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 sets.
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.

Bridal Jewelry: Common Mistakes

Jewelry is a momentous component to most weddings. In fact, many couples introduce the idea of getting married with an engagement ring and they seal the deal with a set of wedding bands. Bridal jewelry is an ancient practice that is said to have originated with the Romans. Today, many couples take extra care when choosing the appropriate wedding jewelry. Unfortunately, there are some mistakes that brides have made in the past as it relates to choosing the perfect jewelry for their wedding day. The following is a list of mistakes that brides should be careful to avoid when choosing bridal jewelry.

The Engagement Ring

Shopping for the perfect engagement ring can be very exciting, yet thought provoking. For most couples, an engagement ring is intended to serve as a permanent fixture in their relationship. With this said, it is important for the couple not to select a diamond engagement ring that is too trendy. Selecting bridal jewelry that is too up-to-the-minute may cause the bride to grow out of her ring in a couple of years. The best engagement ring is one that is timeless.

Bridal Accessories

The average bride will choose a bridal jewelry set to wear with her wedding gown. However, it is important that the bride refrain from choosing bridal jewelry before she has selected her wedding dress. Hence, bridal accessories are supposed to enhance the dress--not the other way around. This important factor follows the age-old question--What comes first, the chicken or the egg?

Something Borrowed

Inheriting a family treasure from mother, grandmother, or even great-grandmother is a kind gesture--especially when it can be worn on the bride's wedding day. Although wearing a family heirloom for bridal jewelry is sentimental, it may not be a practical choice. As mentioned earlier, the purpose of accessories is to enhance the overall appearance of the wedding dress. If grandmother's antique pearls conflicts with the style of the wedding gown, it may be best not to wear the heirloom. In this case, it may be a good idea to agree to wear the borrowed jewelry to the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or on the honeymoon.

Something Old

This could easily apply to something that you received from your mother, grandmother, etc.. but it can also be something that brings back pleasant early memories. How long did you know your future husband? Maybe your bridal jewelry is a reflection of the first present he gave you (visit to a fabulous beach). How about beach themed jewelry for you and your bridesmaids.

Something New

Even if you choose to make an heirloom as the center of your bridal jewelry, complement it with some of the elegance of modern Swarovski crystal accessories or the latest designs in pearls.

Bridal jewelry is a significant element in preparing for marriage. As a symbol of everlasting love and an enhancement for the bride's wedding attire, it's important to avoid common mistakes that many brides have made in the past. When it comes to selecting the perfect bridal jewelry, the bride should choose wisely!

Buying Wholesale Jewelry Online

Wholesale jewelry establishes a unique relationship between artist and consumer. It makes it possible for everyone to afford good quality jewelry since it is reasonably priced. Once a design is created and approved, the mold is reused to produce several copies. Wholesale jewelry has a large audience since it can be sold in a variety of ways including online.
This mass-produced jewelry is also quite beneficial for the artist, since their designs reach a larger audience. The artist must first come up with a creative design. Wholesale jewelry is capable of producing some beautiful pieces, using many varieties of materials. Often, people forget that the initial design of a mass produced item does have to have a talented, cleaver artist at the beginning creating the piece. In fact, the very first edition done by the artist of the piece is highly valued and priced. Subsequent orders for the same design will use the same mould and therefore be sold at a lower price.

The craftsmanship of a piece may vary, from good to bad, which is influenced by the market price point. Wholesale 925 silver jewelry, for example, is produced by a mechanized process but it is possible to provide good hand finishing in the final production phase and improve the quality of the jewelry. Since this adds to the price tag, it is therefore avoided in most cases. Wholesale jewelry made with gemstones like aquamarine, tourmaline, ruby and sapphire get to be quite expensive and have a limited market.

In this day and age it is also quite common to try and duplicate pieces that have been made famous by celebrities. Celebrity culture produces people who collect replicas of things such as Jennifer Lopez’s canary yellow diamond ring from her engagement to Ben Affleck. Such a ring would be impossible to afford for the majority of the population. Yet wholesale jewellery makes it possible to live out that fantasy. While the ring is reproduced in less expensive, economical materials, the sentimentality of the piece remains.

The internet and other sources give access to a lot of wholesale jewelry companies that can purchase jewelry at very competitive prices. Though, one should be aware that there is a difference between online jewelry stores and online wholesale companies. Online jewelry stores sell jewelry mostly at retail prices, even though the price may be slightly discounted, so caution should be taken.

When dealing with an online wholesale company, you want to be sure that you are buying the real thing, even if they advertise that their jewelry is ‘authentic’. Beware of words like ‘gold plated’ or ‘realistic’. This is an indication that the jewelry isn’t gold, or that stones are fake. Also, be aware that some wholesalers will only sell in bulk. In these cases, one must choose how much they are willing to purchase. Often the companies have a minimum value. There are other options in purchasing wholesale jewelry. Attending trade shows is one. Also, joining a discount club, or locating some companies in your area through the internet.

Om or Aum

Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

Om in Daily Life

Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines.

It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

The Eternal Syllable

According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it".

The Music of Om

Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita.

The Vision of Om

Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

The Power of Om

During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.

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!

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.

Starting a Jewelry Business? 10 Things to Start Making NOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where You Can Find Jewelry Making Patterns

Jewelry making is by far one of the most popular and well known hobbies in the world today, and if you are interested in jewelry making then you should know that there are many different things that you are going to have to take into consideration here.

When you want to begin something like jewelry making, one of the first things that you are going to have to get is jewelry making patterns.

With jewelry making patterns you are going to be able to find different types of jewelry that you can make, and because you have actual jewelry making patterns, you will be able to follow the patterns step by step, making the entire process much easier on you.

More About Jewelry Making Patterns

If you are interested in getting jewelry making patterns then you should know that there are many different places that you can go to in order to get them. One of the first places that you should check out is your local arts and crafts store, where you should be able to find a great selection of jewelry patterns.

However there are many other places that you can go to as well, and for instance, you can go on the Internet, and his is a really great idea because the speed and efficiency of the Internet allows you to be able to quickly and easily find exactly what it is that you are looking for.

Your options are really endless here, and so regardless of what type of jewelry making patterns you are interested in, you are surely going to be able to find something that works perfectly.

Browse through as many different jewelry supply stores as you can, so that you can have the most options, and thus end up being the most satisfied in the end. Just make sure that you set out a budget for yourself beforehand so that you can calculate out how many patterns you can purchase and thus you will not end up going overboard and spending more than you should.

Taking your time is incredibly important here, and so you want to make sure that you do this so that you pick out patterns that you are going to be able to complete without trouble and that you are going to have fun while you are making the jewelry as well.

Jewelry Making Findings Can Make Or Break A Jewelry Project

Jewelry making findings are the essential pieces which make the bead and wire a piece of jewelry. Jewelry making findings are simply the components of any piece of jewelry; the findings consist of clasps, head pins, ear clutches, jump rings and any other manufactured or hand made component. Separate headings of 'Findings" are listed in all jewelry making supply catalogs or websites. A craft or hobby store will have the header listed in their jewelry supply area. Jewelry making findings is a major revenue business all by itself.

Ear Wire

Ear wires are the jewelry making findings that are used to connect a beautiful earring body to the wearer's ear. Ear wires are essential when making earrings; they are generally silver, gold and copper. There is also silver and gold plated, as well as, gold filled. The 22 gauge is the size which is most used in ear wires.

The ear wires are inexpensive to manufacture and are sold in bulk. Ear wires can also be made by hand, and this could be a way to distinguish your work from a manufactured earring. There are many books and websites which contain instructions for different patterns of ear wires.

Zip Lock Bags

Small zip lock bags are also considered jewelry making findings. Plastic zip lock bags or small fabric pouches are items which must be considered when selling your jewelry or keeping it safe. Oils and everyday pollution will harm your jewelry making findings and, therefore, must be kept in containers before and after they are made into jewelry.

Sizes of these bags depend upon your necklace, bracelet and earring projects. But jewelry making findings must always include small bags of some capacity.

Clasps

Toggle clasps, jump rings, lobster clasps, S clasps and magnetic clasps are all examples of jewelry making findings. These are all necessary components to make any necklace or bracelet work. Your beads or crystals, wire or chains and clasps is all that it takes to make a spectacular necklace or bracelet. But your findings are absolutely essential in the making of these necklaces and bracelets.

There are many more examples, but the ones that are listed above are the essential pieces. When researching for jewelry making findings, look for quality first. In jewelry making findings you really do get more 'bang for your buck'.

Spend a little more for your findings and your customers will turn into repeat customers and you won't turn into a jewelry repair business. When all is said and done, jewelry making findings can literally make or break your jewelry making projects.

Unique Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Celebrated every year, Mother's Day is an occasion when you express your affection and respect for your mother. It's time to pamper her for all she has done for us over the years. On Mother's Day you can tell your Mom that she will always be important to you all and that you will continue to love her for ever. Many other countries celebrate their Mother's Day at different times throughout the year.

About Mother's Day - Many different countries civilizations recognized and honored the work done by mothers in a variety of different ways in the past. Reaching as far back as times of the ancient Greeks, honoring mothers was already a concept of great importance as the god of Rhea and Cybele represented the Mother of gods. In United States of America, Anna Jarvis of Grafton West Virginia pushed for the national recognition of all mothers after her mother had passed away on May 10th, 1908. Finally successful in 1914, Woodrow Wilson declared Mother's Day as a national holiday and reserved the second Sunday in the month of May to honor them.

Mother's Day is the time to give back to our mom, the love and care which she showered on us, all her life. This is the time to tell your mother that she is the most devoted, kind-hearted, understanding and most lovable person in your life. No gifts can match your love towards her; still they do signify meaning and importance to the occasion in your own small way. Gift hampers, flowers, chocolates, cakes, jewelry, apparels and other such gifts make the day more memorable. These unique gifts help us to make her feel extra special. Below are some gift ideas and suggestions:

Gifts Basket: A perfect gift basket for your mother will be the one that contains things that she likes. Gift Basket covers chocolates, cake, cookies, teddy bears and other goodies that are truly unique and fantastic.

Jewelry: This traditional gift never goes out of style and it is always a wonderful idea. The vast majority of women like jewelry and your mother is one of them; you will not go wrong by buying jewelry for her on Mother's Day. Try a bracelet or necklace with charms with the baby's birthstone for a gift she'll treasure for years.

Fresh Flowers: There is no better than fresh flowers. Flowers are the perfect gifts for centuries, and Mom still enjoys receiving flowers today also! A beautiful bouquet of flowers or an exotic flowers vase will make many a woman thrilled on Mother's Day and so as your mother.

Personalized Gifts: To give your mom something different and special on Mother's Day, personalized gifts is perhaps the most thoughtful way to go. One can always personalize almost everything that can be imagined. Creativity does not need to be expensive. Personalized jewelry, as the name implies, is a very personalized gift. When Mom receives this gift, she will know that you put some thought into it - you did not just got to the store and buy the first thing that you saw there.

Mothers Day will be here soon on second Sunday of May! So, on this Mother's Day please don't forget the special lady in your life – your mother. Use our recommendations to buy the perfect Mother's Day gift that your Mother will love.

Mother's Day Gift a Perfect Gift to your Mom

The Ancient Greek and Roman cultures can be said to be the discoverers of the tradition of honoring our mothers. The first Mother's Day ceremonial was a church service in 1908 requested by Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia, to honor her deceased mother, Jarvis, at an early age, had heard her mother express hope that a day to honor all mothers would be established. So, in 1914, Congress passed legislation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

There is also some evidence of a festival prevailing in the British Isles and Celtic Europe where a festival called the "Spring Mother's Day" was celebrated in honor of Goddess Brigid. However, these festivals are totally different from the present Mother's Day in that they celebrated the concept of motherhood rather than giving honor and respect to the immediate mothers.

Mother's Day is attributed to this day as a celebration of womanhood, when we celebrate not only the involvement that a mother makes within her family by nurturing her children but also the contribution she makes to the society at large. Because of our mother only today we are perfectly grown-up. Mother takes us under her protection right from the day we are born. She feeds us, gives us medicines, looks after our growth and teaches us to walk and play.

We always thank our friends, co-workers or every body who helps us. What about our mother? When shall we thank her for bringing us up, for the sleepless nights she had because of us, for cleaning us during our childhood, for giving us birth? A mother deserves much more than a single Mother's Day. She should be sent a "Thank You Gifts" everyday. No thank can ever repay mother's debt, but at least we will make her happy by sending her gift on Mother's Day. Below are some gift ideas and suggestions.

Flowers: An esteemed symbol of love, loyalty, gratitude & so many other different emotions and flowers also has a special connotation for Mother's Day. Gifting flowers is one of the most admired ways of saying 'I love you and I care' to your loved ones. Your mother has nurtured you like her most precious flower in the world. It is time for you to express your feelings to your mother by gifting some beautiful flowers that speak your language.

Jewelry: If you are looking for a special gift for your mother on Mother's Day, then jewelry is the best option. If you can afford it, then a fine piece of jewelry for your mother on Mother's Day will speak more than a thousand words. It will make her feel really pampered. You could also gift her with a personalized piece of jewelry.

Chocolates: Women and chocolate just go together. In fact, it would not be strengthening to say that the chocolate industry largely survives because of women. It also understood by many to release feel-good chemicals in the brain. No wonder it is perhaps well-liked present for every occasion, especially in Mother's Day.

Whatever may be the gift you give to your mother, the best gift you will be giving her this Mother's Day is the feeling that you thought of her and made an effort to make her feel really special in its own way.

Confused about buying gifts on Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is believed to have its origins in the annual spring festival celebrated in Ancient Greece to pay esteem to Rhea, the wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities. The second Sunday in May is celebrated as Mother's Day not only in the United States, but in other countries also. Mother's Day is a special day of the year, as we have the pleasure of honoring and celebrating the most important women in our lives in-fact the first girl in our life and i.e. our MOTHER.

This is why giving gift on Mother's Day has implicit a lot of significance. Walk in to any gift store and you can get a lovely and beautiful gift for your mother. However this is an activity that you need to spare some time for. And in today's busy world, everybody is short of time. In this case you can always find other options i.e. online gifts; from there you can find lots of gift ideas to decide the right gift for mother's day.

If you want to give your mother something different on Mother's Day, a personalized gift is the best way to go. You can get your mother's name and maybe even her favorite picture or painting printed on every individual sheet of paper. You can choose a matching bracelet, chain or ring for your mom. Another gift idea is the usual photo on t-shirt or shirts and a bowl, mug, or plate with a photograph.

Mothers of grown-up children would appreciate matching jewelry too with matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings. This gift idea is great for all ages of mothers. One other virtue jewelry and it surely lasts longer than chocolates and roses. After all, how special can these gifts be? Think about it. It's one way of saying "Thank you, Mom, and I love you!"

There is other fantastic gift idea – flowers. Millions of flowers are sent out on Mother's Day celebration every year. The flowers have been the symbol of mother's love for centuries. White, pink and red flowers are common colors for Mother's Day Flowers. Each color has unique meaning in Mother's Day celebration. White flowers are considered as the flowers for those who have missed their mothers either because of death or of distance. Red flowers regarding life and love and considered the pictogram of love for living mothers. Even Roses are always a popular choice and a perfect gift idea. Nowadays, you can always easily pick perfect flowers online for your mother, no matter how far she is away from you; you can send that within 24 hours.

The Internet has helped to make shopping not only for Mother's Day but even other important occasions. Online shopping offers large discounts and offers with wide range of choice and suits all budgets.

So celebrate this Mother's Day with your mom, wife, mother-in-law, sisters, friends or co-workers with one of the Mother's Day gifts suggested above. There's no better way to let them know that how much they mean to you.

All About Celtic Jewelry

The Celts have a long history full of traditions and rituals. An extension of these traditions that lives on today is Celtic Jewelry. A reflection of their rich history and culture, Celtic jewelry make beautiful Celtic jewelry that usually consist of intricate Celtic symbols and designs. Celtic rings, for example, have very intricate patterns of knots, spirals, chevrons and scrolls with each carrying it's own meaning. Such uniquely designed jewelry possess irresistable charm and appeal to both men and women of all cultures, not just the Irish. Well-made, authentic Celtic jewelry make perfect gifts for anyone who loves jewelry.

Many jewelry designs of the ancient Celts carry great significance. We will explore the most popular jewelry designs and the meanings behind them.

First, the Celtic spiral. The Celtic spiral represents eternity. Spirals are a common Celtic symbol and any type of jewelry can have a spiral inscribed.

Next we have the Celtic cross, which came about two centuries before the Christian cross. It is a popular piece of jewelry that is believed to increase knowledge, wisdom, and fortitude.

Another popular design used in Celtic jewelry are Celtic knots. The intricacy of these designs make them both fashionable and timeless jewelry works of art. There is no definite information on the actual meaning of looping Celtic knots but these are believed to ward off evil spirits or bring eternity and interconnectedness to its wearer. The lack of documentation on these designs simply add to the mystery and widespread appeal of these wonderful jewelry pieces. Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols and its meaning is the well-documented. Claddagh designs consist of a heart (representing love) and are topped by a crown (representing loyalty) which are both held by two hands (representing friendship). It should certainly be of no surprise that Claddagh rings make popular engagement and wedding bands. The symbolism and beauty of these rings have resulted in a growth of newlyweds-to-be buying these as wedding rings around the world. It is also known to be a great gift between good friends. Often, the gift is given along with the saying "Let love and friendship reign". How a Claddagh ring is worn carries deep significance as well. When the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, it shows that the wearer is unattached. If the heart is turned inward, it shows that he or she is already attached. When the ring is worn on the left hand with the heart turned inward, it shows two loves joined in marriage.

With the timeless elegance and history behind Celtic jewelry, it is certainly an excellent reason for anyone looking for jewelry to choose it over traditional jewelry pieces for their loved one.

Functions Of Magnetic Jewelry

More than half of the population around the world suffers ache or pain ranging from mild to severe, somewhere in their body which diminishes the quality of their life. Fortunately with the want to lead a painless life certain devices made of magnet were discovered to serve the purpose of reducing the pain which with the changing time was shaped into jewelry in a variety of strengths that can be used for a multitude of purposes.

The piece of magnetic jewelry you choose and the strength of that piece is completely a matter of personal choice. The stronger the strength of the magnet the more effective it is likely to be, but the effects vary from person to person. The main purpose of magnetic jewelry is to provide comfortably diminishing pain through magnetic therapy. The increasing blood flow further increases the level of oxygenation of the blood and flushing out of toxins in the body on wearing the magnetic jewelry thus diminishing the pain.

The different types of magnetic jewelry are designed specifically to serve different location experiencing pain for examples necklaces help to alleviate pain caused by migraines and headaches, neck, back and shoulder pain as well as the pain caused by muscle cramps and lock jaw combined with the increasing blood circulation within the affected area. Similarly bracelets help to diminish pain from lateral epicondylitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, shoulder pain, tendonitis and bursitis, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The magnetic bracelets increase blood circulation, thereby diminishing numbness of the fingers and hands. Anklets On the other hand decreases the levels of pain associated with lower back and knee pain, spurs and inflammation in the legs and feet. Like bracelets it also helps to alleviate numbness of the legs. Preventing the joints from retaining water, increasing blood flow to the legs and feet and supporting the lower back are some of the extra potential benefits that the magnetic anklet provides.

All of the items of specifically designed magnetic jewelry will assist you by providing you with useful magnetic therapy helping you to reduce pain, inflammation, and giving an overall feeling of well-being even while you are going about your daily life. Beside these healths related facilities there is also the added bonus that they are stylish and creative pieces of jewelry that will make you look good as well. An impressive percent success rate in reducing pain, magnets have now become the powerful healing tools.

Coin Jewelry History

Coin Jewelry can be divided into two major categories: whole coins and cut coins. This article will seek to give the origin of and details about both types.

Whole coin jewelry has most likely been around since coins were first invented. It is thought that Egyptians would decorate their soldiers with medals similar to coins of their day. And, as long as soldiers and civilians have been traveling, the coins of other nations have been a great souvenir to take back home. Travelers would have coins finished whole or with added engravings to be used as necklaces and rings.

The other type of coin jewelry is commonly referred to as cut coins. Coin cutting was probably first seen in the 1600's when men would pierce and cut coins to impress their lovers. Since that time cutting coins has become a serious form of craftsmanship that is currently producing some truly unique pieces of jewelry. When cutting coins, craftsman start with a whole coin and then pierce the coin with small holes. A very fine tooth jeweler's saw is then inserted into these holes and worked until the main figure of the coin is released. This allows the central figure of the coin to be featured and seen by itself. The coins can then be left in its base metal or covered in gold or silver or, often times, both. The two-tone finish allows the intricacies of both the coin and the craftsmanship to be shown. From here the coin can be taken to it final form as a pendant, earrings, tie tacks, money clips or rings.

Whether it is whole or cut, coin jewelry is becoming quite popular. Many people purchase them to be used as a beautiful accessory, as a show of national pride or as a collection item specifically fit to their hobby or interests. To be worn especially as an accessory, there are lovely butterfly, delicate flowers, and bold suns, all worn as pendants or earrings. One of the most popular pieces is a stunning coin from Barbados, the ten dollar coin with features Neptune with a trident in his hand. When people want to purchase something to show their national pride, the Irish and Polish coins are popular and, of course, any of the American coins, with the new state quarters being a unique way to show state pride. Finally, there are a huge number of coins for those with particular interests or hobbies. Whether it is cats or dogs, panda bears or any type of sport, there is a coin that will match most any interest. These are just a few of the vast number of coins that are available in cut coin jewelry.

So whether it is a whole coin or one designed by a craftsman with intricate, beautiful details, coin jewelry is a very unique and a true art form.

Fashionable Celtic Jewelry

For fashion lovers, just wearing the latest clothing, shoes, and accessories is not enough. Over two thousand years ago, the Celtic people adorned themselves with handcrafted jewelry made from precious metals and stones. Today, people's desire for fine jewelry has only grown. For many, their fashion ensemble simply isn't complete without some form of jewelry adorning their neck or wrists. While any jewelry may do, it is best to invest in jewelry pieces with designs that will be loved even after five generations. This is where Celtic jewelry offers something very unique and different that other jewelry do not possess.

Celtic jewelry dates back to the time before Christ in the form of the Celtic cross. Despite having been designed so long ago, Celtic jewelry maintains it's everlasting luster as a fashionable piece of jewelry worn by many. One does not have to be Irish or Scottish to wear Celtic jewelry as Irish jewelry. The symbolism and metaphysical connotations of the ancient designs found in Celtic rings and other Celtic jewelry make them increasingly popular items to give as gifts and to consummate wedding vows. The intricate designs in Celtic jewelry are an everlasting reminder of the proud traditions of the Celts. Many of the popular Celtic symbols have their own meaning that are as timeless as the jewelry design and Celtic jewelry's popularity will only grow more with time.

Celtic jewelry enables the jewelry wearer to express their unique personality. In particular, custom handcrafted Celtic jewelry trumps mass-produced jewelry any day simply because it can be tailored to your preferences. For more affordable options, you can go with existing, pre-designed Celtic jewelry that is made to your size such as Celtic rings and add your own personal touch to it such as an engraving.

Celtic jewelry comes in different forms. Celtic crosses, mentioned earlier, is a form of popular Celtic jewelry. One of the most popular forms comes in rings. Celtic rings and Claddagh rings are very often used in special occasions such as an engagement or a wedding. Celtic engagement rings and Celtic wedding rings are perfect jewelry for such occasions because of their timeless charm and deep meanings. Other jewelry you will find are Celtic pendants and earrings.

Celtic rings and jewelry can also be found made out of silver. This makes it an affordable option for those jewelry lovers on a budget. Oftentimes, these are mass-market versions of these fine handcrafted jewelry. If you are truly serious about buying Celtic jewelry that will be treasured for generations though, buying jewelry made out of precious metals such as gold and platinum are highly recommended. Celtic jewelry also includes precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies as in the case of Celtic rings, Celtic earrings, and Celtic pendants.

Whether Celtic jewelry is to be given as a gift or to be used in a wedding, it makes any fashion outfit perfect. Since Celtic jewelry never goes out of style, you can be assured that it will match any outfit of the current times.

The Art of Organic Jewelry

If gold and silver jewelry is too expensive, then organic jewelry can provide the same decoration for a much cheaper price. Organic jewelry started from the Native Americans by using connecting simple seashells together. Today, organic jewelry has evolved into a major role in the fashion industry. The most popular type of organic jewelry today would be in the form of pearls.

Where do pearls come from? Pearls come from an irritation in an oyster's shell. The irritation is then covered with calcium carbonate which after many years turns into a pearl. Pearls were first used for jewelry by the Native Americans that first settled the land. Thousands of years later, they are now considered a must-have fashion accessory.

Pearls are used in many forms of jewelry including Necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Pearl necklaces are very popular, and they come in a variety of forms such as Bib, Choker, Matinee, Opera, Princess, and Rope.

Pearl bracelets also work very well as fabulous fashion accessories. The classic single strand of different pearls can be used to match any outfit.

You can never go wrong with a pearl ring. A gorgeous pearl ring set with gold or sterling silver will made any woman happy.

If pearls are not your thing, there are many other forms of organic jewelry such as bamboo and hardwood. Bamboo is not considered a type of wood, but is instead a type of grass. There are many types of bamboo that are yellow, tan, green, brown, and even purple providing a great fashion accessory. The most common use of bamboo for organic jewelry is earrings. Although they are relatively easy to take care for, the wearer has to re oil the earring periodically for easy insertion. If you like designs, bamboos can have great designs burnt in them. The best part is that bamboo earrings only cost around fifteen dollars.

A more expensive alternative to bamboo is actual hardwood. Wood plugs are usually hand crafted and each piece is unique. Plugs work best on dry areas of the body like ears and might cause an allergic reaction. Like bamboo, hardwood jewelry has to be re oiled from time to time. Common oils used are olive oil, peanut oil, and jojoba oil. There are six major types of wood used for jewelry: Chakte Kok, Chechon, Ebony, Granadillo, Katalox and Maple each of these a different color.

ChakteKok is a glowing reddish yellow and is lightweight. Chechen is brown and gives a natural look. Ebony is black and is the heaviest. Grandillo is dark brown. Katalox is very dark brown and is almost black. Katalox is the rarest type and is hard to obtain. Maple is light brown and is almost yellow.

If you're interested in wood plugs, they come in many different shapes: Saddle shaped, cylinder shaped, flared, nail shaped, taper shaped, and spike shaped. When ordering wood plugs, you must specify in diameter and length. These are just a few examples of modern organic jewelry. There are many other types of organic jewelry including bones, horns, stone, and amber. While each type of organic jewelry is different, they all serve as a great alternative to expensive silver and gold jewelry.

Fine Jewelry: A Classic, Beautiful Gift

Want to see that special someone’s eyes light up? Give jewelry for a present.

Fine jewelry can sound like an intimidating gift to give. There’s so much to know, both about the person you’re giving it to and the jewelry you are buying. You want to get good value for your money while finding something that will be worn regularly.

One trick is to look at what he or she wears regularly. Any favorite jewelry? Favorite colors? Trendy or conservative style? Any hobbies or interests? You want to focus on the things you already know.

Let’s start with an example. You’re a man buying a gift for his wife. Married 10 years, 2 kids. She wears very simple jewelry, mostly gold and diamonds. Here are a few suggestions:

• A 3-stone diamond pendant, earrings or ring. These are very popular right now.
• A mother’s ring. While it’s probably going to be more colorful than what she normally wears, a mother’s ring is a beautiful way for her to celebrate being a mother.
• A right hand ring. These are diamond rings that are intended for the right hand. They’re quite popular right now and available in a nice range of styles.

Here’s another example. You’ve been dating a woman for a while, not ready to get engaged yet, but would like to buy her some jewelry. She’s very trendy, loves to wear bright colors and seems to wear a different piece of jewelry every day.

• Dangling gemstone earrings. Pick the color based on what you think would look good on her. Briolettes are popular in dangling earrings right now. It’s a cut of gemstone that looks quite lovely hanging down.

• A watch. Find a watch that suits her style. If she wears more delicate jewelry, one with a thinner strap is appropriate. If she prefers larger jewelry, she will probably prefer a larger watch.

• No rings! If you aren’t ready to propose marriage, don’t confuse things even with a gemstone ring. I’ve seen those get misinterpreted. Definitely, DEFINITELY do not buy a diamond ring if you aren’t proposing.

Guys, I’m not forgetting that women sometimes shop for you, so here goes. You want to get the man in your life some jewelry. Like most men, he tends to wear very little jewelry, and what he does is most often functional, like his watch and maybe one ring.

• A dress watch. Get him something for your more elegant evenings out.
• A heavy chain bracelet or necklace. Figaro links are quite popular with men. I suggest at least 5mm thick for most men.
• A birthstone ring. This really isn’t as popular as the first two suggestions, but on the other hand it means it is less expected. It’s a way to give a little color.

Fine jewelry is a gift meant to last a lifetime. While some people have a very hard time finding the perfect item to give, it doesn’t have to be as impossible as some feel it might be. The look of delight you are likely to get should make the challenge of shopping worth the time.

Wedding & Anniversary Gifts

Memories can invoke very strong emotions. At a young age our memories take hold and later in life these can be sparked by sights, sounds, touch, tastes, and smells. Special occasions tend to hold the deepest memories, ones birthdays', Christmas, first date, graduation, and matrimony, to a couple's first born and then the cycle begins again in another's memories.

The memory of ones wedding celebration marks a special passage of time. Ones own memories that were once exclusive to only you are now shared with another and the two become one in thought, emotion and in this way all future memories change and are never remembered again as exclusively your own. No longer is it "my" memories but "our" memories.

The yearly anniversary which now marks that sharing of time has such special meaning, over the years much thought has gone into the giving of gifts for a couple's wedding anniversary. This guide offers suggestions for gift giving for both men and women and insight into traditional and modern gifts and offers purchasing opportunities from trusted merchants that assisted in producing this guide.

Marriage Anniversary Gifts in the early years of marriage were small remembrances, or tokens, such as 1st (paper), 5th (wood), and 10th (tin). In later years of matrimony, gifts gained value (which tends to correspond with society status and professional security), including 15th (crystal), 20th (china), 25th (silver), and 50th (gold).

By the time her publication was reprinted in 1957, the growing importance of wedding anniversary celebrations in America required more guidance and the traditional gift list had been expanded to include all of the first 15 years, and multiples of five thereafter. Additionally, as 35 years had passed since the original publication modern alternatives were again added and updated to include more socially acceptable gift options.

The traditional and modern anniversary gift guides have changed very little during the past half-century where traditional gifts are deeply rooted in heritage yet modern gifts greatly assist to offset cultural differences. The giving of a gift to your partner on the memorable occasion of shared thought is so symbolic that this guide has been developed to assist making the occasion truly one worth marking the passage of time from here.

The right gift can bring a sparkle to every eye and can delight the hearts of all. Our Anniversary Guide will help you celebrate with gift ideas. The quick chart below tells you the Gemstone Anniversary Gifts for each year.

01 Anniversary - Gold Jewelry

02 Anniversary - Garnet Rings

03 Anniversary - Pearls

04 Anniversary - Blue Topaz

05 Anniversary - Sapphire

06 Anniversary - Amethyst

07 Anniversary - Onyx Rings

08 Anniversary - Tourmaline

09 Anniversary - Lapis Rings

10 Anniversary - Diamonds

11 Anniversary - Jewelry

12 Anniversary - Pearls

13 Anniversary - Citrine

14 Anniversary - Gold Jewelry

15 Anniversary - Ruby Rings

20 Anniversary - Platinum

25 Anniversary - Silver

30 Anniversary - Pearl

35 Anniversary - Jade

40 Anniversary - Ruby

45 Anniversary - Sapphire Rings

50 Anniversary - Gold

55 Anniversary - Emerald Rings

60 Anniversary - Diamond Rings

65 Anniversary - Diamond

Diamond Solitaire Ring

A diamond solitaire ring is a ring with only one diamond and nothing else to
distract the attention from that magnificent solitaire stone. A solitaire
ring loves to seek attention by its wearer, and not crowded by its
competitors as, a solitaire enjoys standing all by itself well grounded in
the ring and boosting its beauty to its wearer. Solitaire diamond represents
ultimate in jewelry, so the size of a solitaire has to big to stand and jut
out from others. Solitaire is a summary of magical and divine love.

A diamond solitaire is well known for its clarity, cut, setting and its
modesty yet aggressiveness. It strives to make a direct place in your heart
by cutting down the competitions from all the sides; it loves to fight for
its dignity and right. A solitaire diamond ring is timeless and classic when
a single stone is placed in a ring, which makes the ring simple, elegant and
comes in a variety of shapes to complement any woman's fashion sense.

The solitaire ring will glorify the beauty of the diamond, so the size of
the solitaire plays a very important role and it has to be in proportion to
the size of the bride. The solitaire is the traditional ring style but you
can find a great variety within the shape of the stone and the color of the
setting. Round cuts are probably the most popular and are always in style
but there are others to choose from too. The shape you choose is purely a
matter of personal taste.

Cleaning Cubic Zirconia: Tips that will keep your CZ jewelry sparkling!

Cleaning cubic zirconia jewelry is much easier than you think! So take advantage of these simple tips that will keep your precious jewelry sparkling and lustrous—so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Like diamonds, the precious cubic zirconia (CZ) gems need to be cleaned to maintain their original brilliance and luster. Many variables in our surrounding can dull the shine of precious gems: body lotion, perfume, hairspray, perspiration, or just simply, normal everyday wear.

All lotions and soap film are some of the more difficult materials to remove. Just a little of any of these materials on your CZ stone, will take away much of the visual brilliance of the stone. So it is vital to keep your CZ clean to maintain its sparkling diamond look.

A convenient way to clean your CZ jewelry is to use a small brushing device with soft bristles (preferably a toothbrush), along with warm to hot water mixed with a mild liquid dishwashing detergent (such as the brand, Joy), and brush as well as possible to remove any scum build-up.

Then, rinse well in warm to hot water, pat dry with a clean cloth, and take a look. If more cleaning is needed, soak the jewelry piece in hot water, with about 1/3 detergent to 2/3 hot water. (The mix is not critical.) Then, just brush again. When you’re done cleaning your jewelry, be sure to dry it well so to keep its brilliant shine.

Avoid exposing your CZ jewelry to abrasive substances such as household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage your jewelry. Although most abrasive cleansers will not damage a CZ stone, they will, however, take the lustrous shine off the metal in which the stone is set.

Gemologists can agree that CZ comes closer than any other gem material to matching the characteristics of a diamond—it’s uncanny. As CZ is quickly becoming more popular as a desirable substitute for diamond, it’s important to care for it the same way you would a diamond.

So if for some reason you cannot remove the dirt off your CZ jewelry, take it to a jeweler and give it a high-pressure steam clean, as would be done to a diamond. This will remove almost any scum off your jewelry.

When we clean a customer's jewelry and inspect it for wear, and loose or missing stones, we find the jewelry needing repair is most often a jewelry piece that has never been cleaned by the owner. Persistent dirt gets between the metal settings and the stones, causing abrasive wear and eventually, perhaps a loose stone.

One of the most basic rules of jewelry care is to apply all lotions, make-up, hair spray, etc. first, before you put on your jewelry. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your jewelry either in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box.

Now that you know how easy it is to care for your CZ, be sure to clean your CZ jewelry regularly—depending on how often you wear it; if you wear it everyday, cleaning it once a week is sufficient.

Follow our simple tips on cleaning cubic zirconia, and you can be certain your CZ jewelry will not only maintain its original brilliance and luster for years to come, but it will continue to sparkle radiantly for you when you wear it, and show it off!

Gold Karats facts you must know about karat gold before making your next purchase

There are many different types of gold available from regular jewelry stores and online jewellery stores in Australia and around the world. Understanding the difference will help you make a better informed decision when purchasing your next piece of fine karat gold jewelry.


Gold Colour

The first thing I want to explain to you in the gold karats FAQ guide is the different gold colours. The most common gold colours found at online jewelry stores & offine fine jewellery stores is yellow gold, followed by white gold and rose gold. There are other colours available but these are less common.

The colour of the gold doesn’t make a difference to the gold content (karat rating). This is because the alloy has the same amount of gold in it. The gold is mixed with different metals to achieve different colours.

Yellow gold can vary in colour. 18k yellow gold will have a brighter yellow colour compared to 9k gold.

Rose gold is achieved normally by mixing pure gold with other metals such as cooper into it.
White gold is made by mixing pure gold with metals such as silver and palladium. It is often coated with a metal named “rhodium”. The rhodium gives jewellery a really white appearance. White gold jewellery normally needs to re-rhodium coated every 12-18 months. Your local jewelry store and even some online jewelry stores can easily do this for a reasonable price.

When comparing metals of the same karat, white gold tends to be a little more expensive.

Gold Plated Jewellery (also known as GEP or GP)

Gold plated jewellery describes jewellery that has a layer of gold applied to a base metal by an electrolytic process. This gives a look similar to karat gold. The gold plating will wear off after time. Gold plated jewellery is a cheap alternative. This type of jewellery is widely available and can be found at online jewellery stores, online accessory stores and offline stores.

Gold Filled Jewellery (also known as Gold Overlay)

Gold filled jewellery is a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to a base metal such as brass. Gold filled jewellery is a great cost effective alternative to solid gold jewellery. Unlike gold plated jewellery, good quality gold filled jewellery wears as well as solid karat gold and has the same look and lustre. For more about solid gold jewelry, see gold karat FAQ guide part 1.

The layer of gold in gold filled jewellery must be 1/20th of the total weight of the product. This layer is 50 to 100,000 times thicker that gold plated jewellery.

Hardness

The difference in gold content also affects the gold’s hardness. 18k gold is slightly harder than 9k gold but this difference in hardness offers little practical advantage as they are virtually the same hardness. However, overall, 18k gold does tend to wear a little better over the years. Most online jewellery stores & regular fine jewellery stores would advise you to choose 18k gold for a wedding band as it wears a little better.

What does the term Karats refer to when describing Gold?

The first thing we need to cover in part 1 of Gold Karats FAQ guide is that the “K” in 9K or 10k gold stands for karats. Not to be confused with Carat (Ct), which is the unit of weight measurement for gemstones.

Karats is a measurement of the content of gold. Online Jewellery stores & regular jewelry stores rarely sell gold karats jewellery made from pure gold as gold is considered a soft metal and is too soft for everyday use.

Mixing the gold with other metals hardens it and makes it more durable and less likely to bend. The result is “karat gold”. Pure fine gold jewellery would also be too expensive for the average consumer.

Mixing gold also produces different coloured golds – see gold karats FAQ part 2 or go to our online jewellery store australia for more information regarding gold colours.

So “karat” is the content of gold used in a gold alloy in jewellery. i.e :

9k gold contains 37.5% pure gold (375 parts per thousand parts).
10k gold contains 41.7% pure gold (417 part per thousand parts)(include 10k)
14k gold contains 58.5% pure gold (585 parts per thousand parts).
18k gold contains 75% pure gold (750 parts per thousand parts).

The most common karat gold used in Australia is 9k and 18k. 18k is more expensive than 9k as it has a higher gold content. Both these types can be found at online fine jewellery stores and bricks and mortar fine jewellery stores. In the USA, 10k & 14k gold are most popular.

Gold Stamps (hallmarks)

The next thing to cover in this gold karats FAQ guide is the hallmark. Karat gold is normally stamped (hallmarked) to indicate the type. E.g. 9k gold would either be stamped 9k or 375, 18k gold would be stamped either 18k or 750. The stamp doesn’t indicate the colour of the gold, it only refers to the gold content.
Most countries have laws requiring gold alloys be stamped with one of the standard hallmarks. This said, a halkmark doesn’t mean the item is what is says it is.

Hallmarks should not be confused with a manufacturing stamp which is unique to the manufacturer.


What is Fine Gold?

You will see offline and online the terms fine gold jewellery, fine gold & fine jewelry. What do these terms mean? They normally refer to karat gold. In other words, fine gold jewellery is jewellery that is not gold plated.


What is Solid Gold?

You will see the term solid gold mentioned at online jewelry stores and at regular fine jewellery stores. Gold is normally named solid gold when it is karat gold or fine gold. For example 9k, 10k, 14k, 18k and 22k gold is often said to be solid gold. Jewellery is not considered solid gold if it is gold plated.


Understanding how to test gold and the different types of gold will help avoid paying too much for your next piece of fine karat gold jewelry at an online jewelry store or an offline fine jewelry store.

The first thing you should do is educate yourself about the differences between gold plated and gold filled jewellery. Then you will at least be able to ask the seller and understand what these terms mean.

The easiest way to test gold.

I would say that the most reliable and easiest way to test if you have real gold is to take it to a jewellery store. Some online jewellery stores may also offer this service.

Testing Gold Yourself:

Electronic Gold Tester These start at around US$100 and can be found by searching the internet for ‘gold tester’. To do this test you buy an electronic tester. It normally involves putting a clip onto the item and then placing the item in an acid. The tester then tells you what karat of gold it is.

This is a non-destructive test and can be accurate depending on the money spent on the tester.

Using a Testing Stone You can also buy these for around US$60. You rub the jewelry on the test stone leaving tiny fraction of the gold behind.

You then rub a gold test needle onto the stone near the gold sample. After this, you apply the appropriate acid as directed. If it is gold is will dissolve.

Acid Test this is reliable too. This allows you to distinguish if the piece is solid karat gold or just gold plated.

Using a very small file, file into the jewellery. Choose a spot which is inconspicuous. You then apply the appropriate acid. The gold will react to the acid. The kit will have instructions as to the reaction you are looking for.

Acids are very dangerous and the appropriate precautions should always be taken. This advice is of a general nature. Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly before attempting these tests. Most online jewelry stores won’t ship these kits overseas as the acids are dangerous chemicals.