All About Cameos Jewelry

 Cameos Jewelry

There is something about a cameo that it truly captivating.  Be it the attention to fine detail, the elegance of the portraits, there is simply nothing quite as beautiful as a cameo, and they never go out of style.  Cameos can be made from variety of materials, such as abalone, wood, bone, coral, ivory, agate, glass, plastic, various shell types, and layered hard stone which comes in a variety of colors.

Molded cameos are usually made of glass.  They usually consist of either one or two colors.  Often the colors are swirled together. Glass cameos are usually quite shiny.  Molded cameos are also molded from plastic. The wedgwood style cameos were made from plastic.  Plastic makes a terrific imitation shell cameo. Older cameos were often made with celluloid using two colors.  Occasionally, but not very often, natural materials are molded.  One way to tell if a cameo is molded is to look for a roundness in the detail and a lack of sharp and precise lines.  To identify glass cameos look for the presence of mold marks and ridges or dimples on the back.

Shell cameos are carved from a single piece of shell.  Shell is soft, so it is very easy to carve.  Shell cameos are usually two colors.  Shell cameos have a thin concave back, with the exception of abalone and mother of pearl which are usually flat on the back and somewhat thicker. Coral Cameos are usually a single color, and also have a flat back.

Agate cameos are carved with the same technique that shell cameos are carved.  Agate has one main advantage, because the carver is able to see the layers of color from the side and knows that these layers will basically be flat.  Stone is much harder to carve.   A good hard stone cameo is often under carved at the junction where the portrait meets the flat plaque.  At a quick glance stone often looks like an applied cameo, however upon closer examination one can determine it to be stone.

Amber Cameos are rather new to the market place. Amber cameos are carved from natural amber with the reverse intaglios being hand carved.  
Practice will make it easier to tell molded cameos from carved cameos:  Usually natural materials are carved, while glass and plastic materials are normally molded but could be carved though not very likely.  Molded cameos can be two colors by the simple device of pouring one color into the mold in a thin layer and then following with a thicker layer of another color.

If you are buying for value distinguishing the type of cameo could be very important.  However, if you are buying because you simply "love" the piece, then determining the type of cameo and the value are not nearly as important.  We suggest if you are purchasing a cameo because you want to add it to your jewelry wardrobe then choose what your heart falls for, just be certain you are not overpaying for what you are getting.

Cameos make a wonderful fashion statement! And they never go out of style.

Alexandrite jewelry makes a perfect gift

Alexandrite jewelry

When you must make a valuable gift to your girlfriend or future wife the most appropriate one will consist of alexandrite jewelry. Natural alexandrite is the gemstone used to make veritable alexandrite jewelry. In this article you can find details about the many qualities of alexandrite jewelry so you can be sure your gift is a special one.

What makes a natural alexandrite special from the other gemstones is its color changing property. The color of this gemstone is emerald-green in a natural or phosphorescent light and red or purple in incandescent light. Natural alexandrite is not the only stone that changes its color depending on different light sources. However this gemstone has the most radical changes. Therefore one can see why alexandrite jewelry is such a special gift.

There are 3 categories of color change:
-Top -> in this category one can find the natural alexandrite which changes the color up to 90%-100%.
-Medium -> this second category has natural alexandrite that changes the color up to 70%-80%
-Slight -> and finally there is the alexandrite jewelry with 30%-69% color change.
Because of its property to change color, natural alexandrite is very appreciated between jewelers, investors and eccentrics.

Rusia is the country where this gemstone was discovered, near to Ekaterinburg in 1830 and the name alexandrite comes from the Alexander II. The excavations for natural alexandrite were started in the Ural Mountains. This place was the most important one from which the natural alexandrite reached the Russian jewelers.

A lot of people do business with alexandrite. Randy G. Lander is one of them. She developed a passion for this gemstone and started making alexandrite jewelry in 1994.  She continues the tradition of trading like her ancestors, the Khazars. The Khazars from which she descends used to trade jewelry with many countries using medieval well-known trade routes. This is why Randy G. Lander is the most suitable person to give advice when buying alexandrite jewelry.

There were many beliefs in the past regarding the therapeutic and magical powers of natural alexandrite.  Some doctors used it to heal diseases and this is the reason why alexandrite jewelry used to be very popular. There was also the idea that the possessor of a natural alexandrite would only have good luck. Due to these myths and legends, the interest for alexandrite jewelry grew, but it also led to the creation of many forgeries. The best-made imitations of natural alexandrite are produced in special high-tech laboratories in Russia. The jewels made with artificial alexandrite are less expensive and can be bought by anyone.

There are ways to verify the authenticity of a natural alexandrite, but it is better if one lets a competent gemologist do this job. He will not scratch or deteriorate the reflective surface of the gemstone (as a client should in order to determine whether it is natural or not). The gemstone will be analyzed under magnification for certain patterns, inclusions, black spots, color and this process will only take a few minutes. This way you can avoid buying a fake alexandrite (like crysoberyl ) at the price of a natural one.

When buying such a gift for your girlfriend or wife, please take time to consider the qualities of alexandrite jewelry. Just imagine and see how irresistible the idea of having a rare and valuable jewel on the hand or neck of your loved one is. A perfect jewel is certainly the way to make a perfect gift.

Alexandrite jewelry for your wedding

Jewelry for your wedding

Jewelry Weddings are really important events for everyone and what better way to celebrate the perfect moments if not by wearing the most amazing alexandrite jewelry? The changing mysterious colors, the noble history and the rareness of the expensive alexandrite make it perfect for a wedding event. The bride would look spectacular and so would any guest at her wedding if they wore alexandrite jewelry.

Special occasions need special attention and the best way to do this is to have perfect catering and the guests to shine. While men have to wear impeccable suits, women have to be dressed with wonderful dresses and impress with special jewelry. The bride, who is the center of attention, will most likely want to wear something fascinating, to remember all her life. The most beautiful jewelry that will definitely make a person feel rare and precious is alexandrite jewelry.

The most likely to be able to give an answer to the question “Why?” is Randy G. Lander. She and her husband have been working with alexandrite for the last 10 years. Randy G. Lander is a Russian descendant and she carries on the medieval Khazars tradition of jewelry trading with an emphasis on alexandrite. She can tell you alexandrite is the rarest gemstone on earth. This is why it is more expensive than diamonds are and very appropriate for a wedding. Randy G. Lander also recommends alexandrite jewelry because of the color changing alexandrite they are made of. Weddings are events dominated by various emotions from fear of the future to share joy and happiness. Alexandrite can express every one of these emotions. The phenomenal gem can change its color depending on the intensity of light: from green, to ruby red or violet/purple. No other color changing stone has this mysterious power of change. The alexandrite truly dazzles the eye.

The alexandrite gemstone comes from the Czar Alexander II. The exquisite alexandrite jewelry was worn by Russian and German royalty. Empress Ekaterina was the first to own the alexandrite, but, due to a greedy and irresponsible caretaker of the royal vaults, some of the stones were sold to a German Prince. The German Prince gave the alexandrite jewelry as a gift to his wife. When The German Princess and Empress Ekaterina met, the mistakes of the royal caretaker were discovered and he was punished. The rest of the alexandrite jewelry was to be worn by the Empress herself.

Alexandrite jewelry still impresses scientists, gemologist, royal buyers and common buyers. The elements combined in an unmet before manner offer the alexandrite unique optical qualities and hardness. This is why alexandrite jewelry captures everyone’s attention and is the most sought jewel ornament.

Having such a story and such appreciation, the alexandrite jewelry should be the one you are wearing at your wedding or at someone else’s. A pair of earrings, a necklace or a ring made with alexandrite will make anyone stand out of a crowd. It is, after all, jewelry made for royalty and you are the Princess at your wedding.

Affordable jewelry a click away

Affordable jewelry

Ever get tired of searching through endless mall shops, trying to find high quality jewelry at affordable prices?  How about attending big jewelry sales that just fail to deliver?  If this sounds familiar to you, you should join a growing crowd of millions of consumers who are finding affordable, high quality jewelry online.  Everything from wedding bands, engagement rings, diamond anniversary bands, watches and more can all be found online and purchased from the comfort of your own home.

Nowadays, internet shopping has become appreciated and used by all social and age groups, as an ideal alternative to crowded, schedule restricted jewelry shops. And why shouldn’t it be so popular when it saves you precious time, effort, and money?  Imagine having to find a special ring or a wedding band just a few days from such holidays as Valentine’s Day, when all the jewelry stores are invaded by hundreds and hundreds of people just as busy as you. Senseless hours being wasted perusing through overprice jewelry being sold by commissioned sales associates.  It’s time to find a better way.

Online jewelry shops offer a varied range of products, from earrings to gemstone jewelry, from rings and bands to watches and special products (for special occasions). Also, you can find pieces of jewelry made from white or yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, and precious gemstones – including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more.  A variety of products, for all tastes and fit for every occasion, lie waiting to be discovered. You can easily find the most amazing pieces of jewelry, from diamond anniversary bands to golden or pearl rings and earrings.  And online selection cannot be beat.  There are literally millions of pieces of jewelry available on the web – far more than any one store could ever stock.

Of course, the best feature of online stores is that the prices are usually much lower than brick and mortar shops.  Online stores do not have to invest in costly showrooms and have a much lower overhead.  This savings is passed on to you, and you benefit by having the same jewelry items at reduced prices.  Moreover, many online jewelry stores offer free shipping and money back returns so you can buy for less, but still buy with confidence.

Online jewelry shopping is a booming industry as more and more people are feeling comfortable with making larger purchase online.  Buying jewelry online just makes sense for so many reasons – the time saved, the virtually limitless selection, and affordable prices.  It just can’t be beat.

So the next time you are planning on surprising your loved ones with a piece of jewelry you know they’ve been craving, remember to first check on online stores for the best prices and offers. In doing so, you’ve assured yourself a way to a satisfactory shopping experience and have saved yourself the trouble of waiting in line at a big store.  Once you’ve experienced the simplicity and effectiveness of online transactions, especially on luxury products like gemstones and jewels, you may never want to go back to brick and mortar shopping again.

A Look At The Years of Celebrities Wearing Jewelry

Celebrities Wearing Jewelry

As far back as one can remember famous celebrities have been wearing the jewelry made by famous jewelry designers.  Through out many eras and many styles the celebrities and jewelry designers have held a close bond.  Who better to display your beautiful pieces than a beautiful celebrity that has already captured the audiences attention.

Elizabeth Taylor will always be remembered for her glamorous and beautiful look.  I cannot remember any time that I have seen Elizabeth without her jewels to adorn her.  This was a lady with a fashion style like no other.  From gorgeous pearls adorning her face to beautiful diamonds adorning her neck.  She knew how to make a fashion statement!

Ava Gardner was a woman with a glamorous fashion style that did not go unnoticed.  Whether she choose to wear her best diamond earrings or her favorite Trifari necklace she always looked spectacular.  There are many of us who could pick up a few tips from Ava’s flare!

Joan Crawfard and Joan Collins are another two that simply can’t be outdone.  One must wonder how a women so easily learns to be that refined and beautiful at all times.  Like Cleopatra it seems to be bred deep within the soul. 

Let us not forget about royalty.  Although not perhaps celebrities as we think of them still important figure heads that are within the public eye.  How about the gorgeous jewels of the Duchess of Windsor or Umbero II of Italy.  Then there was Princess Mary of Great Britain who was seldom seen without her jewelry adornments. 

To more modern times, what about that beautiful engagement ring that Camela Parker Bowls was seen wearing.  An outstanding piece of jewelry on a women that quite commonly presents herself in a very traditional refined style.  No glamour here except for that drop dead gorgeous ring!

Whether we are talking about Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Kate Winslet, Kate Hudson, or Katie Holmes celebrities give us the opportunity to see jewelry designs in play.  They instantly help develop a desire for a certain jewelry piece or look. 

We’ve got plenty we can learn from the styles of celebrities.  And once these designer jewelry pieces grab hold it isn’t long before someone is making a similar piece that our pocket books can afford.

So keep watching the stars for great jewelry to make your fashion statement!

A Guide To Diamond Engagement Rings

Diamond Engagement Rings

Surprising your girlfriend with a beautiful diamond ring is a moment both of you will cherish your entire life. A once in a lifetime occasion, buying a diamond ring should be done carefully as your fiancée will wear it everyday, showing it off to her friends and family members, flaunting your love.

The market is flooded with numerous jewelers and shops claiming to sell the most authentic and beautiful diamonds there are. To make the right choice from the plethora of designs and variety can indeed be a confusing task. It would do you good to be aware of some basic tips on buying diamond jewelry before you buy one for your girlfriend. The ‘four c’s’, color, cut, clarity and carat, are the deciding factors for a diamond’s purity and value. This king of gems comes in all colors, with white being the purest and costliest. Although it is the hardest stone available, diamond can be cut in a variety of fancy shapes and sizes. The shape and cut determines the shine of the gem.

One should choose the shape of the diamond according to your girlfriend’s personality. If she is dainty-- buy a small elegant one; tall and well-buily? go for a large squarish rock. The sparkle of the diamond often holds more importance than the rock’s size. Clarity of the diamond ensures a dazzling shine every time the light passes through the stone. Carat, or the weight of diamond, also contributes to its price and value in the market.

Educating yourself about the ‘four c’s’ will keep you from buying imitations. Even though it is conventional to spend two months salary on your engagement ring, you can buy synthetic diamonds, which will be easier on your wallet. Synthetic diamond has the same physical properties of a real diamond but is more affordable than the real one. Finally, do ask the jeweler to provide a purity certificate, which will serve as a guarantee and later help in insuring your gems.

5 Top Tips for Buying Native American Indian Bracelets

Native American Indian Bracelets

Nothing allows you to express your personality, feel closer to the spirit of traditional American culture, and add something truly unique and personal to your life like wearing an authentic Native American bracelet on your wrist. But how do you safely choose a real, attractive piece that also says the right things about you?

The wonderful craftsmanship, striking appeal, and fun originality of Native American Indian bracelets make them the top choice for the person who wants to wear something a little different than everyone else and own a unique piece of jewelry. However, the range of styles, the unknown authenticity, and the difficulty of finding the right store can make the choice difficult.

Fortunately, the selection of your Native American bracelet doesn't have to be difficult at all. Once you know a few easy points to keep in mind, you can relax and shop to your heart's content, without that fear of making the wrong choice or ending up with a bracelet that isn't right for you.

1. Turquoise bracelets come in many varieties.

Everyone has a different mental image spring up when they hear "turquoise bracelets." You may picture large stones, closely spaced and reaching orderly around the wrist. Or you may think of a circular, mandala-like arrangement of smaller blue-green stones on a centerpiece on the top of the wrist, with the band wrapping around underneath.

In fact, the use of turquoise in Native American bracelets is varied, often used in conjunction with other, multi-colored stones or clever use of silver and other metals. Often, the best piece will include one or two small turquoise pieces to accentuate other colors and textures. Then again, some pieces employ turquoise stones as their main feature, and do so with the utmost craft and beauty.

It is up to you which suits you, but you can shop secure in the knowledge that Native American turquoise retains its beauty even as other trends come and go.

2. Simplicity is beautiful.

It is entirely possible that the piece that speaks to you the best is very simple in design. Perhaps it is a silver band with a simple twisted pattern, or a restrained series of ridges. Maybe your look and personality are accented best by a bracelet with a single, large stone of turquoise or other mineral - just a splash of color to catch the eye. Complicated designs and details may look good in the shop display case, but aren't necessarily the type of Native American bracelet that suit your taste.

3. Intricacy is beautiful.

On the other hand, the intriguingly intricate designs of an elaborately-crafted bracelet can be the conversation piece that sparks confidence, inspiration, and even admiring comments from others! The obvious genius that has gone into a bracelet with clever juxtapositions of its carvings, stamps, stones and/or silverwork can be just the thing that heightens your daily experience and communicates to others just what you want to say.

4. Only shop at places that offer buyer protection.

The most comfortable, free way to shop is when you know that your purchase is backed by a reputable company. In this internet age, the best place to buy Native American bracelets is online, through websites that offer protection to the buyer.

For example, the web's premier auction house, eBay, always has hundreds of listings featuring one-of-a-kind Native American bracelets and other jewelry. eBay features an extensive system to ensure buyers are happy; you can contact the seller before bidding, check comments from the seller's previous customers, send payment safely with your credit card through PayPal, keep your private information hidden, and even appeal to eBay when an item is not as described.

Furthermore, eBay listings feature one or more pictures of the item, as well as its dimensions and, often, the piece's history. In short, you should stick to places like eBay that bring together sellers and buyers with several layers of protection for you. The biggest sites became big thanks to buyer satisfaction, which they take very seriously.

5. Nobody knows what you need like you do!

Sellers will try their best to use flowery language and convincing descriptions to get your business. However, only YOU know what is right for you. And as long as you are happy about the financial protection you as a shopper are receiving, you can tune all of that out and just get the Native American bracelet that speaks to you the loudest. YOU know which one that is... it's just a matter of looking until you find it! Look at websites like http://native-american-store.fournotes.com for the widest selection of bracelets and sellers. Choice is always good!

Whether buying a lovely Native American bracelet for yourself, or as a gift for a friend or family member, it's important to remember that there are very easy ways to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. You want to be sure the bracelet is authentic, the seller is reputable, and the design suits the person it will be adorning. Use the tips in this article and you are virtually assured of being happy with your beautiful, exclusive bracelet!

5 Tips on How to Find the Best Wholesale Jewelry

Jewelry Stores

Whether you're a fashion retailer, an e-tailer, an eBay seller, or you simply want to earn some extra income selling costume jewelry, the key to success is finding great wholesale jewelry from a costume jewelry supplier. Finding high quality wholesale fashion jewelry can be an elusive quest, though, so here are five tips to get you started.

1. When it comes to wholesale jewelry, import is king.

Almost all fashion jewelry is imported, so you need to find a costume jewelry supplier that obtains jewelry from around the globe. The more sources of jewelry the supplier has, the more likely it is that you'll be able to find the variety of pieces you need at bargain prices. In addition, you'll be assured of a steady stream of new pieces and your ability to obtain the wholesale jewelry you need won't be hampered by world events that negatively impact those wholesalers with only one supply chain.

2. Find a jewelry trend spotter.

Unless you're steeped in the world of fashion, you won't be exposed to the nuances of seasonal jewelry trends. A good wholesale jewelry store will do your homework for you, and offer pieces that reflect the latest trends in jewelry design. You don't want to be stuck with chunky necklaces when fine filigree is in fashion, but you want to make sure you have enough hoop earrings when they hit the fashion runways.

3. Don't forget the classics.

Although it's important to have a variety of trendy pieces, a good wholesale costume jewelry supplier will also carry the classics, like sterling silver, cubic zirconia, Swarovski crystal, and semi-precious stone jewelry. Unless you specialize in being fashion forward, more traditional pieces are staples that will sell year-round.

4. Look for breadth and depth.
Accessories consist of more than earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, so your wholesale jewelry supplier should carry a wide variety of pieces. Anklets and toe rings are must-haves, but so are body jewelry, cell phone jewelry, hair accessories, key chain charms, and bejeweled belts.

5. Look for minimums, shipping, and customer satisfaction.
When you're shopping for wholesale jewelry, find a costume jewelry supplier that has a reasonable minimum purchase. You may not be able to - or want to - commit to investing a significant sum of money in fashion jewelry. An online wholesale jewelry store, for example, may only have a fifty-dollar minimum order, which is a perfect place to start.

In addition, it's important that the supplier you select has the merchandise in stock, rather than forcing you to wait until they receive their jewelry import. Look for a company that ships on the same business day or by the next business day at the latest.

Finally, one of the best ways to judge a wholesale jewelry supplier is by their commitment to customer satisfaction. The supplier should be able to provide you with testimonials, and attest to the importance of customer satisfaction to their business.

5 Tips for Buying Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Online

Silver Jewelry

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.