Think about it: when you picture a Native American whose image has been captured in an old photo or painting, an intricate necklace or other piece of jewelry is usually one of the first details that spring to mind. Native craftsmen (and women) had worked with materials such as turquoise long before Europeans arrived, and this centuries-long tradition is still going strong.

If you’ve ever taken a history class, you probably know that there isn’t one collective Native American culture. Each tribe had its own customs and arts and crafts that distinguished it from other tribes. But jewelry was actually a lot more universal than other aspects because tribes frequently traded the materials used to create jewelry with each other. There was – and is – still a great variety in terms of design, but there’s a reason we associate turquoise with Native American jewelry: it’s intertwined in tribes’ legends, lore, and the very fabric of their history. Navajo tribes used it for protection, and one Pueblo legend says that the wind is in search of turquoise when it blows.

Today, Native American jewelry spans everything from traditional to modern designs and can be found in rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, buckles, pendants, and more. Classic designs tend to be inspired by nature – flower and animal designs, for example – while many modern designs include simple lines or geometric shapes. Which appeals to you is a matter of taste, of course, though three things all Native American turquoise jewelry have in common are a fascinating history, legends that include the powers to heal and protect, and flawless natural beauty.

These enchantingly different rings debuted in the 1960s, but tension set rings began their rise to fame in the 1990s when improved technology gave jewelers new metal alloys that made the settings stronger. They’re so strong, in fact, that only the hardest gems can be mounted in a tension set ring: diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to name a few.

If you’re looking for a delicate, thin engagement ring, the tension set isn’t for you. The reason? Since the ring itself is what holds the stone in place – kind of like a wound spring – it can’t be made of flimsy metal. High-quality tension set rings typically have twice or three times the metal of other rings, and that makes them strong, heavy, and tough enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear – all while perfectly showing off the diamond.

One of the biggest benefits of a tension set ring is the clear view you have of the stone. There’s no metal underneath or on top of the gem, which gives you unobstructed access to the entire stone. It also allows light to enter the stone from all angles, creating the kind of sparkle that’s hard to find in other settings.

So if a unique, dazzling ring that will draw “oohs” and “aahs” from complete strangers sounds like your kind of engagement ring, take a good look at tension set options.

It’s hard to believe that within the past two decades, acceptable body piercing sites have migrated from the ears (just one piercing, though; any more was considered weird) to nearly every body part imaginable. Nose and eyebrow piercings are popping up in white collar offices, while belly piercings are no longer considered risque, but sexy and even elegant.

With the rise in acceptability of piercings has come a correlating rise in the number of companies offering body jewelry; when you factor in online sites as well, the choice can be a bit overwhelming. Some people make the mistake of purchasing jewelry at the lowest price possible. A belly ring for $3? Who can resist?! In general, you should. Think about it: by definition, body jewelry is inserted into your body, coming into contact not only with the top layer of your skin, but with internal tissues as well. Why in the world would you want anything other than the highest quality materials you can find?

Not that low-cost body jewelry is harmful in every case, but companies simply can’t offer nickel-free gold and platinum – metals commonly accepted as best for body jewelry – for $3. Some metals, such as sterling silver, sound great, but they can actually irritate and/or permanently discolor your skin.

And when it comes to the gems in your body jewelry, cubic zirconias are certainly a bargain, but if you talk to someone who owns a lot of body jewelry, you’ll hear a couple of common complaints: the piece looks bad after a few months (or weeks) and that CZs tend to fall out. With high-end body jewelry, like the pieces presented by the professionals at alluringbody.com, only genuine diamonds and gemstones are used to create jewelry that not only lasts for years (and is guaranteed for life), but sparkles the way only real stones can. You’ll know that the “good stuff” was the right choice when you – and everyone around you – can’t stop staring at it.

The best part is that high-end sites like alluringbody.com have an incredible selection, so whatever your style or mood – classic, funky, sensual, or anywhere in between – you’ll find a top-quality body jewelry design to match it.

In response to this recent boom, the door has been opened to new styles, designs and opportunities for a niche that’s been waiting to turn the corner for some time now. Thanks to a number of factors, jewelry sales for men have increased over the past few years, with signs pointing to a continuing trend. So much so that designers are now creating lines specifically “for” men, with the confidence that there is a buying audience out there – a consumer base that is widening and getting stronger. Factors that could explain this shift include:

• Media influence
• Men becoming more style-conscious
• A greater variety to choose from
• An overall younger market
• Women continuing to buy for their significant others

Gone are the days when cuff links and watches were all that was available for men as far as fashion. While these stylish standards remain a big part of the selection that’s out there, there are also now earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants to choose from. Indeed, men’s fashion is becoming more varied, with men themselves making purchases and becoming more conscious of their style and the image they project. Bracelets for instance, have become almost as common as watches, thanks to new, masculine designs made of wood, shell and alternative metals, ranging from gold and platinum to anodized aluminum. Designers are mixing and matching materials into fashionable takes that work with corporate looks as well as more casual ensembles. The versatility of designs has emerged as a selling point.

Mens stainless steel jewelry remains popular, even with the rise of the alternative metals. Again, it provides a look a strength that is always attractive for men. From cuff links to dog tags, stainless steel is often used in combination with complementary metals, such as white gold and sterling silver. Muted gemstones are also an element of design that’s being employed with more regularity. In addition, new designs have been inspired by the past, as the time-tested has suddenly become hip and modern. Some designer trends you might be seeing:

• Biker and/or motorcycle jewelry
• Skull and crossbones jewelry
• Bracelets as fashion-musts
• Pendants, such as dog tags, growing in popularity
• Earrings an accessory for men as much as women

Quite recently, skull and crossbones motifs have entered the fashion realm for both men and women, emerging in the forms of scarves, jackets, ties, shirts, and of course, jewelry. However, a bit of research reveals that motorcycle jewelry has featured skulls, crossbones, serpents, and iron crosses for years. The biker niche has always been one to embrace men’s jewelry, with the aforementioned symbols of power, rebellion and strength being key to their appeal. Only now the motifs have entered into pop culture, making them more readily available and in styles and designs that are perhaps less harsh and thus, wearable anytime.

What made the recent “skull” craze so widespread was the fact that designs were being incorporated in ways that were almost “cute,” such as a crossbones scarf or a skull charm. While this trend overall is likely to transform into a fading fad, the presence of skull jewelry for men should remain a factor in fashionable selection for years to come. Now that it has been introduced into designer lines, the look should continue to flourish. This being said, bikers, goths, and punk rockers should certainly be credited as being the originators of the symbolic design, with skull, crossbones, and knives being linked to outlaw personas. Today, standards in skull jewelry, such as skull rings, pendants, and buckles, are complemented by wrist links, chunky chains, and even earrings.

Speaking of biker jewelry, this category continues to expand, with necklace chains, pendants, bracelets, and earrings being just the tip. Traditionally made of sterling silver, gold and stainless steel, modern biker jewelry also makes use of titanium, aluminum, and other solid materials. Turquoise, onyx, and amber are often crafted into designs as well. Today, fashion designers have picked up on the masculine designs of biker and motorcycle jewelry, creating lines of their own that would appeal to both the hard-core biker and Casual Friday worker.

Indeed, the range of men’s jewelry has exploded to be versatile and inclusive. Media has play2ed a role in the boom, as outlets such as YouTube and of course cable, have made our culture as a whole more conscious of what we wear and what we look like. What image do we project? Men, as much as women, have begun to emulate their idols. From athletes to entertainers, Joe Public is taken his cue from the celebrity.

Take a look at a sports star’s press conference and chances are you’ll see him decked out in his best threads, with the finishing touch being a rope chain, a stainless-steel dog tag, titanium bangle, or pair of earrings. Diamond studs are no longer exclusive to women. No, men’s diamond earrings can be purchased from any jeweler, as can gold hoop earrings for men. These styles have become unisex with men styling their own “bling” for all to see. The more snazzy the outfit, the more accessorized the man.

In the past, women were the primary buyers of men’s jewelry, as they attempted to add a bit of style to their significant other’s wardrobe. Today however, men are looking for such additions themselves, thanks to the influence of television, marketing, and magazines.

In summary, while trendy fads come and go, the boom in men’s jewelry appears to be one with staying power, which is welcomed news for retailers. The decision by designers to create lines specific for men is one sign of the positive shift. Another is the fact that the market is being impacted by younger buyers, who might be more willing to take on fashion “risks” and in the end, set the new standards for style.

You’ll probably notice that this site is a bit different than others dedicated to jewelry. We don’t feature the same-old jewelry that you can find in 1,000 other jewelry sites. Likewise, our blog is different as well. Noticeably absent are generic entries about the usual topics that, again, you can find just about anywhere. Instead, we’ll entertain you with new and unique jewelry finds that will set you apart and make sure you’re among the first to know about new trends and pieces.

So check back often for updates about the latest jewelry fashions, information about what’s hot and what’s not, and how to purchase the fabulous pieces that you see on our pages. After all, talking about jewelry is great; putting a drool-worthy bauble in your own jewelry box is even better.