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What has attracted people to opals over the centuries? Colour, colour and more colour! Opals change colour when you look at them from different sides and angles. Sometimes there is little colour at all and you move your head and suddenly a breathtaking burst of brilliant colour flashes from the stone. There are very few natural gemstones which do that.

Unless you are lucky the more you pay the better the quality is. But you can still get the high flashy colours for a lower price if you buy doublets or triplets. These are opal pieces reinforced with a solid backing of colorless opal. A triplet has a clear dome of quartz or other material on top.

Opal starts off as a silica gel which seeps through sedimentary strata and gradually hardens over millions of years and the process of nature. As an opal miner I have occasionally seen opal in this early stage where it is soft. Opals contain a lot of water as much as between 3 and 10 percent. On the Moh’s scale of hardness it comes in around 5.5 to 6.5 and that is relatively soft.

Australian opals are classified in several groups:

Black opals which come from the Lightning Ridge area in NSW.

White opals and light opals which come from the Coober Pedy region in South Australia. These types also come from notable areas such as Mintabie and Andamooka.

Boulder opals come from Queensland.

Then there are some other minor areas which produce smaller amounts of high quality opal.

Black opals have a dark base and white opals have a white base whereas Boulder has opal which is on top of or through an ironstone base.

Then you get various levels of blackness you might say. So you might get an opal from either Lightning Ridge or Coober Pedy which has a grey base. That means that the stone has flashes of perhaps bright red and blue or other colours mixed inside of a grey base colour. This grey base might be light grey or almost black. When it reaches a very dark colour we normally call that a black opal. It is like some childrens’ marbles that you see.

Then we have Crystal opal. Crystal is transparent but the colours can leap out at you from this clear, see through base. We also have varying degrees of crystal opal. When we cannot see clearly through the crystal then we would classify it as semi crystal.

What does it cost? It is very difficult to say what opal is worth. We can weigh it and measure it but that doesn’t help until we can establish the quality. We look for the best pattern in the opal, the brightest colour and the most vibrant colour. Red is generally the most expensive colour. However, a small bight, vibrant green stone will command much more than a larger dark and dull red stone. Since every opal is so different to the next it is very much a personal opinion. Of course, people with experience will easily point out the major characteristics of a good or not so good opal

Sterling Silver Jewelry is it considered trendy compared to the other
fashion jewelry?

Once considered to be popular as an antique and a low cost accessory option.
Sterling Silver jewelry has become mainstream front and center.

Why is Sterling Silver gaining popularity as fashion Jewelry?

With the emergence and popularity of white metal jewelry like white gold and
platinum, Sterling Silver is once again getting a lot of attention from the fashion
world because of its versatility for accessorizing new fashion clothing lines, and
because it has a clean with modern look that rivals even yellow gold. Sterling
Silver jewelry is durable and with new silvers it is also virtually tarnish
resistant.

It’s not just jewelry, Sterling Silver has made a fashion impact on gift items such as
Sterling Silver Frames, keepsake boxes, money clips, bridal gifts and other items.
This has made Sterling Silver a must have unique gift idea.

More and More jewelry companies are now designing new fashion jewelry
for the sterling silver market and trends are showing that items like Sterling
Silver Bracelets are hot.

The Economic change may have something to do with the change in popularity or at
least started the change but after observing internet search trend reports Sterling
Silver is for now here to stay and holding its ground against other precious metals.

The recent Jewelry Fashion trend for Sterling Silvers popularity has caused
an increase in price over the past year or so but the best thing about sterling silver
is that it’s still a very affordable and fashionable option.

This article was written by: Toni Rossi. Spending many years in the manufacturing
and caring of Sterling Silver, my experience insures confidence and quality in Unique
Inspirational Gift Ideas, our NEW Website list only high quality sterling silver
jewelry
and gifts. Visit our website today at: http://www.inspirationalsterling.com

The Victorian era was from 1837-1901. This was the reign of Queen Victoria of England.
In that time people would wear whatever she thought looked good.

In the beginning, Victorian jewelry purer 18-22 karat gold. In 1854, gold was standardized and had 9, 12 or 15 karats. It had to be stamped and hallmarked. The other metals used if not gold were electric gilt, mercury gilt, pinchbeck and silver.

The design of Victorian jewelry came from nature. Birds, flowers and trees with detailed engravings. Repousse were large solid pieces that had fluted and raised edges. Cannatille jewelry used strands of gold wire that were twisted and wound into intricate designs.

Near the end of the Victorian era, Egypt, Greece and Italy styles had big influences in design. This was because of archaeological expeditions that uncovered lots of ancient jewelry.

When Queen Victoria died, new jewelry designs rushed into the market. Because of the conservatism, jewelers could not push the boundaries of design while she was still alive. This surge in techniques of manufacturing and design eventually brought about the art nouveau period.

Art nouveau jewelry was expressive, exotic and exuberant. They say the appreciation of it may take time and art nouveau means “new art” in French. Imaginative and mystical jewelry, art nouveau was from 1890-1910.

With pale colors and gentle curves, art nouveau jewelry used amethyst, moonstone, peridot, opal, citrine and pearls. Copper, ivory, shell, horn and glass were also used.

Flowers like lilies, irises, orchids, bugs and animals, even human forms were put into the designs. Mythical beats or enchanted women were common. Enameling was used throughout the art nouveau period.

The Edwardian period was from 1901-1910. The period that many have not heard of because of the two great periods before,(art nouveau) and after(art deco).

Diamonds were a staple of Edwardian jewelry. They were made to look delicate to be able to blend in with lace, feathers and silk. Princess Alexandra had a huge impact on the periods fashion. In this period jeweler’s progressed in gemstone cutting. Platinum was used a lot and sometimes made to look like hand made lace.

Art deco is a style that relates to 1920’s-1930’s, which ended about 1935. The Art deco movement was mainly an American thing. The style of jewelry had strong lines, bright contrasts of color, geometric shapes, they also used bakelite. Symmetry and geometry were at the center of art deco.

Influences in the design of the jewelry were Japanese, Paris, the machine age, Egyptian, jazz, cubism and Russian. Also art deco was influenced by the art nouveau and Edwardian periods. Taking the style and grace from art nouveau, diamonds and platinum from Edwardian and turning them into a geometric, symmetrical array of diamonds and platinum.

Art deco had great vibrant colors, sapphires, emeralds, coral, rubies and turquoise were heavily used. Black and white was also used a lot. Cocktail rings, long pendants, brooches and bangle bracelets were all the rage.

Cigarette cases and compacts of the time were covered in jewels. The movement of art deco halted because of WWII and the depression.

The 1930’s and 1940’s brought about the retro period. Large gemstones were being used. Topaz, citrine and aquamarine were popular. Even synthetics were starting to become popular. Platinum was replaced by rose gold.

Today everything from vintage jewelry to simple elegance is in. Going back to the old stuff and mixing it in with new pieces and designs.

Dave William G. runs http://www.thejvirus.com , a website devoted to all things jewelry. From designs to gemstones we try and cover it all. So please visit us today. You can sign-up for our 7 part mini-course on diamonds while you’re there. http://www.thejvirus.com

You may distribute this article, put on your site, etc. Please don’t change anything and leave the about the author box and links. Thank you.

Diamonds may not be a girl’s best friend but wedding anniversary jewelry ideas are still the thought that counts. Anniversary rings are becoming a standard part any married women’s jewelry collection and a wise husband will keep that in mind. That isn’t to say that such things are expected but it could be the source of some discontent if they aren’t ever given. Each wedding anniversary doesn’t require a new ring though the round numbers like twenty-five years or so need to be considered for one. Semiprecious stones are fine for most anniversary gifts and settings choice needed be rigidly gold, silver or platinum. Rather personal preferences are to be considered as there are more rigid fashion dictates for gold on the fiftieth and silver tone on the twenty fifth anniversaries. Platinum or white gold would do nicely.

For those with a lower budget a nice sterling silver ring with a semiprecious stone such as tanzanite would do nicely for the special wedding anniversary. To make it even more special you can pay someone to inscribe a message to your beloved on the inside of the ring band. If you feel like a ring would be to much of the same old, same old you can branch out into other types of jewelry with the same theme. Necklaces, anklets, bracelets, earrings, even jewelry for other types of piercing should your loved one have them would make great pieces of anniversary jewelry.

These pieces of jewelry can be purchased both online and in the store. If you do decide to purchase jewelry online you can save a lot of money, because online retailers don’t have the worry of paying for a storefront. You can also be scammed so do be careful. A reputable online dealer will still be registered with the Better Business Bureau just as any other business in the states would be. They should also offer you a return policy and have their payment system set up so that your personal information is as protected as possible. Keeping these tenants in mind you should be able to find a nice moderately priced piece of jewelry for your spouse.

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Gold jewelry adds beauty and elegance to God’s beautiful creation called woman. Gold jewelry always forms as the best of ornaments. An Indian marriage is considered incomplete without gold jewelry for the bride, the bridegroom and the other family members. Gold earrings jewelry or gold pendants jewelry are also given as gifts at the time of wedding. Gold is also regarded as a great investment, which is very useful at the hour of need.

Indian gold jewelry is also famous for its beautiful designs all over the world. In the traditional times also, gold jewelry added royalty to the wearer. Even today gold jewelry is very much in demand. Gold jewelry is precious so it has to be unique in its design. The beauty added to a gold jewel is through the fine craftsmanship and the quality of gold used in it.

Finest gold jewelry is not easy to find. However, a little search will lead you to the best gold jewelry stores where the fine designs speak for themselves. The intricate designs for all kind of gold jewelry are the result of the best craftsmanship. Indian gold jewelry is always a matter of pride. You can have the beautiful golden rays in the form of this jewelry. A wide variety of designs are available in gold necklace jewelry, gold pendants jewelry, gold earrings jewelry, gold rings jewelry and gold bracelets replica.

Gold bracelets replica are also very much in fashion these days. It is good to invest in replicas, as it saves your money and you can flaunt it as your style statement also. The market is flooded with gold bracelet replica adopted by the style of some of the famous personalities. You can also have gold replicas of antique jewelery that add the traditional beauty to you. You can also go for wholesale gold jewelry. From the manufacturers, you can get wholesale gold jewelry.

The unique designs and the pure gold from which it is made have to be up to the mark. From traditional to modern, there are all kinds of designs to suit you. The Indian gold jewelry will add charm to your collection. Design and quality are the two things for which you should never make a compromise.

Jaipur Jewelers offer you the best of quality and design in gold jewelry. Whether it’s gold necklaces, gold bangles, or gold earrings they have it all.

Amit Verma is with Expert SEO Company and writes about gold jewelry which is finest jewelry in this world.

As a precious metal, gold represents less work to maintain its appearance than other metals, such as silver. Gold does not tarnish, smudge, or discolor, but it can become dulled by contact with soaps, perspiration, hand creams and other substances from your daily life.

A good rule of thumb, is to wash your hands before putting on, or taking off, gold jewelry. This prevents contamination with natural body oils and other matter that your hands have touched. Also, if you’re going to be wearing perfume, creams, lotions or other chemical substances, put them on before your jewelry. Gold items will be dulled and dirty from lying on skin that is still moist with make-up, or if they are in the line of fire from hairspray.

Always be sure to remove your rings before immersing your hands in the dishwater or laundry. Repeated exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine, can permanently damage the gold’s luster. That also means removing rings when using swimming pools.

Store gold jewelry that you aren’t wearing, in their original boxes, or clean, cloth bags in a drawer away from other jewelry. Never leave pieces jumbled together in a box, as they can scratch each other, particularly if they happen to be set with hard gemstones. Even wrapping each piece in plain tissue paper, will preserve the surface and the shine.

The gold portions of jewelry can be cleaned with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth for polishing. A used, soft-bristled toothbrush may be helpful in reaching small crevices such as the links of a chain, or the underside of settings in a ring.

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The Importance of Good Craftsmanship in Jewelry

When purchasing handcrafted jewelry, most buyers are concerned primarily with the design. However, to ensure that you are getting good value for your money, it is important to examine the workmanship itself. I’ve outlined some of the most common elements of handmade jewelry and how to identify good craftsmanship.

Wrapped Loops

Many pieces of handcrafted jewelry are made with wrapped loops. These are used to create links of beads on wire.

When examining handmade jewelry, check to see that the loops are neat and even, and that no pieces of the wire are jutting out from the loop.

Jump Rings

Jump rings should be closed neatly so that the ends butt together evenly. Any gap in the jump ring opening is a sign of potential breakage and loss of the jewelry. This is especially important when purchasing chain maille jewelry, since it is made entirely of jump rings joined together.

Not only the strength, but the beauty of chain maille relies on the proper closing of jump rings. One must be especially observant in its purchase.

Finishing

There are many techniques for finishing off bracelets and necklaces that are strung on wire. One of the most popular is crimping. Crimp beads are special tubes that are either flattened around the stringing wire or closed with a special tool called crimping pliers, that actually folds the crimp in and around the wire in a smaller tube that holds the wire securely.

Crimps should be closed tightly enough around the wire to hold it securely, but not so tight that it cuts into the wire, which could cause the wire to break over time. Crimps should also be evenly closed so that they make a neat tube shape and are not skewed or lop-sided.

Some designers choose to use two crimps on each end of their jewelry. This is not a necessity but can provide extra durability. Others put one regular bead between the crimp and the clasp to prevent the crimp from cutting into the wire over time. Again, this is not necessary but does provide extra insurance.

Slack

Beads should have enough room for the beads to curve into a circle without being crowded, as this puts stress on the beading wire and crimps, which could cause breakage.

However, it’s also important to make sure that when the bracelet or necklace is formed into a circle, it does not show any gaps between the beads or between the beads and the crimp/clasp. Well-made jewelry will be finished with this in mind.

Marring

When working with wire and other components, pliers are used to bend and shape the metal. If a designer does not take great care during this process, the metal may become scratched or marred. Although this does not necessarily compromise the strength of the jewelry, it is a mark of inexperienced or careless craftsmanship.

Nicks

Nicks may also occur while working the metal components in a piece of jewelry. They are more serious because small nicks in stringing or metal wire may cause weak spots in the jewelry and result in premature breakage.

Over-Working

Wire can become brittle in places that it has been bent back-and-forth too many times. This creates weak points which may easily break. Over-worked wire often appears to be cracked or looks thinner than the rest of the wire.

Cracks

A great deal of pressure can be placed on gemstones during the construction of jewelry depending on the techniques used. Some gemstones are more brittle than others. Apatite, while very beautiful and costly, is one of the most brittle semi-precious gemstones. Check to be sure that none of the stones have been chipped or cracked while being incorporated into the jewelry.

Keep in Mind

Handmade jewelry, when well-made of quality materials, is truly a treasure. Following these basic guidelines will ensure that your jewelry is not only beautiful, but durable as well.

Georgia Hadley is a jewelry designer, writer, and small business owner who lives in rural Vermont. In addition to her own business, Adorneya Jewelry (http://www.adorneya.com), she is also a founding editor of Craft Revolution (http://www.craftrevolution.com), a website dedicated to promoting mainstream awareness of independent designers and their products as desirable alternatives to big-box stores.

Diamond colors can vary widely from colorless, (also called white), to the fancy colored diamonds, which is a term used to describe basically any desirable color of diamond other than white.

Fancy colored diamonds can be found in brown, yellow, blue, green, pink, and red, and occur in various degrees of hue, saturation, and intensity. Colored diamonds can be classified into two categories: as untreated, unenhanced, naturally occurring diamonds, or as treated/enhanced colored diamonds.

The color grading system described here was developed by the Gemological Institute of America, (GIA). It is the standard grading system used in the U.S. and, for the most part, around the world. Diamond color grades are represented by letter grades starting at “D”, which is completely colorless, the absolute best colorless grade, and goes all the way to “Z”, which would be a very obviously brown, or brownish-yellow color. After “Z”, the fancy color grading system is used. Typically, for white diamonds you will only see grades “D” through “M” or possibly “N”.

Grades are grouped in three major groups:

Colorless — D, E, and F;

Near-colorless — G, H, I, and J;

Faint yellow — K, L, and M;

Very light yellow — N – R;

Light yellow — S – Z.

Diamonds are graded with the table side down…this means upside down to the way they are mounted. Thus, when a diamond is mounted in a setting, this usually makes accurate color grading impossible using a color master set. Newer technologies now make it possible to color grade a diamond while mounted, but these instruments are very expensive and not widespread.

Diamonds presented for grading, which are mounted, will only be a “best estimate”. Color master-sets are typically used to color grade diamonds. These master-sets are diamonds, or CZ’s that have been compared against a master-master set, and can then be used to compare to other stones. The GIA maintains such a master-master set of diamonds at the Gem Trade Lab in Carlsbad, California. Other means of color grading include newer electronic technology to grade the stone automatically.

Color preferences vary and are individual in nature. Diamonds mounted in platinum may require a better color grade to ensure the color tint does not show against the pure white of the metal. Color grades of G through J can be mounted in white gold, which has a slight yellowish tint to it which can tend to hide the lower color grade of the stone. Another factor that can affect the way a stone looks is the quality of the cut. A very good quality cut can help mask the color in stones that have a yellow or brown tint to them. By paying a little more to get a stone with a better cut, you can save on the color side of costs by getting a lower color grade without sacrificing the look of the diamond. Nicer cut diamonds, of poorer color grades can look much whiter than the color grade would suggest since the quality cut allows less light leakage and thus more white light is directed out of the top of the stone “bleaching out” the natural body color

Tom Shofner is a certified gemologist and owns Palmetto Gems in Columbia, SC His website is http://www.palmettogems.com

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch – it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry’s reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It’s interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression ‘tying the knot’ derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his bride’s girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be ‘untying the knot.’

In the ancient past, beaded jewelry was used to denote wealth and social status – only the highest class of society was allowed to wear them. Thankfully, this is not so today and beaded jewelry can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Making beaded jewelry is an activity that requires no special training and technical skills. Creativity, fun and dedication are the only prerequisites in making these highly fashionable items.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Have you been searching for the perfect wedding ring? Many people spend hours and hours shopping for the perfect wedding ring only to end up very discouraged. Often they can not find the ring they want or if the can it is out of their price range. The simplest solution to this dilemma is to create your own wedding ring.

Wedding rings are very important to a couple who have taken the step and decided to spend the rest of their lives together. The wedding ring is the outer physical symbol of this agreement or pact that the couple has made to each other. The ring is a symbol for the vows a couple has taken. Since it is the outward symbol of the marriage it is very important to choose a wedding ring carefully and to find exactly what you want. That is why creating your own wedding ring is often the best option. It is easy, can save you a great deal of money and you will have a unique symbol that the two of you share.

This article will list some of the top reasons you should consider getting a custom wedding ring instead of buying a stock ring from a store.

Custom made wedding rings are Unique

That is right by designing your own ring with a professional ring designer you can ensure that your rings are unique. In fact you will be the only two people in the world to have that exact ring and that exact design. What better symbol of your love to show off to the world then having your own unique wedding ring. Believe me you will get compliments on your ring everywhere you go. People are often amazed that you can even make your own rings and love the uniqueness of the designs.

Custom made wedding rings are Personalized

In creating your own wedding ring you can personalize the design to fit your tastes and even contain secret symbols or messages to each other. If you have a favorite style of ring or artistic style, colors or other thing that you would like to include in the design the jeweler will be glad to consult with you and help you incorporate the design into your ring. For example a lot of people really love the deep symbolism of Celtic knot work since this is a knot tied with one piece of rope and it is never ends it is a continuous knot that runs forever. A lot of people really love this symbolism and love wear a customer made unique wedding ring that has these types of symbols in them. It brings a lot of significance to the ring.

Mutual Agreement

In making your own wedding ring you will come to a mutual agreement on the design and it is an experience that you will always share together. When you sit down with the designer you can both share your ideas openly and talk about the significance of the ring for each of you. Then the designer can work with these ideas and your suggestions and create something that will embody all of these things. It is wonderfully to wear a ring that was created from a joint experience you both had and not just some stock designer ring that holds no meaning or no experience or significance behind it.

Price

This is the best part for many people just getting married. By designing your own ring you are usually reducing the cost of the rings. You see most rings are created by some famous wedding ring designer and the price is based on the popularity of the designer. However, the average person has no idea who these famous wedding ring designers are anyway. So even though you spend a great deal of money on a wedding ring by a well known artist chances are most people will have no idea. However, by making your own ring there is no designer label or name behind it and therefore the costs is often cut in half or even more! Not only that chances are the most people will have no idea who the designer is of a certain ring they will definitely notice you have a unique one of a kind ring!

My wife and I decided to get a custom designed engagement and wedding ring set when we were engaged. Not only that we had the designer work with us to incorporate the feeling of the wedding ring into the design of the grooms or men’s ring also. So now they look like a perfect matching pair of rings! Just think we saved over 65% by purchasing this way at the same time as ending up with unique rings. You really can not go wrong in designing your own wedding ring.

Learn More: Creating Your
Own Wedding Ring and learn more about
custom
wedding rings and Saving big on
your wedding.