SILVER GRADING AND SILVER JEWELRY PRODUCTION

Silver is graded by its fineness. There are basically two grades of silver, 999 and 925. 999 is termed fine silver, as, at 99.9% silver, it is as pure as it gets. This is the silver used for bullion bars and investment. Being too soft for most practical purposes, it is made into an alloy. The result is called sterling silver, or 925 silver, as it is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals such as copper. The alloy actually enhances the properties of the silver, making it more durable while leaving it ductile. 925 sterling silver is the standard used for making silverware and silver jewelry. When fine silver is used in jewelry manufacture, such as in hilltribe silver, the solder used forms an alloy with the silver, so the finished product may be between 95% and 99% pure, but it is still classed as fine silver.


Once the jewelry craftsman has the silver, the next step requires a design and a primary object from which to make a mold. The mold is then cast so it can be filled with molten silver to produce the finished item.

There are two methods of casting, investment casting and die casting.

Investment casting, also called lost wax casting, was evolved in the Middle East some 4,000 years ago. First a wax model is covered in plaster (the 'investment' material) then heated in a furnace until the wax melts and can be poured out or 'lost'. The mold is then filled with molten silver, allowed to cool, and the mold broken off to leave the silver object. This is the original method of casting, still preferred today.

Die casting, or the die struck method, is a much more recent method of casting, dating from around the time of the Industrial Revolution. This process involves forcing the molten silver into a metal die using compressed air until the metal solidifies and cools. Die casting produces items of better dimensional accuracy and a superior surface finish.

Die stamping is a production method that involves stamping a sheet of silver with a die to produce cut-out pieces that can be made into lightweight accessories such as earrings. The dies are relatively expensive to make, so this process is used for mass-producing pieces such as coins.

Electroforming: a more recent innovation that allows for the production of complex, hollow, three-dimensional shapes that would be difficult if not impossible to realize by other methods. The process requires specialized equipment, but the resulting product can be, for example, an intricate, lifelike flower or fern with perfect contours and immaculate finish. Not to be confused with electroplating, though the end product is something like an electroplate with the core metal removed. An early example of electroforming is the crown made for England's Prince Charles in 1969.

Strictly speaking, in silver jewelry production none of the above methods qualifies as handmade (though investment casting is not too far removed) but the production of silver jewelry by any means is a meticulous process, requiring multiple skills from the design concept right through to the polishing and setting of the finished item.

SHIVA EYE

Shiva Eye is an organic gem. It is the natural protective door of the shell of the turban snail, a mollusk that inhabits reef crevices and tidal pools in many parts of the world, notably the Indo-Pacific. When preyed upon, by rock crabs, otters and some species of starfish, the mollusk will withdraw into its shell and turn its 'eye' toward the attacker in the hope of warding it off. The eye resembles the powerful third eye of Lord Shiva which was opened to end illusion and save the world, according to Hindu mythology.

As Shiva Eye, or Shiva's Eye shell, as it is called in Asia, is found in many of the world's seas, it goes by a host of different names according to local lore and language: Buddha Eye, Cat's Eye, Money of Mermaids, Sea Eye, and Naxos Eye, to name a few. Whatever the name, there is a legend behind it that attests to the miracle power of this eye. Along with the variety of names, there is a diversity of size and color. Shiva Eyes found in Tahiti can be quite large, some 4 inches across; those from southern Thailand are noted more for their intense natural coloring.

When the turban snail nears the end of its natural life, the protective eye drops away to the sea bed, from where it can be collected by diving, usually to a depth of 60 feet or so. This sought-after treasure is characterized by a spiral; the shape and colors of the spiral being unique from shell to shell, but often in varying shades of red, orange, green and blue, depending on each particular sea snail's diet (they feed on algae of various colors). The structure and rarity of color are what count in deciding the quality of each eye. The background to the spiral is pearly white, as, just like a natural pearl, Shiva Eyes are made up of calcium.
The Shiva Eye is in fact the crystal mineral aragonite, a natural gemstone.

Due to its reputed healing and protective properties (the same crystal mineral is present in the soothing waters of spas and hot springs) Shiva Eye is best worn next to the skin, in a bracelet, in a ring, as earrings or a necklace; some even wear it as an amulet or carry it as a lucky stone or charm.



Being a natural gem, the Shiva Eye needs to be carefully polished to bring out its natural beauty, and then set appropriately to complement its individual qualities. A sterling silver setting is ideal since the cool of the silver provides a perfect accompaniment to the warm tropical hues of the Shiva Eye.

Author: Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/shiva%20Eye%20shell/talingngam/8-16-200711-27-04AM_0010.jpg

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

NATURAL HANDMADE BEAD JEWELRY

Though usually thought of as being made of precious metals and gems, jewelry can in fact refer to any object used to adorn the body or clothing, and beads were probably the very first form of jewelry. Early humans handcrafted beads from natural materials found in their environment, most likely for utilitarian purposes such as fastening clothing.


Beads from archeological excavations were found to be handmade from wood, natural animal substances such as bone, claws, teeth, ivory and shell, and also soft stone. Later, in ancient Egyptian and Greek and Roman times, jewelers hand carved increasingly intricate and decorative beads, worn as belts and amulets. Beads then took on value as symbols of status and wealth. The practical use for the bead as a fastener was taken over by the clasp and later the button.


A reminder of the bead's original use survives today in the wood or horn toggles used as fastenings for the duffel coat, and the hardwood and ivory ones made for the Japanese kimono, some of which are works of art and collector's items. Bead sizes range from the palm-of-the-hand-sized decorative toggles to the so-called seed beads that can be smaller than a grain of rice. Shapes of natural beads can range from the typical smooth and rounded through cylindrical as in the natural shape of bamboo beads.

Wood has remained a popular material for making bead necklaces and bracelets, especially. The soothing feel and aroma of beads of natural wood such as teak, rosewood, bamboo and palm wood makes for an item that needs only a linen cord to produce a fine adornment. The vast choice of size, natural color and design means that there is something to suit everyone's taste.


Beads, seed beads included, can be embellished with other organic components, gemstones, pearls and mother-of-pearl, for example, in an array of unique designs. Inexpensive, lightweight and durable, it is no wonder then that beads have stood the test of time to become items of artistry to be worn and treasured.

Author: Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://mytrollbeads.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Troll-Beads-Pic-for-AD.jpg

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

WHAT IS TRIBAL WOOD JEWELRY?

A body adornment that is at once natural, ethnic, organic and attractive.
Sold as either older, previously worn pieces or more usually nowadays as innovative new tribal designs that keep to their tradition, what was once the preserve of colorful ethnic groups has become the inexpensive choice of the young, the famous and the style-conscious.

Typical items include wooden tribal earrings, wood necklaces, wood pendants, wood bangles, beads, wood bracelets, plugs, and hoops. Thailand in particular is noted for its bamboo earrings, as well as its bracelets, necklaces and earrings finely crafted from coconut shell.

Designs can range from the traditional right through to the more modern reggae style. Best of all, the designs are so diverse that they are suitable for wearing with almost any style of clothing on any occasion. Such a variety of color, weight and shape makes tribal wood jewelry unique and ever stylish.

Woods used range from tamarind wood, bamboo, coconut shell, palm wood through to teak wood and rose wood. All, of course, have different qualities, colors and finishes, the designs and patterns reflecting and enhancing the individual beauty of each. The wood is polished to bring out the natural veneer, sometimes with natural oil to help seal the wood.

Wooden jewelry is generally light and easy to look after. A little regular cleaning is all that is needed, especially for those tribal wood items that are for piercing. A mild natural soap or a few drops of tea tree oil will do the job.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

THE SPECIAL QUALITIES OF KAREN SILVER

Silver holds an important place in the life of the Karen people. Migrating from Tibet through Burma over the centuries, they have settled in the hills and mountains of northern Thailand, where they live close with nature.

The Karen have relatively few material possessions, but silver is their currency and their worldly wealth. It is collected and prized throughout their lives, used for dowries, and worn as an adornment and a symbol of status and prestige for its owner.

Karen silver is special in that it is 'fine' silver with a purity of up to 99.9% compared to 925 (92.5%) sterling silver. It has a color and feel all of its own, cool and satiny, it tarnishes less readily than other kinds of silver and can be kept white and shining by simply cleaning with lime juice.


Karen silversmiths have high status in their community and each family may be involved in the design and production of a host of fine individually handcrafted pieces.

Karen designs reflect the people's closeness to the land and water, with motifs inspired by plants, animals, flowers and the natural environment they inhabit. Each item is handmade throughout, rolled, shaped and engraved using traditional methods with the simplest of tools.

As each item is unique, there are literally thousands of designs: accessories such as rings, beads, bracelets, bangles, charms, spiral circle dangling earrings, ear hoops, toggles, clasps, strands, hairpins, hearts and pendants. Such is the variety of shapes and motifs that the piece may have a classic, contemporary or ethnic feel.

Of course, the intricate beauty of each piece makes it fine as a standalone accessory, but the design can be coupled with a suitable gemstone or the silver used as a setting.

Karen silver beads are probably the most popular item as they come in a wealth of sizes and can be made into necklaces and bracelets and sewn onto clothing to the wearer's individual taste.

Author : Michael Briton

HANDMADE STONE BEAD JEWELRY

It can be said that something retro is always in fashion, and now is the time for handmade
stone bead jewelry. Retro-inspired designs and new variations on vintage styles are popular items now.
Some of the gemstones used for natural bead necklaces, bracelets, finger rings, ear studs and earrings are:

Lava Stone Beads and Labradorite Beads Bracelet

LAVA STONE: this is real retro; the style originally of ancient Rome, classic but designed with a new look. Lava stone is  formed directly from the natural cooling of melted volcanic rock.
With their uniform color and elegant appearance, red, green purple, black or brown lava stone beads come in a great variety of shapes, round, oval, flat, or heart-shaped. Unique alone, but also combined with amethyst, turquoise and other stones in a complementary design.

Amethyst Ear Studs

AMETHYST: a quartz-like gemstone with a vitreous luster, found in light pink-purple, lilac and  deep violet-purple, this wine-stained gem's meaning from ancient Greek means 'sober or not drunk '. Makes a good combination with lava stone. Major sources are Austria, Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Canada, India, South Korea, some states of the USA and the Ural mountains.Once considered equally valuable alongside diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire. More amethyst deposits discovered recently have made the price of this gem much lower. The most highly valued amethyst is inclusion-free and is a uniform, deep purple throughout.

Amethyst jewelry such as bracelets can be combined with other stones, but amethyst alone can be used as it comes in a variety of hues. Can be worn with formal and casual attire equally well.

 Lapis Lazuli Bracelet

LAPIS LAZULI: a dark blue stone with gold flecks, lapis was created millions of years ago, Major sources include Afghanistan, Egypt, Canada and Chile. It was one of the first

 Onyx Beads with Crystal Ball Bracelet

ONYX: another quartz-like gem, mined in Uruguay, India. Mexico, Brazil and Pakistan, onyx is the most affordable of the black gemstones. It has a smooth surface like marble. Its hardness and fine texture make it suitable for carving into various shapes.  Highly recognizable by the typically back and white zebra-like bands running through the stone, though more common are the stones with bands of reddish or brownish.hues.
Cut and polished smooth or as a bead, onyx is a fine stone for prayer beads, rosaries and worry beads. In stone bead jewelry it is particularly beautiful in combination with other stones, pearls especially.

Freshwater Pearl with Crystal Ball Bracelet

FRESHWATER PEARL: pearls organically nurtured in an ideal environment. Japan popularized culturing techniques some 100 years ago but now China is the biggest producer of fine-quality freshwater pearls. These pearls have greater variety of color and size than marine pearls, making for more varied handcrafted designs.
Perfect in any number of jewelry items either on their own or with other stone beads.

Mother of Pearl Shell Bracelet

MOTHER OF PEARL SHELL: the mineral nacre from inside an oyster or similar mollusk, secreted as a coating to protect its soft body. One design that shows off its qualities is as a pendant necklace with a waxed linen cord selected to complement the iridescent hues of the mother of pearl. In addition, this shell is designed for finger rings, bracelet and earrings.

Turquoise Beads Bracelet

TURQUOISE: the gem regarded as sacred by ancient cultures across the world.  Hardness and
richness of color are the criteria used to determine its quality. Turquoise can come in
shades of green-blue or light blue. The fewer veins of inclusion a turquoise stone contains,
the more valuable it is. Turquoise can be made into beads of all shapes and sizes. Pricing of the beads depends, as for pearls, on their size in millimetres.


SYNTHETIC TURQUOISE: a good, less costly alternative to natural turquoise. The pulverized
stone powder is resin-impregnated, and the result is a bead that compares well with the real
thing. The synthetic stone may also have more luster than the natural one.

Synthetic Coral Beads Bracelet

SYNTHETIC CORAL: now that coral reefs, the natural source of coral, have been steadily
depleted, this product serves to fill the demand. It is easy to take care of and it is
virtually indestructible. Beaded coral jewelry with a mixture of pearls or strung with
natural Shiva Eye shell makes a stylish bracelet, and coral earstuds set in silver bezels make for intriguing designs.

Author: Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

Pearls Grading and Quality

How are pearls graded?

Unlike with other gems such as diamonds, there is no sole, universal grading system for pearls. A jeweler or seller may, however, use one or more of the systems shown here to give an idea of the quality.

GRADING SYSTEMS: the most commonly and internationally used is the AAA-A scale, (AAA, AA and A) grading system. (Sometimes + is added to one of these to make an intermediate grading such as AA+ or A+. Some sellers use AAAA or AAA+ for individual, unmatched pearls.)

Pearls of AAA are recognized as gem-quality with flawless complexion, spherical shape, and intense luster. Even a single 'A' grade pearl will have good luster, be relatively smooth and fairly free of blemishes, and have a thin to medium nacre thickness.

There is also the so-called Tahitian system, which grades on an A to D scale. This system demands a nacre thickness of greater than 0.8mm.

Both of these grading systems focus primarily on the luster and surface quality of the pearl to determine its grade.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has its own scale, the GIA trademarked '7 Pearl Value Factors': Pearl Size, Shape, Color, Nacre, Luster, Surface, and Matching.


Whatever the order the standards appear in, it is generally agreed that LUSTER is the most important factor in grading.
It is LUSTER that makes the pearl unique.
It is the pearl's radiant glow that comes from light reflecting off of the many layers of nacre.

The quality of the luster is related to the THICKNESS AND QUALITY OF THE NACRE.
The thicker the nacre and the thinner and the more numerous the layers of nacre in the pearl, the finer the luster and the more durable the pearl.

The SURFACE of the pearl is also a major factor. Smoothness and blemishes are very important in grading. No real pearl is absolutely smooth, and small blemishes can be ignored when the pearl has fine nacre and luster. Blemishes are less noticeable on pearls with higher luster.

SHAPE. Spherical pearls are the rarest; symmetrical ones, tear-drop shaped, for example, are still desirable, especially when well-matched. The more irregular, baroque ones are the least expensive usually, but are perfectly acceptable when mounted or set nicely. And a perfectly round pearl is very rare indeed. Since many non-spherical freshwater pearls have fabulous luster, roundness is not given as much value. Pearls with the best luster are better than pearls with with lesser luster but more
perfect roundness.

COLOR: A pearl's body color can be anywhere from white through gray, pink, gold, green, to black such as the Tahitian Black. Darker pearls range in color from dark bluish,
greenish, to peacock and multi-hued. The overtones are also important. A pearl whose body color is white (more expensive and sought-after) or cream may have subtle overtones of rose or pink, for example.

SIZE matters, too. Larger cultured pearls are rarer and more expensive. In particular, Akoya pearls over 7 millimeters become much more costly. Prices rise with each millimeter. The larger South Sea and Tahitian pearls increase dramatically in price with size: 100 or 200 percent with each millimeter.

MATCHING:  All of the above factors are important when matching the pearls in an item of jewelry. In a beaded strand the pearls usually graduate slowly and evenly in size, from the smallest at the back to the largest in the front. Pearls will not lay correctly if mismatched, and this reduces the aesthetics and the value of the piece.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit :

http://www.pearlsofjoy.com/Pearl-Grading_ep_46-1.html

http://www.tiffany925necklace.com/graduated-south-sea-shell-multicolor-pearl-necklace-16-p-1742.html

http://www.shecypearljewelry.com/pearl-guide/pearl-quality.html

Pearl For All

The natural pearl is one of the oldest known gems in the world and the only one produced inside a living being. Until just a hundred year ago, pearls were the preserve of aristocracy and royalty. And now, since sources of both freshwater and saltwater natural pearls have all but disappeared due to pollution and overfishing, the chances of finding a quality pearl in nature are literally a million to one.

Nowadays, pearls can be cultured in a natural controlled environment, either in sea water or fresh water. Though it may take years for a cultured pearl to develop fully, and the areas in which they can be cultivated are limited, they are no longer prohibitively expensive. The quality of freshwater pearls in particular is as fine as that of those cultivated in salt water and even rivals the natural pearl for iridescence and durability.

Natural handmade jewelry designs use the cultured freshwater pearl in a new collection featuring handmade necklaces, bracelets, earrings and earstuds in settings that accent the pearl's natural luster and appeal. In keeping with the trend for beaded jewelry, they are strung on pearl-friendly material such as linen, that does not grate against the nacre. A silver setting for earrings and studs offsets the pearl to its best advantage.

Freshwater pearls come in a greater variety of colors and shapes than their saltwater counterparts; they are all nacre, solid pearl, and cost a fraction of the price of saltwater pearls of equivalent quality. They are more resistant to wear and tear and when properly looked after can last indefinitely.

It used to be said that a strand of pearls is an essential item in a lady's jewelry collection, and for men it is a pearl tie pin or a pair of pearl cufflinks. More recently, earstuds or a single-pearl necklace or pendant on a leather cord have become popular items for both men and women.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit : 

http://www.japanese-akoya-pearl.com/
http://www.beadinpath.com/PER-1189-p-freshwater_pearls_multi.html

Shamballa Jewelry

Shamballa was originally a legend of hidden kingdom that is mentioned in various ancient texts. Shamballa gradually came to be seen as a pure land, a fabulous kingdom whose reality is visionary or spiritual as much as physical or geographic. Today, Shamballa is regarded as a place of "peace, tranquility, and happiness". Some Tibetan medical texts those are believed to have come from this kingdom of Samballa describing human anatomy and physiology, sophisticated theories and methods of diagnosis, and ways to prevent and cure serious diseases. It is also said that Shamballa is the dharma chakra, located in the heart of all living beings. It is the symbol for the mind, completing the trinity of body, speech, and mind.

Shamballa jewelries, also known as Shambhala, Sambhala, and many other names that is recognized the ball bead fashion jewelry. Most of Shamballa bracelets are made from nylon string or waxed linen string featuring a traditional macrame manual toggle locking mechanism. The beads are made from plastic, metal, cubic zirconia stones, hematite, or diamonds.


Over the past year, huge rap and hip hop artists have been walking around the world with these Buddhist inspired shamballa bracelets and necklaces. Then there are many fans follow their idols and Shamballa bracelets and necklaces are become trends. First Shamballa jewelries are made from hematite and some metal, but many designers apply this Buddhist bracelet and necklace to become more fashionable by using gemstone, disco beads ball, and diamond with these jewelries. Shamballa bracelet or necklace has a greater meaning more than just chains or string that inspired from meditation and Buddhist history. They has individual meaning depend on the colors, shapes, and styles of each ball bead. Such as beads within some necklaces are made from semi-precious stones that may offer healing properties while combined with others. It is no wonder that many of today’s hip hop celebrities also wear these shamballa necklaces and bracelets for their own purposes more than fashion.

These Shambhala necklaces are not exclusive to the hip hop celebrities. Many other artists, athletes, actors and actresses have also been wore shamballa necklaces and bracelets. The disco ball bead necklaces can be seen around the necks of Heidi Klum, Keri Hilson, Beyonce, Michael Jordan, Lamar Odom and many more.

There are many ideas as to what these Shamballa bracelets represent, however the general idea is to promote your well being.

Referent:

http://www.kingice.com/Disco-Ball-Bead-Shamballa-Necklaces-100614.html

http://www.kingice.com/Disco-Ball-Bead-Shamballa-Bracelets-100613.html

Picture Credit:

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/The-Cult-of-Shamballa/

http://www.ioffer.com/i/10mm-Black-Shamballa-Necklace-19-Yellow-Crystals-MC146B-201567876

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com/default.aspx?siteid=111&pageid=4509&productid=5774&lang=2

Type of Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is the main type of silver used in jewelry, ornaments, and dinnerware today. Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy. This silver is always stamped or hallmark as 925. The hallmark is depend on the percentage of pure silver in the sterling silver i.e. many silver jewelry from USA is 90.0% pure silver, so it is stamped 900 on the silver.

Fine Silver - is 99.9% pure silver. This silver is too soft to use for make the jewelry.

Alpaca Silver - is a metal alloy that is not silver at all. The Alpaca silver is combined with copper, nickle, and others metals. It's also called nickel silver, German silver, new silver and paktong. Frequently, the Alpaca silver is used to make the music instrument, but some manufacturers are used it to make jewelry. Because of its visual similarity to sterling silver jewelry and the price is not expensive, many consumers like to choose this instead real silver. Its stainless finish make the jewelry is easy to clean, requiring only lemon juice or mild soap to remove marks or tarnishing. On the others hand, the consumers that want the real silver and don't know the different between alpaca silver and sterling silver should beware some seller sells the alpaca silver jewelry and tell that is the real silver jewelry.


Mexican Silver - is called for describe the silver which made from Mexico. The Mexican silver is contained more than 90% pure silver. Most of silver jewelry from Mexico today is actually sterling silver.


Britannia Silver - is 95.85% pure silver and not over 4.16% copper alloyed. First, this silver type was introduce in England to replace sterling silver in 1697. Then in 1972, sterling was approve again and Britannia silver has remain an optional standard silver in UK and Ireland. The Britannia silver is hallmarked as 958, it is an even more pure form of silver than sterling silver. So it’s higher valuer.

Silver Plating - is the method to make the metal jewelry has a look like the silver jewelry. This process is also called electroplated silver or silver coated. Silver plating is normally using for base metal such as brass or nickel. The base metal is plated thin layer of pure silver. Even the plated metal is look like the sterling silver, but it tends to wear off quite quickly exposing the less than beautiful base metal.

Reference :

http://articles.fjewelrystore.com/silver-jewelry/warning-dont-buy-silver-jewellery-before-reading-this.html

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-alpaca-silver.htm

Picture Credit :

http://www.pinaymistress.com/how-to-clean-silver-jewelry-a-home-made-cleaner.html

Wood with Handmade Jewelry

Wood is the most popular one of material to make the handmade jewelry. Also our business, the wooden earring is very popular and most interested by many customers. Many people don't know and have no any information about wood that the manufacturer use for make the jewelry. So they cannot differentiate between each woods. Today we will tell about some kind of wood which always use to make jewelry.

Teak Wood - This is the most wood that often used for making jewelry. Teak woods are from Teak trees are tall evergreens that grow well in places such as Southeast Asia, Hawaii and Costa Rica where the weather remains warm and humid and rain is consistent. The teak wood is hard strong durable yellowish-brown wood.

Palm Wood - Coconut palm wood, which is abundant in defunct coconut plantations in Southeast Asia and even in working plantations that need to have senile palms culled, has a stippled patterning and coloring as thrilling as endangered woods such as ebony and teak.

Rosewood - refers to any of a number of richly hued timbers, often brownish with darker veining, but found in many different hues. All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish. Most are made for bangle and ring.

 Sandalwood - Normally, the sandalwood are often used for the essential oil, but their fine-grained is also suit for making jewelry and another furniture. The wood is heavy and yellow in color as well as fine-grained.

Tamarind wood - The wood is a bold red color. Due to its density and durability, tamarind heartwood can be used in making jewelry such as earring, ring, necklace or etc.

Reference :

http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-03-15/home-and-garden/17212376_1_bamboo-wood-coconut

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5005168_information-teak-wood-farming.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandalwood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamarind

Photo credit :

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

Fashion Jewelry Color Trends for Spring 2011

First, we have to say HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 to all. we wish the happiness are full filled in your life. Absolutely that there are many things new on the fashion cat walks in the new year. Also for this year, many things new and many things are flash back fashion.

As we used to tell in the blog post about "Jewelry Trends in 2011" that the trends for this year is big, metal, motif design, and etc. But there are other one trend that also hot in this year is Faux Gemstone or Synthetic gemstone (also called fake gemstone). Go for resin and acrylic faux gemstones as they look gorgeous and appear startlingly authentic. Big singular baubles or a cluster of faux gemstones in an opulent hue are both eye catching and dramatic. Especially when mix and match with the color trends for this season that make the jewelry look more attractiveness.

The jewelry designers have chosen for the jewelry color for spring season present an interesting marriage of unexpected warm and perfect tones, The color names for jewelry color for spring 2011 season are Russet, Silver Peony and Silver Cloud.

Russet is classic brown color with a reddish tinge. In terms of jewelry, Smoky quartz is a popular variety of quartz and inexpensive. Other Russet jewelry color: Tiger’s Eye and Banded Agate

Silver Peony is a natural skin tone, fresh and light. The Gemstones jewelry for this Pantone will be Red Jasper on the low end and a light Golden Topaz for the other extreme.

Silver Cloud is the quintessential neutral that can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet. The perfect jewelry for silver cloud: Gray Cat’s Eye, Quartz with Gray rutilization and lighter tones of natural Hematite.

Reference :

http://www.suite101.com/content/best-jewelry-trends-for-20102011-a276371

http://www.jewellerygem.com/2010/12/jewelry-color-for-spring-2011-trends/

Photo credit :

http://skywalker.cochise.edu/wellerr/gemlinks/gem-links-tp.htm

http://bakati.com/s~q-Photo%20Jasper%20stone.aspx

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=280612658885

Belly Piercing and Belly Piercing Jewelry

A Belly Button Piercing Jewelry or as know as Navel Piercing Jewelry and Belly Bottom Ring. This piercing is known to be one of the most common and popular body piercings today. The belly piercing first hit the mainstream when model "Christy Turlington" showed her belly piercing at a fashion show in London in 1993. The popularization of the piercing, however, is accredited to the 1993 Aerosmith music video for their song "Cryin'", weareing "Alicia Silverstone" has her belly pierced. After that the belly piercing is become the fashion until today.

Even though the belly piercing become popular, but not every one can pierce his belly. The most important thing to consider when you want to pierce your belly is the skin over the navel and check if you have enough space to pierce or not. Normally, the navel piercing doesn't pierce through the true navel, but it pierce on the upper rim of navel. The piercing on the true navel can make only for the person who have an "outie" navel.

The belly piercing does not have only tone shape, it can come as a banana bar or as an "o" ring and also as a fashionable design on the banana bar. Besides that the new version of belly piercing is on the market, fake belly piercing jewelry which is based on the idea of clip-on earrings. This piercing jewelry suit for anyone who don't want to pierce his belly. The standard size of belly piercing jewelry is 0.064 inches or 14 gauge (gauge is the thickness of the wire the jewelry). The most frequent size jewelry for a healed navel is 3/8" or 7/16". The next size up is 1/2" if you prefer something larger, and 5/16" is shorter.

Every where you look these days celebrities on magazine, top models on the cat walk, teenagers on the street, the belly piercing appear there. Cannot deny that jewelries are attractiveness. It may not worse if one time in your life just try to pierce your belly.

Reference :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navel_piercing

http://community.tribalectic.com/articles/common-body-piercing-sizing-information

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-belly-button-rings.htm

Picture Credit

http://g1wallz.com/belly-piercing-g1-wallpapers/

Type of Body Piercing Jewelry

Body Piercing Jewelry is the other one type of jewelry that we also offer to the customer. Many people may are not familiar with body piercing jewelry. So today we will talk about this.

Body piercing jewelery is jewelery manufactured specifically for use in body piercing. When talking about body piercing jewelry, some people are think that's only means to belly jewelry, but actually body jewelry means to every jewelry that piercing on the body such as belly piercing, ear piercing,  nipple piercing, lip piercing, and etc. Originally, body piercing jewelry is hardly any other jewelery than circular earrings were used in modern Western body piercing. Body piercing jewelry is quite popular today. It has become the newest fad in the fashion industry. For some it's like expressing their own personality this way but to others it's just going with what is most popular trend in fashion today. Today the body piercing are manufactured in many types and many style. So let us check on the different types of jewelry.

Banana Barbells - As know as curved barbell or bent barbells. Normally they use for belly piercing and eyebrow piercing, but sometime it is used for nipple piercing or others private part. There are many different types of  banana barbells such as acrylic, black line, zircon gold, surgical steel, titanium, bioplast, gemstone navel banana barbells, and PTFE. The most popular material is always surgical steel and acrylic.

Captive Bead Ring (CBR) - This also know as CBR or BCR from ball closure rings. This is one of the most popular kinds of body jewelry because it can be used in so many ways. It''s not easy to come up with a piercing where captive ring cannot be worn. People buy captive rings (BCR, CBR) as: nipple piercing jewelry, lip piercings, eyebrow body jewelry, nose piercing, and so on, including the private parts piercing. But CBR is most suitable with navel, ear and lip piercing.

Body Spirals - A spiral barbell are twisted in shape and have ball or cone ends. It also called "Twister Body Jewelry". There are not only spiral barbell, but also ear piercing.

Circular Barbells - Also known as horseshoe barbells due to their shape, they are used in any number of piercings, including earrings, tragus rings, nasal septum piercings, madisons, or even horizontal clitoral hood piercings, although the latter is less common, as the clitoris is deprived of the stimulation gained from a properly positioned captive bead ring.

In this text, we didn't say about the simple barbell, because everyone should know about this already. Now we give you an idea how different with each type of body piercing. So you can should what you want or what you like.

Reference :

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Type-of-Jewelry-is-Best-For-Body-Piercing?&id=3867361

http://www.titaniumonly.com/cbr/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbell_%28piercing%29#Circular_barbells

http://body-piercing.jumora.net/curved-barbells/

The Hill Tribes with Handmade Silver Jewelry

While the number of our items are increased, we also upgrade the materials for the best quality of goods. Even though the price of silver is more expensive, many new items that we try to use it instead of metal bead. Most of silver beads that we use are from the north of Thailand, the products from the Hill Tribe.

The Hill Tribes have been highly respected silversmiths for hundreds of years old. They handcraft detailed jewelry components and beads from fine silver. Fine silver is soft 99.9% pure silver as compared to harder sterling silver which is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper. Silver ingots are flattened into a sheet by pounding with hammers and made into wire by pulling it through ancient draw dies. Thin silver sheets are hammered into black tar molds to make shapes, then soldered and engraved. Because the silver from Hill Tribes are handmade, so the silversmiths cannot make it fast like making by machine and the products are no 2 pieces exactly alike.

The jewelry create by the Hill tribes are objects of classic beauty and symbolic significance. Historically, the Hill tribe people have used silver instead of paper money because they don’t trust in the paper. Even today some of them prefer silver coins, jewelry, silver ingots, and silver pipes and boxes, because they feel that even the time passed by, the silver always retain their value (This thinking become true, seeing from the silver price that increased everyday like gold.). In addition to the value of money, wearing silver jewelry signifies wealth, status and spirituality. It also help to protect the suitors to young women and it adds color and excitement to many rather routine lives.

Because of today's world use the paper money for trade, some Hill Tribes are make silver and beads for trade with the outside world, but some Hill Tribes are still make the silver and beads for their consumption. Selling the products from their skill are helping them to have the income for support their family and their tribes. The Tribal elders fear that they are slowly losing their skills and cultures. Purchasing jewelry made with hill tribe crafted silver can help them to support their silversmith traditions and allow their tribal culture to continue to survive.

Reference :

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art20392.asp

http://www.silverjewelryinfo.com/0604_Thai_Hilltribe.html

Picture Credit :

http://www.thisnext.com/tag/karen-hill-tribe-fine-silver-flower/

http://www.starsterlingsilver.com/thai-karen-sterling-silver-pendants-p-13.html

Jewelry Trends 2011

In these days people more interesting in fashion than before, especially for women. When you walking on the street, you will see many people wearing similar style, that's called "Trends". Not only the cloths, but also included jewelries that the people take an interest for follow the fashion or make themselves look good. Now, this year is going through and new year is coming, so let's check the trends of jewelry fashion 2011 !!

Big and Bold - Many collection for next year, the designers created a lot of huge, colorful, and unusual jewelry those catch the eyes more just for complete the outfits. Especially huge bracelet, long earrings, and extravagant necklaces will be trends at the beginning of the next year.

Metal Jewelry - Somebody may not prefer the metal jewelry and thinks that should be heavy, but now it's different. The metal jewelry 2011 is appeared in large size but light weight. Most of these are in yellow, some are white, others are angular and can be of an irregular form.

Strong Motifs - This trends is for people who dare to ware the jewelry that decorated the shape or design of snakes, elephants, flowers, birds, bugs, leaves, coins or other popular motifs on it. And the task of the wearer is to combine these pieces in an original way and thus create certain mood of your outfit.


Fashionable Fringe - Fringe is fashionable again. But this time it doesn’t decorate clothing, shoes and bags only, it comes on jewelry as well. And looks fantastic! 

Layered necklaces - are as hot as ever. They have become more elaborate but compact at the same time. To wear such jewelry you’ll have to choose your clothes instead of choosing jewelry for the outfit.

Square bangles - are definitely a new jewelry trend that needs special attention from fashioners. It’s innovative that means it will stay with us for a few seasons. Investing into such a piece is a wise decision.

Huge Retro Inspired Rings - Huge rings are one of the hottest trends for 2011. They do look great and are pretty affordable.


The more, The better. The more bracelets you have on your arm the more fashionable they will look. Plenty of thin and not very thin bangles look nice together.

Anyway, the fashion is always flows. If you don't wear fashionable cloths or jewelry, it doesn't means you are outdated. Although your style is not like another people, but who knows someday your style may become trends and you are fashion leader. Just the way you are, KEEP WEARING ! :D



Original Article : http://www.millionlooks.com/trends/jewelry-trends/jewelry-trends-fall-winter-2010-2011
Picture Credit : http://www.funkytrend.com/?s=louis+vuitton+bold+jewelry

Jewelry for Christmas

The time passed by to the end of the year again. Christmas is coming, I bet that many people will be busy with finding some gift for this celebration. And cannot be denied that JEWELRY is the most popular one that people choose to be gift. As everyone know, woman and jewelry are concomitant, either teenager or adult. So before choosing the gift, you should to know what women want.

No matter how many years passed, the world most popular selling jewelry for Christmas is PEARL. Because of the simple style and luxuries looks that make pearl suit to be the present for every age of women, and absolutely that they cannot denied to wear it. For the Christmas, the white pearl is more prefer than pink or black. The cause is the white color is match with color of snow and trends of winter, and natural white color of pearl is also match with every colors and every style of cloths. Either earrings or ring, necklace, and bracelet, everything which decorated by pearl are pleased.

Besides pearl jewelries, the another jewelry that popular in Christmas is the jewelry that feature by Turquoise and Coral Stone (or other jewels that appeared in green or red color). The reason that these 2 natural stones are also prefer for Christmas is their colors. If talk about Christmas, the colors that appeared in mind are green of Christmas tree, red of Santa Clause, and gold of bell. So the jewelries that decorated by turquoise or coral is very match with this celebration.

Someone may think that why I don't say about diamond, despite that diamond is also popular. The reason is diamond is always popular and it can be the present in every season. So I would like to share about another jewelry and gemstone that also popular in Christmas. By the way, all that I suggest is just only my opinion and experience. So you are the only one to judge what is the best Christmas present for your recipients.

I hope it not too fast to say "Merry Christmas" :)