Jewelry Metal Comparison

Gold

Gold is the most popular jewelry metal for men's and women's wedding and engagement rings, and is also customarily used in the crafting of earrings, pendants, brooches, necklaces and bracelets. Gold is a highly valuable metal, and is one of the most coveted metals in all of history. Gold symbolizes riches, wealth, and good standing, and in its purest form, is impossible to tarnish. Gold jewelry is sophisticated and refined, and is a divine and precious metal that is perfect for all occasions.

Pure (24-karat) gold can sometimes be too soft and malleable for everyday wear. Therefore, gold jewelry is usually complemented by a mixture of other alloyed metals (such as silver, copper, nickel and zinc) to help it retain more resistance and strength. While purer gold's are rarer and more exotic, they are oftentimes prone to being bent or twisted. Since other alloying metals are employed to build gold jewelry's resistance, gold then becomes more likely to stain or to tarnish. Pure gold can never tarnish, but in gold pieces that are mixed with components of nickel, slight discoloration may occur over time, and it is possible for the gold compound to leave a dark residue on the skin. When purchasing gold jewelry, it is best to stick to the higher karat gold. If the gold jewelry is to be worn everyday, make sure it is between 14-18 karat gold. (The karat measurement denotes what percentage of the gold jewelry is made of pure gold. For example, 18k gold is 18/24 real gold, or 75% pure gold.)

Silver

Silver is perhaps one of the most popular jewelry metals because it is much more abundant in nature and therefore more affordable than its competitor metals. Sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver, is the best quality of silver metal for setting precious stones and adorning fancy jewelry.

Silver can tarnish rather easily and is less durable than other jewelry metals such as gold and platinum. Silver in its purest form is even softer than pure gold, so finer quality silvers are not always appropriate for everyday wear. Silver can also be prone to oxidation, sometimes causing slight discoloration and blackening of the metal. Luckily, it is easy to make silver jewelry look brand new again by simply purchasing a silver jewelry cleaning solution at little cost (which can be found in most department stores).

White Gold

White Gold a greater percentage of nickel in a gold metal alloy mixture gives white gold its color, while a higher percentage of copper will turn gold a more reddish hue, resulting in 'rose gold.' White gold is simply gold that has been chemically treated and then coated with another white medal called Rhodium. Rhodium metal has similar properties to platinum and gives white gold its pristine color and shine.

While white gold is a very hard metal thanks in part to its Rhodium coating, it does wear eventually. To keep a white gold ring from fading and loosing its luster, you should get your white gold jewelry re-Rhodium-plated approximately once a year or at least every 18 months. Most local jewelers can re-coat white gold jewelry at a cost effective price.

Platinum

Platinum is a clean, sharp- looking jewelry metal, and is second to none in terms of durability. Platinum is so strong that it is impossible to tarnish and it has the highest melting point of the popular jewelry metals. Platinum jewelry is generally composed of 90% platinum and 10% iridium. The innate strength of this metal makes platinum the ideal choice for setting precious stones.

While platinum is the best in terms of toughness and can outlive its rival jewelry metals in terms of appearance and strength, it is important to consider its price. Platinum is rarer, more durable, and therefore, more expensive, than gold. With all other things being equal, a platinum ring will cost approximately twice the price of a white gold ring of 18 karats. It is, however, a prime material for the careful crafting of wedding rings.

Palladium

Palladium is harder, lighter, and less expensive than platinum. It is a close substitute in look and feel, and palladium jewelry can endure the perils of everyday wear and tear and come out spotless.

While Palladium aims to imitate platinum, it cannot truly fool anyone. Palladium metal lacks the prestigious 'platinum' insignia; marked on the inside rim of every platinum jewelry piece will be a small stamped engraving bearing the word: 'plat.' So if you are looking to trick someone into thinking you have purchased 'the real thing', it might be more difficult to do so than you had previously imagined.

Titanium

Titanium is the hardest naturally-occurring metal in the world. This makes titanium the perfect metal for fine jewelry, especially rings. Titanium is three times as strong as steel, yet maintains a light and comfortable weight. Titanium jewelry will not bend, scratch or dent. Most importantly, pure titanium jewelry is 100% hypoallergenic, meaning that it will not cause allergic reactions and is safe for anyone to wear.

The one and only foreseeable downside to purchasing titanium jewelry is that it cannot be soldered, rendering it impossible to re-size a ring made of the substance.

Natalie Inger

Handmade jewelry

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10k Gold Ring, w/ 0.10 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds & 0.50 Carat May Birthstone Brilliant Cut Emerald Stones, 1/4 in. (7mm) wide

10k Gold Ring, w/ 0.10 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds & 0.50 Carat May Birthstone Brilliant Cut Emerald Stones, 1/4 in. (7mm) wide Review

This ring was beautiful, i was pleasantly surprised when i received it, wasnt expecting it to be of such good quality for the price! Shipping was very fast, unfortunately i had to return it, but their customer service was very nice and responsive when i emailed about sending the ring back to them. Would definately purchase from Sabrina Silver & Amazon again!

10k Gold Ring, w/ 0.10 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds & 0.50 Carat May Birthstone Brilliant Cut Emerald Stones, 1/4 in. (7mm) wide Feature

10k Gold Ring, w/ 0.10 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds & 0.50 Carat May Birthstone Brilliant Cut Emerald Stones, 1/4 in. (7mm) wide Overview

This Ring is crafted from Solid 10 Karat Yellow Gold and set with Genuine Diamonds and Precious Gems. It'll make a wonderful, reasonably-priced gift for yourself, family and friends on any occasion. We Do Not Use Blood Diamonds (Diamonds mined in a war zone in Africa, Blood Diamonds are also known as conflict, converted, hot or war diamonds).

10k Gold Ring, w/ 0.10 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds & 0.50 Carat May Birthstone Brilliant Cut Emerald Stones, 1/4 in. (7mm) wide Specifications

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 17, 2010 13:37:07

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Religious Jewelry - Fashion and Faith Go Hand in Hand

Ancient Egyptians wore their religious symbols as jewelry. The ankh and the scarab as well as the snake and the symbol of the eye were all worn as religious jewelry. Each symbol held a specific meaning in their belief system or provided some form of protection for the wearer. From then on, religions across the globe have adopted certain symbols they like to wear as jewelry.

* Kinds Of Jewelry

Easily the most recognizable symbol of all the religions is the cross. This is the ultimate symbol of Christianity, the obvious significance being that Jesus died on the cross for their sins. Because of this, cross charms are a popular way to exhibit their faith and gratitude.

Another popular Christian symbol is the fish. This symbol dates back to the first century and became a way of identifying other Christians, particularly when they were being persecuted. But it was dangerous to speak openly about their faith. Back then, they would draw the fish symbol in the dirt to let others know. Today, Christians proudly wear their fish religious jewelry to let everyone know their faith.

Other popular Christian ornament items are the praying hands pendant, Saints medallions and the dove of peace charm. Any of these worn in gold or silver makes a great gift for a baptism, christening or confirmation.

Another well-known symbol is the Star of David. This is the equivalent of the cross for the Jewish faith. This star is a six-pointed hexagram that was supposedly emblazoned on King David's shield or his shield held that shape. Either way, it is a very important symbol in Judaism and Star of David jewelry is a common gift to teens when they transition to adulthood.

Another common symbol found in Jewish jewelry is the mezuzah. Commonly worn as a pendant, a mezuzah is a cylindrical object that is used to hold special words and scriptures on parchment scrolls. These make beautiful pendants or even a charm for a bracelet. The Chai symbol is another popular charm for necklaces and bracelets. It is the Hebrew word for "living".

* Why Wear These Symbols?

There are about as many reasons why someone wears religious jewelry as there are types of jewelry. First of all, it is a statement of faith. Wearing Christian, Jewish jewelry or any other religious item is a way to acknowledge and let others know what the wearer believes in. Aside from just displaying faith, some pieces are worn for protection.

There are many Saints who supposedly look over the person who wears a medallion with their image. The cross has long been seen as a weapon against evil (think vampires!).

However, it does not always mean a belief in something. There have been times where it has been trendy to be seen wearing a large ornate cross on a long chain. If Hollywood is wearing it, fashion jewelers get affordable pieces out to the public so they can emulate them. Whatever reason, these pieces speak volumes about faith and fashion.

Religious jewelry is the perfect way to emulate and acknowledge any faith. They also make for a great fashion trend and can also be a perfect gifting option for youngsters as well as adults. Select from an array of fancy religious jewelry here http://www.gemaffair.com.

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Jewelry Boxes For Little Girls

While there are many different jewelry boxes for little girls out there, you want to select just the right one. This article will help you in doing that, giving you helpful information on where to look for quality boxes and good prices. It's important, especially in this economy, to get a good deal for a quality product that you can trust is good and will stay together for many years. A little girl's first jewelry box is something that is treasured and should be kept into adulthood.

The internet is a great place to start looking for one. Unlike stores that may be near you, you have an almost unlimited source for jewelry boxes at your fingertips. You can find them in all sorts of colors, styles, and designs, as long as you know where to look. A simple Google search for them will turn up many different results that will be sure to get you to where you need to be. From there you can select one that is right for your little girl.

Include your child in this and ask her what she wants. She can give you a specific description so it will make it a lot easier for you to find one online. With all of the different choices it can be rather difficult to find one that you are happy with, knowing that there are so many others out there, but it's important that you can narrow your decision to just one. It's also very critical that you know how to choose one that is made of good quality material so it will stay together for many years to come.

To do this you must take a long hard look at the person or company that makes it. If they have a good reputation for making products like these, then it's a fair bet to say that you will be able to buy it and be happy with it. Take a look at all of the different companies that make jewelry boxes for little girls and out of those you can start to select which ones your daughter might be interested in. Just always make sure that you are getting a fair deal for what you are buying. While its true that the internet does offer a wide variety of boxes and other items to choose from, it also comes along with many different people who are willing to scam you out of your hard-earned money. Being a smart shopper is a good idea no matter what you are looking for.

Read more about jewelry boxes for little girls by going to http://www.jewelryboxesforgirls.net

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Shark Jewelry

The history of shark jewelry has been cherished for centuries. In fact, several cultures have been wearing shark jewelry such as: shark tooth pendants or handcrafted charms or pendants around their neck out of respect for shark gods. It was their way to respect their strength and power as well as benefiting from their protection.

Nowadays, shark jewelry is a sign of admiration for this apex predator. Through the years, it has become a favourite of sharks' collectors. As a shark lover why not enjoy sharing your admiration of sharks by wearing shark jewelry?

Sharks lovers have various ways to express their admiration of sharks by collecting various items such as: sharks figurines, shark printed shirts, sharks jewelry and more.

Shark jewelry is an excellent way to express you adoration of sharks as you can wear it with most types of outfits. Add to it quality and handcrafted realistic details by local or famous artists such as Evan Lloyd and top it off by creating these keepsakes with 14 Kt gold and this shark jewelry can be enjoyed forever.

What type of items can you proudly wear around your neck? Well, a 14 Kt gold shark pendant and a gold shark tooth pendant are undoubtedly great ways to show how fond you are of sharks. A gold shark pendant, a charm or any other type of shark jewelry adds a special touch to most outfits you may wear.

Although shark jewelry can be expensive, never forget that quality is the reason why you can enjoy your favourite pendants for years to come, unlike some cheaper version of shark jewelry.

My name is Sylvie Leochko. I love everything about sharks which is why I like to share my knowledge about them with others. If you are interested to find out more information about shark jewelry, I invite you to visit the "related to sharks" section of the site: http://sharks.findoutnow.org

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New Fashion Jewelry Trend - Hip Hop Jewelry

There has been a considerable rise in the demand for hip hop jewelry in the last few years. Various celebrities and rap stars made this form of fashion jewelry popular among people. The term "hip-hop" is provided to jewelry items that have a lot of bright and huge stones on it and are very flashy.

Hip hop and rap stars like Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Eminem made this jewelry trend very popular. The jewelry they wore was very expensive, costing around thousands of dollars. But now anyone can afford hip hop jewelry that is available in the market in the form of iced out jewelry. Many retailers are offering a wide collection at affordable prices.

Hip hop bracelets are the most popular jewelry item in this category. These bracelets are iced out and have many diamonds like stones studded on, making them look real and flashy. You will see many top rappers and hip hop artists wearing these bracelets in their albums or during stage shows. Now it is easy for the young to afford these bling bracelets and accentuate their wardrobe with loads of styles and shine.

The second iced out jewelry item that has gained a lot of popularity among the youth are pimp cups. It has taken the community of jewelry by storm. Rapper Lil' John made these pimp cups popular that can be even worn with letters of your choice personalized on it. 5 letters can be chosen for each pimp cup that will be put on the glass and will be covered in bling.

Watches are also a popular category of iced out jewelry. These are available in various styles of hip hop replica watches that can be bought without having to spend a huge amount. It's a lot bling at no cost! One replica is Jacob & Co. watches that feature dials for different time zones. There are several iced out stones on the band and face of these watches.

There are several websites on the Internet where you can find great deal of interesting information about hip hop jewelry. It has become a popular choice among youngsters all over the world. You will find men wearing these bling items more than women. They wear it to show their love for hip hop music.

Hip hop jewelry can be found in gold, platinum and silver. As compared to silver, jewelry made of gold and platinum are more expensive. There are certain features that make hip hop jewelry different from others. They are not only flashy and over-sized, but very stylish and attractive as well.

Even in the field of dentistry, hip hop jewelry is gaining a lot of popularity. Recently, platinum teeth have been very much in demand. There are many people who are replacing their teeth with permanent platinum teeth. Some even have removable metal jeweled teeth.

Want to look like a rapper? Then be one, by owning a wide selection of hip hop jewelry items. You can find anything ranging from grillz, belt buckles and bling belt buckles, to hip hop chains, bling dog tags and hip hop pendants. Wear these cool items and look 'happening' with the bling of stones similar to diamonds and the quality of metal similar to platinum.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose, hip-hop fashion

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Little Cutie Porcelain Ladybug Music Box: Unique Music Box Gift by Ardleigh Elliott

Little Cutie Porcelain Ladybug Music Box: Unique Music Box Gift by Ardleigh Elliott Review

This was a beautiful music box ladybug for a heirloom present for a baby. It will be something to keep forever.
Quick delivery by seller. Good packaging to keep product safe.

Little Cutie Porcelain Ladybug Music Box: Unique Music Box Gift by Ardleigh Elliott Feature

• Bring good cheer and a little ladybug luck to someone special with this adorable collectible ladybug music box, available exclusively from Ardleigh-Elliott
• Crafted of precious Heirloom Porcelain and triple-fired for luster according to an Old World process
• Painted by hand to showcase this ladybug's endearing details and charming personality, from the top of her antennae to the bottom of her six "feet" - and the bright blue eyes and heart-shaped spots in between!
• The Limoges-style hinge showcases a delicate heart-shaped clasp
• We offer generous guarantees on everything we sell - up to 365 days on select items! If you need to make a return, you'll receive 100% of everything you paid.

Little Cutie Porcelain Ladybug Music Box: Unique Music Box Gift by Ardleigh Elliott Overview

Good Luck Charm! Ladybug Music Box Carries "Cute as a Bug" Message! Exclusive Limited-edition Music Box Gift for Her - Gentle ladybugs are regarded as good luck charms in cultures the world over. Pay tribute to this happy symbol of spring with a collectible ladybug music box that plays the cheerful melody of "Put on a Happy Face" and has a message inside that reads "Cute as a Bug."Add some fun to each day with this limited-edition collectible porcelain music box, available exclusively from Ardleigh-Elliott. This ladybug music box is crafted of triple-fired, hand-underglazed Heirloom Porcelain(R), and then hand-painted to reflect the lovely ladybug's personality. Makes an ideal music box gift for her. Strong demand is expected, and you won't want to miss out. Order now!

• Under the ladybug's shell, the whimsical words "Cute as a Bug" bring good cheer
• This porcelain music box plays the melody of "Put on a Happy Face" at the turn of a key
• Makes a beautiful music box gift for her
• Edition is strictly limited to 95 firing days, so order now!
• Hand-numbered with matching Certificate of Authenticity
• Measures 3-1/2" H; 8.9 cm H

Little Cutie Porcelain Ladybug Music Box: Unique Music Box Gift by Ardleigh Elliott Specifications

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 18, 2010 22:31:24

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