effective human » Jewelry

Choosing the Best Amber Earrings

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:04:15 +0000

Amber earrings are fun to choose because they come in so many different colors and shapes and, unlike other gemstones where you need a jeweler to tell you if the stone is good quality or not, amber pieces are obviously unique and easy to see the color and quality differences with the naked eyes. Each fossil is unique, the luminosity or lightness is apparent at a glance and the color variations are so striking that you can you choose blue, green, yellow or even rich purple tones and they’ll all be genuine amber.

Baltic Amber Jewelry

Some of the most beautiful yellow and green amber earrings set in silver come from the fossilized resin found in the Baltic region. Many craftsmen pick up the amber from the sea or sand or near the rocks on the shoreline and create eccentric Baltic amber earrings, like the popular crosses with amber adornments. Silver is usually the metal pf choice because amber itself is fairly cheap so the jewelry is more about the artisans creativity in the silver settings, and about the uniqueness of each fossil, and not about the precious metal as an investment. However, although amber earrings and jewelry is relatively affordable, it will depend a lot on the color and size of the stone as to how much you’ll pay. Darker amber is cheaper than light or translucent pieces. So, that being the case, there are some very expensive and collectible amber pieces, and even antique amber earrings and necklaces that fetch hefty prices.

Polish Amber & Dominican Blue Amber Earrings

If you wish to buy genuine amber jewelry earrings and bracelets and rings the best places to shop are the countries that border the Baltic Sea, like Poland, but also Czechoslovakia, Romania and Russia, and there is also amber deposits of note in Asia. However, the most sought after amber jewelry, after Baltic pieces, is Dominican blue amber that is found deep in the mountains and must be mined not picked from the sea or along the beach like the Baltic pieces. Green or blue amber earrings from the Dominican are different from the styles created by the Baltic designers, in part due to the tropical influences, Dominican jewelry tends to be more eccentric or exotic, while Baltic creations are often traditional and conservative. However, there is a whole new generation of amber earring jewelry designers who craft yellow or honey colored amber earrings into masterful contemporary creations that incorporate other gemstones or alone, some even being exhibited as works of modern art.

Find A Custom Ruby Ring

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:23:47 +0000

Are you aware that you can create your very own unique gold ruby rings? If you don’t see any thing you like the look of when you browse the Online retailers you can get a specialist to create a one off piece that you will treasure for the rest of your life. The process is really quite simple but obviously takes a little more time than buying ready made jewelry.You just have to track down some loose gemstones you like and find a suitable mounting then locate the jeweler who is going to build it for you.

Depending on who you get to do it for you, you can end up saving yourself a few dollars, or paying a fortune for your special ring. There are a load of companies Online who are perfect for doing this job so you don’t have to think that its going to be impossible to get this all done without a huge amount of work. Plenty of other people do the same thing so many jewelers have poped up to take take of the demand.

The Natural Sapphire Company is one place that you might want to have a look for someone that will build your design. If you are looking for unique but don’t want to go to the hassle of doing it all yourself then track down JE Gems who have many one off designs that are ready to wear. The have plenty of ruby rings that should please you, some of which even incorporate cubic zirconia for a little extra sparkle. They have plenty to choose from and a lot of it is under $400 so you should certainly be able to find something unique even if you are on a tighter budget than you might like. For real rick bottom prices you can pick something up that has a silver band set with rubies. For $100 you really can’t go wrong no matter what you are buying the ring for.

For a true one-off custom designer ruby ring you are going to have to go the The Natural Sapphire Company and pay a little extra. Its well worth it though, I can tell you from experience. If you are looking for a ring for a truly special occasion such as an engagement or and anniversary this is a place that can’t be beat.

All about Cubic Zirconia Rings

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:03:59 +0000

Cubic Zirconia rings are growing in popularity in the fashion jewelry world. Cubic Zirconia is a form of a chemical called zirconium dioxide, which is crystalline in nature. In the naturally existing form, this chemical is colorless but different colors can be given to it by artificial means. It is very strong and durable in nature yet very low in price. Cubic Zirconia rings replaced diamond rings because of its durability and extremely affordable price.

You will find many different designs and styles of cubic zirconia rings, which can be used for different occasions. Because of the low price, cubic zirconia rings have become quite popular as engagement and wedding rings. The zirconium dioxide crystal can be cut into any shape such as oval, elliptical, round or a heart shape. The cutting does not spoil the cleavage or final appearance of the rings.

cubic zirconia engagement rings are in demand also because of the fact that not many people can tell the difference between a zirconium and diamond. Only a highly experienced jeweler can spot the difference between zirconium and diamond. However, there is a very high resemblance in appearance, cubic zirconia rings are priced at almost a fraction of the price of a diamond ring.

Cubic Zirconia rings are made in different metals like silver, gold and platinum. The rings made from platinum metal are very popular. Though there are some disadvantages in owning a zirconia ring, the extremely affordable price offsets these drawbacks. The biggest drawback of a Cubic zirconia ring is that it loses its shine after some years of use unlike the diamond ring. Nevertheless, there are some simple tips that can be handy to make your lab created diamond ring shine forever like diamond.

Take proper care of your CZ jewelry by cleaning it frequently with hand lotions or other mild cleansing agents can help in maintaining the shine. Wash it thoroughly with water to ensure that no lotion or solution remains between the metal and the stone. After cleaning always wipe it dry with a soft cloth and if you are not wearing it, store it wrapped in a soft fabric.

If you have not used the ring for a while or if it is very dirty, you can use a steam cleaner to remove oil and dirt accumulated on the ring. However, you need to ensure that the steam temperature is not very high else, it can permanently damage the stone. With little regular care, cubic zirconia rings will shine and sparkle forever like a diamond.

Gemstone Eternity Rings With & Without Diamonds

Alex — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:11:59 +0000

For some reason there are certain stones commonly used in making eternity rings. They are, rubies, emeralds, blue and yellow sapphires, genuine diamonds and diamond imitations like the CZ eternity ring designs.

Ruby Eternity Rings

Since the red engagement ring has become popular, ruby eternity bands have followed the trend. These come in two main styles, those that have rubies all around, and those that are interspersed with diamonds. The number one design is the white gold ruby eternity ring, that is used as a promise ring, a wedding band, anniversary rings and most commonly, birthstone rings for young ladies.

Emerald Eternity Rings

The second choice is the gold emerald eternity ring. Unless it is a birthstone ring, these eternity rings are best when they are a half eternity ring with just a few emeralds, a full eternity ring with every other stone being a diamond to accent the green, or a baguette eternity ring style that has two or more rows, only one of which is emerald. Less is more when it comes to emeralds; their strong green color shines best when set with diamonds or when each stone can be appreciated instead of just becoming a mass of green.

Engagement Rings

There’s no hard and fast rule about how to pair ruby and emerald engagement rings with an eternity wedding band, mostly because by selecting a colored stone you are already deviating from traditional settings and therefore have the liberty to select eternity rings to match with colored gemstones or just diamonds. It will mostly depend on how large the ruby or emerald is in the engagement ring. Consider: Do you really need more red or green in the band? Will an emerald or ruby eternity ring add or distract from the engagement ring’s stone?

Stackable Eternity Rings

One really lovely alternative to a ruby or emerald eternity band is to pair buy two stackable diamond eternity rings and place one on either side of the ruby or emerald engagement ring to frame it all and make it look like a set. Or perhaps get one eternity band now, and get a second as an anniversary addition.

Pandora Charm Bracelets For Christmas

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:39:19 +0000

I there is one thing I don’t particularly like about Christmas its finding presents for those people who I don’t really know all that well but who I feel I need to buy something for. You know the gifts I mean, like the niece who you have only met once or the cousin that moved abroad ten years ago who you fell you don’t know any more. For this reason I have cut back a little on the number to people I buy for at Christmas to reduce my stress levels and make the run up to the holiday season a little more enjoyable. I find that especially in this economic climate many of us seem to be buying less just because you can’t afford to splash out on gifts for family members we hardly know.

Having said that there are still a bunch of people I buy for that I don’t meet too often and I find it pays to have some generic Christmas gift ideas in your head so you don’t have to waste too much time shopping when you are looking for something special and don’t have a clue where to begin. One idea that I have used quite often that seems to have gone down well looking at the letters of thanks I have received is the Pandora charm bracelet. I have been using this for a couple of years in my gift giving repertoire and I have a feeling its going to be called into action a lot more in the future, although I’m going to have to make a list of everyone I have given one too so I don’t start giving out duplicate Christmas presents.

Pandora charm bracelets are one of those things that look like you have put a lot of thought into what you are giving because they are perfect for so many people. They are pretty expensive so if you are trying to cut back then you might want to choose a cheaper charm bracelet, but if you want to impress the Pandora item is ideal.

Having Fun At Christmas Time

Colorful & Cheap Cute Jewelry

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:05:56 +0000

Kids love color and cute animal designs far more than they value gold, silver or diamond jewelry. They don’t know what’s expensive and what’s cheap, but they often know what’s the latest trend and if not, they certainly know what THEY like!

Kids jewelry is about cute and cheap and fun and full of color, and about what’s being worn at school and what they can show off to their best friends. And the perfect little place to find such colorful pieces is a small company that sells online called Ku-Ki. It’s so colorful and full of tasty cookies and ice cream designs it’s almost good enough to eat, not to mention they have a necklace that is a cup cake and actually says Eat Me…and it sells for just 5 euros. They also have charm bracelets, bright animal jewelry, strawberry bracelets and key and heart earrings for little girls. Everything is bright and cheery and I don’t think they have anything that costs more than 15 euros. It’s the type of cheap cute jewelry that kids will go gaga over!

Cute and not so Cheap for Kids, Teens and Tweens

If you really want to outdo yourself and get some jewelry in gold and silver with diamonds and gemstones that’ still uber cute, then you will need to go to the Jewel Basket where they have teen and kids cute jewelry that’s cheap as far gold and silver goes, but isn’t exactly cheap when compared to plastic children’s baubles for fun. This is seriously fabulous cute jewelry from the likes of Disney in 14k gold. They also have childrens Id bracelets and some really cute cartoon characters in all the styles kids love, like Poo and Piglet and Tiger, as well as Mickey Mouse and Cinderella for the girls.

For teens there’s the popular FuFoo jewelry and yes it’s really 14k gold with diamonds, but you can save up to 50% if you get it though the Jewel Basket.

Cute Cheap Jewelry for a Season or Longer

If you want something between colorful plastic and sparkling genuine diamonds then an online store called Inspirations in Gold has both cute cheap jewelry charms and necklaces and also the high end D for Diamonds collection, as well as an assortment of pendants and charms and bracelets for under £20. It’s all cute, but some is cute expensive, and some is just fun without the high price. They have little special items like gold heart locket pendants and animal jewelry and butterflies and ballerinas and stuff kids love. Some is silver, some is silver with enamel colors, and others are gold with diamonds. Select your budget and get colorful and cute cheap jewelry that will last the season, or spend a little more, and unless lost, is jewelry that will last a very long time.

Buy Cheap Jewelry That Doesn’t Sing “Cheap”

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:11:27 +0000

When looking to buy cheap jewelry that looks like you have spent more money on it than you can afford you’re going to have to delve into the wonderful world of fashion and costume jewelry. Here you will find all manner of funky, stylish accessories and jewelry, whether its to stick in your nose or to jangle from your toes. Costume jewelry is all about fun and nothing to do with expense which is great for those of us that don’t have cash for the so-called real thing. When you wear fashion accessories you don’t have to worry about losing it or breaking it, you just wear and forget, and you can look great while you’re doing it.

Its something I know far too much about due to the fact that I have a love of jewelry and have never had the money to spend on rubies, emeralds, or diamonds. There’s always affordable bracelets hanging from my wrists to my elbows and cheap earrings dangling from my lobes. But, just because you don’t spend much doesn’t mean you have to wear CHEAP Jewelry that everyone else is already wearing and that everyone knows cost you a few dollars. And forget about the poor quality fashion jewelry that falls apart as soon as you look at it. There are affordable out there that feel and look like quality if you only know where to look.

You’ll want to stay away from the mass produced junk that is easily available on the wholesale market and usually is shipped in from Asia for a pittance. Its better to do your searching and discovering in the independent jewelry shops that retail pieces that are unique but surprisingly inexpensive. Artisan boutiques are where you will come across the discount silver jewelry you’re looking for and it won’t be the same as the terrible sorry excuse for jewelry you are used to seeing for cheap on the high street.

If you want to do further afield in order to get something that is particularly special then take a gander at South American jewelry outlets who provide items that are rare but beautiful using onyx stones and handmade silver and its available online if you know where to look.

Affordable Jewelry that is good enough to go in a gallery

The further you throw your reach they easier you will find it to purchase something within your price range. The further you stay away form the idea of costume jewelry in your local mall the more jewels will show themselves. Gypsies in Europe hand pound cheap gold jewelry while North American natives create outstanding stone rings and bracelets in green jade and Tibetan craftsmen create ancient gems in pure silver that you can buy for an embarrassingly low price when compared ot the cost of designer jewelry in the West.

The secret is to try something new instead of being constrained by your old ideas about the jewelry you like to wear. The Internet is your best tool on your journey of discovery so use it to your best advantage and hunt down the inexpensive accessories that can take the place of the designer jewelry you can’t really afford anyway.

Delicately Sculpted Titanium Rings for Women

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:16:57 +0000

Many believe that titanium wedding bands are thick or wide flat bands that although being lightweight, appear heavy on ladies’ more delicate fingers. This may be true of some styles, but there is a collection of women’s titanium rings that are delicate as lace, sculpted from swirling strands of titanium and set into gracious and elegant bands that allow the skin to show through. Many of these womens ring styles have been based on Celtic models but have acquired a contemporary twist with the use of slightly altered traditional knots, curls and scrolls forming more geometric patterns.

The designs I am talking about come from an online jewelry company called the Arnell Workshop who sell their gorgeous creations through The Titanium Workshop. Their ladies engagement rings, wedding bands and titanium promise rings include classic womens ring designs and also have precious metal inlays that meld with the streamline chic looks of titanium. But undoubtedly they specialize in carved titanium wedding bands and promise rings with inspiration from Guinevere, Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table with titanium creations such as the Merlin, Morgane, Guinevere and other magical sparkling creations like eternity rings called Lunar Eclipse and the Facia. Their womens rings with or without diamonds are not cheap, but they are delicate and feminine and cost around $400.

Gemstone and Titanium Ring Options

Another company that offers delicate womens titanium ring designs Avant-Garde Co. because they create handmade titanium rings made to order and a few ready to wear pieces that blend yellow and rose gold with platinum and titanium, along with sapphires, rubies or diamonds. Some have moissanite which looks like a diamond but is less expensive.

Al their diamonds and gemstones are set into original womens titanium wedding bands or engagement ring concepts that are unique to Avant-Garde. They also use the tension set technology in titanium wedding bands such as their Flat Titanium Ring series, which uses emerald cut gemstones for some of the most unusual diamond, ruby ring or garnet ring masterpieces in titanium mirror-like polished bands, and the prices are good at about $300 on average.

New Titanium Artifacts

Many ladies will want to custom design their own rings to be sure they match their individual feminine style. A good place to have custom designs made is a company called Artifact who can craft women’s titanium wedding bands and engagement rings with 18K rose gold inlays that give a slight pink hue to a titanium band ideal for custom wedding bands or promise rings. If pink isn’t your color, then titanium will still be ideal because Artifact also specializes in womens colored titanium rings that come in anodized grooved rings or etched styles with accents of purple, green or blue titanium.

Designer Titanium Rings for the Ladies

There’s another option for womens titanium ring styles that are hand crafted with great pride and that is Titanium Rings Studio, where Jacob Lee Hansard has a marvelous line of unique women’s designer rings all crafted from high quality titanium and often blended with platinum and gold. He creates some of the most delicate promise rings, diamond titanium engagement rings and wedding bands for women. All the custom orders made through Jacob Lee Hansard are one of a kind, although he also has a few contemporary pieces in a collection of classic engagement rings and bands that are just waiting to be put on your finger.

He also has a line of ultra modern, fun casual womens titanium rings like the Polka Dot customizable titanium ring that has polka dot circles which you can have made with blue, green, yellow, orange, teal or white accents. All these pieces are made with the high-tech durability of titanium metal.