Red Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

Just want to share with everybody a bracelet I made just for fun. This is a padparadscha color swarovski crystal. I used the bicone shaped crystal and place a rondelle between the beads. I had fun making bracelets and it isn't hard at all. Actually it's kinda therapeutic. Anyway, just want to share my work with you out there. What do you think?

Aquamarine Jewelery for Those Who Were Born in March

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Aquamarine means 'water of the sea' in Latin. People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison while the ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe passage, and guarantee a safe return; they often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s (mermaid) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine.

Personally, I like seeing Aquamarine stones on a white-based jewelries, by all means, the white gold or platinum. So, for this month, I would like to share pictures of jewelries that caught my eyes with the Aquamarine stones on it.
The first one is actually an engagement ring. Who says you couldn't have any color on your engagement ring, right? So, if your love one was born in March, it would be such a romantic idea for you to acknowledge that by getting her an Aquamarine ring during your proposal.

Here's what I had in mind for the second and third picture. Imagine this, a strapless or single strap soft blue satin long dress, completed with a pair of aquamarine earrings and an aquamarine bracelet like the ones on those pictures. Gorgeous, isn't it?

Estate Earrings: Such a Classy Touch!

Estate Earrings add the finishing touch to any outfit – from your jeans to your wedding dress. They complete your look and polish your image. There are earrings for all occasions and esate jewelry earrings add just a little extra flavor.

You can buy your favorite earrings from the 1950’s or you can purchase earrings that were once owned by celebrities. You can stand out from the rest with your unique earrings.

So whether you are off to the board room, getting ready for a casual outing, adding the finishing touches to your wedding attire, going out for a night on the town, or planning for a day at the beach don’t forget your earrings!

Just have a look at Angela Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Pamela Anderson, or Anna Kournikova for earring style. You can even look back to Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe – you’ll see earrings have been a popular finishing touch for years!

Oh yes and lets not forget the guys! It’s very trendy for guys to have a pierced ear. If you don’t believe be just have a look at Dave Navarro. Usher, or Bono. Today estate earrings are a fashion accessory for both men and women.

Earrings as a fashion statement certainly aren’t new. The first pair of earrings dates to 2500 BC. Ancient Egyptian Royalty like Cleopatra and of course other wealthy Royalty where noted for the earrings and other jewelry. In fact earrings, noted your position and status within society.

You can choose from many styles of earrings – chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, hoop earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings to name just a few.

Button earrings are making a real comeback and bold styles are very popular. Earrings are made from a variety of materials - Gold, silver, gemstones, plastics, bakelite, copper, diamonds, paste, pearls, faux stones, or glass. Semi precious and precious stones are very popular. The list goes on and on. There is certain to be a pair of earrings that grabs your fancy and gives you that finishing touch!. If you don’t have pierced ears that’s not a problem as there are plenty of estate clip on earrings available as well.

Earrings are like shoes, you can never have enough. 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!

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.

Now A Day Grooms Get Personal With Their Wedding Band

Once upon a time the plain gold band was the only choice for a man’s wedding ring. While brides-to-be deliberated over filigree, gem stones and other detailing, grooms simply told the jeweler their finger size and went on their way. But times have changed.

Today grooms have a host of options, from intricately detailed to customized creations. Wedding rings come in a variety of styles, metals and finishes to fit the personality of every groom. The trend today is definitely about individual style.

While gold will always be a popular choice, other metals are currently gaining favor. “Many men are stepping outside the box to personalize their wedding band by using alternative metals to express their individuality,” says Marsha Bryant, senior buyer for 18K gold and platinum at ShopNBC. “This season, men’s rings are both functional and fashionable.”

Platinum, a silver-colored precious metal, is a big trend right now. According to the Platinum Guild International, the number of brides and grooms choosing platinum rings has reached 40 percent. A matte finish is hot right now, as it gives a subdued, modern look. While more expensive than gold, it is also more durable, making it a good choice for those who work with their hands.

No longer just a girl’s best friend, many grooms are adding diamonds to their rings. Nothing over the top, according to wedding Web site, TheKnot.com. These rings give just a bit of sparkle, often in a style that compliments the bride’s ring. Most popular are channel-set or gypsy-set stones that offer a flush mounting and secure fit.

For a personal look, many grooms are adding special details. Custom engraving is a great option for grooms who want a ring unique to them. Rings like the Personalized Message Ring from ShopNBC allow couples to imprint names, dates or a special phrase on the outside of the ring, creating a treasured family heirloom. Some grooms are creating jewelry wardrobes by matching key pieces. “Rings that compliment watchband styles were recently introduced at this season’s international jewelry shows,” says Bryant.

Many grooms unaccustomed to wearing jewelry are discovering the newest ring metal: titanium. This lightweight, durable metal comes in either satin or polished finishes, often with an accent stripe of gold. Titanium rings provide an up-to-date look at an affordable price.

When shopping for a ring, remember to check for marks that indicate you’re getting the metal you pay for. Gold is stamped according to its karat: 14K or 18K. Platinum is marked with PLAT, PT, PT950 or IRIDPLAT. Look for a ring that not only matches your taste, but also your life. Intricate carvings will catch debris, and may not be a good choice for those who engage in messy work. Matte finishes tend to show scratches more quickly. And some people are sensitive to metals and may have skin allergies that make one metal a more desirable choice than another.

Take your time when selecting a ring. Remember, long after the tuxedos have been returned and the limo ride has ended, your wedding ring will be with you each moment to remind you of your lasting commitment.

Let's Talk ABout the Celebrities Engagement Ring

Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement rings say bigger is so much better. Just have a look at what style engagement rings celebrities are choosing. And of course what’s good for them is good for the rest of us.

J Lo’s engagement to Ben Affleck also started an interesting trend of consumers seeking out pink diamonds. In no other time in history have pink diamonds been as popular as right after J Lo placed that pink diamond engagement ring on her finger.

Do any of you remember Marilyn Monroe sexily purring “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend?” Do you have any idea what that did the engagement ring market.

Guys are still paying for that statement. Sure back in the 50s women knew it wouldn’t be sensible to wear such a large engagement ring but that didn’t mean a gal couldn’t yearn for it.

Today a women wouldn’t feel in the least bit guilty about wearing such a diamond, in fact there are many a women that judge how well they are loved by the size of the rock they are wearing because they “know” what Marilyn knew, that “diamonds are infact a girls best friend.”

When we see the engagement rings worn by stars like Madonna or Catherine Zeta-Jones we take notice and their choices influence the trends that follow. Celebrities are the leaders in setting fashion and jewelry trends.

Madonna with her Edwardian engagement ring and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s antique styled 10 carat diamond ring has revived the desire to own a beautiful antique engagement ring. In fact it’s one of the hottest engagement ring styles in 20 years.

The size of the diamonds in current styles has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. That’s a pretty big rock that’s going to set you back a bit. But girls know they deserve it!

If you aren’t sure whether bigger is better than have a look at the jewels at this years Oscars which are said to total over $50 million dollars in value. Wonder how many vaults it took to keep those locked up for the night?

With bling being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. When their fiancés are asked the standard answer is “doesn’t matter I’m worth it.

That’s great if your guy is earning a 6 figure salary but wait what if he’s not. What if he’s joe average living from pay day to pay day. What should he do move into the bush and give up his home, perhaps take up walking and sell his car?

Wait guys maybe you can get away with a really good quality cubic zirconia. No guarantees but it might be worth a try. Most of the high end ones can only be identified by a quality jeweler. Then again maybe she won’t care as long as it’s big and impressive.

Okay girls lets be real here. Dreaming and lusting for that big 5 carat rock is just fine. No problem with dreaming, but when it comes time for your man to buy that ring remember that the ring is not what you are marrying so perhaps it’s time to consider the quality and quantity of the husband to be rather than the ring.

Big diamond or little diamond it doesn’t matter as long as the two of you are blissfully happy. Let the celebrities wear their big diamonds and let them sparkle and shine in the lime light. It doesn’t matter because you got your man! That’s what counts!

Swarovski Pearls: Look like real ones, aren't they?

My latest obsession when it comes to jewelry making lately is the Swarovski Pearl. It looks like real pearls, weigh and feels like one too. And here is one of the pearl necklace that I made. Notice how the pearls shine and how lovely the color is. The color is powder rose.

A close up picture of the pendant and the lovely pearls. The chain is silver plated actually. I didn't use real silver since this one is just for practice.
Here is another close up of the necklace. See how adorable the color is? Honestly, I can't wait to wear this to dinner. It'll look right at home with my white dress. A touch of powder rose pearl to lighten up the night!

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!

Amethyst Earring

In the spirit of the month February, I would like to share with all my readers a pair of an Amethyst earrings that I just made for a friend of mine for her birthday. Why Amethyst? Well, because she was born in February and it's the birthstone for the month.

I used the baroque shaped pendant swarovski crystal and simply slapped a pendant clip on each crystal and hooked it on the sterling silver earring hook. Simple. The earrings are ready in 10 minutes!

Beware of the Diamond Scams

High quality man made diamonds are a bargain at about $80 per carat, and they do not increase in price exponentially as carat weight increases. For example, a one-carat synthetic diamond costs about $80; a three-carat man made diamond would then sell for $240. A one-carat mined diamond that sells for $3000 would go for $45,000 in a three-carat size, all things being equal, which with mined diamonds is never the case. Perplexing comparative evaluations, exponential price growth, consumer confusion, and the reality of diamond industry antics is why the mined diamond business is awash in dirty tricks. Here are descriptions of the most sneaky and pervasive mined diamond scams:

THE BLUE-WHITE SCAM: A jeweler tells you, "This is a blue-white diamond." This is a very old term. The dealer will probably tell you that it is a better diamond, but actually it is just the opposite. Blue-white refers to the fluorescence that results in natural light, which contains ultraviolet wavelengths. This blue fluorescence actually makes a colorless diamond look a little oily or milky in sunlight and decreases its value.

THE LIGHT MAKES WHITE SCAM: Bright lights make every mined diamond look better. Of course, every jeweler wants to show his or her diamonds in the best light, but there are some lighting tricks you should avoid. Some bulbs have a strong blue component, which makes yellow stones look whiter. Special bulbs are often used with strong ultraviolet wavelengths, which make most diamonds fluoresce blue. This also has a whitening effect for stones in the lower color ranges.

THE GRADE BUMPING SCAM: A jeweler exaggerates the grade. The FTC says that a jeweler must be accurate within one grade of color and one grade of clarity on a diamond. So many jewelers bump the color and clarity just one grade. Unfortunately, this can mean a great deal of money if you are talking about a fine-quality, 1-carat diamond. For instance, you might find a stone that the jeweler quotes as a 1.00 carat F color / VS1 clarity for $6,500. However, if you sent it to a reputable gem lab like GIA, it would come back as a G color / VS2 clarity, which is only worth about $5,500. This means you lose (and they profit) about $1,000.

THE FRACTION SCAM: The tag says 3/4 carat, and the FTC allows jewelers to round off diamond weights. So a diamond labeled as 3/4 carat in weight might actually weigh anywhere between .69 and .81 carat. This could mean a significant amount of money, since diamond prices leap at certain popular sizes. In this example, you might be buying a .69 carat round G/VS2 worth about $2,100... but paying for what you thought was a 0.75 carat worth $3,000. You lose $900.

THE LASER DRILLING SCAM: Dealers drill holes to burn out black carbon spots. About 1 in 3 diamonds in the United States is laser drilled. Dealers use lasers to drill a tiny hole into the depths of a diamond to burn and evaporate large black inclusions to make them disappear. The trouble with this little trick is that laser drilling can make the diamond a little more fragile to breaking with a good knock. Most dealers trade laser-drilled stones for much less.

THE HIDING THE FLAWS SCAM: Every jeweler hides flaws under the prongs if he can. In many cases, this can make an I1 clarity appear like a VS2 if you look at it in a ring setting. Structural flaws like feathers and cleavages can be damaged by the high pressure exerted by the prong on the diamond to hold it snug in the ring.

THE FRACTURE FILLING SCAM: New treatments to make flaws invisible. There is a new process patented a few years ago that melts a kind of crystal into surface-breaking fractures in a diamond. This technique will slide by consumers unnoticed. The treatment is considered slightly fragile because it can be damaging under the extreme heat of a torch when the diamond is set into a ring. Fracture-filled diamonds should trade for much less than diamonds without this treatment, but in reality they often sell for as much or more because they look like a higher, more expensive clarity grade.

THE CHEMICAL COLOR COATINGS SCAM: A little paint goes a long way. This very deceptive practice involves a little point of blue or purple paint on the lowest tip of the diamond, called the culet. This is small enough that you might not detect it, but the location spreads the color throughout the stone. This counters the yellow tint in lower color grades, making a diamond look like a more expensive, colorless grade.

Man made diamonds or synthetic diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory under controlled conditions. If anything about synthetic diamonds is called into question it is that they are too perfect. And since all mined diamonds have inclusions, flaws, and birthmarks, under magnification a trained jeweler can tell the difference. Considering that man made diamonds cannot be distinguished with the naked eye, lab-created diamonds have aesthetic beauty matching—often besting—mined diamonds, and huge savings are realized, jewelry lovers must regard synthetic diamonds as an intelligent option. Plus, there is no insurance to buy after purchasing man made diamond jewelry and the thousands of dollars in savings can be banked!