Vintage Sherman Costume Jewelry

The allure and sparkle of vintage Sherman jewelry has resulted in collectors all over the world searching out special pieces. Sherman Jewelry was made in Canada from the late 40´s to the early 80´s. The creativity and sparkle of the masterful designs by Gustave Sherman drew in the purchaser and today many vintage jewelry collectors buy only Sherman.

Sherman jewelry was and is known for its sparkle. The company used only the best quality Swarovski crystals. The most popular cut stones used in Sherman pieces are the long marquise and the navettes. Most Sherman pieces include one or both of these cut shapes. The stones were always prong-set, rather than glued. This speaks further of the quality of workmanship and design.

The underside plating was heavy and polished to a fine finish. The plating was either rhodium, gold-plated or japanned metal. The Sherman signature on the underside of each piece is unmistakable. The older pieces had a sweeping and slightly slanted S before the other letters.

The most sought after pieces by collectors are the big bold brooches, bracelets and necklaces in bright colors. Collectors love the aurora borealis pieces, but brooches with deep Siam reds are highly sought after. These pieces can fetch hundreds of dollars. In October, 2008, a three-piece set in Siam red sold for nearly $800 in an ebay auction. The bigger and bolder the piece, the more valuable. Sherman pieces with colored stones are collected more than those with clear stones.

If buying and collecting any vintage rhinestone costume jewelry, invest in rare pieces and learn as much as you can about the design company. Other things to consider are color and quality of design. These are the things that determine value.

Make a showy statement this winter and wear a big, bright and bold Sherman brooch on your dark winter coat. Sherman brooches sparkle like diamonds in the snow.

Replica watches Breitling

There are many a time we think of treating ourselves with a genuine Breitling watch. The idea is always shushed away thinking of the hiking price tags the watch has. But don't be disappointed anymore. Replica watches Breitling gives you an equal opportunity to buy the same brand value as the genuine Breitling. The only differentiated feature would be the lowered prices of Breitling replica.
The famous brand was initiated by Louis Breitling in 1884 in Switzerland. He wanted to satisfy the need of supplying timepieces to the aviation industry. In this regard he had done a great job. In 1923, the brand outshined with the first wristwatch chronograph. It kept on inventing and developing new things specifically for the need of pilots. By 1936, his efforts were highly praised and these watches became the official supplier of Royal Air Forces, US air Force and American Armed Forces. In 1942 Chronomat, in 1952 Navitimer wrist watch and in 1962 Cosmunaute with a 24 hr chronograph were released
In 1979, the company lost its founder and it was also shaken by the presence of Quartz in the industry. It was later on bought by Ernest Schneider who changed the look of Breitling to some extent. He kept on making watches for the pilots but also creating timepieces for other professions. Some of his innovative designs are known as Chronomat, Aerospace, Emergency and B-1. Today the new collection consists of Breitling Navitimer, Breitling Windrider, Breitling Professional, Breitling Aeromarine, Breitling Bentley, Breitling Hercules etc.
Replica watches Breitling are prestigious and luxurious watches which give you a boost and make you happy without spending a fortune. These replica watches Breitling are set at such reasonable prices that you wound not want to miss the chance of embellishing your wrist with such valuable brand at such a reasonable tag.

Aventurine Jewelry

Earrings, Pendants, Rings, Bangles and more...

Commissioning some of the world's finest Aventurine jewelry designers, Mudit International offers a stunning array of carved Green Aventurine and Black Aventurine jewelry set in silver and gold. From traditional designs to modern contemporary styles, our selection of Aventurine necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings and bangles exhibit an exceptional attention to quality and detail that make our products some of the most sought after in the world.

Nephrite Aventurine

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have valued Nephrite venturine for its exquisite beauty, durability and spiritual quality. Ancient Greeks prized Nephrite Aventurine for its ability to heal kidney ailments and called it nephros (kidney) from which we get the name nephrite. Chinese Emperors had their artisans fashion indoor decorative items and sacred ceremonial rings and pendants from their sources along the Yangtze River. And for centuries, the Maoris of New Zealand considered Aventurine sacred, possessing mana (Iife-force), and transformed their South lsland Aventurine into weapons, ornaments and jewelry. Other cultures have valued its beauty and have used it extensively for both sacred and decorative purposes. The sarcophagus of Russian Czar AIexander lll was carved from nephrite Aventurine.

Today, Nephrite Aventurine continues to embody precious mystical properties, making it an enduring favorite for sculpture, jewelry, religious statuary and ornaments.

World's Finest Aventurine Becomes World's Finest Aventurine Jewelry

At Mudit International, our Aventurine comes from some of the world's most respected suppliers of Aventurine and Aventurine products; from the world's largest Nephrite Aventurine source in South Australia to the more traditional suppliers of New Zealand and Asia.

From such quality Aventurine, our highly skilled jewelry artisans are able to create remarkable jewelry pieces that are both durable and stunning. Used as a centerpiece to enhance one's spiritual connection or as an elegant addition to casual wear, our earrings, pendants, rings and bangles at Mudit International will complement and complete your unique style and "Iook."

Jewelry Gifts and Best Sellers

Mudit International Aventurine jewelry pieces make a stunning gift for any occasion; birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or when you just want to tell someone they're speciaI. Our extensive catalog offers a huge selection of exquisite Aventurine earrings, pendants and bangles set in silver and gold. We also have a special showcase of our best selling Aventurine necklaces.

Aventurine Jewelry Series

In addition, we have several stunning series of Aventurine jewelry pieces that have come from our skilled artisans. From Contemporary style to Pacific to one of our most popular Aventurine pieces, the Dolphin pendant, our Aventurine jewelry series offers you a selection to fit any style, any occasion.

Pledge of Quality

When you order from Mudit International, you can be assured of unparalleled service. We value you as our customer and will always strive to make your ordering experience with us worry-free. From our ability to ship anywhere in the world, our company stands by its promise to offer you the best.

Our Aventurine jewelry is the world's finest and we look forward to having you join our list of satisfied customers!

Tanzanite

Tanzanite was added to the official list of birthstones by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002, the first such addition since the early part of the twentieth century. This new December birthstone is found only at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. It adds 20 million dollars annually to the income of the African state of Tanzania.

Tanzanite was designated an alternate birthstone for the month of December by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002, the first change in the official list in ninety years. It is the bluish purple variety of the mineral zoisite, and is found only in Tanzania, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mining of this gem brings in 20 million dollars annually to the African state of Tanzania. Most tanzanites on the market are heat treated, which does not lower the value. The best stones are flawless to the naked eye.

Legend has it that Masai cattle herders discovered tanzanite. At first there was confusion over its identity. The first person to identify it correctly was Ian McCloud, a Tanzanian government geologist. The discovery occurred in 1967. There has not been enough time for a body of myth and folklore to grow up around this stone. Crystal healers associate it with spiritual perception, truth and happiness.

The mining of tanzanite is fraught with difficulties. The crystals are widely dispersed in hard rock. A combination of picks and shovels, iron bars and jackhammers is used, which destroys some fine specimens. The crystals fracture easily. The mines are dangerous, poorly constructed, and subject to flooding.

Tanzanite was presented to the public by the Tiffany Company of New York, and was received with great enthusiasm. Today, tanzanite is among the top gemstones used in high end jewelry Good stones command extremely high prices.

Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 and added to the official list of birthstones by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002. This bluish purple zoisite is found only in Tanzania, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Good stones can sell for one thousand dollars a carat or more.

Introduction to Gemology: Getting to Know the Other Blue Gemstones

When it comes to blue gemstones, sapphire, lapis lazuli and blue diamond are the most commonly known. Blue gemstones make beautiful adornments and are used by some people for their calming properties. This article, however, doesn´t focus on the popular blue gems. Instead it lists and describes five lesser- known blue gemstones: agate, azurite, and benitoite.

Say blue gemstones and people would immediately think of sapphire and lapis lazuli

as these two are the most commonly known blue gemstones. Of course, there is

always the blue diamond crystal, which is one of the most coveted and expensive

gems in the world. Some other blue gemstones exist but are less popular because

they may be so rare or kept concealed from the public. Or, they may be of the cheaper

variety. Still, they are gems that can beautifully adorn any piece of jewelry.

The Lesser-Known Blue Gemstones

* Agate

Among the blue gemstones that are not so well-known is the agate. It is essentially

crystalline quartz characterized by bands made of chalcedony layers that form in rock

crevices. The classification of agate varieties is based on appearance, characteristics,

or source. Agate can be found in abundance in many places. Its varieties include the

Botswana agate, Brecciated agate, agate-jasper, crazy lace agate, and blue lace

agate.

Agate had been in use since the Middle Ages and people then believed that this blue

gemstone could improve a person’s eyesight and character. According to an 1864

publication, The Book of Seven Leechndoms, the therapeutic benefits of agate include

protection from poison, drunkenness, thunder, sorcery, and demonic possession.

* Azurite

Another blue gemstone worthy of note is the azurite. It is often mistaken for lapis lazuli

or other kinds of blue gemstones. Azurite and green malachite are usually found

together because azurite turns into malachite due to weathering of the specimen surface into malachite.

Azurite is used occasionally as beads and as jewelry, and also as an ornamental stone. However, its softness and tendency to lose its deep blue color as it weathers limit such uses. Heating destroys azurite easily, so all mounting of azurite specimens must be done at room temperature.

* Benitoite

Benitoite is a rare blue gemstone, found in hydrothermally altered serpentinite. Benitoite fluoresces under short wave ultraviolet light, appearing light blue in color.

It was first described in 1907 by George D. Louderback, who named it benitoite, “as it occurs near the head waters of the San Benito River in San Benito County,” California.

Curiosities: Unusual Gemstones

The range of gemstones is large—too large for diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls to absorb all the attention. There are many more gemstones that exude great visual appeal. Some have gone in and out of fashion over the centuries. Some are simply too rare to generate considerable fanfare. This article explores some lesser known gemstones that are alternatively beautiful in their way and make for stunningly unusual jewels and for your Engagement Rings .

Watermelon tourmaline is one of seven varieties of tourmaline and is one of the rarest. The aptly-named watermelon variety blushes with a fruity pink center that is encased in a layer of green signifying the rind. Often icy crystal forms a layer between the pink and green too. While other tourmalines can be comprised of two or more colors, this unique coloring is quite prized by gem enthusiasts as it is completely natural—a most unusual occurrence in nature. Scoring a 7.5 on the hardness scale, watermelon tourmaline is typically cut in a table or baguette shape that shows off the coloring most advantageously.

Citrine, the yellow or golden variety of quartz, does not often make for gem-quality stones, but when it does it is truly a dazzling vision. Gemstone quality citrine is found mainly in Brazil, Spain, and parts of Russia. Scoring 7 on the hardness scale, this golden stone is often faceted for brilliant, mixed, or pendeloque cuts and is sometimes used for cabochons.

Carnelian is another ancient gemstone of the chalcedony group. As hot wax did not stick to the stone, the Romans employed red carnelian in their seal and signet rings to stamp their important papers or letters. Lacking the brilliance of red stones like rubies, carnelian’s red is dull, but its translucent quality gives it great beauty nonetheless. Used in rings, cameos, intaglios, and fashioned into beads.

Resembling but far more fragile than emeralds, dioptase ranges in color from intensely bright green to a remarkable (and rare) blue-green. Treasured by collectors, dioptase crystals are found in copper deposits in Chile, Russia, Zaire, and Arizona. Because the stone is fragile, it is seldom faceted.

Rarely faceted, apatite makes for a gorgeous jewel stone nonetheless. Sometimes found opaque or without color apatite can be seen in yellow, green, blue, and even violet examples. Blue-gray fibrous apatite is particularly beautiful, but the more brilliant varieties of green, yellow, and blue rival more popular gemstones in beauty. Found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Russia, Spain, Mexico, Sweden, and East Africa, apatite scores a 5 on the hardness scale and its best examples sometimes display a cat’s eye effect.

Tugtupite, meaning reindeer stone occurs in Greenland and parts of Russia. Its colors include shades or orange, deep red, and pink. It is not a very well stone as it was discovered by geologists in 1957, although it was well known by Inuits for centuries.

Reaching Success In Jewelry Making

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 Issue
According 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.

Crash Course In Pearl Selection

What could be more beautiful, more traditional, more right than watching your bride walk down the aisle adorned in pearls? But buying fine jewelry for the woman of your dreams may seem to be a daunting task. Let me make it easy for you. There is nothing more beautiful to complement a wedding dress than a stunning strand of pearls.

Since pearls come in a variety of shapes, colors and overtones they are the versatile, perfect choice to support any wedding theme. Among the various types of pearls there is nothing more classic than a Bride in a white flowing gown, her neck draped with dazzling Akoya pearls known for their brilliant luster, elegance and infinite versatility. With uniformly round shapes, exceptional luster, shimmering orient, and an array of natural colors such as peach, lavender and white Cultured Freshwater Pearls are sure to charm and surprise your beautiful bride who’s looking for a more modern and contemporary wedding. And if you’re looking for something truly one of a kind then Tahitian Pearls in a tantalizing array of bold colors such as peacock, pistachio green and silver are perfect for an exotic wedding. Even White or Golden South Sea is sure to enhance the beauty of your bride.

Pearls are available in different grades and the buyer must bear some knowledge while selecting perfect pearl for your bride. Choose the right grade for your brides pearl jewelry. There are various grades that categorize pearls into different qualities.

1. A/A+: “A” quality is the lowest quality that is commercially available with wrinkles, small cracks, white or brownish spots, dimples and other nasty blemishes on their surface. They will be off-shape and only moderately matched.

2. AA: This quality pearls are near round in shape will have fair to good luster and the matching is done well.

3. AA+: Pearls of this quality are found perfectly round and well matched. The luster will be slightly sharper than the AA pearl and can be determined if can see your reflection in the pearl and some background detail.

4. AAA: Pearls of this quality are said to be ‘gem-quality’ pearl as it has less than 5% inclusions over its surface, and also can be completely free of inclusions with luster that sharper than AA+ quality. They have a glowing surface that is slightly translucent. There is little to no variation in shapes and matching of a strand.

5. HANADAMA: The term Hanadama is synonymous with rose color and vendors call them the flower pearls because of their rose colors, which lend proof to the fact that Hanadama is simply an identifying characteristic of color assuming the pearls have good luster and nacre. These are the absolute best Akoya pearls that you can buy.

It an be concluded that with a little crash course in pearl selection, you are ready to select the best pearl jewelry that she will treasure for a lifetime!

Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

Unlike the natural pearls fresh water pearls are produced in mussels and are grown with human intervention. Whatever be its origin and the process it also provides the same level of happiness and brings pleasure just as the natural pearls do. Both natural and cultured pearls are identical in makeup that is they are comprised of the changeable internal layer of a mollusk shell. There is some confusion with the evolution of cultured pearls. People relate cultured pearls with imitation but this is far from the original fact.
Freshwater cultured pearls are pearls that are grown in mollusks that live in freshwater ponds, lakes and rivers rather than in the ocean and are produced in mussels. Cultured pearls mean that this freshwater pearl growth process was deliberately started by man. They look so natural that the best specimens of freshwater cultured pearls could be compared with the saltwater pearls—the Akoya pearl, the Tahitian pearl and the South Sea pearl in beauty and quality.

Freshwater cultured pearls are produced in mussels that are nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only, which is taken from a donor mussel since they do not contain a starter “bead."

They are characterized by beautiful luster and a durable surface that will not easily flake or peel to reveal the inner bead whereas pearls that are bead-nucleated and prematurely harvested are prone to flaking and chipping. The most notable characteristic feature of freshwater pearls is their striking arrangement of beautiful, natural pastel colors. Pastels like cream; white, yellow, orange, and pink are common with freshwater cultured pearls. Apart from this the color pink which symbolizes romance and a pink pearl jewelry is an ideal gift for your valentine. Even lavender pearls are enjoying a rush in popularity today universally. Remember that pearls should be taken care to keep their luster for long time because once damaged their shininess could not be recovered. Therefore care should be taken that they are gently wiped with a damp cloth that has been dipped in a mild soap and water solution and air dried before wearing them again. Avoid contact with your hairspray, perfumes makeup and other chemicals. Store your pearl jewelry in the separate box to save it from getting scratched by other gems.

Freshwater pearl jewelry could be found everywhere today, from the red carpet to the boardroom and beyond. The reliable reason cited behind the popularity of freshwater pearls is their availability in abundance in wide variety of pastel colors and of course the prices that are within the reach of most consumers.

Pearl Gemstone: Symbolizes love, success and happiness

Pearls is a classic piece of jewelry that is formed in shellfish and that could be found from the Red Sea, Gulf of Manaar and the Persian Gulf.

Pearls is referred to us as "Queen of the Gems". From the ancient Greek, they believed that wearing pearl necklace would promote marital bliss. Pearls could belong to the moon and the zodiac sign "Cancer". Pearl gemstone have inspired the scientist to provide with a large number of cultured pearls. Pearl gemstone has decreased its price in the market and has acquired popularity in the society.

Pearls could be the nicest gifts one can give and help improved self worth. They often symbolizes happy marriage and in many countries are used as a wedding gift. It pacifies passion and mental inconsistency and strengthens the heart. It brings luster brightness on the human face.

Shiva eye

Shiva eyes are famous and popular to manufacture extraordinary jewelry. The white Shiva eyes come into their own handled as silver jewelry and fashion jewelry. Although the history and origin of the Shiva eye is rather fameless.The Shiva eye originates from the turban shell. The turban shell lives in the deep tropical sea. It has a special protection against attackers. It forms a kind of “door” at the entrance of the snail shell – the Shiva eye. Most of the shivas are white to rose and easy to detect because of the helix in the middle. The back of shivas reminiscent of a eye – so the name.After the natural death of the turban shell the shiva unsticks and washes up to the beaches. They got picked up there and manufactured to jewelry. In the Hinduism it pass as “third eye” of the goddess Shiva and takes a positive effect on the energy flow of the human body. The helix is a mark that can be found in quite a number of living beings. Just to mention the fingerprints, the auricle and the microscopic little molecules in the DNS. The Shiva eye amulets are worn to protect against evil powers and to keep the wearer save.Since centuries has the Shiva eye a magic effect on humans.

Irish Jewelry Online - Irish and Celtic Jewelry handmade in Ireland

Star Rubies The finest collection of star rubies available in all shapes, sizes and qualities. Choose from Kenyan, West-African, Tanzanian, Indian, Burmese or Vietnamese Star Rubies at wholesale prices. Visit The Star Ruby Shop and pick a star ruby... as simple as that!

Warning: Tricky Jewellers Are On The Loose

You have saved for years for this diamond ring. Now you think it is time that you have enough to buy your partner a diamond ring for engagement. Wouldn't it be so frustrating to learn in the end, that what you got is just a cheap fake diamond ring? Some jewellers are just so good they could pull this trick together without anyone suspecting.
When you are on a quest to buy that perfect diamond ring, you must be extra careful. Open your eyes and dont be a victim of the controversial diamond scam. Some jewellers even appear harmless but within their innocence lies a vicious person who simply want to get money from you.
Avoiding Diamond Scams
Beware of jewellers who don't tell you honestly about the stone. Some will bedazzled the buyers by giving details about the carats but it isn't the carats alone that matters. You should also ask for the weight of each stone when separated from the center diamond. They ought to know this if they want to give their customers the most honest information.
Some jewellers will offer an affordable diamond ring and advertise it. But if you ask them about it, they will offer you something else most probably more expensive. This is a scam that is prevalent even with other types of products and services. To avoid this scam, don't give in to their persuasions. Just request for the ring that they have advertised and if they can't give you that, it only follows that it is just a tricky ad.
Some jewellers display their diamond rings under bright lights. This makes the diamonds look so sparkling. But if you try to get them off the bright lights and look at them under sunlight, the sparks are gone. Don't be fooled by this type of trick; otherwise, you may end up buying a fake diamond.
Protect Yourself From Jeweller's Tricks
It pays off to read about diamonds yourself. When you know what genuine diamonds are, you will be able to easily distinguish the real from the fakes. It will also be easy for you to judge the quality of the diamond in the ring.
Some jewellers will find ways to earn more money even at your expense. Don't let them do this to you. Beat them at their own game. Now that you know their common tricks, it will be easier for you to beat them.

How To Make Her Say Yes During Your Wedding Proposal

There is no guarantee that the woman of your dreams will right away say 'yes' during your proposal. This doesn't mean that she doesn't love you like you love her. It may just be because she isn't ready yet for a lifelong commitment like marriage. Or perhaps, she wasn't just impressed with your wedding proposal.
The traditional 'will you marry me?' wedding proposal while having dinner is overused. If you want to impress your girlfriend and ensure that she says 'yes' to your proposal, these romantic proposal tips will come in handy:
Invite your girl in your favourite pub or bar. Request for your theme song (the song that you both love and you feel represent your relationship). As she enters the pub or bar, the song will be aired and you can hand your flowers and of course the engagement ring. You can also talk to the DJ and propose on air.
In the window of her room, write your proposal in the dust. When she opens her window curtain, that is the first thing that she'll see. This is very romantic, just make sure the dust is still there and nobody has cleaned the window yet before she wakes up.
You can make your proposal public. In a concert event, you can go up the stage and propose. Just make sure you ask permission from the performers. Or you can advertise full page in your local newspaper or her favourite magazine.
Take her to the beach. Talk to someone who can spell the words 'will you marry me?' on the sand. This will surprise her.
Give her a gift with the engagement ring. The engagement ring can be simple but if you have the budget, you can opt to buy an elegant diamond ring as your engagement ring. Surely, your girlfriend can't say no. This is the style where you let the engagement ring speak for the proposal.
Wedding proposals should be made unique as possible. You should prepare everything before you actually propose. Don't forget the engagement ring. Shop around for your engagement ring weeks before your proposal. This is to ensure that you get the best engagement ring for you partner.
These wedding proposal tips mentioned here will make the moment very romantic. They will sweep your partner off her feet and she can decide right away to give you her sweetest 'yes'. Surely, romantic proposals pay off.

Planning Your Wedding Jewelry

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.
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!

Gold Jewelry

Gold is measured in units called karats. 10K, 14K and 18K signifies fine jewelry: the higher the karat, the greater the gold content. Watch out for words like real gold or real silver in advertisements. Often, businesses will use these words to dupe the buyer. Costume and fashion jewelry contain very small amounts of real gold. Beware of the word overlay even if it is precedes the 10, 14 or 18K designation. This refers to a process of bonding and it designates costume or fashion jewelry.

Wholesale Silver Jewelry

Silver costs less than gold but it tarnishes easily. When searching for silver jewelry, you’ll want to know the difference between fine or sterling silver and silver-plated. Sterling silver has a content of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper and will be stamped or labeled "925" or "Steer." Jewelry that is not tagged Sterling Silver, is most likely cast in brass or zinc then

hand-dipped in silver. Sterling Silver pieces are more costly and considered fine jewelry.

Wholesale Fashion Jewelry

Fashion Jewelry contains real gold and silver electroplated over brass or Sterling Silver. The measurement of gold, in terms of quality, is defined by the amount of mils, a unit of measurement referencing the quantity of precious metal in the number of layers that is used in the overlay; the higher the mils, the higher the quality and the price. The jewels used in fashion jewelry are semi-precious stones, lab created gemstones, crystals and rhinestones, and they all have quality and cost classifications of their own. Like fine jewelry, the same terminology applies: facet, referring to the cut; clarity, referring to the brilliance; and fire, referring to the kaleidoscope of colors. Austrian Swarovski crystals, higher in quality than plain crystals, are considered superior to rhinestones because they are more intricately faceted and have higher light diffraction or fire.

It is common for fashion jewelry to carry the name of a famous designer or a celebrity. When buying designer or celebrity wholesale jewelry, always check the current season’s retail line. Outdated retail lines command less money in both the retail and wholesale market. Researching the current retail market value will help in determining the value of wholesale price.

Wholesale Costume Jewelry

Costume Jewelry is cheaper than Fashion Jewelry in both quality and price. Usually made of plastic or acrylic, it’s often termed junk jewelry and is sold in deep discount or dollar stores. If costume jewelry claims any gold, it is gold plated, not electroplated. The gold or silver is thinner and in addition to the base metal being different - pewter, nickel and sometimes lead - the overlay itself is often not pure gold or sliver. Thus, it commands a much cheaper price

in both retail and wholesale markets. Gold plated and electroplated are not the same.

Body Jewelry

Jewelry adornments such as belly button studs, brow and nose rings have become trendy and are in high demand, particularly with the younger crowd. When piercing the body, the higher quality jewelry is often the better choice. Many people have allergic reactions to metals so it is important to know the metal content of any jewelry you purchase.

A good thing to keep in mind is that trendy jewelry will often see a higher ratio of bogus dealers trying to make fast money in a high-demand market. Often, they misrepresent the jewelry to the uneducated buyer. An internet search will undoubtedly turn up several hundred sites that offer jewelry at wholesale prices, but if you are not keen on buying online, look in your local directory

for discount and wholesale dealers in your area.

You might also want to attend jewelry or designer’s trade show or visit a local flea market where you can actually see the jewelry and assess the quality. While it’s okay to order online and from catalogs, make certain there is a return policy.

Finally, look for reputable dealers who have an established track record. Don’t be shy about asking for customer testimonies that you can verify. Whether you’re buying for your personal collection or for resale, buying wholesale jewelry can save your bank account.