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