Posts Tagged ‘precious metal’

When someone says they love silver jewelry, they could be referring to anything from pure sterling silver to very cheap silver-plated costume jewelry. Silver can refer to the type of jewelry or merely the outside color of jewelry. But when one mentions “sterling silver” jewelry, they’re usually talking about a high grade of silver used to make beautiful, durable jewelry.

Sterling Silver Facts

Silver is a precious metal that has been used to create jewelry on a wide scale since the late 1700s. Though it was used in jewelry before that time, mining in continents of the western hemisphere revealed an abundance of silver, thus increasing the amount of silver used in jewelry production from the 1700s through the present. Silver in its pure form is very soft and will not produce durable silver jewelry; therefore, silver is mixed with a variety of other metals so the jewelry can withstand everyday wear without being harmed. One such combination of silver with other metals is called sterling silver.

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a piece of jewelry cannot be referred to as silver, solid silver, or sterling unless it has a pure silver makeup of at least 92.5 percent, or 925 parts per thousand of pure silver. The most common mixture for  jewelry is copper and silver. The silver becomes harder and more durable when copper is added; however, copper also causes silver jewelry to have a tendency to tarnish. When jewelry tarnishes, it has a darkened color.

Types of Jewelry

You can find almost any type or style of sterling silver jewelry you want – especially online. You can buy chains “by the inch,” meaning you can have chains handmade to suit your needs and the desired size. Having your silver chain custom-made makes it easy to create the length needed for your neck size, or wrist or ankle size for bracelets and anklets. No more worry about buying a necklace that’s too tight or too big.

Silver jewelry can be customized with various clasps such as lobster claw clamps or toggles. You can buy numerous silver pendants to wear on your silver chain, and change pendants with every outfit! For an elegant look and feel, try handcrafted Bali jewelry or other unique styles that will really make your jewelry stand out. Besides handmade chains, stores usually offer silver rings, bracelets, anklets, and earrings.

Caring for Jewelry

Sterling silver tends to tarnish and may develop a beautiful patina (unique glow with darkened areas). Some silver fans like this look for their jewelry. If you like the patina look, then wear it as is. If not, polish your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth to restore your silver to its natural shiny state. Sterling silver should be cleaned gently with polish cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners – even toothpaste can leave scratches on your jewelry! When storing your  jewelry, place it in tarnish prevention bags or cloths, which help slow the tarnishing process. Also, keep your jewelry in a cool room with low humidity. If storing in a box or case with other jewelry, prevent your silver jewelry from tangling with other harder jewelry, which might cause scratches on the jewelry.

Sterling silver jewelry provides a lovely accessory for wear to work, parties, and romantic outings. It is also affordable so you can buy it for yourself or as a gift for a friend without spending a fortune. Check out sterling silver jewelry products online and add these fine items to your jewelry collection today! 

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Learn more about Silver Jewelry.

Author: Chris Robertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The reasons that custom military rings are important:

Each and every day, men and women in the military protect us, and protect our freedom, through their selfless sacrifice. We honor and respect them for their service in the armed forces and for their dedication. And they are proud of their efforts and the traditions of
the military.

We cannot think of a better way for them to show their pride than a custom military ring that is a visual symbol of their service. We cannot think of a better way for us to honor them than with a custom military ring that reflects their strength of character and their
commitment to protect us all. In short, a custom military ring is a uniquely appropriate way to reflect a person’s service in the armed forces, either past or present.

Custom military rings can use any one of three basic types of designs:

1. The first type of design is a somewhat ornate ring that is very similar to a school ring or class ring. These types of custom military rings usually have a large semi-precious gem, crystal or colored stone set in the center. They also have several different designs engraved partway down the sides of the band on each side of the central stone.

2. The second basic design that is used is a more streamlined, velegant ring with flowing, “clean” lines. This type of custom military ring sometimes consists solely of engraved precious metal at the top of the ring, but other times these rings are set with a
central semi-precious gem, crystal or other stone. The sides of the band of this type of ring are usually not decorated, and the ring has a strong, masculine appearance.

3. The third type of basic design for a custom military ring is a signet ring or seal ring that utilizes military coats of arms or insignia as the “seal” at the top of the ring. There is no center stone with this design.

Customization Options for custom military rings:

Any of these three basic designs can be customized by using one of the specific, highly symbolic heraldic-type crests, shields, coats-of-arms or insignia that are so frequently used in the military. A custom military ring can be designed to reflect a person’s service in a specific division, regiment, battalion, fleet, or other military or naval unit. Custom military rings can also be designed to show that a person served in the armed forces during a particular war or a particular series of battles: World War 2 rings, Korean War rings, Vietnam War rings and Operation Desert Storm rings are all examples of military rings that have been customized in this way. Still other types of custom military rings incorporate the design of a specific combat medal or badge, or a specific rank insignia, into their design. Custom military rings even exist for ex-Prisoners of War.

A military ring can also be customized by engraving on the band the initials or name of the person who will be wearing it. This type of personalization further customizes a military ring and makes it doubly meaningful.

Custom military rings are stunning pieces of jewelry:

Custom military rings are usually made of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum, and high-quality pieces have intricate detail. If a military crest, coat of arms or other heraldic device has been enhanced by being enameled, or if the center of the ring is
inset with a colored gemstone, a custom military ring is quite striking.

Our soldiers and sailors are proud and faithful servants, always there when we need them. Each and every one of them would be proud to wear a deeply symbolic, visually stunning custom military ring.

Diane Hamments is a freelance author who writes on various subjects including Rings, Collectibles and Memorabilia. Visit http://www.societygifts.com for more information.

Author: Diane Hamments
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Sorella Jewelry Studio is very excited to announce the addition of their Hebrew Jewelry collection beginning with Hebrew Name Rings and Hebrew Message Rings.

These elegant and unique rings hold names and words in the classic Hebrew Alef Bet. Sorella provides a selection of names and phrases to choose from or you can provide your own. Simply send them your name or message spelled out with the names of the letters of the Alef Bet and they’ll convert them into their elegant Hebrew font.

Sorella’s Hebrew Rings are available in 6mm and 8mm widths and can be created in your choice of precious metal – sterling silver, 10k yellow or white gold, 14k or 18k yellow, white or rose gold, palladium and platinum. Choose one tone or two tone metals and add diamonds or birthstones if you wish. Their wide variety of options let you create a ring that is truly special.

Sorella’s Hebrew Rings celebrate the wonderful Jewish heritage and traditions. They make a wonderful gift for bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, and graduation and well as to celebrate any special moment in life.

Looking for a woman’s birthday gift? There’s not a woman in the UK who wouldn’t love receiving a necklace. Here’s some information about necklaces and why they’re such treasured gift ideas.

Origin and History of the Necklace

Necklaces have been worn by men and women for thousands of years. It’s thought that people began wearing necklaces as a sort of ID badge to distinguish themselves from people from other cultures, tribes or groups. Regardless, the oldest known chain, made from shells, bones and teeth, date from 30,000 BC. By around 2500 BC, artisans were making necklaces from gold hammered into a variety of intricate shapes. The Egyptians, however, raised jewellery and necklace-making to a high art, as seen from the elaborate necklaces found in pharonic burials. In ancient cultures, the more gold in your necklace, the more prestige and social standing you’d have. And there’s no doubt that necklaces were highly regarded gifts for women and men.

More on Necklace History

The pendant made its appearance in about 500-300 BC in ancient Greek culture, with gold pendants becoming prevalent around the time of Alexander the Great, who was born in 356 BC. In Italy, a pre-Roman civilisation known as the Etruscans wore gold necklaces in the 8th century BC and the Romans themselves wore necklaces decorated with gemstones. In medieval times, jewellery was discouraged, but many people wore jewelled or precious metal crosses or crucifixes. The Renaissance celebrated ornate jewellery. Necklaces from India were prized for their filigree work, beads, precious and semi-precious stones. In the New World, nobles of the Aztec civilization wore gold necklaces that contained beads in the shape of animals. In Hawaii, the indigenous peoples have worn flower necklaces for centuries. Necklaces have been given as birthday gifts and wedding gifts by virtually every ethnic group or culture.

In Keeping with Tradition…

Our selection of beautiful necklaces pays homage to all the classic origins but doesn’t ignore the modern sensibility. With focus on creamy pearls and sparkling crystals and diamante, these necklaces are the perfect compliment to any occasion. Regardless of whether you’re a beautiful bride or just attending the wedding, necklaces are unique gifts than never fail to enhance your total look.

Necklaces make a great UK woman’s birthday gift. With such a storied history and tradition, she’s sure to love a necklace chosen from the heart.

William Shepherd, an ethical jewellery designer, is an expert author on various topics – from wedding gifts to bridal accessories. He has been working with Ayedogifts.co.uk for the last 4 years. Ayedogifts.co.uk showcases contemporary gift items, including modern jewelleries and accessories.

Visit the Aye Do gift site to see our wonderful collection. We’ve pooled together accessories we’ve crafted with those made by designers from around the United Kingdom. The thousand choices offered at the Aye Do gift site were chosen for fine craftsmanship, style, and quality. Choosing a gift from us will be an enjoyable experience.

Ayedo Gifts specialises in Woman’s Birthday Gift.

If you’d like to know more, please contact us at http://www.ayedogifts.co.uk/.

Author: William Shepherd
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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