5 feet 8 inches in length. This is going to be your knotting cord.
Tip - I don't whip out a tape measure every time I need to measure my hemp. I measure it against myself. I pull it out to the width of both my arms spread to their max and cut it their. It's much quicker than measuring it with a tape measure.
b) Cut one thread or thin cord that is 2 feet 10 inches in length. This is going to be your center string. If you are using beads the will go on this string so make sure they fit. I measure it from my finger tips to my neck.
Tip - I like to use more hemp than I need. It's always easier to cut a little bit off than to fix the necklace if their isn't enough.
Step 2. Starting out.
a) Take the two knotting cords they are the thicker and longer cords and tie them together using an over hand knot. To do an over hand knot make a loop go threw the loop and pull tight.
b) Take the shorter thinner center string and both knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot two inches from where you made your first over hand knot.
c) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.
Step 3. Add beads.
a) Add the beads you want to use.
Tip - If it's hard to push the center string threw the beads because they have small holes. Place a drop of general purpose glue on your index finger then position the center string on the glue 4 inches from the end and pinch in place with your thumb. Then pull the string threw your thumb and index finger distributing glue along the final four inches of length. If some areas are still dry repeat. Hang the glued end in the air to dry for thirty minutes to an hour or until hard.
Step 4. Macrame.
Tip - The knots are much quicker and easier to tie if the center string is tight. So I take the loop that I created in step two and put it on a shower ring then I attach the shower ring to a hook or wall. I then take the center string and tie it to one of the belt loops on my pants.
a) Take your two knotting cords. Pull them to opposite sides of the center string.
The basic knot is called a square knot. It can be started from the left or from the right.
Their are two designs that can be created spiral and flat.
The flat design is created when you alternate your knots. Left, right, left, right or right, left, right, left.
The spiral design is created when you tie the same knot. Left, left, left, left or right, right, right, right.
It doesn't matter which knot you start with it matters which knot you follow up with.
Tying a left knot.
a) To tie a square knot starting on the left you take the cord on the left and lay it over the center string creating a loop on the left.
b) Next take the cord on the right and go over the left cord then under the center string and up threw the loop on the left of the center string.
c) Pull tight.
Tying a square knot starting on the right involves the same process started on the right side of the necklace.
When you are ready for a bead move the bead up behind the last knot you tied then tie your next knot on the other side of the bead.
Continue tying knots and adding beads until you get to your desired length.
I usually stop a necklace when the macrame and bead portion is long enough to stretch around my neck and touch ends.
Finish the macrame portion of the necklace by tying all three cords together in an over hand knot.
Step 5 finishing the hemp necklace.
a) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.
b) Cut off the remaining length of the center string.
c) Take the two knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot.
d) Cut off any remaining length and you are done.
Tip - The braided portion and loop on the end is for tying it off. You give them 4 inches of braid and four inches of loop so that they can tie it off to the length they desire and dispose of the rest.
Hi I'm David Depape.
You can visit my hemp necklace website at.
You can view this article on my website at.
I also make hemp bracelets.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Maintaining Your Jewelry - Keeping Your Jewelry in a Case
Jewelry cases or jewelry boxes as called by some are the most perfect thing to store your expensive belongings. They are usually rectangular and sometimes round too. However, it is important that the case that you are buying should be as per your necessity and need. You can choose the ones that are with or without a mirror, the compartment size, number of pieces it can accommodate and so on.
Jewelry cases are usually beautifully crafted and are of simple colors. You can find a lot of variety in them. For example, a jewelry box that comes for a little girl can be musical and the ones that are for ladies will emphasize more on the compartments and different styles you can place your jewelry, gems and stones. These cases will definitely store your jewelry but if they are not designed in the right way, they can also hamper your precious jewelry. These cases should also be handled with a lot of care as the material used in these boxes can be easily damaged as they are delicate.
Usually the jewelry cases have velvet lining inside so that your jewelry is placed in the right way and the softness of the material will help in maintaining the shine and quality of your stones. If the lining is not properly done or if the surface is hard, it makes the possibility of the jewelry getting damaged high. This is the same reason why people prefer keeping the jewelry in pouches as a substitute to the case as it helps the jewelry get the delicate surface. However, the draw back of the se pouches are that since they don't have a hard surface they can even bend the jewelry if not kept at a proper place.
It is important that you should be able to maintain the jewelry case in the most perfect manner as just buying them is not enough. Due to the soft lining, try to handle it in a delicate manner, keep it away from heat and moisture as they can hamper the jewelry inside the box. Another thing that is important to be kept in mind is that the jewelry boxes that come with external or internal locks will help you maintain the security of your jewelry as well.
You will be able to find amazing designs and variety of materials for you jewelry box. Not only this you can shop online and look at different possibilities that will come your way. However, before you decide on buying a jewelry box, it is also important that you should be able to place your jewelry well inside the box in a way that they do not get spoiled and hampered.
The author runs a successful online jewelry store. To find an exclusive selection of Jewelry Cases, check http://www.premierjewelrycatalog.net
Jewelry Display - Earring Holders, Ring Displays and Bracelet Ramps
Many types of jewelry display supplies are available on the market ranging from simple and elegant ring boxes to stylish and expensive bracelet ramps and satin-finish jewelry boxes. Earrings, rings and bracelets are the most common jewelry articles that need to be displayed effectively in order to win the attention of customers. Holders for these types of jewelry articles come in a variety of materials, shapes and sizes. Earring holders in the form of stand-up ramps look quite attractive. They are also useful and totally affordable. Let us find out more about all these types of displays.
Handcrafted displays and jewelry boxes are liked by a lot of people all over the world. Hand-painted earring holders that come with a stand are quite popular. Free standing holders can be made at home by following a few simple steps. These stands can also be used to hang hair bands and other items. The displays are unique and lovely which can also be kept in home as decorative accessories. Revolving earring stands are practical choices for displaying a large number of dangling earrings. In addition to these, folding earring screens made of acrylic which can hold up to 128 pairs of earrings are also very popular across the globe.
Bracelet stands in different shapes and jewelry trees for storing bangles and rings are useful and trendy jewelry display supplies. Metallic bracelet holders are not very expensive and they can be placed anywhere. Similarly, T-Bar jewelry holders for necklaces and pendants are loved by people belonging to all age groups. These holders and stands are made of pewter and wrought iron and appear very attractive and stylish. These tree stands can be bought for $25 a piece which is affordable as these items are quite cost-effective. They last for many years to come.
Ring displays and stands in jewelry display are widely used all over the world. These stands or cases are velvet lined to protect the texture of valuable rings made of gold and platinum. Ring fingers for displaying rings are also used by some jewelers and they come in different colors. Multiple ring finger displays are inexpensive and quite useful. In addition to these, you can also find ring trays and jewelry boxes for storing rings in various colors and materials. A beautiful glossy finish tray made of Rosewood can be bought for as low as $25. Similarly, a four-column Rosewood ring display is quite inexpensive and very beautiful.
All these wonderful and practical jewelry display supplies can be easily found online. A wide range of lovely and attractive jewelry boxes are also available in all sizes and shapes. They are made of long-lasting materials such as leather and sterling silver and come in different styles. An average-sized jewelry box with multiple compartments for storing rings, chains and bracelets can also be given as a beautiful and memorable gift. Women love leather vanity boxes, wood jewelry cases and velvet pouches in all kinds of exciting and lovely colors. These modern and trendy jewelry stands and holders can also be used as beautiful decorative items.
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