What She Likes

The Different Uses For Diamonds

2009-04-19T03:08:00.000+07:00

By Paul J Easton
The diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man, produced by eons of high pressure and temperature extremes inside the earth.
What is a simple carbon atom is transformed a complex crystalline lattice structure which has a lot of top-notched qualities that include durability, being chemically resistant, its light dispersion and refraction properties, as well as its abilities to scratch metals.
That is why the diamond one of

the best known and most sought after precious gem.
What we mostly know about the diamond today is what we have learned through advertising and the movie industry. In the jewelry industry, diamonds are the most popular, making more money than all the other gemstones combined. Part of its popularity is because of its high luster qualities, a natural property of the diamond that is enhanced by the expertise of a diamond cutter.
Diamonds in the jewelry business are most popularly used in engagement or wedding rings, although it has been used in many other jewelry forms as well. Diamonds are usually set in metals that emphasize its natural beauty and sparkle, most common of which are white gold, yellow gold and platinum.
But diamonds have other practical uses as well. Actually, more of these gems are used in industrial applications, rather than in the jewelry making business, as not a lot of natural diamonds found in mines are suitable as gemstones.
Synthetic diamonds, or those that are man-made in a laboratory, are also produced to meet the demands of industrial use. These uses are mainly the following:
- cutting and grinding tools such as drill bits and saws
- abrasives that cut and polish other materials, including other gemstones
- fine engraving tools with detailed precision
- coatings for files
- semiconductor coatings and materials for microchips and computer processors.
- laser components for precise and durable optical equipment
- windows that are used to cover openings of lasers, x-rays and vacuum chambers
- speaker domes that enhance the performance of high quality speakers
- heat sinks to conduct heat away from sensitive parts of high performance microelectronics
- low friction micro-bearings placed in tiny mechanical devices like watches
The diamond is a versatile material that can be a thing of beauty or an object of practical application. As this industry is worth billions of dollars in economic trade, the diamond is also of big use to the global market. In addition to diamond miners, buyers, jewelers and designers, many other people base their livelihood on the state of the diamond industry.
It looks like the diamond is here to stay forever. And who knows what other uses it can be designed for in the future.
With increasing research and synthetic production, innovative companies might be able to further expand the use of the diamond in the fields of medical care, particularly that of prosthetics and surgery, in computer technology, acoustic and communication instrumentation, and others.
Given that it seems that the diamond will endure until the end of time, mankind has no choice but to take this brilliant and durable stone on its historic journey.

Fashion Jewellery - Ten Trends For 2009

2009-04-19T03:05:00.000+07:00

By Nicholas Watson
Wondering what the top fashion jewellery trends are going to be for 2009? How will the credit crunch affect jewellery fashions this year?
This timely 10 point guide tells you what should you be looking out for if you're buying, designing or making jewellery in 2009.
1. Exotic and ethnic inspirations will remain a big feature for all accessories in 2009, particularly jewellery. Think tribal jewellery, think safari khakis as well as seed beads, chunky beads, wood, ceramics, plastic and leather. Especially if it's handcrafted jewellery.
2. Gold is becoming more expensive amid the global economic downturn, so many women are turning to other materials as an alternative. Silver is always popular, and brass is going to be big this year. Look out also for platinum, an affordable alternative to the more expensive metals.
3. Cool yellows, greens and turquoise will be the colours of the spring and summer. The economic gloom means you can also bank on classic black and white to capture a timeless elegance and discreet chic. After all, some fashion jewellery trends never go away.
4. On a related note, if you're feeling bold, experiment with clashing colours in your clothes and jewellery. Several influential trendspotters have identified mixing bold outfits with bold jewellery as one of the key fashion jewellery trends of the year. Maybe it's to banish all the financial doom and gloom.
5. Bold statement jewellery, which was popular in 2008, will remain a hit. Be it tribal jewellery, handcrafted jewellery or big geometric designs, big is beautiful.
6. As will big flowers and butterflies. Fashion loves a good motif, and in Spring and Summer 2009, it'll be the butterfly.
7. With earrings, dangles and chandeliers are going to remain popular choices.
8. Jewellery with a story: the trend of 2008 will grow as ethically-sourced jewellery continues to capture hearts and minds, as well as our eye. Fair trade jewellery and environmentally-friendly materials are set to take 2009 by storm.
9. Cuffs and chunky bracelets. Particularly, if it's a tribal jewelery look.
10. Handcrafted jewelery. As we question what went wrong to land us in this economic mess, it's time to go back to what's true and honest. The value and beauty of jewellery that's handmade will be a major trend in 2009 and beyond as we begin to appreciate the beauty of artisanal work over the mass-produced.
Bear these little pointers in mind and you'll be all set for a great 2009. Most of all, enjoy dressing up with accessories, and what's best, there's loads of fresh fashion jewellery out there to discover that's original and won't break the bank!

Styles of Antique Engagement Rings

2009-04-19T03:00:00.000+07:00

By Peter Gitundu
Antique engagement rings are unique and have an intrinsic charm beauty and uniqueness. They have a better craftsmanship and are cheaper. They are the best gift one can give to their beloved one. They are usually more than fifty years old.
Antique engagement rings are of different styles. There is the Victorian style. These had simple, delicate and elegant designs that included flowers, hearts birds and bows. They were mostly set in yellow or rose red gold. Some of them had diamonds especially those made during the period when the South African mines were discovered. This kind of jewelry is not recommended for daily use.

The Edwardian style dates back to the years between 1900 to 1920. This kind of jewelry was made using platinum. The designs were mainly soft and light. Lots of precious stones such as diamonds and sapphire were also used in making jewelery in this style. The mountings on this kind of jewelry were adorned by exotic laces, piercing shapes, and friligree amongst many others. The other style is the art deco style. This style came into being after the introduction of machinery. multicolored gemstones, platinum and diamond are used to create well lined and a sparkling look on the ornaments. They are very popular even in the present time.
Before one purchases any antique engagement rings, they should check them out for any cracks or splits that may occur on softer stones such as emerald and pearl. These ornaments are available from stores, jewelers, pawn shops, estate sale and online web site auctions.

The Smart Way to Buy Gold Pendants

2009-04-19T02:55:00.000+07:00

By Tariq Ansari
By Anyone who has ever worn a gold chain must have felt the itch to buy a pendant, at some time or the other. What makes gold pendants so irresistible is the fact that they are so diverse. Big, small, traditional, funky, plain, jewel encrusted, engraved or plain - the variety is enough to make your head turn.

Gold pendants make excellent gifts, particularly for women. So, whether it's a wedding anniversary, a birthday or Valentine's, you can find just the right pendant to gift someone you love. Why, you even find 'broken hearted' pendants which help you say 'au revoir' in style!
Whether you want to purchase a gold pendant for someone else or for yourself, it pays to have some idea about what you're going to buy. With gold becoming dearer by the day, it is quite easy to fall for scams and frauds. Here are a few tips that will help you buy gold pendants, the smart way!
The first thing you have to understand when you decide to buy gold pendants is that pendants are not the same as charms, though the terms are used interchangeably. A charm is smaller in size and is designed to hang from a bracelet or a chain. On the other hand, pendants are larger and are designed to hang from chains or necklaces. A more important difference is this: charms are generally used for luck; pendants do not really have any such significance.
Where to shop: You have two choices- your local store or the e-store. Both have their advantages. With the local store, you can be 100% sure of quality. When you shop online, the risks are more unless you choose very carefully. However, the great advantage of online shopping is the fantastic price discounts you can avail of. Online shops offer you the same quality at hefty discounts - sometimes up to 65% off. And you don't even have to step out of your house to make your purchase.
Get gold savvy: If you're buying gold, you need to know your karats. 24k (or marked as '999') is pure gold and you won't be buying 24k gold pendants because 24K gold is malleable and soft. 14k is the most popular variety of gold sold in the US. Gold that is designated as 14k contains approximately 59% gold. The rest is an added alloy, which helps to make the jewelry durable and strong.
White gold: Yes, gold comes in white color too! This is because manufacturers add palladium or nickel to it. White gold pendants are stunning and look wonderful when they are encrusted with diamonds or pearls.
Understand value: The price of gold pendants depends on two things: the rate of gold and the artistic value. On most websites, the total cost is listed per item. However, at times, you may also find the cost per gram. In that case, you will have to add the cost of the total weight of gold and the cost of design/cutting to get the total cost of the pendant. In this regard, please keep in mind that some finished items may have an artistic value that is greater than the cost of gold in it!
Understand compatibility: The weight of the pendant you choose must be in keeping with the chain or the necklace. So, a huge pendant will not sit well on a delicate chain. Besides, such a pendant will break the delicate chain in the course of time.

Diamond Hunting

2009-04-19T02:51:00.000+07:00

Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It is a big purchase and often one that has high emotional content. Simply knowing the facts before you start can ease the pressure. It also helps for the vendors to know you have some idea of what you are looking at.
There are a few things to know. Lets start with some diamond shapes to consider when you are doing your shopping: oval, pear-shaped, round, emerald, heart-shaped and marquise. Thew most important thing, however, is the quality and to determine quality you need to understand the 4 C's, which are as follows:
Carat weight: The weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats. A single carat is made up of one hundred segments called "points." One hundred and fifty points equals one and one half carats.
Clarity: This expresses how perfect the diamond is by identifying the flaws or inclusions. Where the inclusions are, how big they are, and their type determines the value of the stone. Inclusions are shown as follows:
FL = Flawless, IF = Internally Flawless - minor surface blemishes,
VVS1-VVS2 = Very, Very Small inclusions,
VS1-VS2 = Very Small Inclusions,
SI1-SI2 = Small Inclusions,
I1-I2-I3 = Imperfect - inclusions visible to the eye.
Slight inclusions; do not reduce the beauty of the stone although they do reduce the value.
Color: Colorless diamonds are extremely rare in nature. Color definitely helps determine the value of a stone. An unpracticed eye does not easily see different gradations from high white to the start of the yellows. Bright-colored diamonds are a bit different. Some examples are blue, amber, red, etc. Bright colored diamonds in larger sizes can command very high prices indeed. Collectors worldwide are eager to acquire them.
Cut: Precise formulas are to determine the appropriate cut for a diamond. A typical diamonds is cut with 58 facets. The stone's light-reflecting properties and its light dispersion are critical measurements in determining the stones quality and value.
These are just some of the things to look out for. Every diamond also has a identifying serial number which can be seen under a microscope and it never hurts to have a look for yourself. In the end the purchase of a diamond is a very personal thing so remember to pick one you actually like.

Unusual Gifts and Unique Presents: Shopping For Someone Who Seems To Have Everything

2009-04-18T01:40:00.000+07:00

By Anna Clare

Before Internet shopping, buying gifts was a pain. It was fine if you were shopping for Granny (embroidered hankies or a box of chocolates) – because as we all know, grannies have impeccable manners and believe it’s the thought that counts.

But there was always that one person who seemed to eye unimaginative gifts with disinterest at best, and utter disdain at worst. When it came to buying a birthday present for this person you’d break into a sweat, knowing that you’d spend weeks traipsing round crowded shops to find an affordable gift that this person didn’t already own.

Then the Internet came along and changed our lives. In the gift-buying sense, at least…

These days, if you’re looking for an unusual gift for a gadget-obsessed brother or a unique present for a has-it-all friend – or even an alternative to the hankies Granny’s usually so grateful for – all you need to do is shop online.

The vast array of innovative gadgets, executive toys and nostalgic gifts that’s available on the Internet is staggering. What’s more, there are no crowds to battle through, no waiting for the bus (or for the rain to stop), and no tugs-of-war with crazed shoppers over the last undamaged teapot in the bargain bin. And with wish list websites like Kaboodle and Boxed Up, banking great gift ideas for another time couldn’t be easier.

Be honest, now; who wouldn’t swap a surly Saturday girl for exceptional customer service, or extortionate car parking fees for fast, low-cost home delivery?

So, make yourself a nice cup of tea, put your feet up, and read our guide to buying unusual gifts and unique presents for that special someone who seems to have everything…

Unusual gifts for mums, grannies and aunties

The way to warm a lady’s heart isn’t with a diamond… do it with a Slanket, and save yourself a small fortune. Is it a blanket? Is it a jacket? It’s both! The Slanket is a blanket with sleeves, so you can snuggle up on the sofa but keep your arms free for drinking tea, doing the crossword or stroking the cat. The Slanket comes in a variety of colours and is a thoughtful and unusual gift that any lady will be delighted with.

Unusual gifts for gadget lovers

Internet shopping has made it far easier to find unusual gifts for gadget lovers. Like the USB charging adapter which fits into your car’s lighter socket so you can charge your MP3 player on the move. Or the rev counter alarm clock, which wakes you up in the morning with the roar of a V8 engine. Or remote control lederhosen, which yodel and are controlled with a knockwurst. What gadget addict wouldn’t be proud to own one of those?

Retro sweets and nostalgic gifts

Hands up if you remember Space Dust, Parma Violets and chocolate cigarettes… Retro sweeties are back, and they taste better than ever! Give the gift of nostalgia – a bumper pack of retro sweets is the perfect way to celebrate the birthday of anyone who was a child in the 60s, 70s or 80s.

For a nostalgic gift with a modern twist, give recordable CDs that look just like old vinyl records. And for a big kid trapped in a 40-something’s body, give a giant retro space hopper; they’re just as much fun today as they were when we were children, but adult sized.

Unique gifts for the home

Gadgets and gizmos for the home make perfect gifts for just about anybody. Like the monkey peeler, a monkey-shaped device which is used for peeling vegetables, not monkeys. Or the peace of cake mould, which produces cakes decorated with the CND logo. Or bath pearls, a set of three colour changing, floating lights which look just like giant pearls.

Unusual office gifts

Daft desktop toys are a great distraction from the tedium of working, and they’re a fun way to cheer up a dull desk. Take the crazy cat lady, for instance. She has a collection of cats, some of which live in her pockets. Every town has one, and so should every desk!

Then there’s the evolving Darwin, a series of desktop figures that celebrate man’s evolution from pond life to modern man, in the shape of Charles Darwin. Who wouldn’t be delighted to share their desk with one of science’s greatest minds?

Utterly silly gifts

Watching the bemused look on the face of someone who’s just received an emergency yodel button is a gift in itself. Press the button to receive a realistic emergency yodel – it’s totally pointless, but that’s the point!

Internet shopping has changed the art of gift-giving forever. No more queues, no more crowds, no more hankies and no more money in birthday cards. Unless it’s one of our million pound notes, of course…

Golden Necklaces – A Beauty so Revered

2009-04-18T01:30:00.000+07:00

By Tom Lopez
Necklaces are a part of the beauty of a woman, then be it the simple necklaces, gold necklaces or an artificial golden necklaces. Necklaces in all their forms are adorned by women with elegance and high spirits. There are two ways we can categorize golden necklaces – those made of pure gold or those made with a tinge of gold – like golden pearl or silver gold necklaces.

If one wants to buy pure golden necklaces, then she has two choices. Either she can go for branded Golden Necklaces like those of D’damas, Tanishq, Zaverilal or any other famous brands of gold. The authenticity and quality of the gold purchased from these cannot be doubted as these come with Guarantee cards. If one purchases gold necklaces from these points, then one also has the option of Buy Back in which the person can sell these back to the particular brands in time of need. The other option is to buy from local jewelers. The only problem with these jewelers is that there is no warranty or guarantee with the gold sold by them and they also do not believe in buy back policy.
Golden necklace comes in various designs. These designs differ from place to place or state to state. Like in Rajasthan much emphasis is given on gold engraved necklaces which are studded with stones and pearls. In South, much emphasis is given on heavy and engraved golden necklaces where the entire work is done on gold. Likewise in North East India, large and very light gold necklaces are made. The uniqueness of these golden necklaces can be found in the enormously large necklace size. Stripes, heavily worked upon and embedded make a good class of necklaces. One can buy these necklaces from any of the leading jewellery store in the town or can buy it from any of the leading online shopping stores. One need not worry about the authenticity of the Gold necklace when bought from a online shopping store as these do give guarantee seal with every purchase of gold you make. If you not find one such certificate, you can refuse to buy the product or you can look for the Hallmark seal which is an authenticity sign of real Gold in India. If you do wish to buy a gold necklace from any of the leading online shopping stores, you can buy these from a store like Home Shop 18 which is well known for its products.

Wholesale Costume Jewellery

2009-04-18T01:19:00.000+07:00

By Harveen Harveen
As much as people like to deny it, jewelry is something we all desire. Whether we prefer a ring or a pair of diamond earrings, individuals of all ages consider jewelry to be a symbol of class and style. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult for the average consumer to get his or her hands on this fashionable accessory. Prices have continued to skyrocket to the point that the majority of shoppers have only been able to select from a paltry variety, one limited to very simplistic looking jewelry. Fortunately, a new industry sprung up to address the needs of the financially conservative consumer.
This industry has made wholesale costume jewellery
widely available, putting stylish jewelry within the financial grasp of a larger number of people. The quality of such jewelry has greatly improved thanks to technological progress in the manufacturing process. Given the affordable price of such trendy adornments, it simply doesn’t make sense to put off glamorizing your wardrobe any longer.

Many consumers often wonder why wholesale costume jewllery is available so inexpensively. The answer lies in its unique manufacturing process. Instead of utilizing precious metal to make an entire piece of jewelry, developers merely coated a non-precious one with either silver or gold. This cut costs considerably. Since most consumers will never see the inner portion of their chain, ring, or bracelet, it is rather pointless to occupy the space with an expensive metal. Over the years, manufacturers have grown more diligent in increasing the thickness of the plating, for occasional usage can sometimes degrade the coating in some areas. This has resulted in jewelry with a much longer lifespan. The karat rating of the plating has also grown in recent years. Many higher-quality pieces often feature an 18K+ plating. This high rating works to attract more attention to the jewelry thanks to its increased luster and color depth. Numerous pieces of plated jewelry look so authentic that few people dare to question their legitimacy.

As with traditional jewelry, wholesale costume jewellery is tailored for a wide array of tastes. Some consumers may prefer a more flashy look that dazzles the eyes of onlookers. This can be achieved with “iced” jewelry. Others might gravitate towards the less flashy, more elegant pieces which feature only a few “diamonds.” In either case, the industry has you covered. The more quality-oriented pieces often make use of cubic zirconia stones. These stones imitate the look of actual diamonds surprisingly well, and are more than durable for most consumers’ needs. Since they cost only fractions the amount of an actual diamond, manufacturers can use them as sparingly in their products as needed.

Consumers are no longer limited to spending gross amounts of money in hopes of appeasing their desire for jewelry. Buying imitation jewelry is one of the best ways you can get your hands on stylish jewelry without subjecting yourself to bankruptcy. Aesthetically, such jewelry is impeccably identical to traditional jewelry, making it indistinguishable from the real thing. A small investment can mean favorable results even when dealing with jewelry.

Tips to choose the right Jewelry for an African-American Bride

2009-04-18T01:11:00.000+07:00

By: Anirban Bhattacharya
The wedding day is the most important and exciting day in a girl’s life. Hence, it is important for her to look beautiful and charming with everything just perfect. Every girl is thrilled to get the right wedding gown and jewelry to compliment her looks on her big day. Usually, brides tend to get wrong jewelry which unfortunately outshines them on many an occasions. So, if you want to pick up the right wedding jewelry the following tips will surely help you:

The Wedding Ring:
It is the most important piece of jewelry on the wedding day. If you are going for a conventional wedding, a solitaire diamond ring looks just perfect for your day. Brides who prefer traditional wedding can choose more classy African jewelry rings.
Matching with the Wedding Gown:
After you pick your wedding ring, choose other pieces of jewelry that go well with your wedding gown. Get a well designed necklace, other rings (if you prefer), bridal bracelets and earrings. Supporters of classic European wedding style may choose jewelry pieces studded with pearls. However, brides looking for celebrating their wedding according to their African heritage can choose antique jewelry with colored gemstones. It is because colors are an integral part of African culture. Choosing attractive colors such as red, gold and green can give a traditional feel to the event.
Choose Jewelry matching to your skin tone and hair color:
Try to maintain a neutral balance when it comes to jewelry. Choose a simple design and combination that compliments your skin tone and hair color. For example, if you choose bright colors such as yellow shoes with red hair, you are going to ruin your day. So, be conscious about choosing jewelry.
Choose Jewelry on the Time of Day:
The wedding jewelry also depends a lot on the time of day you have decided to get married at. Like, brides getting married at the day time need not to wear flashy jewelry pieces. At night weddings, brides can get flashy jewelry pieces to add more grace into their entire wedding look.

Some Tips For Less Expensive Diamond Engagement Rings

2009-04-18T01:01:00.000+07:00

By Frank Luca
If you are dreaming of purchasing a diamond engagement ring for your would-be-bride, then you may have to fork out a huge amount of money from your savings and monthly salary to realize the dream. Most of the prospective grooms do not have the right financial capability. But if they follow some tips, such costly ring jewelry is still within their buying reach.

The first tip that you must follow is
to ensure that you have a proper budgeting. This is to make sure that you do not buy a very expensive ring in enthusiasm. Budgeting will keep you focused on a certain price range and even makes the purchasing more easily as the jeweler will be showing you the jewelry that falls within your budget.

Make also sure that you have done lots of comparing of the diamond engagement ring prices on the internet. The internet is the easy and convenient source of buying any product. It allows you to compare as many price tags as you possibly can.

The online retail jewelers vie each other for a share of online business and they, thus, are compelled to cut down the prices. Hence, your chances of finding an affordable ring are more with the online sellers than the physical jewelry stores
.

Prices of diamond engagement rings will fall even more if you first purchase a loose diamond at competitive prices. Many smaller loose diamonds are surely affordable as compared to a greater carat size of a single diamond. So, a pave or channel set engagement ring may be within your reach than a solitaire diamond ring.

Diamonds are the most expensive items on any ring. So, if you have somehow reduced their cost, you have successfully bought a ring of your dream at your prices. About diamonds, know that even with minor quality reductions, their brilliance and glitter is almost the same but the prices will come down substantially. So, you can safely purchase the precious stone that is a little yellowish in color, has some invisible flaws inside of it and is cut in rectangular or square shapes and not in expensive heart and pear shapes.

Prices of the ring metal should also be given a thought. Platinum is a costly metal and you can avoid it. Choose white gold for cheaper prices if yellow gold is not your choice of the ring metal for diamond engagement rings.

While purchasing the ring jewelry, especially from the online retailers, make sure that the jeweler has a return policy. You can, then, return defective piece in time to purchase the right one. Keep these tips in mind for a greater value of the diamond ring.