Senin, 20 Desember 2010

Christmas Jewelry Gift Ideas

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Christmas Jewelry: Buy Diamond Christmas Jewelry - My Jewelry Box
Find the perfect Christmas jewelry at MyJewelryBox. Looking for that perfect gift idea to give the one you love this Christmas? Holiday shopping does not ...
http://www.myjewelrybox.com/?section=lp&lpID=400

Christmas Jewelry: Christmas Jewelry Gift Idea, Gift Idea for Christmas
Gorgeous Christmas Jewelry Gifts at up to 80% off! Enjoy 30-day returns and FREE shipping on orders over $150. Amazing selection and value, only at ANGARA!
http://www.angara.com/Gifts/Chrismas-Jewelry-Gifts

Christmas Gift Ideas
In Blue Nile Recommends, you'll find guidance to help you sort through all your options to find just the right diamond or jewelry item.
http://www.bluenile.com/jewelry/gifts

Jewelry Gifts - Christmas Gifts.com
Jewelry gifts from Christmas Gift.com. A selection of Jewelry gifts to make it easy to find that perfect christmas gift!
http://www.christmasgifts.com/jewelry-gifts.php

Jewelry Gift Ideas
Get an exuberant range of artistically crafted jewelry to present your loved ones with the apposite jewelry pieces at our Jewelry Gift Ideas section.
http://www.b2cjewels.com/giftideas.aspx

Senin, 13 Desember 2010

Chocolate Pearls

Chocolate~Pearl~Silver~Twist~Best~EditedNatural-color chocolate pearl

Pearls are natural gems and for centuries were admired and considered a precious ornament. Pearl are of several types and varieties that vary in color, shape, size and value.
The most ideal pearls are normally very smooth and perfectly round. The most precious ones are the rarest to find. Because of its value and worth, cultivation of freshwater pearls has already been popularized by entrepreneurs.

Although mass produced versions are a lot cheaper than hard-to-find ones, freshwater pearls have found its way to the accessory market by offering a less-expensive versin and knock-off of true ones. However, since the valued ones are very hard to source and are often very distinguishing in lustre, color and shape than produced pearls, there is still a great clamour and the demand for the genuine types among the elite segment of the society.
Among the new precious pearls that recently saw its way to the jewelry and pearl industry are the chocolate pearls.

Chocolate pearls are often described as exquisite and exotic pieces which are cultured to perfection. Most manufacturers source chocolate pearls from Tahiti and Hawaii, where some of the world’s largest cultivators of pearls can be found. These pearls are either sourced from fresh waters or the South Sea or saltwater. Hence, they are classified as freshwater or south sea.


info & images credit: http://www.jewelrybloguncovered.com
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Chocolate Pearls, Chocolate Tahitian Pearl Rings, Hawaiian Chocolate Jewelry
Hawaii's largest fine jewelry manufacturer and retailer offers a Chocolate Tahitian Pearls Collection. Our chocolate pearls set in white gold, yellow gold, ...
http://www.mauidivers.com/Island-Pearls/Chocolate-Tahitian-Pearls/

Identification of “Chocolate Pearls” Treated by Ballerina Pearl Co.
Because of their attractive brown coloration, they came to be known as “chocolate pearls.” Some in the trade press suggested that the unusual hues were the ...
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-features/feature_chocolate-pearls.html

Chocolate Pearls
Chocolate pearl necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets are exceptional pieces of jewelry. Chocolate pearls can range from bronze to brown and ...
http://www.thepearloutlet.com/chocolate-pearls.htm

How Chocolate Pearls Are Made | eHow.com
How Chocolate Pearls Are Made. According to the Gemology Institute of America (GIA), mysterious chocolate pearls are actually black Tahitian pearls,
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4963910_how-chocolate-pearls-made.html

Colored Pearls - Boutiques - Zales
Shop for Colored Pearls at Zales - America's diamond store since 1924 - for ... Chocolate Cultured Freshwater Pearl and Smoky Quartz Leverback Earrings in ...
http://www.zales.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3013383

Senin, 06 Desember 2010

Guide to Selecting and Buying Pearls

Unlike diamonds and colored gems, pearls do not have an internationally accepted grading method. To buy the best pearls at the best price you have to know the value factors for pearls and how to look for them. Here’s what you need to know to buy pearls like a pro:

There are six primary factors that affect the value and quality of a pearl. These are:
  1. Luster and Orient
  2. Nacre Thickness
  3. Color
  4. Complexion
  5. Shape
  6. Size
Luster — A fine pearl must have luster. Luster is the way the pearl absorbs and refracts light from deep within the pearl. Luster is a moonish glow, not a surface reflection. Luster is graded from very high to very low. A pearl with very high luster will be vibrant with sharp, bright and intense light reflection. Pearls with low luster will appear hazy, dull or chalky.

To examine pearls for luster roll them in your hand under different types of medium light and gauge the brightness and sharpness of the reflection. Make sure the luster is uniform within each pearl and between each pearl. Compare different strands of pearls and you will quickly begin to appreciate subtle but important differences. Japanese Akoya pearls set the standard for pinpoint, mirror-like luster.

Orient — Orient is an iridescent play of colors created when the pearl’s nacreous layers act as a prism to divide the penetrating light into the colors of the rainbow. Orient is like a ring around the sun as it burns through the fog, a swirly slide of color that shifts with the movement of the pearl.

Nacre Thickness – You must only buy pearls with thick nacre. Nacre is what the oyster secretes to create the pearl. Pearls with thick layers of nacre are pearls that will last. When the layers of nacre are nicely aligned they capture and reflect light to beautiful effect. Your best indicators of nacre thickness are luster and orient. A pearl with very high luster and beautiful orient will have thick nacre.

Be wary of buying thin nacre pearls that have been “short harvested.” The longer a pearl stays inside the oyster the more layers of nacre it receives. But longer culturing times increase the opportunities for nature to mess with the color, shape and/or surface. Unscrupulous producers “short harvest” their crops to create round pearls with thin nacre coatings.

Thin nacre pearls have dull luster and little to no orient. Look for cracking or peeling surface layers. Examine the drill holes and look for clean, precise holes without rough edges. Roll the pearls in your hand and look for “winking,” or the appearance of the darker shell bead nucleus within. If you see any of these things walk away. Never buy pearls without a written guarantee of quality and satisfaction.

Color — Color is largely a matter of personal preference though some colors are rarer and valued higher.

Complexion — Pearls with the fewest and smallest surface blemishes command the highest prices. Some blemishing is natural and should be expected. Roll the pearl in your fingers and look for movement, which is a blemish that catches your eye when it passes. Avoid pearls with movement.

Shape — The rounder the pearl the higher the price. Be wary of sellers charging full-round prices for off-round pearls – especially with findings or settings that hide part of the pearl. Get it in writing and make sure your satisfaction is guaranteed. All Seabourn Pearls are backed with an unconditional 90-day money back guarantee.

Size — Generally speaking the bigger the pearl the higher the price. Big pearls are harder to produce and therefore rarer. A small increase in size can mean a big increase in price.

There are two other criteria worth mentioning. The first is “the make” or matching. Matching a strand of 30, 40, 50 or more pearls for color, size, shape, luster and orient requires a skillful eye sorting through thousands of pearls. You should expect to pay a premium for matched strands, especially in rare colors such as aubergine and peacock Tahitian pearls, deep gold South Sea pearls, and baroque freshwater pearls in single colors.

The final value factor is what we call “Simpatico.” To be worn well pearls must complement a woman, her skin tone, the color of her eyes and hair. Pearls must be worn to know if they fit. When they do we call them simpatico.

To buy pearls like a pro look them over carefully with your eyes and hands and make a quick judgment about whether or not you find them beautiful and alluring. Your pearls will call to you. Value is ultimately a function of supply and demand. Buy what you like. You may compromise on any value factor with the exception of luster. It’s lustrous – or leave it.

Buy pearls from someone you trust who specializes in pearls. When you invest in pearls get a detailed bill of sale that specifies color, luster, size, shape, complexion, etc. Insist upon a written guarantee of quality and satisfaction that entitles you to a cash refund (not store credit). Get a guarantee. Get it in writing. Or get out of there.

info & images credit: http://seabournpearls.com/guide-to-buying-pearls/

Jumat, 03 Desember 2010

The Turquoise Gemstone : The Stone of Wisdom and Spiritual Journeys

The Turquoise Gemstone : The Stone of Wisdom and Spiritual Journeys


left; http://www.turquoisejewelry.biz/
right: http://www.jewelry.com/2209-12-fn-turqouise-jewelry.shtml
Although turquoise is mined around the world, the most famous turquoise jewelry comes from the southwestern United States. Without question, the Navajo and Zuni silversmiths from the Four Corners region of New Mexico and Arizona produce the finest. They create myriad forms of inlaid turquoise and silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, brooches, belt buckles, bola ties, watchbands, and even barrettes.

Nor will you have trouble recognizing the style. It's as distinctive as it is beautiful. Turquoise and shells are meticulously cut, fitted and inlaid contiguously in handcrafted silver jewelry, then sanded and polished to perfection. Some of the more contemporary versions include channel setting. The best of Native American turquoise silver jewelry still stands as a cultural expression of a proud people with a remarkable heritage, shown through the magnificence of their craftsmanship and imagination.

In addition to shell, the contemporary stylists of turquoise jewelry have also spun off tradition by combining a variety of other inlays, including lapis lazuli, purple sugilite, malachite, jet and coral. They also employ different types of shell, such as mother-of-pearl, spiny oyster, pink shell, white shell, melon shell and red abalone.

Turquoise is the birthstone for those born in December

Turquoise gemstones come in a wide range of natural colors and shades including blue, green and yellow-green. It is considered the birthstone of the month of December and the wedding anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 11th year of marriage. It is also attributed to the Zodiac sign Sagittarius.

For centuries, the most valuable turquoise was considered as originating in Iran (Persia). Areas of the Southwestern United States now compete with this honor."Persian Turquoise" is now generally used to refer to any turquoise stone that does not have the black or brown veining commonly found in turquoise mined in the United States and used in a style of jewelry created by the American Indians. The Aztecs mined turquoise and a significant amount of turquoise comes from New Mexico, California, Nevada and Arizona.

Turquoise has long been appreciated as a holy stone, a good-luck-charm or a mystical talisman. It is believed to promote good fortune, happiness, and long life.
December Ode to The gemstone Turquoise:

"If cold December gave you birth The month of snow and ice and mirth Place on your hand a turquoise blue Success will bless whate'er you do."

The Turquoise Gemstoneturquoise jewelry
left: http://fashionbuzz4us.blogspot.com/2010/07/stone-made-jewelry.html
right: http://flavorwire.com/55459/turquoise-schmurqouise-pantones-new-color-of-the-year

info credit:
http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/birthstones.htm
http://www.myjewelz.com/turquoise.asp

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Turquoise - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium, with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. It is ...
Properties of turquoise - Formation - Occurrence - History of its use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turquoise

Turquoise gemstone meaning
Turquoise Gemstone meaning. Turquoise is one of the oldest protection amulets, and was also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures.
http://crystal-cure.com/turquoise.html

Natural Turquoise Gemstone | December Birthstone | Turquoise Crystal Color
Read this before you buy your natural turquoise gemstone. Best turquoise comes from persia. Treatments such as dyeing, waxing oiling, plastic impregnation ...
http://www.gehnabazaar.com/gemstones/53/turquoise.html

Turquoise - The Healing Gemstone
Turquoise is one of the semi precious gemstones. The color of this stone ranges from sky blue through various shades of green to greenish and yellowish gray ...
http://hubpages.com/hub/Turquoise---The-Healing-Gemstone

Selasa, 30 November 2010

The Topaz gemstone : The Stone of True Love and Success

Topaz is one of the twelve breastplate stones of the High Priest referred to in the Book of Exodus. The breastplate stones are considered sacred to twelve mighty angels who guard the gates to Paradise.

Silver Topaz is colorless and untreated. Colorless topaz is often irradiated and heat treated to form blue topaz. Silver Topaz is also called "white topaz".

Topaz is a gemstone of all colors, and its most valuable color is a golden orange-yellow, called "imperial topaz". Topaz is commonly thought of as a sky-blue gem, but it was not until this century that blue topaz became widespread on the gem market. Natural blue topaz with a deep hue is very uncommon in nature; colorless to light hued stones are heat-treated to achieve the blue color. Likewise, topaz rarely occurs naturally in pink; virtually all pink topaz is heat treated from yellow or brownish material.

Some topaz from Russian localities are notorious for fading upon prolonged exposure to light. Stones from these localities are undesirable as gems. One should always inquire about the origin of the topaz before buying it to make sure it will not fade.

Topaz of all different colors are used in jewelry. The orange, pink, and blue colors are most often cut for gems, and colorless topaz is sometimes cut with the brilliant cut, resembling diamond. Topaz is sometimes found as enormous flawless crystals, and some gigantic gems and faceted spheres have been formed from them, making unique and exquisite gem pieces. Topaz is rarely cut into cabochons.

Topaz meaning a soothing, empathetic stone that will direct energy to the place it is most needed. It heals and energizes. Topaz is a promoter of truth and forgiveness. Use it to find your own path.

Topaz is the birthstone for those born in November

The traditional birthstone for November is the topaz. (Citrine is also considered a gemstone for November.) Topaz is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign Scorpio and the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary.

Topaz is a very durable and hard gemstone. It is rated 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is quite resistant to scratching. It is the hardest silicate mineral and one of the hardest minerals in nature.

As with other gemstones, Topaz has mystical properties associated with it. It has long been attributed with gentleness, integrity and fidelity and it thought to bring wearers love, wealth and protection. In a physical sense, topaz is thought to aid with poor appetite, gout, blood disorders, hemorrhages, and diseases of the endocrine system.

info credit:
http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/birthstones.htm
http://crystal-cure.com/topaz-white.html
http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/topaz/topaz.htm

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The gemstone topaz
Topaz is a gemstone of all colors, and its most valuable color is a golden orange-yellow, called "imperial topaz". Topaz is commonly thought of as a ...
http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/topaz/topaz.htm

Topaz - english
It cannot be proved conclusively whether the name of the topaz comes from the Sanskrit or the Greek, though the Greek name 'topazos' means 'green gemstone'.
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/topaz.html

Topaz - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the mineral or gemstone. For other uses, see Topaz .... A red topaz. Imperial Topaz Gem. Facet Cut Topaz Gemstones in various colors,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topaz

Topaz gemstone meaning
Gemstone: Topaz gem stone meaning. ... Topaz gemstone meaning. Topaz is one of the twelve breastplate stones of the High Priest referred to in the Book of Exodus.
http://crystal-cure.com/topaz-gem.html

Gemstone Meanings: Meaning of Crystals Spiritual Healing Chakra Balancing Metaphysical Gem Stones
18 Sep 2010 ... Gemstone Meanings by GemStoneGifts Handmade Jewelry™ Handmade Jewelry ... THE MEANING OF TOPAZ. "The stone of true love and success"
http://www.gemstonegifts.com/stones/topaz.htm

Minggu, 28 November 2010

The Opal Gemstone : The Queen of Gemstones

History and General Information of Natural Opal Gemstone

The word opal comes from a combination of the Sanskrit word ‘upala’ and the Latin word ‘opalus’, both of which mean precious stone’ The opulent flashes of color that are displayed by the opal gemstone cannot be compared to any other gemstone, making it phenomenally popular the world over. It has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because of the special display of all colors of the rainbow.

The opal rough was first mined in Czechoslovakia (former Hungary) in the 14th century. However, in the 1800’s the gem lost its popularity since it was associated with bad luck. Like the many hues of its flashing colors, myriad legends are associated with the opal. While the Romans believed that the gem was a sign of love and hope, the Arabs believed that the gem fell from the heavens to flash its light on earth. Australian legends will have us believe that a huge opal governs the stars and the gold mines, guiding human love.
On the other hand it is also believed that the gem was actually a devil hiding in the ground with destructive flashes of wicked magic. Opal gemstones are delicate and therefore requires careful handling. However, the sheer beauty of this gemstone outweighs this disadvantageous physical property.

The play of color makes the opal one of the favorite gemstones for jewelry. Opal jewelry like opal rings, opal earrings, opal pendants, opal wedding rings, black opal mens rings, opal engagement rings and even antique opal rings have become fairly popular. Irrespective of whether the jewelry is made of australian opals, black opals, pink opals, cherry opals or any other specific opal type, the display of colors is what makes each item look fantastic.

The chemical composition of opal gem stone is a hydrous silicate di-oxide (SiO2 + nH2O). The specific gravity ranges between 1.98 and 2.20 and the refractive index ranges from 1.44 to 1.46. The hardness of the opal on the Mohs scale is generally between 5.5 and 6. The opal is mostly made up of silica and is a very delicate stone. It also contains a significant amount of water (usually between 3 and 10 percent). In most cases, the gem is accompanied by fair amounts of cristobalite.

Opals are classified according to the base or body color and the play of color that it displays. The five main types of opals commonly seen in gemstone trade circles are:

1) Black opal
2) White opal
3) Crystal opal
4) Water opal
5) Fire opal

Opals are the birthstone for those born in October

The opal is considered the birthstone for the month of October. The opal is also the gemstone for the 13th wedding anniversary. The opal has often been called the "Queen of Gemstones." It takes its name from the Latin word upala, which means precious stone. This stunning gemstone has flashes of rainbow-like colors when it is viewed from different angles. This color combination is created by silica spheres which are contained within the opal.

Opals have been mined in various locations around the world but, by far, the largest deposits have been found in Australia - with 95% of the world's opals originating there. Other sources of mines include Mexico, Africa, the US, Brazil, parts of the old Soviet Union and a few other areas in South America.

There are many metaphysical properties associated with opals. For centuries, people have believed in the healing power of opals. They are thought to help with depression and to enable the wearer to find true love and happiness. Some believe that they enhance the positive qualities of those born under the signs of Cancer, Aries and Scorpio.

The opal is said to be many things including the most powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and even the "stone of the Gods". It is said to be the stone of love, but only to faithful lovers. The opal will bring misfortune to an unfaithful lover.

info credit:
http://www.gehnabazaar.com/gemstones/45/opal.html
http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/birthstones.htm
http://crystal-cure.com/opal-gem.html

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The gemstone opal
Some forms of Mexican fire opal are faceted into several gemstone cuts, and others as cabochons. Opal matrix and boulder opal (layer of precious opal on top ...
http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/opal/opal.htm

Encyclopedia of Gemstones - Opal. Opal's color, characteristics of Opal, varieties of Opal, mystical power of Opal, healing ability of Opal, Opal's history
Opal is extensively used as a gemstone. Various forms of common opal are widely mined for use as abrasives, insulation media, fillers, ...
http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/opal.html

Natural Opal Gemstone | Precious Opals | Opal Gem Types and Colors | Synthetic Opal Information
Natural Opal gemstones are delicate and therefore requires careful handling. Price, cost and buying guide of opal gem is mentioned here.
http://www.gehnabazaar.com/gemstones/45/opal.html

Opal, Gemstone in India
6 Jul 2010 ... Opal, Gemstone in India - Informative & researched article on Opal, Gemstone in India from Indianetzone, the largest free encyclopedia on ...
http://www.indianetzone.com/27/opal_gemstones.htm

Opal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
These color variations are a function of growth size into the red and infrared wavelengths. Opal is Australia's national gemstone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opal

Selasa, 23 November 2010

The Sapphire Gemstone : The Stone of Loyalty and Fidelity

Color is of paramount importance when judging the value of sapphire. The purer the blue of a natural sapphire, the greater the price the gemstone can command. Gems that are too dark or too pale are usually less valuable, but not necessarily less appealing. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and color preferences are subjective.

In recent years technology has perfected the process of heat-treating sapphires--exposing them to very high temperatures to eliminate impurities. In fact most sapphires on the market today have been heat-treated to improve clarity and color. This process is stable and does not affect the value of the gem, except at the highest level of the market.

Occasionally, colorless to pale blue sapphire is diffusion treated. This process alters the color of a gem by exposing the surface to certain chemicals (the same used by nature). The treatment is fairly stable, but it is confined to the surface of the gem only. This could create a problem, if the sapphire is ever badly chipped or nicked and needs to be recut or repolished. Diffusion treatment is not the same as heat treatment. My Jewelz only sells natural or stable, heat-treated sapphires of exceptional color in our Gem Store exclusive collection.

Additionally, some fancy sapphire is irradiated to produce intense shades of yellow or orange. This process, however, is not very stable. The temporary color produced by this method can quickly fade in light or heat. It is important to buy fine sapphire from a reputable retailer who will provide, in writing, all pertinent information regarding the gem including enhancements and special care notes.

A gem's clarity and cut also factor into its cost, as well as carat weight. Better quality sapphires are usually eye-clean with some inclusions under magnification. Sapphire is more available in sizes under two carats, but gems of 5 to 10 carats are not unusual. Sapphire reaches a far greater size than ruby.
Sapphires are the birthstone for those born in September

The sapphire is considered the modern and traditional birthstone for the month of September. It is also given as gifts for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversary. The word sapphire comes from the Greek word "sappheiros" which means precious stone. It is highly prized as gemstones. Sapphires have long been worn by priests, who associate the stone with purity, and also kings who thought that they symbolized wisdom. They have been used in Vintage and Antique jewelry since early times.

Sapphires are a member of the corundum family, as are rubies. All colors of corundum other than red are considered sapphires, but colors other than blue are called "fancy sapphires." The most prized color is cornflower blue.

Metaphysical qualities associated with sapphires are that they enable the wearer with clairvoyance and insight. The healing properties associated with the gem are that it is effective for health problems relating to hearing problems, cancer and burns. It also is supposed to lower fevers and aid in inflammation.
The largest sapphire in the world was discovered in 1995 in Burma and is called The Millennium Sapphire. It is a massive 61,500 carats and is exhibited world wide.

info credit:
http://vintagejewelrylane.com/information/birthstones.htm
http://www.myjewelz.com/sapphire.asp

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The gemstone sapphire
In the gem trade, sapphire refers to the blue variety of corundum. However, excluding red ruby, it scientifically encompasses all other gem varieties of ...
http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/sapphire/sapphire.htm

Sapphire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sapphire (Greek: σάπφειρος; sappheiros "blue stone") is a gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3), when it is a color other ...
Natural sapphires - Mining - Synthetic sapphire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapphire

Sapphire - english
If there is talk of the sapphire, most gemstone aficionados think immediately of a velvety blue. It's a versatile colour that becomes many wearers.
http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/sapphire.html

Sapphire Gemstone Information
Sapphire Gemstone Information from the American Gem Trade Association - AGTA.
http://www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com/gemstones/sapphire.asp

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