Oct
31
Posted by OtherAuthor
1) We have all seen the ads touting “SOLID 14K GOLD.” However, this is simply not true as there exists no such jewelry item containing solid 14k gold. Solid gold is as it exists when mined from the earth in an exceptionally pure form. It’s entire make up is simply pure gold-or as defined in the modern world; 24 karat gold.
To attain the level of 14k gold, the chemist must dilute the pure 24k (1,000%) gold with a ’specification alloy’ of approximately 415%. According to all worldwide acceptable standards- the pure gold has now been reduced to 14k gold, or in many countries .585 gold.
Following this formula, 18k gold must contain 750% pure gold, 250% alloy.
2) “Why did my brand new, solid 14k gold ring turn my finger green? My other 14k gold rings wear fine and are no problem.”
There are two MAIN areas in which this problem can occur. Neither one is very nice. One, the ring may have a hallmark inside the shank indicating 14k, but could be anything but…The Jewelers Board of Trade, and the U.S. Customs Service are overwhelmed and undermanned and there is far too much fraud being perpetrated upon an unsuspecting purchaser by dishonest jewelers. Too many known instances whereupon the gold content is very, very low wherein the percentage of alloy simply overwhelms the gold content-thereby making such a “green finger” reaction possible.
Legitimate precious metal manufacturers are never knowingly involved in such nefarious proceedings. However, a shipment of alloy from their chemical company could inadvertently contain certain contaminated metals that could cause your “green finger.” This is uncommon, but does exist.
3) “I’m truly confused. We looked at a number of 14k gold rings in well known fine jewelry stores with fine reputations and there seems to be no consistent shade of gold. How do I know which is the best 14k gold?” Excellent question and my answer to that will put your mind at ease.
Most precious metals manufacturers purchase all their metals from well established precious metal laboratories. Since the American market for precious metal jewelry is the world’s largest-there are fine jewelry items on display from a multitude of countries with 1000s of manufacturers.
Pure 24k gold is a rather “yucky” color and these special precious metals chemists know exactly how to blend various metals to obtain the ’shade of gold’ to their liking. The exception is “specification gold.” Large retailers can specify the shade they prefer, and the chemist can create that specific shade with all the proper alloys at his disposal.
In our next exclusive “3 JEWELRY SECRETS…REALLY…”segment, I will continue to share my 50 year knowledge of the wonderful world of jewelry.
PS: STERLING SILVER IS UP NEXT. Please let us know your most important question(s.) We will try to help with knowledgeable answers…
About The Author: Donald Gist is the president and founder of the Shavonne Corporation whose jewelry is sold worldwide. His 50 year background encompasses every facet of the jewelry industry-from design to sale. http://www.shavonne.com is the largest specialty jewelry website in the world.
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Oct
30
Posted by OtherAuthor
The movie Titanic highlighted the relationship between Jack and Rose, an unlikely courtship that blossomed into an intriguing love story throughout the story on the true-life, ill-fated ship. The storyline, however, focused on another aspect of the movie; an exquisite piece of jewelry, the heart of the ocean. This beautiful diamond necklace, worn by Rose, was a well-sought out jewel by the characters on the ship, and also by the modern-day characters in the film.
The rarity of this diamond necklace proved to play a controversial role in the film from the beginning to end. Only do we realize at the end of the film, a now seasoned Rose gives the diamond necklace its final resting place.
The diamond necklace in the movie was held in high regard, valued and worn by only the upper-class passengers of the Titanic. Does the entertainment industry then suggest that diamonds are worn only by the privileged and wealthy? Well, possessing real diamond jewelry is not just some frequent commodity for the average person. Diamonds are rare and beautiful jewels, and for that reason they are exclusive.
In fancy jewelry, diamonds are showcased in a collection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. For special occasions, these diamond accessories complement any formal wear you would display at such places like a fancy ball, a dinner party or a milestone affair like on your wedding day. For women, wearing a strapless gown complemented by a diamond necklace will put all emphasis on the beautiful jewel. Imagine the sparkle you could exhibit by wearing diamond jewelry!
If you are interested in buying a necklace for yourself or for a gift, be aware that a diamond necklace is a pricey, yet worthwhile investment. Such gifts as a diamond necklace should be given to a special loved one or bought with the intention of wearing to formal affairs.
The various styles of diamond necklaces gives one a personalized preference to accompany their formal outfit. For example, actresses observed at an award show are seen wearing distinctive diamond necklaces. For an extravagant look, one movie star was seen wearing a necklace with sparkling diamonds all around the neck. For a simpler look, another actress was seen wearing a thin chain, emphasizing all attention to the solo diamond. Moreover, finding a diamond necklace that suits your preference can well be accomplished with the huge variety of styles to choose from.
With Titanic referring its diamond necklace as the heart of the ocean, a diamond necklace can likewise follow reputation as being a high-valued accessory. If you do decide to give someone a diamond necklace, explore and shop around to a variety to designs and styles and hopefully, you will find the perfect diamond necklace for your loved one!
About the author:
Harris Michael Jewelry, an Internet-based wholesale jeweler, will help you find the perfect diamond necklace for your special occasion.
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Oct
30
Posted by OtherAuthor
Shopping for Inexpensive Yet Brilliant Pieces
History of Beaded Jewelry
Beads have been used to create jewelry and adorn costumes since the dawn of time. If you were to look back on the Ice Age you would discover small objects crafted of natural “beads” including animal bones and teeth, seashells and colorful stones. These items were usually attached to clothing or plant fibers to form the most primitive forms of beaded jewelry.
Beaded jewelry symbolizes many different things for different people; different cultures have associated beads with varying spiritual beliefs, cultural customs and social traditions. Beads, like many other jewelry items, have been used throughout time to adorn the bodies of men and women alike, signifying power, beauty and the human spirit.
The very first actual “beads” that have been discovered date back to approximately 38,000 BC. Made by cavemen, these beads were crafted from animal parts. In later times, beads were crafted as symbols of fertility and animal spirits.
During the stone age, beads were crafted primarily as a means of adorning the body; they were also used for trading on occasion however. A couple thousand years later, beads were crafted out of coral and other “precious” substances. In ancient Greece there is evidence that carnelian beads and beads made of lapis lazuli were worn by wealthy members of society. The use of semi-precious stone beads began to become more popular about 2800 BC among the Syrians, who fashioned beads of materials like agate and serpentine.
Since that time beaded jewelry has become more and more valuable and popular. Gold and other semi-precious stones are often used to craft beaded jewelry.
Perhaps the most popular form of beaded jewelry is glass jewelry. Evidence of the first glass beads suggests that glassmaking was common in Mesopotamia around 2180 BC. Glass beads were popular then and are popular now in part because of their durability and inexpensive pricing. The Egyptian and Phoenician cultures are well known for their use of glass to make beaded jewelry. Beaded jewelry was commonly found buried with wealthy pharaohs in the ancient tombs of Egypt, though it was not uncommon for glass beads to be buried with poor families as well.
In modern times beaded jewelry is popular because of its versatility and diversity. Beads can be crafted from almost any material including the following:
- Coral/seashells
- Gemstones
- Glass
- Rock Crystal
- Gold
- Silver
- Stone
- Pearls
Beads can even be crafted out of plastic (though this is of course less lovely than some other more traditional options). Though in times of old beads served as symbols of status, wealth and heritage, today beaded jewelry is more much representative of a persons unique style preferences and personality. Beaded jewelry can be custom made in almost any style, using any type of chain and any type/combination of beads.
Beaded jewelry is just as popular today, if not more popular than it was in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian times. Buying online is easy, and perhaps the best option for bead savvy and not so savvy consumers alike. Buying online eliminates the hassle of traveling from store to store, which can take days or more to find the right beads or beaded jewelry. By shopping online, you have literally tens of thousands of unique selections to choose from. Though no longer traded for food, modern jewelry enthusiasts often engage in bead trading for fun and camaraderie.
Costume Jewelry
Costume jewelry is sometimes referred to as “fake jewelry” by some well meaning but unknowing individuals. Costume jewelry is crafted from among other items, rhinestones, glass stones and gold plated metal or sterling silver. Costume jewelry first surfaced in the United States around the early twenties; it was very popular among European immigrants that settled into the states during this time. Movie stars and common folk alike wore costume jewelry that was carefully crafted and ornamentally designed.
Costume jewelry, particularly antique pieces, are well worth their weight in gold. Many hand crafted pieces can fetch thousands of dollars on the open market. There are some designers that are more well known than others in the world of costume jewelry:
- Napier
- Nettie Rosenstein
- Ciner
- Hattie Carnegie
- Miriam Haskell
Even celebrities currently invest thousands of dollars on costume jewelry every year. Because unique pieces are harder to come buy and rarely mass produced anymore, some pieces created in the early 30s to late 40s can be hard to find. More common are pieces that were created in the 1960s or later. Costume jewelry is fun in part because the wearer is at liberty to make a bold statement. Not modest, most costume jewelry shouts out “here I am, look at me!” An excellent choice for the bold and daring, costume jewelry can be a wonderful accessory to just about any wardrobe.
Costume jewelry collecting has even become a favorite pastime among many jewelry enthusiasts, much like beaded jewelry trading and collecting. The appeal of both of these styles is their uniqueness and diversity. Though in some instances hard to find, costume jewelry can be easily explored via online shopping. When buying online, be sure to have in mind a price range and style before shopping. The selection available online might leave you a bit overwhelmed.
If you collect costume jewelry, you might be wondering just how much it is worth. Just as there are popular designers for look and feel, some designers work is more valuable than others, including:
- Ciner
- Marel Boucher
- Eisenberg
- Hobe
- Kramer
- Vogue
- Hollycraft
- Monet
- Coro
- Kenneth J. Lane
These precious gems are often marked when crafted.
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Cubic zirconia jewelry has to be among the most popular inexpensive “knock off” jewelry items to buy. Part of the appeal of cubic zirconia jewelry is its remarkable ability to look exactly like real diamond jewelry. Most cubic zirconia is hard to distinguish from its natural cousins.
The widespread use of cubic zirconia became popularized around the 1980s, when it first became mass produced. It is created through a chemical process that combines zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide, which when melted together form a radiant and shiny crystal resembling a natural diamond.
Most cubic zirconia jewelry is very durable, brilliant and long lasting. Some people have to look at a cubic zirconia under a powerful magnifying glass to distinguish it from a real diamond, a testament to its quality and aesthetic appeal. If you are looking for a clear, brilliant and inexpensive option to traditional diamond jewelry, don’t hesitate to shop a wide selection of cubic zirconia jewelry. Buying online provides the most advantages, because there is a wider selection and you have the ability to customize your pieces with the click of a button.
About the Author
Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer providing consumer information on such topics as beaded jewelry, costume & vintage jewelry, and cubic zirconia jewelry.
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