Posts Tagged ‘pearls’

Even if you purchase costume jewelry that is high quality, a general rule of thumb, is that no costume jewelry will be as durable and reliable as fine jewelry. fashion jewelry does, however, allow you to follow the newest trends without having to spend the hundreds of dollars fine jewelry may cost you. It would be unreasonable to expect costume jewelry to last indefinitely; even fine jewelry will not look new forever.

However, with proper usage and care, you can prolong the life of your jewelry. You need to make sure that a cleaner doesn’t contain ammonia, vinegar, or any other acids or alcohols. Read the label and make sure you are using a cleaner safe for whatever material your costume jewelry is made from (silver, gold, brass, bronze, copper, chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, pearls, opals, marble and any gems.) Don’t use soap and water, because most soaps will leave a residue on the metal and make the stones look dull. Windex can damage delicate stones and finishes. Vinegar is also harmful to the gemstones. Use a very soft cloth to clean the surface of stones and gold or silver, using a bit of water. Do not submerge your jewelry entirely.

I. Keep your jewelry away from the following as much as possible: Water, lotion, perfume, or other harsh chemicals.

II. Perspiration will also shorten the life of your costume jewelry.

III. For Rhodium Plated Silver and Vermeil Jewelry – Do not use soap/water or jewelry cleaner to clean your jewelry as the soap will leave a film clouding your jewelry. This plating is known to prevent tarnishing but can certainly be compromised when exposed to harsh chemicals. Again, a soft jewelry cloth should do just fine!

IV. Most importantly, after you have cleaned your jewelry, you must make sure your jewelry is completely dried before wearing it or storing it.

Storing

How you store your costume jewelry depends upon the space that you have available, your budget, and whether you want to display them, wear them, or simply protect them. Here are some tips for safely storing your jewelry:

I. Temperature change – Any extreme change in temperature can affect stone settings and glue.

II. Moisture – Moisture is the worst enemy of costume jewelry. Not only can it destroy the foil backing of rhinestones; it can also damage the metals used.

III. Space – Vintage jewelry must never be allowed to rest on top of another piece or be jostled together. This can dislodge or scratch stones.

IV. Oak – Oak cabinets or boxes can release fumes that damage costume jewelry.

V. Cardboard boxes – Even the cute little boxes that jewelry is sold in has been treated with sulpher, which tarnishes gold and silver.

Good storage choices:

1. Ziplock bags
2. Metal drawers
3. Plastic boxes
4. Soft cloth
5. Curio cabinets

Fashion Jewelry, sterling silver jewelry and faux gold jewelry or vermeil jewelry can certainly last for years and years with proper care. There are many vintage costume jewelry pieces that have been passed from generation to generation and many stunning pieces can be found in historical museums all over the world!

PortiaJewelry.com Jewelry Information, Care Guide & Jewelry Rulers

Author: Isabel Manzo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates

Although the most common type of engagement ring is considered to be the diamond solitaire brides today are becoming more unique wanting something a little different to show of their individuality. What could be better than giving your future wife an antique engagement ring.

Not only do antique engagement rings hold memories from the past they are also considered a huge investment accumulating value over time. If you are looking to purchase a ring for engagement then now is the time to stretch your budget just a little more.

When it comes to antique engagement rings your options are endless, they are not specific to one gem stone, antique engagement rings can have diamonds, rubies, sapphires or any type of stone giving you much larger choice.

An antique engagement ring may prove to be expensive or you may be lucky enough to have had one handed down to you from a previous generation. Getting married is all about families and presenting your loved one with a beautiful and treasured heirloom is a wonderful way to show how much you love them.

The antique engagement ring will look stunning on any bride’s finger. Often this older style of ring will have more intricate detail giving it a beautiful and unique look.

If you are not lucky enough to have been handed down an antique engagement ring then you will need to set yourself a budget and have some basic knowledge before parting with huge amounts of money.

Consider how the stone in the ring will age, softer stones such as opals or pearls may not hold up to damage as well as a diamond would. Consider what the wearer does on a daily basis to determine a stone that will suit her. Because these rings were not designed for much wear and tear your ring may become more delicate over time.

I would recommend you ask your jeweler for a gemologists report to ensure the ring is authentic and not a replica you. Having a qualified jeweler look at the ring can also determine if it will need any repairs or stones re set.

Antique engagement rings are enchanting and it is easy to go way over your budget so be sure to have something in mind before you shop.

Consider insuring your antique engagement ring, although you will never be able to replace the sentimental value of a ring covering your financial loss should it be stolen or lost should help to soften the blow. Check with your insurance company if the ring will automatically be covered on your house insurance as many companies will need a ring to be specifically listed on a policy.

There is nothing more romantic than giving or receiving a ring or any sort however an antique engagement ring will hold memories and will really show your love for someone.

Allen Jesson writes for several sites that specialize in Antique Engagement Rings, Vintage Engagement Rings and A Gift Of Poetry.

Author: Allen Jesson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: DIY Wind Power

Today there is a resurgence in handcrafted art jewelry–artist made jewelry that is created by hand instead of mechanically produced by machine.

Made to ‘Perfection’

Mass-produced jewelry often looks more uniform and sometimes lacks the variation that speaks of the hand and eye of the individual artist. Machine made jewelry is produced using pattern and perfect repetition with the focus primarily on profitability. Even though mass-produced jewelry may appear as handmade, that does not mean it was actually handcrafted. Even though mass-produced jewelry of common styles is sometimes less expensive, because less expensive to make, it is not always so. Mass-produced jewelry rarely has special meaning or a history attached to it–it does not have a story or a bit of the maker’s life embedded into it.

Handcrafted Jewelry

While machine made jewelry is produced from patterns and consistent repetition, the charm of handmade art jewelry is its variation from similar, but not identically same pieces. Art jewelry shows the creativity, concentration, time, skill and dedication required of the artist to create his/her original. Artists and designers making art jewelry use old metal smith skills, simple tools and a variety of age-old techniques to create new, intriguing forms and shapes. In addition to the craftsmanship involved, art jewelry often speaks or refers to the individuality and personal meaning of the artist as well as their cultural identity and personal themes.

Love and Passion

Handmade jewelry offers the pleasure of unique, often rare designs that are not identical and are created with great love and passion. Art jewelry designers often use natural, high quality materials such as precious metals, precious and natural gemstones, antique components and organic elements such as coral, leather, wood, bone, amber and pearls. They go to great lengths to design unusual, unexpected combinations of shapes, forms, colors and combinations of materials.

Many art jewelers today, have a ‘branded’ look to their work. The brand may be recognized by the specific collection of materials used, by a highly developed approach to design or to an interesting or unusual technique. Each artist attaches their name to the work and is proud of the reputation they have. For jewelry artists, the creation of new jewelry is a passionate aspect of their life. They enjoy every minute of their work, whether working as the designer or the fabricator or the seller sharing their story with others.

An Art Form

Jewelry is an art form. Painters and sculptors embed their artwork with great strength of feeling that comes through their design process and the finished work. In the same way, art jewelry often reflects the personal touch and style and expresses the individuality and interests of the artist creating it. Many jewelry artists have training in art and design, although others are self-taught.

These artists commonly speak about the fascination they have always had in working with their hands. They talk about linking their soul, mind and body together in the process of conceiving a new idea and then creating something new and exciting. Jewelry artists often say that they play with the materials in an imaginary space and then see the materials evolve and transform into components which become in turn, a new form of jewelry. Artists also talk about the silent conversations they have with themselves as new ideas begin to flow and come together for the new piece. They are dedicated to their artistic way of life.

Handmade jewelry is not usually available in large quantities. The attention to craftsmanship and detail is a hallmark of high quality art jewelry. Wearing beautiful handmade jewelry is such a pleasure that it is worth discovering it through galleries or art shows. Sharing and explaining to others the history and information about the jewelry or the story of the artist creator, is a great joy. It is satisfying to wear jewelry that a person has personally and lovingly created with the use of their eyes and hands.

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Carol Ryerson creates eclectic, feminine, and luxurious personal adornment for her business Urban Organic Designs. The richness handcrafted jewelry and universal themes has given depth and definition to her work. Carol casts and forges silver using visual references to nature and then adds gemstones to create color and light. You are invited to view her designs at: www.UrbanOrganicDesigns.com

Author: Carol Ryerson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

If you are a man and you want to wear a necklace, you may feel strange if you have not done that before. However, men nowadays are not afraid of wearing jewelry anymore. We can learn that men had used necklaces as an ornament for long time. In this article, we will talk about the history of men’s necklaces.

A necklace is a set of strip line which is worn around your neck. The necklaces can be made from metal and normally attach to a locket or pendant. They can also be made by cloth and some may use rocks as one of the elements. Ancient men also used shells as part of their necklaces. The necklaces can differ in sizes and shapes depending on the needs of the wearer.

Men’s necklaces have been worn for thousands of years. They were used to make the distinction in many societies. The evidence was found that ancient Hebrew used necklaces for outlining the status of men. They used necklaces to be part of the dress. During the exodus period, they found that men wore many types of necklaces including gold, beads, and other enriched jewels.

Greeks and Romans wore gold set with some gems. There was a famous necklace on the statue of Vesta in Rome. The necklace belonged to Zosimus who despoiled Serena, Stilicho’s widow. He later on was strangled by the command of Honorius.

There is also a story about the necklace taken from the neck of the Hindu King Jaipal. He was captured by Mahmud (A.D. 1001). It was composed of large pearls, rubies, etc., and was valued at two hundred thousand dinars, or a good deal more than two hundred thousand dollars.

In later phase of history, people started to wear several necklaces at the same time. They used this to indicate the wealth they have and their social status. The popularity of necklaces reduced for some years and in the late 14 th century, the popularity regained.

Now necklaces are one of the popular items to be a present for men. One of the popular types of necklace is the one with the images of saints or a cross. This shows the wearer’s emphasis on religious significance.

Men’s necklaces have been around for many years. It now becomes very popular with the current dressing style of men. The materials used have varied from simple bones to now many types of jewelry. You now have plenty of choices either to buy for your own or for your love one.

Shop Your Necklaces With Fun

go to Men’s Necklaces Shop

http://mensnecklacesshop.com

Author: Tom Mandasco
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets