Showing posts with label Jewelry Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jewelry Guide. Show all posts

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Top Famous Jewelers and Their Inspiring Creations

Jewelry in addition to adorning the body, serves as an outlet for artistic expression. World famous jewelers have designed pieces of art that have attracted collectors globally.

Frederic Boucheron

Well known for his expertise regarding precious stones, Boucheron first opened a jewelry shop in 1858 at the Palais Royal. He also opened a shop in 1893 in the Place Vendome that still operates successfully. Boucheron branches can be found in Japan, Moscow, the Far East, and London.

Sotirio Bulgari

Bulgari opened his shop in 1879 in Via Sistina, Rome. His sons carried on his distinctive style after he died in 1932. His pieces feature patterns and colors found in mosaics. Bulgari also transformed old coins into jewels. His boutiques can be found in Hong Kong, Geneva, Milan, New York, London, Singapore, Tokyo, and Paris. In 1998 at an auction, a Bulgari brooch sold for $1,186,400.

Louis-Francois Cartier

In 1847, French watch and jewelry maker Louis-Francois Cartier opened up shop, but his grandsons Pierre, Louis, and Jacques built Cartier into an empire. The Cartier Museum began in 1983, and Cartier became a member of Vendome Luxury Group in 1993.

Joseph Chaumet

Originally founded under a different name, this firm was Napoleon’s official jeweler, and other clients included Empress Josephine and Empress Marie-Louise. After Napoleon’s fall, Jean-Baptiste Fossin and Jules, his son, took over. Joseph Chaumet took over in 1889 and changed its name. This change of ownership took Chaumet to an international level, and it served European royal houses.

Laurence Graff

Graff Diamonds, founded in 1960 in London, created jewelry using the rarest gems possible. Graff has handled a few of the most treasured gemstones in the world, such as The Begum Blue, The Idol’s Eye, and The Emperor Maximillian. Locations exist in New York City, London, Moscow, Dubai, and Monte Carlo.

Tiffany & Co

Beginning as an elegant goods store back in the 1800s, Tiffany & Co. found its niche by the 1950s in the jewelry industry. Louis Comfort Tiffany, the founder’s son, made and sold the most famous pieces. Other designers and George Frederick Kunz, famous gemologist, propelled Tiffany & Co. toward global jewelry fame. Tiffany & Co has over 100 locations globally today.

Harry Winston

Winston handled renown diamonds, such as the Vargas, the Jonker, and the Taylor-Burton. He donated The Portuguese, The Oppenheimer, and The Hope to the Smithsonian. Winston possessed almost a third of all well-known museum diamonds in his lifetime. After he died, his son Ronald continued and grew the dynasty, opening markets in Beverly Hills and Tokyo.

Whether operating locally or globally, famous jewelers contribute to a lasting legacy. Jewelers delight admirers with their art as they continue the tradition of making beautiful, memorable artwork.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Tips for Designing Teenage Jewelry

Designing_Teenage_JewelryTeenagers shop for jewelry more than other age groups. Analysts of the fashion market state that teens in America account for $33 billion per year of sales in the fashion and beauty industry, as more than 90% of them shop for clothing and accessories once a month or more.

Teenagers are seeking to establish their identity, and one element within their control is fashion. They choose their own jewelry, shoes, clothes, and hairstyles, and in so doing, they give themselves a unique identity. What they wear connotes what they believe, who they want to be, and what group they identify with.

Having a section of your business focus on the teenage jewelry business could be lucrative. Teens buy lots of jewelry for four central reasons:

1. Teens always seek something new. Teen trends usually last only about 6-12 months. They love to look at every item they haven’t seen before.

2. Adults often buy jewelry as a gift for teens, especially around holidays.

3. Most teens love shopping, and some have a good amount of money to spend. Their income is usually stable, as it can come from many sources, such as parents, babysitting, part-time work, and gifts, and they don’t mind spending it on what is important to them at the moment they see it.

4. Since the teen population is expanding and is expected to do so for many years, spending among teens will likely increase.

Teen_Jewelry_Design_Tips
Teen Jewelry Designing Tips

- Keep up with celebrity styles. Check MTV and teen magazines to see what is being worn by pop stars, young actors, and bands. The entertainment industry significantly influences teen fashion.

- If you know any teenagers, ask them for ideas and opinions.

- Go into a Hot Topic store at a local mall.

- Bear in mind that teens usually don’t wish to wear something their parents would. Just because an adult designer would wear it doesn’t mean it would appeal to a teenager.

- Spiritual symbols are popular among teens. They are seeking to believe in something and often look for symbols of beliefs with which they want to be associated.

- Price some of your jewelry at $15 or less to tempt them with an impulse buy. Teens usually can’t pass up the irresistible pull of an affordable quality piece.

- Body jewelry - both pierced and nonpierced styles, are very popular among teens. Toe rings, ankle bracelets, and other jewelry set will be a hit, especially in warm climates or the summer season when skin is exposed.

- Young men wear jewelry now more than ever. Rugged, masculine teen jewelry includes hemp, leather, rubber, beads, and silver or pewter.

- Most teens avoid gaudy, outlandish jewelry. Teen jewelry needs to be simultaneously cool and wearable.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Tips for Choosing Men Wedding Ring

Are you a man or woman who have an important decision to make (among a myriad of other decisions) about mens wedding rings. That’s it. Maybe that’s you, maybe not. But you both have to think about it. Do people in your relationship wear one?

Mens wedding rings begin since the second world war, modern man has begun to publicly display their marital status with a man wearing a wedding ring. Before that it is rarely a man wearing a ring when he married. Men are able to hide their marital status behind the tradition that required a woman to wear a wedding ring, but not human. See also the story behind the engagement rings.

But during the war many U.S. soldiers choose to wear a men’s wedding ring as a public symbol of marital status while they went to war and who have started a tradition for modern man. Now it is very common for a man to wear a mens wedding ring, perhaps the norm.

Army_Wedding_Rings.jpg
So, what should the decision be made? Well the first is this. Does he wear one? That’s probably the most difficult decisions in the process.

For a woman there is no decision. She moves, she wants the ring. For him he needed an engagement ring and wedding ring, and expensive engagement ring at the time. But for a man it is not so straight forward.

So a very important part of this process is for you both talk about it. Do you both have strong feelings about the man wearing a wedding ring man, one way or the other? Does she feel that if he were to publicly display her marital status is only fair that he do the same? Does he have any doubts about wearing a ring and if so what are they? You both need to talk about your feelings about the use of man wedding rings. Setting the foundation.

Once and if you have made the decision that he would wear a ring then just beginning. It is very likely to buy his property and matching wedding ring set. These are rings designed as matching sets for you both so that both your wedding rings go well together. So, you will find a suitable ring, or just buy her a ring and a focus on hers separately?

Next you must determine what type of ring. There is a whole world of designs for mens wedding rings out there. Large variety of styles and materials. A man makes a statement about himself in selecting the ring he will wear for his wife, and she is part of the statement that if he was actively involved in the decision.

Think about his personality. Is he out or embarrassed? Is he outrageous or conservative? Is he flamboyant? Earthy? When he buys clothes what he chose? Did she buy a tie full of flamboyant colors or relationship that fits the style appropriate? Does he wear clothes that make it stand out from the crowd or whether he prefers to blend in?

Choosing_Mens_Wedding_Rings
His wedding ring fit the needs of his personality. All of these characteristics, as well as many others, worn on your choice of ring. A man with a strong flamboyant personality would be much more likely to choose a ring that stands out. What set him apart from the crowd, saying “look at me”. On the other hand a man with a more conservative type of personality would probably prefer to say “I am married but I’m not going to shout from the roof” with the ring.

Similarly, thinking about his stature. Is he short or tall? Is it big or small? Does he have long slender fingers or stubby fingers? These characteristics also apply to the selected ring style.

So judging people before making a decision on her ring style.

One of the most common form of mens wedding ring is a simple band style. Often in gold or white gold, it is clear and straightforward. A simple statement of marital status and nothing else. But even amongst simple bands there are decisions to make. How wide? What color? What kind of material? new materials such as Titanium or Platinum have expanded the options that are very. Mens black Titanium rings really catch the eye. Or wedding rings between the materials to more traditional men’s sterling silver look amazing. Or brushed mens white gold wedding ring. The range of choices now is enormous.

And it’s not necessary to decide a single material. Mens two toned gold wedding ring, using white and yellow gold, are popular. Perhaps match the ring material with gemstones such as rubies or sapphires or even diamonds to create a stunning effect.

It’s very possible to get custom made rings or even design their own. Internet offers a variety of choices and also offer rings and other jewelry dramatically cheaper than traditional brick and mortar stores. Some online jewelry design offers its own mens wedding ring service so you can design a unique ring for you.

Mens Celtic Wedding RingsAnd if you want something really different why not consider mens celtic wedding bands? The range of options is endless, enough to satisfy even the most discriminating couples. And remember that for man this ring may be the only jewelry she would wear. Choice of male ring that you both make is a big one.

So, now you’re engaged, spend a little time to think about what you would do against a man wedding ring. Start talking about it with your partner. The more time you spend on it you will be happy with your final choice.

Monday, April 4, 2011

How to Clean Tarnished Silver and Gemstone Jewelry

Silver bangles and baubles need a good touch up once in a while, especially jewelry pieces that are engraved or etched. There are a few simple jewelry cleaning solution and tips which can drastically improve the condition of your favorite pieces and easily remove the buildup of tarnish from your silver jewelry. Cleaning your delicate silver jewelry is a snap with tried and true silver polisher or other silver jewelry cleaners as a tarnish dip solution. However, any chemical cleaner with a gritty consistency can do damage to your rings, bracelets and pendants, so be sure to test a cleaning solution between your fingers to ensure it has a mild and soft appeal.

Jewelry cleaning solution for sterling silver jewelry with engravings such as antique and vintage jewelry, may take a bit longer than an ordinary wash and wipe with your usual cleaning solution. For sparkling clean jewelry with deep etchings, you may use an ultra soft toothbrush to dip in the cleaner and lightly scrub in a circular motion into the imbedded design. Rinse well and pat dry for new found luster and a gleam.

Once your sterling silver is ship shape and ready for display, you will want to minimize the amount of times you are going to have to clean it. Tarnish prevention strips are excellent and can last three to four months keeping your silver looking great. In addition, plain chalk gets rave reviews to stave off the tarnish bug and may be the most economical choice for stores with large amounts of silver jewelry to clean.

Silver_Gemstone_Jewelry
Different metals and stones require different cleaning techniques so please ensure you are following the relevant instructions. If your gold or silver jewelry contains softer porous gemstones you should follow the cleaning instructions for the gemstones and not the metal, these gemstones are quite sensitive and can be damaged easily.

To clean silver jewelry which contains gemstones create a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Now gently buff small sections of the jewelry taking care not to touch the gemstone. Rinse and dry to complete the process. If the jewelry is heavily tarnished or still requires cleaning you may require a specialized silver cleaning paste or professional jewelry cleaning solution. Keep in mind that the harsher the cleaner the more likely your jewelry will be damaged.

Finding and Buying Vintage Jewelry

Seeking Vintage jewelry is fun but as a buyer you should remember a few key things that will help you find pieces that are not about to fall apart. Especially if you are just starting a collection or just want a piece or two of vintage jewelry for a special occasion. To begin with, the heavier the piece, the older it is. Pieces from the twenties were made of pot metals, such as brass and steel, and are more substantial. Pieces made after World War II often contain plastics and aluminum.

Look for the designer’s signature on the back. Pieces signed by Hattie Carnegie, Sarah Coventry, and Miriam Haskell are assembled better than those without names. Look for it on the rhinestone balls or the clasp backs.

Notice the type of clasp on the piece. Many old pieces have hook-like C-clasps which come undone too easily. Around the time of the sixties, sturdier clasps came into popularity. These resemble the lobster claw kind used today.

Don’t shy away from a piece because of grime. You can have it cleaned by a watch cleaner, who will usually charge less than a jewelry specialist, or you can clean it using light steel wool. You can buff off tarnish or dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and swab it.

Vintage_Jewelry_PicturesYou can find vintage jewelry auction on eBay by going to Jewelry and Watches, then clicking Vintage and Antique. Categories on the left side of the page help you narrow your search by type.

The keyword search function lets you search for specific words. As you go deeper into the website, you can narrow your search by subcategory. If you are unable to find what you seek, try looking in eBay Stores, or go to the eBay Community and create a post under Want It Now, or you can save your search on My eBay, and they will alert you when the item comes available.

Remember to figure shipping costs into your price. If the item is expensive, see to it that the seller insures the item. For more information from a seller, just click the “Ask seller a question” link under their profile. Be sure to make your transaction on eBay with either Buy It Now, a bid, or Best Offer, so that you will be covered by their protection programs. Do not pay through MoneyGram or Western Union. PayPal is the safe option, because you can pay the seller without them viewing your account numbers. PayPal offers 100% buyer protection, and your purchase is covered to $1,000.

Notice the seller’s rating and the number of transactions they have completed. Look at their positive response percentage and read the buyer feedback before purchasing from them. By doing a bit of research on antique shops, vintage jewelry auction or other vintage pieces and the individual selling them, you can protect yourself and make a quality purchase at a reasonable price.

Choosing jewelry is much like choosing clothing, and so it is with vintage jewelry. Vintage custom jewelry should be something that you feel comfortable with, yet is a great way of adding a little flair to your jewelry box. Whether choosing costume or Vintage jewelry, accessorizing with just the right rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings is a great way to give a finishing touch to any outfit.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

How to Treat Jewelry Allergies

Jewelry allergy is one of the most common allergies we see, particularly with all the body piercing case that we've seen lately. If you suffer from jewelry allergies you are likely to develop symptoms such as rashes, swelling and itching when coming into contact with jewelry. This is usually caused by the nickel in the metal from which the jewelry is made of. Individuals who are allergic to metals such as nickel may develop conditions such as contact dermatitis, which is a skin inflammation that is a form of irritation caused by foreign substance.

Nickel is a silvery-white metal found in nature. It is usually mixed with other metals to produce alloys. For example, nickel-iron, which is used to manufacture stainless steel, is the most common nickel alloy. In the jewelry world, Nickel is found in many forms of jewelry and is used as the alloy that add stability to soft metals such as silver. The reaction is most usually not to the pure silver or gold, but to the metal additive.

What can you do to fight this distressing condition? The first step is to recognize the various signs of jewelry allergies or metal additives. These "allergy alert jewelry" include:

• Skin rashes as well as itching around the piercing site. This reaction typically remains at the area of the jewelry but may occasionally spread.

• An itchy, tingling feeling when the jewelry is worn for over 20 minutes. An allergic reaction to nickel can occur quite fast and presents itself as a rash or blisters within only a couple of days.

If any of these symptoms arise, you should visit with a dermatologist (a physician specifically trained to diagnose and treat skin disease and allergies) so that you make sure that the diagnosis that is made is accurate. As the form of "allergy alert jewelry", it's important to have an accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment.

After determining whether or not you are suffering from an allergic reaction, you should decide which treatment option is the best for use. Methods for treating an allergic reaction include:

• Use earring sleeves or another coating to prevent jewelry from coming into contact with the skin.

• Visit a dermatologist to receive a prescription for a medication to treat the dermatitis which is caused by your allergy to jewelry. This includes topic corticosteroids which are used to reduce the inflammation.

• Depending upon the extent of the allergy, the condition may require antibiotics.

• Do not scratch the area surrounding the jewelry. This may cause the skin barrier to break which might allow any bacteria to pass into the bloodstream through the skin.

• Wear metals such as 18K gold, sterling silver, or stainless steel. This type of jewelry does not contain nickel. It is more expensive but is certainly worth it.

• Make sure that the skin heals thoroughly prior to using any other form of jewelry. As soon as an allergic reaction occurs, cease wearing the jewelry immediately.

In addition to avoid jewelry allergies, you should be careful with soap you used because when you use soap you are breaching the protective barrier of the skin. This will better enable the nickel in the metal of your bracelets, earrings and necklace to be absorbed. Therefore, do not use soap in the area you are wearing jewelry. However, please be aware that the "Jewelry allergy" information above is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

How to Measure Finger for Ring Size

Measuring finger to determine "ring size" is important. Knowing your ring size allows you to purchase the jewelry with confidence even if don't have the option of trying it on beforehand. This is especially true if you want to "buy jewelry online". Your ring should fit your finger comfortably - snug enough so that it will not fall off, but loose enough to slide over your knuckle.

To measure your finger, wrap either a strip of paper or string around your finger’s base, below your finger’s joint and near your knuckle. Mark the place where the paper or string overlaps and forms a circle. With a ruler, measure the section up to the mark. The following are measurements for the United States and Canada and their coinciding ring sizes:

Size 1 is equal to 40.8 mm or 1.61 inches
Size 2 is equal to 41.9 mm or 1.65 inches
Size 3 is equal to 44 mm or 1.73 inches
Size 4 is equal to 46.5 mm or 1.83 inches
Size 4.5 is equal to 47.8 mm or 1.89 inches
Size 5 is equal to 49 mm or 1.93 inches
Size 5.5 is equal to 50.3 mm or 1.98 inches
Size 6 is equal to 51.5 mm or 2.03 inches
Size 6.5 is equal to 52.8 mm or 2.08 inches
Size 7 is equal to 54 mm or 2.13 inches
Size 7.5 is equal to 55.3 mm or 2.18 inches
Size 8 is equal to 56.6 mm or 2.23 inches
Size 8.5 is equal to 57.8 mm or 2.28 inches
Size 9 is equal to 59.1 mm or 2.33 inches
Size 9.5 is equal to 60.3 mm or 2.37 inches
Size 10 is equal to 61.6 mm or 2.43 inches
Size 10.5 is equal to 62.8 mm or 2.48 inches
Size 11 is equal to 64.1 mm or 2.52 inches
Size 11.5 is equal to 65.3 mm or 2.57 inches
Size 12 is equal to 66.6 mm or 2.62 inches
Size 12.5 is equal to 67.9 mm or 2.67 inches
Size 13 is equal to 69.1 mm or 2.72 inches


Warnings and Tips to Measure Ring Size :

• Men’s and women’s ring sizes are exactly the same.

• Half sizes are for those whose measurements fall in between whole numbers.

• The best time of day to measure your finger is late afternoon or evening, because your fingers swell. Finger size changes depending on the time of day and the weather. For best results measure your finger size at the end of the day and when your fingers are warm. Fingers are smaller in the early morning and when cold. Measure finger size 3 to 4 times will be better to eliminate an erroneous reading. Avoid using string or paper to measure ring size as these materials can stretch or twist, yielding an inaccurate measurement.

• If you want to be completely certain that you have your ring measurement correct, then you should go to a local retailer, such as Walmart or Target, and have the clerk at the jewelry counter measure your finger for you. They will tell you your size without pressuring you to buy anything, whereas if you go to a jewelry store to get your measurement, they will persistently try to sell you rings.

For the most accurate reading, measure the finger at the end of the day when the finger is the largest. After sliding the ring sizer on, make sure it slides off fairly easily over the knuckle, and remembers do not measure cold fingers because this is when fingers are their smallest. Although, in most cases, you can have a ring re-sized by a jeweler after it has been purchased, it's still a smart idea to know what your "ring size" is before exchanging money.

Tips for Buying Jewelry Abroad

When "shopping jewelry" online you may find that the store you are buying from is located in a completely different country to yourself. Buying jewelry online from a different country you may find that you have made a great saving on your purchase but then realize that the saving you have made has just been spent on shipping the item to you. So, if you have the opportunity to visit it directly, at once as your next vacation plan, why not? Shopping overseas for the holidays affords you with a wonderful opportunity to purchase unique jewelry without worry about the shipping cost, unless you are "buying jewelry abroad" in large quantities.


These following guide will assist the traveling shopper with what jewelry to buy where for the best cost possible.

Turkey
While in Topcap castle, you may try on jewelry which sultans gave to their wives. The largest diamond in the castle was discovered in a giant pile of old things. The main shopping region in Istanbul is the tented market at Grand Bazar. The selection is vast and rich. Laleli, however, is smaller, and the risk of buying jewelry of unknown origin is greater.

Thailand
The risk of getting a counterfeit in this country is high, so be wary. However, Thailand does sell the cheapest and best genuine pearls. Millionaire’s Island offers great bargains, and visitors can see the act of the pearls being cultivated. Many jewelry experts agree that Thailand’s gems are colored nicely but that the processing is not the best. They suggest buying local trinkets gemmed with genuine small granites.

Jerusalem, Israel
Israel has long been the world’s leader in the processing of gems. The best place to invest in jewelry here is the National Center of Diamonds or the Stern chain. Gold in Israel is more costly than in Emirates or Turkey. In Israel, you can find the globe’s latest trendy and classic jewelry collections. A unique opportunity in Israel is the option to buy souvenir-jewelry from the local galleries and museums.

New York City, The United States
New York City is considered the jewelry center of the world. The greatest designers, makers, and top-rate watch companies make their headquarters there. Tiffany’s and Cartier at the crossroads of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue contain jewelry masterpieces. However, the shops on 47th Street offer more acceptable prices, and their quality is next to that of Tiffany’s and Cartier. Guggenheim Jewelry Museum has a gift shop with a great selection of jewelry. Metropolitan Museum Shop offers excellent counterfeits. The quality and look rivals that of genuine pieces.

Paris, France
Women of Hollywood have made Paris the place to buy accessories to complement their celebrity outfits for public appearances. French residents always buy something for each new season. Chain stores with lower prices than boutiques include C&A, Samariten, and Lafaette. Samariten is a Parisian favorite.

The glittery appeal of jewelry has conquered the entire world. In nearly any city of any country, fine pieces can be found without having to travel in quest of luxurious jewelry. If you do wish to make jewelry purchasing while on vacation part of your adventure, then the jewelry will bring you joy with its beauty and always call to your mind the exhilarating experience of finding the treasure.

If you are interested in buying jewelry abroad during vacation, do your research at home. Learn about the stones and what to look for. Search the internet for reputable dealers - they're out there. Being a tourist can put you into a special state of mind and you're in the mood to indulge yourself, and jewelry can be quite a temptation. You won't get the bargain the others are touting, but you will pay fairly for the real thing. "Buying jewelry abroad" can give you a fantastic souvenir, just be aware of the pitfalls!