Fancy Jewelry Article

Hello Kitty Diamond Pendant (7-3/8 ctw.)

2007-12-12T23:27:00.000-08:00

Price : US$ 30,000

This Hello Kitty pendant in 18K white gold from the Hello Kitty Collection has pavé-set round diamonds totaling 7-3/8 ctw. and features black onyx eyes, a yellow citrine nose and a pink sapphire bow in an 18K rose gold setting. The chain is removable, allowing Hello Kitty to be worn as a lovely broach.

The gemstones pictured may have been treated or enhanced by heating or irradiation.

Product Details :
Stone Type: Diamond
Stone Shape: Round
Stone Class: Genuine
Diamond Total Weight (CT. T.W.): 7-3/8
Gold Karat: 18K
Chain Type: Fashion
Metal Color: Yellow and Rose
Metal Type: Gold

Semi Bezel Necklace in White Gold (11 ct. tw.)

2007-12-12T23:24:00.000-08:00

Price: $18,500

Our graceful 18k white gold necklace holds 126 round, brilliant-cut diamonds in semi-bezel settings encircling the necklace. Total diamond weight is 11 cts.

Product detail :
Metal: 18k white gold
Clasp: Box catch with hidden safety
Chain length: 16 inches
Width: 3.5 mm
Rhodium: Yes
Number of round diamonds: 126
Minimum carat totalweight (ct. tw.): 10.97
Average color: Average

clarity: SI2
Setting type: Bezel setting

Semi-Bezel-Set Diamond Bracelet in 18k White Gold

2007-12-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

Our graceful 18k white gold bracelet holds 58 round diamonds in semi-bezel settings. Total diamond weight five carats.

Product Detail :
Metal: 18k white gold
Clasp: Box catch with hidden safety
Chain length: 7 inches
Rhodium: Yes
Number of round diamonds: 58
Minimum carat totalweight (ct. tw.): 4.95
Average color: H
Average clarity: SI1
Setting type: Bezel setting

Diamond Channel-Set Hoop Earrings in 18k White Gold

2007-12-12T23:17:00.001-08:00

Each one of these earrings holds seven round diamonds, channel-set in 18k white gold for maximum brilliance. The pair has secure, hinged-post backs.

Mikimoto Cultured Tahitian and Cultured Akoya Pearls in Motion™ Necklace

2007-12-12T23:15:00.000-08:00

This elegant necklace by Mikimoto features black cultured Tahitian pearls and cultured Akoya pearls on an 18K white gold chain. The pearls move along the chain and stay in place.

For more information, please visit the Pearls area of our Education section.

Product Details :
Stone Type: Pearl
Stone Shape: Round
Pearl Type: Cultured Tahitian
Gold Karat: 18K
Metal Color: White
Metal Type: Gold

Mikimoto Cultured Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings

2007-12-12T23:12:00.001-08:00

These elegant drop earrings by Mikimoto feature black cultured Tahitian pearls 10mm in size in an 18K white gold setting accented by diamonds totaling 1-1/5 ctw.

Diamond carat weights (CT.) represent the approximate total weight (T.W.) of all diamonds in each setting and may vary no more than .07 below the stated weight.

For more information, please visit the Pearls area of our Education section.

Product Details :
Stone Type: Pearl
Stone Shape: Round
Diamond Total Weight (CT. T.W.): 1-1/5
Pearl Type: Cultured Tahitian
Pearl Size: 10.0mm
Gold Karat: 18K
Metal Color: White
Metal Type: Gold

Mikimoto Cultured Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring

2007-12-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

This elegant ring by Mikimoto features a black cultured Tahitian pearl 10mm in size in an 18K white gold setting accented by diamonds totaling 3/5 ctw.

Diamond carat weights (CT.) represent the approximate total weight (T.W.) of all diamonds in each setting and may vary no more than .07 below the stated weight.

For more information, please visit the Pearls area of our Education section.

Product Details :
Stone Type: Pearl
Stone Shape: Round
Diamond Total Weight (CT. T.W.): 3/5
Pearl Type: Cultured Tahitian
Pearl Size: 10.0mm
Gold Karat: 18K
Standard Ring Size: 7
Metal Color: White
Metal Type: Gold

John Hardy Palu Collection Round Pendant

2007-12-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

This hand crafted pendant is from John Hardy's Palu Collection. The large round pendant features a sterling silver carved chain design surrounding a 22K gold hammered round center. The Palu collection is inspired by the hammered metal technique of Bali.

Product Details
Stone Type: No Stone
Gold Karat: 22K
Metal Color: Yellow and White
Metal Type: Sterling Silver

John Hardy Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Three-Row Bracelet

2007-12-12T22:59:00.001-08:00

This sterling silver and 18K gold hand-woven three-row bracelet by John Hardy features dramatic trio ball stations with diamond accents in a pavé setting.

Diamond carat weights (CT.) represent the approximate total weight (T.W.) of all diamonds in each setting and may vary no more than .07 below the stated weight.

Product Details
Stone Type: Diamond
Stone Shape: Round
Diamond Total Weight (CT. T.W.): 5/8
Stone Setting: Pave
Gold Karat: 18K
Clasp Type: Box
Metal Color: White
Metal Type: Sterling Silver

Jewelry Boxes and Armoires

2007-12-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

From Carly Wickell,
Your Guide to Jewelry / Accessories

The jewelry boxes in my "top picks" collection are all unique -- they're containers that would be perfect for people who like to break away from the norm. Some are sculpted, like the jewelry box formed in the face of a woman and painted with brightly colored flowers. A few are wooden with sterling silver trim, like the Morpier box shown here. Jewelry armoires make up another collection. They are large jewelry boxes -- most of them fit into the furniture category. Armoires are usually tall, with several drawers, and the drawers are sometimes hidden behind doors. Nearly all armoires have areas with hooks (or another type of apparatus) for hanging necklaces or other jewelry. Smaller jewelry boxes and large armoires are both popular holiday gifts, so if you're looking for one don't wait too long or your selections will be more limited.

Baroque Cultured Tahitian Pearl Necklace

2007-12-12T22:53:00.001-08:00

US$ 2,500

This pearl necklace features multi-colored cultured Tahitian pearls in a baroque shape. The strand is 64.0 inches in length. Crafted by Canadian Gem, this unique necklace can be found only at Bailey Banks & Biddle.

Product Details :
Stone Type: Pearl
Pearl Type: Cultured Tahitian
Gold Karat: 18K
Metal Color: White
Metal Type: Gold

Betsey Johnson 'Charm School' Heart Necklace

2007-12-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

From Carly Wickell,

Your Guide to Jewelry / Accessories.

I've always been a big fan of Betsey Johnson's designs, and the wonderful thing about her jewelry is that it's not at all expensive. Betsey's jewelry line is usually made up of plenty of whimsical pieces, and this season's designs are no exception. Most of the jewelry in this collection is fashioned from jet blacks, with some reds and golds thrown in -- but you'll see I've added a few pieces that don't fit into that mold. Have fun looking.

Betsey does the layering for you with several necklaces, like this one -- it's three necklaces in one. A wiry heart pendant dangles from the longest strand of this jet-black necklace. The middle strand holds a ring, and the shorter strand is made up of black beads. The three groups are connected on each side by goldtone bows.

Peggy Carey's Wooden Aromatherapy Jewelry

2007-12-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

From Carly Wickell,
Your Guide to Jewelry / Accessories.

About Peggy Carey: Peggy Carey discovered a passion when she was introduced to holistic health care, especially when that care is applied to animals. She has organized Natural Pet Care Expos, bringing in experts to educate attendees on many subjects related to holistic care. A little tuxedo cat named Sadeeky inspired Peggy to build a non-profit, no-kill pet shelter in her native state of Virginia.

Essential Oils: Peggy is a proponent of many types of holistic therapies for people and their animal companions, but seems to have found her true passion in essential oils. Her wooden jewelry is a result of that passion, and was inspired by the desire to give people a way to surround themselves with their favorite essential oils in a beautiful way -- and without toting around a large bottle.

Peggy's Whiffers (tm): Whiffers pendants are hand crafted vessels made by woodworking artist Ron Carey. Peggy designed Whiffers with 12 diffuser vents that open into each vessel's brass-lined chamber. Caps and trims on Whiffers are made from 24K gold plated metals, and each pendant hangs from a black cord. I'm going to try hanging the pendants from silk ribbons that I keep around when I want to vary the look of my jewelry.

Just one or two drops of essential oils placed onto the cotton wick inside the Whiffer is all it takes to release the aroma -- and the scent is long-lasting.

Peggy's Slimlines: Slimlines are graceful, smooth-sided pendants with a 24K gold plated threaded top that unscrews to reveal a 1 ml removable glass vial. Keep your favorite essential oil in the vial, or use it to hold any other perfume or potion that's dear to you. Slimlines are about 2-1/4" long and 1/2" wide.

The Woods: Ron uses a wide variety of hardwoods to craft these pendants. They're all natural, so colors can vary. A few of the woods used are ebony, sandalwood, rosewood, holly, osage orange, and certified Ancient Kauri wood and Holy Land olivewood.

The pendants are incredibly smooth, a result of Ron's expert finishing skills. The wood grain is unique to every pendant, and makes the vessels touchable -- the surface is smooth, but pendants have a visual, organic texture that makes them comforting to touch.

A Tour Through the World of Fancy Color Diamonds

2007-12-12T22:15:00.001-08:00

The diamond pros at AMGAD specialize in natural fancy color diamonds and other fine gemstones. I'm so excited that they said yes when I asked them to participate in this tutorial about color diamonds.

Visit every page if you want to learn pricing details, read facts about the special Four C's for color diamonds, find out all about popular pink diamonds and see pictures that will make you decide to add a fancy color diamond to your wish list.

What colors do fancy color diamonds exist in?

AMGAD: Natural colored diamonds come in all shades, hues and colors of the rainbow, with some of the most popular colors being shades and combinations of pink, blue, brown, yellow, orange, green and red. They are generally smaller than other diamonds and are used primarily in fashion jewelry. Yellow is the most commonly-occurring fancy color, while red, blue and green diamonds are extremely rare.

How can we interpret color names for fancy color diamonds?

AMGAD: The predominant hue is always expressed as a noun, such as "pink." Any secondary colors will precede the primary hue and are usually expressed with an "ish" at the end, such as purplish pink. This means that the primary hue of the diamond is pink with some hints of purple throughout.

If the grade is stated as two nouns--like "brown pink," it means that the two colors are virtually even throughout the diamond.

Photos courtesy of AMGAD.

Diamond Resources
- About Diamond Color

- About Diamond Clarity

- Diamond Clarity Treatments

Suggested Reading
- Diamond Color Treatments

- Fancy Color Diamonds - How Do They Get Their Color?

- Natural, Synthetic, Simulated - What's the Difference?

The king of celebrity jewellery bling

2007-06-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

Theo Fennell's trademark diamond crosses have adorned the necks of Elton John, the Beckhams and the Rolling Stones but, he tells Nick Mathiason, he has had little support from a City which would rather invest in dotcoms than a lovely tiara

found Sunday December 24, 2006 found at The ObserverThe super-rich are different. They really are. What touches them is not what touches the rest of us and trying to keep a sense of perspective behind the counter when someone spends the equivalent of a small flat on a whim is very difficult,' says Theo Fennell, the glitterati's favourite jewellery designer.

Refined and disarming, Fennell, 55, is an old Etonian whose plummy, smoky tones hint at a hedonistic past. Using his charm and debonair wit, the Chelsea-based bon vivant has cultivated rock stars and celebrities as clients.

official site: http://www.theofennell.com/

Huge 603-carat diamond sold for over $12 million

2007-06-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

Antwerp has been very prominent in diamond cutting for five hundred years—the first written mention of diamond cutting is in Antwerp in 1550. Located in the Flemish section of the country, Antwerp is on the northwest coast of Belgium. In the very early years of European development, Antwerp was over-shadowed by Brugge in terms of international trading, but became the absolute center of Belgian trading when Brugge was struck by the plague.

The 603-carat 'Lesotho Promise', named after the country where it was found, went under the hammer at the Antwerp Diamond Centre and was sold to the South African Diamond Corporation, owner of luxury jewellers Graff.It is thought it will be cut into a large heart-shaped diamond and several smaller stones before being sold.Stuart McDill reports.SOUNDBITE: Clifford Elphick, CEO Gem Diamond Mining saying (English):"As reported to me, she started screaming and the rest of the staff thought she had been electrocuted and they ran into there to see if she was okay to be confronted with the Lesotho Promise."

SOUNDBITE: Johnny Kneller, South African Diamond Corporation saying (English):"We have to scan the stone for about 3 months, that will take a long long time to see what is exactly inside and then we try to get the best possible certificate and the best possible diamonds, so you can't say exactly the retail price but we hope it is going to be over 20 million."© Reuters 2006. All rights reserved.

Oct. 10 - The largest diamond found for more than a decade has been sold in Antwerp for 12,360,000 USD.

The 603-carat 'Lesotho Promise', named after the country where it was found, went under the hammer at the Antwerp Diamond Centre and was sold to the South African Diamond Corporation, owner of luxury jewelers Graff.

It is thought it will be cut into a large heart-shaped diamond and several smaller stones before being sold.

Stuart McDill reports.

chameleon coloured diamonds

2007-06-01T01:24:00.000-07:00

I have heard about rare colored diamonds before but I was recently introduced to the concept of chameleon diamonds. The chameleon is an extremely rare stone, it has a stable color of greenish yellow but then they can change color

A truly amazing stone is after the jump, an exceptional radiant cut 8.04 carat fancy dark grey green chameleon diamond surrounded by pink pave diamonds and set in i8 carat pink gold. The size and rarity of the main stone push the price of this beauty up to $2,100,000.

As the holiday lights illuminate city streets from London to New York, it is worth noting that the sparkliest rainbow in the world is currently on view in Old Bond Street, home to the highest density of gem palaces. Leviev, Chatila, Chopard and David Morris blaze with a fireworks display of coloured diamonds, while Graff, which holds more than 60 per cent of the world’s yellow diamond stock, appears to have displayed the entire reserve in one window alone.

“The concentration of the world’s largest, finest coloured diamonds is in London now,” says Dorrit Moussaieff, owner of the eponymous shop and a legendary dealer of diamonds. “If you go to the Place Vendôme or Fifth Avenue you will see nothing like it.

Indeed, says Melvyn Kirtley, vice-president of Tiffany, “the sheer weight and number of coloured diamonds on this street does not take away from their rarity.”
“When talking about large, fancy stones, rarity cannot be underestimated,” agrees Daniel White, UK business director of the Diamond Trade Centre. “Only one in 50 of all the stones polished is more than 0.2 carats, and just one in 10,000 of all the stones found are fancy coloureds. Thus, if you are looking at a fancy blue stone of more than 5 carats, one in a million is an understatement.”

Of those one in 10,000 gem-quality stones, the four “Cs” (clarity, colour, cut and carat-weight) are assessed by the Gemological Institute of America to refine the market value of the diamond. The GIA estimates that only 4,000 carats of fancy diamonds are on the world market at any one time and a mere 50-60 carats of pink diamonds are mined in a year. As an indication of the rocketing prices for pinks, Moussaieff’s daughter Tamara recalls, “In 1982 I remember offering $1,000 per carat for a very nice pink diamond. That same diamond today would be worth at least $200,000 per carat.”

It is ironic that the nitrogen and boron atoms that create yellow and blue diamonds respectively were once considered impurities. Now – in order of rarity – red, orange, green, blue, pink and yellow diamonds lead the collectors’ market. They are considered “the world’s most concentrated form of wealth” and 24 of 25 of the highest prices paid at jewel auctions in the last decade were for coloured diamonds.

As Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, says: “There are only so many van Goghs in the world. The market now understands that you can probably not push more capital in a square centimetre and carry it around than you can in a coloured diamond.”

In 2006, Gruosi-Scheufele bought and sold a pear-cut, 6.20-carat, natural orange-coloured diamond that was larger than Harry Winston’s Pumpkin Diamond, which had previously toured the globe in The Splendor of Diamonds exhibition of the world’s rarest stones. Alongside the great private collections and museums, the houses of Bond Street possess an astonishing percentage of these most magical of diamonds – and they are for sale.
Though Gruosi-Scheufele expresses regret that “a big connoisseur and friend of mine bought the orange right off my finger”, she has grown equally attached to a 9.33-carat fancy deep blue VVS1 oval-cut blue diamond with a retail value of $700,000-per-carat, which she has set in 1.95 carats of pink diamonds.

Moussaieff’s Bond Street boutique contains jewels that are beyond the dreams of the most avaricious Saudi princess, despite the fact that her most important coloured diamonds – including what is arguably the rarest coloured diamond in the world, remain in her bank vault.

The Moussaieff Red, shown at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, in 2003 and London’s Natural History Museum in 2005, is a 5.11-carat fancy red triangular-shaped diamond. As an indication of its rarity, the GIA has graded only five red diamonds and the Moussaieff Red is the largest. Holding and polishing the Moussaieff Red is rather akin to stroking the Mona Lisa’s cheek. Mined in the 1990s, the red has certainly had fewer owners than Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. As an indication of its value, the Hancock Red was sold at auction in 1987 for $880,000 and that stone was a mere 0.95 carats. Today the Moussaieff Red could command more than $20m.

“We have been building a collection of coloured diamonds over a couple of years that is the largest in the company’s history,” says Tiffany’s Melvyn Kirtley. “But it’s important to note that these stones are not museum pieces. We want people who love these diamonds to wear them and enjoy them every day of their lives.” These include a 2.58-carat mint green emerald-cut diamond that is internally flawless: Kirtley describes it as “almost impossible in its rarity”.

Meanwhile, in the previous two years alone, Laurence Graff has acquired and sold magnificent yellow diamonds such as the Golden Star (101.28 carats), the Tsarina (90.14 carats), the Golden Maharaja (65.57 carats) and the 107.46 fancy yellow Rojtman Diamond. With oil prices booming, the treasure-loving Middle East and south-east Asia markets are hungry for stones of this quality but – as the jewellers will confirm – it’s the way they dress diamonds that truly sell these pieces.

A very important necklace has just been completed by the house of Graff, for example, that is an intricate filigree of the finest coloured diamonds – pinks, blues, cognacs and yellows of the subtlest hues. This waterfall of colour will sell for little short of $40m – and that’s before Graff adds a 70-carat baby pink pear-shaped diamond that abseils from the collar into the lady’s cleavage. Connoisseurs will recognise not only the million years it has taken to form the diamonds but the many years it has taken Graff to acquire a suite of stones of the precise colour and clarity required to create this necklace.

These connoisseurs will also be acquainted with the relatively new kid on the block, Leviev – a legend in the trade for its mining, cutting, polishing and selling of magnificent diamonds. Of the Leviev gems, only 2-3 per cent are used in the retail collection, such as the aforementioned fancy intense blue, one of a royal flush of diamonds held in Leviev’s London vaults. Then there’s the 50-carat fancy intense yellow diamond mounted as a ring and flanked by two D-flawless whites (£1.3m), and the 2-carat fancy dark green princess- cut diamond, one of 10 in the Leviev collection (£2.05m).

A curiosity in Leviev’s London collection is two chameleon diamonds. For collectors these mysterious entities are both oddities and essentials. They are yellow diamonds that turn an intense green once exposed to light and the smallest of them retails for £249,000. (Moussaieff holds a high-carat chameleon with her bankers.)

Though the market for truly exceptional coloured diamonds is traditionally the preserve of Saudi princes, Russian oligarchs and modern maharajahs, Moussaieff notes: “The market is not exclusively for six-figure clients. A half-carat pink is accessible even though they don’t exist in large quantities.”

World's Most Expensive Watches

2007-05-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Girard-Perregaux Opera One
$495,000

This platinum timepiece features an alligator band and posseses a "Westminster" minute repeater and tourbillon with three gold bridges, manual winding, 75-hour power reserve and a see-through backing. If $495,000 just barely surpasses your budget, the rose gold version retails for a slightly more affordable $450,000. For more information, visit http://www.girard-perregaux.com/

Breguet Double Tourbillon
$329,000
This grand complication, double-tourbillon watch with a 95% pure platinum case is hand-engraved with an image of the solar system. The blued-steel Breguet hands are wound manually.
For more information, visit http://www.breguet.ch/

IWC Grande Complication
$215,000

With 659 parts and 75 jewels, IWC's Grande Complication is one of the most intricate wristwatches on the market. The calendar and movement showcase are so advanced, you can set your watch to chime every hour, quarter-hour or even every minute. For more information, visit http://www.iwc.ch/

Patek Philippe Celestial Watch
$194,200
This white-gold, manual-wound piece displays hours and minutes on solar time, with a sky chart, phases and orbits of the moon. Yes, all that complexity fits neatly on the watch's face.
For more information, visit http://www.patek.com/

World's Most Expensive Diamond

2007-05-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sotheby’s D-Grade Flawless Diamond
Price: $16 million
Carats: 108
This flawless white diamond is arguably the finest of its kind for sale anywhere in the world. What makes it extraordinary isn’t so much its heft--a generous 108 carats--as its nearly total absence of flaws.
For more information, visit www.sothebys.com.

Mouawad Diamond Necklace

Price: $12 million
Carats: 70 (for the largest stone)
This necklace of white and colored diamonds was once displayed at London’s Natural History Museum and is currently owned by the Robert Mouawad as part of his collection housed in Geneva, Switzerland, which contains his higher-end pieces. The largest jewel in the necklace is a 70-carat white sparkler.

Leviev Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond

Price: $10 Million
Carats: 77.12
“Fancy vivid” is the highest rating you can give a colored stone, and London jeweler and Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Leviev is offering for sale one of the world’s most spectacular. Leviev, who controls the third largest group of diamond mines in the world, got this stone from one of his own diggings. It hangs from a white diamond necklace.
For more information, visit

Graff Fancy Vivid Pink Pear Shaped Diamond

Price: $10 Million
Carats: 13
Graff doesn’t loan diamonds to celebrities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own piece of red carpet bling. Collectors will be clamoring for this beauty, mounted in a platinum ring with white pear-shaped diamonds on both sides.
For more information, visit www.graffdiamonds.com.

Harry Winston Fancy Intense Pink Diamond with two Trapezoid Diamonds
Price: $8.3 Million
Carats: 10.11
Pinks are among the rarest of colored diamonds, and this particular stone is one of the largest offered on the market today. The diamond displays a 100% pure pink color that is evenly distributed and saturated to a degree found only in the best vivid-grade diamonds. Clarity rating: VVS1.
For more information, visit www.harrywinston.com.

de Grisogono Green Diamond
Price: $7.3 Million
Carats: 25.06
Colored diamonds, specifically green ones, rarely come to market, which helps account for the relatively high price of this one from de Grisogono. The 25-carat GIA-certified VS1stone is set in white gold with 382 black diamonds (7 carats’ worth) surrounding it.
For more information, visit www.degrisogono.com.

Van Cleef & Arpels Drape de Diamants
Price: $2.5 Million
Carats: Varied
This one-of-a-kind, deco-inspired necklace has two emerald-cut diamonds (5.4 carats combined), seven Asscher cut diamonds (10.7 carats), 268 marquise-cut diamonds (75 carats) and 63 baguette diamonds (6.05 carats) mounted in white gold. It was designed in 1935, but not executed until 2006, requiring some 2,100 hours to complete.
For more information, visit www.vancleef-arpels.com.

Neil Lane Diamond and platinum ring
Price: $1.5 Million
Carats: 15
Worn by Madonna and other celebrities, this Neil Lane diamond and platinum ring features a D color, 15-carat cushion cut center diamond set in platinum with diamond inlays.
For more information, visit www.neillanejewelry.com

De Beers Kiss of the Rose
Price: $1.2 Million
Carats: 10.09
The “Kiss of the Rose” features a flawless, pear-shaped, rose-cut diamond so clear that through it you can see a fancy intense pink .08 carat diamond set beneath. The two stones, in a platinum setting, are kept company by 2.49 carats of white pave diamonds.
For more information, visit www.debeers.com.

de Grisogono Black Diamond Ring
Price: $1.2 Million
Carats: 83.39
A black diamond is rare enough--but one 84 carats in weight is almost unheard of. This de Grisogono black diamond in a contrasting yellow gold setting is accompanied by 958 fancy yellow pave diamonds (8 carats’ worth) and two smaller black diamonds to either side.
For more information, visit www.degrisogono.com.

Neil Lane for DeBeersDiamond Necklace$1 million-plus

2007-05-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

(£600,000, €800,000, 44.1 million rupees, C$1.2 million, A$1.4 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: 34 top-of-the-line Kiton "Made to Measure" suits
When it comes to standing out on the red carpet, Hollywood's elite turns to Neil Lane. Known for his one-of-a-kind diamond creations, the L.A.-based jewelry designer is currently a Brand Ambassador for DeBeers, a job he describes as a lot of "parading around." This elegant, Edwardian "festooned" piece, which is part of a necklace-and-earring set, includes 175 EDF flawless white diamonds for a total of around 50 carats. Throw in another 5.63 carats per earring, set it all in platinum, and she'll definitely be ready for her close up!

BulgariSapphire and Diamond Necklace$1 million-plus

2007-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

(£600,000, €800,000, 44.1 million rupees, C$1.2 million, A$1.4 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: Six pairs of Holland & Holland Royal Side by Side shotguns
Talk about a cocktail party conversation stopper. This stunning sapphire and diamond necklace from Bulgari is practically dripping with jewels, including a multitude of sapphires and 951 round-cut diamonds for a total weight of 66.5 carats, all of it lovingly arrayed in shimmering yellow gold. The piece is part of Bulgari's High Jewelry Collection, which may or may not be named for its price points.

ChanelD-Flawless Bracelet Watch$1.9 million

2007-05-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

(£1.1 million, €1.6 million, 83.8 million rupees, C$2.2 million, A$2.6 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: 93 '06 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glides
There are two types of watches at the high end of the dial: those that intrigue with complications, and those that dazzle with jewels. For Valentine's Day, we feature one of the latter just for her. Part of Chanel's globe-hopping Collection Privee, the D-Flawless Bracelet Watch is arrayed in 18-karat white gold with 120 cultured pearls of 6 millimeters to 6.5mm diameter, and 133 diamonds for a total weight of 35.1 carats, including 32 brilliant-cut diamonds of 1 carat per. Oh, and it tells time, too.

Tiffany & Co.Regal Pear Shape Diamond Pendant set in platinum$2.5 million

2007-05-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

(£700,000, €1.1 million, 57.3 million rupees, C$1.5 million, A$1.8 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: Prewar Classic Six Co-op on Park Avenue in Manhattan
Showstopper or credit-limit topper? Either way, Tiffany's Majestic Diamond Necklace will be center stage wherever it's displayed. With a fluid design that lies softly on the neck--and really, what other way is there?--this glittering choker evokes breathtaking glamour, with a 41.4-carat, pear-shaped diamond accompanied by a multitude of round and pear-shaped diamonds. Each stone is top-of-the-crust in color and clarity, of course, as is the pretty blue box it comes in.

LevievFancy Pink and White Diamond NecklaceClose to $2 million

2007-05-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

(£1.1 million, €1.7 million, 88.2 million rupees, C$2.3 million, A$2.7 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: 15 '06 H1 Alpha Open Top Hummers
With its forte in colored diamonds already set in stone, Leviev continues to up the ante on hue with this Fancy Vivid Pink, Fancy Deep Pink and White Diamond Necklace, including a whopping 97.9 carats in pear-shaped and round, brilliant cuts. It took more than a year to find and piece together the rare stones in platinum--but by its looks, the piece was obviously worth the wait. Look for the new Leviev flagship store opening on Old Bond Street in London this spring.

William GoldbergFancy Colored Diamond Necklace$2 million

2007-05-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

(£1.1 million, €1.7 million, 88.2 million rupees, C$2.3 million, A$2.7 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: 171 cases of '95 Chateau Petrus (Pomerol)
Whatever the color of her eyes, there's something to match them in this fancy diamond necklace by William Goldberg, a family-run jeweler for more than 50 years on New York's Fifth Avenue. The lovely necklace is pieced together from 45 carats of fancy colored diamonds, every last one of them natural and microset in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold. Just wait and see her friends turn colors with envy.

Graff Fancy Deep Blue Diamond Ring$2 million-plus

2007-05-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

(£1.1 million, €1.7 million, 88.2 million rupees, C$2.3 million, A$2.7 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: 22 guided climbs up Mt. Everest, including extra oxygen and tips
We could think up a lot better uses for Graff's Fancy Deep Blue Diamond Ring than a mere Valentine's Day gift--for instance, a proposal--but given the season, it'll have to do. The blue hue is the key to the diamond's cache and price, as fancy diamonds of such deep blue color are extraordinarily rare. Chiseled with a striking emerald cut, the 2.4-carat diamond is set in platinum amidst white diamond-tapered baguettes.

most expensive at Krasnoyarsk jewelry

2007-05-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

Jewelry set made by Krastsvetmet named most expensive at Krasnoyarsk jewelry exhibition (Photo)
4/19/2007 6:55:00 PM

"Megapolis" jewelry set was the most expensive one at "Precious Metals of Siberia" exhibition. The set consists of a platinum ring, earrings, and a necklace with big diamonds worth more than $25,000.

Jewelers admit that Krasnoyarsk citizens prefer to buy expensive diamond jewelry at the jewelry exhibition. On the first day of the exhibition work "Africa" golden necklace made in one copy was bought at the stand of Krasnoyarsk Nonferrous Metals Plant named after Gulidov. According to Krastsvetmet stand officials, the necklace had been exhibited at Russia's biggest jewelry exhibitions and was widely popular, so it had been bought before the exhibition opening.

The most expensive jewelry brought to Krasnoyarsk exhibition from Moscow was a golden and diamond set "Diamond World" worth $15,000.
The average price for the expensive jewelry was more than $7,000 at Krasnoyarsk exhibition. According to a specialist of Moscow Jewelry Plant, both mass and exclusive jewelry were exhibited. However, it is expensive jewelry that are in demand among Krasnoyarsk visitors.

Million-Dollar Rocks 2006

2007-05-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Harry Winston

Extraordinary Diamond Drop Earrings$8.5 million
(£4.9 million, €7.1 million, 374.9 million rupees, C$9.8 million, A$11.5 million)
Macho Guy Equivalent: 30,249 boxes Partagas Limited Reserve Robusto cigars
Say, these will make her ears ring--and the cash register, too. The House of Winston really knows how to dress up the extremities, as these glittering Extraordinary Diamond Drop Earrings prove. As simple as icicles, yet a lot longer lasting, each will set her lobes glimmering with two pear-shaped diamonds in a platinum setting. That's 60.1 carats all together, and all of it stunning.

The History of American Indian Jewelry

2007-04-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

The History of American Indian Jewelry
An article by Lee Anderson

“Indian jewelry,” as we call it today, probably has origins that predate the advent of the persons we describe as American Indians or Native Americans. However, for the purpose of this paper, we will consider prehistoric man as prehistoric Indian. Archeological evidence shows us that stones (including turquoise), shells, and fetishes predate the Christian (epoch). Turquoise found in Hohokam excavations in southern Arizona dates back to 200 B.C. Likewise, turquoise from central Mexico dates back to about 600–700 B.C.; from South America, ca. 900 B.C. Other beads are even earlier. Since Indian jewelry and turquoise are so closely associated, this paper will discuss both.

Turquoise, as a mineral deposit, is isolated to a rather limited geographical area in the Southwestern U.S. Some — very little — is found in Mexico, and there are some deposits in western South America. We will concentrate on that found in the U.S.Prehistoric Indians mined turquoise and turned it into jewelry — primarily drilled beads and other hanging ornaments. However, archeological findings include appliqué on shell and other rock, which means that turquoise was probably used with wood for ear decoration as well (the wood would have deteriorated). Extensive evidence of prehistoric mining operations has been found in several areas: the Cerillos and Burro Mountain regions of New Mexico, the Kingman and Morenci regions of Arizona, and the Conejos area of Colorado. Turquoise jewelry found in southern Mexico and in excavated mounds east of the Mississippi has been identified as originating from New Mexico’s Cerillos mining area. This article focuses on Southwestern mining localities.

Turquoise has been dominant in jewelry finds; for example, several thousand pieces were found in Chaco Canyon. However, it is not the only important jewelry find. The spiny oyster shell Spondylus princeps originates in only one area of the Western Hemisphere — off the coast of Baja California. This shell has been found in abundance in archeological excavations of the Anasazi, Mogollon, and Hohokam of the desert Southwest. It has also been found in the same eastern mound excavations where turquoise was found. These finds not only prove early and prehistoric man’s interest in, and use of, jewelry, but it reveals important economic information. It shows the existence of trading in his lifestyle. It also provides a glimpse into probable status levels of these people.

One might argue that this historical context has little to do with the development of Indian jewelry as we know it. However, as some (the Hopi and Pueblo cultures of the Rio Grande) are indeed descendants of the Anasazi and, as many believe, from the Mogollon and Mimbres. So it seems to be a valid beginning of a historic tracing. The Navajo, on the other hand, entered the area fairly recently — some say as early as the 14th century; others, as late as the early 16th. The Navajo, whenever they arrived, were undoubtedly influenced by the existing Pueblo cultures and (later) the early Spanish. As we will see, the Navajo were instrumental in spreading this craft to other Southwest tribes.

The Navajo were nomadic within their Dinetah or homeland. They were farmers only to the extent of planting a crop, leaving it to the vagaries of the weather, and eventually returning to reap the harvest, if any. They and their Apache cousins could be likened to the early Mongols of the 12th and 13th centuries. They not only raided but also took, kept, and developed whatever suited them. Beaded necklaces (a symbol of prestige), decorated “ketoh” (bow guards), and concha/concho likely originated from their most frequent conquests, the Spanish and their Pueblo neighbors.

The Navajo were in constant contact — sometimes hostile, sometimes friendly — with the Spanish as they populated the Southwest from the late 16th century on. From these people, the Indians developed a great appreciation for personal adornment. Some of the early Spanish designs such as the Moorish inspired crescent and the pomegranate blossom became key to Navajo jewelry design. This is discussed later in the section on the origin of the Squash Blossom necklace.

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In time, the Spanish became dominant in the area. Although raids continued into the 19th century, the period was better described as one of “suspicious-cautious coexistence.” It was a 200-plus-year period of close association and sharing of the best of several cultures. The Navajo wore ornaments they obtained from those they conquered and from their trading partners. These ornaments were made from German silver (a copper-nickel-zinc substance that was bright and wore well), copper, brass and to a much lesser extent, silver. They learned to appreciate and hold dear the symbols of their prowess or their wealth. The early Navajos’ wearing a cross or the crescent-shaped naja on a rawhide necklace was likely an ornament of beauty and pride, not a reflection of their appreciation for Christianity or for the Moorish influence on the Spanish. If one person had such an ornament, others wanted one —if possible, something even better. Thus the pendant cross evolved, as did the naja, into a multitude of variations and blends. The simple thong on which they were displayed gave way to stone, shell, silver, or other metal beads.

The studies vary regarding the actual date that the Navajo began making silver jewelry. The two best works are by John Adair; subsequent research and writings are by Carl Rosnek and Joseph Stacy (see suggested reading list). All seem to agree that Atsidi Sani (“Old Smith”) was the accepted first Navajo silversmith. He learned the blacksmith trade in the early 1850s and possibly even dabbled in silver in the early 1860s.

After much warfare, the Navajo were captured by the U.S. Cavalry and marched into captivity in 1864. Approximately 8000, including Atsidi Sani, were sent to Fort Sumner in eastern New Mexico, where they were weaned from a nomadic, warlike lifestyle and taught to be farmers. The experiment failed and in 1868 they were returned to the Four Corners area, the Dinetah. Although many accept 1868, including the great Navajo leader of the time, Chee Dodge, as the year Atsidi Sani learned silver making, some evidence suggests that this is not wholly correct. Major Henry Wallen, the Commandant of Fort Sumner in 1864, made the tantalizing comment, “Some of them are quite clever as silversmiths.” Of course he may have mistaken German silver for real silver. In any event, Atsidi Sani wears the mantle as the first Navajo silversmith.

[ Read full Article ]

About the Gold and Silver Jewelry Quality Mark

2007-04-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

by: gem-fashion

It may sound a bit of a surprise, but the jewelry is not made of pure noble metals as in their original state they don’t often have the necessary properties. For instance, gold is too soft to work with. To give them the necessary mechanical properties and a wishful color nonferrous metals are brought into. Thus, we get different alloys, for example, that of gold with silver and copper, sometimes with palladium, nickel, zinc and cadmium.It is the precious metal content that determines the mark of quality.

In the USA, Britain and Switzerland the carat system is used. According to the carat system the 1000th mark of quality of the precious metal corresponds to 24 conventional units. In most European countries the metric system of the mark defining is used. It means that it is defined by the number of parts of the precious metal in 1000 weight units of the alloy.

The quality mark of precious metals alloys is set legislatively and is guaranteed by the state. All the jewelry necessarily undergoes the assay control to ensure it. As a result the mark of assay is put. The mark is defined by its digits. It’s up to a country to choose the form and the pattern of the mark of assay.

Very widely used in jewelry are 18k gold alloys as their properties are most suitable to work with. They contain: silver - 7,0%- 15,0% , palladium - up to 14%, nickel - up to 4%, zinc up to 2,4%, nickel - 7,5% - 16,5%, zinc - 2,0% - 5,0%, copper - up to 15%.

Another popular alloy is 14k gold. The alloys of this standard can have different colors. The color is influenced by the qualitative ratio of the ferrous metals.For instance, if 14k gold alloy (58, 3% - gold) contains silver – 36% and copper 5, 7% the alloy gets a greenish color. With silver- 18,3% and copper -23,4% - the pink one. With silver 8,3% and copper 33,4% - a reddish color.

The so-called white gold is often used in the jewelry with diamonds. The 14k white gold alloy contains: silver - 23,7% - 28,7%, palladium - 13,0% - 18%, nickel - 17%, zinc - 8,7%, copper - 16%. The 18k white gold alloy contains: silver - 7,0% - 15,0% , palladium - up to 14%, nickel - up to 4%, zinc up to 2,4%, nickel - 7,5% - 16,5%, zinc - 2,0% - 5,0%, copper - up to 15%.

The gold alloy of the 958th standard (metric system) or 24k is not durable and that is why rarely used. The gold alloy of the 375th standard or 10k contains: gold - 37,5%, silver - 10,0%, copper - 48%, palladium - 3,8%. Jewelry containing less than 37.5% of gold is not considered gold jewelry.

The most widely used is the silver alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy. It is used for the jewelry and the cutlery. The silver and brass stuff is frequently covered with a thin layer of rhodium or silver of the 999th standard (silvering).

About the Author
Elena is Russian, 23 years old, fashion designer by education and writes because she loves to. In addition to writing about fashion, she is a jewelry maker. She is known for her colorful, funky and daring Mahjong tile stretch bracelets.

The Beauty of Amber Jewelry

2007-04-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

by: wyspa

The simplest and at the same time most subjective evaluation of amber jewelry by a user of admirer is to say whether it is beautiful or not. Contemporary amber artifacts produced by artists initially tend to surprise us with their otherness, in the same manner as any other art does, for instance painting or sculpture, or jewelry ornamented with gemstones. But modernity means otherness.

The extremely exceptional so-called "amber in amber" may become dazzlingly beautiful in the hands of a skillful artist. To find or excavate amber with opalescent surfaces depends less on skills and more on luck. This, however, comes about very seldom.

Some people are interested only in amber as perfectly transparent as many other precious stones in which nothing is going on inside. In such a case a more opulent setting must compensate the lack of unique features.Raw amber for mass production started to be clarified and pressed as early as in the 19th century. Its color could be freely altered, often in order to make necklaces from beads in one shade of color and transparency.

The trend initiated at the end of the 1960s by the Fietkiewicz family in Gdynia was followed by other amber centers, resulting in a high standard of amber working in Poland today. The "gem of the north", the most splendid beauty of which is revealed by artist's mastery, is often left without any setting, like Neolithic and ancient artifacts. Some amber products, rich in amber shapes and varieties, like necklace beads, spherical or flat pendants, beads on leather strip or just hemp or cotton string, gain in additional value in this way. Nothing spoils the sheer beauty of amber; its mysterious interior is not rivaled by some alien even though most magnificent ornamentation of a setting.

One may never stop writing about amber and amber jewelry. The mineral's charm never fades away, owing to its beauty and to its history so remote and ancient and at the same time ever more close to us. Its legends and magic always feel our very own.

About the Author
Caroline Signature Gems http://www.signature-gems.com

Reaching Success In Jewelry Making

2007-04-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

by: Carolina

One day, you buy your first plier and some rolls of wire and make your first loop. Disastrous, of course. You add one bead and painstakingly get to add the hook and you feel like the Queen of Jewelry Land. You actually get it to make a pair. Double feeling of being the queen.

Years go by and you keep working. Adding the hooks does not take hours anymore, so you start adding little embellishments, maybe a spiral loop. During these years, you learn the hard way all the ways you can make mistakes in this business. A few times along the way you decide you won’t make it anymore and maybe ramble with other arts, but pliers and wire always call you back and you find yourself awake at 5 AM because you suddenly woke up with that necklace design in your head. But it’s not easy. It makes you mad to think “why others can?” while you can’t seem to make it. Your artist ego is frustrated. You are tired of going nowhere. Things like marketing, advertising and promoting sound like from another world. A scary world. You’re an artist, you’re not a salesperson. But maybe you can’t quit your day job because you wouldn’t bay your bills selling jewelry.

But then, one day, you start working patiently and silently. Do not argue anymore about your doomed fate and overcome yourself by working seriously, making a business plan that works and give good results soon. You find ways to promote yourself that are easy and enjoyable and learn the right way to work a business. A real one that grows and grows in many directions.

What happened to you?

Well, you just lost your ego. Your amazing power to make each of your dreams come true can now arise and materialize. Obviously you don’t need this article at all but if you feel still included in the second paragraph, maybe you should keep on reading this

7 Tips to Be a Better Jeweler:
The Ego IssueAccording to both Buddhism and Psychology, your ego is a small angry child that never grew up. Instead of thinking rationally, we humans tend to act forced by that little child that, of course, cannot manage with an adult’s issues and just cries and moans and get completely paralyzed in fear of the unknown. Surprising, ah? If you ask yourself too much things like “Why do I never have luck?” or “Why does this always happen to me?”, maybe you’re letting that little child control your life.

The key to personal (and world) happiness is putting that child to rest letting it flow through creative activities, love and self – acceptation, but making choices with a higher conscience. Good choices bring happiness to us and good energy to the Universe, that will flow back to us through opportunities helping us achieve our full potential. As artists, we are even more inclined than many other people to reach a higher state of consciousness, so it should be easier for us to understand this facts.

1: You can always make it better.
Ego says: “I’m very very good” but really, how good you are? This is a very competitive world and you must be objective about the quality of your work. How can your jewels be improved? Can they be safer? Have you double-checked everything before you package it? Are you selling something that may eventually break or fall off?Remember that the kind of customer that you will die for is one that looks for quality and durability. A very good question to ask yourself is “Would I pay that money for this jewel?”

2: You can always treat your customers better.
Ego says “Making that custom gift box is really hard work, and for free!” Please, be more respectful with your customers! Some of the money they pay for a (never forget that) completely unnnecessary item you sell is very hard-earned! From all the jewelers around they’ve chosen YOU! There is always time to add and extra gift for a good customer. As artisans we need customers that come back again and again, and that always think of you first when they need a special jewel for their social events or gifts. We need a customer that speaks wonderfully of our work and bring new customers with them so, what do people find when they meet you, whether if the meeting is at your studio or at your booth? Treat them all the same, whether if they make big of small buyings. Know them as much as you can and try to put all your best efforts to make them feel at home with you.

3. Work hard to find your own style.
Ego says “Oh, my style is truly unique!” but the truth is that there is almost no such thing in jewelry business, or in any art business. Finding your own way includes a LOT of constant learning and humility. Strive to make the jewel you really dream of and do not feel pressured by what you can sell or whom you can sell to. If your pieces breath uniqueness they will sell out.

4. Give and Teach as much as you take and learn from others.
Ego says “oh, if I share my techniques everyone will make copys of my work and sell more than me for sure” Really, have you heard how childish that sounds? Change your view about yourself and ask yourself if someone could envision you as a master in your particular style.Sharing your techniques, whether as downloadable files for small prices (tutorials are usually very cheap) or simply for free like I’m doing now, will not only improve your business karma wonderfully, but also will make you get a lot of respect from learners and professionals alike. Building a good reputation will mean a good percentage of your sales one day, but you have to start now.

5: Forget about inspiration
Ego says: “I’m an artist, I can’t work if I’m uninspired”…well, and Pablo Picasso said inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. Who do you believe? I chose to believe Master Pablo, of course. Inspired or not, work everyday. I’m sure there are a lot of “office issues” like web updating, taking better pictures of your items, making tags or whatever that you have pending, as we all have, that you can make it on your uninspired time. My husband is an electrician company director and he goes to work everyday, whether if he’s inspired or not! Why should I have that privilege?

6. You can make your own ways to sell and promote your work
Ego says “I’m an artist, I can’t deal with sales and publicity. That’s not what an artist is supposed to be.” Something I really hear a lot. I truly believe that, as artists, we are even more able to sell ourselves than other professionals because creativity is the real key to publicity success. The true instinct to find beauty is inside every true artist. Though I think is essential to read a good quantity of marketing articles, we have an ability to create that is a natural advantage. Again, change your point of view about yourself and create new ways to promote your work.

7. Don’t take critiques personally
Ego says “Oh, that person I don’t know at all thinks my jewelry is awful…I am a complete failure!” Well, you don’t like everything, so don’t expect your jewelry to be loved by everyone. What a person says about your work may be influenced by many things that do not have to do with your work at all. Be always ready to follow positive advice inmediatly, but don’t let other people’s feelings reflect on you self image. Remember, maybe that person is also talking through her/his little angry child!

Epilogue
Learning the business takes time and effort. There is no instant success and if there is, it will pass soon leaving you wondering what you did wrong… and making you learn another good lesson – which should always be seen as a valuable thing. I am personally guilty and all crimes said above and in many, many more that have turned into a deeper knowledge of myself, my work as an artist and the world around me. I am very proud of all my mistakes, in fact!We all are on an endless road of personal growing, with no finish line. There is always someone wiser than us and someone that may need our advice as well. I really hope this article helps you in your way to reach complete success; knowing that you’ve found your way is one of the highest feelings a person can have… and you deserve to have it too.

About the Author
Born and living in Tenerife (Canary Islands) Full-time jewelry artist and owner and designer of NeoVamp Jewelry, a OOAK fine bijouterie business. Expert in wire-wrapping and former illustrator and tattoo artist. I have also extensive knowledge in symbolism and healing properties of stones and colours. Every piece I make is completely handcrafted and unique, often recycling vintage jewelry. I work at my studio at home and personally keep my NeoVamp Blog. I decided to write articles as some answers to beginner's questions were too important or useful to keep them for one person only. Reusing beads and metal findings is essential to my work. Most of my pieces include vintage beads taken from unused or old-fashioned jewelry, from my own customers often. I am very aware of the need to be environmentally responsible and recycling is one of my constant goals. I've published a free course about Doll Customizing, a personal passion, and was interviewed by Rena KLingenberg in January for the Success Stories section of her site. In November last year I was interviewed by the Canary Islands TV Channel on the live show Canarias Directo. My future plans include writing more articles and downloadable tutorials, as I'm being asked constantly about my wiring techniques. Visit my jewelry blog: http://neovampjewelry.wordpress.com/

Starting a Jewelry Business? 10 Things to Start Making NOWStarting a Jewelry Business? 10 Things to Start Making NOW

2007-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

by: Carolina

When I started making jewelry it was just fun. Friend’s inquiries about pendants or earrings really made the dream start to take shape, as it may be happening to many of you. You have started wondering if you could make jewelry for a living. Well, the answer is as simple as YES. Every jewelry artist has started somewhere, and the lucky ones that today show their pieces on jewelry magazine covers started with little or no money and no clues about where the jewelry experience was going to take them.

Making jewelry is therapeutic and profitable, you can make it at home, be your own boss, work at the hours when you feel best and, above all, is a wonderful profession in which you add beauty to people’s lifes through your jewels. Making jewelry is fun!

But why is it that so many jewelry makers, some very talented, fall along the way and never reach their full potential? Mainly, for reasons that do not have to do at all with Jewelry Making, and the most common four are lack of commitment, procrastination, lack of confidence and of course, lack of knowledge about business and marketing techniques.

It is said that it takes 21 days to leave or start a habit. Changing from procrastinator to effective jewelry maker takes less, I think, but many of the things that will start showing its benefits in the (near) future must start being done today!!! Making a big decision like leaving your “proper” job really need a strong commitment to avoid ending up to your nose with debts and wondering “ What did I do wrong?” If you really want to success in this business, here are 10 tips that will help you start avoiding the more common beginner mistakes:

1. This is your trip, not anybody’s: be very careful with the advice you follow and try to stay always within your own limits and desires. Focus on learning the business and stop listening to what people would do if they were you. Read jewelry websites, marketing and sales articles and never stop learning new things.

2. If you don’t have a studio, set up one. Yes, as small business owners we must sacrifice home spaces to our business. Cluttering the dining room or using a small corner will affect directly into your productivity and creativity. You need space, organization, light, and a door you can close whenever you decide your work has finished for today.

3. Organize your time effectively: work as many hours a day as in a “proper” job…well, the truth is that you will find that you will need more than proper job hours to get everything done! As in point 2, we must also sacrifice time.

4. Set up a blog/website. There are many free webs and blogs to choose from. Avoid repetitive descriptions and talk a little about yourself in every post. Take your time to write a good biography and take a good picture of yourself. Read other websites for examples and study the texts – which ones are more appealing to you, and why? Promote yourself in any way you find.

5. Dare to dream – do not underestimate yourself and try every crazy idea that comes to you mind... all of the biggest jewelry artists of the world were somewhere you are now. They made it because they were bold and trusted their own abilities. That business card design or new packaging boiling in your head deserves, at least, a try. What would you lose?

6. Don’t be scared of asking for favours to relative and friends when you’re starting, and always reward them in any way you can. A favour any female member in your family will love to do to you is wearing your gorgeous jewelry on parties and special events, and of course without having to buy it! They will return it to you after showing your jewelry to many people; of course you should provide them with business cards!

7. Learn to make good pics of your work, or you will never sell online. You can make a simple lightbox and digital camera and tripod are necessary. Learn to use the macro and light sensitivity settings of your camera and experiments with backgrounds and displays. Do as above: research and work!

8. Being a jeweler is not only about making jewelry! You can have other incomes coming from the same source. Teach classes or workshops, sell tutorials online, kits, become a gem seller…and if you have html knowledge you could even offer to make websites to jewelers!

9. Don’t wait until everything is perfect to start, because it will never be perfect. If you’re just a beginner, don’t overprice your products. Be honest and humble with your own work, but don’t miss opportunities to show your work in every way you find.

10. Be very patient. There are no fast success stories in jewelry making. You will have to prove you are really commited to your work If you don’t start now, it will never come!

About the Author
Born and living in Tenerife (Canary Islands) Full-time jewelry artist and owner and designer of NeoVamp Jewelry, a OOAK fine bijouterie business. Expert in wire-wrapping and former illustrator and tattoo artist. I have also extensive knowledge in symbolism and healing properties of stones and colours. Every piece I make is completely handcrafted and unique, often recycling vintage jewelry. I work at my studio at home and personally keep my NeoVamp Blog. I decided to write articles as some answers to beginner's questions were too important or useful to keep them for one person only. Reusing beads and metal findings is essential to my work. Most of my pieces include vintage beads taken from unused or old-fashioned jewelry, from my own customers often. I am very aware of the need to be environmentally responsible and recycling is one of my constant goals. I've published a free course about Doll Customizing, a personal passion, and was interviewed by Rena KLingenberg in January for the Success Stories section of her site. In November last year I was interviewed by the Canary Islands TV Channel on the live show Canarias Directo. My future plans include writing more articles and downloadable tutorials, as I'm being asked constantly about my wiring techniques. Read more about me at: http://neovampjewelry.wordpress.com/

Wedding Jewelry

2007-03-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

by: gem-fashion

Jewelry is a part of the bridal ensemble that should be chosen very thoroughly. The day after the wedding you put your gown and veil into a box, but jewelry is to be enjoyed over the years. Many would-be brides are at a great loss when choosing jewelry pieces for their big day. Finding something beautiful, matching and becoming is never easy…

The first and the most important rule is to follow the motif of your gown. Depending whether it is classic, vintage, eclectic etc, choose the jewelry that does not contradict your general style

But, in fact, it’s not as difficult to choose the bridal jewelry as it may seem at first. The second thing is to decide whether you want to wear your bridal jewelry after the wedding day. If so, opt for something neutral, the jewelry you can combine with your evening gowns or office clothes if work takes most of your time.

In case you really want to have a big day where you play the part of the queen and are ready to pay for that, don’t agree for less than jewelry masterpieces, better if they are made exclusively for you by jewelry designers.

Remember that balance is the key. Don’t make your image too heavy by wearing too sparkling dress if your jewelry is a statement in its own. Don’t afraid to seem plain. A seemingly simple wedding gown is not a faux paus. On the contrary, skill to combine and compliment clothes, jewelry and accessories is one of the most essential laws of style.

Don’t forget the second style basics. Less is really more!! If you’ve decided on long dangling earrings don’t put a necklace on, otherwise it will look too heavy. Vice versa, in case you have a statement-like necklace, opt for small stud earrings. Your hair style is to take into consideration as well. First, make an appointment with your hairstylist and discuss what you want for the wedding day, and only then shop for your bridal jewelry.

Make the most of what you have! It is flattering to wear make-up and clothes that underline your strong sides and distract attention from what you do not want to reveal. This rule is applicable to bridal jewelry as well. If you, for instance, have a luxurious cleavage, certainly you will opt for a low -cut dress. Why not compliment this beauty wearing a nice eye-catching necklace. Or, on the contrary, avoid backless gowns and necklaces cascading down your spine unless you have a perfect smooth-skinned back.

All in all, the most vital rule is to wear the gown and jewelries you feel confident and comfortable in. If you are perfectly sure you’re irresistibly gorgeous, nobody else will doubt it.

About the Author
Elena Zharina is Russian, 23 years old, fashion designer by education and writes because she loves to. In addition to writing about fashion, she is a jewelry maker. She is known for her colorful, funky and daring Mahjong tile stretch bracelets.

Black Diamond

2007-03-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

Black Diamonds Have Begun to Make Their Appearance in the Jewelry Scene

by: munagri
There are many different types of jewelry that can be worn and many of these are adorned with gemstones. Generally the gemstones that are placed in jewelry are of a precious and semi precious nature. The stones that are used are very popular ones like diamonds. Lately black diamonds have begun to make their appearance in the jewelry scene.

While these black diamonds are becoming more popular due to marketing tactics they are not seen widely nor do many people consider having black diamonds in rings. This is probably due to the fact that the black diamonds don’t have the glittery sheen that is apparent with white diamonds. As with all fancy colored diamonds the formation of black diamonds is very rare making this a very expensive piece of jewelry to own.

Regardless of the price though there are some people who like to wear these black diamonds as men’s rings. This trend is very small however as many jewelers consider these black diamonds as being imperfect stones and therefore not worth the time that it would take to cut and shaped them. So if you would like to wear jewelry that has black diamonds embedded in them you will have to make enquires from reputed jewelers if they have these gemstones in stock.

Other than this you will have probably have to look on the internet for online jewelry stores where you can buy your black diamonds from. Once you have found such a place and you are prepared to buy the diamond for the going price you will need to trust that you have found a place that will sell you quality black diamond jewelry. As these types of jewelry pieces are very hard and rare to find you should look at the different designs that are available and see if there is one that appeals to you inspite of the price.

Having obtained your black diamond jewelry you can see for yourself if the piece was worth the amount that you paid for it. There is another way that you can get good quality jewelry with black diamonds embedded in the design. You will need to locate a gemstone store that has black diamonds for sale. Having verified the quality and seen if the price is one that you can afford you will need to purchase the amount that you need for your design. The next step is to find a goldsmith or jewelry maker and give your design to them.

You will have to trust at the end of the jewelry making process you will be the owner of a unique piece of black diamond jewelry. To find quality jewelry takes time and to be the owner of jewelry with black diamonds means that not only should you have a discerning eye for the excellent quality items in life but you should be prepared to pay for them as well.

About the Author
Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on black diamond jewelry, visit his site at

Beaded Jewelry

2007-03-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

Beaded jewelry has a style to compliment any jewelry collection.

Beaded jewelry is quite a popular jewelry trend because it appeals to the young as well as the young at heart. Distinctive designer finishes on beaded jewelry can be achieved through diamond cuts, unique textures and highly polished finishes. Some people associate bead jewelry with the teeny tiny plastic jewelry beads they strung as children, or with the big clunky bead jewelry that Grandma used to wear. Not any more!

Today's Beaded Jewelry is trendy, affordable, practical and beautiful. The beaded jewelry of yesterday has been replaced with updated fashionable pieces created by high end jewelry designers and by your own local artisans.

Native American Indian artisans use beaded jewelry to provide beautiful expressions of their culture; passing their craftsmanship skills from generation to generation. There is really no standard kind of beaded jewelry.

Styles of beads for beaded bracelets, beaded earrings, and beaded necklaces are as unique as the individual who wears them. Jewelry beads today are made of many substances; gold, silver, crystals, coral, turquoise and other gemstones to name a few. The list of materials and styles for today's beaded jewelry is endless. Brighten up any outfit and style up your look with the beauty of today's jewelry beads. Escape into the exotic realms of your imagination with a unique beaded jewelry wardrobe.

Making Beaded Jewelry Is Easy to Do

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelrys reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. Its interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression tying the knot derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his brides girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be untying the knot.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off. This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Birthstones for the Month of February

2007-03-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

Amethyst Gemstones are beautiful birthstonesfor the month of February.

The Greek work "amethystos" can be loosely translated as "not drunken." Centuries ago, Amethyst was considered to be a very strong antidote against drunkenness.

Many wine goblets were often carved from the amethyst gemstone for this very reason. Today, the gemstone still symbolizes sobriety, however it is more popularly known as the beautiful gemstone / birthstone for the month of February.

Amethyst gemstones / birthstones range in color from deep purple to pale lilac. The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can be seen in some Victorian jewelry. The deeper the colors of the gemstone the more valuable it is.

An amethyst gemstone particularly a rich purple with flashes of rose is the most sought after color of stone, and is also the most expensive. Amethyst gemstones are mined in many South American countries. Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina are known for their amethyst gemstones, as well as in Zambia, Namibia and other African countries. African amethyst is known for it's beautiful deep, rich purple color.

Amethyst Myth's
Greek mythology tells a story of Dionysus, the god of intoxication. He was angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path. Dionysus created fierce tigers to carry out his wish. A beautiful young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana.

The goddess Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws of the tigers. Feeling shame for his decision to destroy the next mortal to cross his path, the god Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple, creating the gem we know today as amethyst.v

Other lore and legend of the amethyst gemstone include beliefs that the stone boosts the spirit and is an aid for meditation. The amethyst gemstone is said to have healing powers good for addictions, easing arthritis, headaches, brain imbalances, blood sugar levels and healing stomach disorders.

More on the spiritual side, the amethyst gemstone / birthstone supposedly enhances intuition, brings inner peace, unveils psychic insight and provides internal surrender. Wow! The amethyst gemstone is beautiful in its own right - who wouldn't want one. And who knows, maybe at least one of the legends may come true for you!

Gemstones and birthstones

2007-03-31T23:32:00.000-07:00

Gemstones and birthstones represent celebrations of life events.

The terms "gemstone" and "gem" mean any mineral or organic material (e.g., pearl and petrified wood) used for personal adornment, display, or object of art because it possesses beauty, rarity, and durability. Of the 2,700 mineral species, only about 100 possess all these attributes. Many people use gemstone jewelry to symbolize a birth month or to celebrate a significant event during a specific month, like an anniversary. Birthstones are very popular gifts. You can choose a gemstone/birthstone that symbolizes what you want to say with your gift - gemstones can speak louder than words!

Gemstones are minerals that are treasured for their beauty and durability. Their value generally depends on four elements: the beauty of the stone itself; its rarity; its toughness; and the skill with which it has been cut and polished. Stones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds represent one of the greatest concentrations of money value. During times of war or economic disturbance many people convert their wealth into precious stones, which are transportable and more easily sold.

Remember - just because a certain gem represents a certain birthstone doesn't mean you have to use it that way. Step out of the box and purchase a piece of gemstone jewelry as a gift to celebrate a graduation or special event.

The following is a list of Birthstones and their respective month.
Birthstone-Gemstone Chart

Birth Month Modern Birthstones Traditional Birthstones
January Garnet Garnet
February Amethyst Amethyst
March Aquamarine Bloodstone
April Diamond Diamond
May Emerald Emerald
June Pearl, Moonstone Alexandrite
July Ruby Ruby
August Peridot Sardonyx
September Sapphire Sapphire
October Opal, Tourmaline Tourmaline
November Yellow Topaz, Citrine Citrine
December Turquoise, Blue Topaz Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli

Purchasing Silver

2007-03-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

When buying silver jewelry, you should be prepared to take your time to select quality pieces, just as you would if selecting a more expensive jewelry item. Young consumers are often attracted to sterling silver jewelry because it is so affordable and beautiful. Sterling silver also comes in many contemporary and modern designs which are appealing to young consumers.

So what should you look for when shopping? First and foremost always check the interior for the 925 mark, to ensure that you are purchasing premium sterling silver rather than sterling silver plating. Keep in mind that the more pure the silver, the more soft and likely that a piece will scratch, so don't go for anything more pure than sterling silver.

If you are looking to buy many different pieces, you might consider buying wholesale silver jewelry online. By doing so you'll be able to buy in bulk, and acquire large amounts of silver jewelry at inexpensive prices. Many jewelers and home business owners get into the habit of buying wholesale silver jewelry online because they can re-sell the merchandise at a higher price. There are hundreds of pieces to choose from, and you might even find a collection with a certain theme that appeals to you or the people you might be selling to.

Whey buying for yourself you should ensure you know what size jewelry you need if buying a ring. You might consider buying complete sets that include ring, bracelet and charm. Sets are very popular options for consumers purchasing sterling silver jewelry.

Silver is an exceptional choice for consumers looking for fine jewelry that is precious, attractive and inexpensive. From the dawn of time, mankind has invested in silver for practical and aesthetic purposes. If you haven't already, I highly recommend investing in a little silver.

About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as silver necklaces, sterling silver charms, and engagement rings.

Sterling Silver

2007-03-31T23:23:00.000-07:00

History of Sterling Silver

Silver jewelry has been a staple in the lives of mankind since humans discovered the versatility of silver and the many uses it has. Silver has been used for functional and aesthetic purposes. In times of old, silver was used to create flatware and armor to protect soldiers on their way into battle. Silver jewelry was later created and used by Phoenician and Egyptian citizens desiring attractive and convenient pieces to add to their jewelry collections. Over time silver has been used to create flatware, decorative art, coins, dental fillings, jewelry and more.

Silver is produced in many different areas, though the highest concentrations of silver output come from Mexico and Peru.

One of the reasons sterling silver jewelry is so popular is its affordability and versatility. Sterling silver can be crafted into many different jewelry items including charms, rings and chains. Silver jewelry is often mistaken for other more precious metals including white gold and platinum.

Common Types of Silver

There are many different types of silver that can be used to create sterling silver jewelry. Silver is considered one of the precious metals along with its cousins gold, platinum and titanium.

Fine Silver - this is silver in its most natural state, when it is considered 99% pure. Often this type of silver is too soft to create ordinary products and is almost liquid in form. Usually silver has to be mixed with other metal alloys in order to create jewelry and household wear.

Sterling Silver - sterling is a mixture of fine silver and sterling is a mixture of fine silver and other metal alloys. The silver is considered about 92.5% pure. Sterling is usually combined with approximately 7.5% copper to make the jewelry more long lasting and durable. Sterling silver jewelry is usually marked on the inside with a "925", indicative of its purity. Sterling silver jewelry made of just the right combination of silver and metal allows a jeweler to create a long lasting, durable piece that is shiny and brilliant enough to be mistaken for more expensive precious metals. Sterling silver is more likely to tarnish over time because of the presence of copper; however this relatively mild side effect can be minimized through proper care. By consistently cleaning your silver jewelry you'll never even notice anything other than a beautiful shine and luster

Silver Plating - plating occurs when a base metal such as nickel is covered with a layer of pure silver. This is often one of the most durable forms of silver, and is usually much less expensive than sterling silver because the percentage of pure silver in the jewelry is quite low. Most base metals need a re-coat of pure silver every few years to maintain a shiny outer coat and to prevent the base metal from peaking through the coating.

Nickel Silver - nickel silver is a combination of nickel, copper and zinc that is not actually silver, but resembles silver. It is an inexpensive and popular item that can be used to create look-alike jewelry.

Vermeil - this form of silver was popular in the eighteenth century. Silver is plated in gold, providing a polished and expensive looking custom piece of jewelry.

Caring for Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry does have a tendency to scratch more often than other metals, and may tarnish over time. Proper care can ensure however that the jewelry remains shiny and well kept. The following tips will ensure that your sterling silver lasts a long time and maintains its luster and original appearance:

Sterling silver jewelry should be stored in a cool dry place to reduce environmental damage.
Consider keeping each piece in an individual cloth pouch to prevent scratching.
Use a jewelry cleaner or polishing solution at least once a month to clean the surface of silver jewelry to help maintain its luster.
Use a soft cloth to clean silver; never use a toothbrush or other abrasive material that might result in scratching.
Clean silver at the first signs of tarnishing, when a yellowish tint appears on the jewelry. If you wait until the silver has turned black, you'll have to scrub harder and may damage the shine on the jewelry.
Consider using chemical dipping agents which clean jewelry without scrubbing.
Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia which can also turn silver jewelry black, consider soapy water instead.

Sterling silver is a popular item in part because it is more reflective than many precious metals. Proper care will ensure that silver jewelry remains beautiful for years to come. If you have other items in the house made of silver, such as silver wear or other household items, always use a cleaner or dip specifically designed to clean silver metal. Never put these items in a dishwasher, because you will scratch the surface and cause irreparable damage.

Garnet – birthstone for the month of January.

2007-03-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

Believed to represent faith, loyalty, truth and devotion, garnet is known as the stone of commitment. Most people think of garnet as a single type of gem that is dark red in color. Actually, garnet is a gem family that spans a range of red, green, yellow, orange, purple and brown shades.

Garnet's name comes from the Latin "Granatus," which means "seed-like." Many garnet crystals have the shape and color of pomegranate seeds.

Best known among the garnets are the deep red almandine and pyrope garnets. Their widespread availability makes them extremely affordable (under $40 a carat). In recent years rhodolite, a mix of almandine and pyrope, has become increasingly popular and is found in light to dark pink to purplish red, even grape. Rare garnets as the green colored tsavorite, can cost several hundreds of dollars per cart.

Buying Tips

Color is most important when determining the value of garnet. Lively, bright colors command higher prices than gems that are too light or dark. Better quality garnets are usually eye clean and very high clarity (not many inclusions) under magnification. Also watch out for synthetic imitations in lower priced jewelry.

Folklore
There are many ancient traditions and legends about garnets. According to the Egyptians, garnet is an antidote for snakebite and food poisoning. Some Hebrew writers include it as one of the 12 gems in Aaron’s breastplate. Christian tradition long considered the blood-red garnet symbolic of Christ's sacrifice. The Koran holds that it illuminates the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems. Garnet was said to give its wearer guidance in the night allowing him to see when others couldn’t. Legend claims that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. Garnet was thought to help the wearer resist melancholy, cure heart palpitations, word off evil spirits, spark creativity and provide a grounding influence.

Care
Clean garnet with warm soapy water and a soft brush. A sonic cleaner can be used for most garnets except for Andradite (Demantoid) garnets because they are softer than other garnets. Do not use a steamer.

The History of Costume Jewelry

2007-03-31T22:57:00.000-07:00

There is virtually no difference between costume jewelry and antique jewelry. Costume Jewelry dates back to the 1930s. By the definition of antique that would also make it antique jewelry. However, most jewelry experts have come to agree that antique jewelry predates the 1930s.

Costume Jewelry came into being in the 1930s as a cheap disposable jewelry meant to be worn with a specific outfit, but not meant to be handed down through generations. It was intended to be fashionable for a short period of time, out date itself, and then be repurchased to fit with a new outfit purchase, or with a new fashion style. It became available in large quantities during the 30s.

Cheap jewelry also existed prior to the 1930s. Paste or glass jewelry as far back as the 1700s. The rich had their fine jewelry duplicated for a variety of reasons, using paste or glass stones. By the mid 1800s with the growth of the middle class there were now different levels of jewelry being manufactured using fine, semi-precious and base materials. Fine jewelry of gold, diamonds, fine gems such as emeralds and saphires continued to be made. Jewelry from rolled gold, which is a thin layer of gold attached to a base metal, entered the market for the middle class. This jewelry was often set with semi-precious gems such as amethyst, coral or pearls, and was much more affordable. And then there was jewelry that most anyone could afford, consisting of glass stones and base metals made to look like gold. All three types were intended to be passed down to future generations.

There are usually clues that can help one identify what era a piece of jewelry is from. Style, material, the type of piece. For example dress clips came in in the 1930s and were out of style by the 1950s. Jewelry reflects styles, designs, colors and stones of the era. For example from 1910 to 1930 silver was the favorite color for metal, so jewelry was found in platinum, white gold, silver or a base metal colored to look like silver. By World War II, gold was popular again but in short supply, since it was vital to the war effort. What gold was available was made into very thin sheets and usually bonded to silver (called vermeil) before being turned into jewelry. By the 1930s rhinestones popularity was ever increasing in Europe. It was not available to the Americans until the 1940s. As a result, many of the pieces from this period tend to feature lots of metal and a single stone or a small cluster of tiny rhinestones.

Today is certainly not much different from past times. We still have fine jewelry, semi precious jewelry, and of course costume jewelry available to us. Costume jewelry can add the finishing touch and show your fashion sense. Costume Jewelry styles of past years are now becoming very fashionable and many are being reproduced. Even with costume jewelry there is a difference in quality. Many of the new pieces do not have the vibrance in the stones or the weight of the older pieces.

Antique and vintage costume jewelry are both fun to collect and fun to wear. No longer is costume jewelry simply "collectable." It is "in style, and" "fashionable," and a terrific conversation starter. Dress to impress!

Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/