Archive for October, 2008

10.19.08

Cleaning and Caring for Your Jewelry

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 1:37 pm by admin

One thing you can do to protect your jewelry is not wear them when your gardening, housework, swimming or other activity where you have a greater chance of damaging or losing them. The chemicals in pools can discolor or damage your jewelry.

Get a jewelry box and/or wrap each piece of jewelry with paper, velvet or silk. The harder stones like diamonds could scratch your pearls or other jewelry and that could happen if you “throw” your jewelry all in the same place. Keep everything from touching each other, even from itself.

If you have jewelry and it came in a box and wrapping keep it. Put the jewelry back in the box when your not wearing it.

To check for loose stones place the piece next to your ear and tap gently with your finger. Something might be loose if you hear any movement from the piece. You should check for this on a regular basis, more if you wear the piece regularly.

Pearls should be restrung every couple of years. If you clean them use a mild soapy water. Rinse them well after.

You should have your fine jewelry looked and possibly cleaned by a professional once a year.

Before cleaning jewelry make sure the stones are not loose. When cleaning you don’t want them coming out.

To loosen dirt around the prongs you can use a soft brush with the hard gemstones. Using toothpaste is not a good idea because it is an abrasive and can damage some soft gems and metals.

Don’t take silver jewelry into the pool or any other water. The chlorine in the water will discolor your silver.

Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended as the vibrations they make can enlarge inclusions and make them more noticeable.

To help prevent damage to your jewelry, don’t put them on until you have your makeup, hairspray, perfume or anything else on. The stuff that is in these products could harm your jewelry. Put bracelets on your opposite hand if your right or left handed. Less wear may occur because it’s not the main hand used.

If shipping your jewelry to be cleaned or repaired use a shipper that has tracking and get it insured.

Turquoise should be put in warm water and you should use a soft toothbrush on it. It should then be washed off with warm water and let it air-dry. Coming in contact with cleaning solutions like ammonia can discolor or damage it.

Silver can be rinsed in warm water and pat it dry. You can use silver cleaner but don’t use an abrasive cleaner or a toothbrush as it can scratch it.

Pricing for cleaning will vary by type of jewelry and the place you take it too. If you recently bought jewelry from a store they might clean and inspect it for free on an annual basis or something like that. They can also give you a repair quote for any repairs needed. Before getting it repaired or professionally cleaned, document and take pictures of your jewelry before. Just so you have proof if the jewelry should be chipped, damaged or has some other problem with it.

Dave William G. runs http://www.thejvirus.com, a website devoted to all things jewelry. From designs to gemstones we try and cover it all. So please visit us today. You can sign-up for our 7 part mini-course on diamonds while you’re there. http://www.thejvirus.com

You may distribute this article, put on your site, etc. Please don’t change anything and leave the about the author box and links. Thank you.

10.18.08

Motifs Used In Hawaiian Jewelry

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 9:44 pm by admin

Hawaii is a well-known tourist destination that leaves everyone who lands on her shores dumbfounded by the exquisite display of nature in all its glory. Whether it’s the frothing volcanoes, the vast blue ocean, the luscious tropical fruits, vibrant flowers or endless beaches - Hawaii is like nature’s museum. One natural wonder on display after another and each more magnificent than its predecessor.

Using Nature As Inspiration

It is hardly any wonder that nature has found its way into various forms of creative expression on the islands including Hawaiian jewelry. From the earliest inhabitants in the 4th and 5th century, Hawaiian jewelry has been a canvas for nature. The earliest baubles were made of shells, seeds, coral, teeth, whale ivory, bone and bark and featured patterns of various sea creatures. Sea turtles and fish were extremely popular motifs. Another surprising motif that found popularity was that of the canoe. The motifs reflected the isolation of the island life and the high value associated with the canoe. In addition, royalty wore a hook shaped necklace called the lei niho palao made from whale teeth and human hair.

With time, the popularity of motifs depicting nature in all her glory continued to grow. In the 20th century the famous Hawaiian jewelers Ming’s and Gump’s both sold jewelry depicting island flowers such as hibiscus, orchids, pikake, bird’s of paradise and anthuriums. Guglielmo Cini who designed some of the most popular Gump’s jewelry was best known for his tropical floral motifs.

Today, nature continues to the muse for most artists in Hawaii. Pineapples, palm tress, hibiscus and plumeria flowers, fish, ships, ukuleles, volcanoes, lush tropical fruits and shells find their way on earrings, necklaces, bangles and brooches.

Wedding bands designed to represent the natural native foliage of the hala tree found in Hawaii have also become extremely popular. They have escalated the simple, traditional Hawaiian wedding bands to exotic Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.

Shell Jewelry

Shell jewelry from Hawaii has been around forever. Shell jewelry generally uses no motifs and in fact shells themselves are used as motifs on other materials like gold and silver. Ni’ihau shell jewelry is extremely famous and sought after.

The Cultural Influence

In addition to nature, Hawaii is steeped in a culture frothing with customs and traditions. The petroglyphs found on the islands reflect this very primitive and spontaneous culture and also are a source of ideas for designers.

All in all, motifs used in Hawaiian jewelry include various things around the islands that represent the warmth of Hawaii; the warmth that is found not just in its beautiful climate but also in the people that reside there. And the best thing about Hawaiian jewelry is that you no longer need to be in Hawaii to select from the latest trendy designs. Websites feature traditional as well as contemporary Hawaiian jewelry of the best quality and with a 100% guarantee.

Visit My Hawaiian Jewelry for more information! Please feel free to email info@myhawaiianjewelry.com for any inquiry.

10.16.08

Gemstone Jewelry and Beaded Jewelry: Adding Beauty and Color to Your Life Without Spending a Fortune

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 11:14 am by admin

It’s amazing what the right piece of jewelry can do; it can change an entire outfit by transforming something dull into something eye-catching and colorful. Gemstone and beaded jewelry pieces have a classic look that add something extra to your unique style. The good news is that it does not have to cost you a fortune to look elegant; jewelry pieces made from semiprecious stones can be gorgeous and affordable.

Some less expensive semiprecious stones include: aquamarine, yellow jade, fluorite, aventurine, serpentine, labradorite, and carnelian to name a few (there are many more). These stones are high in quality because they hide scratch marks well and they maintain their luster over a long period of time. Jewelry made from these stones looks new year after yearunlike silver that can look worn after a few years.

The best part about these semiprecious stones is that they come in a variety of bold colors like orange, green, and purple and they look stunning no matter what the occasion. An aquamarine necklace with a dangling teardrop pendant looks perfect with the right formal dress. A bright green Labradorite necklace looks great with jeans and a fitted T. You can dress the stones up or down and always be in fashion.

Colored Stones and beads are hot right nowjust walk into Nordstrom or any other major department store and head to the jewelry section–you will notice hundreds of beautiful beaded necklaces with colorful stones. Look around you and you will notice that everyone from celebrities to corporate professionals is sporting the bold gemstone/beaded look.

Just because a necklace has brightly colored beads and stones, however, does not mean that it’s the real thing. Some jewelry is made out of synthetic materials (i.e. plastic) that can look very authentic. Before you buy something, always ask what it’s made out of. You could be paying way too much for something that’s not worth it.

Don’t get the wrong ideabeautiful gemstone and beaded jewelry can still be affordable. You will pay anywhere from $30-$100 depending on how many stones are used in the piece of jewelrybracelets are not always going to be cheapermostly because stones are used to cover the entire length. Some stones tend to cost a little bit more than othersyellow jade for example.

The pieces of jewelry that tend to look the best are ones that have a solid color theme or ones with many different colorslike a rainbow. These tend to be the most eye-catching and have the capacity to match with many different outfits. Be careful about buying something that has a color that is hard to match; you will get more for your money if you stick to the basic and bold colors.

If you want to see some stunning semiprecious gemstone jewelry that won’t break your budget, visit: http://www.thecoloredstone.com/jewelry.html

Jill Stewart Tabatabaei has loved fashion since her first job as a teenager when she worked at Meier and Frank Department Store. She started out as a sales rep, but asked her manager one day if she could dress one of the mannequin’s in the store. This took some persuasion, but her manager finally consented.

Jill then proceeded to dress the mannequinaccessories and alland everything on that mannequin sold within 1 day. From then on, Jill was asked to do the display tables and windows in the store and she has loved fashion ever since.

She owns her own business called thecoloredstone.com where she sells jewelry and other artistic items. She has a natural eye for color and design and loves to coordinate anything to do with either one.

Jill also loves graphic design and enjoys designing websites in her spare time. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 and hopes to pursue an MBA in 2 years after she has obtained adequate business experience from running her own company. She has been happily married for two years and has a beautiful 6 month old baby girl, Izabella.

10.15.08

2006 Summer Jewelry Fashion Trend Quick Report

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 4:52 am by admin

Are you ready for the summer yet? Is your jewelry wardrobe up to date? In order to get prepared for the summer with the right directional colors and styles, you should probably start the research right now.

Necklaces
Big and chunky beaded necklaces are still the focus of this summer. Two schools exist at the same time: organic earth tone beads and colorful and fun tone beads. Organic beads include bone and onyx necklaces. A more prevalent style is the eye-catching colored wood bead necklaces.

Rings
Parallel to the bulky necklaces, designers are fond of enormous finger rings with big faceted gemstones this summer. Bold and sparkling solitaire rings with a huge center stone set on large prongs seem to be the norm in most part of Europe this year. An extremely thick band with many small stones set on pave settings is another popular style that you might want to keep an eye on. Well, you get the idea, just be BOLD.

Earrings
As for earrings, trends are in linear or fringy styles this year. Dangle earrings with geometric designs incorporating loops and chains is the way to go. In fact, these are similar to the chandelier earrings that have been super hot for almost two years.

Bracelets
Bracelets are a little overshadowed by necklaces this year. Simple charm bracelets are back in trend. Charm bracelets with murano glass or natural gemstones would complete the summer outfit in a nice way.

Colors
The main jewelry metal color for this year is gold color. Also, deep browns, khakis, bright reds, oranges, off-whites, and light beiges are the primary stone and leather colors used in all designer fashion jewelry by mid-summer.

Scott Murff got his MBA from MIT business school and currently is the marketing manager in SAK Jewelry that specializes in Italian fashion sterling silver jewelry.

10.14.08

Tragic Industrial Accident for Father of Two

Posted in Economy, Lawyers Web at 7:59 am by admin

In what can only be described as a tragic and horrific accident Ian Ebbs, husband and father of two teenagers, was killed when he fell into a huge industrial press at his employers’ establishment at St Ives Web publishing plant.

Mr. Ebbs survived the initial internal injuries he sustained on the night shift, when his work-mates managed to pull him free of the equipment. But he later lost his battle for life to the effects of internal injuries after just a few hours later.

Mr. Ebbs who lived in Werrington, Cambridgeshire was later described as a loving father and husband to his wife Jackie, 41, and his two teens Zoe, aged 13 and Matt, aged 15.

Officials from the local Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have now begun a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Ebbs death. A spokesperson for the Peterborough company St Ives Web said the presses were rolling again with the exception of the site of the accident to allow the HSE to conduct their examinations.

The spokesperson declined to make further comment pending the outcome of the investigation into the death of Mr. Ebbs by the HSE and possibly other government authorities.

This is unfortunately still an all too common occurrence when people work in proximity to heavy equipment. Employers should consider enhanced health and safety training with Workplace Law and their NEBOSH qualification to avoid the serious legal and moral obligations that these types of tragedies bring.

Diamond Jewelry Care

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 2:04 am by admin

You just dropped several large bills to get your beloved (or
maybe yourself!) a diamond or diamonds that take your breath
away. That kind of investment deserves some careful
attention, and that’s the subject of discussion. To make
your diamonds last a lifetime, there are several areas, some
obvious, some not; that you need to keep in mind. While
diamonds may be the hardest compound on earth, they still
need some loving care.

There are cleaning, checking your settings, security and
traveling.

CLEANING YOUR DIAMONDS
Your diamonds can get pretty grotesque with day to day wear.
Lotions, harsh soaps, food and even the oils from your skin
can contribute to a less than lustrous diamond. Here are the
four most popular ways to clean your diamonds at home.

1-Give them a mild detergent bath, gently using a small soft
brush to wash away loose impediments. Be careful to do this
in a small bowl away from the sink as the only thing worse
than a filthy diamond is a lost one!

2-Soak them in solution of half ammonia and half cold water
for about 30 minutes. Be sure to only use a soft bristled
brush as it’s possible to scratch your diamonds.

3-use one of the Quick Dip solutions sold in stores. Follow
the directions and be sure not to handle the clean diamonds
with your fingers, ruining all your hard work. Pick your
diamond jewelry up by it’s edges.

4-Ultrasonic cleaning. There’s lot’s of these small machines
that will clean your diamond jewelry in a snap. Just be sure
and follow directions, as each machine is different.

CHECKING YOUR DIAMOND SETTINGS
At least once a year have your diamond jewelry settings
checked by a reputable jeweler. Have them check for a secure
placement, particularly if your diamond is set in soft
metals such as 24k gold.

DIAMOND SECURITY
Some thoughts on securing your diamonds. Keep your diamond
jewelry in soft fabric covered jewelry boxes, preferably
with individual compartments. One of the only things that
can cut a diamond is another diamond, so keep them away from
each other. don’t wear it when doing hard heavy work. It’s
possible to chip your diamond with a hard glancing blow.
Keep your treasures away from small, playful fingers. If you
have a large amount, consider videotaping or digitally
storing photos of your gems for insurance purposes. And be
smart: don’t wear your 15 carat diamond necklace to a Raider
game and expect to make anything but a lot of new friends!

TRAVELING WITH DIAMONDS
When traveling, store your diamonds in soft jewelry bags,
individually, and use a specially designed jewelry travel
case if you can get one. They are made for this purpose, and
are handy indeed.

A piece of diamond jewelry means many things to many people.
Diamonds are a symbol of great affection. Please honor those
who gave this gift to you by giving your diamonds careful
and regular care and attention and you’ll be rewarded with a
lifetime with a lifetime of sparkle!

Keith Thompson is a writer captivated by bling! For more
information on diamond jewelry or a diamond wedding ring please check out these
links!

10.11.08

Silicon Bracelets are mostly known today as Awareness bracelets.

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 9:32 am by admin

Silicon Bracelets are mostly known today as Awareness bracelets.

These bracelets were used by Lance Armstrong and today it gives millions of people to use it as a fashion and also to support their cause.

Silicon is used to make these bracelets. Larger companies make customised silicon bracelets now-a-days and they are becoming increasingly famous.

Breast cancer awareness bracelets are widely used to create awareness among young women about this dreaded cancer. Its a call to all young women to get their endometrial tests done at regular intervals and also to donate funds for this noble cause.

Silicon bracelets are becoming a fashionable fad as well. We see teenagers wearing them to prom as well. Although they are mostly fundraising bracelets their fashionable aspect is not be ignored either.

Silicon bracelets are available in multitues of colors. These are made as custom silicon bracelets. Retail shopkeepers complain that the silicon bracelets market is slowing down but the large manufacturers have picked up the newer trend of custom silicon bracelets.

Custom silicon wristbands are not a bore fundraising thing anymore they are walking billboards.

Custom silicon bracelets are here to stay. The fact that they are increasingly used by large and small companies and organisations clearly illustrates the fact that these bracelets will serve for good.

If you are a bracelet fan then we suggest you to use custom silicon bracelets which will give you a lot more varieties in color and styles.

Silicon bracelets are here to stay and their number is just going to grow from supermarkets to proms and from movies to churches all for varying causes.

Everywhere a different purpose served. Custom silicon bracelets are a way to go.

This article is written by Susan Smith, who shares her bracelet passion at www.braceletsworldonline.com

Susan Smith is very passionate about bracelets. She shares her tips on bracelets at
www.braceletsworldonline.com

Also visit
www.teddy-bears-world.com
www.ceramic-tile-resources.com

Use Estate Earrings For A Classy Fashion Finish!

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 2:11 am by admin

Estate Earrings add the finishing touch to any outfit - from your jeans to your wedding dress. They complete your look and polish your image. There are earrings for all occasions and esate jewelry earrings add just a little extra flavor.

You can buy your favorite earrings from the 1950’s or you can purchase earrings that were once owned by celebrities. You can stand out from the rest with your unique earrings.

So whether you are off to the board room, getting ready for a casual outing, adding the finishing touches to your wedding attire, going out for a night on the town, or planning for a day at the beach don’t forget your earrings!

Just have a look at Angela Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Pamela Anderson, or Anna Kournikova for earring style. You can even look back to Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe - you’ll see earrings have been a popular finishing touch for years!

Oh yes and lets not forget the guys! It’s very trendy for guys to have a pierced ear. If you don’t believe be just have a look at Dave Navarro. Usher, or Bono. Today estate earrings are a fashion accessory for both men and women.

Earrings as a fashion statement certainly aren’t new. The first pair of earrings dates to 2500 BC. Ancient Egyptian Royalty like Cleopatra and of course other wealthy Royalty where noted for the earrings and other jewelry. In fact earrings, noted your position and status within society.

You can choose from many styles of earrings - chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, hoop earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings to name just a few.

Button earrings are making a real comeback and bold styles are very popular. Earrings are made from a variety of materials - Gold, silver, gemstones, plastics, bakelite, copper, diamonds, paste, pearls, faux stones, or glass. Semi precious and precious stones are very popular. The list goes on and on. There is certain to be a pair of earrings that grabs your fancy and gives you that finishing touch!. If you don’t have pierced ears that’s not a problem as there are plenty of estate clip on earrings available as well.

Earrings are like shoes, you can never have enough. Your earrings can add the finishing touches your outfit. Change your earrings and you can change the entire appearance of your look. Think about that little black dress you own. Add a pair of sapphire studs and you’ll be highly refined. Add a pair of large chandelier rhinestones and you’ll be Hollywood glamour. Add a pair of wood dangles, and a pair of flip flops and you’ll look fun and funky. Add a pair of red button earrings with a red bead necklace and you’ll be “so sexy.”

It’s amazing what a pair of earrings can do to your look! So keep a good selection of earrings on hand to meet all your fashion needs. Earrings are the most important wardrobe accessory you can own. You’ll get great value from your earrings. Choose earrings that meet your life style, your personality, and your tastes. There is no point in buying a pair of trendy earrings that you’ll never wear because they don’t feel like “you.”

Earrings also make a great gift as they can be very personalized. Choose a style to meet their personality. From gemstones to beads, you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. The gift recipient will be thrilled that you were so thoughtful as to buy such a personal gift.

Use your earrings to make a lasting impression, from the board room to the beach. Be sure people remember who you are. It’s important to always Make Your Fashion Statement!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International

10.09.08

Demand a Commercial Vehicle Insurance Quote & Save both Money & Time

Posted in Uncategorized at 5:50 pm by admin

Public Liability or Employers Liability is nowadays if folk want to run a flourishing business a particularly marvellous insurance type to take out it is not a legal must but it does supply superb enterprise sense. If members of the public and clientele come to the company’s site or you go to theirs, your firm should consider about taking out public liability insurance. This kind of insurance policy will protect one hundred & one distinct things inc. any awards and damages given to a member of the community because of harm damage to their homes & themselves. There are also numerous particular conditions, exclusions and guarantees that can be applied to public liability policies. It is and so essential that people discuss with your own insurance adviser any that are pertinent to your own policy. Insured Risks are one of the finest corporations to go with for community Liability Insurance. They offer it at a very reasonable price and they will advice customers and your corporate enterprise on the correct insurance policy package to take out and make sure that it is 1 suitable for you. Insured Risks Public Liability Insurance is available for over 100 different professional and trade occupations and is specially designed to protect individual tradesmen, professionals and small businesses up to a total of 10 people with without limited company status. The sheild you choose and are advised on is available on three different steps. ?1m. ?2m and ?5m. For information on community and Employers Liability, Commercial Vehicle or Professional Indemnity Insurance, check out their website www.insuredrisks.co.uk and find out everything you could possibly want to know. It is also possible to get an online quote with them as well.

10.08.08

How To Buy Antique Engagement Rings

Posted in Jewelry Infos at 5:39 pm by admin

There are as many good reasons to consider purchasing an antique engagement ring as there are reasons for deciding when to pop the question. While modern day jewelers struggle to offer customers something unique and contemporary, the bride-to-be may be more inclined to appreciate the style and inherent charm of an antique. Another perfectly acceptable reason for purchasing antique engagement rings is they often offer buyers a better quality diamond at a lower price than purchasing a new ring.

Before beginning your search for the perfect wedding ring, it is best to ask yourself a few questions.

Do you know about the four C’s?

The four C’s are the criteria professionals use to determine the value of a diamond.

“Clarity takes into account the number, character, and visibility of flaws within the stone. These are often referred to as inclusions. The fewer inclusions, the better the quality of the stone.”

Carat is the size or weight of the diamond. The larger the stone, the higher the cost. An advantage to buying antique engagement rings is that in the 1930s and 1940s jewelers often compensated for a smaller sized diamond by setting it in an intricately designed white gold, square-shaped box. These made the stone appear larger.

“Color is a matter of taste. Modern-day standards put a higher value on a clear diamonds, as a rule. In the past, buyers wanted their diamonds to reflect a rainbow of colors, soft pinks, yellow, or green tints. While colored diamonds are still available today, they were considered more valuable in the past. It is also important to note that many of the modern colored diamonds are artificially altered to enhance the color.”

Cut is also a matter of taste and another reason antique engagement rings may be the best answer. Over the years, the preference of cut has changed. Additionally, a laser now cuts most diamonds; whereas older stones were normally cut by hand, giving them a more customized, romantic look.

What is the difference between an antique ring and an estate ring?

Antique rings normally refer to rings that are over 50 years old. Rings less than 50 years old and purchased used are considered as estate rings.

What are the styles of different eras?

Victorian Era (1835-1900) - Victorian era antique engagement rings featured diamonds or pearls set in yellow or rose gold. The ring styles varied from simple elegance to intricate detail. Many settings featured rows of diamonds that were cut with an extra facet in the bottom of the stone. This was known as a mine cut.

Edwardian Era (1900-1920) - With the invention of the oxyacetylene torch, platinum became the preferred metal for the period. The wedding bands were often crafted with lacy and pierced shapes, milgraining, filigree detail, and scrollwork. Rose-cut diamonds and sapphires were the preferred stones.

Art Deco Era (1920-1930) - Art Deco antique engagement rings feature a streamlined geometric look. They also reflect Egyptian, Asian, and Native American cultures. These rings were often made of platinum featured colorful, contrasting gemstones as well as diamonds.

Where can antique engagement rings be purchased?

Antique engagement rings can be purchased in a number of places: antique stores, estate sales, pawn shops, auctions, and there select vendors online and larger cities who specialize in the purchase and resale of antique jewelry. No matter where you purchase your engagement rings, remember to get a full description of your purchase in writing and look to vendors who offer a written returns policy. You may also ask if the jewelry comes with a certified gemologists report, which provides optimal proof that the jewelry is as described.

Conclusion

When purchasing an engagement ring, it is important to consider all your options, including antique engagement rings.

Christopher Bowne is writer for www.engagement-rings-tips.com an online guide. Chris is also publishing on topics from antique rings www.engagement-rings-tips.com/antique-engagement-rings.html to celtic jewelry.

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