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5 Tips for Buying Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Online

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:07:04 +0000

Genuine handcrafted silver jewelry is as beautiful as it is unique. Whether you’re looking for pieces to add to your collection or are shopping for gifts, there are excellent online sources for handmade earrings, pendants, rings, barrettes, and necklaces. For a wonderful buying experience, follow these five tips.

1. Find a reputable source. This may go without saying, but don’t confuse commercially manufactured jewelry with handcrafted silver jewelry. The latter is made by artisans that take great pride in their work. It’s helpful to look for a company that has been in business for decades, and that has been selling online for at least five years.

2. Take advantage of customization. When jewelry is handmade, it can be customized in any number of ways, from the lengths of chains to the types of gemstones used in pendants and rings. You don’t need to settle for “almost good enough.” Instead, you can get the piece you’ve always dreamed of, in exactly the right size.

3. Measure carefully. Because customized pieces generally aren’t returnable, it’s important to make sure that the handcrafted silver jewelry you order will fit. It only takes a few minutes to get a good measurement, and doing so will ensure that the necklace or ring you order will be exactly what you want. For rings, ask a friend to take a piece of string, put it around the knuckle or largest part of your finger, and mark the string. To determine the size, hold the string against a tape measure and compare your measurement to the website’s sizing chart. If you’re in between sizes, it’s best to go with the larger size. You can also use string to measure for bracelet, necklace, or anklet lengths.

4. Do your gemstone research. The best online jewelry sites have a wealth of information on gemstones. Before you order, read up on the gemstones you are considering. It’s important to know, for example, that aquamarine can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, but that ultrasonic and steam cleaning may damage the stone. Similarly, you may know that pearls are delicate and can easily absorb liquids, but you might not know that turquoise is also porous and can easily become stained.

If you’re going to order jewelry with gemstones, it’s also crucial to know whether the stones are natural or if their colors have been enhanced. Reputable artisans will freely share this information. Don’t be alarmed, however, if the stones have been heated or irradiated to intensify or change their colors. Naturally colored rubies, sapphires, and topaz, for example, are extraordinarily rare; it is an accepted practice within the jewelry industry to enhance gemstone colors.

5. Invest in the real thing. Silver jewelry is gorgeous, but only if it’s real silver. Make sure that the online source you select uses either sterling silver (.925 or 92.5 percent silver) or fine silver (99.9 percent pure silver). When you invest in handcrafted silver jewelry, you’re not only buying a piece you will treasure, but one that is likely to become an heirloom for future generations.

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Related Extreme Makeover Tags: barrettes, bracelets, chains, earrings, gifts, handcrafted silver jewelry, handmade, jewelry, jewelry, pendants, Rings

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Handcrafted Silver Jewelry: The Plus-Size Woman’s Dream

admin — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:04:14 +0000

There’s little argument that we live in a world designed for our thinner sisters. Those of us who are more bountiful can often feel as though we’re on the outside looking in – especially when it comes to fashion accessories. Sure, we can buy accessories like barrettes and earrings, but when it comes to pendants on chains, bracelets, and rings, we’re often out of luck. The chains simply aren’t long enough, the bracelets are too tight, and the rings simply aren’t big enough. That’s why it’s a godsend to find handcrafted silver jewelry made by artisans who care enough to create lovely pieces that “fit” plus-size women.

Silver Chains

The challenges we face in the world of fashion accessories are often a matter of chain length. Whether for necklaces, bracelets, or anklets, the answer is to find chains that are custom-sized for any length. Thanks to the Internet, custom-length chains are only a few clicks away.

When you’re shopping for silver chains, look for a source that offers dozens of different kinds of chain. You’ll then have the same kind of selection that average-sized women have. Perhaps you like box, rope, or bar and link chain; maybe you like the elegant sophistication of herringbone or the more substantial Byzantine or Madeira styles. The bottom line is that you should have access to a wide variety of choices that are .925 sterling silver and that are priced by the inch.

Clasps and Fasteners

The telltale signs of quality bracelets and necklaces are the clasps and fasteners. When jewelry is assembled commercially, the fasteners are literally the weak links; all too often, they simply come apart and cause you to lose your chain. High quality handcrafted silver jewelry, on the other hand, has caps that are soldered on and jump rings that are soldered closed so that the ring connecting the clasp to the chain can’t open.

Rings to be Treasured

Gemstone rings are wonderful fashion accessories, but they also make great gifts. While there are traditional birthstones for every month (January – garnet; February – amethyst; March – bloodstone or aquamarine; April – diamond; May – emerald; June – pearl or moonstone; July – ruby; August – sardonyx or peridot; September – sapphire or lapis lazuli; October – opal or pink tourmaline; November – topaz or citrine; December – turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite), there are also astrological birthstones based on a Zodiac sign’s ruling planet.

You know that you’ve found a reputable establishment when it’s upfront about whether or not its gemstones have been enhanced. If a stone is not naturally mined, its description should indicate that it has, for example, been heated or irradiated (an accepted practice, since some stone colors – like ruby and sapphire – rarely occur in nature). Similarly, it should be noted if a stone is reconstituted from powder or stabilized using liquid acrylic. Again, the jewelry industry approves of these methods, but they should still be disclosed.

Final Tip: Bigger May be Better

As plus-size women, we have the luxury of being able to wear larger pieces of handcrafted silver jewelry. Don’t be afraid to opt for wider chains, larger earrings, or bigger gemstones. We can pull it off – beautifully!

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Related Extreme Makeover Tags: barrettes, bracelets, chains, earrings, Extreme makeover, gift ideas, gifts, handcrafted silver jewelry, handmade, jewelry, jewelry, make over xtreme, pendants, Rings

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Artfulwears Clothing

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Designer clothing is created to fit your body in the best way possible. The material that is used is much higher quality, and the style of the clothing is meant to flatter your body, not the mannequins. Designer clothing is made with much more care. If you’re shopping for the right designer clothing, Artful wears has it to suit your needs and style.

Women’s Clothing to Make You Look Fabulous

Many women find shopping for women’s luxury clothing difficult. They might enjoy trying things on, but find that nothing tends to suit them. These women often head to the discount stores rather than the fashion boutiques that carry amazing styles. If you’re one of those women, try leaving the department store and logging on to Artfulwears. Every year a number of different styles hit the fashion market, guaranteeing that there is something to suit every woman at Artfulwears. A trendy dresser probably feels justified in having more shoes or purses than anything else in her wardrobe. She enjoys wearing clothing that looks good, both on the rack and on her. We’re the ultimate online boutique for you.

Artfulwears Jewelry

One thing that always makes an outfit look finished is jewelry. It used to be that gold was the standard jewelry that everyone wore, but sterling silver jewelry has become much more popular and is now worn by famous women at all the big award shows. What makes the perfect accessory to any outfit? It truly depends on what kind of outfit you’re wearing. It is possible to wear a blue outfit and green earrings. It is possible to have a red ring and a pink shirt. That is one of the beauties of jewelry.

Artfulwears Handbags

It is good to remember that you’re not stuck with one bag once you get it. There are some women who have hundreds of handbags in their closets, and some who only keep their five or so favorite. A handbag is not like a tattoo: you can always get rid of the old one and get a new one! Artfulwears is a best company that provides you a various types of handbags as designer handbags.

Artfulwears Travel Goods

Nothing is more fun than traveling to other places. Fashion designers know that people are traveling more know than they ever have before, and they have come to the rescue, creating fun and flattering travel gear that is sure to make every traveler smile. Artfulwears that provides you a various types of travel goods bags as luxury clothing store, beautiful luxury suitcases, women’s fashion apparel.

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Choose The Perfect Wedding Band

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:52:00 +0000

Sher Matsen

You’re in the market for your wedding rings. You’ve put alot of
thought into them, and you don’t want the plain bands everyone
else is wearing. You want something different, more unique.
Here’s some ideas to toss around.

You can have custom bands done by a jeweler. You could pick a
theme that’s important to both of you. Or you could just choose a
style and design you both like. When you choose your jeweler make
certain he is creating a one of a kind set for you and then
disposing of the mold. Otherwise, your unique bands won’t be
unique for long. Choose a design and style that fits your likes
and lifestyle. It will give a hint of your personality and make
your fashion statement!

You can choose a different mix of metals. Titanium has become
very popular, as has stainless. You might find something a little
different in these metals. They won’t be truly unique, but they
won’t be common either. You can also choose from white gold,
platinum, gold, sterling, and a host of mixes.

Celtic bands have become very popular, offering a host of various
celtic knots. Dragon bands have also gained popularity. There are
some very unique and unusual Celtic Bands on the market. They are
works of art with plenty of history tied to the designs.

Engraving on the bands has become very popular. In the past one
might engrave something on the inside of the band, but these days
inscriptions are being engraved on the exterior as well.

Wanting to engrave them, but don’t want them to say the same old
thing you always see like your wedding date, or I love you. Then
come up with your original saying or inscription. Something that
is important to you.

Here are a few more unusual inscriptions you might want to
consider. Amor VIncit Omia [latin love conquers all], Now &
Forever, From This Moment On, Mon Coeur est a vous [French my
heart is yours],

If your looking for something funnier try Nonrefundable, All
sales final, Or I can’t return him/her I lost the manual.
Something simpler, try your wedding date with your initials, how
about the title of your wedding song, or the title of your
favorite song, My best friend, Love is Eternal. Symbols work
nicely also.

Uniqueness is dependant on you as a couple. By this time in your
relationship you know what is special to both of you, so choose a
theme and go with it!

Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.
Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving
customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry,
and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and
beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at
Estate Jewelry International.

http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

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Replacing Your Lost Wedding Ring

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:50:00 +0000

Imagine it’s Halloween evening and you’ve just gone to the door
to greet another eager child with your big bag of trick-or-treat
candy. You look down at the grinning costumed child with a smile
and share some kind words as you throw a generous handful of
tasty treats into his bag.

After the happy child leaves, you plop back down on the comfy
sofa and continue watching your favorite TV show until you decide
to go into the kitchen for a snack.

Just as you’re reaching for the milk, you realize with horror
that your wedding ring is gone! In a panicked state you search
the whole house for the ring, but find no trace of it anywhere.
After retracing your steps, you realize that the last time you
saw your ring was right before you handed out the candy to that
little boy with the adorable costume on.

My gosh! You’ve just given your precious wedding ring to a 7-year
old boy without a clue as to who he is or where he lives.

Maybe this sounds far-fetched but a similar incident recently
happened to a Massachusetts woman during Halloween. That little
boy’s candy bag contained something way more valuable than
Hershey bars.

Fortunately, her hometown police were able to track the child
down and return her wedding ring without too much trouble.

But what if you’re not so lucky?

Sometime wedding rings slip off and become lost down drainpipes,
sewers, on public transportation, while walking in the park,
while on vacation, etc.

For someone who’s lost their wedding ring, it’s often a
heart-wrenching experience. Because a wedding ring represents a
lifetime commitment between you and your mate, it may feel like
you’ve lost something irreplaceable. After all, that’s the ring
that was slipped on your finger when you said I do.

While it’s true that the emotional attachment that you feel for
your original ring will always be with you in your heart, at some
point, you’ll probably feel the need to purchase another wedding
ring to continue honoring your marriage and partnership.

Buying a new wedding ring may even be cathartic. You and your
partner could have a little celebration after you buy your new
wedding ring just to reaffirm that the sweet romance you still
feel for each other can never be lost.

Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.

http://www.1-love-rings.com

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Man Made Diamonds, The Affordable Alternative

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:45:00 +0000

Diamonds may be a woman’s best friend, but modern man made
diamonds are so good as to be indistinguishable from real
diamonds. And when you look at the huge savings on price, man
made diamonds may be a woman’s best decision.

Increasingly, engaged couples are considering the cost of some
wedding jewelry. In today’s high pressure high cost lifestyle
couples are really wondering whether or not it is appropriate to
spend big on, say, a diamond engagement ring.

The more spent on wedding jewelry the less available later for
the important things in the marriage, like a house. Or the kids
when they arrive. Is it responsible to spend so much to buy a
diamond engagement ring when these more important things may need
to be compromised later?

Especially when you consider that good quality man made diamonds
cannot be distinguished from real diamonds, even by jewelers.

Faux diamonds are big business. The pearl jewelry industry was
revolutionized by the advent of cultured pearls. Synthetic
diamonds are doing the same thing to the wedding jewelry
business.

There are a range of ways to produce synthetic diamonds. Modern
technology is very adept at making any product which will sell
well and faux diamonds are no exception. And the quality is so
good that many of the alternatives to diamonds perform
exceedingly well when compared to diamond using the common
diamond quality tests.

In such tests as hardness, refractive index, fire, brilliance,
luster and others the man made diamonds perform admirably.
Sometimes even better.

Brilliance is a test of the amount of light which enters the
stone and gets reflected back. It is affected by the quality of
the cut of the stone.

Fire is the ability of the stone to break light down into it’s
component colors and is also affected by the cut.Fire can be
seen as color coming out of the stone.

Luster is the amount of light reflected back from the surface of
the stone.

Moissanite, for example, outperforms diamond in brilliance, fire
and luster and is only very slightly lower on the hardness scale.
In fact a special piece of testing equipment had to be designed
so that jewelers could tell moissanite from diamond as so many
were unable to.

And, of course, moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds. And if
most jewelers cannot tell it apart from diamonds, could you?

There are a range of different processes used to produce a stone
which is a good diamond alternative. Most produce fine quality
stones which produce stunning quality jewelry which any woman
would be proud to wear.

Moissanite is not strictly a man made diamond though, as it is,
in fact, naturally occurring. Unfortunately it doesn’t occur in
sufficient quantities to be commercially viable for mining. But
technology has come to the rescue by devising a method of
producing high quality crystals.

Our preference for the best alternative to diamonds? Moissanite.
A fine jewelry stone which will make a stunning engagement ring,
or other jewelry piece. And you can buy moissanite wedding
jewelry at a fraction of the price of diamond wedding jewelry.

And when the kids come along, buy them something extra from us
from the money youDiamonds may be a woman’s best friend, but modern man made
diamonds are so good as to be indistinguishable from real
diamonds. And when you look at the huge savings on price, man
made diamonds may be a woman’s best decision.