Thursday, January 31, 2008

How To Safely Clean Your Diamond And Gold Jewelry


How To Safely Clean Your Diamond And Gold Jewelry 
By Victor Epand 
It can be difficult to maintain and clean gold or diamond jewelry because the cleaning methods differ according to jewelry settings. Fine jewelry is like a valuable possession crafted and designed to be kept for lifetime. Proper care should be taken in order to ensure that the quality of gold and diamond jewelry lasts forever. 

Gold and diamonds are valuable material for making jewelry. Since buyers have to spend a lot of money in buying them, it is essential to clean and store them in a proper manner so that the original beauty of these precious materials can be enhanced as well as retained. You can either do the cleaning at home or give it to a jeweler to do it for you. 

Due to use of hair styling products, oil or hand lotions, a film of dust and dirt sets on gold and diamond jewelry and because of this they don't sparkle. If you don't clean them, these materials can get accumulated in a thick layer of gunk, usually found on the back of the stone or gold jewelry. Even though diamond is considered to be a hard gemstone, scrubbing it vigorously and using harsh cleaners can remove the material and coating, which is used for enhancing it. So it is essential to be very careful while removing the film and dust.

Before cleaning try and find out if there are any treatments, which were used on the diamond before being placed in a setting. If you know this, it will be easy for you to clean it. The first thing you should do is, soaking the jewelry in a warm solution made out of water and mild liquid detergent. You can either use ivory liquid for dishwashing or any other mild detergent. 

After soaking it for sometime, you need a soft brush for removing dirt. A brush with stiff bristles should not be used otherwise the metal 

setting of the ring will get scratches. After cleaning it with a soft brush, swish it around in the solution and then rinse the jewelry properly in warm water. Remember to put the jewelry in a strainer or close drain so that you don't lose it. 

The next step should be drying it with a cloth that is lint-free. You can also use a stream of water for the grime to be flushed away. Even a toothpick can be used so that dirt is pushed away carefully from the stone. 

Water solution or ammonia solution can be used for diamonds that are not fracture filled. Diamonds that are fracture filled should be cleaned with a gentle liquid detergent. Eventually, the coating on the diamond gets removed or clouded with the use of ammonia. If there are other stones besides diamonds, then you need to be extra careful. The weakest and most delicate jewelry should be taken care of the most. A cleaning method that is usually meant for stones which is less durable can be used for other gemstones.

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Jewelry For Beauty And Investment


Jewelry For Beauty And Investment 
By Victor Epand 
Distressed Europeans flocked towards America, driven by the native pursuit of the American Dream. In the years of conflict, those who had some funds sewed diamonds into the lining of their clothes so that they could use it during uncertain times. During those times, the national currencies were very erratic and fluctuated a lot. High quality diamonds and gems always exchanged for ready cash in case of emergencies in the international market.

Today also, rare gems and diamonds remain the object of de valeur for terror stricken people, fleeing tyranny, or those who fear taxes. Gems and diamonds command top dollar, especially since the gem resources have exhausted. Even so, a layman would always suggest buying gemstones as a mode of investment. Jewelry investment does not produce income like mutual funds or real estate. Gemstones and diamonds rates tend to fluctuate whereas high quality diamonds and gemstones may not make money at all, but they do not lose value.

A private jewelry collection has an advantage over mutual fund investment that sometimes does not yield any curves or interest on the rate of return etc. Jewelry may not offer any of these advantages immediately, but it retains beauty, romance and the money's worth. A pair of beautiful diamond studs adds glow to a woman's face than a set of convertible debentures.

Value of diamonds and gemstones are easier to measure than the jewelry designs since most of the precious stones have lab certificates that verify the quality. If you buy jewelry for its design rather than the gem value, then it could be an impulsive investment. Women love jewelry and they have a passion for beauty so they buy jewelry to enhance their looks and display style. 

The mysterious beauty of gemstones and diamonds makes any woman look enchanting and the exquisite color and lights inspires us to believe that they have supernatural origins and the magical mystery surrounds the wearer. Jewelry studded with gemstones or diamonds compliments fashionable clothing and adds sparkles and shine to the person who adorns it.

Gemstones were always thought to possess mystical powers and have the ability to enhance beauty. According to the legends, people invested and bought gemstones for some purpose, like emeralds were bought to bring good luck and yellow stones solved the jaundice problem and men wore ruby to project command, lordship, nobility and vengeance, while a woman wore the ruby to indicate pride, haughtiness and obstinacy. Blue sapphire denotes man's wisdom, high thoughts, but a woman's jealousy, transitory hope and ambition with a childish delight.

Industry experts agree that jewelry serves as a sustainable investment, hence before investing, buyers should always ask for a laboratory report that verifies the natural state. 

Fairy tales of enchanted princesses and the legendary Arabian Nights do not merely mention the ruby for nothing. It is mentioned for a purpose, as ruby is intimately connected with love and romance. Solomon rightly exclaimed that "a virtuous woman was more valuable than rubies", and that "the price of wisdom is above rubies". In addition, its value and scarcity have not decreased since their time. 

Accessorizing is everything today in the fashion world and jewelers combine traditional techniques with today's fashion to create stunning and gorgeous pieces, from the hot setters to the soothing kinds with more classic chic styles. Nowadays, jewelry is designed to appeal to the modern woman while retaining her romantic nature. Gemstone studded jewelry captures the essence of a woman who loves to combine art and fashion to look outstanding and dazzling!

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Jewelry Secrets Every Woman Should Know


Jewelry Secrets Every Woman Should Know 
By Victor Epand 
Jewelry has been used since time immemorial by women as a part of their beauty ritual, to enhance their looks. But knowing exactly which accessories and style complement your looks is also important to your appearance. With the wide assortment of jewelry pieces in different designs and styles flooding the fashion scene, choosing the right one can prove to be quite difficult. Hence, listed below are few jewelry secrets that all women who like dressing up should essentially bear in mind in order make the most of the existent jewelry collection. 

Of the scores of earrings that one can find nowadays, teardrop earrings would be the best pick. It is very important while selecting earrings for yourself that you also consider the shape of your face. It can make a significant difference to your looks and thus only choose those that work to complement your appearance. Teardrop earrings are certainly a good match with round, oval and other face shapes as well. 

Rings are usually a favorite with women of all ages. Accessories like the finger ring lend a touch of grace to your hands and overall charm to your attire. Different rings help to create different illusions. While elongated rings can make your fingers look longer, there are many wide rings also that can be worn to give the desired illusion.

Necklaces and chains are other important accessories in a woman's jewelry collection. There are a wide variety of necklaces, chains, bracelets and bangles worn by women to suit their varying tastes, preferences, looks and pockets. Of the thousands of necklaces available, rolo necklaces are definitely a smart pick for any occasion. The best part about rolo necklaces is that they can be adjusted to any length, simply by hooking the clasp into any link of the chain. 

While jewelry certainly adds the desired oomph and elegance to your wardrobe and appearance, it is equally important that you also give 

the pieces due attention that they certainly deserve. Caring for your jewelry is easy and most of the times do not require more than a wash in lukewarm soap water and later warm water. For an instant shine for your sterling silver jewelry pieces, all you need to do is clean them with a jewelry polishing cloth. 

Before purchasing jewelry, keep in mind vital factors like the size, thickness, weight and most importantly your comfort. While choosing the appropriate size, the thickness and weight should necessarily be considered. If a piece is heavy in weight or wide in shape, then it would be advisable to choose one size larger. The same applies for necklaces and chains with heavy links since they make for closer fits.

Many jewelry pieces can be worn in various other ways also, other than what they were intended for. For instance, a brooch can be threaded onto your chain and you instantly have an altogether new pendant. You can also be innovative and consider pinning the brooch onto your purse or to your hat. Sterling silver is very popular today since it not only looks elegant and classy, but is also affordable and longer lasting.

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

Pearl Jewelry For Everyone



Pearl Jewelry For Everyone 
By Victor Epand 
Jewelry enhances beauty, and converts the ordinary looking into glamor dolls. Pearl jewelry stands out as no other gemstone as it enhances skin tone and accentuates femininity. Who was the first person to discover this perfectly round and lustrous gem? It dates back to thousands and thousands of years ago. 

Pearls were the first stones that were valued and appreciated by people and are still considered as the most elegant stones that require no cutting and polishing. The gem's beauty is outstanding from the moment it is removed from the shell. Ancient civilizations of India and China appreciated and accepted pearls widely. China's history discusses the value of pearls thousands of years ago and also mentions that Shu King received a gift of pearls around 2300 B.C.

Egypt, the land of beauty, used pearls for decoration and Romans adorned pearls, while the women used it to upholster the sofas or add enhance to their gowns. Pearls are also mentioned in Bible and Koran. Everyone knows that women find pearls irresistible and love to wear pearl jewelry. Women find it suitable to adorn for every cultural festival. 

Some people feel and think that pearl jewelry is not for men or kids, but that's wrong. Nowadays many fashion houses design various styles for men, which they can wear daily like pearl bracelets or rings. Furthermore, the French have gone ahead and designed pearl jewelry for kids. A number of French women get their ears pierced and wear pearl earrings. 

There is wide range of pearl jewelry to suit every woman's taste. The whole family can adorn pearl jewelry, thus enhancing their style. Pearl is also considered as a symbol of purity and God's gift and, in times gone by, it was considered as the most prized possession one could own. Pearl farmers yield cultured pearls through an extensive and grueling process. This process begins by gathering oysters, sometimes starting from formative years, all the way through raising oysters. Farmers also have to protect the oysters and keep them safe from predators and disease. 

Their basic choice begins by selecting perfect oysters for yielding the best-cultured pearls and then surgically implanting the center of the pearl in the oyster thus allowing the cultured pearl to grow. This process takes a time phase that can extend in years to yield the perfect pearl. Only some of the oysters, those are grown to produce cultured pearls, provide pearls that are of sufficient quality to make jewelry. 

Nowadays, all pearls that are sold in the market are cultured pearls. Many people don't know the difference between cultured pearls and pearls produced from saltwater oysters. Conversely, the process to make freshwater pearls is the same as the one adopted for cultured pearls. 

Pearl jewelry goes along with everything, from tweeds to plaids from jeans to skirts and beyond. Still not sure, as to what you want? Go ahead and choose some classic pieces for yourselves or to give as gifts. Guys love to gift pearl jewelry to their wives or girlfriends, as it is a safest bet, especially jewelry made from black pearls. So if you want something memorable and inexpensive, then think of a beautiful pearl ring or magnetic-clasp pearl necklace.

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Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Palladium - Affordable Jewelry Of The Millennium


Palladium - Affordable Jewelry Of The Millennium 
By Victor Epand 
Palladium is a rare silver-white ductile malleable chemical element, which is one of the platinum elements. Palladium has unusual property of absorbing hydrogen thus forming Pd2H though it's not yet clear whether this combination produces a true compound or not. Palladium is the new jewelry metal in fashion and it offers customers a host of benefits that are less expensive to acquire than platinum and hypoallergenic, unlike white gold. Many jewelers and stores are now cashing on this new metal.

Palladium has revolutionized the jewelry market with its steel white appearance that makes it an attractive alternative to platinum and white gold. However, previously palladium was not used to create jewelry due to its casting difficulty, but with the introduction of a castable palladium alloy, it is now ideal for jewelry making. 

Research suggests that in the next few years, people will indulge more in palladium jewelry and it could turn out to be the next revolution in jewelry designing. Palladium group shares many of the same attributes similar to platinum like high purity, good luster and a beautiful white appearance.

What's the difference between platinum and palladium?

Platinum's beauty comes from the white appearance and its purity. Jewelry cast using gold is usually soft and subject to damage, which then threatens the durability and luster. To combat all this, gold is usually mixed with copper or silver to toughen it. Palladium is very attractive and it attracts the consumers in the same way as platinum because of its purity that is not fabricated by man.

Palladium is much lighter; more than 40% over platinum and it is a hit with the jewelers, as weight is always a consideration while making earrings or necklaces. Heavy metals when used to make intricate designs make the jewelry very heavy and then stretch the ear lobes or give the wearer an uncomfortable feeling. Palladium is easy to use when setting larger stones because it is less dense and the piece doesn't feel heavy. 

The biggest benefit of Palladium is its 

cost. Often consumers seek something in white metal that is affordable and then they later settle down wearing white gold or sterling silver, as platinum is very costly and beyond common man's budget. Palladium is less expensive as compared to gold and silver, a trend that continues. 

Palladium verses white gold

People are generally confused as to why palladium is more accepted than gold. Unfortunately, white gold is manufactured using alloys that contain nickel and this induces allergy in many people. Palladium is highly hypo allergic and safe without any concern.

Palladium is comparatively harder than white gold, hence, more durable and less likely to be damaged. Durability is an issue when it comes to mounting, while making gem sets where the stones could fall. Often jewelers' use hard metals for ring settings, to combat falling of the stones, but palladium solves all these issues as the same jewelry design can be made in palladium without any difficulty.

Market

'950' palladium has gained popularity and is welcomed by jewelry manufacturers as well as designers. Many stores are set to educate consumers about its benefits. Palladium has found a market due to its affordable price and platinum like characteristics.

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Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Your Guide To Choosing Jewelry


Your Guide To Choosing Jewelry 
By Victor Epand 
Are you confused about your jewelry? The best way is to select as per your personal style. But see to it that whatever jewelry you choose goes well with your wardrobe. Jewelry gives a final touch to your look, so wear your own style and carry it with pride. What you wear and when you wear it does make a lot of difference. Are you the one who loves to be complimented? So ensure that you wear the right jewelry for the right occasion. 

For example, if you are going for an evening party, an over sized choker suits the occasion. But in case you are attending a meeting, you need to be sober and simple. In case if you are the one who indulges in designer wear, then don't stick to one. However, there is no need to indulge in the designer wear always as you can find plenty of beautiful pieces that make a fashion statement. You can go in for mix and match jewelry as it adds a unique touch to your persona.

If you are looking for something affordable and pretty then go for unsigned costume jewelry. But in case you don't want to compromise and want to go for the best, then you can select the signed costume jewelry. Choice is all yours as both have unique beauty. 

The biggest advantage of costume jewelry is that it really proves to be worth the money spent, since no matter how much you use it or you put it away, it still remains in the same condition for years. But exactly the opposite is the case of designer wear. They are expensive, but since they follow the traditional lines they are out of fashion over a period of time and you have no option than keeping them away. You end up wearing them once or twice.

Silver goes very well with most wardrobes. The best thing about silver is it is affordable and very versatile. So buy some silver plated pieces. You get a huge range right from the delicate ones to the large and noticeable pieces. It suits most of the wardrobes and is acceptable at any event or occasion. Those who are gold lovers can also get a good variety in gold plated jewelry. Those who can't afford to go for 10-14k gold can always think of gold plated jewelry, as it is quite affordable. 

If you are fond of rings then purchasing them is a real fun. You get a great variety to choose from like from the delicate feminine ones, to the dainty variety. Always keep in mind huge oversized rings do not look good on the skinny long fingers. But you can always give them a try, so just play around and chose the best for your fingers. 

If you are fond of necklaces, then you should be aware of your neck size so that you get a good fit. A 16" necklace goes well on an average neck but in case if your neck is a little larger, than a 16" necklace is not for you. The best way is to measure the size of your favorite necklace you already own.

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