Fashioning Gold Filled Jump Rings

At the beginning few tools are necessary to carry out the task. These include a mandrel, a jeweler’s saw, wire cutters and safety glasses. Initially wrap the gold wire around the mandrel. Make sure the coil is at right angles to the axis of the mandrel. The goal is to create even gold filled jump rings. Pull the wire tight as you wrap it and keep under pressure. After using the gold wire slide the resulting coil from the metal bar.


If you have a jeweler's saw, run a strip of masking tape along the gold filled wire. Hold the gold filled jump rings together prior to cutting into the coil. As per your desire you can cut from inside the coil out or cut from outside the coil into the center. Gold filled jump rings are integral to gold filled jewelry making and are not very difficult to craft. If you are a beginner it is but natural that you will commit a few mistakes. However with practice you will become an expert and be able to produce gold filled jump rings in a plethora of sizes and shapes.

Choosing Quality Sterling Silver Earrings

There are a plethora of sterling silver earrings to suit every budget and requirement. These include hoop earrings, studding earrings, chandelier earrings and more. Hoop earrings are large in appearance and make social statement. They come in a gamut of designs and are gorgeous.


Most stud earrings are embellished with minute diamonds and other precious/semi-precious stones. These suit both young and older women.Dangling earrings are the most prized and sought after by the teens and young adults.


Chandelier earrings are eye catching and have a very captivating appearance. Sterling silver is famous for its longevity. Also it is quite strong and resistant to damage. Many people who are allergic to other metals choose sterling silver earrings. It can be bought either from the local jewelry store or online.


Choose a pair of sterling silver earrings that complements your face and outfit. Different types of earrings suit different people. There is no such thing as a perfect pair of sterling silver earrings. Even men have taken to wear these earrings in a big way in recent times.

Charming Copper Beads

Copper has existed as objects of beauty from time immemorial. This has continued to the present and islikely to consolidate its status as one of the prized jewelry adornments. Copper is universally acclaimed for its multifarious health benefits. It is vital for keeping the balance of elements in the human body. Copper is a popular remedy for relieving pain. Many arthritis patients wear copper bracelets as a part of their treatment.


Copper is a favorite metal among jewelers because of its inherent pliability and low cost. Stores have pre-made copper products such as copper beads, lockets, charms and chains. It comes in diverse thickness such as thick rods or thin copper wires.


Copper can be molded into amazingly diverse shapes and forms. They are very popular and elegant. House of Gems stocks copper beads which are available in various designs and patterns. Some of the fast moving copper charm beads include fan shaped, spiral shaped, butterfly shaped, flower shaped and many more. Smooth round copper beads of various sizes are also available. These copper beads are usually used as spacer beads in jewelry making.


You can conjure up attractive necklaces, bracelets and chains by using our copper jewelry findings. You have the option of purchasing finished copper chains of various lengths. There are a plethora of chain styles which are strong and elegant. Copper beads mainly come in two different finishes - antique and bright. They are usually combined in designs to make for charming and exquisite copper jewelry.

Brass Chains

Brass has emerged as one of the popular metals in the field of jewelry making. Though not equivalent to gold and silver, it is a precious material in its own right. Brass is ideal to use in fashion and costume jewelry as it is very resistant to tarnishing and easy to take care of. Recent designs have incorporated brass with other materials such as glass and wooden beads. Brass necklaces and bracelets are widely used by teenagers and young adults alike.

Basically, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is less expensive compared to gold and silver and is pervasive among varied cultures. Brass chains are very versatile and malleable. The market is full of quality solutions designed to maintain the brass jewelry for an extremely long period of time.

The brass chains come in many patterns and designs. They are expertly crafted to create chic and contemporary jewelry. A popular trend among the jewelry makers is to use brass chains coated with silver lacquer. The brass chains are used to make necklaces, bracelets, bangles, pendants, finger rings and earrings.

House of Gems has an extensive collection of finely crafted brass chains of medium weight and stunning designs. They are available at affordable and wholesale prices. You will find the best quality of brass chains here for making your brass jewelry.

Benefits Of Wearing Sterling Silver Beads

Sterling are one of the most favorite accessories for the jewelry makers silver beads as well as the wearers. Silver beads can adorn people in the form of necklaces, earrings, anklets, and bracelets. Not only that, these beads can also be used to accessorize things like shoes, bags, and various home decorative articles such as upholstery, curtains, and artifacts.

Here are the various benefits of using sterling silver beads for making ornament:

Suitability for All Occasions: One of the most wonderful advantages of wearing silver beads is that they compliment all different kinds of occasions and outfits. These beads go well with all colors, and types of jewelry articles. The ageless beauty of sterling silver beads wins them spectacular admiration.

Valuable Metal: Silver has been part of the jewelry since the primordial time. This is the most valuable metal after industrygold. This bright white colored metal not only looks spectacular when used in jewelry but also make wonderful material for the jewelers to work with.

Skin Friendliness: Silver metal is very friendly towards sensitive skin. People who encounter allergies by wearing different metals can safely wear silver without worrying about catching any disease of infection.

Healing Properties: Silver metal has a lot of health benefits too. The medical properties of silver metal were discovered during the ancient wars in Greece. In those days, only the people who belonged to the rich clan could wear expensive metal jewelry. Silver metals was considered to be one of the most expensive and precious metals. It was observed that those who always wore silver never contacted bacterial infections as compared to those who could not afford to wear jewelry made from this metal. Primarily the soldiers who fought in the wars suffered from various infections. Thus, it was observed that silver metal can not only prevent one from getting infections but can also heal the wounds or skin diseases. It is believed that the antiseptic properties of silver metal can heal all sorts of wounds if applied with the ointment.

Purification: Silver metal has a unique property to decontaminate water from all its impurities and bacteria. People in olden days used to put silver metal in water in order to purify it for all the germs and impurities. Looking at such amazing benefits of wearing silver beads anyone would acknowledge their worth and would want to use them. Although there are many retailers who can offer a great range of silver beads, only a wholesale could offer good deals on them. Thus, buying wholesale silver beads dealer is always considered to be the best option for such a purchase.

Benefits of Gold Filled Leverback and Earring Wires

Earrings make one of the most beautiful accessories for both men and women. These pieces of accessories have come a long way. Invented along with the dawn of civilization, these beautiful ear adorning articles have seen tremendous changes in shapes, sizes, and designs till present. From traditional to contemporary modern designs earrings make an extremely pleasant and suitable piece of jewelry. 

With the advancement in the mechanical world, the task of the jewelry manufacturers has become much more easy and detailed than before. Two of the most popular and innovative examples of unique yet simple craftsmanship are gold filled leverback and gold filled earring wire. Although earring findings come in various metals, gold filled substance is considered to be one of the most suitable materials for this purpose. These earring findings not only show the creativity of the designer but also offer great benefits for the users.

Here are some of the principal advantages of gold filled leverback and gold filled earring wire. 

Skin Friendliness: Gold filled jewelry findings are highly suitable for sensitive skin. A person whose skin is prone towards metal allergies must wear harmless metal such as gold. The gold filled earring findings make one of the best substitutes for pure gold if its price becomes a matter of concern.

Durability: Gold filled leverback and gold filled earring wire is extremely durable. Earring findings made from this material usually last longer than the ones made from other metals such as copper, brass, or nickel. 

Affordability: Pure gold findings are beautiful yet very expensive. However, gold filled earring findings are much more cost effective than those made of solid gold. Gold filled leverback and earring wires resemble gold in every respect and that too at a highly affordable price. 

Easy Application: Earring findings made from gold filled or gold overlay provide the jewelry manufacturers the convenience to work with. Gold overlay is a soft metal as compared to pure gold which can easily be molded into various different desirable forms. Thus, using gold filled material could be extremely beneficial for the jewelry makers.

Authentic: The quality and the authenticity of gold filled findings remain under constant supervision of the Federal Government. Thus, the scope of adulteration in the material reduces by a great degree.

Easy Maintenance: Gold filled leverback and earring wires are easily manageable. These beautiful earring findings are easy to maintain and store. This material does not catch rust or get spoiled due to weather change or exposure to sun and water.

About House of Gems

House of Gems, Inc started off in 1992 and has since emerged as a leading supplier and manufacturer of quality jewelry accessories offered at wholesale prices. We have an extensive network of manufacturers, designers and other direct suppliers which is leveraged to offer premium discounts to our esteemed customers.

You will be glad to note that the predominant amount of our goods are either manufactured or imported directly by us. Our pearls are gleaned and sourced directly from the world's largest fine fresh water pearl producers. From global jewelry hubs such as the USA, Italy and other countries we select and purchase directly the precious metal chains and jewelry findings from the best of best designers and manufacturers. Most of our sterling silver pendants and all the quintessential Bali style silver beads are designed and created in our very own factories.


We have our very own factories and craft shops. We import directly without being hindered by middlemen. Thus we are able to offer the best prices in the market on top quality products. We have leveraged the technology of e-commerce to bring our flawless products at reasonable wholesale rates directly to your homes.


House of Gems, Inc prides itself on its excellent customer service and values their patronage while simultaneously endeavoring to achieve superior quality standards along with affordable pricing. We stand poised to become a leader in the glamorous world of jewelry crafting and commerce. We synergize our operations to surpass customer expectations and etch out a great reputation in the jewelry business.


If you have any questions, please email us at: info@houseofgems.com


OUR ADDRESS:


HOUSE OF GEMS, INC.
DBA: WWW.HOUSEOFGEMS.COM
6970 ARAGON CIRCLE SUITE # 6
BUENA PARK, CA 90620
U.S.A.


Phone: (714) 523-2500
Toll Free: 877-GEMS-123. (877-4367-123)
Fax: 877-GEMS-112. (877-4367-112)

Fascinating Facts about Kiffa Beads

Kiffa beads are specific to the culture and society of south central Mauritania. It is believed that Mauritania was a part of the Ghana Empire that existed from 750 to 1240 CE and included south eastern Mauritania and some areas of Mali, whose economy rose because of the trading of gold, ivory and salt. Archaeologists could still find Kiffa beads, a type of glass beads in the sand dunes covering the ruins of Koumbi Saleh.

Kifffa beads were created as a tribute to the Almighty. People of Mauritania made them in small quantities and presented them to their loved ones. Each and every element of the bead such as a line, a dot or a curve is the craftsman’s interpretation of the universe. Emotional aspects of life were also reflected in the bead work. People did not make the beads solely for money, but they got mental peace and happiness on seeing the exquisite beauty of the Kiffa beads they made.

As the Mauritania people believe, the Kiffa beads have some kind of magical power that keeps them away from possible illness due to evil powers. They also believed that the beads have a positive influence on their emotions and keeping the bead under their tongue transfers its magical powers to them.

The most interesting thing about Kiffa beads is the manufacturing technique involved in making them. In order to make wet-core powder glass Kiffa beads, they crush the glass into a fine powder and mix it with saliva that acts as the binder. To make the core for triangular beads, they fasten two stiff grasses together. The moistened glass powder is built over the grass-made triangular structure and smoothed using razor blade. They then apply decorative patterns on them by making use of a needle. Finally, the beads are fired without the use of any moulds.

The traditional Kiffa beads look more attractive compared to the contemporary ones. They reflect a high level of craftsmanship and quality. It is very hard to find a modern day bead maker that gives the same glow to the Kiffa beads just like the traditional beads. The reason might be this — the modern day craftsmen manufacture these beads to make money, but the people of ancient Mauritania did it with real interest, as a hobby. If you are a collector of ancient beads, then you surely have to look out for the traditional Kiffa beads.

Mysterious Nature of Magnetic Beads

Use of jewelry for body adornment has been a part of our lives since ancient times. The form, style and material used in jewelry have changed greatly with time to respond to the prevalent fashion trends. Nowadays, various different materials are being used in order to make remarkable pieces of jewelry. One of the most innovative and intriguing fashion accessories is made of magnetic beads. The jewelry made from magnetic beads is called magnetic jewelry which not only adds to the beauty of the wearer but also has a soothing effect on all sorts of body pains.

Magnetic beads are very easily available in the market in various colors, shapes, designs and sizes to suit individual tastes and preferences. Although the magnetic beads had been around since ages but they have recently started gaining popularity amongst people. Magnetic beads are considered highly effective in relieving pain and are specially designed for individual body parts to help in the healing. For example, if a person has pain in the feet then a magnetic anklet could be worn while to reduce the pain in the wrists or hands bracelets could be the best choice. However, it has been noted that Out of the many kinds of pains that magnetic beads helps in reducing the most common and benefitted are the Inflammation and joint pains.

 
                        There is a scientific logic behind the working of magnetic beads in favor of the body. Magnets are known to cause better circulation of oxygen in the blood and the cells. When brought in contact with the body the magnetic beads produce a movement of electro-chemicals in the area in touch. The magnetic field then leads to cause charging of the cells which eventually relaxes the muscles and thus, helps relieve pain. Due to the magnetic beads the flow of oxygen and blood increases to a great amount in the body.

It must be kept in mind that just like other forms of treatments magnetic beads also have affect on only certain recipients. Not every individual wearer would feel the effect as the other as the intensity of the magnetic field developing due to the beads depends upon the temperature and response power of the wearer. However, these beads are sure to create a difference later if not sooner. Thus, the treatment would require a great amount of patience if the person’s magnetic field fails to support the beads initially. It might take a little longer to react than others but it certainly will.

Sterling Silver Bracelet

One of the silver jewelry many would like to sport is a bracelet. The jewelry you use speaks volume about your personality and attitude. Silver bracelet is an accessory that you can sport with any kind of outwear. A simple and very basic sterling silver bracelet can be worn permanently on your wrist.

 Thai Tribal Silver Beads

There are varied designs, patterns and styles of silver bracelets to choose from. An interesting fact is that there are designs specific for men and women. However, there are silver bracelets that are not gender specific and these are worn by teens and college goers.

Women in general are found of charm bracelets. Charm bracelets have a delicate chain hanging from it to which tiny charms are attached. Charm bracelets are much sought after by teenagers and young adults. Many jewelry shops make customized and personalized silver charm bracelets. You can select the length and design of the bracelet, the type of charms and the size and length of the chain.

Silver beads bracelet make a wonderful gift for any occasion. Silver beaded bracelet can be machine made or hand crafted. The hand crafted silver bracelets are unique and made by a skilled silver smith. The beauty of silver bracelets can be accentuated by combining them with semi-precious and precious stones. Apart from gems, crystal beads are also used to add elegance of the silver bracelet.

These bracelets are available in various finishes ranging from rustic, hammered, antique and polished. Intricately designed bracelets are also available. Birth stone bracelets, enameled and engraved bracelets are in vogue among the young crowd.

A combination of silver beads and pearls bracelet give a very gracious and aristocratic appeal. The price tag of silver pearl bracelet would depend on the size and shape of the pearl and also on the quality of the pearls. Certain things that you need to keep in mind while choosing a silver pearl bracelet are the shape, color, surface, luster and the orientation of the pearl. You would get a varied color of pearls ranging from white (the most common), pink, cream and black.

A few of silver bracelet jewelry that is in vogue and in great demand include heart-tag bracelet, love-knot bracelet, Byzantine bracelet, black onyx beads silver bracelet and many more.

Women are found of wearing silver bangles too. There is a wide assortment of silver bangles available in varied designs and patterns ranging from simple to intricately styled ones to stone encrusted bangles. Silver chains are at times draped around the wrist like a bracelet to give a unique fashion statement. One thing is for sure, sterling silver jewelry is the much preferred jewelry among the young and the old.

Significance of Coral Beads

Coral beads can make any piece of jewelry beautiful and exquisite. The skeletal remains of marine animals form corals. The scientific name of coral is polyp corallicum. The most precious, expensive and valuable coral out of all the available types is the red coral known as Corallicum rubrum. The corals used for jewelry making mainly comes from the Mediterranean Sea or from Pacific Ocean. Being formed deep under the sea, corals resemble cluster of tree branches because of their calcified composition.

Coral beads are believed to have a lot of religious significance. Tibetan Lamas are often found using rosaries made of coral beads. As per the Buddhist belief, any piece of jewelry made of coral beads such as bangles, necklaces, rings, earrings etc., can help protect an individual from evil spirits and their effects. Thus, the use of coral beads has been highly recommended by the Buddhist monks in the scriptures.

Jewelry made by using coral beads is considered to be the oldest form of gemstone ornament. Coral is found to be as old as 25000 years. The use of pearls has been recorded to come into practice much after the corals.

Coral beads come in various colors. Every color of coral beads represents a unique and distinct quality about them. Red colored coral is generally associated with wealth and romance while pink corals are believed to bring good health and black ones are used against misfortune. Although highly expensive, coral jewelry is loved and worn by people all across the globe. Coral stones are the most ancient form of gemstone material. Beads made of coral are used for body adornment since a long time. The onset of use of coral beads for jewelry making is as old as Iron Age.

Being extremely delicate and expensive, the coral beads must be properly taken care of. While cleaning one must remember that coral beads are much softer as compared to other precious or semi-precious gemstones, thus, it must be gently wiped with a damp cloth. The jewelry made of coral beads must be stored very carefully in order to be saved from getting scratched. Coral beads must be prevented from getting in contact with any type of hard chemicals as it might react with those and get spoiled.

With Italy being the hub of coral jewelry manufacturing, many other countries also support this business. Due to their high cost, ornaments made of coral beads are usually purchased by wealthy people and thus, are made in exclusive designs. However, one must make sure to buy coral bead jewelry only from certified dealer as there are many fake imitations of these precious gemstones available in the market.

Beauty of Gold Chains

Since the origin of human race, body adornment had been prevalent amongst men and women. In early times, naturally available material such as shells, wood, bones, stones etc. are used for making ornaments. However, later on, as a result of constant innovations more and more precious stones and metals such as beads, copper, silver and gold were used to make jewelry. Gold is one of the most precious and expensive metals for making accessories such as crowns, necklaces, chains, anklets, bangles, earrings, etc.

The onset of use of gold for jewelry making is marked around 2500 B.C. in Iraq. It is believed that Egyptians were one of the first people to wear chains made of gold metal. Gold chains are made in three different types of gold, namely, white gold, rose gold and yellow gold. Yellow gold is one of the most commonly available in market as compared to white and rose gold.

It was believed that wearing gold chains with religious pendants or charms can ward off evil souls. Later on, these chains started to be worn as fashion accessories and adornment purposes. These chains are considered to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity as gold is a very expensive metal and only rich people can afford it. Throughout the history gold has symbolized power, opulence and affluence. Many wars were fought to gain possession of this precious metal.

Today, gold chain are very easily available in the market, however, they can still burn a hole in your pocket. These chains come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. The price range usually varies depending upon the weight of the chain and complication of design. One can find a wide range of designs in these chains ranging from light weight with flimsy links to heavy multi-linked solid chains. Also, these chains can be found in all sorts of gold, such as yellow, white, rose and sometimes a combination of all three.

Gold chains can be worn with or without pendants depending upon an individual’s taste and preference. Unlike earlier time when these chains were only used to adorn the neck, these days, people wear them on ankles, writs and even waist in order to make an exclusive style statement. These are now used as a fashion accessory rather than a religious charm to evade any evil situations.

Gold’s purity is measured in carats. The 24 carat gold is considered to be the purest form of gold with 99.9 percent purity. However, this level of purity makes the gold very soft and fragile. Generally, gold is mixed with other hard metals such as copper, silver, nickel, etc.

Both men and women sport gold chains as a fashion accessory. These chains add elegance, beauty and grace to any outfit they are worn with. The future of gold chains is bright and shinning and in the years to come we can see a lot of more designs hitting the market on a frequent basis to give customers ample amount of options to choose from.

Things to Keep in Mind while Shopping for Silver Jewelry

Silver bead jewelry/ sterling silver jewelry are currently in vogue. There is a plethora of silver jewelry and silver accessories that blend well with any kind of outwear – casual or formal. If you have a habit of adding sterling silver jewelry such as earrings, brooches, pendants rings and chains, there are many authentic online and retail shops. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind while shopping for silver beads or silver jewelry.

The first and foremost thing is to find a reliable source. Whether you are buying silver beads or silver jewelry gather information about the company that you plan to buy the jewelry from.

If you are planning to purchase a handmade silver jewelry, ensure that you get the piece of jewel that you always dreamt off. You can ask the jeweler to customize the sterling silver jewelry for you. If the silver jewelry on the shelf did not appeal to you, you can always go for customized or personalized jewelry. The jeweler may take a few days to deliver the jewel but it would be worth it. Only ensure to give correct measurements, clear and detailed instructions regarding the size and design of your jewelry.

The lengths of the silver chain, the quality of the semi-precious/precious stones used in the pendants, earrings and finger rings can be personalized or customized. Ensure that the jeweler is ready to follow your instructions before placing the order for the silver jewel.

There are many online jewelry sites from where you can order silver beads or silver jewelry. If you are ordering a necklace or a pendant with precious stones, it is wise to know about the quality of the stones used. You can enquire whether the color of the stones is natural or whether they were improved. If it is a reputed shop, they would share the information willingly.

It is also crucial to know more about the gems used in the silver jewelry that you plan to purchase. For instance you can ask the artisan whether the gems absorb liquids or how to clean them.

Last but not the least in mind to check the quality of silver beads or silver jewelry. If you are buying sterling silver it will have the figure .925 embossed on it. Remember buying silver jewelry is also an investment that can be passed on to the future generations. The jewelry would be treasured as a legacy.

Exclusiveness of Glass Bead Jewelry

Beads compliment a piece of jewelry in a way that none other accessory can. The kind of beads a person wears tells a lot about his personality and attitude. Beads come in all shapes and sizes. Depending upon the kind of jewelry and individual preference, one can pick the type of beads that are best suitable for his/her requirements. One of the most popular types of beads is the glass bead. The jewelry made of these beads is not only exquisite but also possess a distinct quality.

Glass beads have been manufactured since a long time. Various methods are used to create different types of glass beads, however, the most popular process is by winding in which glass is heated at a very high temperature till it starts melting and thereafter wound around a wire made of steel and given shape using graphite or wood.

There are many typed of accessories that are made of glass beads such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, anklets and pendants. Glass bead bracelets can be found in several shapes, sizes and colors. Mostly crystal, semi-precious and vintage glass beads are used to make bracelets. One can also opt for customized bracelets based on his/her personal taste.

Glass beads are widely used in making stunning necklaces. As everyone must agree that necklaces are one of the most artistic ornaments used for the purpose of body adornment, the use of glass beads adds to their beauty and appearance. Glass beads necklaces are affordable, elegant and available in a wide range of colors. Different sizes of glass beads can be used to make exclusive necklaces to suit a buyer’s preference and requirement.

Pendant made of glass beads are also greatly popular amongst people, especially, the modern day women. These pendants can go with any outfit and occasion. Women of all age love to wear glass bead pendants in order to accentuate their beauty and grace. Glass bead pendants are available in many shapes, sizes and colors to suit a person’s choice.

Due to high availability and great affordability the glass beads can be worn by anyone. One can choose the jewelry made of these beads as offered by the jeweler or can also get it made by providing his/her own design. There are many manufacturing techniques used these days that make this task of making customizes glass bead jewelry extremely easy.

Before buying any piece of glass bead jewelry, one must understand his/her requirement very well in order to pick the right piece. Also, one must check the jewelry for any manufacturing defects such as cracks or broken glass of the beads because due to the fragile nature of glass there could be cases of defects in the piece of jewelry.

Before zeroing on a jewelry dealer to purchase your special glass bead jewelry, a buyer must first perform a thorough research on the credibility and history of the dealer in order to avoid any mischievous acts of fraud by the seller. One all the things have been taken care of you can sport your glass bead jewelry on every special occasion and stand out in the crowd.

An Overview of Venetian Glass Beads

As Glass beads are one of the most ancient forms of human art and technology, they are considered to be anthropologically significant. They fall in to many categories depending upon the methods employed in the manipulation of glass. Venetian Beads that originated in Venice in the late 1800s are one of the most reputed types of glass beads. Even today, handcrafted beads of Venice are sold under the name of “Venetian Beads.”

There is a historical story connected with the origin of Venetian beads in Italy. Marco Polo, the most reputed merchant from the Venetian Republic brought gemstone beads from his travels. The glass workers of Venice found those gemstone beads to be astonishingly beautiful and came up with an idea of creating glass beads that gained so much of popularity and become popular across the world as “Venetian Beads.”

Ornamental beads of Venice are believed to manipulate the highest level of craftsmanship. People often say that, “If you love beads go to Venice.” There is no other place in the world that has a huge collection of a great variety of beads as that found in Venice. However, modern day people have the habit of ordering Venetian beads online, as they find internet shopping to be economical and time saving.

Venetian glass beads are known for their beauty, awesome colours and spectacular designs. They are artistically handcrafted to give a unique floral appearance. Glass bead making in Venice dates back to 1400s when prized beads were used as trading currencies in Africa and Europe. For the first time in history, they used a mandrel to fabricate the bead.

The most popular types of Venetian beads are Seed beads (Conterie), Rosetta or Chevron and Lampwork or Wound Beads or Perle a Lume Venetian Beads.

Venetian beads of very small sizes are referred to as seed beads. They created hollow tubes, which are then chopped and refined to make them smooth and colourful. Seed bead production was popular in Murano only in the early 1900s and the art in not existent today.

Canes known as Rosetta are used to make the so called Rosetta beads. They started manufacturing these types of beads in the 14th century. The production method involved the use of a hollow cane and six different coloured layers of glass that are then ground to get patterns of five concentric stars having twelve points. As they used to chop the cane, they got large quantities of beads for sale. Rosetta beads are the predecessors of today’s Murano Millefiori beads.

The artisans in Venice made the core of the Lume bead by wounding melting glass over a thin ferrous mandrel covered with silicon and clay mix. Sudden cooling caused the glass to contract slightly, making it easier for the bead to slide off the mandrel. As the heated glass is wound over the mandrel, they are also known as wound beads.

Glass bead making is an ancient form of art. Venetian beads are the well known type of glass beads that are known for their unique style, beauty, craftsmanship and intricate designs. Add Venetian beads to any of beaded piece and see how adorable the ornament looks.

Golden Glow - The Return of Yellow Gold

Jewelry has remained an integral part of fashion and that explains the craze among the fashion conscious to team their outfits with the right accessories, mainly gold jewelry. Although, jewelry is available in silver, platinum, copper and brass, gold remains the eternal favorite. 

Winning Trends in Gold Jewelry

Big and bold pieces in jewelry have been rated as the hot favorites for the year. Apart from that, unusual necklaces, multi-strand neck pieces, pearls and Swarovski crystals in gold chains have been rated as the top trends in jewelry too. For earrings, dangling, long and preferably encrusted with stones is what you should be wearing. Chandelier style earrings have been popular for a while now and continue to remain popular apart from drops.

It seems that yellow gold has made a sudden comeback, enticing youngsters and elders alike. Gold jewelry has returned runways in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Yellow gold adds warmth and matches gemstones of any size and shape perfectly. Luxurious, multi-row gold necklaces are the hot favorites and it seems that the trend is here to stay.

Gold has continued to arouse its instinctive response, years after it was first discovered and used in jewelry. Today, our relationship with gold has been strengthened and clearly reflected the in usage of gold jewelry including, chains, rings, bracelets, and earrings.

If you think you cannot afford solid gold, fret not. You can choose to create fashionable pieces of jewelry in 14k and 18k gold too. When teamed with gemstones of your choice, these pieces will surely glow as bright as solid gold jewelry. As designers continue to design newer and trendier pieces of jewelry, the choice grows. Today, you can login to the internet and choose to get in touch with the latest fashion trends in jewelry and even buy the perfect piece of jewelry.

Ruby From Burma

Burma rubies or the Burmese rubies are the most revered type of rubies, their bright color being the main draw. However, differences between the various types of rubies are hard to identify and mostly requires an expert’s help. The rich red hues of the Burmese rubies have enchanted many and contrary to popular belief, they are not found in Burma alone. However, Burma remains the most famous ruby-producing area. The history of the ruby dates back to the Stoneware and Bronze Age. The legendary Valley of Rubies, Mogok is situated in Burma and it is believed that the first humans who settled in this area found rubies and spinels in the rivers and streams around the place.

To determine a natural Burma ruby stone or ruby beads, you need to consider the following factors:

• The color of the ruby is the best means to determine if the ruby is an authentic Burmese ruby or a regular ruby. Burmese rubies have a deep, blood-red, unmistakable hue, with a slight blue tinge.

• Beware of too much clarity. At times, rubies are heat-treated to enhance their color and in the process end up looking slightly transparent. Although clarity is important, an absolutely transparent ruby might not be a Burmese ruby.

• The size and the cost of the ruby can help determine the authenticity of a Burmese ruby too. They are never more than a few carats and are highly-priced. If someone tries to sell a Burmese ruby for a reasonable price, you can be quite certain that it is not genuine.

• If possible, consult a trustworthy gemologist. Only a trained eye can tell with certainty if the ruby is indeed a Burmese ruby.

If you have been fortunate enough to have received the Burmese ruby as a gift, you can choose to make Rings, Bands, Pendant, Bracelet, Necklace, Earrings, Chains etc using sterling silver, 18k gold or even Platinum. If you plan to purchase a Burmese ruby online, you will find a number of websites online, which claim to sell the real thing. Take some time to research the authenticity, check the website for credibility and customer testimonials before you buy the Burmese ruby.

Beauty That Endures Through The Ages

Gold has been synonymous with jewelry since time immemorial. Each and every woman feels lost without some pieces of gold jewelry in her collection. Although in recent years the prices of gold jewelry have gone up there is nothing to beat its enduring beauty. This enchanting metal has withstood the test of time very gracefully and stands out as a thing of beauty forever.

Gold Jewelry Has Been a Favorite through the Ages

In history one comes across gold coins and gold jewelry. At that time gold was abundant and people used to prefer it because of its luster and easy to mold features. We find mention of gold jewelry in Indian, Egyptian, Mayan and Roman civilizations. At that time silver was sparingly used except for making coins. Other metals that are used for jewelry nowadays, such as platinum, were not commonly used during early times. So gold was preferred by all and used in abundance by both men and women. As the price of gold increased people started using it sparingly and soon gold became a sign of opulence.

The Versatility of Gold

Even in the early days people used gold for making jewelry. The trend exists even today and has not faded with the years. This is owing to the many attributes of gold as a metal. Gold is not corrosive and does not give in easily to oxidation. This makes pieces of jewelry made of gold long lasting and shining even after years of use. Also gold is a very malleable metal making it easy for artisans to carve intricately beautiful designs with gold. Being a highly conductive metal, gold responds to designing by relatively easier means. The color of gold goes well with all kinds of clothing and can be worn by with all kinds of clothing styles. Gold jewelry suits people of all age and can be worn for any occasion.

Types of Gold Jewelry Available

In early times gold was used for making clasps and cloth pins or as hair adornments. Thick ankles and bangles were also common along with plain gold neck pieces. The designs and types of gold jewelry have changed over the ages. Gold is measured in carats and 24 carat gold is gold at its purest form. Due to designing difficulties of pure gold, gold of 22 carat, 18carat, 14carat and 9 carat are used more commonly. This gold is used to make necklaces, pendants, chains, bracelets, bangles, amulets, rings for the ears, nose and fingers and even anklets. There is a wide variety of design available in gold.

Gold still remains as classy and versatile as it was ages ago. People still have a penchant or wearing gold next to the skin. Nowadays gold is used in association with silver and platinum in various intertwined designs. Gold plated jewelry is also being made to compensate for the high price of gold. Gold jewelry is still a favorite and will remain so in the days to come.

Sterling Silver Bead Chains

Silver has been recognized from time immemorial for its brightness and ability to accentuate decorative objects, including jewelry. Although there is no evidence to recognize when silver was first recognized or made, remains of silver smelting operations dating back to 3000 BC have been found. Since then, silver has been well-represented in the wealth of some of the world’s most famous civilizations.

Sterling silver is a popular option for use in trendy jewelry due to its color, strength and malleability. Fashion trends for all seasons include simple yet elegant jewelry and sterling silver is a sure means to look your best. One of the must-have accessories for any season is the sterling sliver bead chains. They are the right match if you choose classic or sophisticated looks are sure to add the much needed elegance to all your outfits. It is perfect for all ages too, transcending age groups and even genders. Sterling silver bead chains complement any color you choose to wear, so you can team it with a variety of gemstones too.

Dainty Designs at Reasonable Prices

Beaded chains in sterling silver cost remarkably little when compared to the prices of pure silver jewelry. However, that does not mean that sterling silver is not as good as silver. It (silver) has a Mohs rating of 3.25, which makes it extremely soft and prone to easy damage. Hence, it is combined with copper (7.5%) and this leads to a more sturdy material (sterling silver), which can be used effectively for jewelry design. Being nickel-free, it is a great option for people who are allergic to nickel allergies too.

Sterling Silver – Why It is Better than Gold

Silver outshines gold as it is the most reflective metal available. The light color of silver agrees with most skin tones, adding glamour to simple dresses too. Also, it can be worn with both casual wear to glamorous outfits with panache. Most importantly, it is affordable when compared to gold, making it an affordable option for most people.

However, you need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your sterling silver jewelry remains clean. Avoid keeping it in a humid environment; keep it away from damp air (especially if you live near the sea).

There are a number of dealers online, who sell fashionable sterling silver beads chains at the best prices. With a little research, you are sure to find a piece which you will cherish for a lifetime!

Gemstone Healing

Since times immemorial, gemstones have been primarily used for healing and spiritual rituals. They are storehouses of empowerment and benevolence. Kings and queens had gems set in their crowns, which connected them with the forces, while the cosmic energies guided them to rule efficiently. Priests of different religions used gems in rings for similar reasons. Gems can exhibit their power in either a beneficial or a detrimental way – depending on how they are used.

Gemstones are sorted by their colour. Each colour has different healing properties. Our body is divided into seven chakras – the Root for instinct, Sacral Hara for sexuality, Solar plexus for self-knowledge, Heart for emotion, Throat for creativity, Third eye for gaining and using higher knowledge and the Crown for connecting with the divine. Each chakra is a power or energy point, connected to a specific aspect of health or life. Thus, by placing different stones on or around these chakras, your body can experience various positive effects.

Gemstones are a manifestation of vibrancy, light and colour, life, textures, transparency and clarity. They are used in healing, transforming and balancing your life and in attuning your body, mind and soul through the purity of their rays. Their magnetic powers in varying degrees work wonders in terms of therapeutic cures. The vibrations and frequencies emitted by them create strong energy fields that keep you charged up. Precious stones also have a way of healing inharmonious emotions.

Different stones work differently on your mind and body. For example, Diamonds remove mental blockages and promote clarity of thought, stimulate unity and love of self and others. Emeralds develop keener insight into dreams, alleviate hidden fears and eliminate negativity. Amethysts amplify thought, increase intuition and integrate the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies to function as a single unit. Similarly, the red gems are used for vitality and will, pink for love and beauty, brown stones help in getting things into order, orange stones help you cope and aid in endurance, golden stones help you gain wealth and yellow gemstones help you gain hope, happiness and knowledge and so on.

Thus, each gem helps you in its own special way. The stones you use should be in direct contact to absorb their healing properties. Since these crystals work using energy and by transmitting vibration, gemstone healing does not have any risky side effect. It is an ancient and all-natural form of healing that therapeutically cures most of your physical and emotional ailments.

Semi Precious Gemstone Beads

Rare and durable, versatile and affordable, what else could you ask out of semi precious gemstone beads? From tiny chips to large carved beads, you are sure to be spoilt for choice with semi precious gemstone beads. Its splendid design will surely impart a regal look. Apart from jewelry, you can sue semi precious gemstone beads to embellish garments too. The gemstone beads are available in a variety of stones. However, they come in an array of bead shapes, which have been cut from larger gemstones.

With the extraordinary variety available, there is surely one you can find for yourself. The selection of semi precious gemstone beads listed below should help you find one quickly!

• Agate: Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the agate is definitely the most varies among all the semi precious gemstone beads. You can choose agate, which has stripes and swirls (old crazy lace) and golden, red and white agate too.

• Amethyst: This opaque or translucent stone has fascinated many with its various hues of purple. You can choose from pale lavender to dark purple amethysts for the jewelry of your choice.

• Carnelian: Exotic in appeal, this semi precious stone comes from South America. Available in bright golden to deep, fiery red, this semi precious gemstone bead is sure to light up your attire.

• Fluorite: This translucent bead is available is a variety of colors, ranging from a pale lavender to a bright rainbow.

• Jasper: Another bead, which comes in a number of colors and styles, Jasper will delight you with its soft peaches, dark red or neutral tones.

These semi-precious gemstone beads are available in many different colors and styles. Choosing the semi precious gemstone bead type for yourself can be fun with the wide choice you have. It is not just the vibrant color and shape differences, the natural variations within a type of gemstone beads are vast.

Buying Gold-filled Findings for Creative, Resilient Jewelry Pieces

Findings are required material for creating many types of jewelry pieces. In the past, many jewelers used solid gold findings, but since the price of gold has gotten much higher over the past few years, gold-filled findings have been a blessing to jewelry-makers. Gold-filled findings are inexpensive relative to solid gold findings, but have the same classic, elegant look as gold, so they have become increasingly popular among today’s jewelry designers.

Whether they are used for making fine jewelry and accessories or less-expensive beaded pieces, 14K gold filled findings are durable and attractive. Made from a thin outer layer of 14K gold pressure-bonded onto an alloy base (typically brass), gold-filled findings are tarnish resistant because the gold will not wear off over time. The jewelry industry requires that the quantity of gold must be at least 1/20th by weight of the total finding and that the karat measurement of the gold be marked on the piece. This means that gold-filled findings contain much more gold than gold-plated findings, so they are also far more valuable and can be used in keepsake and heirloom jewelry pieces. Gold-filled findings are not difficult to work with, so they can be used by beginning, intermediate, and advanced jewelry designers. In fact, gold-filled findings are usually easier for less-experienced jewelry designers to use, because they are not as soft as solid gold findings, which can be damaged by jewelry-making tools. 

Gold-filled jewelry findings are available in many varieties, allowing jewelry-makers to create unique pieces of jewelry; studying the wide range of findings can also inspire new designs. Types of gold-filled jewelry-making components include spring rings, split rings, jump rings, earring wire, cable thimbles, bead end-caps, bead tips, crimp beads, lobster clasps, bails, toggle, leverback, eye pins, and head pins.

Tips on purchasing gold-filled findings:

•Use a reputable jewelry supplier that has been in business for a number of years

•Buy from a wholesaler to earn a price cut; ask about other available discounts, such as a frequent-buyer discount

•Choose a supplier that offers a wide variety of findings and updates their product line regularly so you can take advantage of all discounts by being a loyal customer to one company

•Be sure the findings are designated “gold-filled,” not “gold-plated” and conforms to strict quality standards

•Make sure the supplier marks the karat measurement on their gold-filled findings