DIAMONDS FACTS AND BUYING GUIDE

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!!

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IMITATION PEARLS

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.

Watch Buying guide

Watch Buying guide

by Seema susheel

Watch tells for how a man is. A watch is the most cherished gift a parent would give to his child for the first time on his 12th year to write the school examination. Watch is the only accessory that’s 100% worn by everybody. The Stone Age had the prehistoric man holding the club and going out to face the day; the modern man wears his watch and faces the outside world.

Watch tells for how a man is. A watch is the most cherished gift a parent would give to his child for the first time on his 12th year to write the school examination. Watch is the only accessory that’s 100% worn by everybody. The Stone Age had the prehistoric man holding the club and going out to face the day; the modern man wears his watch and faces the outside world. The watch serves the purpose of showing time and date, is a status symbol and also a fashion accessory to adorn any wrist.

Why would you want to buy a watch?

The purpose of buying a watch for most of the people is not just to see time which is the primary reason. There could be many more secondary reasons like the following.You are upgrading your existing watch; want to go for the latest design in the market. A design, which is happening and in fashion!

You want to keep a collection of amazing watches in different designs and styles to suite every dress and occasion. A watch to suite formal, casual and party wears. There are watches with different material such as leather, steel, plastic etc.

You have found a certain position in life, the kind you always dreamed of and you want to celebrate it with changing the existing daily wear watch to the hi-class expensive watch. A beauty on your wrist, showing your success!

This is the first serious watch buying you have set your mind on. You can choose from the brand which gives you best quality, design and guaranty.
You are looking at buying a watch to gift a friend, colleague, or for a wedding anniversary. You can go for the pair of women’s and men’s watch to suite a couple.

You want to buy an expensive watch as an heirloom for your grandchildren. You could go in for the Swiss classics which are proven for their style, class and are expensive with a good value appreciation.
Your new career challenges demand you to go for a watch with features that will make your life easier.

Types of watches

The basic division in watch is the woman’s and men’s watch. As per the characteristics of men and woman the watch designed for them also has similar characteristics like the woman’s watch is feminine, sleek, glamorous, studded with colorful semi precious stones etc, to suite her dainty wrist. The men’s watch is bold, bigger, and the design and features are made appt for a man’s wrist.As you have a special expensive dress for special events in your life there is wide range of expensive watches made of gold, platinum, steel, studded with diamonds, rubies, pearls etc to go for your special day. These expensive watches are worn by the elite and are one of ‘must haves’ we dream to acquire.

Many people would want a different range of watches to suite their lifestyle and personality. There is the sports watch to suite a person whose lifestyle includes outdoor activities. The sports watch will have added features like stop watch. A waterproof bigger dial with bold numerical is perfect for comfort as well as style.

There are many features like date and day, seconds in numerical, dual time zones, alarm facility, stop watch and watches where the dial glows in the night to show time. There are watches with changeable straps, different colors to match different dress.

In the watch industry new innovations and designs are making each watch different and interesting than the other, hence there are many watches all around the world to choose from.

Fix a budget

Money should be criteria for buying the watch as the watch should be worth the price and give you a hassle free performance. You can go for a little more expensive watch so that the investment is worth the price and you get good looks and good reliability with good service too. If it’s the only watch you’re going to buy and wear then you have to give it some more thought and put in money when you’re sure this particular brand promises latest style and performance. If you think a particular fashion is for few days and you are found of wearing different kinds of watches then you could buy the less expensive ones and use it till it lasts. You could even have many watches from low to high price range.

Watch maintenance criteria

There are two kinds of working in watches one is automatic and the other is quartz.Quartz is the most used watch worldwide. Once you buy a watch you have to also think of the future service needs the watch will require. Like are there enough company approved service centers in the city you stay. You have to take care to buy the watch from a authorized dealer as in case if something goes wrong with your watch the manufacturer won’t give you a guarantee if its not purchased from a authorized dealer You have to take care that the features the company provides in the watch have maintenance facility for these features in the service centers.

For example if you want to go for a eco-drive watch where in the battery is charged by the light energy then before buying this expensive piece you should know whether the company can provide assurance that the watch will work without any problems and there are service centers in your city to provide service. You don’t want unnecessary headache after paying a huge amount. If you want to buy a water resistant watch then make sure you are buying from a reputed company as the watch should actually be water resistant. Many companies subject the watches to tests which determine whether the watch can resist water even in deep waters. Make sure that your watch comes with a guarantee as depending on the manufacturer some give 1 year guarantee some provide lifetime guarantee, see that you buy a watch complete with case and the informational material and the guarantee card.

BLACK PEARL BUYING GUIDE

by Sheweta Dhanuka

These are procured only from the land of Tahiti. Pinctada Margaritifera or black-lipped oysters are grown in the waters of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. The pearls are produced in the womb of these oysters.

Black Pearl NecklaceBlack Pearls are exceptional variety of pearls that every woman having known its grandeur would yearn for the jewelry holding these pearls. Frenchman, Jean-Marie Dormand was the father of cultured black pearl farming. The first harvesting of black pearl was done in the year 1965. It was exported foremost in 1972 and since then it has seen the robust growth.To make the purchase of genuine pearls at the correct price is a tough task. While buying it if the buyers have no information then it is suicidal and even little knowledge might turn to be treacherous. In such circumstances buyers should put off the plan of purchase for a moment and search out the complete know-how about it then after ensue for the acquisition. This content aims to proffer the buyers with the preeminent reliable and comprehensive information about these elite pearls.

Black Pearls are also called South Sea Black pearls. These are procured only from the land of Tahiti. Pinctada Margaritifera or black-lipped oysters are grown in the waters of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. The pearls are produced in the womb of these oysters. With the attempt to facilitate the purchase of true black pearls government of Tahiti had laid down few regulations. These rules have to be followed by the sellers as the legal rules and by the buyers as the buying guide. It begins with size, nacre thickness, luster, surface quality, natural colour and shape. Some more characteristics are discussed to provide additional information about this extremely precious gift.

Size : The size of pearls is articulated in terms of the diameter and the unit used is millimeters (mm). It is measured in two ways. First is by the shortest diameter and secondly it is measured along the two diameters -the longest and the one after it. Round and semi round shapes are measured by the first while the rest three are measured in second way. The accepted size of black pearls gauge between 9-12 millimeters. The pearls measuring between 12-14 millimeters are associated as cream of the crop. Size between 14-16 mm is rare in nature hence are most precious and very expensive. More than 16mm is even more rare. Size more than 18mm is beyond the imagination and would fetch the price as high as sky. Buyers must ask for the micrometer and check the size of the pearl themselves in an attempt to evade all future bombshells.

Nacre Thickness : This characteristic determines the life and luster quality of the pearl. Nacre is the successive layers deposited on the nucleus surface of the pearl. It can be thick or thin. Thick nacre is more than or equal to 80%, less than this percentage is referred as thin nacre. Tahitian government allows the pearls with the thick nacre to be exported while the rest with thin nacre are rejected. Thick nacre enhances the look of the pearl as the effect body colour along with overtones and luster is doubled.

Luster : In layman’s words luster refers to the shine and gleam while technically it is the quality of the light reflections from the pearl’s surface. When light falls on the surface of the pearl it is reflected back in different directions from the internal layers of the nacre. Generally Tahitian pearls posses high luster yet it could be ripped into four that is very high, high, medium and soft. Very high luster means light reflections are brilliant while high luster refers to bright reflections. Medium is moderate reflections and weak reflection is soft luster. Dull luster is seen in the pearls with thin nacre therefore as pearls with thin nacre are rejected so is the pearl with dull luster. This characteristic along with the surface quality plays vital role at the time of pricing.

Surface Quality : Surface quality refers to the outer appearance of the pearl. As pearls are produced by the natural process it tends to have some or the other imperfection. Gemstones consist of flaws where as pearls have blemishes on it’s surface. These blemishes are easily visible by the naked eyes and as such no specific instrument is needed. The surface quality is split into four. These are Clean-Very Lightly Blemished, Lightly Blemished, Moderately Blemished and Heavily Blemished. These ratings are done one the basis of the smoothness and amount of blemishes on the surface. Tahiti government had made the rule that the pearls very poor in surface quality (having blemishes more than the quality D) could not be exported and had to be sold within the boundaries of the country itself.

Quality A : This type is clean to very slightly blemished with very high luster. Slight blemishes imply less than 10% of the surface that even are concealed later on while making the drill hole. The surface is completely smooth. This type is quite rare in nature. Everyone seeks this clean surface quality but for buying it one needs bulging pocket.

Quality B : It is lightly blemished with high luster. Light blemishes refer to imperfections less than one third or 33% of the surface.

Quality C : This type is moderately blemished with medium luster. It is certainly more than one third but less than two third of the surface that is less than 66%.

Quality D : It is heavily blemished with soft luster. In this type the blemishes are fully concentrated and are more than in the two third of the surface that is more than 66%.

Natural Colour : Pearls from Tahitian land could enlist varied colours from the edge of the black lipped oyster that produces it. The pearls seize black, blue, green, brown and gray body colours. Most of the pearls hold attractive overtones like lunar blue, silver, gold, gray-pink, peacock green, rainbow and reddish purple. Pearls are formed in diverse permutations and combinations of body colour and overtones. Overtones are the additional colours that increase the value in the economic terms. Pearls without any overtone are priced very less as compared to those having overtones. Further, regular deep black and gray with overtones of peacock green and rainbow are very costly.

Colours are created by the nature itself in the black-lipped oyster. The colours possibilities are ahead of the control of the farmers doing the oyster farming. However, few oyster farming theories suggest that the trace elements present in the water where the oyster grows might be the reason for varied body colours and overtones.

Shape : It is first and fore most characteristic of the pearls that ought to be studied by the buyer at the time of the purchase. There are five distinctive shapes of the Tahitian pearls.

Round – This shape had, is and always shall be most in demand. It is completely round sphere with diameter variation less than 2%. Perfect round shapes are procured rarely.

Semi-round – It is also round but a little imperfect in shape. The diameter variation rate varies from 2 -5 %. It is also known as off round or near round. To differentiate between round and semi-round shape, roll the pearl on the flat tabletop. If it rolls straight in one direction then it is round and if it deviates from the straight line it is semi round in shape.

Semi-baroque – This shape is not round but has as a minimum of one axis of rotation so that it could spin on a flat surface. It is could be found in four different shapes viz. pear, teardrop, oval or button.

Circled – This shape contains idiosyncratic bands, streaks, rings or grooves perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the pearl. These rings cover more than 75% of the pearl’s surface. Out of the total harvested cultured pearls this shape accounts for 30%.

Baroque – It is always irregular that consist of no symmetry. It cannot be spin at all as it does not have any axis of rotation.

Price : Price is ascertained from the surface quality, size, colour and shape. It decreases from quality A to quality D. The cost increases with the increase in the size of the pearl. Slight increases of minor 1mm can also make the cost increase drastically. Body colours with overtones are priced more than the pearls with plain body colour. Finally the perfect round is priced maximum and minimum for baroque shape. Black pearls are very precious and thus are expensive. However, it could meet all the budget restrictions. For example when it comes to reduce the price with the compromise in one of the characteristic then it should be shape. Shape is important but it does not affect the durability but only the look. Further, when all the pearls are strung together in the string the shape of the single pearl is not even noticeable. In case of jewelries holding single pearl the defect in the shape is veiled at the back and covered with the metal.
Occurrence : Pearls are produced in the womb of black lipped oyster. It is the miraculous amalgamation of animal and mineral cultivated by man. The farming of oyster requires stacks of care like when weather is stormy it needs to be engrossed in the lagoon where as during the summers it needs to be taken to the cooler place. The farmers coddle oysters as their own babies. Oysters are grown for minimum two years. At the time of harvesting barely 30% of the oysters cultured generate a pearl. The by-products of cultured pearl harvesting are mother-of-pearls as well as Keshi and Mabe. These are widely used for decorative purpose and jewelry like earrings, pendants, rings and broaches.

Imitations : Artificially black colored pearls are created but they lack the natural bright colour and high luster as that of original pearls. However, to produce something identical to Tahiti black cultured pearl is very difficult. To shun every single chance of getting befooled, make the purchase only from the truthful and reputable dealers.

Precautions : Black pearls are the most delicate darlings. In order to enjoy wearing pearls for the lifetime several precautions and care is required. Woman those who sweat a lot should avoid wearing pearl jewelry on a regular basis and must wear it occasionally. The acid present in the sweat ruins the durability, luster and shape of the pearl. It should be protected from vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, cleaning agents like detergents or soap etc. and cosmetics such as hair sprays, perfumes and bleaches etc. Exposure to excessive heat could dry it off and make it prone to splits/cracks. Always ensure to remove it before going for a swim or wearing the dress made up rough fabric like Shetland wool etc.

At the time of taking off the pearl jewelry always clutch the shank or metal part instead of the pearl. This would evade the probability of loosening of pearl from the jewelry. After the use the pearls must be cleaned with the damped cloth. Once in a while it can be dipped in the slight salty water and polished with the drop of olive oil to maintain its luster. Home ultrasonic cleaner, steam cleaning and toothbrush are absolutely no-no for cleaning. Finally it must be stored in a separate jewelry pouch made up of soft cloth. Storing in any jewelry box is not recommendable as after some time due to lack of air pearls could get dry and be prone to breaks. Pearl necklace must not be worn when the string is soggy because then string gets dirty soon and cleaning it is very difficult. With the purpose to avoid the likelihood of loosing the necklace always restrung it once in the year. These precautions would enable you to retain the pearl and its jewelry.

Hard work, patience and utmost care gets paid off when mesmerizing black pearl is obtained. Farmers pamper black lipped oysters like infants then the amazing pearls comes into existence so we who own these pearls must continue to take care of these pearls like our own babies. Exquisite jewelries are created using it that makes the women look elegant and gorgeous. So be a good caretaker and look beautiful always.

How colored stone prices are fixed

How colored stone prices are fixed

by Ardamun

In the ancient times, the colored stones were graded and classified according to their color. All red stones were generally classified as ‘ruby’, all green ones as ‘emerald’, and all blue ones as ‘sapphire’.

Summary: In the ancient times, the colored stones were graded and classified according to their color. All red stones were generally classified as ‘ruby’, all green ones as ’emerald’, and all blue ones as ‘sapphire’.

How Are The Prices Fixed For Colored Stones?

Colored gemstones have fascinated people from the ancient times. Since antiquity, people thought that the gemstones possessed magical powers and used them as objects of personal adornment. They always had the desire to possess beautiful colored stones. The three major natural characteristics – its beauty, its durability, and rarity – and one other, the perfection, or otherwise, of its cutting have a big hand in assessing the value, and hence the price, of a precious colored gemstone.

Factors That Affect The Price Of Colored Stones

Other than beauty and durability, the factors that affect the value, and hence, the price of colored stones are: rarity in nature, and the demand for them. The rarer a colored gem is, with its limited availability, the more desirable it is considered and therefore, more valuable. Its limited availability leads to increased demand, which automatically leads to increase in price.

The current fashion trends and the fluctuation in demand for them greatly affect the gem price. The earlier 20th century saw the popularity of amber and turquoise, and then they became less favorable. The end of the 20th century saw the resurgence of popularity of these gems and hence their prices too.

Celebrity Gemstones and Prices

The celebrity gemstones set their own records for prices and have no relation to the prices of colored gemstones of the similar quality and size. A factor that affects the prices of colored of gemstones depends on who owns them.

A spectacular 17.68-carat ruby ring, owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, sold for $290,000 – a whopping $16,000 a carat. This is more than the price of some of the most expensive diamonds. Similarly, a 47-carat kunzite ring that President Kennedy purchased for his wife was sold for $410,000, which averaged out at more than $8,700 per carat!

The 62.02 carat Rockefeller Sapphire – a blue sapphire – set its own record price of $48,871/carat and the total price of $3,031,000. It goes without saying that colored gemstones of similar weights and quality would not fetch similar prices.

Grading Of Colored Stones and Their Price

In the ancient times, the colored stones were graded and classified according to their color. All red stones were generally classified as ‘ruby’, all green ones as ’emerald’, and all blue ones as ‘sapphire’. Over time, gems became associated with money, and the need to price them correctly brought in the need to identify them correctly. The introduction of the imitation and synthetic gems in the 1800s, and the development of cultured pearls and emerald imitations in the 1900s, brought in the need for gemological expertise to separate the genuine colored gemstones from the fake ones.

This brought in the need to grade the colored stones based on the 4 Cs similar to diamonds. The credit for creation of the 4C system of grading of gemstones goes to The Gemological Institute of America. The evaluation of the colored stones based on Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat is somewhat different from that of diamonds. Where diamonds have precise grading for color, clarity and cut, in the case of colored stones the main consideration is color. Minor differences in clarity do not affect the price of the colored stones.

Color – Color is due to miniscule amounts of trace elements, which could be a part of the gemstone’s composition, or introduced later when the gemstone is forming in the earth. These trace elements bring forth the amazing colors we see in the gemstones. The more the intensity of the color in the colored gemstone, the more its value, and hence its price due to its increased desirability. As far as pricing of the colored gemstone goes, the color plays a greater part than its clarity.

Clarity – Clarity is the internal purity of a colored gemstone and is secondary to its color. Sometimes the unusual inclusions in the colored stones may actually enhance their desirability and therefore, their value. The star-like inclusions in rubies and sapphires, caused by the presence of the mineral rutile, increases the desirability of these gems and people are prepared to pay a higher price for them. A similar phenomena in the tiger-eye quartz – though not star-like, but parallel lines – too affect its desirability.

Not all inclusions have the desired effect. Too many inclusions that inhibit and interfere with the passage of light through the colored stones diminish their value.

Cut – Whereas the most appealing cut for a diamond is the round brilliant cut, the colored stones are cut into more shapes and proportions than diamonds. The varieties of shapes that enhance the appearance and the beauty of the colored stones are: oval, cushion, marquise, emerald cut, pear, cabochon, trapezoid, mixed-cut, and tablet. The proportions of the colored stones differ from that of the diamonds, with each cut made to preserve the weight and show off the best color.

Certain cuts and shapes look more appealing on certain colored stones. Fine cut emeralds are cut in the traditional emerald cut shape, opals in the cabochon (a smooth curved top) shape, and top quality rubies and sapphires in oval or cushion shapes. These traditional cuts enhance the value and price of the colored stones.

Carat – A carat is the measure of weight of a stone and is equal to 200 milligrams. The larger the size of the colored stone, the higher its per carat price. The price of a three-carat colored stone is not three times the price of its one-carat avatar, but much more, simply for the reason that larger stones are rare.

It is not only the weight of the colored stone that helps fix its price. It is all of the above grading factors, along with other factors, that decide the final price of the colored stone. A 0.95-carat higher quality colored stone, vis-à-vis its color, clarity, and cut would be priced higher than the comparatively lower quality 1-carat stone.

Other Factors And Price

There are other factors too that affect the price of the colored stones. Hardness is one quality that is well liked. Hardness is its ability to withstand being scratched. It is measured as per the Moh’s scale, where 0 is the softest colored stone and 10 the hardest – which is the hardness for diamond.

The price of the colored stones also depends on their ability to withstand chemicals and such substances. This stability is important. Some amethysts fade in sunlight, turquoises discolor by skin oils, and opals may crack by exposure to dry air.

Toughness of the colored stone, that is its ability to resist cracking, chipping, or breaking, is another factor. The luster and the brilliance of the colored stones too have an impact on how the prices are fixed for colored stones.

When prices are fixed for colored stones, it is a combination of all the above factors that come into play.

Baby Jewelry

Baby Jewelry

by Pam Brown

What does one get for the newborn baby that already has everything? Many people have found themselves in this very situation. You want to purchase something that is just a little more special than standard baby gifts, but have no idea where to start your search. The precious newborn already has all the toys and gear he or she will need for the first few months of life. Mom and Dad are well equipped with gift cards and cash for anything else that could possibly be needed. So what does one do?

What does one get for the newborn baby that already has everything? Many people have found themselves in this very situation. You want to purchase something that is just a little more special than standard baby gifts, but have no idea where to start your search. The precious newborn already has all the toys and gear he or she will need for the first few months of life. Mom and Dad are well equipped with gift cards and cash for anything else that could possibly be needed. So what does one do?

Why not consider giving a precious gift of keepsake baby jewelry. Making such a purchase is sure to delight all who rest their eyes upon it. You may wonder what kind of baby jewelry is available and where to even begin your search for such a unique item. Many online retailers, jewelry stores, and baby boutiques offer extensive lines of baby jewelry to choose from. It would be wise to pre-establish your price point before you ever begin previewing lines of baby jewelry. This is because it is available in a wide range of prices. Shopping for baby jewelry is often comparable to shopping for regular adult size jewelry. The overall price range will not be lower simply because you will be selecting pieces in smaller sizes. This is a common misconception had by consumers when beginning their search for a piece of jewelry. They will often times find that the price can be even higher than that of adult sizes due to the handcrafted quality of workmanship required to create an infant sized piece of jewelry.

Once your price range is established you can begin to browse different lines. Most baby jewelry styles are limited to rings, bracelets, and necklaces. You may find the occasional broach or tack pin, however, the bracelet is by far the most popular item on the market. These come in a variety of boy and girl styles and sizes.

One of the most popular items for newborn girls, is the classic pearl bracelet. This is a timeless piece of keepsake baby jewelry that can be passed on from generation to generation. You will find that you have a huge selection of cultured or fresh water pearls to choose from at midline prices. If you are in the market for something a little more high end, you might consider a bracelet done in Black Tahitian or Japanese Akoyan pearls. These can be quite costly but are sure to make an impression. If you are in the market for a pearl baby bracelet that is a little more cost effective, you might consider some of the freshwater or cultured pearl designs.

Many are made of hand knotted and hand strung genuine freshwater pearls. The handcrafted approach, goes a long way in assuring that you are receiving a top quality piece of keepsake baby jewelry. Many pearl bracelet styles can also be personalized using genuine sterling silver, lettered, charms. Presenting the parents of a newborn with a baby gift of this level of quality and thoughtfulness, is sure to warm the heart. These bracelets would make wonderful baby shower gifts.

Along with the ever popular pearl styles, many designers offer genuine Swarovski crystals, rose quartz and other precious gems in their designs. These can be finished out with gold, sterling silver, or platinum clasps and closures. These types of finishing touches add a hint of elegance to an already stunning piece.

If you find yourself shopping for a newborn boy, there are many styles of newborn and infant rings available to choose from. Most gold rings are made of the more malleable 10 karate yellow gold. This eliminates any binding or pressure on an infant or newborn’s delicate skin and finger. These more common styles can often times be personalized or engraved with birth dates and other important information. What wonderful personalized baby gifts! These kinds of baby rings can also be crafted from other precious metals such as platinum and silver if you choose. You may also find a good selection of tie tacks and I.D. bracelets for boys as well. It would be wise to consider the overall cost when considering personalization or the addition of gemstones and engraving. You will find that it does not take long for a simple piece of baby jewelry to turn into a costly one when adding these options.

Once you have chosen the perfect piece of baby jewelry, it is extremely important to be informed of the potential danger posed by baby jewelry if not properly supervised. These pieces will undoubtedly have small movable parts and pieces, that if swallowed, could cause possible choking or death. When presenting the parents of a newborn or infant with a piece of keepsake baby jewelry, be sure to advise them of the potential dangers. It would be advisable to have the child only wear the jewelry on special occasions when they can be supervised at all times to guarantee their safety. Once the cautions have been understood, the parents can enjoy your heartfelt expression of love and appreciation for their new arrival. Presenting their baby with a piece of keepsake baby jewelry will be a gift they treasure for numerous years to come.

WHOLESALE BODY JEWELRY BUYING GUIDE

by Nandita Ray

Smithsonian Craft show in Washington DC, The American Craft show in Philadelphia or the Contemporary Craft’s market in Santa Monica or San Francisco attract numerous artists and these are smart places to get new ideas and to get familiarized with the newest trends and to develop contacts.

Whole Sale Body Jewelry Buying Guide

Shakespeare wittily wrote “Tis plate of rare device and jewels, Of rich and exquisite form, their values great”. Who can dispute the wisdom in his words? Precious jewelry is worth its weight in gold. Literally. Man in love with his form has always found ways to enhance its beauty. What better way than donning beads and baubles? Jewelry which has been a part of human existence has matured along with him. Today it is not exclusively a woman’s domain. It now forms an integral part of a man’s attire too! It is a natty and a smart look one projects when a stud, earring, necklace or a lip ring sits perkily on his self. It is not considered effeminate. This has led to a spurt in jewelry business. Businesses big or small are into jewelry vending. For entrepreneurs it becomes a challenging task to find the right sources and acquire information as they venture into this segment of marketing. To make it easier for them here are a few tips. However it is always prudent to investigate further.

Wholesale Jewellery

wholesale body jewelryBuying in bulk straight from the manufacturer and selling it at wholesale prices to retailers is called wholesale buying. These retailers sell through their stores, online stores or through auction sites. Buying and selling from the comfort of home or office cubicle without stepping out, is the trend. With Information just a tap away, it has become easier for people to inspect, research and locate the exact piece of jewelry or item they want. Online stores and their like are not only bringing malls and stores within the confines of your home but making buying easier too! Whether it is a simple nose stud or an expensive canary diamond, one can buy or sell through such stores. A good example is EBay, which has been a huge success. Actually a lot of information can be garnered in this manner and the latest articles can be viewed and examined easily. Sometimes, many stores do not have all the newest creations. Buying in bulk and online is inexpensive and profitable for wholesalers and jewelry dealers.

Wholesale Body Piercing Jewelry

The newest wrinkle in town to adorn the body is the belly and lip jewelry, which is inserted through a pierced hole. There are many types of body piercing jewelry. There is jewelry for the face, belly, lip, nipple, ear, eyebrow, navel, tongue even sensitive parts of the body. They are worn for decoration or for enhancing bodily pleasures. Choice is individual. There are studs, danglers, rings, bar bells and plugs. It can be plain metal or stone studded or spiked or designed. The sizes vary. The metal used is vast too! Gold, silver, titanium, steel, acrylic, stone or horns are used. The list is endless and variety is astounding. It is fashionable to sport a dangler from the belly/navel or have a labret sitting pretty on the lip. It has become the latest fashion statement in the USA and the need to stand out is pushing people to the extreme. A craze that is difficult for some to follow or understand. However to many it makes good business sense to push this fad to its limits since it is a hot selling item. Whether it is a nose pin, a lip stud or a belly ring or an ear plug, it is a red hot item and it sells easy.

Guidelines for buying in bulk or wholesale

It becomes a difficult task to buy in bulk if one is not conversant with the dos and the don’ts. Here are some guidelines which will make buying simple and smooth. Many questions haunt the mind and few answers found in black and white. However, extensive research is always fruitful since no plan is fool proof.

Question and doubts confront a first time buyer, especially regarding how to go about setting a new business. If you are already selling from a home based business or a retail store and you want to increase your products and buy in bulk from a wholesaler, how to approach the thought and put it in action. If you are selling from an auction site or e bay and want to buy in bulk then how do you contact the right people. If you need to drop ship or blind drop what are the precautions you need to keep in mind. This article tries to addresses all these questions.

Who can order wholesale body jewelry? Most sellers can order in bulk provided you have the infrastructure and the financial power to carry it to its culmination. What are the basic requirements for being able to order in bulk? Any established seller with minimum three employees can order wholesale. How does one get information on wholesale jewelry? To gather more information on wholesale jewelry, membership to some related organization is helpful. Visiting numerous sites absolutely a must.

Some established online stores do not require such membership fees or any minimum purchase. Finding the right source for all your bulk order is a difficult job. If you are new to the scene trust no one, especially middlemen, who may promise the lowest price but it may turn out to different. Visit as many sites as possible. Monstersteel.com is a popular site while Internet mall.com provides a list of 18,000 companies which offer services and products through the internet.

One must read the testimonials posted on the sellers site by customers and this will give you a fair idea regarding the company. Some buyers recommend a trip to Canal Street and NYC. Try and locate buildings placed in narrow alleys and dark streets, where actual manufacturers operate from. In this way you eliminate the middle man and unnecessary costs. There are rooms in these buildings that are stacked with items. You have to browse through them to locate what you want. The prices are very low. What you sell for say 40$ on the internet will be about 4$ here according to a buyer. Some suggest that the best place to find a good wholesaler is on forums, Wholesale shows, auction and trade sites, fair and exhibitions.

Smithsonian Craft show in Washington DC, The American Craft show in Philadelphia or the Contemporary Craft’s market in Santa Monica or San Francisco attract numerous artists and these are smart places to get new ideas and to get familiarized with the newest trends and to develop contacts.

If one can find a dependable and capable supplier who can help you develop and build up capacity then you have made a good beginning. Remember time and steady supply is what you want. Your supplier should be dependable. Develop a friendly relationship with your supplier. PR that is Public relationship is crucial for harnessing advantages from your seller. If you cannot find the whole seller you are looking for put experts to help you find the right one. Hire a personal team of sourcing agents. Most of them find wholesalers that meet the member’s requirements.

Join the Wholesalers Catalog.com and similar sites. Buying in bulk always saves money.

Overseas wholesale suppliers

Be extremely cautious while dealing with overseas wholesale suppliers. This is because there no other way to contact them except through internet. Some overseas supplier may send items that might not be packed properly. Some items might be damaged. Incorrect items might also be sent much to your dismay. Items that are tacky and cheap looking are sent and they do not resemble the photograph posted on their site. Returning such items is a laborious process and time consuming.

Plan and strategies

Work on a well developed plan. Detailed and well defined. Read forums and blogs to help develop your strategies. Plan your sale. This must include innovative ways to sell your products. Keep reviewing your plan. Infuse, innovate and generate sharp selling ideas. Reading news and updates gives you and insider’s view of the latest selling features, promotions and information that will help you to build up your business. Follow the simple time tested strategies used by eBay’s most successful sellers.Advanced selling programs and techniques can help you grow. Tap into the e Bay’s host of resources. You can also find out what is in demand and get a preview of the latest by tapping into eBay’s merchandising calendar. The marketing ploys used in selling wholesale jewelry are the same as in retail stores.

Photographs

Photographs plays a very important role internet selling. A clear visual is far more tempting than plain words. Have your items tastefully photographed and displayed in your site. This will fetch you good bids and help you sell easily. Purchase a scanner to get detailed photographs of your items. Make the photographs speak. Each and every detail should be captured for the customer to see the item clearly. Beware some sellers use photographs from other manufacturers and sometimes they display old photographs. You end up with products that do not match the photograph. Buyers should read the complete item description. If the information is not clear cut and detailed you must contact the seller about this. Unique details of any piece will enhance the salability of that item. This is very important and you must keep this aspect in forefront if you are a beginner. Inferior photographs may save money initially but in the long run they harm the business.Do not forget to analyze the feed backs about the site.

Finance

The trickiest aspect of the business and the most important facet that keeps it moving. Do the calculations diligently and regularly. You must begin with a happy financial backing. Be prepared to spend if you are about to set up shop for the first time.
Be conversant with the difference between mass produced and individually packed products and their costs. Be prepared to pay up front when you buy. Sometimes you have to buy a fixed amount. Tribalectic Jewelry site is a good place to get some neat financial bargains.

Look for ‘discount programs’ that help you save as you build. Contract manufacturing is also a neat idea. Inspect and find items that you like and could sell easily. Work out and suitable price per item with you seller so that each party can make a decent profit. It is beneficial to sell an item before paying for it. This system works as ‘interest free loan’. Negotiate for an extended payment terms. However nothing is free therefore the buyer has to offer something in return, which is usually buying a fixed number of items or displaying the dealer’s items.

The term’2/10, net 30 is an oft used term. This simply means that the full payment is to be done within 30 days of the invoice. Another pointer if the buyer makes the payment before 10 days then he can keep 2 percent of the total bill. Ask for bulk packaging not individual packets. Meet a number of dealers and compare their individual terms, and settle with the best. Learn as much about the product as possible before you place the order.

Learn how to upgrade your company’s image by enhanced product at no extra cost. Co-op advertising is another way to increase your profits. This involves putting up an advertisement for the manufacturer. Half of the cost of the advertisement is paid by the manufacturer. Most important do not get carried away by sales talk. Do comparison buying. This will trim your unnecessary expenses. Special deals, close outs, liquidations and below the whole sale prices can be got from around the world. It requires investigative research. Keep in mind the most important part of any business, maintaining a healthy cash flow.

Drop Shipping for body jewelry

Is the buzz word especially for entrepreneurs. This is because one can run a business without a huge investment. This method has been in vogue since the Sears and Roebuck catalog day’s way back in early fifties. The arrangement is simple. The manufacturer on receiving an order from the retailer, directly ships the product to the customer. This is drop shipping. A part of the profit is kept back by the retailer. This is a clever way of doing business since one does away with stock and stock checking. No shipping overhead required and no need to buy shipping software. No UP/USPS counter delivery and no need for UPS/USPS account fees.

Immediate shipping and your customer doesn’t have to wait for long. Besides an early shipment means a jump start on sales before any deadline. Buy the inventory after you make the sale. And you don’t get stuck with dead inventory. You can buy drop shippers list from e Bay or buy the book “Drop shipping Revealed E book’ to get all the information on drop shippers. There is always a 30 day Guarantee refund or exchange. Some drop shippers do not want a first time buyer’s scrutiny or credit check up. Some do not require US citizenship to sign up for their drop shipping program.  A one time fee is levied by some drop shippers, while some require a “Refundable trust Fund account’ which is as low as 50$ to start the delivery. This is because a minimum balance is needed to process your order. For the “Million dollar Drop’ some want an annual member ship fee. Some even offer a free web page if you sign up for this plan.

There is another system which is called Blind Drop. In this arrangement the customer gets the item delivered in a packet that has your company’s name and return address. The existence of the wholesaler is non existent. This is an economical way to start your business.

Domain Name

Some Drop shippers offer domain names for sale since one needs a domain name to start a new business. This will be your store front that is your E commerce site. It is essential to register your domain name in order to do internet commerce. In order to start selling click on the web site link and save pre made web pages with all the information like the stock number, photographs and descriptions. Then edit the pages and type in your prices and put them in your web site. And then you are ready to go.

Tools for the trade

One needs to get conversant with the tools used in the trade, especially measuring the body jewelry accurately. The two most helpful tools are the gauge wheel also called the American Standard wire gauge and the dial caliper. They measure body jewelry accurately from 30 gauges to 0 gauges. The dial calipers are good for measuring fractional decimal and millimeters. It is useful to have one which has the conversion table etched on it. Some also help you read the measurements especially if you are a rookie at it. Many varieties are available. Buy a sturdy one since it will last longer. Use it with care as it might scratch the surface. Brass calipers are cheap and the jaws get worn out pretty fast so go in for a sturdier one even though it might be expensive.

Autoclave

This is a term that implies sterilization of the body piercing jewelry. This sterilization process is done under pressurized steam or autoclaving with Ethylene Oxide. However for body piercing jewelry steam sterilization is the correct method. Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide is hazardous to health. Autoclave sterilization is FDA approved and is used by surgeons too. Make sure the products are not heat sterilized nor pressure cooker sterilized. Iodine may discolor gold jewelry if autoclaved in bags with heat indicators. Double sterilization always works well.

Jewellery

Colors used in jewelry may harm the body and therefore make sure that the colors used are safe. As Ruth Winter expresses ‘it is now generally accepted that all chemicals penetrate the skin to some extent and many do in significant amounts”. Plastics may contain dioxins which is harmful for the body. Make certain that the plastic used is absolutely safe. Jewelry that is too heavy may cause the piercing to either migrate /change position or rejected. Cheap jewellery means thin gauge and this in not advisable as it can get torn out from the body by getting entangled. The gauge must not be very thick so that it does not endanger the soft tissues. The diameter and the length of the jewelry should be chosen carefully. Jewelry that has been bought in bulk should be carefully handled and properly stored. Jewelry that has been worn or returned or replaced should be re sterilized. Display prominently Healthy Body Piercing Information. Know the medications and the dos and don’ts of this process. Also a Piercer’s Guide is useful.

Further Investigative research is always recommended.

SILICONE BRACELETS FACTS AND BUYING GUIDE

by Ms Nandita Ray

These bracelets are also called wristbands, rubber bracelets, awareness bracelets, promotion bracelets apart from its original name of “Livestrong” bracelets. They are all bands of different types encircling the wrist.

Silicone Bracelets

Change is always a welcome break. People are constantly seeking changes. New and young ideas are the best way to tap into this huge thirst for freshness. Ideas that catch fire become trendsetters, especially in the field of fashion. Jewelry is an important part of this industry which is always in a state of flux. Using this media to enthuse people and involve them in a social cause was first started byLance Armstrong, the cyclist, the seven times winner of Tour De France, in collaboration with Nike. This led to the birth of the silicone bracelet.

Livestrong

silicone bracelet

Suffering from cancer, he had to drop out of the track for a couple of years. Determined to return, he did so with a bang and went to win titles. He is a cancer survivor and started the Armstrong Foundation which aims to spread cancer awareness. His innovative idea of combining sports with a fashion item proved lethal. Silicone bracelet, yellow in color, a tribute to his yellow jersey, with the slogan “Livestrong” was sold by his organization. This was his way of encouraging cancer victims and survivors to battle out this disease with a positive attitude. He had won his battle against cancer because he was determined to. This blueprint proved to be immensely successful. It caught on like wildfire and is till today a raging hit with the youth of the world. It became a symbol of acknowledging the truth behind Armstrong’s mission. Since then the fashion world, schools, clubs, social activists, NGO’s, musical events, promotion and various other similar organizations are successfully using silicone bracelets to their advantage.

Silicone bracelet 24/7 jewelry

Silicone BraceletBracketing silicone bracelet with jewelry is a smart idea. Making it inexpensive is an added advantage. Bright colors in various designs makes them attractive and silicone makes the bracelet durable and these make it the most popular piece of jewelry. The punch behind this bracelet is the use of silicone, which is semi inorganic polymers and sports some unique qualities like high water repellence, lubricity, thermal stability and physiological inertness. It is used for prosthetics and body part replacements also. This silicone bracelet can be worn 24/7 without fear. It does not break easily nor does it scratch easily. Heat does not damage it neither does it change its shape easily. The colors used are durable and do not fade easily besides being very light. These features make the bracelet a very popular piece of fashion item.

Silicone Facts

What is this unique element? Silicone is a man made industrial polymer. It is made from silicon, which was discovered by Jons Jacob Bezelins in 1824. It is a natural bounty. It makes up 25% of the earth’s crust by weight. It is the second most easily and profusely available element on the planet after oxygen. Silicon is present almost everywhere. Though not present in large amounts in the body yet it is found in every tissue, bones, cartilage, nails, hair and skin of the human skeleton. It is important to plants as they extract silicon from water to build their cell walls. It is also present in the sun and stars. It is the main component of aerolites which is a group of meteorites. It also forms useful compounds. In short it is easily got and therefore not an expensive substance. Developing silicone bracelets has been a smart move by the Armstrong foundation. It has all the qualities that are required for inexpensive piece of accessory. Though Lance Armstrong Foundation introduced the yellow bracelet for a dollar and collected about fifty million in USA alone, its sale was huge in other countries too.

This heralded the arrival of an innovative method of marketing. Businesses, organizations and many other institutions adopted this unusual mode of selling ideas and products. Creating awareness to raising funds, the silicone bracelets is very useful.

Wristbands or Rubber bracelets

Silicone bracelets are also called wristbands, rubber bracelets, awareness bracelets, promotion bracelets apart from its original name of “Livestrong” bracelets. They are all bands of different types encircling the wrist. A very popular bracelet which has become an essential part of youth who want to be funky and cool! Adults also don it, especially if it is for a charitable cause. They come in many colors, bright yellow, orange, blue, purple and pink, to name a few colors. Each color is affiliated with a particular organization and symbolizes a particular cause, event or makes a personal or exceptional statement. Some of the common colors that are in vogue are: –

Yellow Bands: – is the famous color of Armstrong bracelet. It symbolizes hope and strength and a determination to fight and win over Testicular cancer.

Pink Bands: – is to bring awareness about Breast cancer, the disease that takes its toll on millions of women and that its early detection can help in controlling its spread. Many women sport this silicone bracelet.

Dark pink Bands: – is meant to spread awareness about Diabetes both adult and juvenile.

Red Bands: – symbolizes a number of important causes like MADD, i.e. mothers against drunk driving, Anti Child Abuse, BBC’s famous Anti Bullying, AID awareness.

Green Bands: – very popular silicone band with environmentalists, as it stands for the preservation of Rainforest. It is also used by Tsunami Relief Groups.

Dark Blue Bands: – this color represents the fight against drugs and suggests Anti Drug and Pro life, which is the fight against abortion.

Light Blue Bands: – the fight for women’s protection against abuse and debasement is epitomized by this color i.e. used by Women’s Refuge group and for representing Parkinson’s disease.

White Bands: – this color is used to promote peace and fight poverty apart from many other symbols.

Purple Bands: – used to promote Justice in Family Law besides a host of other causes.

This is the serious side of the silicone bracelet. The fun side of this youth pleaser is hip and fashionable. Some examples are: –

Flashing Braided Bracelet: – worn by a lot of teens, symbolizes the age of electronics and to sport a funky look.

For a street smart look, wear a spiked or Rocker style studded bracelet.

Some go to the extent of getting their own slogans printed on these bracelets to show the world what they feel. Sporty and funny and sometimes rib tickling statements flash out at you.

Silicone Bracelet Types

There are many types of these silicone bracelets. The ID control bracelets are made to the specification of the organizers. This is done for crowd control and usually the colors are single tone. Glow in the dark bracelets meant for clubs and some fun costume party or disco party. Then there are glitter bands which twinkle like diamonds enmeshed inside a colored gel, there double or even three toned bracelets. Special shine effect on the surface, arc treatment at the edge, fragrance filled and engraved. There are many shapes, swirl, twisted, intertwined, spiral, round, linked, double bracelets, extra wide or round or flat. The colors are very bright and some have a fluorescent effect. Crystal stretch bracelets can be got. Some get wedding favors in these bracelets, with the name of the couple and use it as a give away gift. Funky pictures of characters, cartoons etc make it a wanted one. The Hawaiian bracelet made by a top Italian Charms Designer, looks ethnic because they have added silver and enamel beads. Innovation is always an option.

The printing done on it can be embossed, silk screen, de bossed, hand made, raised letters, text print even custom made metal pieces can be inserted. Some de bossed and individually filled by hand bracelets can also be made. This simple and exceedingly common element of the planet has acquired a coveted place. The silicone bracelet has become a cultural phenomenon.

Silicone bracelet buying guide

Tips on buying silicone bracelets: – Since stores do not stock a huge selection of these bracelets, it is not easy to get the one of your choice. In order to get exactly what you want a little effort is needed: –

1 Research is necessary. Locate a company of repute or one that has been handling these for a period of time
.
2 Ask for a sample. This is essential in order to check the quality of silicone.

3 It should be 100% silicone and not a poor imitation.

4 Find out about the mold fees. Some companies charge a fee of 200 to 600$ for the first batch of order. The second batch does not need mold fees. Some companies broadcast “no mold fees” but they hike up their prices.

5 Find a company that has all the varieties or options that you are looking for. Make sure they are able to handle all the specification that you want.

6 Check the shape. Sometimes poor quality of the band leads to de formation of the shape. It fails to retain the shape
.
7 Check the texture and make sure that it is smooth and not sticky to touch.

8 Should possess enough elasticity to prevent wear and tear.

9 Do not forget to check shipping and handling charges.

10 Before you place your order revise and re check all specification with the dealer.

Keeping these guidelines in mind will make it easier for you to buy a silicone bracelet of your choice with ease.

More Resources
Buy LiveStrong Wrist Bands
Wear Yellow
Custom Silicone Bracelets

14k Gold Earrings

14k Gold Earrings

by Ritika Changrani

14k gold earrings are the most practical choice when it comes to selecting daily – wear earrings. A pale gold sheen lends it a chic look. 14k gold is easy on your pocket too. It is also ideal for setting precious and semi- precious stones as the gold is quite durable.

Only the very rich and affluent can afford gold jewelry – This is one big myth. 14k Gold jewelry is now within the reach of anybody who wants it enough. A woman’s jewelry collection is incomplete without the right earrings. Earrings are probably the most popular type of jewelry worn, both by women and men.

14k gold earringscourtesy: http://www.fancieface.com

If you are looking for gold earrings but do not have a big budget, there is absolutely no need to worry. You can certainly buy the gold earrings you’ve always wanted. 14k gold earrings are the perfect alternative to the traditional 22k gold ones.

14k gold jewelry – Is it Real?

So, now you might ask, that 14k gold won’t be real gold, right? Wrong. Let’s get into what 14k gold actually is, to understand it better. A little information on the constituents certainly won’t go amiss.

100% pure gold is extremely soft, so soft that it cannot hold any stone setting. Also, because of its softness, it tends to get twisted easily, thus ruining the original shape and design of the piece of jewelry. Exquisite craftsmanship can be lost if done on pure gold. This is why, for jewelry, gold is alloyed with other metals. This is done to increase its hardness and durability. When gold is mixed with other metals or materials, it is done so in a definite proportion, which is then measured in karats.

14k gold implies that the ratio of pure gold to other materials in the alloy is 14 : 10 i.e. 14 parts gold to every 10 parts of other materials. 18k gold means that 18 parts of gold is alloyed with 6 parts of other materials. A higher karat rating implies a greater ratio of gold in the alloy used for the piece of jewelry. The total of the ratio must always equal 24 as 24k gold implies pure gold. 14k gold is used when the costs need to be controlled to a minimum.

14k gold is almost always marked, so you know the exact quality that you are buying. A trademark is also usually present. Always look for these markings when buying 14k gold earrings or other 14k gold jewelry to ensure that you are buying something with assured content of precious metal. The markings are not mandatory by law but are put there by jewelers as a courtesy gesture so that the customers are guaranteed a specific quality of metal.

14k gold is a popular choice for earrings for many reasons :

– 14k gold is less expensive than higher karat gold but it is gold nonetheless. If you want to buy gold earrings and are on a tight budget, squeeze in a pair of 14k gold earrings and let your conscience rest in peace. You can now feel good about yourself and look good at the same time.

– Precious stones can easily be set in 14k gold. 22k and 24k gold is usually not recommended for stone settings as there is a high risk of loosening, attributed to the inherent softness of the gold. There is a big safety factor for your precious stones. So, if you want to safeguard your stones and wear them with a free mind at the same time, having them set in 14k gold may be an excellent option.

– As precious stones can easily and firmly be set in 14k gold, the variety in earrings is very huge. You can choose to have diamonds, emeralds, rubies or any other stones set in 14k gold for a unique pair of earrings. 22k or 24k gold earrings do tend to have limitations with regard to designs. The options are limitless with 14k gold and you can have stones set 14k gold earrings to match variously colored outfits.

– 22k and 24k gold have a typical yellow color that may not appeal to some people. 14k gold earrings are usually polished to a pale gold sheen that lends it a royal and chic look. The polish is not too bright nor too yellow. This gives you an understated look which speaks volumes about you and your personality.

14k gold earrings can complement any skin tone. One of the drawbacks of 22k or 24k gold is that it is usually polished to a bright yellow color. This is one color that may not suit everybody. Especially in case of earrings, one should be extra careful, as it is one of the first pieces of jewelry to be noticed. The right design can highlight your face and complement your hair – style.

14k gold earrings are very sturdy. It is because of this hardness and durability that 14k gold earrings can be worn on a daily basis. If you are a person who would not like to be bothered to change your earrings everyday, 14k gold is the way to go.

Being a gold alloy, it does not react with most skin types. Costume jewelry can result in itches and eruptions if worn continuously for days. 14k gold earrings are a hassle – free option as you do not have to worry about it hurting you. Also, being durable, these earrings, if small, can be worn even while sleeping or taking a shower. Some people like to wear a pair of earrings permanently, only changing them for special occasions – if you are one of them, 14k gold earrings are just the thing for you.

Gold in all its glory is desirable by everybody. Gold earrings can fashioned using intricate designs or can have a simple suave look. If you are creative, you can have your own custom designed 14k gold earrings that you can wear daily to make your statement. And the best part about it is, it is not as expensive as you thought. It is the cheaper and more practical alternative.

Anklets buying guide

Anklets buying guide

by RITIKA CHANGRANI

Worn around the ankle, found in many designs and styles, material and types, shapes and sizes, the anklet is an ornament sure to catch anyone’s eye! An anklet is also known as an ankle chain or ankle bracelet that is worn around the ankle. They display a radiant sheen, and look elegant, trendy and ethnic at the same time. They add grace to the wearer and complement traditional clothes and outfits very well. The anklet is a versatile piece of jewelry worn around the ankle. Historically, anklets have been worn for centuries by women in India. In the United States both casual and more formal styles of anklets became a fashion statement only around the late twentieth century

Western popular culture sees both men and women wearing casual leather anklets, and the more formal anklets in silver and gold, beads or chains are fairly exclusive to women’s fashion.

ankletsAnklets come in myriad designs, thousands of patterns, many different types, all sizes and are a creative person’s delight, for the variations you can do with this ornament are plenty. You can get anklets made in silver, gold, and many other less precious metals. If you like a slightly different look, then try leather, plastic or nylon. Of courses the material you can use ranges from paper to iron so the sky is the limit. The styles range from the classical Indian designs to the very modern contemporary designs that have a message to give.

Plastic is one material which is cheap and you can get anklets made of plastic almost anywhere. They are good for college or casual outings and you can buy a few to match most outfits. They make a nice style statement and you can get them in many colours, with beads, without beads, and any design you desire. They can be made up at home also. The creative can get creative with making anklets for friends and family and themselves also. You can use thread to weave a colorful anklet and put in some beads to give it that exclusive look. Strands of jute are yet another option for you to get creative with.

When crafting silver anklets, the designers experiment with many different looks and textures, different settings and designs where geometric shapes are incorporated along with different kinds of metal and they finish it with diamonds and precious stones. The unmatched beauty of the anklets and the extrinsic craftsmanship that goes in to their making also makes anklets an ideal gift.

Silver is used in many different types like pure silver, sterling silver and German silver. The designs are available in an antique finish, a rustic finish, a hammered finish and various other styles where the finish gives it that really ethic look. The designs can be complemented using a large variety of semi precious stones, precious stones and gems like the amethyst, rubies, emeralds, aquamarines and sapphires. You have such a range of patterns and styles that you will be lost for choice.

Anklets are differentiated from ordinary jewelry by the silvery hue and an exotic design that is its signature look. If made of expensive material then it also becomes a prized possession. Generally because of its brilliant white metallic sheen and luster, silver is ideally suited to make anklets that stand out as a distinct fashion jewelry item. Accomplished craftsmen around the world have been in the business of creating beautiful silver anklets that have found acceptance all over and by practically all age groups worldwide.

Metal anklets come in two types; flexible and inflexible. The flexible ones are made by tying links in a chain, they are also known as pajeb or jhanjhar in India. You can attach little bells that make a sweet tinkling sound when attached to the chain. Chains are the base for all the designs that one wants to incorporate in to the anklet. Inflexible are flat and stiff to wear. Some people prefer this type although the use is totally dependant on you and your personal style statement.

How to Buy

Log on to the net and you will find that there are sites for every type of anklets and at various price ranges too. There are silver anklets, anklet jewelry, Indian anklets, anklets made of unconventional material to name a few. Then you will get names of anklets manufacturers and their retail outlets or their online shopping sites. You also have silver anklets exporters who specialize in silver anklets manufacturer and export.

If you want to buy anklets then first do your research on the net. There are a lot of things to be kept in mind when buying jewelry or anklets. You must know if you are allergic to any material. If you are allergic to silver, for example, then using an item made of sliver may give you itching or a rash. So go in for anklets made of other materials. Then there are people who are allergic to leather or plastic, even nylon. Take a look at the design that you have liked. Ideally it should not have any sharp points that may snag on your clothes or even cut you skin. Ensure that the design you select is comfortable and safe.

Look for colours and designs which you feel will suit most of your clothes and your dress sense. Look for formal and casual styles if you are in the habit of wearing anklets all the time. Remember the ones with bells make tinkling sounds when walking so ensure that you have silent anklet for places where quiet is required. You can go in for anklets which are loaded with bells for marriages and other functions.

So if you are thinking anklets then think different and let your creative imagination loose – You will come up with a fashion statement of your own. Scout around the market or look up the internet, peek in to the jewelers or copy a design in the magazine, the sky’s the limit. Go for it… today!