Jewelry Blogs For You

How to Accessorize Formal Evening Wear

2008-11-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Accessories embellish any outfit, and a formal evening is the perfect occasion to go to town. From amber to zircon, hats to hose, scarves and shawls to shoes and slip-ons, consider the occasion and the season.

Things You’ll Need:

Cashmere Shawl
Evening Gloves
Evening Handbags
Hair Accessories
Handbags
Hosiery
Silk Scarf
Women's Closed-toed Shoes
Women's Dress Shoes
Bracelets
Earrings
Necklaces

Overview

Step1
Accessorize one (or all) of your most visible areas: neck, wrists and shoulders.

Step2

Think seriously about costume jewelry and faux gems; they are relatively inexpensive and readily accessible at department stores and secondhand boutiques.

Step3

Evaluate your formal outfit carefully: Is it simple and elegant or fancy and froufrou? (Remember that a hot pink feather boa will be a showstopper at a ball but will merely attract stares at a college graduation.)

Step4

Ponder the notion that less is usually more ... and almost always suffices.

Jewelry

Step1

Choose a matching bracelet and necklace.

Step2

Get real, cultured or faux pearls and wear them anywhere.

Step3

Wear a tennis bracelet - such as a single strand of diamonds - for a dramatic look. Or consider an evening watch instead of a bracelet.

Step4

Try elegant pearl or diamond studs for your ears. Vintage clip-ons or exotic dangling earrings could also work.

Step5

Adorn your hair with sparkling clips, tortoiseshell barrettes, a diamond tiara or even a fresh gardenia.

Step6

Find a ring that complements your other jewelry.

Shoes, Shawls and Silk Purses

Step1

Put on your fancy shoes, no matter how elegant or frivolous, but be sure they are comfortable enough to dance the night away.

Step2

Choose stockings in a neutral palette. If you want hose with a design, make it subtle.

Step3

Go with gloves to the opera, a debutante ball or the Ascot races.

Step4

Toss a shawl around your shoulders; make sure it goes with your outfit in terms of color and texture.

Step5

Try a lace mantilla or a vintage smoking jacket for "a look" or for warmth.

Step6

Carry an evening purse or a beaded bag large enough to hold business cards, keys, cash and lip gloss.

Tips & Warnings

Analyze your bracelet, earrings, necklace, scarf, shoes, stockings and evening bag. Does everything work together?
Consider wearing a limited number of fine (or glamorous) items, not everything you own.

From www.ehow.com

How to Choose Jewelry

2008-10-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

What's most important is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count!

Determine what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do you want it to compliment? Do you want it subtle?
Make certain your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion or event you'll be wearing it to. A sexy oversized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not be fitting for the boardroom.
Determine how long you want it to last and how often you plan to wear it.
Know how much money you want to spend.
If you can, try on the jewelry or hold it up next to you to determine whether it suits you

Tips

Although you may have a favorite designer, there's really no need to stick with just one. In fact, there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizazz!
Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck, we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, put it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money.
Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.
Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have for any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.
Have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold, like silver, can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.
When purchasing rings, you can have great fun - again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example, long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet on a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short nails? it all makes a difference. Play and see what you like, and what looks good. Also, determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example, if you're working around fine fabrics, you'll not want any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement.
When purchasing necklaces, be certain you know your neck size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing online as you don't get a chance to try it on. If your neck is average in size then a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favourite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30" are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces, make sure to pick a color that complements your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn't match or complement your skin tone your look could be lost.
When purchasing bracelets, you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainty gem bracelets. If it is a slip-on bracelet, be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. Too large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small and it can constrict your wrist movement.
Your hands are your expressive area and many of us "talk with our hands." (they are also the smallest part of our body!) Try wearing three bracelets on one wrist - its a sign of power. They don't have to match either so step out and do something different. Don't forget to wear a dainty bracelet with your watch.
When purchasing earrings, realize that the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. There are materials from enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. The size of the earrings is very important to the statement you're making. The larger the earring, the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.
Another thing to remember with purchasing your earrings is that tiny earrings make you look larger and larger earrings make you look smaller. Large earrings can give you the appearance of losing 10 pounds! (We all love that) Pick something that is in proportion to your size but most women can wear nickle to quarter size without any problem. Pick your earrings to the opposite shape of your face - they will be more complimentary. If you have a round face and wear round earrings your face will appear much rounder.
Your jewelry choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!
People sometimes like to make a statement and decide to wear jewelry with meaning behind it. It's a lovely way to show your history or beliefs. A good example of this is the symbol of an inverted hand, where the hand extended forward is a symbol of divine force. Another example, is Celtic jewelry where the Celtic knots can symbolise the eternity of life.

www.wikihow.com

Real or Fake Diamonds ??

2008-10-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Buying a diamond for the first time is a very personal and exciting experience. Hands down, the first thing on the mind of the buyer will be: How can I know I am buying the real thing and not a fake?

If you have been given a beautiful diamond or heirloom and you want to be absolutely sure that your diamond is real, get a professional appraisal. This can be done by looking under "Jewelry" (Appraisal) found in your yellow pages. Call to inquire about their services and ask these two important questions:

Will I be able to accompany my jewelry at all times or will you take my jewelry to evaluate elsewhere? If they say they will need to separate your jewelry from you at any point, it would be wise to find another appraiser.
What is the fee? ($50.00-$75.00 is considered a good fee.)

If a professional appraisal is not within your limited budget, here are some other methods.

If you have access to a diamond tester, you can test for diamonds vs. simulants. (Beware, moissanite is the only stone than can fool the electronic diamond tester.)
The transparency test. Flip your diamond upside down and place it over some newsprint. If you can clearly read through the stone, it's not a diamond. (Beware, some low cut diamonds or stones such as emeralds can be read through.)
The fog test. Put your diamond in front of your mouth and fog it like you would fog a mirror. If it stays fogged for 2-4 seconds, it's a fake. A real diamond will disperse the heat instantaneously so by the time you look at it, it has already cleared up. Oil and dirt on the stone can affect reliability and the test is not accurate at all on doublets where the top of the stone is diamond and the bottom is cubic zirconia glued together.
Test for weight. The most popular diamond simulant (fake) is a cubic zirconia. C.Z.'s will weigh approximately 55% more than diamonds for the same shape and size. Use a carat or gram scale to see if the impostor tips the scales too much.
The U.V. test. Many diamonds will show fluorescence of blue if put under an ultra violet light or black light. 99% of all fakes don't do this; so, a positive identification of medium to strong blue would indicate a diamond. Diamonds with blue fluorescence can be as much as 20% less valuable; however, lack of blue fluorescence doesn't mean it's a fake; it could be a better quality diamond.
The under the loop test. With a magnifying lens, there are some things you can look for on the stone that might give away its identity:

Look at your diamond from the top and see how the facets (the cuts on top of the diamond) are joined. They should be sharp but not rolled.
Is the girdle faceted or frosty (yes, then it's a diamond) or waxy and slick (yes, then it's a fake.)
Under magnification, look into your diamond for flaws (carbon, pinpoints, small cracks.) It's very hard to put inclusions into a fake.
Look at the stamps inside the setting. A stamp of "10K, 14K, 18K, 585, 750,900, 950, PT, Plat" indicates the setting is real gold or platinum. This gives a better chance that the stone in it is real as well. Look for any "C.Z." stamps.This will tell you the center stone is not a diamond.

www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com

How to Take Care of Fashion Jewelry

2008-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

With the cost of today's fashion jewelry, most women want to get the most bang for their buck. That includes making certain that the jewelry item lasts as long as possible. The way to ensure that is to take proper care of each fashion jewelry item. Read on to learn more.

Things You’ll Need:

Information on the method of care and cleaning for each type of fashion jewelry that you own
Resource materials for determining how to clean various those types of fashion jewelry
Recommended cleaning products for the various types of fashion jewelry that you own
A soft tooth or jewelry brush
A soft cleaning cloth
A soft polishing cloth made especially for gold;
A soft polishing cloth made especially for silver;
A gentle jewelry cleaner recommended for gold products;
A gentle jewelry cleaner recommended for silver products; and
A gentle jewelry cleaner recommended for platinum products.

How to Take Care of Fashion Jewelry

Step 1:
Divide the jewelry that requires cleaning according to type such as gold plated or vermeil, silver clad, platinum clad, imitation pearls, gemstones, water-soluable stones and the like.

Step 2:
Gather together all of the information you can find about cleaning and caring for each individual type of fashion jewelry that you own. If you do not have cleaning instructions for one or more types of jewelry, check the resources that are available online or through books.

Step 3:
Based on the information you have for cleaning your fashion jewelry, gather all of the products together needed to perform the cleaning procedures. If you do not have something needed on hand, obtain it before moving forward to the next step.

Step 4:
Starting with one type of jewelry, follow the cleaning instructions you have researched. If the procedure followed works for the items in question, then move on to another type of jewelry. If the cleaning procedures do not work for one or more items, put them aside for further research before moving forward.

Step 5:
Continue cleaning your jewelry, by type, until all of the pieces you can clean are finished.

Step 6:
Store each cleaned piece of jewelry according to the care procedures provided in your collected information.

Step 7:
Inspect each jewelry piece that did not clean properly to make certain that it was divided into the correct jewelry type.

Step 8:
Inspect silver clad items for any type of hallmark. Certain types of clad or overlaid materials will be so marked. If a hallmark is present, try cleaning the piece again following another acceptable procedure outlined in your resource materials for that type of metal. If it still doesn't clean properly, consider taking the piece to a professional jeweler for cleaning.

Step 9:
Inspect gold clad and vermeil items for any type of hallmark. Certain types of clad or overlaid materials will be so marked. If the hallmark is present, trying cleaning the piece again following another acceptable procedure outlined in your resource materials for that type of metal. If it still doesn't clean properly, consider taking the piece to a professional jeweler for cleaning.

Step 10:
Inspect platinum clad items for any type of hallmark. Certain types of clad items will be so marked. If the hallmark is present, trying cleaning the piece again following another acceptable procedure outlined in your resource materials for that type of metal. If it still doesn't clean properly, consider taking the piece to a professional jeweler for cleaning.

Step 11:
Inspect gemstone jewelry with an eye toward determining its authenticity. Rarely are authentic gemstones included in fashion jewelry; however, it does happen from time to time. If you cannot determine for certain whether or not your gem is authentic, try following the cleaning instructions provided in your resource materials for an imitation stones of the same type. If that does not work, consider taking the jewelry item to a professional for cleaning.

Step 12:
Inspect water soluble stones like opal, amber, and turquoise for its authenticity. Rarely are these types of stones included in fashion jewelry; however, it does happen in rare instances. If it is authentic, you made need to apply oils, glycerines, or other materials to the stone in order to revitalize its luster. Refer to your resource materials for specific care instructions for each individual stone. If you cannot determine for certain whether or not the stone is authentic, try following the cleaning instructions provided in your resource materials for an imitation stones of the same type. If that does not work, consider taking the jewelry item to a professional for cleaning.

Step 13:
Inspect pearls to ascertain if they are authentic, following guidelines provided within your resource materials. Rarely are real pearls set into fashion jewelry but it does happen once in awhile. If you determine that the pearls are authentic, try following an alternative cleaning process outlined in your resource materials. If that still doesn't work, you can trying cleaning them according to instructions provided in your resource materials for imitation stones. If that does not work either, consider taking your pearls to a jeweler for professional cleaning.

Step 14:
Whenever in doubt, follow the cleaning directions for imitation gems, water soluble stones, and pearls. If your jewelry items still do not clean properly, then you may have to take them to a jeweler for professional cleaning. The other option is to resign yourself to the fact that the item cannot be restored to its original condition. Decide whether to continue wearing it or eliminate it from your collection.

Step 15:
Store each remaining piece of fashion jewelry according to its proper care instructions.

Tips & Warnings

Whenever possible, follow the care instructions outlined for each individual type of fashion jewelry.
If you are uncertain how to handle, clean, or care for your jewelry do some research before its condition deteriorates beyond repair.
Even imitation gemstones, water soluble stones, and pearls are sometimes cleaned best with nothing more than a soft (sometimes damp) cloth or a very soft brush and water.
Use the gentlest cleaners possible on all of your fashion jewelry.
Consider investing in jewelry boxes that have a protection liner to preserve the condition of your silver clad, gold clad or vermeil, and/or platinum clad jewelry.
Avoid using harsh jewelry cleaners or other cleaning materials on all types of fashion jewelry.
Clean your fashion jewelry only when it is necessary or as outlined in its care instructions since over cleaning can destroy certain types of metals, stones or enamels.
Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners because they are much too harsh for fashion jewelry.

By ChantelAlise

How to Clean Costume Jewelry

2008-04-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Keeping costume jewelry in excellent shape takes only a little bit of time and effort. If the jewelry is worn everyday, then cleaning must take place often. If jewelry is only worn once in a while, then preserving during periods of nonuse is the key. Costume jewelry, especially vintage or family heirlooms, take particular care.

Things You’ll Need:

Cotton swabs
Baby toothbrush
Wooden toothpick
Cleaning solution

Step 1: Choose a good cleaning solution. Avoid alcohols and acids like ammonia and vinegar. Read the label of the cleaning solution to make sure it can be used with the metal being cleaned.

Step 2:Use the solution to clean smudges from gemstones and glass. Dab a minimal amount of solution onto a cotton swab, and gently buff the dirty spot. Never soak jewelry in the solution, because moisture breaks down glue, welding and other adhesives bonding jewelry together.

Step 3:Use a baby toothbrush to gently brush off the jewelry to prevent scratching. The toothbrush will buff and dust the metal parts of the jewelry.

Step 4:Pick residue out of encrusted areas with a toothpick. Wooden toothpicks are best, since they are gentle and will not scratch the jewelry.

Step 5:Dry quickly to avoid rusting. Dab the jewelry with a towel. For extra care, blow dry with a hair dryer on a cool air setting.

From www.ehow.com

How to Stop a Necklace from Catching Hair

2008-04-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

The pendant is lovely, but the clasp grabs onto that fine hair near your neck and won't let go. Ouch! You may be able to do something about it, though. Try these approaches before giving up.

Steps

1. If you're out and about when the necklace catches hair, try these temporary measures.

* Turn the clasp to the side or front. Often, the problem is the clasp or is near the clasp, and moving that part away from your hair will do the trick.

* Take the necklace off and put it someplace safe, such as a pocket or purse. Fasten the chain so that the pendant does not get lost.

2. If you know a particular necklace is a problem, wear it under your collar, especially one that can fold all the way over the chain in back.

3. Make sure your hair is out of the way of fastening the clasp. Pull the hair up in a tie or fasten the clasp first in the front, then turn it.

4. Notice what part of the necklace catches hair the worst. Does it always catch in the rings, the clasp, or the chain itself? Often, the hair still caught in the chain will tell you just where the problem is.

5. Use needle-nose pliers to push any large rings closed completely. Often, the rings on either side of the clasp are what grab.

6. If it is the clasp, replace just the clasp. You can do it yourself if you have fine pliers and good eyes, or a jeweler can help you. Different styles of clasps may get along with your hair better than others. Experiment with different ones, or just notice what's on the necklaces you have that don't cause problems.

7. Change the entire chain. Some types of chain are bad about catching hair. If you were unlucky and got one of these, consider getting your favorite pendant a new chain. Chains by themselves can be reasonably inexpensive, and they need not be very fancy. Who looks much at a chain with a pendant like that, anyway?

www.wikihow.com

Choosing the best earrings for your outfit

2008-04-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Whether casual, business, or formal, no outfit is complete until it is properly accessorized. If accessories are picked at random, they may overpower an outfit and detract from the wearer, becoming a focal point rather than a complementary piece. When selecting earrings, it is vital to consider many factors, including size, color, activities, time of day, and hairstyle in order to choose stylish and attractive pieces.

The first consideration for selecting earrings should be the day’s activities. If you are accessorizing business attire and will be answering telephones, large earrings with long posts will be uncomfortable and could create unnecessary noise. Similarly, large earrings are impractical for athletic activities, even if it is only a quick trip to the gym during lunch. Smaller earrings such as studs, small hoops, or single gemstones would be more appropriate and comfortable. Clip-on earrings are another fine choice, since they can be removed quickly and easily.
Color is another prime consideration, and earring color should match the outfit in one of two ways. If the majority of the outfit is one color, earrings of a similar shade provide a coordinated look. If the clothing has significant embellishments or uses many different colors, the earrings can coordinate with one color to highlight it and make it more noticeable, tying different elements of the outfit together. If an outfit is too complex to choose a single matching color, or else no coordinating earrings are available, choose neutral earrings such as plain metallic hoops or studs, or small diamonds or pearls. These choices coordinate with a variety of outfits and will not overwhelm a complex ensemble.

Earring size is another consideration. A woman with petite features and a slender neck could look dominated by large earrings, while small studs may be lost on a woman with stronger features. Hairstyle must also be factored into earring size: long, flowing hair can easily hide small earrings or become entangled in a large, complex pair. Elaborate earrings look overdone when paired with a complex hairstyle, yet very simple earrings can look equally out of place. Earrings should be chosen to create a balance between facial features, hairstyle, and cosmetics.
The time of day and the occasion are also considerations when choosing the best earrings. Just as a formal gown may look out of place at a casual brunch, expensive or elaborate earrings may also be inappropriate for informal affairs. Diamonds and other gemstones are best reserved for evening wear or formal occasions such as weddings and other celebrations.

If you have multiple ear piercings, different pairs of earrings need to be coordinated with one another as well as with the entire outfit. Generally, only one set of earrings should be large or elaborate, typically the lowest set on the lobe. Several pairs of elaborate earrings create too much bulk, as well as risking entanglement. Higher earrings should be neutral or coordinate in color or shape with the larger pair, such as using different sizes of hoops or choosing a variety of shades of the same color. If an outfit has many colors, different studs can be chosen to highlight the range of colors.

No matter which earrings you choose, always be sure the backs are secure. Replacement backs can be metal or plastic, and should fit snugly but not so tight that they are difficult to remove. In an emergency, a small piece of pencil eraser can serve as a temporary back, but the earring should be cleaned afterwards to prevent possible infection.

Choosing the perfect earrings requires consideration of many factors. By noting activities, hairstyle, features, and other factors while choosing earrings, it is easy to coordinate an attractive outfit that complements the wearer without being overwhelming. Such attention to detail makes earrings necessary accessories that no carefully chosen outfit would be complete without.

www.essortment.com

How to Choose Jewelry

2008-03-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Choosing your jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. Most important is to stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. That said, it never hurts to step out of the box once in awhile.

What's most important is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count!

Determine what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do you want it to compliment? Do you want it subtle?
Make certain your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion or event you'll be wearing it to. A sexy oversized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not be fitting for the boardroom.
Determine how long you want it to last and how often you plan to wear it.
Know how much money you want to spend.
If you can, try on the jewelry or hold it up next to you to determine whether it suits you

Tips

Although you may have a favorite designer, there's really no need to stick with just one. In fact, there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizazz!
Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck, we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, put it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money.
Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.
Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have for any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.
Have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold, like silver, can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.
When purchasing rings, you can have great fun - again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example, long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet on a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short nails? it all makes a difference. Play and see what you like, and what looks good. Also, determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example, if you're working around fine fabrics, you'll not want any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement.
When purchasing necklaces, be certain you know your neck size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing online as you don't get a chance to try it on. If your neck is average in size then a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favourite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30" are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces, make sure to pick a color that complements your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn't match or complement your skin tone your look could be lost.
When purchasing bracelets, you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainty gem bracelets. If it is a slip-on bracelet, be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. Too large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small and it can constrict your wrist movement.
Your hands are your expressive area and many of us "talk with our hands." (they are also the smallest part of our body!) Try wearing three bracelets on one wrist - its a sign of power. They don't have to match either so step out and do something different. Don't forget to wear a dainty bracelet with your watch.
When purchasing earrings, realize that the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. There are materials from enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. The size of the earrings is very important to the statement you're making. The larger the earring, the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.
Another thing to remember with purchasing your earrings is that tiny earrings make you look larger and larger earrings make you look smaller. Large earrings can give you the appearance of losing 10 pounds! (We all love that) Pick something that is in proportion to your size but most women can wear nickle to quarter size without any problem. Pick your earrings to the opposite shape of your face - they will be more complimentary. If you have a round face and wear round earrings your face will appear much rounder.
Your jewelry choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!
People sometimes like to make a statement and decide to wear jewelry with meaning behind it. It's a lovely way to show your history or beliefs. A good example of this is the symbol of an inverted hand, where the hand extended forward is a symbol of divine force. Another example, is Celtic jewelry where the Celtic knots can symbolise the eternity of life.

www.wikihow.com

Refinishing your jewelry

2008-03-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

If your jewelry is dull, discolored, worn, or badly scratched, it can be refinished and restored to its original condition by our professional jewelers. Refinishing your jewelry is a simple process, that can usually be performed
All jewelry made from platinum, gold or silver tarnishes over time from the process of oxidation. A film or thin layer of discoloration develops on the exterior of these metals. When a metal such as copper oxidizes it turns green. When yellow gold, white gold or platinum jewelry tarnishes it does not totally change color like copper, instead it becomes very dull and changes color ever so slightly. Silver dulls and turns black usually requiring continuous cleaning unless it is plated with a finish to retard the oxidation process.
Rhodium is the most common plating material used to plate Sterling Silver because it provides a bright mirror like finish and it is also silver in color. An article of yellow gold jewelry can be made to look like it is white gold by having it Rhodium plated. New platinum and white gold jewelry is commonly Rhodium plated to provide a brighter finish. Now that white gold is so popular, refinishing your yellow gold jewelry with a Rhodium finish (which can be removed again) means you do not have to buy new jewelry to be in style.
A Rhodium plated item may retain its finish for a lifetime or for only a short period of time, depending upon factors such as the type of metal being plated, the amount of wear the article is subjected to, each individuals body chemistry and the thickness of the plating. The good news is that if the rhodium finish on a piece of jewelry wears off over time, it can be re-plated to look brand new and the process is not very expensive.

Good article from internet

All about necklaces: fit, types, sizes and fashion

2008-02-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

Necklaces are as old as human civilization. Here are some of the more popular necklace forms that are still worn today.

Visit a local shopping mall and take a look at the shoppers who pass by. Chances are a majority of them are sporting a necklace of one kind or another. Men and women, the elderly and the young, sophisticates and the simple and everyone in between wear a variety of necklace-type jewelry.

Some might wear a necklace for its own value, like an heirloom pendant or a locket containing valued photographs. Or a necklace might serve as part of an overall look, like a rope necklace for a casual outfit or a diamond choker for a formal event.

Chances are that several types of necklaces, from playful to professional, have graced your neck over the past several years. Here are some of the more common or popular types of neck jewelry:

1. Chokers. These short pieces fit snugly around the neck to blazon a simple or ornate design. The band may be a basic strip of velvet fabric or a silver piece studded with diamonds. It may contain a filigree design or boast a Gothic style. Even a slender strip of hemp rope can encircle the throat, perhaps dotted with one or several beads of varied colors, to convey a casual look.

2. Dangling chains. Made of silver, stainless steel, gold, or other substances, longer versions may encompass as much as eighteen to twenty-four inches of decoration, with or without additional ornamentation like beads or stones. Shorter necklaces are suspended up to that length, each incorporating an individual style of its own that will appeal to the one who purchases and wears it. Chains can be worn with virtually any type of apparel, from casual to formal, suit or slacks. White or yellow gold are perhaps the most popular styles, with earrings to match.

3. Precious stones. Diamonds, pearls, rubies, emeralds, and garnets are among the valuables used to adorn expensive jewelry. Bought to commemorate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or even weddings, these items convey a strong sense of value and affection, and often are kept as keepsakes or passed down to subsequent generations. Matching bracelets and earrings may be purchased simultaneously or separately.

4. Religious emblems. Many people of all faiths or none at all enjoy wearing religious necklaces. The most popular is the Christian cross, which is made in a variety of styles and forms. For example, there is a Byzantine cross, a Gothic cross, and an Orthodox cross, or crucifix. Some display the body of Jesus while others are empty, symbolizing the risen Lord. The crosses can come in a delicate style, made of gold, or they may be large and cumbersome, hammered from heavy metals like bronze or iron. Other popular religious jewelry includes the Jewish Star of David or Islamic Arabic inscriptions.

5. Colorful crafts. Some artsy types enjoy making their own jewelry from beads, glass ornaments, pebbles, or tiny designs that are strung onto a wire or rope. A letter of the person's name suspended from a chain or a loved one's photograph encircled by supportive designs provide alternative styles. You can buy craft kits to experiment with or browse craft-style necklaces at an arts and craft store.
Whatever your jewelry tastes, there are plenty of necklace designs to capture the essence of your style or to enhance a particular look. Shop garage sales, jewelry stores, or department stores to find the best selection.

By Debra Johanyak