Wearing Jewelry LIke a Pro - New Fun Ways to Wear Your Jewelry

As with everything else in life, sometimes we fall into habits in how we wear our jewelry.

We put the brooch on out left shoulder, we wear the same necklace with the same dress and the same earrings.

This article will help stimulate your thinking about how you wear jewelry. It's not exhaustive -- if you have other ideas of better ways to use jewelry, let me know.

Pins are perhaps the most versatile of jewelry. In addition to the usual shoulder or lapel, they are often worn with scarves. Try these other ways of wearing your pins to extend your jewelry vocabulary.

Pins on hats. Wearing a pin on a hat has a very long tradition As hats become popular once again we can start making use of this great old technique.

You can pin the brooch on the hatband or higher up on the crown of the hat, or use it to hold up part of the brim (If your hat has a brim). Use a whole circle of pins around the hatband for a charming effect (especially effective with animal jewelry). Make a whole menagerie for your hat. Play with your animal jewelry brooches as if your were playing jungle as a child.

Pins can also be worn on belts and handbags. Try a pin on your belt a bit off to one side. If it's a belt with a simple or self buckle, this can add just the bit of extra interest you need (especially if you have a slim waist to show off).

Putting a brooch on an old handbag can give it new life. You can also take a plain purse and dress it up for evening by the addition of a brooch or two.

Brooches can be added to hair clips to make a one of a kind hair ornament. Or string your favorite brooch on a cord. By knotting the cord and tying the brooch in the middle you can keep many pins upright and hanging correctly. You now have a whole new pendant.

Try a line of 3 or 4 brooches running down the thigh of your jeans. Or group several brooches across your bodice like a necklace.

You can even use brooches on your shoes, if they are of the right sort. This is an unusual technique that's sure to get you noticed.

Rings, of course, can be worn on chains around your neck as well as on your fingers. In the Renaissance they used to make very large rings specifically to be worn around the neck (they were too big for anyone but a giant to wear on their fingers).

You can also weave rings into your hair. Whether you have long hair or short, you can put the ring very close to your scalp and then braid it in. This is a fun technique to give a little sparkle and curiosity to an otherwise commonplace hairdo.

Of course necklaces are great woven into hair too. This is a technique that's been practiced for centuries. During the time of the Louis's, French women had elaborate wigs with necklaces already woven in. Queen Elizabethan (and other Renaissance ladies) also wore necklaces with strings of jewels woven into her elaborate hairdos.

If you have some long necklaces that unclip, try weaving them around a belt before putting it on. You can secure the ends with a small piece of tape or tie them on with a big of colored string. This can make a plain black dress upscale evening attire. A great tip for travelers.

If you have a charm bracelet or three, try adding a chain or cord to each end and wearing it as a necklace -- fun and tres chic.

The possibilities are endless... Just let your imagine take flight, and let me know if you come out with other great ways to wear jewelry.

article source: http://www.articleworld.net

Six Common Questions About Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry has been a popular commodity for thousands of years. One of the obvious reasons is the affordability over other precious metals gold and platinum. The large variety of sterling silver jewelry requires certain knowledge in order to choose the right piece and also keep it in good condition as long as possible. The followings are the most common questions concerning sterling silver jewelry.


How do I clean sterling silver jewelry?
It depends. Usually, it is sufficient to use a jewelry cloth (with two layers of cloths in different colors) that you can get from a jewelry accessory store. Don't use any hard object to clean sterling silver jewelry; even paper towel could scratch the surface. You should rub any dirt off using a jewelry cloth, not fingernails. Silver-dip is another commonly used sterling silver jewelry cleaner, which can also be obtained from jewelry store. The entire silver jewelry is immerged in the solution for half a minute to a minute and then rinsed with water. Make sure the silver jewelry is not plated with any other metal before using the silver-dip or the plating will be damaged.
Where do I store sterling silver jewelry?
It is very important to store sterling silver jewelry properly when it is not used. The ideal place to store sterling silver jewelry is cool and away from sunlight. Heat and light will turn a silver jewelry yellow and cause it to tarnish quickly. Even indoor light source like florescent lights or light bulbs turn the color of silver jewelry over time. If you expect not to wear a certain piece for a long time, put it in a air-tight bag and store it in a drawer.
What types of silver jewelry plating are there?
Unlike gold and platinum, however, pure silver is rather unstable and oxides rather quickly. Therefore, silver jewelry is usually plated with another metal to protect it from tarnishing. There are two kinds of plating for silver jewelry: nickel and rhodium plating. Nickel plating has a more whitish look and rhodium plating has a darker look. Rhodium is used to plate white gold and platinum jewelry and is much more expensive than nickel, and it give better protection to the silver underneath. On the other hand, some silver jewelry is not plated. For instance, high polished sterling silver jewelry does not have any plating and the surface is polished by machine to render shininess. Also, "oxidized silver" jewelry is oxidized on purpose to give a dark antique look and is not plated with any other metals.
How do I know the purity of my silver jewelry?
The purity of sterling silver refers to 92.5% of silver in the alloy. In order to confirm the purity, the metal itself has to be sent to a laboratory to be tested. However, most of the sterling silver jewelry produced nowadays has a "925" stamp to indicate the authenticity of the jewelry. Although there are cases where stamps are forged and the metal is either not silver or the purity is not as stated, they are very rare.
How about engraving and resizing?
Engraving and resizing of sterling silver rings is rather simple due to the ductility and relatively low melting point. However, make sure your jeweler understands the process of refinishing the ring and that they possess the necessary equipment to do so. Not all jewelers have the equipment to recoat the rhodium plating after cutting and welding the ring. Also, rings set with stones are sometimes not resizable because resizing might cause the stones to pop out. Such settings include channel and invisible settings.
Can I wear sterling silver jewelry if I am allergic to nickel?
Yes, just make sure the jewelry is pure sterling silver, not plated with nickel. Even Rhodium plated sterling silver jewelry sometimes contains a nickel layer between the silver and the rhodium to act as an adhesive. Hence, buy only high polished sterling silver jewelry if you are allergic to nickel.

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Gold Jewelry - Finest Jewelry

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 d4aD9eSSx1ld 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.

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Mens Diamond Rings - The Ultimate Wedding Ring For The Modern Man

Mens diamond rings are becoming more and more popular with the modern man. As more men celebrate their marriage by the wearing of a wedding ring, mens diamond rings are fast becoming the new mens fashion.

The wearing of a wedding ring by a man is a reasonably new phenomenon. It is only really since the second world war that the wearing of a wedding ring by a man became common. However it is taking off now, as are diamond mens rings.

And there are different considerations for a man's wedding jewelry than for a woman.

A man doesn't usually wear an engagement ring. A woman does. For a woman it is her engagement ring which is the feature on her finger. It is usually the engagement ring that is admired, not her wedding ring. And for this reason the woman will usually love a stunning diamond solitaire ring for her engagement ring, because a diamond solitaire is a ring to be admired!

And the setting of the diamond solitaire is there really just to hold the diamond. The setting is not the feature, the diamond is. The setting is just there to show off the diamond to best advantage.

So for a woman the choice of wedding ring needs to accommodate the fact that it should not overpower her engagement ring. Whilst there are some magnificent diamond wedding rings for women, they should always be more understated. Small diamonds, and with more of the impact of the ring coming from the ring itself rather than the diamonds.

And if she has a magnificent engagement ring then there is no need for anything but a simple understated band for a wedding ring.

But a man needs to approach his wedding ring quite differently, hence the popularity of diamond mens rings. Mens diamond wedding rings are larger and more noticeable than womens rings. And as there is no engagement ring, the diamonds go on his wedding ring.

This is the only ring on his hands, perhaps the only jewelry that he will ever wear. So it needs to tell the world exactly who he is.

Notwithstanding, it is not as common for men to wear a mens diamond ring with a single large stone as it is for women. Whilst solitaire rings are the most popular for women, men tend to select more diamonds, and smaller ones.

For women, the setting is just the method of showing off the diamond. For men the setting, and the ring material, is an integral part of the appeal of the ring. Mens diamond rings are all about the ring and the diamonds together. Womens rings are about the diamonds.

For this reason mens diamond rings often feature such modern ring
materials as Titanium, Platinum, Stainless Steel or Carbon Fibre. Two tone yellow gold and white gold also looks great.

These rings are also much wider than you would expect for a woman's wedding ring. This is to make sure that a mans wedding ring is in keeping with a mans (normally) wider hand, and also to allow room for the features of the ring and to add the diamonds. Mens diamond wedding rings are much more ornate than a womans wedding ring.

But the most important part is still the diamond or diamonds. A mens diamond ring with one or more stunning diamonds cannot be matched for style. It says volumes about the man. It makes a clear unambiguous statement that says "I'm married, and I can afford a fantastic diamond ring like this".

Mens diamond rings are unequalled for style, class and flair. The modern married man should not be without one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

What You Should Know When Buying a Diamond Ring

Diamond information for couples interested in buying a diamond engagement ring. At a point in nearly every man's life, there comes a time when his heart knows it's time to buy a diamond engagement ring for the woman he loves. Only then will you feel comfortable buying a diamond engagement ring. There are many things to consider when learning how to buy a diamond, you should never rush into buying a diamond without first doing a little research as to how the diamonds are priced. Buying a diamond is no different, except most of know us very little about diamonds. Buying a diamond ring is often an emotional - not to mention expensive - experience.


Diamond Ring: 
Buying a diamond ring can be a huge investment and you want to get one with the perfect diamond in it, so you may be intimidated if you are a first time buyer. Buying a diamond means investing in a piece for forever. Every individual buying a diamond seeks out the best they can afford. When buying a diamond, consider your budget and where the stone will be worn to help determine the ideal carat size. The Four C's of Buying a Diamond, to determine the best price for your ring, you need to be familiar with the four C's. The four C's of cut, color, clarity, and carat are explained.
Diamond Color
Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow and the diamond color scale is based on the amount of yellow present in a diamond. It's the absence of color that adds value to the diamond. Diamond color is graded according to the GIA Grading Scale. Grades are based on the amount of yellow that is visible when viewed face down through the pavilion using the GIA Diamond Lite. The color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (yellow tinge).
Diamond Cut
To achieve the maximum reflection of light that causes a diamond to sparkle requires a diamond to have an Ideal/Excellent cut grade. Ideal cut diamonds are graded as such because they fall within the ideal cut grade parameters specified by the diamond grading labs. The better cut grades are likely to display more fire and brilliance and since their appearance is more desirable, they are priced accordingly. The GIA and EGL have only extended ideal/excellent cut grade parameters to round brilliant stones at this time. Determining a diamond's cut grade, however, goes beyond simple measurements of width and depth. Diamond Cut is perhaps the most important of the four C's.
Diamond Clarity
A diamond's clarity is determined by the number, nature, position, size and color of internal characteristics called "inclusions" and surface features called "blemishes". These show themselves as the various characteristics which make up the clarity of a diamond, included crystals, feathers, clouds etc. These characteristics are sometimes not visible to the naked-eye and they are what make each diamond unique. This clarity grade becomes more important as the diamond size increases. The clarity scale was developed by the Gemological Institute of America GIA to quantify these imperfections.
Diamond Carat
It is a common misconception that carats refer to the size of a diamond. In reality, a carat is the standard unit of weight by which diamonds are measured.  Since a carat is a measure of weight, not size, one diamond of the same carat weight may look bigger than another depending on the cut. A premium cut diamond may actually appear bigger than many diamonds of a higher carat weight.
Diamond Shape
Stones come in different shapes - round, oval, marquise, pear, emerald, heart, princess, and radiant.
Round
A round brilliant is a great choice if you want the most sparkle and the most enduring classic shape round-brilliant diamonds are the only shape to have this ideal proportion defined. Brilliant cut diamonds have facets that are shaped like triangles and kites. Today's round brilliant diamond has a total of fifty-eight facets, but you'll see varying facet numbers in vintage brilliant cut diamonds. Even though Round Brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive in the market, they make up the overwhelming majority of diamonds found in engagement rings, and are popular as stud earrings and pendants.
Oval  
The elongated shape of Oval diamonds gives a very flattering effect to your finger when worn in a ring, and is found in some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings. Unlike round cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds have an elongated shape, which makes the diamond appear larger in carat weight. Oval cut diamonds are essentially elongated round cut diamonds. Many women with smaller hands or shorter fingers prefer the look of oval cut diamonds and pear shaped diamonds because they truly slenderize and elongate the fingers on the hand.
Marquise  
While marquise diamonds are not as popular as round cut diamonds or princess cut diamonds, they are still quite sophisticated and elegant. A marquise cut diamond has a uniquely beautiful shape that is favoured by many women, but a small percentage of brilliance will be sacrificed for the beauty of this uniquely diamond shape. Compared to the round cuts, the marquise diamonds are not as popular these days. In addition, the shape of the marquise diamond almost makes the stone appear larger than it is. The Marquise shape was created for Louis the XIV and is has become a timeless classic.
Pear
The pear shape is a stunningly feminine diamond shape with a rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other.  Due to their elongated shape, pear cut diamonds are known for their slenderizing effect. .The Pear cut allows a range of cutting styles, so that the teardrop shape can be wider, slimmer, or cut to Ideal proportions, based on your choice and preferences. Pear shaped diamonds have a rounded end and a single point. While pear shaped diamonds are not as traditional as round cut diamonds, or as trendy as princess cut diamonds, they are still coveted by many people.
Emerald
The emerald-cut diamond is among the most classic of diamond shapes that is distinguished by beveled corners and step facets, emerald cut diamonds are more transparent than other shapes, resulting in the need for higher standards of clarity. The emerald cut can be one of the least expensive to cut because its shape is most like the natural shape of the rough diamond crystal. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire dispersion than the other brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic beauty and elegance not seen in other cuts. The trim lines of Emerald cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to both the simplest of ring designs.
Heart
The heart-shaped diamond is the most romantic of diamond shapes and a symbol of love and affection, the heart cut diamond is an excellent choice for an anniversary or engagement ring. It is a tender gesture to make to someone special. A quality heart-shaped diamond is lovely and distinctive, with an even shape and well-defined outline. They are the ultimate symbol of romance, and more and more people are choosing heart cut diamonds for engagement and anniversary rings. Heart Shaped Diamonds are rarer and more expensive as it takes a large piece of diamond rough to shape cut and polish to something that is the ultimate symbol of love "the heart"
Princess 
A modern innovation, the princess shape dazzles and sparkles with its star burst facet pattern, while still leaving the crown of the diamond flat and open. The princess cut is stunning set as a solitaire it is a modern classic of clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. Its sharp corners are usually contained in a four-pronged or bezel set in wedding rings. You will also find Princess cut diamonds are often channeled into the wedding band itself. Princess Cut Diamonds are for those people who love the sparkle and brilliance associated with round cut diamonds, but prefer  the shape of a square. While the round brilliant solitaire seems to be the most popular shape right now for engagement rings, many people are deviating from this trend and going with princess cut diamonds.
Radiant
The radiant cut was first patented in the late 1970's by Henry Grossbard, with its angular shape and brilliant cut facets it makes a scintillating alternative to other cuts such as the Emerald cut. The radiant shaped diamond can be considered a modified brilliant diamond that is closely related to the princess cut diamond because of its square shape. High quality Radiant cut diamonds combine the fire and sparkle of Emerald and Round cuts.
Now you know the different shapes of diamonds that you can purchase and which shape will accentuate individual fingers or provide brilliant sparkle we can now move on to the ring.
There are many different metals used for rings today which can be grouped into two, precious and non -precious, those in the precious group including silver, gold, and platinum, while those in the non-precious group can include brass, copper ad nickel. Most rings today are made of gold or platinum so we will focus our discussion on these two precious metals.
Gold  
Gold comes in various colors that can reflect the carat value of the carat of yellow gold with 10k, 14k and  18k being the most popular. Did you know that you can get Rose Gold, white gold and yellow gold and that white gold is more a silver color than white? Until recently white gold was yellow gold with as much of the yellow gold removed as possible, however it was still not a true white color. To give you that white (silver) brilliance the rings are plated with Rhodium or palladium.
Platinum
Platinum became very popular for its natural white (silver) color and durability. Customers that buy white gold rings that have rhodium plating will have to have the ring re-plated every few years if it's worn regularly,  as the rhodium wears off. With platinum the color stays the same no mater how often you wear it. Platinum is about twice the price of 14K Gold and can push the price of the setting and diamond out of the range of some customers.
Ring Mounts
There are thousands of different settings available for you to choose from; they come in all shapes and sizes, from solitaires to multi stone rings. Your choice is a personal one; however you should consider when you are going to be wearing your ring. If you plan to wear it daily then pick something with a low profile that protects the diamond and setting from getting damaged if you accidentally catch it against something. This could lead to the diamond coming loose and having to be reset, to forcing the diamond out of the mounting and breaking it.
On the other hand,  if you are only going to wear the ring for special occasions then purchase a mount that holds the diamond high so that it's well displayed and allow the light to enter unobstructed from the top and show the scintillating fire and brilliance.
Remember that if you are purchasing a high quality diamond for your ring that having other diamonds around it will detract from your central diamond. If on the other hand you are purchasing a smaller center diamond adding smaller ones around the outside will make the center one look larger.
Engagement sets are also very popular, with couples purchasing the engagement ring and then going back and purchasing the wedding band from the set, for that special day.

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