Body Jewelry - Hip Or Harmful?

So many people today are looking for the next biggest thing: cool tattoos, trendy shoes, or hot clothes. If you were living in the '70's, how many people do you think you'd see in one day that had a body piercing? Not very many, but the growth in popularity of some sort of body jewelry has expanded drastically over the last decade.

You might be asking, "What sort of things are included in the definition of 'body jewelry?'" This type accessory is defined as an item of jewelry usually worn on parts of the body through a piercing. Examples include earrings, belly button rings, tongue rings, or nose rings. The most popular form of body jewelry seems to be earrings but you might be surprised at how many adults/teens have other parts of their bodies "accessorized". It is said that there is almost no external organ in the human body that has not been pierced! What could this mean for the future of America?

It's safe to say that teens from age 14-20 are probably the most popular age group to receive some sort of piercing in or on their bodies. So what are the risks of body jewelry? How could wearing a simple metal ring in your nose or lip turn into a hazard? The problem with an oral piercing is that, believe it or not, there are people out there who have experienced chipping a tooth or winding up with gum damage. It is also a possibility that if these teens wear a ring in their mouth or nose, it could be swallowed accidentally but very easily of Free Shipping 13 circles bangle bracelet jewelry.925 jewelry.bangle.fashion silver jewelry.925 silver bangle bracelet..

There are so many facts that people never think to wonder about before they put their body through painful piercings. What many folks don't know is that extremely dangerous infections such as HIV and hepatitis could spread just by wearing the body jewelry. Other risks include bleeding, swelling, scarring and allergic reactions to the accessory Coz 18K Gold Plated Exquisite CZ Lady Earrings. As a result to these reactions, body parts can become seriously harmed. For example, the ear cartilage is a very popular area to wear body jewelry and some might think it is "cool". But what they don't know is that if you react to the piercing badly, your ear could become seriously deformed! To treat infections, over-the-counter medicines can help cure them but if not treated soon enough, some people with very bad infections may need surgery.

The next time you set out to get a piercing, check the facts first. Make sure that you know what the risks could include and how serious of a problem one item of body jewelry can become.

What Is the Greenest Jewelry?

Reuse, Recycle or Refine - Which is the Greenest Jewelry?
The question often asked is what type of jewelry is the most environmentally friendly jewelry?

Without question reused jewelry is the most eco-friendly jewelry available. The Environmental Protection Agency always recommends buying used as a consumer tip for all "green purchasing". When you purchase pre-owned, vintage, estate or wholly recycled jewelry the greater negative environmental impact from mineral extraction and casting has already been done to our environment.

The second most eco-friendly jewelry available would be refined or recycled use of gold or platinum. However, this process involves a process that causes a negative earth impact by melting metals or by using acid to remove gemstones from mountings.

You may easily find estate, vintage or antique items that are in perfect or gently worn condition. Often you may find green rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings that have never been worn.

Planning a wedding? Start your new life together with green wedding jewelry. Art Deco, Edwardian or contemporary wedding and engagement rings are an important component of a green wedding.

Buying antique wedding rings does not mean that you have to compromise on quality or have past date styles why Graceful Swarovski Diamond Pendant Necklace. Often you will locate products that are currently being sold in department stores such as Crystal Tower Lover Lady Necklace 1147 Blue.

Green, eco-friendly jewelry is not only good for the environment it can also be more cost effective. Compare prices with online estate jewelry to brand new merchandise and you are certain to be pleased by great values.

For an even greener experience, try online shopping. Online shopping will help save up to 40% less fossil fuel, plus online shopping will save you time.

Green or recycled jewelry may be found online by searching for Antique, Estate, Used, Pre-Owned, Heirloom or Vintage Jewelry. The term antique refers to items that are over 100 years old.

What's Hot and What's Not in the World of Collectibles

Here is a list of some of the collectibles that people should be trying to acquire, at least right now. As long as the price is right, the buying and selling of these particular items should prove profitable, at least as profitable as anything can be in the present economy.

The "What's Hot" list is immediately followed by "What's Not," which are those items that have fallen out of favor for the time being. Just remember that anything in the antiques and collectibles business is possible so these items could turn around and be popular again at any moment.

What's Hot

1. Anything to do with Star Wars, especially items relating to the original movie. For the best prices, these items need to be in their original packaging.

2. Early Disney items, original packaging preferred but not necessary.

3. Sports cards from the 1950s, 1960s or earlier. The more famous the player the better. Condition is important. They are worth more if they have been graded. In some cases, autographs will also help their value.

4. Older first edition books in good to excellent condition. Signed copies are more valuable. The rarity of the book (the original print run) is important and will help determine what it is worth. Having one of a 500 print run is better than having one of a 5000 print run.

5. Old photography in good condition. If you can identify the subject matter and know where they were taken and when, the value is increased.

6. Vintage postcards in good condition. The most valuable continues to be town scenes, real photo postcards and holiday postcards. The most popular of the holiday postcards are Halloween and Christmas, especially those depicting Santa.

7. Old coins - coins that were minted before the silver and gold content were decreased. The better the condition, the better the price. Slabbed or graded coins bring the most money. Do not clean coins. Should you have any coins worth grading, they won't be worth it after you clean them. Coins that have a mint mark are worth more.

8. Sterling silver. The higher the price of silver goes, the more sterling silver is worth. This includes jewelry as well as holloware. During the last two years, sterling silver jewelry has been bringing good money at auction. In many cases, much more than spot.

9. Signed costume jewelry. Nice old pieces of costume jewelry from designers such as Trifari, Eisenberg, Weiss, Coro, etc. Pieces with missing stones won't bring as much. There is quite a bit of counterfeiting going on so be sure whatever pieces you have are not fake.

10. Very old comic books of famous heroes in good condition; especially those comic books that introduced a famous character for the first time. An example of this would be Action Comics #1, which was first published in 1938. It marked the first appearance of Superman and in near mint condition it recently sold for $1.5M. That's right, a cool $1.5 million dollars. Not bad for what was probably an initial investment of ten cents. Batman also made the million dollar club this year. The very first Batman comic brought an impressive one million and seventy-five thousand dollars.

11. Any original antique in good condition. They have a way of bringing excellent money no matter what's going on in the market.

12. Modern Danish furniture. The really good stuff from Denmark, especially if it is signed. With the right buyer, these pieces can bring more money than some rare antiques.

13. Anything Chinese, as long as it is old and authentic. There is a frenzy for all things Chinese such as porcelain, artwork and furniture. Stay away from the less expensive knockoffs. We are only talking the real deal here but if you have a piece - Maui is a beautiful place for an early retirement.

14. Old postage stamps. Stamps are a very complicated business. There are replicas of some valuable old ones, such as Hitler, so you need to be careful. Before selling any old stamps, have them looked at by an expert. You could be sitting on some money.

What's Not

1. Pottery such as Roseville, Van Briggle, McCoy and the other well-known pottery companies. About 5 years ago, good pottery was bringing a lot of money but not today. If you have a collection, you might want to hang on to it to see if it bounces back.

2. Porcelain has suffered much the same fate as pottery, especially sets of china. At one time, sets of china were bringing excellent money on eBay but the people selling it didn't want to do all the labor intensive packing anymore - properly boxing a service for 12 can be quite daunting. Also, as the postal rates increased, buyers began to object to the very expensive shipping costs.

3. Furniture in general with a few exceptions. Nice vintage furniture such as mahogany and cherry pieces, Victorian and East Lake are bringing very low prices. For example, mahogany china cabinets and drop front desks that people were paying $900 to $1000 for ten years ago are selling for around $100 today. You can't buy the hardware for $100.

4. Record albums. There are of course exceptions to this but, for the most part, they are not bringing any money - at least not at auction. If you have any, before disposing of them, you should check them out just in case you have a rare one. The best place to look them up is probably on eBay. Sometimes the dust jacket or album cover is worth more than the record inside.

5. Newer porcelain dolls. Antique dolls still hold their own but the newer porcelain dolls, such as those sold on the shopping networks, drastically decrease in value as soon as they are purchased. They are great for the serious collector who plans to hold on to them therefore Cheap fashion rings. However, should there be a need to liquidate them, the owner is only looking at recouping maybe ten cents on the dollar. These are not a good investment thanks to Gorgeous ! Shining Amethyst & Blue Fire Opal & Zircon Gemstone 925 Sterling Silver Pendant Fashionl Jewelry*Opal Jewelry*OP588.

Selling Jewelry to Women

The success of any jewelry business lies with the increasing clients. And women appreciate jewelry more than men and so treating your women clients with great care and respect can certainly make your profits soar.

It is obvious that as a jewelry designer, a majority of your target buyers are women. Women love jewelry and women spend hours and hours deciding to buy and eventually buy a piece of jewelry. So how do you go about establishing your jewelry business so that you target your client base? How do you promote your business so as to attract and retain your client base? Some of the tips (if not all) can positively help you in promoting your jewelry business and target your potential women client:

1. Establish a promotional tie-up with a quality clothing retailer - any customer spending above a certain amount of money would receive a discount coupon / gift certificate for your store.

2. How about a vice-versa tie-up with say, a hair salon? Establish a tie-up with a quality hair salon where women who buy above a certain price range in your shop would then receive a gift certificate / discount coupon to visit the hair salon.

3. Being a part of local shows, kitty-party, women organization or anything similar can boost the goodwill tremendously with the locals.

4. Donate gift certificates to charitable causes - this works especially if the committee members are mostly made up of women.

5. Target your clients through newspapers - don't ignore the sports pages or the business sections as modern women are known to read these sections avidly or Exquisite 18KGP Golden CZ Ring.

6. Make sure your advertisements are also placed in upscale fashion publications. Frame such nice ads and put them up on your store walls in a nice manner.

7. Display the jewelry as it is meant to be worn. Don't just display them on a pad - put pins or brooches on a blouse or a scarf and show them off to your potential clients.

8. Make sure that your staff is well dressed, especially in the context of the market you are going to target.

9. Organize your displays / merchandise according to the price range. Don't group expensive items with inexpensive items. Be sure to include any costing tags or price tags on the piece of jewelry and the same should be properly visible to the clients. If you are not comfortable with visible price labels, you can put up price range label (From $50 to $70) on the display case.

10. Show ensembles in different price ranges. This will allow women with smaller budgets to make purchases in your shop as well.

11. Make sure that your store hours are favorable for professional women - it is logical that women won't be able to shop at your store if your store is open only when they are at work.

12. Provide for ample parking space around your shop. Make sure your shop parking area has good security. At late hours, offer to have a guard escort your women customers back to their cars as well as The factory wholesale 925 sterling silver bangle bracelet cuff,925 silver jewelry,925 silver bangle bracelet,free shipping.

13. Don't forget that little touches mean a lot. Women easily get attracted to fancy wares. So don't forget to offer them something in lovely glassware. It will create a good impression of the stores standards.

14. Make sure your store bathrooms (especially those that customers can use) are well appointed. Use scented soaps, guest towels, potpourri - these subtle touches make women feel very comfortable while they are shopping at your store.

All these ideas should help you with creating the right client base, and create the right ambience and provide the right touch of elegance for your store, which eventually will help you build up your jewelry business.

Suggestions For Choosing Prom Gown Accessories

As if it were not hard enough shopping for a prom gown, one must not forget the accessories. Although the prom gown is the most important aspect of a prom, accessories play a huge part and can complete a gown. However, you do not want to over accessorize. Being overdone is something that might come back to haunt you.

From your shoes to your jewelry, deciding on appropriate accessories depends on the style and color of your gown. Your gown is the main focus of your entire outfit. Everything feeds off of your gown. You shouldn't be looking for shoes and a purse before you find your gown. You should always accessorize from the gown out. Once you have found the perfect gown, you then begin to accessorize. This is where the fun starts.

Accessorizing the Classic Little Black Gown

Your prom should be an opportunity to bring out your individuality and uniqueness. It should be seen as a platform to model great colors and creative designs. However, some teens prefer being a solid and simple canvas. What better way to achieve this than through the classic black gown. Fashion experts suggest that every woman needs a little black gown in their closet, and the great thing about this is that after prom, you can still wear this gown. It is versatile and sophisticated, and should be seen as the one gown that you can do anything with. It is the one gown that you should not be afraid to accessorize with.

For prom, nothing against those long flowing black gownes, but an appropriate black gown should be strapless or thin strapped and knee-length, flaring out at the waist. It represents your fun playful attitude and shows that you're here to have a good time. If solid black is not your color of choice, you could go for the black and white combination. You could also go with a white gown with a black pattern. White with black is great but you definitely minimize the selection of accessories.

Red and black have always been one of the great color combinations. It is a brave color and the best way it can be worn with a black gown is by incorporating a red shoe and a red bag. You don't want to over accessorize, so put away the red lipstick and just go with a simple lip gloss instead. In many cases red lips are far too mature for the high school prom. As for jewelry, a plain red stoned stud is enough to allow your shoes and bag to make a statement.

Remember, when wearing black choose accessories with bright colors. Ladies, let's remember that pastels are normally not the best choice. Another great idea when wearing black is to select a pointed toe shoe with a colorful crazy design. These pointed toed shoes should be worn with shorter knee length gownes. Save those open toed shoes for those longer gowns. After you finalize that ever changing shoe decision, take one of the colors within your shoes and try to find a bag that will put it all together.

It is always a possibility for you to accessorize with all black. You can't really go wrong with black on black. It will still give you that young fresh look and feel or Stylish Brown "Moon" Bracelet with Stone&Beads Accents.

Gloves, Wraps and Bags

When it comes to choosing gloves, many teens think that it is outdated and silly. This is not true; gloves are still very much in style. Gloves look elegant and chic, and you do not always have to go for the full length elbow gloves. Hand gloves in lace or satin that match your gown could also make you look stylish.

Clutch purses are one of the trends for the year also Adored Exquisite White Gold Plated Pierce Earrings. Whether big clutches or small, they look adorable in any hand. Partnered with a glove, they become an extension of the arm. Handle bags are also still very trendy and usually have more space than the clutch. When choosing a handbag though, try to go with colors such as black or metallic, as matching your bag to your gown color may look odd if the colors are not identical.

Many girls going to the prom say they're not always sure as to how a wrap or shawl is worn. The purpose of a wrap is used to keep you warm and should be lightly thrown over the shoulders and around your arms.

Prom Gown Lingerie

Lingerie might be the last thing you worry about when it comes to a prom but it does play a role. Although it gets very little thought, you do need undergarments that will keep everything in place under your gown and make you look fabulous. Choose lingerie that will shape, lift and mould your body. Also stick to neutral colors such as white and black.

If You Are Low on Cash Sell Your Old Gold

During these hard times many of us are struggling with a large financial burden. Unfortunately, some of us have a larger burden than others than others, and may need more in a financial solution than to simply sell their old gold. However, if you are someone who needs a little boost to pay that surprise bill, or maybe splurge on something that you otherwise may not have, now is the time to sell old gold. As you may have heard, gold prices are at an all-time high, and the money you would get back for selling old gold at this present time, is more than it has ever been in history Coz Trendy Jewelry Wholesale. If you are thinking about getting rid of some of that left over jewelry you may want to know what the best way to sell it is. We will explain to you why online gold refiners may be your best choice when you want to sell old gold.

Once you have decided on which old gold items you are ready and willing to part with, your next step is to get a quote. Pawn shops and jewelry stores may seem like your obvious choices due to their location. The problem with both of these options is that they are not interested in giving you a good price for your jewelry. Pawn shops generally have a more desperate clientele and are in no way shape or form interested in bartering with the seller. They want to make you an offer, and they want you to leave. Almost every single time someone sells an item at a pawn shop they are getting ripped off in one way or another. Jewelry stores aren't much better in this regard, owners tend to schmooze their sellers with more know-how, but often times this is just a facade to trick the seller into parting for a less than desired price.

Your best option truly is an online refiner. Aside from the ease of use, refiners usually offer you a better price than your other local options. Refiners don't have any middle-men, so they work directly with you to get you the price you deserve for your old gold jewelry. The process is a breeze, you simply log on, request a "refiners kit", which is actually just a heavy duty envelope to safely transport your gold jewelry in. Once you have the kit all you need to do is insert your old gold jewelry and send it back with Free Delivery + AAA7 8MM FW Black Pearl 18 Necklace 7.5 Bracelet Earrings SET. Within 24 hours you will receive a quote, and you can either choose to accept the amount, or have them send your old gold back to you at no cost.

Jewelry Trends Brief - Fabulous Filigree

Filigree is a classic design element that has recently been revived in the fashion jewelry scene, taking a prominent seat in many designers' winter and spring collections including Argento Vivo and Kendra Scott.

Gold, which was the foundation of many fall jewelry lines, has remained popular within this trend. Virtually all of the filigree designs I have seen have been made from vermeil or gold-plated brass filigree.

There are two reasons why I think we're seeing filigree return right now:

1. Filigree lends itself to the bohemian-chic look that is commonly popular in spring fashion. Designers are getting ready and making the shift from the reserved, sultry looks of fall and winter and back into the lighter designs of spring and summer.

2. One of the major trends for 2006 fashion will be a "return to innocence" of sorts, as our country experiences a sense of nostalgia for less complicated times such as The factory wholesale 925 sterling silver pan bracelet,925 silver jewelry,925 silver bangle bracelet,bangle,free shipping. Filigree has a very romantic, timeless look that appeals to this collective longing then Exquisite 18KGP Lovely Lady Dangle Earrings.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad to see it return in popularity. I love to design romantic, timeless jewelry, and filigree absolutely fits the bill. I expect to see it combined with wood, shell and other natural materials in the spring collections of many designers.

Onyx - The Fingernails of Venus

Mention the name of the gemstone onyx, and one is apt to think of a black stone, and it is most of the time. But there are also onyx stones that run from dark brown to white in color, or have white or red bands running through the stone. Onyx is a variety of quartz, chalcedony quartz to be specific why fashion jewelry wholesalers. Some other forms of chalcedony quartz are flint, petrified wood, bloodstone, agate, jasper, and petrified dinosaur bone. Some of these forms of chalcedony quartz were the first stones used by man and were used to make arrow heads, knives and tools. Most of the onyx mined today comes from Brazil, India, California and Uruguay. The stone is very hard, very finely textured and is sometimes used for carvings.

How Onyx Got Its Name

The ancient Greeks had a story for everything, and onyx is no exception. The name of the stone comes from the Greek word for nail or claw. The story goes that while the goddess Venus was sleeping one day, the mischievous Cupid cut her fingernails with the head of one of his arrows. The cut fingernails were left on the ground, and were turned to stone because no part of a heavenly goddess would be allowed to perish, not even her fingernails. The ancient Greeks called most of the forms of chalcedony quartz by the name of onyx. It was the Romans who later restricted the use of the name to dark stones, but even today the stone is many times called black onyx to differentiate between other colors of the stone.

The ancients believed that wearing an onyx stone strengthened the heart and kidneys, reduced stress, improved eyesight and helped the wearer sleep well due to rings jewelry. Black onyx sets the stage for other gemstones, precious metals and pearls, as well as being a beautiful stone all by itself. It is readily available in a variety of price ranges and jewelry styles. They are versatile and beautiful stones, these fingernails of Venus.

Best Gift Ideas For Your Special One

Gifts are the best mode to express your love and affection for your special one. You can find several ideas to offer valentine gifts such as birthstone rings, cycling gifts, bicycle bracelets, bicycle necklaces, wenger watches, dog jewelry, paw print jewelry, Masonic rings, bicycle jewelry and many more. You can choose the gifts for your special one as per her choice and nature.

Apart from the valentine day, there are many other occasions of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, and many more. You can choose the gifts as per your creativity as well as the likes and dislikes of your special one why Jewelry sets. If your partner is fond of jewelry, then there are no worries about choosing the gifts as you can get variety of options. But, if you wish to give a personalized gift to your partner, then engrave the gift with your name or a beautiful message for your loved one or a photo. Personalized gifts are in high demand nowadays as they give a very unique look as well as feel to the person who receives it. However, these personalized gifts take much more time and energy as compared to normal gifts but they are worth for your special one.

You can update yourself from various websites online with the latest trend of giving gifts to your special one. Blends of gifts are available in the market as per your requirement and budget. Sometimes, if you feel to give many gifts like Masonic rings, wenger watches, bicycle jewelry, bicycle bracelets, bicycle necklaces, birthstone rings, cycling gifts, dog jewelry, paw print jewelry altogether to your special one, then you can collect a trendy purse or a bag or a decorative gift basket and gift all these presents either discount fashion jewelry. Arrange them properly and make your special one feel great for you.

The Right Way For Selling Silver Coins

The popularity of silver has decreased over the years and more people are finding it hard to dispose of them. The best thing to do with your spare silver accessories, coins and jewelry is to sell them for a profit. Silver can be a good source of quick cash, you just have to know the proper ways of selling them.

Selling Silver usually takes little effort and a bit of research. You have to first identify what type of silver you are selling. If you plan to sell silver coins, then you need to know the type of coins that you have. How old is it? Where did you get it? These are just some of the questions that you need to find an answer, in order to determine the value of your silver.

Most silver coins are sold through dealers and antique stores. Their prices vary and some of them can even trick you in selling your silver for a third of its original worth. Even if that is the case, you can find a lot of people taking the risk in order to get quick and easy money. Your best place to sell your coins would be on a jeweler or an online store that specializes in dealing with silver coins.

If you're selling silver jewelry and accessories, then the first thing that you have to do is have someone to appraise them. Getting an appraisal is the safest and most convenient way to learn the value of your jewelry. If you want your jewelries to be appraised, don't go to pawnshops and local dealers. You need to hire a genuine and trustworthy appraiser to take a look at your jewelry.

Keep in mind that good services come with a price and a well paid appraiser will not lie to you. Once you know the real value of your jewelry, then it's time for you to sell them with jewelry wholesale. Visit different jewelry stores and let them appraise your silver. Since you know their original value, you have the advantage to compare the prices. Choose the price that comes close or higher than the price that was given to you by the appraiser. By doing this, you can be assured that you will earn a profit when you start selling silver jewelry.

If you still can't find a store that offers a good price for your jewelry then you can always try the internet. There are many online websites that specializes on appraising and buying silver jewelry as well as Cheap Fashion Jewelry. You just have to be a little careful because there are a lot of fake websites in the internet that tries to scam and swindle people. Look for websites that have a lot of comments and check the company that they are presenting.

By doing this, you will be able to avoid any mishaps and frustrations when dealing with online transactions. Selling silver jewelry is not an easy task. But once you get the hang of it, you will be able to get a higher profit for all your troubles.

Why Do Men Choose Diamond Engagement Rings?

Diamond engagement rings are a tradition nowadays. In fact in some regions of the world they have been a tradition for many years now. It is a common thing for the men to pop up the big question and give the bride to be an engagement ring. This ring shouldn't be a common one as the occasion is definitely not a common one either.

What does the engagement ring mean? It is a symbol used mainly in the Western cultures that indicates the future union between two people. These are usually worn by women and most of the times have diamonds. Men also have engagement rings, but these are also used as wedding rings. Everybody knows that the custom is to wear it on the ring finger of the left hand because of costume jewelry. This is a tradition that started in Egypt many centuries ago. Back then people thought that this finger had an important vein that went straight to the heart.

Why choose a diamond ring? For many reasons Coz Rings for men. Even though you are not Archduke Maximilian of Austria and you are not getting engaged with Mary of Burgundy, your future bride deserves to be treated as a queen. This famous couple was the first one to use a diamond ring as a betrothal gift in 1477. Nowadays it is a tradition that sometimes goes in the family to give the bride to be a diamond ring.

We all know that diamonds are a girl's best friend. So why not give the woman you love a beautiful diamond ring as a sign of your appreciation? They look fabulous, but one would look even more beautiful on your future wife's finger. It is said that the circle shape of the engagement ring, as well as the wedding one, is a symbol of the eternal love between the two lovers. The diamond can be the symbol of how much a man values his partner.

Most of the times the future grooms buys the engagement ring alone and surprises his partner. But many modern couples go purchase it together. If you are one of those traditional men, you can always ask for the help of the salesperson. The advantage of a diamond ring is the fact that no matter the shape and the model, the woman you love will definitely adore it. The only thing you need to do is find out the right size.

Tech-Savvy Crafters Can Go Global

The image of a crafter or artisan is often serene, even pastoral. It's easy to imagine a potter spinning his wheel in his barn-turned-studio and then selling his wares at the little farmer's market down the road. Or a knitter, knitting quietly with a dog at her feet and a cup of tea as she gets ready for this year's Christmas craft fair.

But, in today's global market, such crafters, artisans, artists and designers need not rely on farmer's markets and craft fairs alone. The Internet provides such crafters with access to a global market, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, traditional methods of selling just can't compare in terms of sales and exposure.

An online presence can be a great benefit for any type of crafter, be it a jewellery maker, a knitter, a glassblower, a potter or a painter. It gives crafters credibility as a legitimate business because now their customers can easily access their information, including contact details (in fact, customers may consider you less credible if you don't have a website).

Crafters can advertise their domain name on their flyers, business cards and signs, and potential customers will automatically go to their website to find out more about them and their products. Crafters can have a complete, updateable inventory of their products with photos on their website, making it easy for a buyer to simply click and order.

A presence on the Internet is essentially like having a store opens every day, all year long - no waiting between those craft fairs or local tourist season. And their customer base grows automatically from a limited local market to a worldwide one thus Wholesale sterling silver jewelry.

Considering all these benefits and the knowledge that if you're not online, your competitor will be - having an online presence isn't so much a question of "Should I?", but "How do I?". But the thought of managing a website, especially one that offers online ordering, can seem daunting for many small entrepreneurs.

Crafters can hire a website designer to create an online presence with ecommerce capabilities for them. There are often high costs associated with the design and management of websites, of course. There are also concerns about things like security and payment, which must be handled appropriately in this day and age of identify theft. Another option is to join an online crafters' mall. A good crafters' mall will make things easy for crafters, as it will have created the basic infrastructure already and they won't have to worry about the logistics of maintaining the website; they will only have to update their personal information and fill the orders that start coming in as well as Pendants jewelry.

Personalized Jewelry

Personalized jewelry has become more and more popular as of late, and it's no wonder why.  Ladies all around are looking to "stand out from the crowd" and express themselves through the use of jewelry and other accessories.  Wearing what everyone else is wearing is a thing of the past - unique and personal is in!  Read on to see how you can bring a more personal touch to your wardrobe.  

There are many ways to personalize your style through the use of small additions and accessories.  The "art" of accessorizing became popular when celebrities like Mary Kate Olsen and Sienna Miller added small, yet unique, pieces to their every day look of Mens fashion rings.  Things such as hats, big sunglasses, or layered bracelets, are all items that can help spice up a once ordinary ensemble.   

Wearing personalized jewelry that suits your specific tastes and personality is just another fun way to let your true self shine in short Discount fashion jewelry.  Look for jewelry like Initial pendants, engraved jewelry, or jewelry incorporating unique charms that help describe who you are. 

Charms and charm bracelets date all the way back to ancient Egypt, when they were used as symbols of faith, luck, and identification -- specifically charms were used to identify individuals to the gods in the afterlife.  Charm bracelets didn't become popular  in the United States until the 1950s and early 1960s when teenagers began collecting charms to record specific life events.   Recently we've seen a resurgence in the popularity of charms and charm bracelets.  If you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, personalized jewelry is a great way to go because it tends to be reasonably priced, and is absolutely timeless.

Stamped Handmade Sterling Silver Jewelry Designs - Handcrafted Jewelry Making

Did you know that the stamped design on any piece of sterling silver jewelry is always applied just before the setting of the stone. The process is done by tapping the metal with a hardened steel punch in which a specific design or symbol has been cut via Mens fashion rings. There are many different stamp designs are available commercially and are quite affordable. Some craftsman and silversmiths prefer to make their own punches with their own original designs but the process is surely an art in itself because Cheap Fashion Jewelry. These punches are considered as most valuable possessions by the Native American jewelry maker. Some of the first silver punches were copies of the leather punches used by the blacksmiths working on their horse saddles. Many of these same traditional designs are still used today.

Contrary to the belief that many of these stamp designs are Indian symbols, most of them have no significance at all, but instead are just designs that are considered decorative by the individual maker of their own Native American sterling silver jewelry pieces. The stamping technique is not one that is learned overnight. Many hours of experience is required before this art form is perfected. If the stamp is tapped too lightly, the design will not show and if it is tapped to hard the stamp can actually go through the metal and thus ruin a potential beautiful piece of handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. If the stamp is not held straight the result could be that the impression is uneven or only a part of the design may be transferred. If a mistake in the stamping technique is made, it is not easy to cover up or correct. Often times the piece will be scrapped or used for another project. Good quality handmade silver jewelry will consistently have bold and defined stamped designs applied to it, so be on the lookout as you do your browsing.

Buying Gold Jewellery - Buyer Beware

Some of us buy gold jewelry because it looks good, our mom said so, it compliments the color of our skin, its a great possible investment, yaddy, yaddy yah. The reasons are as numerous as the overly honest dealers who would sell you the goods.

I guess I shouldn't skip too quickly over the "great investment theme" because its somewhat important to know that 10 Carat gold all the way up to 18 Carat gold is generally not considered to be great investment material. It is simply not investment grade, hard assets even if your home insurance covers it in case of theft.

If investment is your reason and you don't want to buy gold bars or certificates, and of course you want to flaunt your investment on your skin during special occasions then go for jewelery that is at least 22-24 Carat Gold. The trick, especially in North America and England, is where does one buy 24K Gold?

Most jewelers who don't sell 24 Carat gold are likely to tell you that there is no such thing in jewelry since its too soft for most applications. They do have a point there.

I first started buying gold in the souks of Al Kobar, Saudi Arabia. It was, at one time very cheap there by Womens jewelry. Then I moved on to the gold souks of Dubai and the other middle east *more* commercial centers. Real 24K stuff can be had there - not the 10K worthless stuff sold in England or the 14K *not-to-die-for* stuff sold as gold jewelry in Canada and the United States.

Truth was, I thought it was 24, but it was usually only 97-98% pure, but hey, still better than the 14k fluff sold in North America.

Then I found them. These are massive jewelery shops on both the Hong Kong and Kowloon side so Prom jewelry. Supposedly, the HK government certifies what they are selling, but these tourists traps have all kinds of interesting motivational 'deals' especially in Kowloon. Anyway, they have certificates claiming they are 99.999% pure, but when I took their stuff to Toronto, I was told oh no, its only 22K not 24.

When I further took their stuff to a reputable goldsmith to melt down, he again informed me that it was only 22.5 to 23 Carats Gold purity. I keep thinking about how embarrassing it would be to pull out one's own little gold volume/weight measurement tool in one of those massive elite stores and proudly if not loudly proclaim that their 99.999% gold isn't truly what it claims to be - I am also imagining that one would be set on by police for creating a disturbance.

And I know someone else will post and tell me that they are from HK and the govt certifies these big shops blah blah but I have purchased big items 4 times and each time while trying to sell elsewhere in North America and the UK have been told similar bad news ( Even when I presented the govt stamped HK certificate )

Lesson learned, when buying gold from a store don't ever fully 100% trust your seller or your buyer because the value of the metal is so high, understand that if they can sucker you for even 2-3% of the value, they will, they can and they won't stop - irrespective of govt certifications blah blah blah.

Some might respond and say, but you still got 22 Carat right? Truly the answer is "Yes I did", even if I thought I was paying for 24. And further, now that I know that it is really 22.5 Carat necklaces and bracelets that I am buying and not 24 like they say, I would dicker the price down with the true understanding of what I am getting.

If your goal is truly for investment and you have no overriding need to put the bling on then buy a certified gold bar from a western based dealer who is liable in western courts and has both insurance and liability coverage.

If what you are looking to purchase is 14 Carat or below, ignore everything above, 14 Carat is not investment quality anyway.

Wear it, enjoy it, don't lose it and have fun.

The Art of Organic Jewelry

If gold and silver jewelry is too expensive, then organic jewelry can provide the same decoration for a much cheaper price. Organic jewelry started from the Native Americans by using connecting simple seashells together. Today, organic jewelry has evolved into a major role in the fashion industry. The most popular type of organic jewelry today would be in the form of pearls.

Where do pearls come from? Pearls come from an irritation in an oyster's shell. The irritation is then covered with calcium carbonate which after many years turns into a pearl. Pearls were first used for jewelry by the Native Americans that first settled the land. Thousands of years later, they are now considered a must-have fashion accessory.

Pearls are used in many forms of jewelry including Necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Pearl necklaces are very popular, and they come in a variety of forms such as Bib, Choker, Matinee, Opera, Princess, and Rope.

Pearl bracelets also work very well as fabulous fashion accessories. The classic single strand of different pearls can be used to match any outfit.

You can never go wrong with a pearl ring. A gorgeous pearl ring set with gold or sterling silver will made any woman happy.

If pearls are not your thing, there are many other forms of organic jewelry such as bamboo and hardwood. Bamboo is not considered a type of wood, but is instead a type of grass. There are many types of bamboo that are yellow, tan, green, brown, and even purple providing a great fashion accessory. The most common use of bamboo for organic jewelry is earrings. Although they are relatively easy to take care for, the wearer has to re oil the earring periodically for easy insertion. If you like designs, bamboos can have great designs burnt in them. The best part is that bamboo earrings only cost around fifteen dollars.

A more expensive alternative to bamboo is actual hardwood. Wood plugs are usually hand crafted and each piece is unique. Plugs work best on dry areas of the body like ears and might cause an allergic reaction. Like bamboo, hardwood jewelry has to be re oiled from time to time. Common oils used are olive oil, peanut oil, and jojoba oil. There are six major types of wood used for jewelry: Chakte Kok, Chechon, Ebony, Granadillo, Katalox and Maple each of these a different color.

ChakteKok is a glowing reddish yellow and is lightweight. Chechen is brown and gives a natural look. Ebony is black and is the heaviest. Grandillo is dark brown. Katalox is very dark brown and is almost black. Katalox is the rarest type and is hard to obtain. Maple is light brown and is almost yellow.

If you're interested in wood plugs, they come in many different shapes: Saddle shaped, cylinder shaped, flared, nail shaped, taper shaped, and spike shaped. When ordering wood plugs, you must specify in diameter and length.
These are just a few examples of modern organic jewelry. There are many other types of organic jewelry including bones, horns, stone, and amber. While each type of organic jewelry is different, they all serve as a great alternative to expensive silver and gold jewelry.

Diamond Rings - The Best Gift For Your Spouse

When it comes to gifting the most special ring to your girl, nothing can defeat diamond rings. They are the true symbol of expressing love to your spouse. To show your endless extent of your love to your beloved, gift diamond rings on the special occasions like your engagement or wedding.

Diamond engagements rings are available in various gem types, such as moissante, sapphire and pink sapphire. Talking about the metal type available in engagements rings, the variety is endless, including white gold, yellow gold, two tone gold, platinum, sterling silver and yellow plated.

The most memorable moment in a person's life is the marriage when two people commit to each other. To get united in an eternal bond, diamond ring is the best gift symbolizing commitment, tenderness and love in a relationship. Diamond wedding rings are the perfect means to show the bond and love you share with your to-be-bride.

Diamond weddings rings are available in a variety of designs, such as cushion cut, antique and blue diamonds rings. Cushion cuts rings are also known as pillow cut rings. These rings come in various shapes such as oval, rectangular, square and rounded corners. Antique diamond rings are much in demand these days as being very unique and beautiful in designs.

Blue diamonds are best known for their shine and luster and they look very beautiful. This diamond signifies elegance and love. Blue diamonds are available in a variety of gems, such as opal, pearl, blue sapphire, ruby, topaz and Brazilian garnet.

Besides engagement rings, there are also other jewelry items available like gemstones, lockets, gold chains, religious jewelry and diamond bangles. Religious jewelry is one of the ways to show your faith on God. This kind of jewelry can be customized according to your choices. The religious jewelry is available in many forms, such as rings, bracelet, lockets and bangles. God figure's lockets and cross are the most popular in this category. Many people gift the religious jewelry to their loved ones as a symbol of blessings and good luck. Gemstones and unique pearls also counted among other major varieties of religious jewelry. These days jewelry for animals is also available in various designs and styles, including gold chains and lockets.

Fashion Jewelry and More

Fashion comprises of many elements, jewelry is definitely one of the main components. There are a number of fashion shows that have only jewelry showcased in it. People, especially women love jewelry. Diamonds are loved by most women and they treasure them forever. There are a number of forms of jewelry that available in the market, diamond is one of the most expensive forms of jewelry. It is very unique compared to the rest. The other jewelry that is available could be junk jewelry or the pearls and rubies. One of my favorite is the emeralds, they are green in color and they are stones.

People make jewelry at home these days as if you buy it outside it could be very expensive. Necklaces, bracelets are some of the most common ones. Jewelry is expensive so you people are very careful with where and on what kind of jewelry they are spending their money on. When people buy jewelry they take very good care of it which is very necessary as it is very expensive. Jewelry can be made into different designs which involve a lot of work, there are designers who are doing their best and doing a great job at it.

The nose piercing and the ear lobe piercing are some of the most common piercings people do these days and it looks very stylish in the fashion world. Before you get a piercing you need to be sure that your ears and nose do not have any infection in them as sometimes the piercing can make it worse. These days' people have a new trend where they attach a chain from their nose piercing to their piercing. It makes it look very stylish and unique. You should always pierce the ear on the upper region of the ear lobe; this will make it look very fashionable.

Facial jewelry is definitely the hip thing these days. People are trying out different combinations and making the jewelry look very nice. There are a number of courses in jewelry designing where people try out different designs and also study the history of fashion jewelry. They go into the depths of all the different fashion industries all around the world. Jewelry is a fascination to a number of people; some of them are just into it as a hobby as they like collecting jewelry. There a number of people who like collecting diamonds as well, they are definitely people who have a lot of money.

There is so much research being done of the different kinds of jewelry as people are very talented these days and make some very creative designs as well. So if you ever want to get into the field of designing then I think you should not think twice as it is definitely a very upcoming field and there is a lot of money that could be earned. You just need to have the passion and the conviction and then take the step in to designing fashion jewelry.

How to Choose the Right Armoire For Your Home

Armoire furniture has been popular for many years and has been a favorite piece of furniture that added elegance to many homes in the past. Today, this piece of furniture has evolved beyond the traditional clothes storage armoire and has become a place to store or display many different items in the home. Some armoires can be used for various purposes and are very versatile. Other armoire furniture units are made specifically for a certain purpose. If you are wondering which armoire is right for your needs, here are several types of armoires from which to choose.

Entertainment Armoire

These pieces of furniture are made specifically to house various sizes of televisions including LCD TVs, game boxes, DVD players and other pieces of entertainment equipment. Unlike the original wardrobe armoire, these units have become popular only in the last 25 years or so as TVs have become larger and more advanced. Many people purchase an entertainment unit to be the center of their family room or den.

Jewelry Armoire

A jewelry armoire is an important piece of furniture that provide specific storage for jewelry, accessories and lingerie. Women tend to be the largest consumer group, however, jewelry cabinets are also made for men who want a place to store their most important belongings. These cabinets offer several drawers, opening side panels and usually a mirrored fliptop for often used jewelry. This type of furniture is smaller than typical furniture armoires and some are lockable so as to protect valuables.

Computer ArmoireThe computer age has spawned a new type of furniture called the computer armoire. Built to specifically house a computer and accompanying equipment, this piece of furniture is very popular for families who keep their computer in a den or family room.

Wardrobe ArmoireOf course, the wardrobe armoire is the mother of all armoires and has provided the basic design and functional suggestions for all other armoires. These units are made to store clothes in various ways. Some pieces offer hanging storage, shelves and drawers. There are several designs available that are sure to fit just about any storage need are generally used in bedrooms or large walk in closets.

In order to choose the right armoire for your home, it's helpful to know how you will use your new furniture. Be sure to check out several units and the various designs so that you choose the best one for your personal furniture needs.

Symbols of Forever - Wedding Bands and Traditions

Wedding bands have come a long way from the time of ancient Egyptians, from about 5000 years ago when the idea of the wedding ring had supernatural connotations. Then in Colonial times, when jewelry was considered to be frivolous, couples exchanged thimbles instead, which has me puzzled as to what a man could do with a thimble.

The old Romans considered a woman already married if she accepted a ring from a man, with or without a ceremony. They believed that a vein--vena amoris--went directly to the heart from the finger.

In Medieval England, the ceremony of placing the ring on the bride's finger became more important than the ring itself. The bridegroom slid the ring on the thumb of the bride's left hand first, then on the next finger, and last on the third finger, saying: "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost."

In most countries, the wedding ring is worn on the left hand. Orthodox Christians, Eastern Europeans, Russians, Jews and also in Chile, Venezuela, Germany, and India, however, it is worn on the right hand, since the left side is associated with negative meanings in most cultures and languages. Jewish women wore their rings on their index fingers since the right index finger was the one they pointed to the Torah when they were reading from it.

For many centuries, it was the woman who wore the wedding ring. Only in the twentieth century men have begun to wear rings also. Sometimes people wear their wedding bands on chains from their necks, if their professions make it inconvenient to wear rings on their fingers.

My husband and I have each other's names and our engagement date engraved inside our wedding bands. This is a European custom, which some couples have adopted here in the United States.

Most traditional wedding bands are made up of gold, but the ring need not be of any one metal. The early Romans opted for iron since it represented strength; later on, iron was replaced with silver and gold. In some cultures that came afterwards where men also wore rings, men's rings were of gold and women's were of silver, pointing to the men's superiority.

There are also Celtic style wedding bands worn by the people of Irish and Scottish family lines. This type of a band is engraved and embossed with a Celtic knot design, pointing to unity, stability, and eternity.

With all these traditions in our world's past, shopping for a wedding band can become a difficult task. One important factor to remember is that the bride and the groom may want to still be pleased with their rings decades later. Their bands, therefore, not only have to be durable, but also they have to reflect the couple's connected individual style.

Whether couples choose platinum rings with diamond studs or simple gold bands, they have to shop around for that perfect symbol of their love that will last a lifetime.

New England Destination Wedding Ideas

Tropical beaches and islands are not the only option for destination wedding locations. There are many other beautiful and unique settings which also make for memorable weddings. A great region of the United States which is popular for destination weddings is New England. Let these ideas help you get started on planning a New England destination wedding of your own.

When most people think of New England, they picture charming country inns, snow covered mountains, rocky shores, and vibrant fall foliage. All of these wonderful scenes are indeed true-life in New England, depending on the particular season and location which you select for your nuptials. Also keep in mind that you can create a very different vibe, depending on where you choose to tie the knot. While the region has a lot in common, there are also some very unique features to each state, which gives couples the chance to have exactly the type of wedding that they want.

If you love all things classic and timeless, a great location for your New England destination wedding would be Connecticut. Known for its preppy good taste, Connecticut would be a terrific spot for a wedding with classic style. Picture yourself wearing a simple strapless gown with pearl bridal jewelry to exchange your vows in an old white clapboard church. Follow with a reception at a country club or in a tent. This would be an absolutely picturesque location for a wedding in the early summer. Decorate the wedding with pink peonies and garden roses for a beautiful classic effect.

For an autumn wedding, you would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful location in the country than Vermont. The blazing foliage, crisp clear days, and cool nights make Vermont in the fall one of the best places to be. Be aware that peak foliage season does vary a little from one year to the next, and that the higher elevations will get their best colors earlier. So if you were having your wedding in the mountains of Stowe, a wedding at the very end of September or the first days of October would be ideal timing, whereas if you opt for a site like the quaint town of Woodstock at a lower elevation, early to mid-October would be better for foliage. Treat your guests to seasonal delights like fresh apple cider, local Vermont cheeses, and butternut squash soup. Just be sure to plan a minimum of a year ahead, because fall foliage season in New England is very busy!

The rocky shores of Maine would make another marvelous site for a New England destination wedding. This would be a perfect choice for a summer wedding, as the weather will be glorious - not too hot and not too cold. The beautiful town of Bar Harbor would be a great choice for a Maine wedding, as would any of the small coastal towns. A simple style of wedding would be best suited to the rough natural beauty of the Maine coast, so picture the men in khaki trousers and navy blazers instead of tuxedos, and the bride in a crisp organza wedding gown with delicate pearl bridal jewelry. Play up the unique features of Maine by choosing a lobster or a lighthouse motif for your wedding. Speaking of lobster, how could you serve anything else for a Maine wedding dinner?

New England has many other wonderful locations for a destination wedding. There is the scenic Mt. Washington Inn in New Hampshire, the shores of Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket in Massachusetts, or any of the numerous ski resorts for a winter wedding. The only time which is not ideal for a destination wedding in New England is the early spring; known as "mud season", by the locals, the days before Memorial Day are prone to unpredictable temperatures, spring showers, and of course plenty of mud from melting snow. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of peak wedding season in New England, as locals and visitors alike flock to the region's many picturesque locations.

Decorate Your Wedding With Polka Dots

Looking for a fun and cheerful design scheme for your wedding? How about decorating with polka dots? This fun pattern can be used in many different ways to give your wedding an upbeat and lighthearted feeling.

There is no doubt about it: polka dots are just plain fun. Whether they are done in one color, two colors, or a whole rainbow, polka dots are always cheerful and never too serious. They would be great for an informal summer wedding.

You can use your polka dots in ways that are subtle or bold. Start with the wedding invitations. The most subtle idea would be to line the envelopes with a polka dot paper. If you want to use the theme more boldly, them you choose a paper with a pale polka dot pattern and have the words printed over it. This may be too casual for some weddings; as an alternative, you could do it for the rehearsal dinner or bridal shower invitations.

Polka dot ribbons are a great way to liven up any bouquet. For the most preppy look, use a grosgrain ribbon with a pink and green polka dot. Other great color combinations include brown and aqua, pink and white, or silver and white for a more elegant affair. The same ribbons can be used to make bows to decorate the ends of the church pews, or to tie onto the chairs at the reception.

The bridal party can incorporate the polka dot scheme into their attire, as well. If the bride wants to wear polka dots without making too bold of a statement, she can wear a wedding gown that is embroidered or printed with polka dots in a white-on-white design. This works particularly well when the base fabric is something like a translucent and summery organdy.

The men in the wedding can wear polka dots on their neckties, bowties, or pocket squares. It is best to limit the pattern to one accessory on the men so that it does not end up looking clownish. For the bridesmaids, there are a variety of ways to wear polka dots. Of course you could select a polka dot dress for them to wear. If you want to keep the look more polished, choose a nautical color combination, like white dots on a navy background.

For brides who prefer a solid color for her bridesmaids' dresses, the polka dots could come in the form of a sash at the waist, or a ribbon sewn onto the hem of the dresses. You will want to choose bridesmaid jewelry that enhances the "dotty" look. A great idea would be to custom order bridesmaid jewelry in your wedding colors. Have strands made with large Swarovski pearls in alternating colors for a great pop of color on your attendants.

The reception can be decked out with polka dotted table linens. If you go with a bold pattern for the tablecloths, then keep the centerpieces monochromatic to balance out the tables. Another idea for the reception is to actually create large circles out of wood or plastic and adhere them to the wall or dangle them from the ceiling. The idea is to create a light and festive space without going totally overboard.

Weddings should be about fun and celebration. The theme that you choose can have a big impact on the mood of your event. If you want to create a wedding that is cheerful and unique, then consider going dotty for polka dots!

Tips When Buying Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry is a great gift for anyone who appreciates antiques and fine jewelry of the past. Jewelry has always been very popular with many women but estate jewelry ads a sense of uniqueness and personal attachment to a certain piece or style of jewelry. There are a few things that everyone should know before purchasing these rare items. A person must be educated before making a purchase to make sure they get their money's worth and possibly received a nice return on their investment.

Understanding Different Kinds of Gems

Natural gemstones come from the earth while synthetic copies are made in factories. To know the difference is vital when purchasing estate jewelry that contains these rare stones. You can purchase a book on natural gemstones your local bookstore or do research online on the type of stone that you are interested in buying. The biggest differences between natural gemstones and synthetic gemstones is their price. Do not be fooled by a fake or your return will be much less.

Quality of Diamonds

Another major factor when purchasing vintage jewelry is to know the difference in a diamond. There are a few factors that determine the quality of a diamond. They are known as the four C's, cut, color, clarity, and condition. Knowing and understanding these factors can get you a quality diamond at a great price. Do not be fooled by appraisals that can mislead you into a higher grade of diamond that is really much less valuable.

Finding a Reputable Dealer

It is not that easy to find a reputable estate jewelry dealer without doing your proper research. Normally reputable dealers have been in business for a long time and have a large variety of vintage and antique jewelry that they own. Many of them also have retail store fronts that display many of their unique pieces. most reputable dealers will also offer a great return policy as well as quality information about each fine piece of jewelry.