January 3, 2009

Irish Wedding Rings

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 5:33 pm

There are a number of Irish Wedding Rings that include Spirals, Triskeles, and Triquetas, Shield Knots and Sun Symbols. The most popular ring by far is the Irish Claddagh and it is surrounded by a romantic legend.

The Claddagh is as was said, the most popular in Ireland. The ring symbolizes love, friendship , and loyalty. The ring is named for an Irish fishing village. The design of the Claddagh is constructed of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.

Various traditions give different meanings to the ring depending on how it is worn. As a wedding ring it is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement ring it is on the right hand with the heart pointing inward toward the wrist. For friendship it is worn on the right hand turned outward.

The legend of the Claddagh begins when a fisherman Richard Joyce and other crew members were captured by pirates shortly before Joyce was to be married. He was sold into slavery in Algiers and made the property of a goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmith. Joyce became the master of the craft. With is beloved back in Claddagh on his mind he fashioned the first Claddagh ring. The hands were to represent friendship, the heart was love, and the crown represented loyalty and fidelity.

In 1698 King Georges III agreed to free all of his subjects. Richard Joyce was once again free. His slave master offered Joyce his daughter in marriage and half of his wealth if he would stay in Algiers. Joyce refused the offer and instead returned home to Claddagh where he found his love waiting for him. Neither of them had married. Upon discovering this, Joyce gave his love the ring and they were married shortly thereafter.

The ring was dubbed The Claddagh because of the village Joyce and his Bride were from. There were others who made the ring much later and added jewels and an intricate crown design. The basic hands holding a crowned heart has never changed. Joyce wanted something that would his love for his Beloved.

The Claddagh today is as popular as it ever was. The basic design of the ring has not changed but now there is more intricacies in the crown, gemstones or jewels can be used to fashion the heart, and the hands are simply hands. The ring can be made of silver, gold or basically any metal.

The design is the clasped hands of the ‘fede’ or faith rings. These rings date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages. The ring is worn now by many to speak to their Irish heritage. The Claddagh tells the story of two lovers who are separated and yet their love and commitment withstood the passage of time. It’s simple design and my heritage influenced my decision to purchase a Claddagh.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes
Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

December 31, 2008

Crystals

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 8:34 pm

Crystals, as we know them in their industrial applications were discovered in the 17th century. They are traditionally hand blown. Crystals are manufactured through the same process as that of glass forming; the only difference is that instead of soda ash, lead oxide is used. For glass to be considered crystal, it must be at least 10 % lead. The result is a heavier, clearer and more lustrous glass-like substance. It can be cut to take many shapes and forms — making it ideal for many applications, including fashion accessories.

The quality of crystals is judged by the pitch of the “ping” or the sound that is produced when you strike the crystal with a flick of the finger or a light instrument. The higher the pitch of the sound it produces, the greater is the quality of the crystal.

There are many uses or applications for crystals. Fro example, crystals are used in transistors. In the jewelry business, there are 200 known kinds that are used. They are also used in the watch industry. The face of the watch or its dial cover is technically known as the “crystal,” rightly so because it is made of crystal.

There are three types or kinds of crystal used as covers for watch dials. The first is the cheapest kind and is used in most common watches. This is the acrylic crystal- that resembles the characteristics of plastic. But like plastic, it gets scratched easily. The second kind is the mineral crystal, which is harder than the acrylic crystal and therefore more resistant to scratches too. It is made from heat treating many kinds of elements. The heat enforces the hardness of the material. The most expensive of the three watch faces is the sapphire crystal. It prevents scratches 20 times better than the acrylic crystals and three times better than the sapphire crystals.

Crystals provides detailed information on Crystals, Snow Crystals, Dermabrasion Crystals, Sugar Crystals and more. Crystals is affiliated with Freshwater Pearls.

Men’s White Gold Wedding Bands

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 7:04 am

White metals such as silver and palladium mixed with gold produces an alloy known as white gold. As with gold, white gold can be found in any carat measurement up to 21 carats. Basically, the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different. White gold was originally developed as a substitute for platinum.

Traditionally nickel was used in white gold. However, nickel is no longer used as the studies found that nickel can cause reactions with some people. Initially, white gold rings are electro-plated with another white metal called Rhodium, a metal very much similar to platinum, when they are new. This makes the white gold look whiter since the original color of white metal is slightly gray. This process is called rhodium plating. To keep a white gold ring looking new, it should be re-rhodium plated approximately each 12 to 18 months.

White gold men’s wedding bands are increasingly popular as they are often used to enhance diamonds and other gemstones. However, it is suggested to check with the retailer that the alloy is nickel-free.

Since the white metal is an alloy, it is very hard and durable. Hence it is preferred in the wedding bands by a number of men presently. However, there is an equal demand for cheaper alternatives to white gold than the palladium whites which are nickel-free. Many new alloys in the current market rely on manganese additions as the main whitener. Some of these are palladium-free while others are low palladium alloys. Chromium and iron can also be used as whiteners. However, they tend to be hard and so this makes it more difficult to process. However, most of these alloys are not a good white color and so require rhodium plating, and many suffer cracking problems and tarnishing.

Mens Wedding Bands provides detailed information about men’s wedding bands, men’s diamond wedding bands, men’s gold wedding bands and more. Mens Wedding Bands is affiliated with Moissanite Rings.

October 24, 2008

American Indian Jewelry: Significance of the Settings

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 10:42 pm

American Indian jewelry is worn by men, women, and children all around the world. The jewelry is appealing for a number of reasons. There are not many jewelry pieces that can be considered elegant and mysterious at the same time. One of the many mysteries surrounding American Indian jewelry is the meaning behind each piece.

A large number of stones and other materials are used to make American Indian jewelry. The types of materials used all depend on the type of jewelry piece being made and the preference of the jewelry maker. A large number of necklaces, bracelets, earring, pendants, and rings have been made using amethyst, amber, turquoise, coral, opal, jasper, quartz, pearl, and more.

Almost all of the materials used to make American Indian jewelry have significance, in one way or another. This significance may only come from old wise tales or it may be a belief that still exists today. Below is a summary of three American Indian jewelry settings and the meanings behind each.

Turquoise

American Indian jewelry is made from a wide variety of different materials and stones, but turquoise is one of the most popular materials used. Turquoise received it name, not because it was developed in Turkey, but because it was transported through Turkey. In today’s society, most of the turquoise comes from the Untied States and Mexico.

Ancient beliefs state that turquoise has powers that protect those who wear it. This protection is believed to be in the form of physical and emotional harm. It has been said that turquoise stones are powerful all on their own. However, many believe that the powers of turquoise can be greatly increased when combined with copper.

Amber

Amber, which is often used in American Indian jewelry, is not actually a stone. Despite the fact that it is not scientifically considered a stone, there are a large number of individuals who classify it as a gemstone.

Throughout the past and in different areas of the world, amber developed a wide variety of uses and meanings. It was said that amber cured a wide variety of medical illness including headaches, kidney troubles, and heart problems. In the Middle East, this stone was thought to symbolize the presence of the lord, keep one’s body whole, and symbolize courage.

Amethyst

American Indian jewelry containing a beautiful purple setting most likely contains amethyst. Amethyst was once considered a valuable stone; however, the value has diminished over the years. Since a large supply of amethyst was discovered in Brazil, a large number of individuals are now able to afford beautiful pieces of American Indian jewelry with an amethyst setting.

In the past, an old wise tale stated that amethyst prevented individuals from becoming overly intoxicated. This wise tale stated that those who drank alcohol from a cup made of amethyst would not become drunk. Amethyst is most commonly known for the ability to provide spiritual insight and promote good behavior. It is believed that individuals wearing amethyst are more likely to be honest and keep a quiet and peaceful mind.

Many individuals purchase a piece of American Indian jewelry without even considering the meaning behind that piece. On the other hand, there are some individuals who shop for American Indian jewelry solely based on the significance of each setting. Whatever reason you choose to shop for, it is possible to purchase American Indian jewelry that may benefit you in more ways than one.

Edward Charkow - EzineArticles Expert Author

Gold Horse Jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 8:18 pm

Horses are wonderful motifs for jewelry. The elegant animal cast in white or yellow gold forms a charming ornament. The beauty of the horse captured in pendants, charms, bracelets, earrings and cufflinks prove to be the perfect adornment for men and women alike.

A fine craftsman can make a piece of horse jewelry come to life. The smooth golden image in three dimensions brings out the aura of the magnificent animal. Gold horse jewelry studded with diamonds has its beauty enhanced manifold. The designs vary from the elegance of a full image of a horse to numerous abstract designs. Gold horse jewelry can capture the mien of the majestic animal in its various postures. A piece of jewelry depicting a horse running with its mane flowing gives a feeling of freedom like nothing else can. On the other hand, jewelry portraying a horse head, a prancing horse or a grazing horse gives a quieter, more subtle impression. Horse jewelry can also capture the natural and innocent love between the gentle animals. A pendant or a ring with two horses can best reflect the tender affection, and can act as a token of your sentiment for your loved ones. A ring with two horses touching each other to form a heart can be a very romantic engagement ring.

A piece of designer 14K gold horse jewelry is the perfect gift for a horse enthusiast. A piece of gold jewelry with a carved image of a colt would certainly make a young horse-lover very happy. The experienced horse aficionado might, however, like a strong stallion etched on the jewelry. Some might take a fancy to a piece with a jockey on the horse. Besides an image of the equine friend, a horse lover would love to have jewelry crafted as a horseshoe, a horse-saddle or even a stirrup. Earrings crafted as horseshoes would really do the trick.

Horse Jewelry provides detailed information on Horse Jewelry, Gold Horse Jewelry, Horse Hair Jewelry, Wholesale Horse Jewelry and more. Horse Jewelry is affiliated with Fine Jewelry.

Choosing the Best Italian Charms Sholesale

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 12:40 am

Italian charms bracelets and charms are the latest craze. They’re a perfect addition to any store, and quickly sell out. Purchasing Italian charms wholesale is a great way to cut your cost. You’ll find many great wholesale dealers online which you can check out for some great deals. But before you buy, here are some guidelines for selectingthe right wholesale Italian charm supplier.

One of the biggest problems with many Italian charm wholesale dealers online is the quality of their websites. I don’t know if it’s just a lack of creativity or if Italian dealers are simply too thrifty to hire designers, but their websites simply look horrible. The abuse and overuse of graphics that is more of an annoyance than a help. To the customer.

Don’t be discouraged by the awful graphics - remember that your purpose for visiting the website is to get a hold of affordable Italian charm wholesale merchandise. First you’ll need to register an account, though different wholesale providers do this differently. Some dealers want to see a copy of your resale license as proof that you really are a legitimate retail business. This, of course, would depend on which state you live in, as some states don’t require a sales tax license - if this applies to you, you may need to explain that to your chosen provider.

It’s also better to have two to three wholesale suppliers since, as Italian charms sell so quickly. Also, beware of phony Italian charms. Real Italian charms are made from 18k gold ribbon that is flattened and molded, then soldered on the back to a strip of stainless steel links. In some cases, the Italian charm is protected with enamel.

In order to make sure that you’re getting only genuine Italian charms merchandis, purchase only from reputable wholesalers that get their supply from top manufacturers like Casa d’oro, Roma, Italia, GP Firenze, Boxing, Unodomani, Zoppini, Nomination, Puzzle Talexia, and Brunoz Zanetti. The best thing about Italian charms is that different brands are interchangeable, and the quality of these brands is excellent.

Most of the fake Italian charms are from Asia, usually made with gold plating and glue- if you see one, they’re easy to spot as a fake. Once you’re sure that your chosen Italian charm wholesale supplier is selling the real thing, only then should you place an order. Depending on the quantity of Italian charms you purchase, you may be eligible for discounts from the supplier.

Don’t be afraid to ask the wholesale supplier any questions regarding their products and their delivery options. Remember that it ’s through a supplier’s customer service that you can really determine whether or not they’re reliable.

Hannah Roberts has an interest in Shopping & Retail related topics. To access more information on italian charm or on italian charm bracelet, please click on the links.

October 23, 2008

Moissanite Info

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 8:43 pm

There is a lot of moissanite info available on the Internet. Just simply scanning this moissanite info will show that moissanite is one of the most precious jewels on the planet. Moissanite contains many properties that other jewels do not possess. And this is one of the reasons why it takes 104 years to reproduce this jewel in a laboratory. Moissanite info as described is easily available and all this info will show that moissanite is superior to many jewels in many different ways. Not only is moissanite more beautiful then diamonds but it is also known as being a superior diamond simulant. But it is a minor simulant because of the high cost and also the fact that there is a limited production of moissanite.

As production of moissanite picks up you can be sure that this will become a major diamond simulant. However most moissanite info will just tell you how limited moissanite is and also there will be a lot of comparisons to diamonds. Tests have been done on moissanite to see if this jewel is better then diamonds. The tests show that moissanite is superior then diamonds but people will always come to their own conclusions. If they want moissanite jewellery then they will buy that rather then diamonds. But diamonds are more well-known and therefore this will still be the best seller out of the two for many more years.

Many people including jewellers can mistake moissanite for diamonds it is only jewellers with a lot of knowledge of moissanite that will be able to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. They have gained a lot of valuable moissanite info and they know what the difference is between the two but it is not easy to tell the difference.

Nearly all moissanite info will contain the well-known facts that moissanite takes 104 years to reproduce in a laboratory. Also the fact that moissanite actually originated from a meteoroid crater in Arizona. Simple moissanite info is easy to find and if you look around you will find info on how to tell the difference between moissanite and diamonds. This could prove to be very helpful because some jewellers that cannot tell the difference will put moissanite on sale for the price of diamonds and this can equal a big saving for you.

Moissanite is going to be around for a long time and so it might be helpful for you to get some information on the jewel that could very well take the world by storm.

www.artificialdiamonds.com

The Omega replica watch

Filed under: Jewelry Center — admin @ 2:31 pm

Till about the year 2000, an Omega watch was a “????” to me. I had developed an interest in space due to the fact that my father has been a rocket physicist and was involved in a lot of space programs. I was glued to the monitor or a TV whenever there was a space launch.

The same fervor that I share for space, I share for an Omega watch today, especially for the Omega Speedmaster Professional, alias the Moonwatch. I had always held in awe, a few of my acquaintances who sported the Omega Moonwatch, until I was told it was not the original but an Omega replica watch. I did not know that replica watches have evolved so greatly, when my eye that has been experienced in looking at and admiring an Omega Moonwatch could not see that the watch worn by my acquaintances has been an Omega replica watch.

Late in 2000, when I had an opportunity to shop for a new watch for myself, I was fresh out of college and just got a job, with the first month’s wages in my pocket. It was obvious that my craving to own an Omega Speedmaster has only increased. I decided to have a look at the Omega website to shop for models that suited my aesthetic senses and my pocket. I wanted an Omega watch, an Omega watch that suited my personality, symbolically and functionally.
I came across the 40 th year anniversary edition of the Moonwatch bought out by Omega in 1997. Although it caught my senses and blocked them for some time, it really appeared to burn my pants along with my pockets. Well, I saw that I really could not afford to own it, but, it infused a sense of extreme interest in me to know more about Omega and Omega replica watches so that I will be able to wear one some day.

My interest and research led me to one of the biggest markets of Omega watches in the recent years, China. The fact that, the basic concept and functionality of a watch is to tell time and nothing more is the fundamental principle of the Chinese or for that matter most markets world wide. A watch is also a status symbol and a fashion accessory and a symbol of wealth, come to the fore when we come to the high worth individual markets.

In the markets of conspicuous consumption like the far east or the middle east, publicity of where you bought something and for how much is more important the product itself. So, the replica watches sell, since they are scarily close in resemblance to the originals with more or less the same functionality. The originals cost the earth and the replicas give you most of the earth without really burning your pockets.
The moral dimension of buying an Omega replica watch is certainly an important consideration. Buying a replica watch is more akin to downloading free music from the internet. The original manufacturers invest a lot in producing, marketing and selling the merchandise and the replica makers cash in on the popularity within a few weeks by selling at a fraction of the original price. So buying a replica watch may tantamount to stealing.

Well, considering the fact that an Omega replica watch looks good on my wrist and appeals to my sense of importance, I had to make a decision on my moral issues while buying it, whether to spend about $10000 on an original or buy an omega replica watch at $200. Money is important and it always wins.

Written by Nick Varnsen - www.replicawatchesplus.com