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Choosing the Perfect Beaded Bracelet

  • Posted on August 11, 2010 at 2:27 PM

Beaded Bracelets – Beaded Bracelets Are the Perfect Gift
by SWCreations

Beaded BraceletsBeaded bracelets are no longer the simple threaded bracelets they once were. These fine pieces of handcrafted jewelry are in high demand as their hand crafted beauty shines through. Everything you can imagine is available, including button jewelry bracelets, crystal bracelets of every color, charm and bead bracelets, gemstone bracelets, clustered beaded pieces, earthy bracelets, and double strand bracelets. These fine quality hand crafted jewelry items are stunning and one of a kind. You don’t want to buy something that’s manufactured when you can get a unique piece.

Now if you are looking for a special gift for someone you know, handmade bracelets crafted out of any of these styles will be wonderful! Beaded jewelry gifts are very popular all the time! Consider the personality and usual dress of the person you are shopping for. Do they like a lot of drama? If so, then consider beaded jewelry that has a lot of flair, such as charms or various colors. Are they more sophisticated? If so, choose something elegant, like a single strand in sparking, shimmering crystals. Perhaps your gift recipient loves to wear unusual buttons. If that’s the case, consider a button jewelry style bracelet!

Consider now, on the other hand, that you are shopping for yourself! Obviously, it is easy to shop for oneself! However consider a few things when choosing between the many beaded bracelets. The first thing you should picture in your mind is whether or not this beaded jewelry will match what you want to wear with it. Will it match one outfit or multiple outfits? Think about what colors you like to wear. Do you like busy jewelry, or a peaceful, subtle, calmer piece? Use these considerations to choose your bracelet. Also, how big is the bracelet compared to your wrist? Jewelry extenders are also available to extend the length of your bracelets or other jewelry items.

Beaded bracelets are always popular and never go out of style. The artistic pieces available today will be most impressive to nearly anyone. You can get just about any style and many colors and unusual sequences. Quality handcrafted jewelry in the form of a bracelet is a piece that will last a lifetime. Handcrafted beaded jewelry is an item that sometimes becomes a family heirloom as well. These fine pieces are works of art that can enhance your appearance when you wear them, as well as become a conversation starter!

Swarovski Crystal Beads History Article

  • Posted on July 7, 2010 at 6:53 PM

Swarovski Crystal—Making History and Beads
– written for SWCreations by Lisa Vella -

Swarovski Crystals Beaded JewelrySwarovski Crystal is one of the most recognized names in crystal in the world. Noted for its unique colors and coatings, and sp arkling clarity it’s no wonder it is highly sought after by jewelry collector’s everywhere. As with everything though, this particular crystal also has a fascinating history.

The story of Swarovski Crystal began in 1892 when a Bohemian-born man by the name of Daniel Swarovski invented a machine that would cut crystal with superior precision. This machine required a lot of energy, so he moved his family to Wattens, Tyrol where he could take advantage of their great energy resource—hydroelectricity. It was here in 1895, at the age of 32, that his company was founded.

Rosaline Fancy Crystal Beaded EarringsThe company has seen a lot of change and development over the last 100 years of operation. One of the first products they marketed was retroflective glass as used in traffic lights and signals. Not long after that, Swarovski moved into the fashion market when they created sew on crystal-studded ribbons for accessory and fashion manufacturers. They even became a high profile provider of optical instruments for hunting and nature observation.

In the mid 1950’s, with the help of a man named Christian Dior, Swarovski created a finish that really made his crystal glisten. This coating took his crystal to a whole new level of sparkle that was perfect for creating hanging chandelier components. Fit for royalty, some of these very pieces continue to hang today in the Palace of Versailles.

The 1970’s became a decade of “firsts” for this company. In 1976, the Swarovski crystal mouse became their first product placed on the consumer market. Shortly thereafter they launched their first jewelry collection. Then they began applying the knowledge they had collected over the years in stone cutting to cutting genuine and synthetic gemstones—one of which was cubic zirconia—opening up new possibilities for their jewelry collection.

Many people recognize the name of Swarovski crystal in jewelry because it is so unique. New coatings are developed all the time—creating popular signature bead collections such as seen with the German and Tie-dye coatings. Part of what makes Swarovski jewelry so exceptional is that new beads, colors, and designs are constantly being created—leaving older creations to be discontinued.

Swarovski crystal has had over a hundred years to make their company the success they are. They continue to be held in the highest regard for their more intricate designs in crystal pieces and jewelry, as well as for the contribution they’ve made to society with the innovative design of retroflective glass. Who’s to say how many lives have been saved by the use of traffic lights? Swarovski maintains emphasis on a high quality product, and amazingly enough, they are still finding ways to make their crystal sparkle and shine even more—ensuring anyone who wears Swarovski crystal to be a true standout.

Links:
Swarovski
Wikipedia – Swarovski

Selecting Unique Button Beaded Jewelry

  • Posted on June 5, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Button Jewelry – Button Jewelry is the Perfect Unique Gift
by SWCreations

Unique Button Beaded JewelryButton jewelry is a surprisingly attractive type of handcrafted jewelry that you can get today that is custom designed and look like designer pieces of art. These items make incredibly thoughtful quality handcrafted jewelry, and those you give them to will be impressed with their quality. You can get button items crafted in the form of bracelets and pendant necklaces. These items, when combined together in the hands of a fine jewel and artist, make incredible gifts for those you love, and certainly are conversation pieces for those who own and wear them.

Giving button jewelry as a gift is unique in itself, and the recipient will be amazed at how unique this item is. Handcrafted jewelry such as this is not common and will be appreciated. The first item that you can give is a button art necklace, which is presented in the format of an articulate looking pendant on a chain. They can have many colors and patterns, and come in a limitless variety of styles. Shimmering sterling silver is often used as is glimmering gold. Some show more of an artist’s hand while others are more sophisticated and simple. These pieces of quality handcrafted jewelry are sure to be treasured for years to come.

As unique as button jewelry is in the form of a pendant necklace, crafted in fine quality, a bracelet made out of buttons and other accessories of artistic merit is also a great gift. When giving a bracelet, you will be able to see that there are many more artistic expressions in this piece of handcrafted jewelry. As a gift, a bracelet is something that someone can wear to accentuate an outfit, so if you know the recipient wears a lot of a certain color, consider getting a bracelet that will go along well with that. The many parts in a quality handcrafted jewelry piece usually flow well in a color theme.

Giving button jewelry as a gift is something that the recipient is sure to cherish for many years to come. Because the gift is so unusual, they will remember you very well every time someone asks them where they got it as well. This makes the bracelet a special gift indeed. Handcrafted jewelry always assures that the item is unique and made of fine quality. Giving a piece of quality handcrafted jewelry is a loving gesture which will be remembered for a long time.

Emerald Crystal Gemstones

  • Posted on May 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM

Enticing Emerald
Author: Angara.com

Emerald Gemstone CrystalEmerald is a splendid crystal belonging to the mineral beryl. It is one of the oldest of the found and practiced, precious gemstone in the whole world.

Emerald jewelry featuring charms like emerald rings, pendants, and earrings in accordance with other fancier styles like bracelets etc. It has been a matter of fascination since ages. This rare member of the gemstone family is highly prized.

Fortunately, emerald was discovered and mined in first century BC, in Egypt. Such is the irresistible glam and intense shade of this stone, that even the most beautiful, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, couldn’t keep herself away from admiring it.

Emerald in various cultures has shared a significant mythological position. Folklores say that whosoever wore emerald becomes an owner of virtues like faithfulness and unchanging love. In addition, he could also forecast events due to powers bestowed by emerald.

Islam’s sacred color, green, contained by emerald made it a much coveted stone in the Indian subcontinent. During the Mughal period, kings and queens would wear bracelets, rings etc., set with emerald to bring God’s grace on them. Emerald was usually carved with Islamic writings to ward off evil.

Emerald boasts a relative hardness of 7.5-8 Mohs. This property makes it resistible to daily wear and tear. However, it is a brittle stone. Therefore, under stressful conditions it may develop fractures or internal cracks. This is the same reason behind most emerald roughs to contain flaws and inclusions. Violent geologic conditions and nature’s forces inside earth, exercise emeralds to rigorous situations. This process results in cracks and fissures.

To correct these, there are various enhancements or treatments. Commonly practiced is to fill surface-reaching cracks with oil (sometimes tinted green). This is an age old Greek formula.

As science has developed, technology has advanced too. Current enhancement method of oiling by vacuum/heat technology is carried on as treatment.

This method proves quite helpful due to emerald’s fragile nature. Therefore, oiling is a much widely accepted treatment in almost the whole world. It helps in covering the white cracks, making them less visible.

However, while cleaning emerald, the extensiveness of enhancement above, comes to light. An oil-treated emerald crystal should never be exposed to an ‘Ultrasonic Cleaner’. This electronic device is very well able to remove the built up, off stone, along with oil-filling inside cracks. Unwanted fading away of color with visible flaws emerged in the stone. An ‘Ionic Cleaner’ is suitable for emerald as well as for other jewelry.

There are newcomers like resin-fillers. Since emerald is rarely found flawless, this practice is gaining popularity in many source countries like Colombia and Brazil. Jewelers and buyers always make a point about intensity of color while judging and pricing beryl. Thus, more carat weight and stress is laid on improvement of color.

Otherwise, talking about its color, elements like chromium and vanadium are responsible for producing its youthful shade. Emerald is a candidly splendorous gemstone. Its lush-green, vibrant vividness simply allures buyers. Demands are very high for purchasing loose gemstones too. Therefore, if greater is the value and demand, more presence of imitations and fraudulent is possible.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/enticing-emerald-1467730.html

About the AuthorI am an obsessive gems and jewelry person. Nothing to be scared about! Working for an online gemstone jewelry portal has made me one as I get updated about recent fashion twits around the world. If you want to tickle your jewelry knowledge for more updates and information about latest ‘explorations and discoveries’ in gemstone designs and launches, you can go through my featured articles.

Jade Becomes a Modern Fashion

  • Posted on May 22, 2010 at 10:04 AM

The Jade Comes Into Fashion
Author: sharon0610

Purple Jade Gemstone Beaded EarringsIt is said that in the early 13th century, a Yunan salt merchant carried a stone from Myanmar. The green translucent stone conquered Chinese people who love jade instantly. This stone is the jade, because it has beautiful color, rare production, vitreous luster, moisture texture, more toughness and hardness, it was called “jadeite”, also known as the “king of jade”.

The origin of most jade is in the undeveloped mountainous areas, although there can not see ghosts and demons, wolves and tigers ,when deep in the mountains, often can not see the sunshine, in the boundless forest, only the path which the jade seeker went pass; The fog dew river, the billowing muddy stream, on the summer day in the thunderstorm weather, soaks raise on the water surface everywhere, the smoke rise continuously, when the smoke rise three feet high, it doesn’t disperse, the human in boat can’t see the five fingers, as if entering a five miles fog. Except the malaria smoke, mosquito and python, the environment is very bad, in addition, the tool is primitive, the dry season is very short, the commodity lacks, so the jade mining is very difficult.

Until the 18th century, with the development of the science and technology, the jade only then entered the Chinese Yunnan massively. Although the jade from introduction to application was only 300~400 years, because the people who love jade entrusted jade with mysterious cultural connotation, its short and splendid history made other jades envy sufficiently, and with other jades constituted the Chinese nation continuity of jade culture. The Ming Dynasty, the Burmese jade appeared in our country; Qing Dynasty, because affection of nobility (especially the Qing Dynasty emperor Qianlong canonized and empress dowager Cixi hobby love), it was called ” the imperial jade “.

From then on the jade price increased greatly, became the best quality goods in the jadeite. The jade linked closely with people’s life, in people’s mind, it is not only a beautiful stone, but also has the mystical belief and attaches the request. Both the ancient and the modern people like jade, happy about jade, playing jade, “the gentleman for no reason, the jade does not leave the body”. Presently the jade is the most popular with Chinese and South Korean, wearing jade and loving jade becomes one kind of modern fashion.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/the-jade-comes-into-fashion-565034.html

About the Author: Sharon, Ayong Culture Development Co. ,Ltd.
We engaged in handmade jewelry and fashion jewelry.

Amethyst – Tears of Beauty Article

  • Posted on May 19, 2010 at 3:23 PM

Amethyst – Tears of Beauty
– Nigel Makin -

Purple Varascite Amethyst Jasper Gemstone Beaded NecklaceThe Amethyst Gemstone is a semi-precious jewel of violet or purple colour that is available in many different shapes and sizes and is a common form of transparent crystallized Quartz. Amethyst is the Birthstone for the month of February and is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as Namibia, Zambia and a few other African countries, within the United States of America, Arizona is a good source of Amethyst. The purple colouring of the Amethyst is caused by impurities of iron and manganese.

Amethyst compliments both warm and cool colours so it does look good set in white and yellow metals, many of today’s designers favour the Amethyst as the ideal Gemstone for use in Jewelry because of it’s royal colouring and the sheer variety of shapes and sizes available to use. The stone is also very affordable and the wide tonal range from pale lavender to dark purple gives the designer a lot of scope to work with. Stones from South America tends to be available in larger sizes than African Amethyst but the African offerings have a reputation for better, more saturated colours in the smaller sizes. When Amethyst is heated it turns yellow and a lot of yellow Topaz and Citrine seen today comes from the use of this treatment, although Citrine is available naturally it is very rarely found.

Fine examples of this lovely stone are featured in the British Crown Jewels and they were also a favourite of Catherine the Great, as well as Egyptian royalty, it is believed that the tears of the gods had stained the Quartz purple and created the Gemstone we know today. Because Amethyst Gemstones were thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, the stones were very important in the ornamentation of Catholic churches in the middle ages. In Tibet the Gemstone is considered to be sacred to Buddha with rosaries being fashioned from it, therefore the jewel is believed to be an excellent stone for meditation.

The healing power of the stone is said to be good for addictions, helping with arthritis, headaches, blood sugar levels, brain imbalances and a remedy for stomach disorders. The jewel is also said to bring serenity and calm and to better one’s ability to assimilate new ideas. The famous Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that Amethyst Gemstones were able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence; the stone is also believed to bring money and success to the wearer and to aid in general healing after an illness or operation. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing Amethyst Jewelry would keep the effects of intoxication at bay, so strong were there beliefs that even drinking vessels and amulets were made from this lovely jewel.

It is possible to find Ametrine crystals, these are part Amethyst and part Citrine and often contain a number of inclusions where the colours change. Some examples of this Gemstone have been known to lose colour with continued exposure to sunlight but the original colouring can be restored by x-ray radiation. Like all varieties of Quartz, Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale so care should be taken when wearing the stone. Above everything the Amethyst is a beautiful Gemstone and blend this with the fact that it is very popular with designers, means there is a lot of variety in jewelry stores to tempt you to purchase this very affordable Gemstone.

Jade – The Gemstone Of Asian Royalty Article

  • Posted on April 21, 2010 at 12:08 PM

Jade – The Gemstone Of Asian Royalty
Author: Dale Arnold

Aqua Blue Jade Gemstone Beaded Purse CharmJade has had a special place in the long and rich history of Chinese art and culture. In many ways, the reverence for jade demonstrated by the Chinese and other Asian cultures rivals the West’s obsession with gold and diamonds! Throughout Asia, jade was known as the gemstone of royalty. It was worn by kings and noble families, and was even placed in their tombs after their deaths. It was believed that jade would protect them in the afterlife, and prevent their bodies from decaying.

In time, the legends grew, and jade came to be accepted as the royal gemstone with magical powers. In order to truly grasp the emotions and sentiments that Asians attach to this gem, one must spend time in the jade market of Hong Kong, or at the more upscale Christie’s House jade auctions that are organized from time to time. Ancient civilizations were first attracted by the hardness and durability of jade, and used it to fashion crude tools, implements, and weapons.

It was only later that jade was seen as an ornamental material that could be used to fashion jewelry, figurines, and vessels. When used in jewelry, jade is cut in to cabochons and beads. It is frequently used to make sterling silver pendants, earrings, and necklaces. Outside the world of fashion jewelry, artists use this material to carve out intricate sculptures and figures. The clear, emerald green stone is the most valued. Over the years, the large variety in color and patterns exhibited by this stone have made it a popular gemstone with jewelry designers.
During the second half of the 19th century, mineralogists discovered that jade was not a unique mineral! Since then, two minerals – jadeite and nephrite have both been recognized as jade. Both stones are quite hard and take a good polish, making them ideal gemstones for fashion jewelry of today. Jadeite has small, interlocking crystals. This crystalline structure gives jadeite a high degree of toughness and hardness. Jadeite is often found in hues of green, white, pink, reds, black, brown and violet. These colors make for a good combination as accent beads in a cultured pearl necklace.  From the point of view of a chemist, jadeite is a metasilicate of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Other impurities are found in minor quantities, making subtle changes to the characteristics of the mineral.

For example the presence of iron or chromium gives jadeite a green color. Although similar in appearance to jadeite, nephrite is quite different from jadeite. For one, nephrite is harder and tougher than jadeite. Green is the most common color for nephrite, although the mineral can occur in almost any color. Today, Canada is the chief producer to gem-quality nephrite. A large deposit of nephrite is also being exploited in southern Wyoming in the United States. Other countries producing jade include Burma, Central America, Brazil, Canada, Japan, India, Siberia, Finland, and Tanzania.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/jade-the-gemstone-of-asian-royalty-748734.html

About the Author: As a geologist, Dale has a natural interest in gems and their geological origins.  He is also a fan of high-tech where he has authored pieces on cheap MP3 players, cell phones, and other items of general consumer interest.

Significance of the Jade Earrings Article

  • Posted on March 19, 2010 at 3:10 PM

Significance of the Jade Earrings
Author: Ming Chan

Peach Jade Gemstone Beaded EarringsJade is a significant type of gemstone. It is a well-recognized gemstone around the world. It is very much admired in ancient China because it was considered to be the “imperial gem”, China identifies Jade to be more precious than silver and gold. I would say that silver and gold still holds the “greater” value. Silver and gold are heavier and more impressive when being seen with one. Nonetheless, Jade still holds a vital value to the people who takes contentment in its significant meanings.

When wearing big fancy earrings, particularly gold earrings the size of your thumb, it is astonishing. People will start thinking that you are boastful. This style is more for a fancy high class ballroom dancer or some musical award ceremony. However, something more subtle like jade earrings can form a more calm and passive look. It is more casual and formal. Jade has been important to Chinese and to the Chinese history. It is a virtuous stone because it symbolizes hardness, durability, and beauty. For example, they would think jade can defend against the evil spirits. Many traditional Chinese people would believe this to be true and buy jade for that reason.

Jade earrings usually come in different designs. They can come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. There are soft and hard jades as well as different shades of jade. Gold earrings, on the other hand, are only different by their design and carats of gold. Majority of gold looks the same but has different designs. I would say jade has more selection.

Gold and jade clip on earrings are not as popular as regular earrings but are still used all over the world. It seems to me that the more people who encounters with jade, the more people want to put their hands on some. When I saw jade in real life, I felt that it was necessary to get one. Although it’s not the most shimmering and glittering gemstone, I felt a little bond when I wore it. It makes you feel a little more positive in the way you act.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/significance-of-the-jade-earrings-1281201.html

About the AuthorFor more information, Check the Following:
Shops Online Blog By Ming

Jewelry Extenders Article

  • Posted on March 12, 2010 at 8:56 PM

Jewelry Extenders – Attractive Jewelry Extenders Lengthen Beautiful Pieces
Author: SWCreations

Jewelry Extenders

Jewel extenders in the past have often been plain and without an attractive appeal. However, today’s extenders are perfect for fancy pieces of jewelry of all kinds.  The clasp style of these extenders varies greatly so that it will match any handcrafted jewelry you might own that is just not quite long enough to sit well on an outfit perfectly.  Sometimes when you receive beaded jewelry gifts, you might find that it’s not quite long enough, so adding an extender to the quality handcrafted jewelry makes it fit just right. Extenders are perfect for beaded jewelry of all kinds, but especially necklaces.

Today’s jewelry extenders are impressive and very highly attractive.  They are almost like beautiful beaded jewelry themselves, and add a little something special to that too short necklace you own.  Whether for every day wear or a special event, an extender that itself is a fine piece of quality handcrafted jewelry is best.  You can find extenders in a variety of beadwork, including freshwater pearls, glass beads, cubic zirconia, and Swarovski Austrian crystals.  These can make a fine addition to your beaded jewelry.  This is a very cost effective way to make your jewelry fit just right.

There are a surprising number of jewelry extenders you can get as well.  You can get just about any type of extender.  You can buy extenders for bracelets, which is great because everyone has seen a tiny bracelet that is simply too small for some wrists.  Another good type of extender is anklet extenders.  Anklets are so attractive, so it’s really disappointing when you have one that’s too small. Gold anklet and necklace extenders are also available at a very reasonable price.  Of course, necklace extenders are the most popular form, and are very helpful when you have a fine piece of quality handcrafted jewelry that isn’t quite long enough.

Jewelry extenders are a great option to lengthen just about any form of jewelry on a chain and using an extender of equally fine handcrafted jewelry quality is important.  Since you can get an extender for your necklace, anklet, or bracelet in just about any matching material, why wouldn’t you get that inexpensive extender and enhance your handcrafted jewelry and its appearance when you wear it?  Extenders are made of the same materials, whether it is beads, pearls, gold, or even find items such as cubic zirconia or Swarovski crystals!  Extenders make your beaded jewelry and non-beaded jewelry work well for you!

Beaded Anklets Article

  • Posted on March 5, 2010 at 6:59 PM

Beaded Anklets – Beaded Anklets Great Gift for Others or Yourself!
Less Common Always Popular
Author: SWCreations

Handcrafted Beaded Anklets

Handcrafted Beaded Anklets

One very popular piece of jewelry that’s always popular and less common is the anklet.  It adds a little something special to the warm weather wardrobe that a necklace simply cannot do.  There are a lot of styles available to get when you are shopping for beaded anklets.  When choosing an anklet for purchase, you will need to consider several types, including designer anklets, beach anklets, and the various sizes of anklets.  These sizes are 8-9 inch, 9-10 inch, 10-11 inch, and 11-12 inch.  It not a bad idea to measure your ankle or the ankle of the person for whom you are buying the anklet prior to purchase.

When choosing beaded anklets for designer wear, consider the personality of the person who will wear this anklet.  Are they into art, or do they enjoy solid colors?  Do they like a huge variety of colors, or prefer monochromatic color schemes?  Choices vary greatly depending on these factors.  Some anklets are designed with cute little dangling charms while others are plainer.  Some of them even feature artistic-looking beads to enhance their beauty and charm.  Quality handcrafted jewelry such as this is hard to find, and you’ll want to give the very best if this is a gift item.

Another anklet type to choose is the beach anklet.  These are ideal for a day by the pool or ocean.  When lounging in the sun, these swivel and snap beaded anklets won’t fall off and will stay securely attached to the ankle.  Brass and nickel are ideal materials to make the swivels out of so that they withstand the environment that they will be in.  This type of beaded jewelry is very popular and makes great beaded jewelry gifts!  There are many color combinations to choose from, and the use of Swarovski crystals is an option on these.  No doubt anyone wearing an attractive beaded anklet at the beach will get a lot of attention when they have on the anklet that matches their personality well.

Giving the gift of quality handcrafted jewelry is easy when you choose beaded anklets!  Whether your recipient is more into designer choices or is more of a beach-lover, they are sure to love this item.  If it is for yourself, you are sure to love the quality and craftsmanship that go into each and every one.  Beaded jewelry is a jewelry trend that never dies.  It is one of those universal styles that are always in, so you’ll never have to worry about your piece going out of style.