Author: admin

    Silver metal beads with Jewelry

    Posted on by admin

    Silver metal beads

    by Binasaji

    Silver has been used to create jewelry since time immemorial. The Navajos combined silver with turquoise to make gorgeous jewelry pieces like the Squash Blossom necklaces and silver bracelets with inlay work. These are popular even today. Silver is cheaper than gold but is equally attractive; with men and women, both wearing silver jewelry.

    $_35

     

     

    Available in a range of finishes – dull, bright, oxidized and a tantalizing choice of designs, silver beaded jewelry is versatile and economical – purchasing several pieces is affordable and the ornaments can be funky, traditional or formal. Silver chunky beaded jewelry often teamed with darker colored gemstones like navy blue, dark green or deep reds are now sported by men – not just as rings but also chains, bracelets and amulets. Dull or tarnished silver beads complement the tough exteriors of stylish men and make great gifts – different from the traditional clothes and perfumes. Oxidized silver jewelry can be bought off the streets at dirt-cheap prices (although the purity of the metal is questionable).

    Other than silver, gold is the other precious metal popularly used to make beaded jewelry. Platinum being highly priced is also used but is available at select premium outlets which cater to an exclusive clientele.

    C317s_Tiny_Silver_Flower_Bead-567x504

    Silver Facts

    Silver shining beads have an allure that makes jewellery sparkle and liven up the dullest outfits. Pure silver is extremely malleable and lends itself to making very thin sheets and wires. Silver can be made into sheets so thin that they are almost transparent and allow light to pass through. In fact, over one hundred thousand such sheets placed over each other will equal only one inch! Thin wires finer than a human hair can be drawn out of pure silver easily. Although good quality silver stays bright for a long time eventually, it starts to blacken as the pollutants in the atmosphere react with it.

    For jewellery making purposes, silver is mixed with other metals especially copper to form an alloy which gives it strength, the addition also makes it possible to craft the silver into desired shapes and sizes.

    fashion_copper_10mm_buddha_beads_bracelet_with_925_sterling_silver_plated_31603901_1

    Types of Silver beads

    While all silver used for crafting jewellery is not 100% pure, it helps to know the common terms referred to while buying silver beaded jewellery. Silver is marked as per its purity – pure silver jewellery will refer to a minimum mix of copper ranging from 1% to 3% in pure silver.

    Sterling silver beads have at least 7.5% of copper mixed and are approximately 92.5% pure. Sterling silver is stronger than pure silver and it is easier to carve and mold sterling silver beads. These beads usually have a dull finish and the niches are tarnished giving them a vintage appearance. In some countries, sterling silver is not called sterling but is marked .925 indicating the purity of the silver is 92.5%.

    Nickel silver or German silver is so called only because it resembles silver beads. These beads have no silver in them and are actually an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc.

    Handmade silver beads can make heads turn with their beautiful designs and carvings. Some of the most popular handmade silver beads come from the island nations of Bali and Thailand . The former is known as Bali Silver and the latter as Hill Tribe Silver. These gifted silver artisans create tiny works of art with their hands and usually it is impossible to find two pieces which are alike. These beads have very distinct designs – mostly depicting images from nature (animals, trees, birds, flowers etc.) and are usually tarnished or oxidized. Most of these beads are sterling silver in order to achieve the traditional effect.

    Manual techniques and very few implements are employed by the artisans in these island nations to create interesting designs which have found acclaim throughout the world. Silver is melted and then either made into sheets and wires or poured into moulds. The wires or sheets are cut to create various shapes and sizes of beads. Some beads are made by poking holes in the sheets and fusing wires onto it creating gorgeous filigreed beads. Designs are sometimes engraved onto the beads giving it the distinct appearance of Bali Silver and Hill Tribe silver. The last part of the process is oxidization, where the beads are dipped into various liquids to highlight the images on the bead.

    Buying & Caring tips

    Hollow silver beads are lighter than the solid ones and care should be taken while using beaded jewellery with hollow silver beads as they can dent easily. Solid silver beads should be bought from reliable stores since they could easily be pewter beads with just a silver plate on top. Compare prices – solid silver beads will be more expensive than silver plated beads and will weigh lesser than them since pewter is heavier than silver. .

    Always check the purity of the silver before buying beads – the price of sterling silver beads will be cheaper than pure silver although the amount of effort and time spent in carving or finishing the bead will also determine the price. Handcrafted beads will usually cost more.

    Many manufacturers now machine make beads and call them Bali Silver and Hill Tribe Silver since the designs are the same as the authentic Bali and Hill Tribe silver beads. Make sure you check the authenticity of the origination on the beads before purchasing handcrafted beaded jewellery.

    Buy your silver jewellery after deciding the purpose, if you require it for daily wear, buy beads which have the least amount of metals added – the silver should be at least 98% to 99% pure. Higher purity will ensure no tarnish for a longer time although the design of the beads should be such that it can tolerate the stress of daily usage.

    Over a period of time, silver tarnishes. Pure silver tarnishes slowly and silver mixed with other metals has a quicker rate of blackening. This is also a test to check the purity of your silver beads.

    Many silver beaded jewellery carry a tarnished appearance to give the piece depth and an antique look. One needs to be very careful while cleaning (if required) such silver beaded ornaments. The tarnish can be removed with anti-tarnish polishes, or even lemon juice or toothpaste with a soft cloth.

    Cleaning silver beaded jewellery embellished with crystals or enameled beads or any other beads treated with coatings need special care. Remember the anti-tarnish polish or lemon juice will react with the coatings and normally expose the bead under the coating ruining the complete piece.

    Store your silver beads away from pollutants in a soft cloth bag or airtight plastic covers. Remember to wipe the silver after use and avoid spraying harmful chemicals on it. Unless, you like the tarnished look, don’t wear your silver beads while swimming or in the shower.

    Delicate filigreed beads, carved by the tribal artisans, wound around semi-precious stones, chunky large stand alone beads as pendants – silver beads are always in vogue.

    Related Contents


    Home > Jewelry &raquo

     

    Roman Empire Sparkle Jewelry

    Posted on by admin

     

    The Sparkle of Jewelry in the Roma

    The Sparkle of Jewelry in the Roman Empire

    by Shalini Kagal

    Jewelry designs and trends during Roman empire period – The strange thing is that the Romans were when the empire first began, rather austere in their tastes – their food, their clothes, their ornaments. What they wore was more functional rather than flaunting. Then came the army’s success as they began to spread out and conquer. Soon, Spartan gave way to Style. This could have been due to two reasons. One, the fact that they saw a new world out there where many dressed in a more resplendent manner and flaunted jewelry. Two, the fact that very often they carried back the spoils of war of which gold and precious stones formed a part. By the first century B.C., there was a variety of jewelry available with a wide choice of designs.

    66da9b815641d78ecb44e9f792c427a0

    The first foray was probably into
    gold as this was the metal that they
    brought back most often from their
    conquests. Then, the trend grew to
    embrace both Greek and Eastern
    influences. So we see beads made of
    glass, colored stones and the use of
    silver as well as the rare bronze.
    After all, according to Homer,
    wasn’t this the metal used to
    fashion Achilles’ shield? We also
    see the use of pearls and bone.

    It all started with piercing – but
    piercing with a purpose. The men
    pierced themselves as a show of
    strength. If they pierced their
    nipples, it symbolized both their
    loyalty to their empire as well as
    being a symbol of power. In fact the
    gladiators would pierce various
    parts of their body believing that
    this was supposed to protect them
    from injuries.

    As interest in jewelry grew, the
    early designs show a marked leaning
    towards the Greek styles. However,
    with time, a more distinctive Roman
    style seems to emerge. The Romans
    had a partiality for stones like
    emeralds, sapphires, rubies and
    topaz. They also had a choice of
    pendants which were encased in gold
    and were cameos. Some of them were
    made to be large enough to hold a
    bit of perfume. These were in full
    display with the ladies who came to
    watch the chariot races as they
    began to get more popular in Rome.
    The horses too, especially the ones
    that took part in the races, were
    decked out in pearls and stones
    woven into their tails and their
    manes. The young boys usually wore a
    neck chain or a ‘bulla’ which had a
    small pouch that contained
    protective amulets.
    6c3ddb10990d7dbfb82c5a26c6f5b3d2

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Romans were very conscious of
    their status in society. So clothes
    became important items of
    demarcation between the various
    classes – between those born free
    and the slaves, as well as the many
    classes in polite society. Jewelry
    therefore became a very important
    status symbol together with clothing
    to make this distinction.

     

    Roman Jewelry

     

     

     

     

    One
    could see a lot of gold
    hemispherical shapes which were made
    into earrings, necklaces or
    bracelets. The men usually were a
    little more subtle and their jewelry
    was constrained to one finger ring.
    At first these rings were made of
    iron, then of gold. Then precious
    stones were used for rings as were
    semiprecious stones like chalcedony
    and carnelian. The trend grew
    however and there were some Roman
    men who wore a ring on every finger.
    Roman women were said to wear
    friendship rings as well. Both men
    and women wore carved rings – the
    stone was often carved so it would
    facilitate sealing documents. The
    ring was pressed into hot wax and
    the document sealed. This practice
    continued well into the later times
    when kings used this method to seal
    anything.

    The trend of relief where silver
    ornaments and vessels was concerned
    was practiced in the fourth century
    B.C. This type of ornamentation was
    done a lot in the Greek era and it
    permeated all silverwork right
    through the Roman civilization.
    dcb42e1dca32767bfabe87c81267aaa9

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The most popular item of jewelry by
    far however, was the brooch. This
    was what held most Roman clothing
    together. It really was an
    ornamental safety pin but the Romans
    raised it to a work of art. In fact,
    you can find variations of it in far
    flung parts of the Roman Empire.
    What was unique at that point of
    time was the clasp or the ‘fibula’.
    Though the brooches served a very
    functional purpose – that of holding
    clothing together – they were
    beautifully made. There were laurel
    leaves, branches of palms, winged
    eagles and goddesses.
    233e7391619ad5aa495e5f9f0deed058

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    From what has been unearthed and is
    now in the museums, one realizes
    that over two centuries ago, this
    empire had jewelry that used
    diamonds from India and sapphires
    from Sri Lanka. In the England of
    the Roman era, ‘jet’ or fossilized
    wood was used to make jewelry. The
    ancient Romans used a lot of amber
    in their jewelry as well. Amber is
    the resin from fossilized trees and
    it was referred to as the ‘gold of
    the north’. One sees that a lot of
    ornaments fashioned out of amber
    were made during the second century
    B.C. Many of the ancient
    civilizations made jewelry out of
    amber and they were much-prized
    possessions. Remains of amber
    workshops have been found in parts
    of Europe.

    Etruscan-Jewellery-Set-Met-Museum

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The women wore beautifully designed
    jewelry in their ears, fingers,
    around their necks, on their clothes
    and even in their hair! As well
    designed as their brooches and
    clothes pins were, equally so were
    their jeweled hair pins. Of course,
    some of the jewelry was worn by the
    superstitious – and there were many
    of them – to ward off what they
    called the ‘evil eye’.
    df66a18b2022b45408064696f1f534adMany of the Roman designs and ideas
    were spread through their conquests
    of places near and far and many just
    spread and got mixed with the
    neighboring cultures after the
    decline of the Roman Empire. Soon,
    one saw a change from a more
    barbaric and resplendent taste in
    jewelry in the conquered regions to
    a more understated, elegant one.
    So even though the ‘grandeur that
    was Rome’, sung about by poets and
    philosophers waned, their
    contribution to the world of jewelry
    design did not. It grew, changed and
    flourished all over the world

     

     

     

    Related Contents


    Home > Jewelry &raquo

     

    Ruby in History

    Posted on by admin

    Ruby in History

    by Yuman Hussain

    Ruby in history talks about the special place of ruby as a gemstone in historical perspective. It was a highly prized stone almost equally the diamond in value and beauty right from the beginning of the human civilization. Its virtues are mentioned in Bible and many ancient and medieval Indian and western texts and treatises.

    Ruby known as the king of gems is considered to be a prized possession
    throughout the history of mankind. They are treasured by royalty and
    religious heads and held in awe by commoners over considerable period of
    time. There are several traditions and legends associated with ruby in
    history. Bible’s mentions that the price of wisdom is above rubies signify
    the importance of rubies since antiquity. No wonder the appreciation for
    this beautiful stone has united people across the nations, continents and
    empires.

    Ruby

    Ruby is mentioned as one of the twelve precious stones created by God
    when he created mankind. It is mentioned in “Lapidaire en Vers” of Philippe
    de Valois that Ruby, the lord of gems was given to Aaron on the command of
    Jesus Christ. It adorned the Aaron’s breastplate and was symbol of Judah.
    Christian leaders also loved rubies right from the medieval period. During
    this period rubies were considered even more valuable than diamonds. In 16th
    century these were priced 8 times higher than other stones. Great Poets and
    authors from Chaucer to Shakespeare have written extensively in the praise
    of the ruby’s beauty and brilliance.

    Ancient Indian legends said that God first created ruby and later created
    man to possess it. India was seen as country of gemstones due to abundance
    of precious stones among the royalty. The word corundum is taken from the
    Sanskrit word ‘Kuruvinda’. Ruby was given the name of ‘Ratnaraj’ literally
    meaning ‘King of Gemstones’ and ‘Ratnanayaka’ meaning ‘Leader of precious
    stones’. Another name describing the beauty of the stone was ‘Padmaraga’
    meaning ‘Red as the Lotus’. Ruby as a gemstone was divided into different
    categories just like caste system by the ancient Indians. The oriental Ruby
    was a Brahman followed by Rubicelle as a Kshatriya; the Spinel was
    considered a Vaisya and Balas ruby as Sudra. The one who possessed the
    Pasmaraga or the Brahman Ruby considered to be safe from the evil eyes and
    enemies. His fortune said to be that of a king. It was also held that good
    quality stone should be preserved carefully to enhance their quality.

    Ruby as a gemstone has captured the imagination of many civilizations and
    there are many myths surround this stunning stone. The kings and the
    emperors used ruby to decorate their insignia. The royalty favored rubies as
    they believed that it would ward off danger .The red color would darken and
    once the danger is past it would return to its original color. People also
    believed that ruby would act only in possession of right suitors. It was
    also held that the stone has power of fire which could even made the water
    boil. It was said to remove evil thoughts and influence the decisions and
    mental and physical health of the wearer. The dark colored and star rubies
    were considered as male stones and those lighter in shade were suppose to be
    female stones. Ruby had come to be associated with valor and courage. One
    legend says that ruby used to be implanted under the skins of warriors to
    help them face enemies bravely. Many ancient tribes used gems as a war
    weapons for its hardness.

    Ruby has been derived from Latin word ‘ruber’ meaning red. It is
    associated with Tuesday, summer season and St Mathew. Ancient tradition says
    that ruby glows with inner fire so it was also known as glowing stone
    .According to ancient Chinese texts ruby was used for lighting the royal
    chambers. Hindu priests held that gemstones like rubies and emeralds lighted
    the homes of the deities. Greeks legends speak about huge rubies which were
    given to Heraclea by the female stork to lighten her room as a token of her
    kindness.

    The history of ruby mining can
    be traced as early as 2500 BC. Burma’s ruby mining areas have reported
    presence of pre-historic tools showing the fascination of people with
    gemstones. Sir John Mandeville in his fourteenth century treatise mentioned
    several virtues of the Ruby. According to him those who possess the
    brilliant specimen are assured of peace and harmony. They would be protected
    from their enemies and the stone would guide their houses and property. The
    treatise advised the wearer to set the ruby in a ring or a bracelet and for
    best results it should be worn on the left side of the body. Jean Tavernier
    a famous 17th century traveler had also written extensively on rubies in his
    well known travelogue ‘Travels.’ The ruby as a color of heart has also
    inspired passion and romance for centuries. It was also considered to have
    magical properties invoking good fortune for the wearer. Romans considered
    rubies as carbunculus. Ruby elixirs are mentioned in apothecary and medical
    texts having medicinal and curative powers.

    Throughout history gems like
    spinel and
    garnet had been confused with ruby.
    Till 1800 red colored gemstones were called rubies. Many so called large
    precious rubies in the crowns of French and English monarchs had been turn
    out to be spinel instead. The most prominent being the “Black Prince’s ruby”
    which adorns the English royal crown is a spinel. The other famous stone is
    Timur Ruby which is 352 carat red spinel is now with British monarchy.
    However there are some beautiful rubies in the history like Rosser Reeves
    Star Ruby (137 carat) at Smithsonian Institute, Edith Haggin De Long star
    ruby (100 carat) displayed at American Museum of Natural History and Edward
    Ruby (167 carat) in British Museum of Natural History.
    Man’s fascination for beauty has led to the love for precious gemstones.
    Ruby has and will always have a special place in the history of civilization
    due to its brilliant color, cut and fine features.

    Related Contents


    Home > GemStones &raquo

     

    Caring Tips

    Posted on by admin

    Diamonds are a woman’s best friend. A diamond has the lustrous shine that attracts everyone towards it. The shine and glow of this gemstone can be retained forever with appropriate precautions and care. It is the hardest stone, with a hardness of 10 on the Moh’s scale. Even then it is possible for a diamond to get chipped, scratched or damaged in a piece of jewelry. This could be due to improper setting techniques during manufacturing or careless use by the wearer. Therefore, it is very crucial to take safety measures to avoid spoiling the stone. This article would give the reader the general know-how about all the aspects that would help in preventing the gemstone from the any kind of damage..
    using ultrasonic cleaner
    using ultrasonic cleaner

     

    aid86030-728px-Clean-Gold-Jewelry-Step-13

    aid1629014-728px-Clean-Your-Gems-and-Diamonds-Step-1
    gemstone-care-cleaning-490x328
    home»

     

    GEM STONE CARE

    Posted on by admin

    by Shweta Dhanuka

    People wear gemstones for personal growth, healing the diseases and even for looking good. In order to experience the positive effects and power, it is necessary to give special attention to these gems. Colored gemstones require a little extra care to keep them valuable and in good condition.

    Summary:

    Gems are the precious and semi precious stones containing the divine energy that sustains, nourishes and enlivens all the living creatures. There are wide variety of gem stones found, each having it’s own unique characteristic. People wear gemstones for personal growth, healing the diseases and even for looking good. In order to experience the positive effects and power, it is necessary to give special attention to these gems. Colored gemstones require a little extra care to keep them valuable and in good condition. The instructions given by the gemstone seller are often inadequate for maintaining these valuable stones as they are quite delicate.

    Diamonds are hard, strong and durable as compared to the gemstones. Therefore, the person wearing gemstones have to be more conscious towards maintaining these precious stones. Gemstones have to be cleaned so as to preserve them for longer time. If stones are worn daily then it becomes crucial to clean. The simplest and easiest ingredient available for cleaning is plain water. It is safe for all the gemstones. In case water seems insufficient to give back the shine of the stone then mild liquid soap can be used. Toothpick should be used to clean any debris from the stone. Detergents and soaps containing ammonia and acetone should be avoided completely.

    After cleaning with water, dry with a soft cloth that do not shed threads or fibers. Jewelers use ultrasonic cleanser for cleaning the piece of stone jewelry. Be careful while it gets cleaned as the ultrasonic cleanser might disturb the jewelry setting. Gemstones being fragile are more prone to cracks and splits by this method. And always avoid the ultrasonic cleaning machines. Simple household methods to clean the stones are also quite effective. Boil one cup of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of tea leaves to it. Bring to boil, put off the flame and allow it cool (cool it on the normal room temperature) . Now take a glass bowl, place the stone in it and pour the prepared cooled tea solution over the stone. Keep the stone immersed in the solution for overnight, remove and rinse with clean plain water. Then dry with a wet soft cloth. Another is sand method. Take a glass bowl and pour sand into it. Sprinkle few drops of water on the sand to make it moist. Now, bury the stone in the moist sand without wrapping for 2-3 hours. It will get gems clean but be aware not to bury the gem for more than 3 hours else the polish might be removed.

    Other than cleaning the stones, it is important to store the gemstones safely. Jewelry should be stored in soft cloth bags in a jewelry box. This preserves the valuable items and also protects from theft (as the jewelry is not seen directly). Jewelry items should not be piled over one another else it results in scratches and dents. Moreover, the gemstones in the jewelry might get cracked or split. Cotton is used widely for storing the gemstones and the jewelry. Make the cotton layer in the jewelry box and keep the items on the top of it. Then if desired cover the items with another cotton layer. This protects the valuable items from all sort of jerks. Gemstones and gemstone jewelry needs lot of care and precautions. When these items are used in daily life few things are to be remembered and followed like do not to wear the jewelry having stones while gardening, housework, auto repairs or playing sports.

    Being very delicate, gemstones have to be worn cautiously. These stones cannot withstand temperature changes at all. Be aware not to wear any jewelry consisting these precious stone during extreme temperature like hot sun, cool pool or hot jacuzzi. Else the temperature changes can cause a crack or shatter in the gem. Stones like emeralds, turquoise, opal, amethyst and kunzite cannot bear heat. Due to heat, the stone might get faded, cracked or turn to be more brittle. Therefore, jewelry item having any of these stones have to be removed while working with hot ovens, washing & cleaning in hot water. Perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, cleansers, nail polish remover etc containing any chemical like alcohol, acetone and chlorine are very harmful to the gemstones. When exposed to these acidic solutions, the stones are more susceptible to loose the natural shine and luster. Emerald are too delicate and should be kept away from all sort of chemicals else it might get dissolved. These are the tips that can keep the gemstone precious and valuable and powerful forever. A little care can give the benefits for the lifetime.

    IMMORTALIZE YOUR GEMS

    Posted on by admin

    by Basundhara Mitra

    Aquamarine, which is a member of the important beryl family that includes emerald, is less brittle and more durable than emerald. It has a Mohs rating of 7.5 Stones that have a Mohs hardness of less than 8 are highly subject to scratching. However, stones that are harder are not invincible, they are also subject to chipping & fracture.

    Summary:

    If you are a gem of a person and desire that those glittering stone-studded jewellery of yours retain their twinkling dazzle as you pass them on from one generation to the next as family heirlooms, you need to bestow on them a little TLC. Just like your skin, your clothes, your dog or just about anything in this world, care & attention goes a long way in preserving the radiance of your precious gemstone ornaments. A diamond is forever – so are other gemstones – only if cared for in the proper fashion. To do so, we need to have a wee bit of technical knowledge about our treasured stones. The durability of a stone depends on its hardness – hardness in the jewellery industry is based on a gem-trade standard called the Mohs scale, conceived by Friedrich Mohs in the early 1800s.

    The harder the stone, the higher is the Mohs scale rating. Diamonds, of course, have the highest scale rating of 10 and are considered the hardest of precious stones (rubies & sapphires rate at 9) while pearls (Mohs 2.5 – 4.5), amber (Mohs 2-2.5) and coral (Mohs 3.5-4) are some of the softest gems. Aquamarine, which is a member of the important beryl family that includes emerald, is less brittle and more durable than emerald. It has a Mohs rating of 7.5 Stones that have a Mohs hardness of less than 8 are highly subject to scratching. However, stones that are harder are not invincible, they are also subject to chipping & fracture. Therefore, the manner in which we wear, store & clean our gems, affects the longevity of their gleam. Wear it right It is best to remove fine jewellery before engaging in sports, housework, gardening, heavy or dirty work so that they are not subject to harsh impact, abrasives or dirt. A hard blow can chip even diamonds. Pearls, corals & porous stones such as opal or turquoise should be kept away from dirty water & oils to avoid discolouration.

    Here are some tips to remember while you dress to kill:

    * Always wear jewellery after applying cosmetics, hand lotions or hairspray, to prevent buildup of dirt and oil around the gem, which will keep it from sparkling. Hair-dyes and bleach also adversely affect gems.

    * Chlorine in the swimming pool can cause damage to stones & gold.

    * Never remove jewellery by tugging on the gemstone as it will become loose in its setting.

    * Opals, pearls, coral, amber, turquoise & the softer gems are heat-sensitive & should not be exposed long to the hot sun, kept near radiators or in hot cars. Pearls bleach while amber darkens under extreme exposure to light. Light & heat affects the durability & colour of coloured stones & fades & weakens stones like amethyst, kunzite, quartz, topaz, and aquamarine. Excessive heat can also cause gems to fracture as it removes the natural moisture as well as fillers & oils in treated stones like emeralds.

    * Soft & brittle stones must not be subject to hard wear, such as in constant-wear rings. They are better protected in dinner rings, pendants or earrings. Set it right Six prong settings offer more protection to a stone than a four prong one. Bezel settings are secure though difficult to remove & reset. Sharp corners such as the tip of marquise- cut stones are very vulnerable & should be protected by proper setting. Faceted stones with shallow crown angles are also prone to chipping & need extra protection.

    Check Point

    Check for loose stones & clasps frequently by tapping the piece with your finger near your ear. Pearls need to be restrung every 2 years. Emeralds need to be professionally retreated with oils & fillers after several years of wear & tear. Treasure chest Storing jewellery right is another key to a brilliant treasure cove. Locked away in piles, gems & metals can chip or abrade each other & get entangled. Each piece must be stored separately in velvet, silk, paper or in sections of a fragment pouch or box. Pearls & opals draw moisture from the air & therefore must not be stored in dry places or plastic sealed bags. Pearl & lapis necklaces should be stored flat. Aquamarine jewellery must be kept in a dark place, as it often becomes paler if left out in the sun. It is safe to pad gemstone jewels while travelling.

    Sparkling clean Cleaning your priceless gems is a skill that is essential to master if you want your jewellery to outlast you. In cleaning non-porous gems like diamonds & rubies, washing in a weak solution of ammonia, rinsing & drying with a lint-free soft cloth is quite effective. On gems with Mohs hardness of 8 or above, it is safe to gently scrub with a soft toothbrush (though not on the metal setting). A moderate water jet like a dental cleaning appliance can be used to remove bits of grime. Harsh cleansers & vigorous scrubbing can remove the coatings used to enhance the beauty of stones. Aquamarines, which are the universal symbol of youth, hope, and health, are usually heat-treated and sometimes irradiated. These March birthstones should be cleaned in ultrasonic jewellery cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush.

    Do not clean in a home ultrasonic machine. Never use chemical cleaners. Avoid heat and overtly frequent cleaning at all costs as this light blue, blue-green or dark blue stone can pale easily. Like all stones, aquamarines are prone to scratches and brushes must be used gently. Soft gems such as pearls can be cleaned with warm soapy water & a new makeup brush & laid on a soft cloth to dry. Avoid touching the string till completely dry as the wet string can stretch. Porous stones like coral, opal, pearl & turquoise should not come in contact with acids, chemicals or solvents. Ultrasound cleaners are not advisable for gemstones like tanzanite, opals or even emeralds & rubies where the ultrasound removes the oil /resin treatment & expand existing fractures. Wipe gemstones with a clean, damp cloth after each wear to remove chemicals, oils & perspiration. It does not take much to protect your treasury of priceless stones. Just a little attention at the right time ensures that the glow of your scintillating gems matches with the beam in your eyes.

    JEWELRY AND SKIN ALLERGY

    Posted on by admin

    by Shewata Dhanuka

    The allergy that occurs by wearing original or artificial jewelry is referred as Nickel dermatitis or Contact dermatitis or Nickel allergy. It is basically a contact allergy. It can happen anytime at any age. Every single human body reacts to different degree with nickel depending upon the tolerance and susceptibility level.

    Jewelries are treasured all over the universe. It is but true, that many people cannot wear jewelry inspite of their deep desire to wear it. Jewelry allergy is a common complaint from many people. Few even mention that they are allergic to gold/silver. The main cause of these allergies is the nickel content present in the gold and silver ornaments. Pure gold and silver metal are too soft to be mounted into any form therefore, jeweler mix nickel, zinc and copper into the pure metal to make it little hard enabling to give the desired shape to the metal. Zinc and copper do not harm the skin but skin is always sensitive to nickel. People wearing jewelries are allergic to nickel and not with the jewelry.

    Gold itself is reactive and causes allergy but, mostly nickel is the main reason. Gold of any karat would contain nickel like 14K, 18K etc. Less the karat value more shall be the nickel content and so more problems therefore, it is always better to wear high karat gold jewelry. Some people have very sensitive skin thus, as soon as the skin comes in direct contact with nickel it results in allergy. In the same way silver is also mixed with nickel and copper to attain hardness and durability required to make the jewelry items.

    Nickel is also used in jewelry made up platinum and white gold. Metal used in artificial jewelry contains nickel too. The platinum and white gold jewelry is quite expensive and beyond the affordability of the common man therefore, cases of allergies to this metal is heard less. Moreover, another reason is platinum and white gold are hardened by palladium that do not cause any allergies. Palladium is more expensive than nickel. Nickel is commonly used for gold and silver jewels as it costs less, gives better hardness and has strong lustrous effect.

    The allergy that occurs by wearing original or artificial jewelry is referred as Nickel dermatitis or Contact dermatitis or Nickel allergy. It is basically a contact allergy. It can happen anytime at any age. Every single human body reacts to different degree with nickel depending upon the tolerance and susceptibility level. The allergy is caused when the skin comes in contact with the metal viz. white gold/yellow gold/silver/platinum consisting nickel. Through the pierced nose or ear hole, nickel penetrates inside the bloodstream of the body where the cells react in opposition to the presence of nickel. Once the cells react negatively, every time the skin comes in contact with the jewelry it causes the skin to erupt. As a result body develops allergy. This entire process may happen within few months or even take couple of years. It is different for all.

    Another reason for the allergy is sweat. During the sunny days, when jewelry is worn for a longer duration, skin perspires under the jewelry. This perspiration comes in the contact with the jewelry metal, dissolves the nickel present in the metal and form nickel salts. Salt reacts with the skin and leads to the allergy. Women suffer more with this allergy than men. The symptoms of these allergies are
    [1] Bleeding.
    [2] Pierced hole in ear or nose swells and yellow coloured liquid known as pus comes out.
    [3] There is a constant itching and burning sensation around the area where the skin comes in direct contact with the jewelry item. For example – Gold chain in the neck, earrings in the ear etc.
    [4] Few people get a blue coloured patch in their finger, which is visible after the ring is removed. And also skin discolouration takes place.
    [5] Rashes or patchy red marks appear on the skin under the jewelry.

    It is a common practice to pierce nose and ears with a very thin gold wire. As the skin is tender and sensitive, it gets exposed to nickel present in gold and leads to allergy. In order to avoid the pain caused due to metal allergy, stainless steel needle must be used for piercing. And till the time entire healing of the pierced area takes place, only stainless steel jewelry should be worn. Stainless steel also contains nickel but as it is bound tightly, it seldom comes in direct contact with the skin.

    Left over traces of soap and water under the jewelry breaks the protective shield of the skin and allows nickel to come into direct contact with the skin. Similarly, sweat of the body is responsible for the jewelry allergies. Earrings and finger rings are most likely to hold water after the bath. This is the reason why; some people experience awful smell in the earrings once it is removed from the ear. Being extra cautious while taking bath or washing hands can avoid these problems. Always ensure to wipe off the soap and water from the body fully.

    While doing the household work, hands are washed countless times in a day. It is very obvious that detergent or other cleansing products and water are left under the ring and causes allergy. Mostly every person wears minimum one finger ring. To protect the fingers from the allergies, apply several coats of clear or transparent nail polish at the back of the ring. In same way nail polish can be applied to other jewelry items too. The problem of allergies will be solved.

    Few other precautions that can be taken to avoid allergy are – apply talcum powder before wearing the jewelry to prevent the moisture. Do not wear tight earrings or rings or chains, leave little space so that air passes through it. Change the jewelry items more often. Keep the jewelry clean and dry.

    People who are highly sensitive to nickel should get their jewelries lacquered, coated or plated with palladium to protect the direct contact of nickel with the bare skin. Dermatologists offer some medical treatments to cure the allergy. These treatments are effective only for short term. After some time irrespective of the treatment the allergy reappears.

    Jewelry enhances the beauty and makes the wearer more charming. Unfortunately, few people have to bear pain of becoming beautiful as they suffer from the allergy. But, with these precautions and care the allergy can be avoided and they can continue to look good by wearing the fascinating jewelry items.

    GEMSTONES FOR IT PROFESSIONALS

    Posted on by admin

    by Nandita Ray

    Young IT professionals need to be absolutely in top shape. Armed with a prestigious degree is no guarantee to success. You need lady luck with you! You need determination, grit and perseverance in order to remain on top of your career because hurdles such as low energy, stress, unhealthy work environment, eye strain and the monotonous work ethics can be a big factor in poor review. Sometimes help is needed to keep the energy flowing and the power intact. This is where gemstones play their part. It is believed that certain gemstones carry the gift of influencing the wearer, in various ways.

    The world is competitive, aggressive and tough especially for professionals who are battling it out in a world where success comes to those who are well equipped to deal with all the difficult times that is sure to befall them. Ambition and the burning desire to improve one’s status is not an easy ideal to uphold. Computer technology is the fastest growing career for eager ambitious young people. Increasing use of computers by professionals and youths alike has led to a changed lifestyle. Spending most of their time in front of the computer working, gaming, blogging, virtual networking (in sites like Second life, Myspace.com, Digg.com) has led to health problems.

    IT professionals need to be absolutely in top shape. Armed with a prestigious degree is no guarantee to success. You need lady luck with you! You need determination, grit and perseverance in order to remain on top of your career because hurdles such as low energy, stress, unhealthy work environment, eye strain and the monotonous work ethics can be a big factor in poor review. Sometimes help is needed to keep the energy flowing and the power intact. This is where gemstones play their part. It is believed that certain gemstones carry the gift of influencing the wearer, in various ways.

    History

    Gems for gamersHistory records the use of precious and semi precious stones by mankind for spiritual growth, protection of physical self and for luck and prosperity. Egyptians favored Turquoise so did the Navajo Indians. Chinese believed in super naturals powers of jade while theNavaratna, the nine precious gemstones, held sway over the Indians from the Asian Sub continent. Many believe that the sun rays passing through the stones filter into the body, healing it. This is the reason why in ancient civilization people took to wearing precious stones with curative powers in rings, amulets and necklaces. Medicine men have used gemstone powders for medicines as well as rituals and religious ceremonies from times immemorial.

    Holistic health

    In the twenty first century more and more people are turning to nature for health, wealth and peace. People not only have stared believing in the power of the crystals and gemstones but have started keeping a crystal in their own private space so that the negative energy surrounding them is banished and positive energy replaced. Stones have not lost their curative powers and many people have felt better after wearing a particular stone meant for a specific problem. Each stone has its own powers since each stone is related to a particular planet.The color and the weight of a stone are also important. The color red is influenced by the Sun and heals poor circulation, hypertension and impatience while the color white connected with the Moon soothes and calms the mind, bringing in peace and tranquility. The color green influenced by Mercury helps in banishing lethargy, anxiety while Jupiter holds sway over the color yellow and is supposed to help strengthen a weak immune system. Each color and its corresponding planet have a definite power. Mental stress, weak eyesight, nerves, concentration, self confidence are some of the common problems that a young hard working individual often suffers from. The Sun, the gemstones and the human mind have an uncanny relationship. The splendor and brilliance of the stone has held man spell bound for years and the possessor, it is believed, is energized by the vibrations, as the stone weaves its magical and supernatural powers, healing him emotionally and physically.

    Gemstones for IT professionals

    Physical tiredness, stress, lack of concentration, vision problems and general health issues connected with office and office space can be resolved and corrected with the assistance of the right gemstone. Computer technologists are bearing the brunt of over use of their energies and are slowly being burned out. Constant work with the computer results in eye problems especially red and tired eyes. Apart from taking constant breaks from staring at the computer, restore the power of the eyes by wearing a ruby or similar red colored stone like garnet. Moonstone and pearl are known to soothe and calm troubled minds and many professionals have revived their sagging spirits and eased tension. While Jupiter and its yellow colored stone, yellow Topaz has helped in assisting a weak immune system and arterial circulation. Mercury and its green colored stone, the emerald promotes vigor and removes general lethargy.

    Ruby for increasing physical energy

    Ruby is ruled by the Sun, the most vigorous life energy provider, without it there would be no life on earth. Solar energy is required by plants for producing food, fossil fuels, falling rain and for life in general. Sunrays contain antiseptic properties and produce vitamin D. However too much of sunlight can lead to sun burn and skin cancer. Confined to a room with no proper ventilation and lack of fresh air often tells on the health of the professional. To welcome the power of the sun, wearing a Ruby is beneficial. It attracts the red cosmic rays which symbolizes positive life force. Vibrations emitted by the stone rejuvenate the mind and the body. Low energy, lack of will power, poor concentration, sagging enthusiasm are activated by the deep red colored stone like ruby or its substitutes like star ruby, red garnet, red agate or red zircon. Red color is supposed to perk up circulatory system, detoxifying the blood stream of negative ions by infusing positive ions. Professionals become realistic about their goals and ambitions. Concentration increases, vision clears up, eyes pep up and this is the result of the vibration that passes through the circulatory system of the person wearing it. It is called the stone of life.Wear the most perfect ruby that can be got. Defective ruby or any of its substitutes should not be dull, smoky, cracked, chipped stained or have any defects.
    Substitutes for Ruby are red Garnet; Carnelian star Ruby, Agate and red Zircon.

    Pearl to ease work pressure

    Gems for stressed outPearl is favored by the moon. It is a cold gem. The white color of these gemstones effectively soothes tired minds. Professionals who are getting overwhelmed by the enormity of the projects in hand, nervous about the outcome and emotionally overwrought will find peace and tranquility once more. This will help them in their performance since the mind will be at ease. Stress, tension whatever name you give to” “anxiety”, clouds the mind and prevents clear thinking. This condition often weakens the strongest and needs to be curbed. Pearl, it is believed has the ability to deflect negative thoughts and usher in calmness. In the 14th and 15th centuries a mixture of pearl powder and distilled water was used for curing “insanity’ i.e. depression and acute anxiety or nervousness. It has been mentioned in Birhat Samhita that pearl can “dispel gloom of even the darkest night on earth”.Physicians of yesteryears have believed in that the pearl has the ability to cure eight different types of ailments. This also includes eye problems. Staring at the computer for long periods of time can lead to dryness, itchiness and redness of the eye. Applying pearl to the eyes “cleans and strengthens the nerves (of the eyes)”. Today in Bahrain, where only natural pearls are allowed to be imported, a special concession has been given to the import of cultured pearls. This is only for medicinal purposes like treating eye problems, cystitis and impotency. Pearls are being used for medicinal purposes in China also.

    While buying a pearl make sure it is not defective, has depression or is chipped or cracked. The luster should be bright and shiny. Buy the best pearl you can and wear it as a ring or a pendant, keeping it close to your skin.

    Substitute for Pearl is Moonstone, which is favored by Moon also. It calms the mind, curbs impetuous actions and tranquilizes overtly emotional outburst. Hypertension is checked and balances the negative and positive emotions. Adularia, the most famous variety of Moonstone is expensive and is a good replacement for pearl. Its luminous radiation is the mirror image of the moon and its bluish white sheen sedates the mind. A moonstone has a liquid quality about it and as you twist and turn the stone a white ray which is the result of fibrous particles shifts and changes position. This is the hallmark of a genuine moonstone. White quartz, Snow quartz are average substitutes

    Emerald for tired eyes

    Emerald with its deep green color is ruled by the planet Mercury and has been effectively used in ancient time to soothe strained and tired eyes. It reflects the green cosmic rays of the planet. The color green is supposed to have a relaxing effect on eyes and many homeopath doctors still recommend walking on grass for weak eyes. Emerald and its deep green color reflect the green of the grass and leave and relieve diseases of the eye. The Greek philosopher Theophrastus in 273 BC wrote about the curative power of emerald and its effect on the diseases of the eyes. It’s a good talisman for the eyes. An emerald of the finest quality, color, and clarity is more valuable than a diamond. It is held in high esteem and this respect has come down the ages. It is believed, “He who possesses this chain shall enjoy the special protection of God”, as mentioned about the Mughal Emeralds in the annals of history.Emerald regulates blood pressure and related problems. It also helps overcome forgetfulness and keeps the mind alert. It also brings stability and harmony in life and treats emotional state such as anger or jealousy which is detrimental. It raises the spirits as the anger is controlled and it ushers in friendly energy. The green color is life giving and constantly works on improving emotional condition of the wearer. It is called a “deep healing color” and removes mental blockages from deep within. It works on migraines which might be result of work related. Keeping the stone in water under sunlight not only revives its energy but also using this water to bathe the eyes removes the headache. It is beneficial for any sort of eye related problems like watery eyes, poor eyesight, tired eyes, itchy eyes and burning eyes. When plagued with tired and red eyes, looking into the green color of the emerald comforts the eyes.

    Remember to check the stone before buying. Should be clear, though emerald has natural lesions and this is the difference between a natural emerald and a synthetic one. There should be no scratches or depressions. Wear it as a ring or pendant, a place where it can be looked at easily.
    Substitutes for Emerald are green Tourmaline, Malachite and green Aventurine, Jade and Blood stone with it dark green color and red flecks. It was widely used in Egypt for calming and grounding the mind and as a blood purifier. Jade is considered a very lucky stone by the Chinese. In China it is still worn by people who want to be physically fit and keep diseases at bay. It leads to emotional balance, improves vision and eye health and is considered to be the carrier of “wisdom of ages”. Dark green Aventurine works slower than the other stones but has the same powers. It keeps the vision fit, balances emotional negativity and detoxifies the blood. Green Tourmaline another good substitute enhances physical vitality infuses vigor and courage, balances the feminine and masculine aspects in a person and keeps the eyes healthy.

    Blue Sapphire for creativity

    Blue sapphire is ruled by the planet Saturn. It reflects the violet cosmic rays, is a cold gem and works on the mind. It also cleanses the mind and stimulates mental strength and intellectual precision. It increases determination and helps the wearer culminate the task in hand with grit and courage. Sometimes when one is over worked and each project/job seems impossible to complete this is the best time to take help of the strong blue color which is the most powerful color amongst all colors in the cosmic world. But a word of caution, being very powerful not everyone can wear a blue sapphire. It should be worn under strict supervision of an astrologer. As often mentioned it can either make you a king or a pauper. So wear it with caution.Blue sapphire works on the eyes as well. The powerful blue rays and its energy field nourish the mind and the eyes. It brings discipline to erratic mind and promotes positive thinking and helps you chose the rights thoughts to dwell there. It increases mental flexibility and changes incorrect attitudes, thoughts and beliefs. It works slowly on the mind and the eyes. The blue rays from this stone are soft but determined. It brings a balance between the negative and positive thoughts running rampant. It builds a bridge between communication and understanding. For IT professionals this balance is of the essence, especially those who are designing and conceiving new ideas and thoughts into something tangible. Creativity increases and new ideas can find successful implementation, problems tackled, solutions found and completed with ease. Substitute for Blue topaz are Lapis Lazuli, Blue Tourmaline, Blue Topaz and Aquamarine.

    Aquamarine for sound sleep

    Working under tight schedules and long hours often leaves the body sluggish. The mind gets tired and the body and mind cannot recoup after tedious and difficult day. At night sleep does not come easy as the mind is burdened with work left incomplete and one tosses and turns in bed all night waiting for the morning so that he may resume work. Such a situation is not beneficial for the body. The body and mind needs to relax and a good night’s sleep is very important. The blue color reflects the soft water of the sea waves has a calming effect on the mind. The soft blue color of the Aquamarine is the perfect example of the sea water. This stone helps the mind to unwind and relax. Tension melts away and the body eases off into the sleep mode. As a result the mind is refreshed and revitalized, helping in completing the tasks easily and with energy. Intellect is sharpened, clarity and precision is heightened and creativity flows easily. The powerful blue color is considered a “mental cleanser” since it carries a high electrical charge. It balances the negative and positive thoughts and brings in harmony between opposite thoughts. It helps in clarity and concentration and promotes clear and logical thinking. It is considered a good luck color for those taking and examination that is trying to over come some mental obstacle.

    Topaz for better emoluments?

    Topaz carries the powers of the planet Jupiter. It brings prosperity and fortune to the wearer. The yellow color, the color of gold/wealth is suitable for people who want to establish themselves and become financially secure and successful. It promotes health and wealth. It has the power to protect the wearer and heal problems associated with wealth and love. It is known as the ‘stone of true love and success in all endeavors’. The power of Golden Topaz also called Imperial Topaz is undisputed. Greeks and Romans had full faith in the stone protective powers as they believed it carried the light of the Sun. They believed that it would change color in the presence of poison, commonly used during those times against enemies and that it could offer protection against physical injury and accidents. It was worn as amulets to ward of evil. This stone carries energy of the Sun and can store energy for a long period. It is called ‘topas’ in Sanskrit meaning fire.
    Professionals wanting to improve the quality of their lives and become financially secure will find this stone aiding in their pursuit. It enhances honor and prestige in literary, political spheres. It promotes a balance and a sense of well being. It is supposed to bring to the wearer happiness and cheer and prosperity. It is also thought to work on the mind and clearing negative thoughts that lead to depression. It is supposed to work on the eyes too.The perfect substitute for Golden topaz is the Yellow sapphire. The blue cosmic rays that are reflected from this stone herald’s success in life and lead to sound health. It represents the largest planet of the solar system. It signifies knowledge, wisdom and education. It guides the wearer to prosperity. It activates brain cell activity and leads to highest order of thinking and creativity. Citrine, Yellow Tourmaline and Yellow Beryl are good substitutes.

    Coral for Physical fitness

    This gem is considered as powerful or beneficial for any health related problems as Jade. It is a powerful stone ruled by the planet Mars. It emits yellow cosmic rays and helps to remove negativity from the body and mind thus leading to rejuvenation of the entire system. It works on the digestive system and this leads to better and fit health. It helps to restore balance in nutritional deficiencies. It works on the excretory system and wearing it assures proper elimination of waste products and toxins from the body. This leads to toxic free body, full of energy and fit to take on the challenges of the day and the office. The blood is fresh and circulation is effective as it is free of impurities. Coral is a stone for physical fitness.
    White coral is used as a substitute.

    Diamond for quality of life

    Diamond works under the influence of Venus and the Sun. It is a hard stone and its element is the fire. Its energies work towards protection and power to the wearer. It also increases the power of other gemstones when worn along with it. It increases the power of the Emerald and the Amethyst in particular. It is supposed to infuse intellectual power, luck and success to the wearer. It is supposed to enhance the quality of life. Diamond is an ‘enhancer’ and deepens the good qualities of the wearer. The power of the diamond is directly proportional to its weight. The diamond to be worn should be absolutely clear of any spots and haziness.
    A good substitute for the diamond is the white sapphire and white Zircon.

    Conclusion

    These are some of the important gemstones which carry all the seven colors of the sun which have been in use for their effective healing. There are many other gemstones which have healing powers too!.

    Gemstones should be worn with faith and kept clean and energized. It is required to energize the gem oft and on. This is done by washing the stone, pendant or necklace with clean water and then keeping it in water under sunlight for a day. This will re energize the gem once more. It is also suggested that the gem be placed near the roots of a potted plant for a day for cleansing. Wear it carefully and keep it free from scratches or chipping.
    While buying a gemstone make sure it is perfect. It should be smooth, flawless as far as possible and without any dent or disfigurement. It should not be chipped nor should it be scratched or chipped. It should be clear and smooth. It is better to buy a good stone if you want it to work well. The stone should generally touch your body as you wear it so that the sunrays passing through the stone can touch your body. This is when the energy will effectively work on you!

    DIAMONDS FACTS AND BUYING GUIDE

    Posted on by admin

    by Sheweta Dhanuka

    Diamond, the name is derived from a Greek word adamas, meaning unconquerable. It is considered as the ‘ King of Gems’. This is the reason why it is close to the heart of all the queens that is each and every woman on the universe. It symbolizes forever love and commitment among the partners. It is the stone for engagement and 75th wedding anniversary.

    DiamondTo make the purchase of a genuine Diamond it is essential to understand all the 4C’s thoroughly as the 4C’s viz. colour, cut, clarity and carat weight determines the quality of the stone. The grading system is also based on these four characteristics. Buyers need to know these facts. Thus, this article offers all the necessary information about this gorgeous stone and also acts as a buying guide. Apart from the four crucial Cs, it provides information on other characteristics as well like certificate, use, origin, precautions etc.

    Colour – It is the only stone that occurs in almost all colours but the highly priced and preferred diamond is colorless. Colorless stone inhibits brilliance and sparkles maximum. In this stone, light passes through one side to other easily and the reflection of light occurs to the fullest. Apart from the colorless gems, other chosen colours are blue and yellow. Few more fancy colours are brown, orange, pink and green. According to the Gemological Institute of America’s colour scale, colorless diamonds are priced highest while fancy colours are valued least. However, many people treasure bright and intense colored stones too.

    Cut – This C is the most significant characteristic as worth and value of the stone is largely depended on it. The over all appearance and look gets enhanced with the efficient cut. Cut specifies the reflective qualities. In a well-cut diamond, light enters inside the stone from one facet and after covering all the sides, reflects back from the same facet to the eyes of the observer. This results in brilliant sparkle of light visible by the naked eyes of the spectator. When the stone is cut poorly then the light enters from one facet but instead of reflecting back it passes or leaks through the sides or the bottom of the stone.

    The stone is graded on the basis of the classification of five types of cut. These are Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good and Fair & Poor cut. In ideal and premium cuts, light is reflected brilliantly creating the sparkle in the stone. Ideal cut is valued most while fair & poor cut is least. The reflection of light and monetary value reduces in the same order.

    diamondClarity – The formation process of this stunning stone is quite complicated thus, presence of inclusions in the stone is obvious. The clarity is determined on the basis of amount, size and visibility of the flaws. Flaws are of two type’s viz. inclusions and blemish. Inclusions are present inside the stone like air bubbles, cracks, fractures or traces of other minerals. While blemish appear on the surface of the stone such as scratches, pits and chips. Almost all the stone consists of flaws that can be viewed with either by naked eyes or magnifying loupe. No stone would ever seize similar flaws. For instance in few stones flaws would be clearly visible while in few it would be almost negligible. With the increase in the number, size and visibility of the flaws the cost decreases. However, absolutely clean and clear stone are also found but are very rare in nature.

    Carat weight – Stones with small carat weight are found more easily than with higher carat weight. Larger stones occur seldom in the natural state therefore for such stone, per carat weight the price is more than that for the smaller size stones. One carat weight is equal to 0.2 grams. Stones in all sizes and weights are available in the market. Anything could be selected in accordance with the size and depth of the pocket.

    Certificates – Diamonds are the stones most in demand and highly expensive. There are many dealers all over the world who sell imitations and semi precious stones at the price to true diamonds. Thus, in order to avoid all the doubts about the originality, certificates are given along with the purchase of the stone as the proof of quality and value. These certificates are also called as ‘Grading Reports’ that offer complete evaluation and details covering all the factors except for the price in terms of money of the stone.

    The recognized diamond grading labs in world are Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). There are many laboratories issuing certificates across the world. Every lab maintains different standards. When buyers opt to buy non-recognized labs certified diamonds then it is better to ask for the credentials of the certifying labs. With the help of the certificates the buyers are enable to make a better choice among all the available options without any risk of the quality. When diamonds are purchased in loose that is without mounted in jewelry items then in such a situation, buyers should ensure to take the certificate.

    Price – All the 4 C’s are together taken into consideration for determining the price of this exquisite gem. Colour, cut, clarity and carat weight carry equal weight age in deciding the price. Change in one characteristic can jeopardize the price of the stone completely. Colorless stones are valued most. Cut offering maximum reflection of light and sparkle is highly priced. Stone with minimum flaws is worth more. And finally with the increase in carat weight the price also increases. Rare occurrence of stone is responsible for the soaring prices. Thus, price of rare colorless diamond with no or negligible flaws possessing brilliant cut and high carat weight would touch the sky that is would fetch maximum price.

    Shapes – Diamond cuts are different from the shapes. Cut implies reflective qualities in respect to sides and facets of the stone while shape is the outer appearance. This magnificent stone is a very tough stone thus can be given varied designs and styles. The ideal shape for this gemstone is round. This shape offers maximum brilliance and sparkle. Therefore, major part of the gems trade segment select round shape for jewelry items. Rings with oval shape diamond are suitable for the females having smaller and broad fingers as oval shape offers elongated look. In the same way pear shape is appropriate for average length fingers. And this shape makes striking pendants and earrings too. Some other commonly seen shapes are marquise, princess cut, heart, square, emerald etc. Few unusual styles are flower, kite, trilliant, triangle, cushion cut and many more.

    Occurrence – This dazzling beauty is formed very deep inside the earth crust under high heat and pressure and comes to the surface via Volcanoes. Crystallization occurs only when precise minerals combines together in the required set conditions. It is found in transparent crystal form of pure carbon. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it a very special stone. It is the hardest gemstone and good conductor of heat. It exhibits highest refractive index, dispersion and fluorescence.

    Source – India and Brazil were the first two countries to produce this amazing stone. Today, one of major supplier is South Africa. Few other countries are United States of America, Nigeria, Nairobi, Russia and Australia. The prime source of this glittering stone is Kimberlite, which is volcanic rock.

    Enhancement – Natural colorless stones are not enhanced as the Mother Nature presents it in perfect form. However, the fancy colored stones are irradiated or heat-treated to enhance the colour.

    Imitations -Today, many of the stones are synthetically produced in laboratories. It is more costly to produce this stone artificially than mining. But, due to growing demand and less supply many people in many countries are into the business of producing artificial stones. Semi precious stones and other stimulants like man-made glass are also sold in the market as the genuine diamonds. Therefore, buyers need be extra cautious when buying this captivating beauty as these imitations is sold at the price of true stone. The innocent buyers are deceived using the fancy trade names.
    Uses – It is used in varied ways. Being a tough material, diamond tools are used to shape the lenses precisely and accurately for the eyeglasses. Similar tools are used in windows industry, space probes and manufacturing of computers and televisions.

    This attractive stone make exquisite jewelry pieces that are treasured most by the females. Jewelries can be made of sterling silver, platinum, 14K or 18K white and yellow gold. Silver is used little less as it is not compatible with the worth of the stone. Hand crafted jewelry is also gaining popularity day by day. It is an important part of men’s rings and pendants.

    Diamonds used for female jewelry items viz. rings, pendants, earrings or necklaces can be of any carat weight. As such there is no ideal weight. Higher the weight of the pocket of the buyer so can be the carat weight of the stone. This wonderful stone is very well paired with other precious and semi precious stones. While pairing, being more expensive it is generally in used in smaller sizes but more in number than the other stone in the design. The modern jewelry designers create all the ornaments in breath taking designs. Any type of setting can be used like prong or bezel. Buyers, while making the purchase of any item must ensure that settings are done well as there is high probability of loosing this precious stone.

    Precautions – It is the hardest stone among all the gemstones found in nature. It rates 10 Mohs on the hardness scale. It is ideal for the daily wear jewelry. Only general gemstone precautions and care are required to be practiced for the everlasting retention of the stone.
    Beliefs – In ancient times, it was believed to possess the power to protect against the evil and incurable diseases. Today, astrologers associate it with courage, good fortune and victory. It also promotes faithfulness and loyalty in a marriage. Moreover, people wear this striking stone as a status symbol and to gain special recognition in affluent society.

    Men and women across the globe desire to wear this glorious stone in spite of it being an expensive and beyond the affordable range. This incredible stone even conveys intimate feelings to your partner in best possible way. Apart from the emotional feelings one strong reason to buy this stone is – buying diamond is an investment, as the worth and eminence remain same forever. Thus, everyone should acquire this asset once in his or her lifetime. So get started!!

    Follow us on Facebook fans page for diamonds

    IMITATION PEARLS

    Posted on by admin

    by Binasaji

    It is strange but when a real pearl is seen under a lens it has a smooth surface unlike in the tooth test where it feels gritty. This is due to the nacre of the pearl, which feels gritty but looks smooth. Imitation pearls will have a smooth appearance but under a lens they have a broken surface much like the surface of the moon.

    Have you come across a perfectly matched strand of pearls at an unbelievable price – have a closer look and take a minute to check to see if they are real pearls or imitation pearls. These days it is difficult to spot an imitation pearl and a real pearl from a distance. The technologies in creating imitation pearls have advanced such that only a closer examination can reveal the origin of a pearl – whether made by a person or machine, created in minutes or formed inside a mollusk under the ocean for several years. China was the pioneer in creating Imitation pearls and now imitation pearls are manufactured across the globe.

    Imitation pearls have a range of uses in several industries – Toys, Buttons, Fashion and Clothing, Artificial jewellery and many others. These pearls are used to make junk jewellery as well. Imitation pearls are fairly popular since they can be dyed into any color and are can be created in a variety of shapes from perfect spheres to ovals in any size. Called by several names like Faux pearls, Venetian pearls, Turkish Rose Pearls, semi-cultured pearls, Majorca pearls, Bohemian pearls, Organic pearls – the list of names for imitation pearls is long.

    Imitation pearls are not gemstones and are manufactured manually or by machines. The process is rather simple. First, the desired shapes of beads in ceramic, glass or plastic are manufactured- sometimes even organic objects like shells are used. These are then coated and colored to recreate the look of real pearls. Several processes exist in the coating and coloring of imitation pearls. The coating used on imitation pearls (called pearl essence or essence d’orient) was discovered by a Frenchman named Jacquin. He found that fish scales emitted a pearly substance in water – he extracted this substance and mixed it with other chemicals to create the essence d’orient. This product is normally used to coat the beads to give them a pearly appearance. Hollow glass beads are coated inside with pearlessence and then filled with wax. Plastic beads are coated on the outside with this substance. These coated glass and plastic beads are then dipped in various solutions to give them a high luster and gloss.

    The Majorca imitation pearls are renowned for their high quality and offer guarantees against chipping, discoloration etc. The technology behind manufacturing of these pearls is a closely guarded secret. Hand and machine made special nuclei are coated several times with high quality essence d’orient or other chemicals, polished, given a protective coating again and finally treated under ultraviolet radiation to give them a luster and radiance comparable to cultured pearls. Although Majorca pearls are imitation, with good care, they can last for a long time.

    Another method of making imitation pearls is to coat beads with real pearl powder (which can be expensive). Some companies even compress rose petals to make rose smelling pearls. Another form of imitation pearls is coating shell, ceramic beads with lacquer, shiny mica and other metallic substances to give it the glow of pearls.

    Just like cultured and natural pearls, imitation pearls too can be of differing qualities. The Majorca pearls are some of the most expensive imitation pearls. The price of the imitation pearls depends mainly on the coating used – pearl powder and good quality essence d’orient veneer will be more expensive than mica covered beads. A strand of Imitation pearls can cost anywhere from twenty to a hundred dollars. A very good quality strand of Majorcan pearls could even cost a little more.

    If you are interested in buying real pearls, knowing how to differentiate between real and imitation pearls will assist you in making the right choice.

    The simplest and easiest way is to rub the strand of pearls lightly along your teeth, if it feels smooth – it is imitation. Real pearls do not have a uniform surface and the nacre feels gritty on your teeth. But this test needs to be done very carefully since our tooth enamel is harder than pearls and can result in scratches on the pearl. Also some high quality imitation Majorcan pearls will pass the tooth test as they are manufactured with great care and replicate real pearls in every aspect.

    Another easy way to gauge the authenticity of the pearls is to weigh them in your palms. Real pearls are solid inside and will weigh more than plastic imitations. But wax filled glass pearls, which are not hollow, will not pass this test, since their weight is almost the same as real pearls.

    In a strand of real pearls, at least one pearl will be flawed. Also to find a flawlessly matched set of pearls is very difficult and these will be expensive. Pearl strands with perfectly matched colors, luster, shape and size are suspect, especially if the price is not high.

    Examining pearls under a magnifying lens is another option to check whether a pearl is real or imitation. It is strange but when a real pearl is seen under a lens it has a smooth surface unlike in the tooth test where it feels gritty. This is due to the nacre of the pearl, which feels gritty but looks smooth. Imitation pearls will have a smooth appearance but under a lens they have a broken surface much like the surface of the moon.

    Have a good look at the area around the holes of the pearls, real pearls being uniform throughout will not have any visible lines around the drilled holes or anywhere else in the pearl. The coating of imitation pearls can flake off during the process of drilling holes and the difference between the coating and the bead will be visible if the area surrounding the holes is carefully examined. The coating may be thinner around the drilled are and will have a cheap shiny finish, which is a result of the thinning of the coating on the inner plastic or glass bead.

    All the above tests are reliable but the safest method is to buy from a reliable source and ensure that the price quoted is equivalent to the quality of the pearls. A flawless set of pearls is expensive and depends on the type of pearl – freshwater, cultured – the region it is sourced from – Tahiti, China, Japan, Australia and its color, luster, size and shape.

    Imitation is the best form of flattery and in pearls as with everything else, the booming imitation market is proof that pearls are extremely popular.