Bridesmaid Jewelry - a Wonderful Gift

Bridesmaid Jewelry --- the jewelry that your bridesmaids wear, can even be worn for "going out on the town" or for any occasion.....

Bridesmaid Jewelry - a Wonderful Gift

Eventually every bride gets to the point of planning when she must decide upon what jewelry her bridesmaids will wear for the big wedding day. In addition to that task, comes spending money on a budget. Staying within your allotted budget in some areas can be a hard and grueling task.

Remember the old catch phrase "kill to birds with one stone"? Well choosing your bridesmaid jewelry can help you save money, time, and sanity. Trends are taking us towards purchasing "thank you" gifts for our attendants and groomsmen. Why not give your bridesmaid the jewelry that they need to wear for the wedding day as their "thank you for being a special part of my day" gift? It really kills two birds with one stone, you don't need to think about another gift to give, that is already covered by your jewelry gift. The second great part of giving jewelry to your bridesmaids as their gift, is you can cut your budget here as well. If you are allotting money for their jewelry and a gift, you're covered in one shot. Time savers and money savers are great for brides on any budget.

With so many options on jewelry out there, you can personalize each piece of jewelry for your bridesmaids, making it not only a great gift, but a very special one as well. Purchase your bridesmaids jewelry that will not only look great with their bridesmaid's dresses, but will work for another fancy or special occasion. In many cases, the jewelry that your bridesmaids wear, can even be worn for "going out on the town" or for any occasion.

So brides, choose wisely and you will get more return for your budget money allotment and a really great and personal gift for the special ladies in your life.

By: bonitaj
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Star Ruby - Eternal Gemstone

Star Ruby - Eternal Gemstone**What are Star Rubies?..What causes the Star-Effect?...Are Star Rubies rare?..Star Ruby Myths and Legends:...Famous Star Rubies:...

Star Ruby - Eternal Gemstone

What are Star Rubies?
Star Rubies are a rare variety of the gemstone Ruby. These magnificent gems display a sharp six-rayed star which seems to glide and shimmer magically across the surface of the gem when the latter is moved. This is caused due to an optical phenomenon known as "Asterism". The star is best visible when the star ruby is seen in a single light source such as sunlight and spotlight.

What causes the Star-Effect?
Star-effect or "asterism" is caused by the dense inclusions of tiny fibers of rutile (also known as "silk"). The stars are caused by the light reflecting from needle-like inclusions of rutile aligned perpendicular to the rays of the star. However, since rutile is always present in star rubies, they are never completely transparent. In fact, star ruby is one of those few gemstones which actually require inclusions (i.e. rutile).

Are Star Rubies rare?
Today, out of every 100 rough corundum (ruby and sapphire) mined; only three will have stars apparent after being cut into cabochons. Out of these three, one will have a poor color but a good star; one will have a poor star but a good color and only one out of hundred will have both a good star and a good color!
Most original sources of star rubies such as Mogok (Burma) have run out of supplies. Worldwide production today is yielding a very small quantity of fine stars (especially in sizes above 5 carats). Star rubies are becoming rare as most rough today is cut into faceted stones after heating instead of being cut into cabochons to display the star.

Star Ruby Myths and Legends:
Traditionally, star rubies were worn by knights in the battlefields to protect themselves from the enemy. Local tales in Karnataka (India) say that if it is worn as a visible pendant or as a headgear then anyone who faces you as an enemy looses half his valour. The power of star ruby is said to be the highest during full moon.
Star Ruby is said to pep up internal strength, ward off tensions, distress the mind and drive away stress related problems like migraine, insomnia, and hysteria. The healing powers of gemstones remain a controversial issue, but are mentioned since ages by healers, shamans and medicine men. Whether it's a fact or a placebo effect doesn't matter, if it helps.

Famous Star Rubies:
The Delong Star Ruby resides in the Natural History Museum in New York City. It weighs 100.32 carats. Discovered in Burma during the early part of the twentieth century, it was sold by Martin Ehrmann to Edith Haggin DeLong, who donated it to the museum. In 1964 the Delong Star Ruby was the object of an infamous burglary, carried out by Jack Murphy, known as Murph the Surf, and two other men. It was then ransomed and recovered. The Delong Star was found at a designated drop off site - a phone booth in Florida.
The Rosser Reeves Ruby is one of the world's largest and finest star rubies. Weighing 138.7 carats, it is not only clearer and more translucent that the Delong Star, but also possesses a sharp six-rayed star. This Sri Lankan stone is renowned for its great color and well-defined star pattern. Advertising mogul Rosser Reeves, who donated the piece to the Smithsonian in 1965, carried it around as a lucky stone, referring to it as his baby. He often stated that he had acquired the stone at an auction in Istanbul in the mid-1950s. He actually bought the stone from Robert C. Nelson Jr. of New York who was acting on behalf of Firestone & Parson of Boston. Firestone & Parson were selling the stone for Mr. Paul Fisher of New York. Mr. Robert Fisher, Paul's father, had bought the ruby at an auction in London in 1953. At the time the ruby then weighed just over 140 carats, but was very heavily scratched, and a few carats were removed in the repolishing. The repolishing also helped to center the stone's star. Articles in the New York World-Telegram and the Sun in 1953 mentioned this fabulous gemstone.

Zodiac / Birthstone Information:
Ruby is the birthstone for July, and the Capricorn zodiac sign. The top quality of ruby is Star Ruby. Ruby is also used to celebrate a couple's 15th and 40th anniversaries.

What to Look for while buying a Star Ruby:
The value of Star rubies is basically influenced by two things: (a) The strength and sharpness of the star, (b) Intensity and attractiveness of body colour.

Sharpness of the Star: The star should be sharp and silvery / milky white. The best way to test the sharpness of the star is to look at the star ruby in sunlight with the dome facing the sun. All six prongs should be straight and equally prominent. The complete star should be centered in the middle of the gem, but should also be able to glide effortlessly around the cabochon.

Colour of the gemstone: Generally rubies are red. But star ruby is usually not red. Most star rubies are available in pinkish-red, purplish-red or purplish-brown colour. Red Rubies with a perfect star are very very rare and may cost a fortune.

Cutting: Cutting is very important to exhibit the star effect in ruby. They need to be cut into medium to high, domed cabochons to get the perfect star effect. The cabochons must be round or oval-shaped. The stone should not be too flat on the top or too heavy on the bottom. Many bottoms of stars are kept unpolished so that the light is trapped inside the gemstone.

Caring about your star ruby:
Though there are very few chemicals that attack Star Rubies, it is best to clean your star ruby with warm soap water and a toothbrush. Cleaning your Star Ruby in Ultrasonic cleaners is not recommended.

Treatments & Synthetics:
Genuine Star Rubies are usually not heat treated because heating can dissolve the rutile (silk) which causes the star to form in the first place.
Beware of Synthetic (Lab-made) Star Rubies! Synthetic star rubies jump out as way too perfect looking, i.e. a perfect star, a super clean stone, and great color. In natural star rubies the distribution of colour is often uneven, in stripes and spots - which is the best way to judge with the naked eye whether the star ruby is natural or synthetic. However, sometimes it may be a tough task to distinguish between natural and synthetic gems and if you run into any such stone, be sure to ask for a Reputed Gem Laboratory certificate from the seller. No doubt synthetic star rubies are much cheaper than natural ones, but they may offer little or no resale value.

Advise on Star Ruby Jewellery:
Star Rubies are available in all forms of jewellery. However, Star Ruby Rings and Pendants are usually preferred. To maximize its astrological and healing effects, it is advised that the gemstone should be mounted in jewellery in such a way that the bottom of the stone touches to skin. Star Ruby can also be kept as a loose gemstone. Rubies look best in Yellow Gold Jewellery, though it really depends on the choice of the wearer.

To conclude, if you are looking out for a gemstone, but not sure which one to buy, search no more, get yourself this mystical gem!

Author: Harshil Zaveri
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Cheap Designer Jewelry

Cheap designer jewelry pieces are not necessarily low in quality and design. They are pieces sold at slashed tags as the jewelry makers feel there is a need to dispose volumes of....

Cheap Designer Jewelry

Women cannot go on a cocktail party or clubbing gimmick without donning three things: fashionable bag, stiletto shoes and shining-shimmering jewelry pieces. Fashion is ultimately women's world but the male species are starting to embrace the phenomenon of trotting with chic get-up and men's accessories. Thus, fashion doesn't exclude anybody because it's definitely where great ideas and contemporary outputs overflow. To address the growing needs of fashion aficionados and beautifully crafted accessories, the industry affords the market with cheap designer jewelry, discounted bags and shoes, low-priced yet quality clothes, and diamond rings on sale. A single day won't be enough to find the greatest of the best deals that online shops like e-bay.com, amazon.com, walmart dot com and other websites are displaying for sale.

Cheap designer jewelry pieces are not necessarily low in quality and design. They are pieces sold at slashed tags as the jewelry makers feel there is a need to dispose volumes of pieces in order to give way to new series or collections of earrings, neckpieces, bracelets, bangles, anklets and watches. These designer jewelry pieces are of different concepts such as vintage, contemporary, fusion of classic and modern, crystal-embedded, native, sparkling, sterling silver, gold-embedded and Swarovski inspired. Any designer jewelry adds up to the glamour and beauty of the outfit you are wearing. It creates a twist while enhancing your look so that you can stand out in any occasion you are in. Simplicity can even transform into glamour when you pair your outfit with an artistically crafted designer watch, bangle or jewelry set.

Crystal is a wonderful piece to use when making a jewelry piece because of timelessness, classiness and versatility. Your beauty is likely to last forever as you are donned in designer pieces of jewelry. Chandelier and dangling earrings are popular among cheap designer jewelry pieces. Bangles are also trendy in lieu of the typical bracelets. For a neckpiece, you have an option to pick the choker type or the lengthy one that reaches to your tummy. Fusing silver with other types of materials can be very edgy as well. Colors like orange, blue and silver-plated are much followed by the younger crowd while earth tones of stones and red look pretty on mature women who desire to attain an elegant look in all occasions.

Gemstones, Swarovski crystals, Mother of Pearl and diamonds are women's fascinations when it comes to cheap designer jewelry. A distinctive set of rhodium embedded earrings coupled with bezel crystals can make you look sophisticated and elegant. Without too much glitters and sparkles, you can outshine dullness if you have Swarovski jewelry as part of your wardrobe. Any Swarovski inspired set provides an essence of haute couture that makes a woman feels as if she's wearing an authentic piece of diamonds and pearls.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about designer jewelry, please visit My Designer Jewelry for current articles and discussions.
By Ian Pennington
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Pendants of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Prince

Pendants of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Prince

No, this ain't no movie that has the same storyline about pirates and Davey Jones or going to the end of the world hoping to catch some kind of black heart or something like that but this is something about jewelries and you can't find anything here except a fine jewelry collection. If you love jewelries, then, sit back, relax and read on.

Man is destined to have dominion over the earth as assigned by a strong Spiritual Being and he was left with the decision to do what he please starting from giving names to every creatures that walked, crawled, swam and flew over the planet. He was even given the responsibility to make use of things around him, to eat the freshest fruit and to drink the coolest water and to dress up himself with fine things and that includes the metals of the world and that is where he came up with jewelry.

Today, times have changed. Men have more choices now for clothing and even jewelries. Jewelries today are no longer limited to the simple and usual ring, earrings, bracelets with gold, silver and other kinds of decorative stuff. Now, you can have your own jewelry that speaks of your personality. There are a whole range of strong, stylish choices for today's never-ending wants and needs. There are choices of jewelry that will allow you to really enjoy the jewelry you wear that will speak a lot about yourself.

If you are drawn to Celtic designs, you will be thrilled by the different types of jewelries that you can see at jewelry stores, both offline and online. From simple to decorative styles, the timeless symbols inherent in Celtic design will make your jewelry stand out and at the same time will let you shine for everyone to see.

There are even sites that display a wide variety of gothic styles and other styles which are considered sensual and pleasing, not only to the eyes, but also to the soul.

Then, there are those that boast of jewelries that has Celtic crosses and other similar things. If you don't have the idea of what jewelries with Celtic crosses looks like: just imagine Johnny Depp's bohemian style which he used on the movies where he played a pirate but even off-screen, Mr. Depp can still be seen wearing jewelries like these and it really speaks a lot about himself. Or you could be like your idol who is a lead singer of some goth-metal band who wears a lot of "black" jewelries that really stands out in the crowd.

Then, of course, who would not want to have jewelries that look elegant and expensive but are cheap? The most important thing is, the things that you are wearing can reflect your personality and you're awesome-looking wearing it. Right now, there are hundreds and even thousands of cheap jewelries that you can also find offline and all around the Information Highway from rings, chokers, hair clips, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, bangles and earrings that will make them go "ooh" and "aah" without any single idea that they are not that expensive as what they seem to be.

In conclusion, the essence of jewelry is not in its price but in the personality it emits within you and around you. If you really want to go for fine jewelry collection, make sure that it speaks about your soul, it speaks through your soul and it can even be your very soul.

Blak Prince caters specifically to men. Inspired by the founders' family heritage and personal travels across regions of Europe. Blak Prince takes root in ancient European and Byzantine culture, architecture, clothing, and Jewelry Based upon the lifestyle and splendor that shaped men poised as history's most powerful rulers, Blak Prince is dedicated to the young and powerful man forging his own destiny

By Bernard Steimann
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Why Has the Cost of Silver Jewelry Gone Up?

Why Has the Cost of Silver Jewelry Gone Up?--Sterling silver jewelry is comprised of 92.5% silver (thus the .925 stamp on all true sterling pieces) and 7.5% copper.....

Why Has the Cost of Silver Jewelry Gone Up?

Why has the price of silver jewelry gone up in the past year? Glad you asked. Some of our customers question why does our silver jewelry prices fluctuate. Our response is: for the same reason the price you pay at the gas pump fluctuates from day to day. First and foremost, silver is a commodity just like oil, gold, gas, coal etc. When the prices of these commodities surge like they have in the last year, the price of raw silver will go right along with them. Sterling silver jewelry is comprised of 92.5% silver (thus the .925 stamp on all true sterling pieces) and 7.5% copper. The copper makes the silver more durable.

Raw silver prices went from $12/oz a year ago to over $20/oz. Just in the last month have they had a steep drop from $18/oz to under $14/oz. Silver jewelry designer/producers do not make any more money by increasing the prices of our silver jewelry but are only recouping the increased costs of the raw materials. The majority of silver used to produce sterling jewelry in produced in either Mexico or Italy. A recent strike by a labor union in Mexico stands to increase local producer prices as well. Excerpt from Mining Journal article: Miners in Mexico held a one-hour walkout to support anti-government protests but metals production was not hit, the country`s mining chamber said. Some 20 sections of the union laid down their tools in the silver and gold-producing states of Guanajuato, Zacatecas and Durango for the first hour of each work shift, the union said. Mexico`s mining chamber said the walkout only affected some mines in the three states. "The one-hour stoppages ... were partial, with the majority of companies operating normally," Sergio Almazan, the head of the mining chamber, said. "We did not see an impact on production," he said. London-listed silver miner Fresnillo Ltd, one of the world`s largest silver producers, has mines in the states affected by the walkout.

As you can tell, many items including world events can affect the prices consumers pay at the jewelry store. One key indicator is when the price you pay at the gas pump goes, the price for silver jewelry is rising as well.

Jenny Meeks is the president of Morgan & Company, a gift and jewelry company specializing in personalization. Visit our online store at http://www.morgan-company.com.
By Jenny Meeks
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Going Gaga For Designer Watches For Women!

Going Gaga For Designer Watches For Women!

What do Britney Spears, Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson have in common? (And heck, no! I am not talking about how these female celebrities have been called various unsavory names like pop tarts and fashion fuglies in the course of their careers) They all love designer watches for women, that's what!

If you are an avid follower of female celebrities' outfits, you will observe that aside from the ubiquitous designer handbags, you will be privy to the sight of gloriously attention-grabbing and expensively stylish designer watches for women (and men, in some cases) gracing their wrists. Just what is it that makes women go gaga for all watches designer, anyway?

Anytime, All the Time

Designer watches for women make for great gifts all the time, anytime! Let us count the 12 reasons why (just because the number matches that of a conventional analog watch):

- One size fits all, almost: Unlike lingerie and shoes, you can choose one designer watch and take comfort in the fact that it can be adjusted to fit any wrist. For men and women who lack the eye to gauge size, watches are God-send.

- Practical items: Watches serve a utilitarian purpose - keeping time. Everybody will love a watch for a gift (especially your control freak of a girlfriend)

- Attractive things: Watches are attention-grabbers especially the ones with bright straps (big thing in 2008) and precious jewels and metals. Who can deny that diamonds and gold on an ever-busy hand is attractive a mile away?

- Appropriate for all occasions: Christmas, birthday, anniversary, special celebrations - it does not matter. Designer watches for women will be appreciated all the time, even when her closet is full of it. After all, a woman could never have too many watches, bags and shoes!

- Appropriate for everybody: No matter who you will be giving them to - wife, girlfriend, mistress, sister, niece, sister-in-law, female co-worker and boss - designer ladies' watches are the safest and surest bets.

- Personal statement: Watches are evocative of an individual's personality. You can give a watch that speaks of the recipient's character or your personality just so she will remember you every time she checks her watch.

- No-fuss gift: You can gift a watch right out of its box. No more going to the store to have it wrapped and no more grappling what color ribbon to tie it with.

- Non-committal gifts: Unlike rings and necklaces, designer ladies' watches express your admiration and appreciation without saying "I love you and I want to marry you" to your lady love of the moment.

- Variety of choice: With the many brands of designer watches for women out there, you can choose according to your budget and preference.

- Brand prestige: Logos are there for a purpose - to advertise to all and sundry that you can afford the real McCoy and that you have excellent taste.

- Top-quality: With the higher than average price also comes a higher than average quality of workmanship and precision.

- Timeless accessory: Fashions come and go. Style is eternal. These words immortalized by Chanel aptly describe the timeless stylish appeal of designer watches for women.

These 12 reasons aside, haven't you ever felt like buying something just because you like it and you can afford it?

Fashion Watch List

When it comes to designer ladies' watches, there are a few basic guidelines you can follow. These are just guidelines because your watches are a reflection of your fashion style - even Princess Diana was known to pair diamonds with denims to a smashing effect!

Like all other personal accessories, less is better when it comes to ladies watches. Gone are the days when women were allowed to wear multiple watches on one arm and get away with it and even then, only teenagers got away with the fashion faux pas. Besides, you will look like a watch whore when you do this at your age!

You should go for quality instead of quantity. It is way better to possess a few top-notch designer watches for women to suit every occasion you plan to be in your social calendar than to own many obviously low-quality watches to wear for each and every day of the year.

In this wise, go for designer watches for women made by reputable houses like Breitling, Chopard, Dubey and Shaldenbrand, Roger Dubuis, Cartier and Rolex. You will never go wrong here.

Most importantly, follow the correspondence principle as often as possible. When going to a formal party, wear a dress watch and high heels. When going to casual affairs, wear a casual watch and comfortable shoes. Do otherwise and be prepared to encounter pitying glances and scornful looks, not to mention a snicker here and there.

On the lookout for designer watches for women? Visit RoddyJonesTrading.com today for the fulfillment of every style tip in the book!

By Roddy Jones
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Custom Wedding Rings - The Need to Be Different

Custom Wedding Rings --it is finding a set of custom wedding rings to match their individual engagement rings because in their search to find the perfect custom design wedding bands,...

Custom Wedding Rings - The Need to Be Different

If there's one problem that couples face, it is finding a set of custom wedding rings to match their individual engagement rings because in their search to find the perfect custom design wedding bands, most travel from jewelry store to jewelry store and more often than not end up disappointed. It's a fact that there are numerous jewelry stores who have an extremely large range of wedding rings designs and the means to create custom wedding rings, including the new sensation - custom Celtic wedding rings. However, many such jewelers lack the ability to provide a realistic sample or illustration of how the custom design wedding bands would look when finished. This makes it difficult for a couple to make a decision, as the design they have in mind could be far different than the one in the jeweler's mind.


In the quest to be different, the past few years have witnessed an unprecedented demand for wedding rings especially among young, affluent couples which has given rise to an increasing number of jewelers offering design wedding rings. Experienced and professional custom jewelers usually have the skills required to provide a realistic prototype of how wedding bands would look when finished and these are precisely the jewelers that make it easy for couples to choose and decide their wedding rings. Many professional custom jewelers have an experienced designer of custom design wedding bands and some designers also possess the skills to create custom Celtic wedding bands as such rings are growing in popularity among several couples.

The role of the designer is to develop a concept based on what specifically a couple is looking for, or create an original concept or more for a couple to choose from. Unfortunately, some jewelers may not be able to translate an approved concept into the perfect wedding bands that a couple requires, owing to poor craftsmanship. This is why the perfect custom design wedding bands are the result of good synergy between couple designer and custom jeweler. Inefficient craftsmanship often results in wedding rings that inherit a history of problems, among them, the loss of gemstones owing to poor settings, or improper welding of the metal. Fortunately, there are also qualified jewelers who possess the credentials for making wedding bands as they are certified with one important credential - the 'Jewelers of America (JA) Master Jeweler program. A JA-certified Jeweler is considered to be a "Master Jeweler" and couples can rest assured that such certified jewelers have been fully tested in all disciplines of jewelry making including the creation and making of wedding bands.

Most jewelers that make custom design wedding bands use the time-tested, method of wax prototypes of a couple's wedding rings. These prototypes are extremely useful because they can give couples an idea of how their custom wedding rings would look when finished. Today however, some jewelers have inducted 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology to create far more realistic and accurate designs. Going by the phenomenal demand for custom design wedding rings, the day may not be far when every couple of tomorrow would want nothing else but custom wedding rings.

Wedding Rings
Custom Wedding Rings Online
By Jen Carter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/