Moissanite Rings for the Groom

As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens moissanite wedding rings become popular at an even faster rate. Wedding rings for men are here to stay and so are mens moissanite wedding rings.

What is moissanite I hear you ask? Moissanite is the newest jewelry stone which is taking the jewelry industry by storm. And whilst moissanite is popular amongst the women, mens moissanite wedding rings are taking off.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal, or jewel, which was only discovered in 1893. It was originally found in tiny quantities in a meteorite which had fallen in the Arizona desert. It was discovered by doctor Henry Moissan, after whom it was named.

It exhibits many of the qualities of diamonds and looks identical to diamonds to all but a few of the most experienced jewellers. So identical in fact that sohisticated equipment is needed to distinguish it from diamonds. Moissanite even outperforms diamonds in most of the natural qualities for which diamonds are so renowned. Most importantly, it is much cheaper.

Moissanite is second only to diamond in hardness, and is harder than any other jewel. It does not scratch, fade or change color. It has more brilliance than diamonds or any other popular gemstone.

It occurs naturally on earth but only in tiny quantities so it was not until the late 20th century that it became available in sufficient quantities for jewelry making. This followed extensive research on moissanite and the discovery of a reliable method of making it in a lab to very high quality.

Whilst a new jewel in its own right it was immediately compared to diamonds due to it’s high quality and much lower price. Now moissanite engagement rings are a hit amongst women, and mens moissanite wedding rings are following fast.

As a man does not generally wear an engagement ring his wedding ring may be the only piece of jewelry that he wears so mens moissanite wedding rings are designed to catch the eye, unlike womens wedding rings which are designed to complement the engagement ring rather than detract from it.

Many mens moissanite wedding rings are often set in either gold or two tone white gold/yellow gold. As moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds he has a choice of more stones and bigger ones, so often buys a ring with 2, 3, 4 or more stones in it. Moissanite is not graded in carat (karat) weight exactly like diamonds but it’s comparable diamond carat value is usually offered so that buyers can see exactly how much stone they are getting for their money compared to buying a diamond.

For example it is very possible to buy mens moissanite wedding rings with a number of moissanite stones of 3 to 5 mm diameter of somewhere around 1.5 carats (diamond equivalent weight) for around $500 - $800. Or a single moissanite stone of 7 to 8 mm diameter.

Compare that price to buying the same ring with equivalent diamonds and you will be very pleasantly surprised. And your ring will look just as good, or better, than the equivalent diamond ring. And usually the modern man understands that money spent at the start of the relationship is money that is not available later on when the important things, like kids and a house, arrive.

So men, if you really want a wedding ring that shows off exactly who you are with style and sparkle, but don’t want to spend so much money on it that it makes you uncomfortable, then a mens moissanite wedding ring has to be considered.

But which one? That’s up to you.

Exactly What is Body Jewelry?

Many of us do not know what body jewelry is all about. Many of us are used to things like rings, necklaces, and earrings. But, what about navel rings? What is it about navel piercing that has teenagers so engrossed in it? And it isn't a passing fad, just yet anyway!

Belly button rings and navel jewelry has become a hot marketing item these days. It is possible to find wholesale body jewelry as well as nicer, more pure types on the market. You may be able to find precious gems and stones imbedded in body jewelry as well. Depending on what you are willing to pay, you can find just about anything, any type, of body jewelry.

While popular among teens, body jewelry is a way of showing off style and _expression. It doesn't have to be in poor taste or tacky as many once thought. If you are interested in finding some styles to suit your personality, check out the many online retailers. You may start by checking local department stores or even going to your local mall and looking around the jewelry kiosks that are everywhere. But, you can find body jewelry online as well. To some, the thought of browsing for jewelry from the comfort of their home is wonderful! It this is you, do a simple search for what you are looking for. By typing into your favorite search engine, like Google or Yahoo, "belly button rings" you will surely be taken to a page full of perspective retailers. Worried about the safety of purchasing online? Don't be. It is said to be safer then going to a local mall. And, what's more, is the opportunity to find wholesale body jewelry is greater online then it is to find it in stores. Not worried about the price? The opportunity to find something that fits your tastes is also greater online. With so many designers, jewelers and retailers to choose from online, you are limited only by your imagination.

So, don't be too worried the next time you see a teen walking down the street with navel jewelry or body jewelry. It can be a great way to express yourself. Very stylish and a lot less tacky then it once was, body jewelry isn't just for teens anymore. For more information, just check out your local retailers or your nearest teenager!

Making a Fashion Statement With Earrings

Earrings are an important part of every woman’s wardrobe, whether we are headed for a day at the beach, to the office, or to a wedding. Your earrings give a subtle hint about your personality.

You can change the entire look and feel of your wardrobe by adding the right earrings. You can bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication, or elegance. For both men and women, today earrings are a definite fashion statement.

Earrings have been a part of human culture since 3000 BC. In past times, earrings actually established your position in society, because only royalty and very wealthy were able to afford expensive jewelry. Fine jewelry was worn by only the wealthy. The rest of the population also wore earrings to decorate their body, but they were replicas of high society jewelry.

There are many styles of earrings. There are quite literally thousands of choices. There is an earring style for every personality. Fine jewelry remains popular with precious stones such as sapphire and emeralds. Semi precious stones are also very popular. But even more popular are the costume jewelry earrings. These are affordable, look great, and are great for staying trendy and in style.

From dangles, to chandeliers, to droplets, to hoops, to studs. The choices and styles are never ending. If you don’t have pierced ears, no worries! These days there is a terrific selection or clip on earrings available. You can be dazzling, subtle, glamorous, sexy. You can be highly refined, professional, high classed, or fun and funky, and trendy!

You can never have enough earrings. Your earrings can add the finishing touches your outfit. Change your earrings and you can change the entire appearance of your look. Think about that little black dress you own. Add a pair of sapphire studs and you’ll be highly refined. Add a pair of large chandelier rhinestones and you’ll be Hollywood glamour. Add a pair of wood dangles, and a pair of flip flops and you’ll look fun and funky. Add a pair of red button earrings with a red bead necklace and you’ll be “so sexy.”

It’s amazing what a pair of earrings can do to your look! So keep a good selection of earrings on hand to meet all your fashion needs. Earrings are the most important wardrobe accessory you can own. You’ll get great value from your earrings. Choose earrings that meet your life style, your personality, and your tastes. There is no point in buying a pair of trendy earrings that you’ll never wear because they don’t feel like “you.”

Earrings also make a great gift as they can be very personalized. Choose a style to meet their personality. From gemstones to beads, you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. The gift recipient will be thrilled that you were so thoughtful as to buy such a personal gift.

Use your earrings to make a lasting impression, from the board room to the beach. Be sure people remember who you are. It’s important to always Make Your Fashion Statement!

The Not So Cool Things About Moissanite

Natural mined diamonds have been coming under a lot of heat recently. Award-winning journalist Cecil Adams sums it up the best in a recent article: “diamonds are a scam, pure and simple.” Most people in the new millennium understand that between the DeBeers diamond cartel, the issue of child labor in Third World diamond processing operations, and “blood diamonds” used to finance oppression and genocide in Third World African countries, not to mention your snooty and pretentious local jeweler, diamonds are just not worth the hassle, guilt, and let’s not forget thousands and thousands of questionably spent dollars.

Lately, new synthetic diamonds have come on the market that have all of the look, appeal, and glittering beauty of natural diamonds, but without the baggage, and at a fraction of the cost.

Since moissanite burst upon the scene in the late 90s, it has created quite a stir. Moissanite is gem-quality silicon carbide. The production of moissanite is a proprietary process and it is available only from C3 Inc, a division of Cree Research.

When moissanite was first introduced to the market it created a great deal of publicity. This was due to the fact that moissanite would often fool a jeweler into thinking it was a natural diamond. Both the Nova and 20/20 TV news shows did segments featuring hidden cameras showing jewelers fooled and embarrassed by moissanite. What was actually happening though was not quite so simple.

Jewelers generally rely on something called a “thermal-probe” to detect a fake diamond. Thermal probes work well with cubic zirconia, for instance. Moissanite, however, has a thermal conductivity that is very close to diamond. They were able to fool the older thermal probes. The fact of the matter is though; moissanite really just does not look that much like diamond. The two substances have radically different optical properties. These differences are clearly visible to the naked eye. It was obvious in both the Nova and 20/20 segments that the jewelers were clearly confused. They kept looking at the stone and then testing at and saying things like, “Well, I guess it must be real.” What they were really saying is “Well, I guess it must be real, but it sure is a weird looking diamond!”

Problems with Moissanite as a Diamond Stimulant

Anisotropy
Unlike natural diamonds, or some of the better quality synthetic diamonds like those available from Diamond Nexus Labs, (http://www.diamondnexuslabs.com) moissanite stones have an optical quality known as “hexagonal polytypic.” What this means is that moissanite is doubly-refractive. And because of this they create a strong visual effect known as “birefringence.” This is visually seen as a doubling of the stone’s back facets that creates a marked “drunk-vision” effect.


Dispersion
Moissanite has a dispersive power nearly 2.5 times greater than that of diamond. This creates what’s known as the “disco-ball” effect. Some think that this excess fire is beautiful; others think it cheap and fake looking.

Color
It is impossible to produce a pure white moissanite. The stones have a quality known as “fluorescence” that causes them to appear slightly green or gray. This effect is much greater under natural light. In the jewelry store a moissanite dealer will always show the stones under a pink tinged light, as this tends to cancel out the fluorescence. Many people say they loved their moissanite ring until they got it into the sunlight.

Cost
Due to its relatively extensive manufacturing process and the fact that it is only available from one source, moissanite tends to be quite expensive (though still cheap when compared to diamonds) good quality moissanite stones run around $520 per caret.

Better Synthetic Diamond Alternatives
In the last two years there have been almost miraculous breakthroughs in the science of synthetic diamond creation. There are several new processes that create gemstones that are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. One of the best I have found are the gemstones available from www.DiamondNexusLabs.com. I recently did independent research for several synthetic diamond companies and found their products to be among the best.

Diamond Nexus gemstones cut glass, they have brilliance, dispersion and radiance factors that are very close to mined diamond, and best of all, as they are new in the US market, they are priced at an incredible $79 per caret. This is a bargain that probably will not last.

Conclusion
Moissanite stones are beautiful in their own right. They offer great sparkle and flash. However, if you truly are trying to purchase a gemstone that comes as close as possible to the properties of a natural diamond moissanite is not the best choice.

Italian Charm Bracelet is Making a Come Back!

Italian charm bracelets are a very popular item right now. But, what are they and what do they stand for, if anything. Bracelets in general, whether for special occasions like friendship bracelets, or just beautiful ones like diamond tennis bracelets have been worn for years as a regular pieces of jewelry. Of course, there are many styles and types to choose from. Even children enjoy jelly bracelets. Let us explore the different types that we see commonly today.

Italian charm bracelets are easy to find these days. While people have been making and selling them for a century, they have come back into style with a bang within the last few years. These bracelets are usually made from sterling silver and even at times coated with 18K gold. They are fashioned in links with charms fitting into them. The charms have no limit as to what they can be. Animals, symbols, birthstones, religious articles and more. These bracelets are widely available in every quality and value imaginable. Like any charm bracelet, they are custom made to the things the individual likes. A real sense of personality is evident in charm bracelets like these.

Other types of bracelets include magnetic bracelets, friendship bracelets, and even diamond tennis bracelets. Magnetic bracelets are often made from metals, Titanium, Stainless Steel or Copper. Many people claim that wearing one of these types of bracelets will give you added health benefits. They say that wearing a copper bracelet will increase circulation and benefit your health. While that is not proven, they are still very stylish choices to wear. Children often love jelly bracelets. These, made of plastic are often multi colored and traded among friends. Like friendship bracelets, they are symbols of loyalty. Friendship bracelets are often hearts or charms that are split into two or more pieces. Two (or more) friends each get a piece of the charm. The charms fit together and usually have a phrase of love or friendship on them. Other trinkets and charms are sold along with this type. Diamond tennis bracelets, are just what they sound like. Usually in gold or silver, these bracelets contain diamonds or other gems. Usually the precious stone is in a pattern or continuous single line around the piece.

Adding a beautiful bracelet, of any sort, to your collection is a great choice. There are many types, styles, and choices available to the buyer. And, whether you decide to purchase online or at a local jewelry store, doing some basic research and having understanding of what you are looking for will enable you to make the right choice.

A Few Seconds on Navajo Jewelry

Anyone who knows jewelry knows about Navajo jewelry. The Navajo, a native American tribe have inspired and have been admired because of their creativity in the design of their jewelry and other works of art. Every piece of Navajo jewelry is made with skill and in a unique design.

Navajo jewelry is the product of the Navajo people. These nomadic people were discovered by the Spaniards around 1540. They Spaniards introduced them to many things including sheep and horses. And, they also learned silver smithing from the Spaniards. Now, they are famous for their Navajo jewelry.

Navajo jewelry is beautiful. It is full of rich colors and textures that represent the Navajo people. Not only do they make Navajo Indian jewelry, but they are known for their pottery, rugs, paintings, and sculptures. And, they are known worldwide.

Today it is not hard to find Navajo jewelry. There is no need to travel to find it, it is available at your fingertips online. There are many web-sites that offer Navajo jewelry. Suppose you are on a quest to find Navajo turquoise jewelry. Enter this into your search box and click search. You will receive a page of web-sites that offer Navajo jewelry of all types including what you are looking for.

Navajo jewelry is known worldwide because of the unique and distinctive look that comes from their history and culture. Owning a piece or perhaps several of Navajo jewelry shows a love of Indian jewelry.

Is Amber Your Kind of Thing?

Amber is a beautiful gift from mother nature. It comes in many different colors - yellow, orange, red, white, brown, green, blue and almost black. It may be transparent or clouded. Transparent tones range from pale to dark yellow, to yellow light brown. Cloudy amber comes in many colors.

Amber is fossilized resin of ancient trees that grew in “amber forests”. Through various physical and chemical changes the resin becomes Amber. Amber is unique because it is able to preserve the organic tissues in it. It is very common to find pieces of plants and insects, trapped in amber making it extremely valuable to both collectors and the scientists. A beautiful and fascinating gem!

Amber is found in various parts of the world. The largest amber deposits are off the shores of the Baltic Sea. Baltic Amber is the most sought after and valuable for making amber jewelry.

Baltic Amber has been used for decorative items since prehistoric times. A Baltic amber amulet has even been found in Egyptian tombs. Amber was also very popular in ancient Rome during the reign of Neron when: jewelry, ornaments, amulets, and even dice were made from amber. During the Middle Ages, amber prayer beads were exported. From the 16th century into the 18th century item made from amber included jewelry, dishes, buttons, pipe mouth pieces, chess sets and a host of other fine products.

The majority of Baltic amber comes from a 400-square-mile area - the Samland Peninsula, now known as the Kaliningrad region. The Kaliningrad amber mine supplies 99% of the Baltic amber. Up until the 19th century amber was retrieved manually from the sea. During the latter part of the 19th century operations became much more sophisticated as they began dredging and mining for amber. Since then millions of pounds of Baltic amber have been mined. A small town in the Kaliningrad region has the world’s largest amber mine.

Amber has a special beauty in its ability for each piece to be truly original in nature and content. The downfall to amber is like anything organic it does not last forever. Baltic amber is known to have the longest life expectancy. Taking proper care of your amber will result in enjoyment for many years, sometimes thousands of years as seen with the recovery of jewels from the past.

Some important tips for caring for your amber:

• Never store amber where it may rub against hard surfaces such as metal or other jewelry.
• Do not expose amber to harsh chemicals such as soap, jewelry cleaners, perfumes, hair products.
• Do not expose amber to direct sunshine or heat.
• To clean your amber wash in lukewarm water. Use a soft cloth to wash and dry. To restore the shine polish with pure olive oil.
• Treat your amber like any fine gem

Wear amber with pride, add it to your jewelry wardrobe and be sure to make your fashion statement!

Bling without blowing the bank

A nice piece of jewelry can brighten up your entire day. It can bring together an outfit and make you feel great. Paying a lot for that piece of jewelry however, doesn't make you feel very good. There is a lot of variation in the jewelry industry, and prices can fluctuate greatly between vendors. Your job as a bargain shopper is to find the best quality pieces at the lowest prices. Here you'll find a few tips to get you started in your bargain jewelry hunting journey.

When looking for a good piece of jewelry, you need to understand what you are looking at. Read up on the 4 C's of diamond grading, as well as the terminology for gold and silver rating. This knowledge will help you find the best jewelry deal possible. Don't get hung up on brand names. Often times, you are paying more for the name itself not the piece of jewelry. Pay special attention to the picture of the piece of jewelry. It should have adequate lighting and give you a good idea of what the piece looks like in person. Ask about the companies return policy, in case you find that the piece is not what you thought it would be.

Whenever possible, try to shop at a discount jewelry store. The quality is often the same as a name brand store, but the prices are significantly lower. Look online for a list of discount jewelry vendors, or try your hand at a closeout site. If a company is going out of business, they will sell their inventory to a closeout site, in order to make some of their money back. The closeout site then offers the products at very deep discounts. You can try overstock.com or ebay for deals on just about anything that you can think of. For an even better deal try going to an online coupon website. You can find coupon codes for a variety of different stores and items. You may be surprised at what you find! Be weary of auction sites when buying jewelry. Many of the sellers are unfamiliar with jewelry terms, and can mislead you into buying something that isn't right. Ask plenty of questions before committing.

Buying jewelry on a budget has never been easier. With a huge assortment of discount websites, you can find anything and everything at less than the retail price. Imagine how much more your budget will allow, since you are saving so much money!

For the love of jewelry

Do you love jewelry? Who doesn't? Who can resist the urge stop into the local jewelry stores and see what's new? Maybe filling up your jewelry box while there! Jewelry to some is a way of showing _expression and style. The latest trends also are reflective in jewelry. Things like nipple jewelry are probably part of the local trend or fad. Or, jewelry can be a way of showing financial status as well. But, whether buying jewelry pleasure or financial gain, jewelry can be a great hobby for just about anyone.
Many people enjoy collecting jewelry in all its forms. And there are many. You may enjoy costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is jewelry that is made of less expensive materials. Its styles usually fit with current fashions. Or, some collect the expensive, large jewels and gold items. These items are very valuable and often times need to be insured against theft or loss. Getting an appraisal for your precious stones and gold is key. There are many reputable places to get them appraised.
If you are in the market for precious stones and pure gold, you may wish to check your local jewelry store. But, they may not carry what you are looking for. In this case, look for specialists who will help you locate the item of your choice.

Many times you can choose gems from those available and design your own piece. Then, the jeweler will put it together for you. This may cost extra, but if you are looking for a specific look, this may be the way to go. Also, old, damaged, and worn pieces can be cleaned and repaired by these stores as well. They can also remove gems or stones from their original piece and put them into something new. Perhaps you are inheriting your grandmother’s ring and would like to put the diamond into a new band that will fit you. All these services are widely available and easy to find.

Other options for jewelry collecting include wholesale jewelry. Yes, it is possible to find precious stones at wholesale. While this is a great way to start a collection, and fill empty jewelry boxes quickly, you need to have a basic knowledge about the quality and cost of different types. Having this knowledge will prevent you from being taken advantage of and possibly being overcharged. You can do some basic research about this online or at a local library. Also, getting to know and trust a local jeweler is probably the best way to know what to look for and what to stay away from.

Having fun with costume jewelry

Costume jewelry is often created with non-precious metals, usually gold or silver plated, and with or without beads and stones. Costume jewelry has been extremely popular around the world for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians are known to have worn decorative beaded necklaces and Cleopatra is probably one of the original wearers of what we now call costume jewelry. In more recent times the people of the Germanic and Slovak regions became highly skilled at developing intricate patterns in glass beads. However, beadwork used in costume jewelry is not only limited to glass.

A large variety of materials are traditionally used to make beads such as jet, wood, amber, gemstones, pottery, ceramic, metals, horn, coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and pearls. Some modern materials such as plastics, nylon and even polycarbonate variants are also used to make beads. Costume jewelry can be antique, period, or contemporary and there are many collectors of every style of costume jewelry. Venetian glass pieces of costume jewelry are particularly collectable as well as being extremely popular for people to wear.

Cleaning costume jewelry is extremely simple but needs to be done on a regular basis to prevent tarnishing. Simply use a mild detergent mixed in water to keep your costume jewelry in good condition. It is important not to soak the jewelry and to make sure that you dry it thoroughly before storing it. You can buy anti-tarnish paper for wrapping your costume jewelry in before you put it away for long periods of time but regular cleaning is the best defense against tarnishing. The tarnishing of costume jewelry is typically caused by the metal reacting with the atmosphere and oxidizing.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of people who are unable to wear costume jewelry next to their skin. This is because of their sensitivity to the metals used. It is important to make sure that anyone that you are buying the jewelry for is not allergic to nickel or copper, especially with pierced earrings. Costume jewelry may look beautiful and, especially in the case of contemporary pieces, be reasonably priced but it is not suitable for everyone to wear. For many people a piece of costume jewelry may be the first jewelry that they have worn and it is important to look out for signs of a reaction, especially after extended periods of wear. Often people will not show a reaction if they wear the jewelry for a short amount of time and this can be an ideal way to avoid any possible discomfort. You can also buy a special coating that you apply to the back of the costume jewelry to protect the skin from having direct contact with the metal.

Timeless beauty in antique jewelry

Antique jewelry is a timeless classic adornment which can never go out of fashion. It is the epitome of ethereal charm, delicate grace and a gentle reminder of a bygone era. It is that jewelry which has been made during and before the early 1900's.

The jewelry has its own unique character which cannot be copied or imitated. In most cases antique jewelry is handcrafted. It has exquisite craftsmanship and a very special whimsical aura surrounding it, which sets it apart from all other jewelry, however beautiful or expensive they maybe. There is an understated classic elegance inherent in the design and styling. Though widely looked upon as being something worn by only those who are older; perceptions are gradually changing. It is now also seen as a very fashionable ornament which is quite in vogue and is worn by almost anyone, irrespective of their age group.

This kind of jewelry is not available in just any departmental store or some other normal jewelry shop, it can most often be found in niche show rooms, exclusive boutiques, and big auction houses and in antique dealer stores. These are the more reliable places from where you can acquire antique jewelry. Though there are many websites online and other shops which sell this kind of jewelry; it is best to be cautious. The reason being that in many cases the antique jewelry being sold is not actually an original . Also you could charged an exorbitant price for a piece which is not actually that expensive. Unless you have a trained eye and know the difference, it is easy to be fooled.

In many cases antique jewelry has also been handed down from one generation to another and is a part of the family heirlooms. Some antique jewelry can actually be quite expensive and a real collectors item.

Just a simple piece of antique jewelry can greatly enhance your over all appearance, add to your appeal and lend a sophisticated charm to your entire persona. Being the beautiful pieces that they are, this jewelry can easily attract attention and can become the focal point of any conversation. However not every one can carry off antique jewelry, you have to have a certain inner beauty and dignity to wear it.

One of the best things about antique jewelry is that its value only appreciates with time. In fact some of the pieces are valuable collector's item and can fetch huge sums of money. They can in the long run, actually prove to be good investments.

Antique jewelry is a wonderful thing to buy for yourself, a delightful possession and also a great thing to gift to some one special in your life. Whether it is your daughter, mother, wife, girlfriend or sister; antique jewelry is that gift which lets the other person know how much they mean to you. Also this jewelry is not just restricted to women; there are beautiful intricate pieces which are there for men too.

Some tips on starting your own home-based jewelry business

If you make your own jewelry or buy wholesale jewelry that is not in a box, you will need a source for jewelry boxes! Your customers will want their jewelry to arrive in nice display boxes that can be wrapped or presented to the person they bought the jewelry for.

Boxes for jewelry can be found at wholesale prices all over the internet. Simply do a search in any search engine for ‘boxes for jewelry’ and you will be surprised at the results. You can even have your business name or logo printed on the boxes as well, for an additional cost.

When you shop for boxes to package your jewelry wholesale in, make sure that you buy in bulk for the best prices. Also make sure that you can return the boxes for an exchange in the event that the boxes are the wrong size, or for a refund if the boxes arrive damaged.

Don’t make the mistake of not shipping your jewelry wholesale to your customers in jewel boxes. This will make you appear to be unprofessional, or like a small time operation.

Body jewelry - The unconventional way of accentuating your beauty

Since ancient times body jewelry has been a part of the culture and heritage of different religions. It has been known to be an essential part of the clothing and appearance of the people in many regions of the world. At different parts of time through the centuries it was also used to signify the class demarcations prevalent in society at that point of time.

How ever in recent times it has acquired a new dimension. Body jewelry has never been in such high demand. The human body is not merely a body, it is a piece of art which has its own innate beauty and body jewelry is the perfect way to enhance the beauty of your body. Not only can you decorate your body with it, but you can also use it to bring into focus certain parts of your body or to enhance the beauty of certain parts.

Body jewelry items are usually for particular places on the human body. These more common places for body jewelry include the nose, eyebrow, nipple, ear lobes and naval, along with ear plugs (both curved and straight barbells). As fashion trends keep changing, the various parts where you can use body jewelry and the manner in which you can use it also keeps changing.

Nose body jewelry comes either in the classic captive circular barbell, or in the form of a nose screw. The nose screw can either be jeweled or plain, depending upon your preference. Eyebrow body jewelry is similar to that of the nose, in the sense that the eyebrow body jewelry also has the small captive barbell. This is now being made with a dangling, sparkling charm to hang from the upper most part of your eyebrow barbell. The eyebrow body jewelry can be either curved or straight with a charm of any style or color dangling from the top.

Nipple and naval body jewelry is one of the more popular types of body jewelry, it sis especially popular amongst the youth or the more adventurous in spirit. Nipple body jewelry includes the nipple barbells and the nipple shields. Naval body jewelry designs are also endless.

Whatever kind of body jewelry you use or wear it is important to keep some pointers in mind. Such as what kind of material is that specific body jewelry made off, is your skin allergic to it and is the piercing for the body jewelry done in a sterile and antiseptic environment.

This kind of jewelry is available for almost every conceivable part of your body. There are endless styles, designs, colors and textures in which body jewelry is made. What ever your budget, whether it is low end or high end; body jewelry is available in every range to suit your pocket as well as your tastes.

Body jewelry is not merely a decorative fixture; it is also a personal style statement. You can use it to bring attention or to take away attention from a specific part of your body. It is quite in vogue these days and has been in existence since time immemorial. If you have the attitude and the panache you can carry of any kind of body jewelry.

It doesn't have to cost a bomb to get beautiful jewelry

When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much discussion about what is and what is not estate jewelry. The definition is really quite simple. Estate jewelry is jewelry acquired from the estate of another person, who can be living or deceased. The simple definition of estate jewelry is jewelry that is previously owned.

Contrary to what many believe looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune – just buy estate jewelry! And save plenty!!

There is often much confusion with both dealers and consumer. There is some false myths floating around that estate jewelry is antique jewelry. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Although many pieces of estate jewelry are antique, many pieces are also vintage, retro, or fairly modern. That’s why searching for estate jewelry can result in some terrific buys!

Estate jewelry also does not mean fine jewelry. Estate jewelry can be costume or fine and is found both ways.

Throughout the ages and even today a perfect gift for a woman was a piece of jewelry. There is also a distinction made of women who wear jewelry. It seems to set them a class above other women. Why has never been determined. It’s simply been a cultural norm for centuries.

We often take our clues as to jewelry popularity by watching what the celebrities are wearing. Next time you are watching television take note of how many pieces of jewelry the stars are wearing that are from another era. Celebrities are very fond of estate jewelry!

Antique jewelry is normally classed as jewelry that is pre 1920, while art deco, vintage, and retro are often grouped together and denote the era from the 1920s to the 1950s. Estate jewelry can be from any of these eras.

If you are looking for classic jewelry like your grandmother may have worn consider searching jewelry sites that sell antique and estate jewelry. If you are collecting jewelry you should pay special attention to the estate jewelry sites who have a wide range of designer marked pieces. Collecting can be expensive so make sure to set a budget.

If you are looking to complete your wardrobe and hate looking like everyone else, estate jewelry is an excellent choice. Here you will find variety and beautiful pieces from many different time periods. The chances of finding another wearing the exact same jewelry piece as you are drastically reduced.

You can look unique and stand out from the crowd with estate jewelry. You also can choose between fine jewelry and costume jewelry. The prices are very reasonable and the costume jewelry of past eras has a much higher quality than modern costume jewelry.

The designs and styles were more highly refined and much classier. Costume jewelry of past eras was designed not only for the general population but also for the rich and famous. Many design ideas were inspired from fine jewelry pieces of the era.

So the next time you are looking to add glamour and sophistication to your wardrobe remember to have a quick search on line for estate jewelry. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with your options!

See I told you looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Fun trends in costume jewelry

Color Trends in Costume Jewelry

The fall fashion trends are ushering in another excellent season for costume jewelry and accessories. Rich colors and bold looks dominate the trend. Teal, amber and amethyst are the important colors with olivine and green used as neutrals. Topaz and peacock are also important and all indications are that rich color will continue into the spring season. Metals are seeing a return to gold, but silver is still stronger.

Bold Designs Dominate Fashion Jewelry

Fashion jewelry thrives when bold designs are in vogue and that is very much the case this season. The high fashion look is popular in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with natural components contributing to the designs. Wood is continuing its second season of popularity with shell important even in the fall line. But the rising star in natural materials is gemstone, which provides the beauty of natural semiprecious stones to the costume jewelry designs. This will definitely continue and accelerate in the spring line. Also popular in neckwear are 48 inch and 60 inch ropes that are worn extended or doubled. Jet is strong in holiday jewelry and estate looks (antique designs) are becoming fashionable in bridal jewelry.

Traditional Costume Jewelry and Accessories

While costume jewelry in bold designs and rich colors forge the way for leading fashion, there is a larger market that shouldn’t be ignored in more traditional and classic looks. Theme jewelry in pendants, earrings, and charm bracelets has an appeal that goes beyond fashion alone because it identifies with what the wearer cares about. In addition, traditional rhinestone, bridal jewelry, evening bags, and formal gloves have a classic look with timeless appeal. There is a major market for these items that will always be present even as fashion changes.

Accessory Trends

Sequins and buttons are very big in all accessories, especially in handbags and evening bags. Beyond these, the looks of the larger bags introduced by leading designers are the trendy styles of the season. These are the bags the stars are carrying, which goes a long ways towards popularizing the styles. In evening bags, large sequins and buttons are very much in vogue, but traditional looks seem to be carrying the day.

Sunglasses are definitely big and bold with aviators the runaway favorite. Retro looks are also excellent and colored frames with matching lenses are very popular.

Hats and Headwear

In millinery, dress hats are an important part of the market, with ladies hats the dominant player. The looks are very traditional with a new element of pre-made bands allowing for the versatility of custom designs. Casual hats, however, account for the major share of the market and no design in 2005 is more important than the rollup cowboy hat. While the design is not popular in every region of the country, the sheer number of sales makes it the number one hat of the year. This rugged look that is typically American has risen to such popularity that it becomes an important fashion statement. After cowboy hats, the three most fashionable designs are wide brim floppy hats, ladies fedoras, and newsboys. The entertainment field has played a major roll in popularizing these designs and the fashion looks continue into the fall season with felt, leather, wool, and leatherette used as the material for the fall versions.

Finding great jewelry deals at jewelry shows and expos

Jewelry shows and expos are great places to find jewelry wholesale. These shows and expos are held all over the world throughout the year, and no matter where you live, a show will eventually be held near you – probably within a days drive. In fact, if you live near a major city or a convention center, there will probably be several shows throughout the year that you will be interested in when it comes to jewelry wholesale.

One of the great things about these shows and expos – aside from all of the gorgeous jewelry on display and the fabulous prices – is the information that is offered. These shows and expos often cover entire weekends, and related seminars and demonstrations are often included as well.

There is an entry fee for these shows and expos, in most cases, but it is typically quite affordable. A good way to find shows in your area is to visit aksshow.com Another way to find shows is to visit a search engine and type ‘jewelry shows your home town’ into the search box, where your home town is the town you live in, or a major city near you.

Getting great deals on antique jewelry

Antique jewelry is typically very valuable, and purchasing such jewelry costs quite a bit of money. But then again, it is possible to buy antique jewelry wholesale as well – if you know where to look.

Most people think that online auctions, such as eBay is the way to go. While this is true occasionally, you will usually find that the seller knows the value of what they are selling, and the price is quite high. There are other ways to find antique jewelry at wholesale prices – or below.

Keep an eye on your newspaper for advertised estate sales and garage sales. Typically, at these sales, the people holding the sale really don’t know the value of what they have. You can literally purchase hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of antique jewelry for just a few dollars on a typical Saturday morning.

It is important that you not look too closely at the jewelry when you are buying it. If the piece is valuable, you don’t want the seller to know how valuable it is! It isn’t your fault that they didn’t get it appraised – as you will as soon as you leave! Keep a straight face, keep your happiness and joy to yourself, and pay the fifty cents or two bucks that they want for the piece, get in your car and head to a trusted jeweler for an appraisal!

It is possible that the piece isn’t worth anything – but occasionally, you will stumble across some real finds! Even if the piece isn’t worth anything, if you make jewelry, you may be able to disassemble it for the parts.

Finding antique jewelry wholesale is very exciting. In fact, spending those Saturday mornings at the yard sales and estate sales may even become addictive! Yard sales and estate sales – especially estate sales where grandchildren are not interested in their grandma’s old ugly jewelry are the best sources for antique jewelry at wholesale prices – or below wholesale prices.

This doesn’t mean that there aren’t some real find on eBay as well, so don’t discount it. Keep an eye on the jewelry categories, as well as the antique or vintage categories. When you do find something you want to bid on, make sure that the seller has a good reputation. If the piece is very expensive, use the escrow service that is recommended by eBay. Also talk to the seller quite a bit to be sure that you understand exactly what is being advertised!