STYLE 2010

The Necklace as Jewelry Transcends Cultures and Time

2010-02-18T21:59:00.000+05:00

The Necklace as Jewelry Transcends Cultures and Time: "

The Necklace as Jewelry Transcends Cultures and Time
- by Ron Peterson -

A representation of feminine beauty and mystique, the necklace has been an integral part of a woman's decoration and beauty for ages. Whether a choker, rosary or chain, the necklace has achieved a timeless appeal. In many cultures, necklaces have marked cultural distinctions, based on ornamentation, length and attire. From Greek mythology to the French Revolution, the necklace has played a major role in cultures worldwide.

Since the dawn of time, necklaces have been fashioned from jewels, chains, rocks, metal, cloth, wood, and shells. As one of the first man-made objects for wearing around the neck, necklaces once served as an elemental piece of apparel for men and women. Prehistoric fashions that draped around the neck and torso (forming the shape of a safety pin) were used to clasp layers of clothing. Among the ancient Egyptians, necklaces formed a fundamental part of dress. For example, the Ankh was worn to symbolize the amulet of life. Egyptians also adorned their necklaces with gold, beads and jewels, which later served as temptation for grave robbers centuries later.

In ancient Rome, young boys wore a bullah, or a chain around the neck with a pouch containing an amulet. While the bullah was worn by most classes, the upper class had amulets made of gold. These necklaces were intended to provide protection as boys were considered the stronger species in need of special protection. In comparison, Roman men wore signet rings of iron or gold. These rings were used to seal official documentation. Since Roman women during these times did not enjoy the same societal status as their male counterparts, jewelry was a mechanism of showcasing their particular position in society. According to one source, when a 195 B.C. law suggested that women give their jewelry away for use in war materials, women protested in the streets. Typical jewels of the day included amber, gold, pearls, polished stones, and glass beads.

During the Medieval ages, necklaces were simple and practical. But as history progressed through the 14th through 16th centuries, jewelry in general became more glamorized, especially neckwear. Intricately designed chains and collars graced the necks of ladies.

With all the power, prestige and beauty contained within one piece of jewelry, perhaps it is not so surprising that the necklace played an integral role in the downfall of France's monarchy. Known as the 'Affair of the Diamond Necklace,' the incident involved the court of Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette who was implicated in a crime to swindle the crown jewelers for the cost of a very expensive diamond necklace. The scandal added to the disillusionment of France's people with their monarchy, which along with other events, eventually culminated in the French Revolution.

In the Eastern part of the world, necklaces have long been fashioned with an array of exquisite jewelry and gold. In fact, gold necklaces play a very important role in Middle Eastern dress even today. The Arabian necklace symbolizes not only an embellishment, but also a form of security and an economic marker. Islamic calligraphy and Quranic symbols are also prevalent.

Neckwear in Assam, India, is often typified with motifs of orchids and flora and fauna. Other Indian jewelry ranges from religious to domestic. In areas surrounding temples, shops sell sanctified necklaces made of scented sandalwood, silk and gold. Worn by married Hindu women, the mangal sutra symbolizes love in holy matrimony. It is made of a combination of black beads and a gold pendant.

In Africa, necklaces designed from colorful beads have been used as part of traditional attire for centuries. African neckwear has also been used to designate tribal heritage, status, and for currency exchange.

No matter the cultural destination, the necklace has been an important decoration for ages. Some cultures have even utilized the necklaces to identify cultural and class distinctions. Indeed, the necklace has played a major role in cultures worldwide.

New Favorite Necklace

2010-02-15T21:16:00.000+05:00

New Favorite Necklace: "

With all the jewelry I make, it can be difficult to pick just one or even two favorite pieces. They tend to rotate and change, much of it depending on what is hot off my jewelry bench. One piece that I think is going to be a favorite for awhile is this very cool necklace I made using faceted natural colored mother-of-pearl beads, sterling Bali spacer beads, a very cool 'Courageous' copper pendent, and lots and lots of copper wire: Courageous Copper and Faceted Mother-of-Pearl Necklace.

The length seems to work well with all the sweaters I've been having to wear lately due to way too many cold snaps down south, and the natural colors pretty much go with everything it seems.

New Favorite Necklace originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 09:45:24.

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Timex Expedition Metal Field Watch

2010-02-13T15:49:00.000+05:00

Timex Expedition Metal Field Watch: "

Timex Expedition Metal Field Watch
$29.86

A rugged Timex watch that goes from an outdoor adventure to the office in sporty style

Exclusive Gemstone Jewelry Collection

2010-02-08T20:14:00.000+05:00

Exclusive Gemstone Jewelry Collection: "

Angara Offering exclusive gemstone jewelry ( sapphire, emerald, ruby, and tanzanite jewelry) collection on discount values.

Exclusive Gemstone Jewelry

Posted in gemstone jewelry Tagged: Exclusive Gemstone Jewelry "

Hot Fashion Jewelry Trends

2010-02-03T21:26:00.000+05:00

Hot Fashion Jewelry Trends: "

This fall season is a strong season for fashion jewelry trends. Maybe it’s because of the recession. Think about it. If you decide not to update your apparel and shoe wardrobe at all, you could still update your style and appear on-trend by spending less than $100 on fashion jewelry. Go ahead and wear your military jacket, painterly dress or your slouchy pleated trousers from last year. These looks still work. But now update them by incorporating the following three fashion jewelry trends.

Layered Necklaces

Pile it on! According to Ellen and Barbara Zenter The Gals at SoHoAccessories and creators of the blog by the same name, this is a trend where less is not more. In fact, think more, more, more. However, you should vary lengths. “Include all different links from 16 inch (or even shorter) all the way to a nice, long 24 inch,” the jewelry experts advised. Lengths longer than that look too costume-y and are better saved for celebrities.

“If you dabble in different weights, it’s best to throw in just one chain that is really chunky and keep the rest near the same weight. Also, mixed media is very chic! In other words try a satin ribbon necklace with a strand of pearls and metal chains thrown in,” suggested Barbara. Ellen and Barbara also said you should keep in mind your audience. It’s okay to wear layered necklaces to work, but keep the layers to a maximum of four. Of course, if you’re painting the town red, then go for broke and wear six, seven, eight layers or more.

Statement Pieces

Last fall, statement necklaces were a big hit. They still are, but this fall, your statement piece could potentially be on your ears, around your wrist or on your hand. Just not all at the same time, of course.

Wear your statement piece on the area of your body where you would like to draw attention. If you have great eyes or love your smile, wear statement earrings. Like your neck or want to show off your décolletage? Wear a statement necklace. Don a statement wrist cuff or bracelet if you like your arms, but if you have great hands, wear an oversize statement ring.

“A statement piece doesn’t always mean it is big, it could be something that has a bright flash of color or movement to it,” Barbara said. “Don’t be afraid to wear your statement piece at any time! A statement piece is about conveying a message to others whether it’s day or night,” she added.

Mixed Metals

“Mixing metals is a trend that comes and goes and tends to follow the fashion cycle,” Barbara and Ellen explained this popular trend, “When fashion is more conservative we tend to go conservative with accessories as well and it becomes taboo to mix metals. But we are going through a period of liberal fashion and it’s all about expressing our individuality by going against the grain.” The ladies also clarified that it’s an easy and affordable trend to follow because women can just use their current inventory of jewelry and put something together. “This is part of the reason why layering is so popular,” they said, “Both trends are serving us really well in these tougher economic times because they are easy to create without having to buy something new. Now combine the two by layering your mixed metals!”

Ready to get started? Visit Ellen’s and Barbara’s Soho Accessories web store and check out the affordable options. And bookmark and visit their blog at Blog.SoHoAccessories.com for ideas, suggestions and more tips.

Load Up on Valentine Jewelry Projects

2010-01-28T21:40:00.000+05:00

Load Up on Valentine Jewelry Projects: "

Valentine's Day is a great excuse to make jewelry. Even if you don't sell it, there's no reason why can't make a few simple jewelry pieces for your close friends or yourself.

I have more Valentine's Day jewelry designs in the works, but for right now, you can load up on what I do have, which is a pretty large number of tutorials, located in this new list of project links: Valentine's Day Jewelry Projects.

As of this post, I have 20+ projects over there with more to come! What about you? Are you making jewelry or crafting other items for this up-coming holiday? Let us know by taking the poll below:

Load Up on Valentine Jewelry Projects originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 09:12:33.

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Forever More - LuluLuxe Bridal Locket - £28.00

2010-01-09T21:06:00.000+05:00

Forever More - LuluLuxe Bridal Locket - £28.00: "Keep your memories close on your big day with a delightful vintage brass locket adorned with a single flourishing bloom.

Measuring 1 ¼” (32mm) round, the basket weave lockets are showing their age and have minor imperfections which add to their charm. With it’s own tale to tell, add to it’s yarn with your own story and keep it close to your heart!

Hung from a 14/20 17” gold fill chain from a 14/20 gold filled bail.

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Latest diamond & gold jewellery

2009-12-23T23:27:00.000+05:00

Latest diamond & gold jewellery: "