Sell Old Jewelry and Help Preserve Them

Jewelry is one of the most expensive forms of personal adornment and vanity. During the medieval times, only royalty were given the privilege to wear them which makes them even more precious. What makes them so expensive? Aside from beautiful craftsmanship, precious stones and metals can also last a long time which add more to its value. People who sell old jewelry know how expensive they can be especially those with historical value.

Relics

History is brimming with tales of rare jewelry worn by kings and queens. Through time, these items are passed on to descendants and heirs. But since they are so valuable and cost a lot, they attract the attention of thieves and robbers. In addition, wars were fought that often led to houses and castles being ransacked. Collectors are always on the look-out for individuals who sell old jewelry especially if they have convincing evidence that support the history of these valuable relics.

Preserving Old Jewelry

Jewelries play an essential role in history. They provide modern historians information about the period they were made. From this knowledge, they gain full insight as to how people lived during that time; its why more than their monetary value, experts seek these treasures out to preserve them. It's why they urge people to sell old jewelry to the proper authorities who can take good care of them.

Big Money

Compared to newly designed jewelry, ancient pieces are priced higher. It's why independent jewelers are willing to pay big money for them since they know they can sell it for even a higher sum. And more often than not, individuals who have these rare items succumb to the lure of money. While it's not illegal for most pieces, there are some which are claimed by the government as national relics that can land those who sell old jewelry in big trouble.

What to do with old jewelry?

Old jewelry is much more expensive when it comes to monetary value. If you're not really into such things, you should sell it to a trusted buyer. You can use the money for other important things like putting up your own business or if you need it for some emergency. But before you sign a deal or take the money offer, you should look closely at the credentials of your buyer. An honest trader will tell you what kind of jewelry you have in your hands. If it's a rare artifact, they will give you a truthful estimate of its worth. Dishonest ones will push you to take the money immediately and trick you into accepting a much lower amount compared to its real value.

Selling old jewelry can give you a fortune or it may not. What is important is that you know the value of what you possess. The best deal you must find is one that will give you enough money and the jewelry ending up in the right hands.

Outstanding Wedding Photo Ops

The photos from your wedding will be some of your most cherished mementos. Think beyond the standard posed shots, and explore some special and unique settings that will really make your photographs stunning. These are some ideas on outstanding wedding photo ops that are not to be missed.

What is special and unique about the place that you have chosen for your wedding? There may be a stand-out detail at the reception venue, an unbelievable view at your ceremony site, or perhaps there is something that is iconic about the city or town. Don't be afraid to venture off-site to have photos taken. They may end being some of the most special ones in your entire wedding album.

When you are looking for the best backdrops for your photos, ask yourself what you love most about your location. For instance, if you are getting married in San Francisco, you really must have some photos taken riding a cable car. By the same token, no wedding in Paris would be complete without a few shots under the Eiffel Tower. They might not be original, but they will be fantastic pictures, all the same.

Often couples will share special memories about one or two places in their hometown. Maybe there is a wonderful classic wooden carousel in a park near your home. Imagine how lovely the newlyweds would look riding the horses in their fine attire and bridal jewelry? Perhaps there is an outdoor ice skating rink where the two of you have shared many a laugh; it could be a perfect site to take memorable wedding photos.

Other outstanding photos can be taken at a place that has sentimental meaning to the bride and groom. If your fiancé proposed to you in Central Park, then you surely will want to have some wedding pictures taken there in your bridal gown, veil, and pearl jewelry. If no place makes you happier than the porch swing at your parents' home, then ask your photographer to take pictures of you snuggled into the swing with your new spouse. The idea of having photos taken in all of your wedding finery at your favorite everyday sorts of locations will result in fresh and interesting images.

Most venues have some terrific features that can be highlighted as well. Let's say that you are having your reception at a graceful antebellum mansion; you can't go wrong with wedding photos taken by the porch columns. Perhaps there is an old stone wall that you can sit on. To make the photos more dynamic, your photographer can try taking them from unusual angles or unique vantage points. Many of these types of images will be especially captivating in black and white.

Don't overlook the natural beauty of your wedding site when you are looking for great pictures. Is there an ancient oak tree in a field or a babbling brook? These would make excellent photo opportunities. Sometimes the photos can be taken through the veil of nature for an interesting effect. The newlyweds can stand behind a field of wildflowers, for instance, or even in the fog or mist, for one-of-a-kind shots. It helps to have a photographer with a creative eye.

Your wedding photos are so special; you deserve to have a collection that is beautiful and that really captures the spirit of your wedding. By thinking beyond the standard shots, you will be able to create a true visual record of your wedding day that reveals the character of the newlyweds. These are the types of images that you will enjoy revisiting for a lifetime.

Incorporating Birds Into Weddings

Birds have a lot of symbolism that can be very appropriate for a wedding. If you have ever been called a pair of "lovebirds", you see why birds can be fun to use as part of a wedding celebration. Of course, not all ideas are as good in reality as on paper - working with live animals is always unpredictable - but for those who love their feathered friends, these are some ways to incorporate birds into a wedding.

Perhaps the best known use of live birds in a wedding is the release of doves at the conclusion of an outdoor marriage ceremony. A pair of pure white doves has many beautiful meanings, including love, peace, faith, and hope for the future. For the newlyweds, that is. For the doves themselves, being released into unfamiliar territory can result in an untimely death, so think long and hard about a dove release. At one wedding, the guests watched the pair of birds ascend into flight, only to have the first one be snatched from the sky by a hawk and the second one smashed into a cliff by a sudden gust of wind. By the way, the "doves" are not always real doves. Some companies offer specially trained pure white homing pigeons, who at least have the advantage of being able to find their way back to a safe haven (barring a hawk, of course).

If you are a fan of the show "Cake Boss", you may be familiar with this next way that birds can be used in a wedding. Baker Buddy was commissioned to create a wedding cake with a dove on it in honor of the cake the groom's parents had had for their wedding. It turns out that from the 1960s - 1980s, wedding cakes with a pair of live doves in them were very popular for traditional Italian-American weddings (dove releases have long been an Italian wedding custom). So Buddy built a special clear box to serve as the pedestal for a traditional tiered wedding cake adorned with flowers, grapes, and ivy. At the last minute, a pair of doves was placed into the box, and the bride and groom released them as part of the cake cutting ceremony (although in this case, the birds had to be coaxed out of the box). If you are the sort of bride who loves everything traditional, from mother's bridal jewelry to her wedding cake, find out if she had a dove cake. Of course, if live birds are not welcome at your reception venue, you could always opt for a porcelain pair of white doves as your cake topper.

In some cultures, peacocks are considered to be symbols of protection and good luck. Without a doubt, their showy multi-colored feathers are absolutely stunning. If you like the idea of an over-the-top Bollywood-inspired wedding, what about a couple of live peacocks strolling around on the lawn at your wedding reception? They would surely make a grand and regal statement! It is best to find a hotel or other venue which already has its own peacocks in residence, as if the birds are rented and taken to an unfamiliar location, they will have to be kept in an enclosure. If the live birds are not available in your area, you can always have fun creating dramatic centerpieces and bouquets featuring the colorful feathers. Complete the effect with an opulent wedding gown worn with regal bridal jewelry fit for a princess.

These are but a few of the ways to use birds in your wedding. You might also consider a pretty pair of parrots in a large fancy cage to dress up a tropical theme reception or a charming pair of lovebirds in a gold cage in front of the newlyweds' sweetheart table. Of course, you can always have a bird themed wedding without using any live critters; think bird motifs on your stationery, a tiny nest for the ring pillow, and other cute ways to show that you and your fiance are truly "birds of a feather".

The Colored Gemstone Education - Garnet - The Gem For All Seasons

Garnet, the birthstone for the month of January, is one of the most versatile gemstones on the market. It comes in a rainbow of colors, from deep red to tangerine orange to lime green to pale pink, as well as purple, gold, and brown.

The name Garnet most likely was derived from the pomegranate, a fruit whose deep red purple color resembles some varieties of Garnet. Many ancient pieces of garnet jewelry are studded with tiny red gems that look like a cluster of pomegranate seeds.

Garnet is found all over the world, in places like Africa, Australia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia. There are Garnets that change color in the different light, translucent green garnets that look like jade, and Garnets that display a faint four rayed star. Even though this exciting gem has been mined for thousands of years, new deposits have been found in the last decade.

This gemstone is actually part of a family of gems with mineral and color differences that include rhodolite, malaya, dematoid, grossular, hessonite, spessartite, almandine, mandarine, and combinations of these varieties.

Almandine, the most common type, is dark red to brownish red. Pyrope is blood red. Rhodolite, one of the most popular varieties, range from pink to purplish red and is mined in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. Malaya, a mixed veriety found in Tanzania and Kenya, ranges from orange to gold. Tsavorite is bright yellow green to grass green and is also mined in Tanzania and Kenya. Demantoid is primarily found in Russia. Hessonite and spessartite mostly come in golds, oranges an browns. Mandarin is a bright orange type of spessartite, recently found in Namibia. Groosular is available in pinks, greens, and yellows.

As the most common types of Garnet, almandine and pyrope are also the most affordable. But, Tsavorite and Demantoid are quite rare and can cost several thousand dollars per carat depending on size and quality, Bright colors usually commend higher prices than gems with light or dark hues. The gemstone also is available in a variety of sizes, depending on the type of Garnet. Larger gemstones are available in the more common types and exceedingly scarce in more valuable Tsavorite and Demantoids.

Throughout history, Garnets have been prized for their rich hues and supposed mystical properties. The Gemstone was favorite of ancient Egyptian jewelry artisans. Demantoid Garnet was used lavishly by the Tsars of Russia. Travelers carried the gem to protect them against accidents. The gem was thought to protect its wearer from a range of ailments, ward off evil spirits, spark creativity and dispel anger. The stones are also said to light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Noah used a Garnet lantern to navigate the Ark through 40 days and night of torrential rain.

Garnet's various types range from 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that the stone is susceptible to nicks and cracks caused by impact.

To clean garnet, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is safe for most types of Garnet except demantoid. Avoid steam cleaning.

Garnet is the recommended jewelry gift for married couples celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary.

Making Your Own Jewelry - Materials I Use and Starting Your First Necklace

In this article I want to talk about the materials that I use, and getting started on our first necklace. What I like to do is use natural materials most of all--gem stones, seashells, maybe seeds, and stick with the metal such as sterling silver, gold filled, 14 carat gold metals in the beads. What I do is I buy mostly ones that are pre-drilled, because I'm not doing drilling here, although you can buy a piece that is not drilled and wire wrap it. We'll talk about that later. There are so many kinds of things that you can buy.

You can actually get spatial beads that are long tubed, swirly beads, straight beads and there's all kinds of things you can do-- donut shaped round beads, gold filled, sterling silver. I like to use the natural products because I also am aware that the gemstones in particular have, some people feel, their healing properties. That, to me, is what calls me to this work.

Getting started on our first necklace I thought we'd work with some very small light beads, so we are going to choose a fine wire, so that the beads can actually be thread on there without a problem. I measure it by, a lot of times, just holding it up to my neck and seeing where it falls, and then I just start stringing. Sometimes I string different arrangements on the same string of wire, just to see what section of it is looking better and it look like it works.

The ones that don't work I take those off and I kind of expand from there. You can take a larger piece and hang it from another piece of necklace. When you're hanging a bigger piece onto a necklace, you want to be able to figure out where it's going to go first before you actually make your bend, and you are going to want to use these round nose pliers to make a bend once I know that.

That's because the size of your circle that you use will depend on which size of the bead that you're going to put it next to. Once you have the necklace the way you want it to be and you're sure that you've counted your beads and that they're all even on both sides, you can go ahead and put on your clasp you start with putting a crimp bead on your wire, and then I'm going to use a trigger clasp and you'll want to thread that back around into the crimp bead, bring it up so that it's tight but not too tight. Then you use the crimping pliers. You'll squeeze this crimp bead, and it makes a crimp right in half, right in the middle, and you turn, and so one part of it is used to do that, and then at the end, it squeezes both halves together.

Give it a tug and make sure that it's holding, and trim the excess. So now you have your trigger clasp on the end of the wire. So on the other side, I like to add a length of chain, and what that will do is make it adjustable. So usually you cut off two or three inches, depending on the length of the rest of the necklace, and what we'll do again is put on the crimp bead, crimping the bead in half and then using the other end in the front to fold it. Now you can change the length of this necklace.

Women's Diamond Earrings - Some Ideas and Tips

The intriguing aspect of women's fashion - and the very thing that men find difficult to understand - is this: it is comprehensive and a complete whole. A woman understands and insists on symmetry. The dress, hairstyle, accessories, jewelry and her mood should be in perfect sync for her to feel that she is perfectly turned out.

With that in mind, here are a few ideas and tips on one of her favorite accessories - women's diamond earrings.

Of course, women love diamonds. But they also have an innate sense of style. That is why they wear earrings that suit the occasion and their dress. If it's a formal event, like a day at the office, you would find her in a pair of simple yet striking studs, just enough to call attention to the sophisticated elegance of the diamond earring without being overbearing in any way. In case of a corporate party, she may opt for a larger pair of studs, may be with pearls and diamonds. This time, the idea is to draw attention to the rock and tell others that here is a woman of means! Obviously, diamond studs are an indispensable part of her jewelry collection and every woman should have 2-3 pairs that she can wear according to the occasion.

One of the most eye-catching designs in women's diamond earrings is the teardrop. Diamond teardrops are breathtaking. They may be large or small but nothing surpasses them in style, radiance and sheer beauty. They can be worn to formal parties and coupled with a bare neck and an elegant dress!

A trend that has been doing the rounds off and on and is a favorite with women who can carry it off is the hoop. One of the classiest women's diamond earrings is a conservative hoop made of diamonds. Hoops are classy and chic but they suit certain bone structures only. It can be worn both during formal and informal occasions.

In the past, women used diamond earrings set in yellow gold. But that has changed with more and more women preferring to use white gold or platinum in their diamond jewelry. White gold diamond earrings are a picture of elegance and sophistication. They are very versatile since they can match any kind of attire, a formal business suit or a pair of jeans! Yellow gold does not have this level of flexibility.

So, there you have it: studs, hoops, tear drops and dangle earrings. These are the basic styles, but innovation is an inseparable aspect of fashion and newer models come out all the time. Regardless of what is in vogue, one thing is certain: women love diamond earrings, they always have and they always will. Men, are you listening?

Titanium Bracelets As Gifts For the Men in Your Life

Choosing gifts for men is easy if it's about selecting gray socks, red power ties or the latest designer cologne, which is what most department stores assume we ladies want to give our men. But many of us have men in our lives who'd prefer to buy their own socks, don't wear power ties, and have already received enough cologne to last a lifetime from well-meaning relatives. So what do we give when we want to offer something that demonstrates we understand who they are? One of the things that is sometimes overlooked is titanium jewelry. No, not just any jewelry, but titanium. Why? Because even men who don't normally wear a lot jewelry often value a small item made from the ultra strong, very masculine, none-corrosive, almost indestructible, aero grade metal used in jets and spacecraft. It's not a girly gift. It's not too personal to be offensive. It's not so impersonal it hasn't required thought. It's not too expensive to create embarrassment for the receiver and not too cheap to make us embarrassed to give it.

Consider Some Unusual Titanium Bracelets

Just as one small example of an ideal present for a sportsman, specifically for a cyclist, is the titanium bike chain bracelet. It's designed to look like a bicycle chain but is made from solid titanium. It costs just under $100 and is available from online shops like Intense Titanium.

There's also a classic style that's great for an athlete who doesn't normally wear a lot of jewelry but would like a single piece that won't be harmed by saltwater, chlorine, or even perspiration. The item is an ID bracelet that costs just under $70 and features a distinctive chain link with a brushed or polished area for an inscription. It may be accented with a teeny gold rivet or be plain, however, the simplicity and versatility of this item makes it an ideal gift. Why? It can be personalized with a message, a few words, a slogan, a date, a name or, to be less personal, may be left blanc for any inscription the man may desire. It can also be an ideal gift for anyone who has need of a medical alert but doesn't want a standard style. These ID bracelets can be personalized to include a medical condition, an emblem or insignia or whatever is useful information in case of an emergency. Athletes may be in good physical condition, but that does not always mean they have no health concerns.

For something really different, consider a titanium magnetic bracelet with or without gold plating. There are some unusual styles through a UK distributor called Magnetic Direct, and they cost about ?35. These feature a solid titanium bracelet with a series of 13 magnets that have about 3000 gauss each in strength. The gold plating s a fun touch, however not essential.

Unusual Titanium Ring Designs For Men Of All Ages

If bracelets are not quite right, something smaller, although often considered more intimate, would be a titanium ring. Although many wedding bands are now made from titanium, don't let that scare you away. There are unique titanium rings that have tattoos, colored motifs, Celtic knots and even unusual style crosses. It doesn't matter what your relationship with the man, be he a husband, a boyfriend, a plutonic friend, a son, or even a father or grandfather, titanium jewelry offers masculine, versatile and thoughtful gift options for serious occasions or lighthearted fun.

Pearl Information - Top Seven Things to Know When Buying Pearl Jewelry

Here's what this is about, all things are not what they appear to be, and this is especially true about pearl jewelry, and this is why I write this article so you will have some facts to use when buying.

It's simple; many of the articles or advertisements posing as information are not objective or factual. Much of the information about pearls is advertisement, pure and simple.

Let's take a closer look:

1)Shape, the rounder the better. This is not to belittle baroque pearls that are bought for their odd shapes.

2)Size, bigger is better.

3)Luster, the more glow or luster the better. Dull pearls are worth less than pearls with luster.

4)Color, this depends largely on the type of pearl.

5)Quality, pearls are made by nature, many have blemishes, and a pearl with little or no blemishes is more valuable than a pearl with scratches, wrinkles or any other blemish.

6)Nacre, this is the actual part of a pearl that makes it a pearl. This is the substance that creates that glow or luster. If it is thin, dull or chipped, it is less valuable.

7)Matching, as you can imagine, a piece of pearl jewelry made of mismatched pearls wouldn't be very pretty, and it is also less valuable.

So let me summarize and review, consider this pearl information as the objective reality that you might use when purchasing pearl jewelry. Use this pearl information guide and if all things are equal (make sure) then and only then should you compare pricing. Pricing is the last thing you should consider when buying pearl jewelry.

2010 - Hottest New Trends in Jewelry

Trying to keep up on the latest trends affecting jewelry? Get it here with the scoop on the newest styles for fashion jewelry in 2010!

Spring and summer of 2010 will bring a few major trends. The season, overall, will be dominated with jewelry that adheres to three guidelines: big, bright and bold. Its all about making the grandest statements possible in 2010. Retail stores will be selling jewelry that is beautiful, colorful and of course, large. The season will be characterized by a plethora of giant necklaces, earrings - notably hoops, embellished cuff bracelets and statement cocktail rings.

Yes, hoop/circular earrings are making a comeback in 2010! Hoop earrings are bound to be huge and embellished rather than tiny and understated, giving these items a gaudy look, especially with the numerous gems. If you hate hoop earrings, don't despair, there are many alternatives to choose from such as ever-popular chandelier earrings, also in style. An adjacent trend, seen above, is this season's abundance of gems, crystals and stones in adorning jewelry. Gems help in adding value plus a beautiful glow to items, they also make simplistic metal jewelry pop - remember, 2010 is centered on making those bold statements. Of course, this trend will also be seen on cocktail rings, cuff bracelets, statement necklaces, and even charms - each category of jewelry promises to be garnished to the tee with that glow.

This summer, items not only will be decked with jewels but also will be designed according to two major styles, either an organic & more natural theme or according to geometric patterns (expect styles with rectangles/squares and circular undertones). Though the trend will lean increasingly towards organic styles with their designs of floral and leafy prints. Remember to look out for the animal patterns this summer.

One very important thing to consider - do not try to mix and match pieces! With the trend big, bright & bold, becoming overstated will be ever so easy. A singular piece of "wow" jewelry is that will be needed to make your look. Never try to wear giant necklaces and large jeweled earrings together as a set. Pick that singular item to wear your outfit and keep the rest either unadorned or simple. The best thing about the new trend is that it makes it very easy to enrich even the most casual outfits, thus making your look stand out (only in a positive way of course).

A smaller trend affecting 2010 jewelry is that of personalization, with a main emphasis on charmed jewelry - bracelets and all. Also, many "outside the box" pieces will be in the limelight this summer: earrings designed after city maps, ancestry necklaces that show off your family tree, etc. ((these necklaces take your family tree and create a necklace comprised of your family members' names.))

One "drawback" to this trend is that the economy is still in its deflated state, which is not helped by the fact that the price for gold is rocketing. This will have people opting more for cheaper alternatives instead of splurging on pricey pieces - namely expensive metals (platinum, gold) and jewels (diamonds, etc). These individuals will most likely take part in the ongoing white metal craze. Today, more than ever, these individuals are turning to options such as gold plating or sterling silver rather than purchase gold or turning to Cubic Zirconia (CZ) & Swarovski rather than diamonds.

Pearls Make Holiday Shopping Easy

Some people love holiday shopping, and others dread it. Finding the perfect gift can be stressful. Many men have trouble finding a gift that shows their love for the women in their lives. They want something feminine and practical, and, most importantly, something that the recipient will want to keep forever.

There is such a gift: cultured pearl jewelry.

Pearls are the perfect gift for every woman. Women who wear jewelry all the time love pearls, and so do women who only wear jewelry on special occasions. Women who are fashion-conscious and women who are not will be thrilled to have their own cultured pearls. Women of all ages appreciate pearls. Because pearls come in all styles and prices, it is possible to make an excellent choice for your budget.

A strand of cultured pearls is elegant but functional. It goes as well with a business suit as it does with a cocktail dress or casual blouse. Cultured pearl jewelry is an essential part of every woman's wardrobe. A young girl's first "real" piece of jewelry could be a pair of pearl earrings. She will wear them on dates, to graduation, and on job interviews. On her wedding day, these pearl earrings could be the "something old" that she wears as she walks down the aisle. Your mother or grandmother probably has a strand of Akoya cultured pearls that she received as a gift years ago. A matching pearl bracelet, pearl ring, or pearl brooch will show her how much you love and cherish her.

You do not have to be an expert on pearls to select and purchase them. With a little preparation, shopping for cultured pearl jewelry can be easy. It is recommended to buy from a jeweler that you trust. Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers who their favorite jewelers are.

Once you have one or more fine jewelers in mind, you can start learning about cultured pearls. By knowing to what to look for, you can ask informed questions and make a wise selection.

Cultured pearls are judged according to five criteria:

1. Luster: Pearl luster is a combination of surface shine and a deep, glow that radiates from within the pearl. To judge luster, look at your reflection in the pearl's surface. The clearer and crisper the reflection, the better the luster and more valuable the pearl. You should reject pearls that are chalky or dull.

2. Surface: Because cultured pearls are natural, expect some small pits, bumps, or spots. As a rule, the fewer blemishes on a pearl, the higher its quality.

3. Shape: The rounder a pearl, the more valuable it is. However, less expensive baroque pearls can be very beautiful because of their irregularities.

4. Color: Cultured pearls come in silver/white, rose, cream, and gold shades. When deciding upon color, keep in mind that as a very general rule, lighter pearls tend to flatter lighter skins, and darker pearls tend to flatter darker skins. At the same time, don't let rules dictate your preferences.

5. Size: Cultured pearls are measured by their diameter. The diameter of cultured pearls ranges from 2 to 10 millimeters. Larger pearls are more valuable, and more expensive than smaller ones, all things being equal.

Cultured pearl jewelry is the ideal holiday gift. As long as you know where to look, what to look for, and keep your budget in mind, buying pearls as holiday gifts can be easy.

Provided by Premiumpearl.com

Hot New Diamond Jewelry And Swiss Watch Trends

The jewelry industry has gotten very creative over the last couple of years and with that creativeness has come an amazing assortment of jewelry designs. Technology has also advanced and complicated styles that weren't possible are not being made. Finally, manufacturing costs have come down and now can you choose from an amazing collection of jewelry styles while spending much less than in years past. Read more and you'll learn what's at the front of the pack.

Add-A-Bead Charm Bracelets

Pandora and TrollBeads have created a new phenomenon in jewelry that includes a contemporary spin on the charm bracelet. TrollBeads is a brand name "add-a-bead" charm bracelet designed by Scandinavian artists using sterling silver and Murano glass beads. The silver beads are a collection of symbols and animals each with a meaningful story behind them. Each artist has there own bead that they've created using inspiration from mythological stories and fairy tales. The Murano beads are hand-blown genuine Murano glass - made by Italian craftsman. Pandora is similar in style and concept but places a bigger emphasis on the silver while TrollBeads has both sterling silver and glass to choose from.

These charm bracelets make wonderful gifts and most people buy one for themselves as well as for friends. The beauty of the jewelry is the ability to build bracelets together with friends and family, once built they look amazing and very fashionable.

Yellow Gold is on the Move

For years white gold and platinum have dominated jewelry fashion however, many jewelry designers are now showing new styles in yellow gold. This recent movement has been seen in styles created by Tacori and Simon G, most notably with Tacori's new yellow gold Medallion. This medallion has been voted the hottest new jewelry style by readers of various women's magazines. What we've seen is that women are now wearing yellow and white gold jewelry together and it seems to be quite fashionable. Look for two-tone bridal jewelry to make a comeback very soon as well.

Be a Star

Tiffany & Co. has been selling a diamond studded silhouette of a star and this necklace has created an interest in star jewelry. You'll notice many jewelry stores carrying similar stars in necklace, pendant, rings, and earrings. Most of these stars are basic but classy looking 5 point stars pave set or channel set with round diamonds or baguettes. Carat weights for these items normally range from .25ct to 1.50ct total diamond weight. These styles have been hitting the market since Summer of 2007 but you'll see many more variations as time goes on.

Journey Jewelry Debeers created the concept of Journey Jewelry a couple of years ago but it took a while to catch on. Recently, it became one of the most popular diamond jewelry gifts available. Journey Jewelry is created with a collection of diamonds growing in size from smallest to largest, these diamonds symbolize the growth of love that people have for one another. As your love grows so should your diamonds, at least that's what Debeers believes. Journey styles have been shown mostly in white gold set with princess or round diamonds. The concept is based loosely on the Past, Present, & Future 3-stone jewelry that was also created by Debeers. You can view great diamond journey jewelry styles at Rokstok.com.

Automatic Swiss Watches

For men, fine quality Swiss watches have become a very important choice in timepieces. The sport watches created by Movado, Rolex, and Breitling have driven the market and still remain the leaders in men's wrist watches. Another craze seems to be oversized or very large watches, you'll see this in many of the Breitling designs. The styles are getting bigger and bigger and the bold use of decorative dials is quite striking.

Piercing Jewelry Throughout History

Many consumers don't realize it, but body jewelry is nothing new, it has been around for generations. Many people associate piercing and piercing jewelry with current fashion trends because it has become widely accepted among people of all ages and walks of life. It's true that body jewelry is very common right now, but it is something that has been seen throughout time in many different cultures around the world.

In fact, it is believed that piercing jewelry dates back more than 2,000 years! Body piercing jewelry was even mentioned in the Bible because there were tribes who made jewelry out of wood and bone and even stone. The history of this jewelry dates back quite a ways in Egypt where royal family members were known to pierce their bodies.

It's true for a great many that piercing jewelry is simply a fashion statement today, but in the past it was done for cultural reasons that are often overlooked today. For instance, Roman warriors had piercings and wore jewelry as a sign of strength and in other cultures this jewelry is a sign of beauty and even fertility. Each culture has its own reason for the piercing and wearing of piercing jewelry, even if it is often overlooked today.

Piercing jewelry was embraced by some societies in the past while it was condemned in others. There were even some areas where belly rings and nose rings and the like were illegal to wear or possess. This jewelry was banned but it didn't stay that way for all that long before people began wearing it again to make a fashion statement, to do something different with their body, or even just achieve a certain social status. Luckily, times have changed and body piercing has become much more widely accepted.

It's true that people all over the world are piercing their bodies and wearing beautiful jewelry, luckily there is tolerance in most areas. In most cultures today this is done as a fashion statement, to express oneself, or even for the intensified sexual experience. Body piercing and the wearing of piercing jewelry is more common than ever and comes in materials ranging from gold, to sterling silver jewelry, to bone, wood, acrylic, stone, and more allowing for their to truly be something for everyone.

Ways to Get a Great Deal on Top of the Line Jewelry

One can arguably state that the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to jewelry selections. From fine jewelry to casual collections, one has a lot to choose from when it comes to this type of accessory. For many individuals who are shopping for jewelry items, finding a top of the line piece of jewelry at an exceptional price is the desired outcome. These individuals will be glad to know that this is not only possible but highly likely so long as they know the tips which go along with doing so.

Clearance Sales on Fine Jewelry

Many jewelry stores and larger retail stores with specialty departments will provide a separate jewelry case which has fine jewelry items on clearance. For the most part, these items are in superior shape yet perhaps they are the last ones of their kind which are on sale or they have to be sold in order to make room for new collections coming into the store. No matter what the ultimate reason may be, it is a great idea to peruse these sections to see if any piece of jewelry catches one's eye. Clearance sales can be a great way to get top of the line products at a bargain price.

Purchasing Jewelry Online

Another avenue to pursue when hoping to find a great deal on top of the line jewelry is to consider buying these accessories online. More and more jewelry shops and chain retail stores are utilizing the World Wide Web to sell their wares to consumers. Since these entities realize the growing trend of online shoppers they are taking advantage of this occurrence by presenting their goods in an online venue. One way to get a great deal on top of the line jewelry is to take advantage of web-only sales. Online retailers often present some of their items for sale at a discounted price which can save the frugal shopper a noticeable amount of money.

Promotional Discounts

Top of the line goods of this type can also be obtained at great prices if one takes advantage of promotional discounts which may be offered by the store. This can be done via coupon usage or some may find that even coupons are unnecessary when it comes to getting a good deal. Many of these promotional discounts occur on a monthly basis although one is sure to find a good amount of them surrounding various holidays. Promotional discounts are another way to add those beautiful prime jewelry pieces to one's collection at a fraction of the price. By shopping around via store circulars or advertisements, one might just be able to find promotional discounts on these items which are sure to benefit them in the end.