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/

Men's Fine Diamond Watches & Where to Find Discount Prices

Men's Fine Diamond Watches--Today the three world famous diamond watches are from Cartier, Citizen and Movado. The last name is referred to when someone describes accuracy and exclaims 'runs like a Swiss watch'...

Men's Fine Diamond Watches & Where to Find Discount Prices

One of the common customs in many countries around the world is to give a diamond engagement ring to the woman when making a marriage proposal. These are very beautiful items but diamond watches for men and women can also be used as an alternative gift. These highly sought after pieces are available from some of the top end names in the industry. Different jewelers concentrate on the different types of this jewelry.

Harry Winston, creates sought after pieces and is known for its one off diamond watches. These have been produced for some of the biggest celebrity names on the planet, the prices are not for the faint hearted. For some of the most colorful and exotic pieces take a look at Hildago creations whereas engagement rings from Christian Bauer, a company with a great history, are available from select outlets with their diamond jewelry creations only available to buy on a made to order basis. If you are under the impression that all diamonds that are sold are used in these unique pieces you are wrong, since only the diamonds which are certified for clarity and color are used.

Loved by men and women alike, diamond watches are regarded as a wanted luxury item. It is a fact that the earliest wrist watches were actually bracelets containing diamonds which had a small watch face attached. Queen Elizabeth received the first of its kind as a gift from the Earl of Leicester. This was a lovely round clock decorated with near perfect diamond hanging from the bracelet. This was most likely the original diamond watch for ladies.

Men, on the other hand wanted to wear pocket watches till WWI instead of choosing wrist watches which they found were not masculine enough. It was because of the airplane being invented that led to the first men's wristwatch being developed. This happened because aircraft in the early days did not come equipped with fuel guages and both hands were necessary for control purposes. It was essential to have timepieces that (1) allowed the pilot to know what his fuel consumption and range was, and (2) did not need them to remove their hands from the airplane controls to check their pocket watch!

The popularity and growth of diamond engagement rings went hand in hand by a rise in popularity of mens wristwatches. Today the three world famous diamond watches are from Cartier, Citizen and Movado. The last name is referred to when someone describes accuracy and exclaims 'runs like a Swiss watch'. Making watches for the last 100 years, Movado is a company who nearly 200 different watches available in its catalogue. Amongst these are a wide range of distinctive designs of diamond watches to choose from.

For a large selection of discount men's diamond watches from top designer names such as Cartier, Movado, Audemars Piguet and more visit Luxury Watch Store.
http://www.luxurywatch-store.com/
By Ron Aldo
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Tip Top Jewellery Advice

Tip Top Jewellery Advice--jewellery that are heavily encrusted, just let the ring is the focal point of your look...

Tip Top Jewellery Advice

A woman wearing a fabulous dress with sensual shoes and her hair styled to perfection often feels at her very best, a woman can then ruin the whole look with the wrong choice of jewellery. As if the "rules" for the length of the skirt, the height of the shoes and the colour of lipstick were not enough, women also have to worry about what they should and should not be used to make jewellery work for them.

Using jewellery intelligently does not require an in depth knowledge of fashion. Your choice and use of jewellery tells the world: "I'm not modest and I feel good, enjoy life and I'm feeling great about my appearance." The main thing to remember is that less is nearly always more. If you are using a thick bracelet and a necklace, forget bling-bling and big earrings you don't need to wear all your jewellery items at once.

When you want to use large and heavy jewellery, you should avoid clothing with heavy designs they just don't get along. All-black clothing and all-white flat clothing, is perfect with big jewellery or colourful chunky items. Have fun with trends in coral and turquoise in the summer season. The last thing to remember is that the larger the stone the less real it seems. Big cocktail rings are retro-cool and very fashionable, but resist the temptation to wear them with a lot of other pieces of jewellery that are heavily encrusted, just let the ring is the focal point of your look.

Using gold with gold and silver with silver creates a more traditional look, but true fashion often revolves around a more modern look. The trick is, if you want to mix metals, maintain a similar style of jewellery. A modern gold bracelet does not look good when combined with delicate earrings of platinum or diamonds. This "fashion stacking" lends itself perfectly to a mix of metals, so you can combine rings or bracelets round or square in different shades of gold. You can even use necklaces of gold and silver together for a modern look, because sometimes the rules were made to be broken.

One great area for jewellery that is nearly always overlooked is the hair, especially if have a very full head of hair, designer hair accessories can very much help to enhance the natural beauty of your locks. Also don't forget your accessories can use their own jewellery accessories to add to their appearance, for example, handbag charms can set of a plain accessory and make it more attractive.

Darrell F writing about women's jewellery in the UK and the costume jewellery market in particular.
By Darrell Freeman
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Celebrity Diamond Earrings

Diamond earrings have become extremely popular amongst celebrities. This is because the majority of celebrities want to look their best at all times as they are often followed by the British press...

Celebrity Diamond Earrings

There are many items of jewellery a person can choose to wear. Perhaps one of the most desired items is that of diamonds. Diamonds are made up of almost perfect pure carbon atoms and as such have different qualities to other substances. These qualities are special and are therefore sought after by consumers across the world.

There are many different types of diamond products one can buy. Diamonds rings are very popular, especially for occasions such as engagements and weddings as this makes the event even more memorable. Diamond necklaces and diamond bracelets are very popular too and are bought often as they can be worn for many different outings. One of the most popular diamond jewellery items however is that of earrings. Diamond earrings have become extremely sought after as they are probably the one item of jewellery that can be exhibited at all times.

Such is the admiration for diamond earrings that they are becoming very popular amongst some of leading stars and celebrities. Cristiano Ronaldo, voted 'World Footballer of the Year 2008' who helped Manchester United to Champions League and Premiership glory in 2008, bought his girlfriend Nereida Gallardo a pair of specially made diamond earrings worth around ?25,000. One of Manchester United's former greats also splashed out a similar amount on another specially made pair of diamond earrings. David Beckham wanted to treat his son Brooklyn after a tough year.

It is not just footballers who spend money on diamond earrings however. There are many other celebrities that take a fancy to diamond earrings too. Louise Redknapp, who had a number one hit in the nineties, has been seen in some top London locations as too has British TV presenter Kirstly Alsop going from location to location to location! Many other celebrities have also been seen wearing diamond earrings as the requirement of looking your best can never fall short whilst in the limelight.

Although very popular amongst celebrities, diamond earrings still remain very popular up and down the country from ordinary men and women. The sheer beauty, together with some of the attractive colours and designs make diamond earrings a valuable and much loved product. They can be found up and down the high street and are sold in large quantities at some of the leading jewellery stores.

Diamond earrings have become extremely popular amongst celebrities. This is because the majority of celebrities want to look their best at all times as they are often followed by the British press. Diamond earrings are a great way for them to do this, but so too are other diamond products such as diamond necklaces, diamond bracelets and diamond rings.

The author works for Ernest Jones and diamonds earrings can be found at Ernest Jones.
Diamond Earrings can be bought at Ernest Jones.
Diamond Three Stone Earrings can be bought at Ernest Jones.

By David K Fox
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

A Rainbow Gem Underground

A Rainbow Gem Underground--The opal is unique because it diffracts light naturally, breaking it up into many colors within the stone,...

A Rainbow Gem Underground

Like most of the world's gemstones, Opal has had a long history. Treasured greatly in Europe 2000 years ago, the stone was well described by Pliny the elder, an ancient historian who shared the Roman emperor's fascination for opals.

"opal is made up of the glories of the most precious gems which places them beyond description. For amongst them is the fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea green of the emerald, the blue of the sapphire, all glittering together in union indescribable. Some by the intensity of their hues equal all the painters' colors. Others the flame of burning brimstone or of fire quickened by oil.

How an opal changes color was a mystery for thousands of years. The electron microscope, unlocked the secret. A diamond produces its colors by refraction, by bending light at the surface of the gem. The opal is unique because it diffracts light naturally, breaking it up into many colors within the stone, As it tilts, all of the colors will change. This phenomenon, called the 'play of color' is what gives opals it's distinctive attraction."

Toward the end of 19th century the world's supply had nearly dried up. It was saved from extinction, when opal was discovered in the vast arid regions of the 'land down under' - Australia

The Striking colors of aboriginal art remind us of opal. It was no doubt amusing to the aborigines to see the white man groveling around in the dirt under the hot sun, looking for them. Hence the name 'Coober Pedy' meaning, 'white man's hole.'

Its amazing that, just like rainbow, opals can contain all the colors of the spectrum. Click on http://www.opalmine.com to see gemstones such as you have never seen before. These ancient beauties have been released from the dirt of the Australian outback, captured by the skill of our online designer 'Brusacci' and placed skillfully in frames of gold and silver. Enjoy a visit to the Australian bush at the same time, and talk to the designer himself if you want some special jewelry suggestions.

Peter Brusaschi the author of the CD 'The ordinary Bloke's guide to opal' has been sponsoring the site http://www.opalmine.com with its opal encyclopedia and chat forum, for the past 10 years. Peter has been visiting the Australian outback for the past 50 years and is an expert on the subject of opals, and the Australian outback. [known by Australians as 'the bush']
By Peter Brusaschi
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/