Jewelry Extenders – Attractive Jewelry Extenders Lengthen Beautiful Pieces
Author: SWCreations
Jewel extenders in the past have often been plain and without an attractive appeal. However, today’s extenders are perfect for fancy pieces of jewelry of all kinds. The clasp style of these extenders varies greatly so that it will match any handcrafted jewelry you might own that is just not quite long enough to sit well on an outfit perfectly. Sometimes when you receive beaded jewelry gifts, you might find that it’s not quite long enough, so adding an extender to the quality handcrafted jewelry makes it fit just right. Extenders are perfect for beaded jewelry of all kinds, but especially necklaces.
Today’s jewelry extenders are impressive and very highly attractive. They are almost like beautiful beaded jewelry themselves, and add a little something special to that too short necklace you own. Whether for every day wear or a special event, an extender that itself is a fine piece of quality handcrafted jewelry is best. You can find extenders in a variety of beadwork, including freshwater pearls, glass beads, cubic zirconia, and Swarovski Austrian crystals. These can make a fine addition to your beaded jewelry. This is a very cost effective way to make your jewelry fit just right.
There are a surprising number of jewelry extenders you can get as well. You can get just about any type of extender. You can buy extenders for bracelets, which is great because everyone has seen a tiny bracelet that is simply too small for some wrists. Another good type of extender is anklet extenders. Anklets are so attractive, so it’s really disappointing when you have one that’s too small. Gold anklet and necklace extenders are also available at a very reasonable price. Of course, necklace extenders are the most popular form, and are very helpful when you have a fine piece of quality handcrafted jewelry that isn’t quite long enough.
Jewelry extenders are a great option to lengthen just about any form of jewelry on a chain and using an extender of equally fine handcrafted jewelry quality is important. Since you can get an extender for your necklace, anklet, or bracelet in just about any matching material, why wouldn’t you get that inexpensive extender and enhance your handcrafted jewelry and its appearance when you wear it? Extenders are made of the same materials, whether it is beads, pearls, gold, or even find items such as cubic zirconia or Swarovski crystals! Extenders make your beaded jewelry and non-beaded jewelry work well for you!
Beaded Anklets – Beaded Anklets Great Gift for Others or Yourself!
Author: SWCreations
One very popular piece of jewelry that’s always popular and less common is the anklet. It adds a little something special to the warm weather wardrobe that a necklace simply cannot do. There are a lot of styles available to get when you are shopping for beaded anklets. When choosing an anklet for purchase, you will need to consider several types, including designer anklets, beach anklets, and the various sizes of anklets. These sizes are 8-9 inch, 9-10 inch, 10-11 inch, and 11-12 inch. It not a bad idea to measure your ankle or the ankle of the person for whom you are buying the anklet prior to purchase. When choosing beaded anklets for designer wear, consider the personality of the person who will wear this anklet. Are they into art, or do they enjoy solid colors? Do they like a huge variety of colors, or prefer monochromatic color schemes? Choices vary greatly depending on these factors. Some anklets are designed with cute little dangling charms while others are plainer. Some of them even feature artistic-looking beads to enhance their beauty and charm. Quality handcrafted jewelry such as this is hard to find, and you’ll want to give the very best if this is a gift item. Another anklet type to choose is the beach anklet. These are ideal for a day by the pool or ocean. When lounging in the sun, these swivel and snap beaded anklets won’t fall off and will stay securely attached to the ankle. Brass and nickel are ideal materials to make the swivels out of so that they withstand the environment that they will be in. This type of beaded jewelry is very popular and makes great beaded jewelry gifts! There are many color combinations to choose from, and the use of Swarovski crystals is an option on these. No doubt anyone wearing an attractive beaded anklet at the beach will get a lot of attention when they have on the anklet that matches their personality well. Giving the gift of quality handcrafted jewelry is easy when you choose beaded anklets! Whether your recipient is more into designer choices or is more of a beach-lover, they are sure to love this item. If it is for yourself, you are sure to love the quality and craftsmanship that go into each and every one. Beaded jewelry is a jewelry trend that never dies. It is one of those universal styles that are always in, so you’ll never have to worry about your piece going out of style.
The zircon is a type of mineral that belongs to the family of nesosilicates. Zirconium silicate is the chemical name. Green, brown, red, golden yellow, and colorless are the natural color of Zircon. The Matura diamond are colorless minerals that has the gem quality and are very popular as a substitute for a diamond. They are not be confused with the cubic zirconia which is a synthetic mineral with a totally different chemical composition.
Zircon came from the Arabic word zarqun which means vermilion, the persian word zargun which means golden colored. The yellow zircon is commonly called the hyacinth which is a word originated in East India. During the middle ages, people called all yellow stones as hyacinth, however today, this term is only used to describe or identify the yellow zircons.
The traditional birthstone for December is the Zircon.
If not for its presence in the crust of the earth, Zircon is a great and remarkable mineral. They are primarily found in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. The least abundant type of zircon is the Large zircon crystals. Zircon is one mineral that is found worldwide and is a very common accessory. These minerals can be found in Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Canada, Quebec, United States, Italy and so on. The largest producer of zircon which accounts to 37% of the world’s total production, Australia is the leading country in zircon mining. The zircon can be found in a wide variety if colors. They can be seen in black, colorless, hazel, yellow, brown and red. Below gem quality, zircons can be changed by heat treatment. It really depends on the amount of heat beig applied to the mineral. They can be changed to blue, golden yellow, and colorless.
Zircons are commonly used as as insulator and as an abrasive. It is a gemstone that is seen in a wide variety of colors and characterized by its great brilliance, clarity and fire. Zircon was known as an amulet for people who are travelling during the 11th Century. It is one gemstone believed to protect people from insomnia, diseases and injury. It is also used ensure the traveller for a warm cordial welcome on where he will travel. The zircon, according to ancient civilizations was believed to hold magical powers and used to fight evil. It was used to fight the black death which is the great plague that killed almost all of the population of Europe. The zircon was the most popular prescribed medicine to those people who can’t sleep, to stop poison and aid a proper digestion.
The most rare and the most prized zircon is known as the red gemstone. The zircon, with a well placed knock can be easily broken because it is a brittle stone. However, despite of its poor hardness, the zircon is still a very valuable tock because of its brilliant beauty. It was even mentioned in the book “Arabian Nights” because it is considered to be the favorite gemstone of the Arabs.
Handcrafted Jewelry- Imparting the Special Touch
Author: Suzanne
The desire to stand out in the crowd is common to everyone. This is not unusual, as we all love to be admired and talked about, thus providing reason enough for the growing obsession of things that promise to be unique or different. You might have a pleasing personality and good brains; but it’s more important to let the whole world appreciate your qualities. Always remember, appeal originates through sight. Herein lies the necessity of creating your own style statement.
It’s not just the clothes that contribute to your style. In fact, they must be teemed with proper accessories for that killer look! Apart from shoes, bags, or watches, it’s the kind of jewelry put on that makes or mars your appearance. The perfect accessory for any occasion, jewelry, highlights any outfit. Gone are the days when jewelry was considered the sole possession of women. Men too have shown great affinity for these decorative pieces and are now worn by many to create that ultimate fashion statement. Commonly observed, it seems that the great demand for jewelry across the world has led to the abundance of duplicate or imitative designs and products. Tennis bracelets, pearl necklaces, solitaire earrings- these are possessed almost by everyone. Even the fashion jewelry and costume jewelry sold in the shopping malls are losing their uniqueness on account of being sold on retail. The solution then lies hunting for the right place for your unique jewelry piece.
The best places to look for some truly unique jewelry, especially the handcrafted ones, are antique stores or your grandma’s collection. It might sound a weird notion initially, but these antique pieces hold the promise to set you apart from the rest. Handcrafted jewelry is an artistic creation, where every jewelry item is individually crafted to lend the essential uniqueness for which the product is valued. Handcrafted jewelry is designed as per the changing trends and lifestyles of the contemporary world. These ornamental pieces come in a wide range of designs, catering to the tastes of the buyers who generally prefer to pair them with both formal and informal outfits. Earthy woods, textured brass, semi-precious gems, gold, silver, brilliant crystals, or unusual elements are used to craft some of the most stunning designs.
An essential thing to remember while buying handcrafted jewelry is its theme and style. If you are a person who loves dressing formally, then colorful gemstones, precious or semi-precious stones would be the plausible choice. However, for the younger and the hip lot, trying out new styles would just do the trick. For instance, it would be a great idea to experiment with handcrafted Bohemian style jewelry. Use of simple material with bold designs would definitely help to create a free-spirited funky appearance. Another unique handcrafted jewelry style is the poetry engraved jewelry, where beautiful poetic lines are engraved on gold and platinum. These handcrafted jewelry items are ideal for all ages and are especially preferable for informal costumes.
So give up your common fashion jewelry this season to try out the chic and trendy handcrafted jewelry. The mixing of different styles, in combination with the artist’s vision and creativity, makes every jewelry item one of a kind.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/handcrafted-jewelry-imparting-the-special-touch-296436.html
About the Author:
Suzanne Macguire is an Internet marketing professional with keen interest in trendy jewelry.
Information and Legends associated with Topaz, November’s Birthstone
by Lisa Vella
Topaz is a gorgeous gemstone found in a wide range of colors. Striking shades of red, orange, peach, pink and gold are just a few shades of interest. However, yellow topaz is the official birthstone for the month of November. Commonly used as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th, and 23rd years of marriage, this lovely stone has actually been quite famous throughout history.
The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire. Typically, gem connoisseurs mine it from sources in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico and Pakistan. The method most often used is surface mining or open pit mining, but sometimes underground mining is also an option depending on how deep it is in the ground. Topaz may be found in large chunks, or in small pieces.
Interestingly enough, the most famous topaz was for years thought to be a diamond called the “Braganza Diamond.” It is also known as the “Prince Regent Diamond” because it entered the court during the regency of Prince Regent John VI. Some describe it to be about the size of a goose egg, and say that John VI had a hole drilled in it to wear as a necklace for special occasions.
The famous “Braganza Diamond” disappeared after the death of King John VI, and no one is quite certain as to where it is today. Some think it may be set on the Portuguese crown. Even though it was discovered in 1797, if were a diamond, it would still be the largest and most valuable diamond ever found, but experts believe based on its color, which had been described as a dark yellow color, and other features that it truly was a topaz.
Those who are interested in seeing genuine topaz gemstones may do so at various museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the British Museum. Their dazzling displays contain both rough and cut stones.
As with most gems that have been around for centuries, topaz have their own powers associated with them. It was considered to heal both physical and mental disorders and even prevent death. As for physical ailments, those with achy body conditions would wear it because they thought it cured or improved arthritis and other bone and joint dysfunctions. In addition to those health problems those who wore it felt it improved various blood vessel and circulatory problems.
Emotionally, topaz was said to drive away sadness and even improve upon intellect, as well as bring a feeling of calm and peace to the hearts of all those who wore it.
On fun piece of folklore associated with topaz comes from the Greeks. They believed it had powers to literally increase strength and actually make those who wore it invisible. However, they were not the only ones to feel it had these magical powers. The Egyptians felt if they wore it as an amulet they would be safe from injury, while the Romans were certain that it improved their eyesight.
Based on its history and beauty, those who wear topaz jewelry designs would most likely agree with St. John in Revelation who said that topaz was, “touched by the splendor of the sun.” It truly is a splendid gem.
Women take fashion very seriously, and many view the clothes and accessories that they wear as the paint with which they create their own artistic story about who they are and who they want to be. We’ve all shopped for jewelry at big chain stores, and been disappointed with the selection and the quality of the piece that we find. If it’s not made out of plastic, it’s been mass produced by a machine in a factory, without quality or uniqueness. If you are tired of wearing the same earrings as everyone else in your community, you must seek out handcrafted earrings that have been made with care.
If you’ve never considered looking for beaded earrings that have been handcrafted by an artisan that takes pride in each piece, you should know that they are often the most stunning part of any outfit. No matter whether you like to dress in flashy, loud prints, or more subdued solid colors, there are handcrafted earrings that will compliment your style and cause other people to take notice. You will be able to wear your earrings in confidence because you know that there are only a few pairs just like it in the entire world.
When choosing your handcrafted earrings, be sure to choose styles that complement your face shape and the length of your hair. If you have longer hair, you will want to choose beaded earrings that have a longer length, so they will be able to be seen when you wear your hair down. These types of earrings typically have longer wire clasps, and will feature at least three or four different sizes and shapes of beads. If you have shorter hair, you might want to choose a lighter style that is only made of one or two types of beads.
Don’t forget that beaded earrings can often be made especially for you by the artists that design them. If you are interested in helping to design your own unique pair of earrings, of have been looking for handcrafted earrings that will match one particular outfit, but haven’t been able to find anything that satisfies you, be sure to contact the artisan about your trouble. In most cases, they are happy to work with you to develop the perfect accessory for your favorite dress or blouse. If you are interested in learning more about the wonderful world of beaded earrings, there are many places online where you can look at the work of handcraft artists.
History of Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry
- by SWCreations -
You might feel that the history of handcrafted beaded jewelry cannot possibly be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite intriguing to learn where this part of culture began. Some say that the beginnings of beaded jewelry began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and thought it was incredibly beautiful. Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways. One way is simply for beauty. Another is for value. Some would trade and buy with beaded jewelry or beads. And some cultures even used them as talisman. So how was beaded jewelry initially created? Let’s take a look.
Although a man or a woman living in those times would not possibly have any practical use for them; however, they could not carry them around without modern day bags or carrying devices, nor did they have pockets. So, as legend tells us, they attached the gemstones or beads to leather straps and wore them around their neck to create the first handcrafted beaded jewelry. Over time, handcrafted beaded jewelry started to become a status symbol. Those with power and wealth were the ones who had beaded jewelry. Beads even have been used as an item of value for which trade could be made.
Handcrafted beaded jewelry has been made out of many types of beads. Beads have been known to be made out of glass, bone, porcelain, shells, paper, clay, metals, gemstones, ivory, and even wood. Bead craftsman often held the trade secrets in confidence. They were expected to keep the bead-making skills a secret. Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves. Mass production of beads didn’t even begin until the 1800s when glass beading became widely available. It was at this time that Swarovski created their process for making their special beads which are still in high demand today. Even today, the secrets of how their beads are made are kept secret.
Different parts of the world created different types of handcrafted beaded jewelry. Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork usually included a lot of turquoise and silver. Bead making in France began as early as 38,000 BC! Worry beads, Filigree, and highly decorated ceramic beads originated in Greece, while Italy specialized in the Murano glass beads. There are dozens of other countries not yet discussed here, but beaded jewelry has a rich and vast history that is incredibly interesting. Suffice it to say that there is a rich cultural tradition with wearing beaded jewelry.
A Muted Fall/Winter Fashion Pallet—With Three Great Exceptions
- By SWCreations -
This fall and winter, fortune favors a muted pallet. Those lucky few fashionistas that decide what everyone wears each season have given the new colors spunky names like the light tan “Nomad,” and “Iron” that is, by any other name, dark grey. Mix these with a light rose pink, a Warm Olive, and a burnt salmon sienna, and this fall is less autumn leaves and winter cheer and more cozy gothic. But for jewelry lovers this isn’t tragic, it’s lucky. The muted pallet makes accessorizing with the season’s three more deeply hued colors a cinch. They can rejoice in the gem colors American Beauty, Purple Heart, and Majolica Blue.
American Beauty is a perfectly balanced true red, flattering all skin tones. The color is brilliant as glass beads in earrings or on necklaces and goes great with black. The designers had a patriotic feel in mind for this tone, but this is a new red for rougher times and the tough, but still romantic, strong woman.
Purple speaks of royalty, but this is a new take on the old favorite. No longer aloof like the old purple, Purple Heart is a little more sensual and a lot more creative. Think eccentric high school art teacher, but with better taste in earrings. Think handcrafted beaded jewelry, but refined and runway ready. This purple borders on lilac but leans toward true royal purple.
Majolica. Don’t you just want to say the word until it isn’t in season anymore? Originally, the term “majolica” came from the ceramics of the Italian Renaissance that had an opaque white glaze with a brilliant overlay of colors. The Victorians used the term for pottery with vibrant leaden glazes. Majolica Blue is the same, deep, throaty, with a smoky sense of tranquility. The new blue is a cross between 2008’s teal and traditional navy. It complements oranges, like Burnt Sienna, and is best as handcrafted beaded bracelets resting on a Warm Olive lap.
Then there is the vixen in a woman who wishes to be covered in vibrant colors, and the mute clothing pallet isn’t good enough. True red, rich lilac purple and deep teal have their place as overcoats, dresses, and cardigans too. These pieces need accessories of their opposites, in their muted counterparts. Balance is the key. These tones become vibrant as crystal beads and on bold bangles. Or, when in doubt, wear Majolica and sterling silver as well.
Sapphire—A Gem Fit for Royalty
written for SWCreations by Lisa Vella
For centuries, sapphires have made their mark in the history of our world. Understandably so—they are beautiful and unique gemstones that come in many different varieties. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers recognized sapphire for its wonderful qualities and named it as the official birthstone for the month of September. It is the designated gem given for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries and if a couple is blessed enough to make it to their 65th anniversary, the unique star sapphire is often given.
The sapphire is actually a gemstone that belongs in the corundum family. Corundum is a pure aluminum oxide mineral which is crystallized from extreme heat and pressure. Since ancient times, Sri Lanka has been one of the largest producers of high quality sapphires, but it can be found on all continents including Burma (modern day Myanmar), South Africa, Canada, and the US.
The US has been mining sapphire since they were discovered in the gravels of the Missouri River in Lewis and Clark County, Montana in 1865. Many other sources were soon to be discovered in Montana, followed by a discovery from the Cowee Valley in Macon County, North Carolina in 1895.
People in the US continue to mine them today, but mostly as more of a hobbyist venture than a serious business. Tourists in North Carolina will often pay a fee to purchase buckets of gravel or to dig in designated areas in the hopes of finding sapphire or other precious gems.
The most popular color for sapphire is deep royal blue, but they can actually be found in almost all colors including pink, white, green, yellow, orange, purple, brown and even colorless. Here are just a few different varieties:
·Bi-colored Sapphire – a sapphire with more than one color
·Cat’s Eye Sapphire – a sapphire exhibiting a “cat’s eye effect” where there is a thin band of light down the center of the stone.
·Color Changing Sapphire – a rare sapphire that exhibits different colors in different light. In natural light the sapphire is blue, but changes to violet in artificial light.
·Fancy Sapphire – any sapphire other than blue
·Padparadschah – the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire
·Verneuil Sapphire – a synthetic sapphire – grown in a laboratory
Historically, there have been many cases in which sapphires have made their appearance. The Stuart Sapphire, which dates back to 1214, passed through the hands of many kings and eventually ended up adorning Queen Victoria’s State Crown. In time it was replaced by another gem, and is now on display as part of the British Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London.
Another famous account occurred when the Russian Emperor Alexander II purchased a sapphire weighing 260.37 carats for his wife, the Empress Maria Alexandrovna. This stone is now owned by the State Diamond Fund of the Russian Federation, where it is proudly shown at their museum in Gokhran, Russia.
Sapphire hasn’t been absent in modern times either. Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford and Jean Harlowe all had sapphire engagement rings. Perhaps the most famous account in today’s time occurred when Prince Charles gave Princess Diana an 18 carat engagement ring surrounded by 14 diamonds in an elegant cluster setting.
As with all gemstones that have been around since nearly the beginning of time, sapphire has its own folklore and legends associated with it. It’s easy to understand why so many choose it for an engagement ring because it is associated with fidelity, compatibility, and mutual understanding. Some of its powers are thought to include spiritual enlightenment, and the ability to heal rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. When gazing into a cool blue stone, one can easily understand how it brings peace of mind and serenity to its owner, while promoting a life of truth and sincerity. The sapphire is truly a royal beauty.
Ruby – July’s Gemstone of Hot & Spicy Fun
- by Sarah Stephens -
Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent red, and is widely recognized as the July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your ruby jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!
Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is one of the most sought-after precious colored gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come from the Latin word “rubber” or “rubens,” which means red.
In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called “ratnaraj,” or “king of precious stones.” Centuries ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. People also believed that if rubies were placed beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical force field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. Red is also the color of blood–the life force of all mankind.
Ruby gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring ruby, click here. Ruby is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.
Rubies became a popular colored stone among European royalty and other nobility because of their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an emperor in their next lives.
The ruby is often associated with the emotions of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also believed to open the heart, attract others, and overcome fear. They were also said to help predict the future if they change color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya.
Mohs’ Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.