Monday, September 7, 2009

Bridal jewellery

Wedding rings are more than expensive jewellery , they have a long history of symbolism, which began about 4800 years ago in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians believed rings had links to the supernatural and the circle was their symbol for eternity, making it an appropriate symbol for eternal love.
The first wedding bands were fashioned from sedges, rushes and reeds surrounding the River Nile, which was considered to be the bringer of great fortune and life. The Romans modernised this idea soon after by using iron for their wedding bands because of its durability. But iron rusts and plant matter rots so thankfully, these have been replaced by gold, silver, platinum or metal blends.
Today, women need a ‘working ring’ and expect to wear their ring in every situation whether to the shop, pub, gym or work. So make sure you choose something you won’t get sick of and get a guarantee from the jeweller about its durability.
These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings for granted, and although they give these beautiful items of jewellery with integrity and love, they are often given with no real knowledge of the meaning behind them.
Bridal jewellery is a very old custom that dates back to medieval times and this practice is still continuing. In earlier times, bridal jewellery was supposed to be the privilege of the rich and the wealthy, but as time passed by, it became the right of every single bride, rich or the deprived. Nowadays, one of the main attractions of a wedding is the bridal jewellery and the worthy holder of the jewellery is often the centre of attraction in a wedding ceremony.
Wedding is a very unique occasion for a lady and hence there should not be any stones left unturned to ensure that she is going to have a very memorable event in all senses of those words. Bridal jewellery is a very important aspect of this very special day and therefore it is very much important to give due care to buy them from distinguished brands like BoBijou, that offers marvellous range of bridal jewellery collection which is rare and trustworthy.
Bridal jewellery made of gemstones is a pretty new fad and for this type of the jewellery people often use diamonds, pearls and other expensive and attractive stones. The bridal jewellery is having the distinctive responsibility of enhancing the charm of a bride on her wedding d
ay and it also compliments the attire of the bride. People often look to come up with gorgeous, yet affordable set of dress and jewellery and this involves a lot of planning, especially about price range of the bridal jewellery. On a wedding day, jewellery is not only for the bride but also for the other people who attend the occasion and hence this is a big market for the businessmen to pursue.
Jewelry has been part of the Indian civilization since ancient history. Indian bridal Jewelry made of gold; silver, copper, ivory, pottery and beads have been discovered in civilizations as ancient as the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The Indus valley goldsmith knew how to make moulds for metal and terra cotta ornaments. Gold jewelry from these civilizations consist of bracelets, necklaces, bangles, ear ornaments, rings, head ornaments, brooches, girdles etc. This art has been perfected with modern styles and further materials used. Besides gold and other metal jewelry, stones, conch shells, wood, plant seeds. India became famous for its bridal jewelry made up of glass beads, semi precious stones, bone and horn, metal, lac and kundan from very early times, being an important source of glass beads and semi precious stones, Sophisticated jewelry, set with precious stones using the Kundankari technique, or decorated with bright enamel work, known as minakari, were made for the affluent people.
Rajasthani Bridal jewelry is ideal for the day wedding as Indian bridal jewelry. In Indian bridal jewelry, Heavy stone jewelry beautifully complements Indian outfits such as lehengas and saris. Jhumkas, mangtika and chudas, look stunning and beautiful. Gold necklaces and bangles lend a conventional touch to the overall Indian bridal jewelry. An elegant diamond choker worn with an evening dress or gown is a great head-turner. For a contemporary look, you can complement your low-cut bridal gown with a pair of diamond earrings. It's simply eye-catching! A heavy gold choker goes fine with stylish ear studs and red and gold bangles.

White gold jewellery

White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. White gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat. For example, 18kt yellow gold is made by mixing 75% gold (750 parts per thousand) with 25% (250 parts per thousand) other metals such as copper and zinc. 18kt white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different.
Traditionally nickel was used in white gold, however, nickel is no longer used in most white gold made today as nickel can cause reactions with some people. We do not use nickel in our white gold
When white gold rings are new they are coated with another white metal called Rhodium. Rhodium is a metal very similar to platinum and Rhodium shares many of the properties of platinum including its white color.
Jewelry in its most basic form has been used since the dawn of of man's use of tools and clothing. Until recently, researchers had believed that the ability to use symbolism did not develop until humans had migrated to Europe 35,000 to 40,000 years ago. Recently discovered mollusk or nassarius kraussianus shells that had been perforated to be made into beads are now thought to be some of the oldest known man-made Jewelry. This mollusk jewelry was discovered in a cave in Blombos, South Africa, and dates back to the Middle Stone Age 100,000 years ago. Other readily available natural materials used to make the first jewelry include animal teeth, bone, various types of shells, carved stone and wood. Most likely, jewelry started out as a functional item used to pin articles of clothing together and was later adapted to a purely aesthetic adornment.
Used as a symbol of wealth and/or status as well as to protect against harm, ward of evil, and heal ailments, jewelry was used to adorn nearly every part of the body and has been made out of almost every material known to mankind.

Care of white gold:


White gold is looked after more or less the same way as yellow gold products. It has a thin layer of rhodium plating, which can wear off after continual use. This can be prevented by rhodium plating the white gold products after at least every six months. A little effort will keep your white gold jewelry in perfect condition.

Pearl jewellery



A freshwater pearl is a pearl that is cultured in a mussel in a lake, whereas the traditional cultured pearl is cultured in an oyster in the ocean (salt water pearls are called Akoya pearls). Freshwater cultured pearls are less expensive than the Akoya pearls.

Pearl characteristics:

The value of a pearl is determined by its Lustre, Surface, Shape, color and Size.

Lustre:

Lustre is the most important factor in choosing pearls. The inner glow of the pearl combined with the surface brilliance defines lustre. The higher the lustre, the thicker the nacre or secretion from the oyster and the stronger the glow.

Surface:

The smoothness of the pearl's surface, from clean to heavily blemished, is the next consideration. Cracks or breaks in the nacre are considered damage. Because pearls are grown in an oyster and are organic gems they are almost never flawless.

Shape:

Similarly, it is very rare to find a perfectly round pearl. The rounder the pearl, however, the more valuable it is. Slightly off-round, semi-baroque and baroque pearls are not as valuable as perfectly round pearls.


Color:

Cultured pearls range in color from white to black with various mult-colored overtones. The color of the pearl is really the wearer's preference.


Size:
Cultured pearls are measured in millimetres. All other factors being equal, the larger the pearl the rarer and more valuable it is.

Pearls are currently back in fashion again. Modern twists show pearls being interspaced on gold or silver wire, floating on special synthetic cord or as traditional pearl necklaces with suspended interchangeable pendants often in materials like jade, peridot and lapis lazuli. The variety of new pearl designs, interesting new shapes, sizes and colours, make them the perfect jewel essential to the noughties. Pearls are also the perfect gift for anytime of year, for any age group.

Rules of care pearls"

The most important way to prevent damage to your pearls is by following the golden rule of putting your pearls on as the last thing you do when finishing your grooming. Put the pearls on after you have applied make up, perfume and hair sprays, never before. Don't spray your perfume on the neck area where the pearls will actually sit and avoid touching your pearls when you have just applied hand cream. If you need to reapply hair spray at some time, slip the pearls off for a moment and put them well out of the damage zone.
Likewise make pearls the first thing you remove after a night out, before you wipe your face and neck with cleansers or facial wipes, or night creams.
Don't touch your pearls with your fingers if eating bar snack foods which sometimes have chilli style powders on them. Such spices can damage the surface of pearls. I once damaged my new Mabé pearl earrings when eating chilli style taco biscuits at a party. One earring still has a minute little speckle spot where the chilli powder rested. I was lucky the spot is so tiny, but the spice speck literally burnt into side of the pearl.

Unique handmade jewellery



Since 2001, Jewels By Jules has designed and created unique handcrafted jewelry with our specialty being wire wrapped jewelry. Woven wire bracelets are quickly becoming very popular along with my woven wire rings. Leather cord necklaces along with my #1 selling leather cord bracelets are also available. Browse our website or when in Tucson, call Jodi for an appointment to try on your favorite wire wrapped jewelry. Many of our pieces are one-of-a-kind, giving you unique handcrafted jewelry to enjoy for a lifetime at very affordable prices.

Handmade jewelry is jewelry which has been assembled and formed by hand rather than through the use of machines. According to the guidelines of the FTC, in order to be stamped or called "handmade" the work must be made solely by hand power or hand guidance. In essence, this means that jewelry may be made using drills, lathes, or other machinery, but it must be guided by human hand. This precludes the use of punch presses, CNC machinery and casting to name a few processes that would not qualify as "handmade". Beyond that caveat it can be anything made out of anything that would be considered jewelry.
Jewellery has been used to denote status. In ancient Rome, for instance, only certain ranks could wear rings, Later, sumptuary laws dictated who could wear what type of jewellery; again based on rank. Cultural dictates have also played a significant role; for example, the wearing of earrings by Western men was considered "effeminate" in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
We are happy you have found our unique handcrafted jewelry store and hope you will find some unique sterling silver jewelry, amber jewelry, turquoise and other treasures for your taste. Please browse the wide selection of custom handcrafted jewelry and sterling silver jewelry with amber and other semiprecious stones. We work with various jewelry makers and artisans throughout the word and design our own handcrafted jewelry collections. You will find many different styles of silver rings, pendants, necklaces, pins and earrings.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Handmade bracelets



Bracelets - alone or in clusters - are one of the most popular forms of jewelry. Present since the earliest times, a hinged hoop bracelet inlaid with gems was found in the tomb of the Egyptian Queen Ashhotep.
The handmade bracelet probably evolved from talismans. Fashionable in the 1950s, they recently experienced a revival and the charms are usually personal or symbolic. Handmade leather bracelets vary from braids with sterling silver to wide leather bands that communicate a sense of power.


Today's beaded bracelets are traditional but also may include ceramic globes, gemstones and even beads made from recycled magazines. The simple elegance of tennis bracelets makes them a perennial favorite. And unusual materials like brass, palm fibers, bamboo and wood each have an informal beauty all their own.

Handmade bracelets and unique bracelets are handcrafted exclusively by the artisan of Copper Reflections. Handmade bracelets are available in cuff, chain and bangle bracelet styles. Unique bracelets by the artisans of Copper Reflections are available in a great assortment of unique jewelry designs.




Handmade jewelry will make perfect gifts for any gift giving occasion including birthday gifts, anniversary gifts and Christmas gifts. Handmade bracelets are offered in vast selections of Native American Indian jewelry, flower, nature, animal jewelry and wildlife themes. Animal jewelry bracelet designs include horse jewelry, dolphin, butterfly, dragonfly, hummingbird, cat jewelry and many more. To make our unique bracelets all our designs are first hand drawn and transferred onto handmade bracelets.

Children's jewellery


We have certainly been busy with our children’s jewellery ranges and we’re happy to say that some more have been added to the site.

One of the new ranges from our suppliers is the Me To You range – featuring the lovely Tatty Teddy character that’s so famous – you’re sure to have seen him all over the place – cards, pictures, etc. – he’s a little cutie and certainly makes for an ideal present for a collector or someone who likes bears.
The range is for the older child with quite a few of the pieces are for teenagers and all the pieces are made in sterling silver. Each item comes in its own blue Me To You presentation box for a ready made present.
Before anything else, ask if he or she wants to be a part of the wedding. Some kids actually end up crying or giving tantrums on the wedding day itself because they do not want to be there. Explain the importance the event and his or her role. If your child knows what he or she is suppose to do there and says yes willingly, then you can at least be assured that he or she wants to be the flower girl or the ring bearer.


Be there with your child on the rehearsal dinner and fittings. This will assure you kid that you support them and that there is no need for apprehensions. It’s also a good thing that your child knows the bride or groom’s family so that he or she will be at ease and will have more fun on the date itself.
The night before the wedding, make sure that your child is properly rested and sleeps early. Make sure that she gets enough rest so that he or she can wake up bright and early the next morning.
This might seem a nightmarish scenario for you children having short attention spans but children are never too young to be exposed to music, films and museums. The younger they are the better. Children can be inspired by external stimuli and their minds absorb information like a sponge.
Birthdays are one of the most special celebrations for any child. Younger children have a different understanding of how truly a special day it is. But when they turn eight years old, they now acquire a different perspective, especially for girls.

A perfect birthday party would be a sweet eight birthday party where your little girl can experience an initiation into girlhood.
Baby rings and baby name bracelets.
Itty Beady Creations Itty Beady Creations specializes in custom Beaded Jewelry for Children. Each Bracelet or Necklace design arrives in a small Pink Organza pouch, personalized just for your little one, and handmade with small beads ideal for Children's Jewelry. All designs are available in extended sizes for Women too.
JewelBasket.com Cute Children's Bracelets, Children's Earrings. Adjustable Infant Baby Jewelry, children's rings. A wide selection of Baby Earrings, Children's ID Bracelets, Baby Necklaces and Gold Baby Bangle Bracelet.
Baby Jewelry by Night Fox Baby jewelry including baby cups, rattles, and spoons.

Engagement ring


A brief history of the engagement ring:


At Engagement Ring, our engagement rings and wedding bands are artfully crafted to finest quality with precious metal or combination of metals of your liking. Our platinum and palladium engagement rings and wedding rings are manufactured with 95% platinum or palladium. We can manufacture the engagement rings in platinum, palladium, titanium, 14K, 18K (white, yellow or rose gold or combinations) gold.
Clouded in mystery, the exact origin of engagement rings is unclear. Some more romantic people say that the circle symbolises the eternal union while others trace it to a part payment of the groom's financial commitment to his future wife and her family! Whichever is correct, a handmade engagement ring is the perfect way to represent two people's love and commitment to each other and has stood the test of time.



Perhaps the earliest suggested source of the engagement ring tradition was in ancient Egypt, where rings were worn on the 4th finger of the left hand, as this was where the "Vena Amoris" or "Vein of Love" was thought to run to the heart. However, the Christian tradition of wearing an engagement ring on that finger only dates from the 1549 prayer book and prior to that rings were worn on the 3rd finger of the right hand. Another reason for using the 4th finger is that the priest or groom would put the engagement ring on the first three fingers in turn when saying "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost", finishing on the fourth finger where it would then stay.
By the Middle Ages, betrothal and wedding ceremonies had become combined so the idea of a seperate engagement ring began to mark the change in status of the financee and to emphasise the significance of the betrothal.
In the United States and Canada today it is becoming more common, but still rare, that a woman will also buy her partner an engagement ring at the time of the engagement. These may be called male engagement rings or man-agement rings, which is a portmanteau of "man" and "engagement ring".This practice is more common in other countries.
Before agreeing to marry, a couple may choose to buy and wear pre-engagement rings, also called promise rings. After marrying, the couple may wear both engagement rings and wedding rings, or just their wedding rings, as they prefer.