Beauty Tips Guides

Some of the world’s most spectacular diamonds and other gems can be admired in the National Gem Collection in the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Collection in Washington, D.C. The collection is comprised of diamonds known to almost everyone, as well as other diamonds and precious gems possessing a priceless place in history.

While many are familiar with the Hope Diamond, they may be surprised to find out it is not a clear diamond, but instead of brilliant blue stone, surrounded by white diamonds and suspended from a diamond necklace. The Hope Diamond first appeared in history around the mid-1600s when it was purchased by a merchant named Jean Baptiste Tavernier who admired the stone’s original violet color. He later sold the stone Louis XIV of France, who gave it to Marie Antoinette.

The spectacular Blue Heart Diamond is a large, heart-shaped diamond mounted on a platinum ring surrounded by white diamonds. It was cut in Paris between 1909 and 1910 but the stone’s origin - Africa or India - is unclear. Famous jeweler Harry Winston mounted the diamond in its current setting in 1959 and sold the ring to Marjorie Merriweather Post. It’s possible that the popular “Heart of the Ocean” heart-shaped diamond necklace in the movie Titanic was based on the Blue Heart Diamond, which is actually set in a ring.

A wedding present from Napoleon, the Marie-Louise Diadem was presented to his wife on the occasion of their marriage in 1810. The diadem, originally part of a set that also included a necklace, comb, belt buckle and earrings, were all made of emeralds and diamonds set in silver and gold. They were made by French jeweler Etienne Nitot et Fils of Paris. After the fall of the empire, Marie-Louis fled to Vienna with her jewelry. She left the diadem to her aunt in Hapsburg. The emeralds were eventually sold individually as pieces “from the historic Napoleon Tiara.” The diadem, reset with turquoise cabochons, was purchased by Majorie Merriweather Post for the Smithsonian Institute.

One of the most spectacular all-diamond pieces of jewelry in the Smithsonian Institution is the Napoleon Necklace. Though to have originally been owned by Catherine the Great of Russia, it was presented by Emperor Napoleon of France to his second wife, Marie-Louise of Austria on the birth of their son in 1811. After a succession of owners, it eventually was sold to Harry Winston in 1960. Marjorie Merriweather Post obtained the necklace from Winston and donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1962. While difficult to place value on a piece such as this in today’s market, it is estimated to be worth millions.

While one does not typically associate diamonds with the Spanish Inquisition, a stunning necklace of diamonds and emeralds of the same name is part of the Smithsonian Collection. According to legend, a portion of the necklace belonged to Spanish royalty and was later worn by ladies of the French court. However, there’s little information about the provenance of the necklace. In the early 20th century, it was purchased by the Maharajah of Indore, whose son sold the necklace to Harry Winston. Winston sold the necklace to Mrs. Cora Hubbard Williams of Pittsburgh. She bequeathed it to the Smithsonian in 1972.

Having met an untimely end at the guillotine in 1793, Marie Antoinette loved jewelry and possessed many magnificent jewels. Two large, pear-shaped earrings, part of the Smithsonian collection, were supposedly set in earrings that belonged to Marie Antoinette. The diamonds were later acquired by the Grand Duchess Tatiana Yousupoff of Russia. They were never rested in the 100 years that they were in the family. Marjorie Merriweather Post acquired the earrings in 1928. They were eventually reset in platinum replicas of the original silver settings in the 1950s. The diamonds are originally from India or Brazil.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Jewelry is a type of accessory which many may first think of women as being the primary purchasers of such items. Although this may be true, there are various jewelry pieces which men like to wear as well. Some items are sentimental, such as wedding bands, whereas others are worn to dress up an outfit in some way. The following will detail some popular jewelry options which one may consider buying for the man in their life.

Various Styles of Rings

Men tend to choose rings quite a bit as the preferred accessory when it comes to selections of this type. Some men will only wear their wedding bands whereas others express an interest in casual silver or titanium rings. For those who prefer something a bit dressier, rings which have small diamonds in them or are simply made up of a fashionable precious metal are popular jewelry options for the man to choose. Rings come in a variety of styles which provides numerous options for the gift giver or wearer to purchase.

Watches Are a Great Option

Another popular jewelry option for men is a casual or more formal type of watch. Along with rings, watches are another top item on the male accessory list. There are so many different styles one can choose from when shopping for watches that it is hard not to find a watch which suits a particular individual. Watches are also available in a wide variety of price ranges which makes the idea of an affordable gift or purchase highly likely.

Cufflinks for the Man Who Dresses in Style

For the man who wears business suits each day or attends church and other dressier functions, cufflinks are a wonderful and popular type of option. These items come in many different styles and materials which is beneficial as well as the fact that they can often be paired with a variety of different dress shirts.

If one is the type of man who likes fancy jewelry to accompany their attire, there are many different types of ornate cufflinks to buy. In the alternative, if a more muted style is the preferred type of jewelry option, one can choose a basic gold or platinum type of cufflink to adorn one’s sleeves.

Gift Givers Guide to Choosing the Right Type of Jewelry

If one is buying the man’s jewelry as a gift for someone, there are a few tips to keep in mind prior to making the purchase. First, determine whether the man will wear jewelry at all. Some men prefer not to wear jewelry for one reason or another so it is good to know this fact in advance.

If the man does wear accessories such as these, the next step is to find out what type of jewelry they will wear and at this point the search can begin for the perfect accessory to give as a gift. Pinpointing a favored type and style of jewelry will help the gift giver to choose the right type of jewelry for the man in their life.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

Every little girl loves to play at dressing up. Stumbling around in mummy’s high heels, lips painted scarlet and a big straw hat. Sun drenched playroom memories and tea parties with teddies; all very idyllic and full of sugar plum dreams. All this swirling around in fairyland is what a little girl’s dreams are made of, the beautiful princess waiting for prince charming, and the precursor to a life of happy ever after. Yes, every girl’s big day begins with a dressing up box.

There are many potential moments in a woman’s life that are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A high school prom, pageant queen, graduate, engagement and wedding name a few. Life is just full of celebrations and a lady likes to feel like the belle of the ball and the princess of the palace on such occasions. The biggest day of all though is when the princess gets to marry prince charming, and that is a big box of dressing up to deal with.

The journey begins in boutiques full of lace and frills and veils and trains, bodices and glass slippers; Cinderella has so much to choose from so she can go to the ball. But the biggest choice of all for the belle to be to make is choosing her crowning glory, a tiara. This is the pinnacle of princess-ness and will be a trinket to treasure for life. The grown up girl can put it on at any time and twirl away in a sun splashed memory of the day the prince arrived on his stunning steed.

Historically tiaras have been associated with the rich and the royal, but were much different to the star spangled and gem encrusted bands we know today. The name has it’s origins in Persia and was adopted into the Latin language to give us the word we know today. In the early years, this type of crown was typically a conical head ornament made out of fabric or leather and often decorated with feathers, jewels and even horns. Having this type of head adornment always symbolised the power or influence of the wearer. It is these connotations of importance and wealth that give the latter day versions of the headdress credibility for use as a bridal accessory.

Nowadays, the tiaras we know are most commonly delicate and jewel splashed semi circular bands, and the princess with the biggest and most valuable collection in the world is Queen Elizabeth II. We can hardly expect to outdo royalty on a big day, but there are plenty of products out there that mean a lady can give it a good try. The best way forward is to trail around a few boutiques and try on different styles to find out which is the most flattering and the most comfortable. Like buying any other piece of expensive jewellery, go for something that is timeless, classic and that will be adored enough to adorn time and time again.

There is a huge choice of shape and size: round ones, band ones, crown ones; tall ones or short ones. Then there are choices to be made between heavily jewelled or delicately crafted; gold and silver or platinum and pearl; rubies and diamonds or simple and stylishly understated. The choice belongs to the princess alone. The one thing that is guaranteed is that once the decision has been made, the princess gets to dress up as a little girl one more time before becoming the woman she always dreamed of; but his requires a tiara of a different calibre altogether. As a hen on the last boozy night out as a single girl, the only tiara that should be adorned should be made from the finest silver plastic and the fluffiest pink marabou.

Shaun Parker is a bridal boutique expert. To find out more about tiaras and other bridal jewellery at Josee.

A representation of feminine beauty and mystique, the necklace has been an integral part of a woman’s decoration and beauty for ages. Whether a choker, rosary or chain, the necklace has achieved a timeless appeal. In many cultures, necklaces have marked cultural distinctions, based on ornamentation, length and attire. From Greek mythology to the French Revolution, the necklace has played a major role in cultures worldwide.

Since the dawn of time, necklaces have been fashioned from jewels, chains, rocks, metal, cloth, wood, and shells. As one of the first man-made objects for wearing around the neck, necklaces once served as an elemental piece of apparel for men and women. Prehistoric fashions that draped around the neck and torso (forming the shape of a safety pin) were used to clasp layers of clothing. Among the ancient Egyptians, necklaces formed a fundamental part of dress. For example, the Ankh was worn to symbolize the amulet of life. Egyptians also adorned their necklaces with gold, beads and jewels, which later served as temptation for grave robbers centuries later.

In ancient Rome, young boys wore a bullah, or a chain around the neck with a pouch containing an amulet. While the bullah was worn by most classes, the upper class had amulets made of gold. These necklaces were intended to provide protection as boys were considered the stronger species in need of special protection. In comparison, Roman men wore signet rings of iron or gold. These rings were used to seal official documentation. Since Roman women during these times did not enjoy the same societal status as their male counterparts, jewelry was a mechanism of showcasing their particular position in society. According to one source, when a 195 B.C. law suggested that women give their jewelry away for use in war materials, women protested in the streets. Typical jewels of the day included amber, gold, pearls, polished stones, and glass beads.

During the Medieval ages, necklaces were simple and practical. But as history progressed through the 14th through 16th centuries, jewelry in general became more glamorized, especially neckwear. Intricately designed chains and collars graced the necks of ladies.

With all the power, prestige and beauty contained within one piece of jewelry, perhaps it is not so surprising that the necklace played an integral role in the downfall of France’s monarchy. Known as the “Affair of the Diamond Necklace,” the incident involved the court of Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette who was implicated in a crime to swindle the crown jewelers for the cost of a very expensive diamond necklace. The scandal added to the disillusionment of France’s people with their monarchy, which along with other events, eventually culminated in the French Revolution.

In the Eastern part of the world, necklaces have long been fashioned with an array of exquisite jewelry and gold. In fact, gold necklaces play a very important role in Middle Eastern dress even today. The Arabian necklace symbolizes not only an embellishment, but also a form of security and an economic marker. Islamic calligraphy and Quranic symbols are also prevalent.

Neckwear in Assam, India, is often typified with motifs of orchids and flora and fauna. Other Indian jewelry ranges from religious to domestic. In areas surrounding temples, shops sell sanctified necklaces made of scented sandalwood, silk and gold. Worn by married Hindu women, the mangal sutra symbolizes love in holy matrimony. It is made of a combination of black beads and a gold pendant.

In Africa, necklaces designed from colorful beads have been used as part of traditional attire for centuries. African neckwear has also been used to designate tribal heritage, status, and for currency exchange.

No matter the cultural destination, the necklace has been an important decoration for ages. Some cultures have even utilized the necklaces to identify cultural and class distinctions. Indeed, the necklace has played a major role in cultures worldwide.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

In every wedding procedure, there are two difficult things that can be noted in this particular event and that would be to choose the date of the wedding and choosing the wedding ring to use. This can become difficult because of so many choices that are available and finding that perfect wedding ring is simply near to impossible.

Above anything else, you need to know your budget to your ring. You cannot start choosing any ring if you don’t know exactly how much you are wiling to spend in this symbolic item for your wedding. Perhaps you will need to take a step back and take a look at how much your two-month salary will be and choose the ring that costs the exact amount as this salary. Although it is a very big amount, thinking about this very special occasion with your special someone, you would surely think it will be worth it.

However if you are worried about the cost, you can find some alternatives like knowing if there are generations rings. These are rings that are being passed down from one generation to another. You can ask them from your fiancee’s family if there is really any. It could be the excellent solution to your wedding ring problem with the addition of sentimental value on the part of the ring.

If in any case that you want to buy a diamond, it also poses great difficulty because either you do not know what kind of diamond to buy or what kind of diamond your future wife wants. An alternative to this is to ask from family or friends on exactly what diamond to buy.

Another alternative would be to bring her to the jewelry store and let her choose the ring but please do tell her of the budget, otherwise she might choose a ring way far too expensive than your budget. Should you really decide to buy a diamond, you need to learn the basic of choosing one.

First, you need to look on diamond carat because this will really make up so much of the cost of the ring. The higher the carat is, the higher the cost will be. The next thing to remember would be to look for flaws. The more flaws present on a certain diamond, the cheaper it will be. Another one would be its color. If the diamond is white, the better it is but should really be more expensive. If you have the luxury of money to spend then go for pink diamonds. The last thing you need to know would be its cut. Choose what cut you want your ring to be because this will define its sparkle.

For the diamond shape, probably you will need the round ones because they cost so much cheaper. But the most important thing there is when choosing a wedding ring is the ring that will represent your love for one another. The ring is a symbol and your love is what makes it special in this occasion. After all, this is really what the ring symbolizes for, any other thing besides this really don’t matter that much.

James Brown writes about JewelryImpressions.com on-line coupons, ICE.com on-line coupons and shopdi.com on-line coupons

American Indian jewelry is a great example of Native life and culture. This exquisite style of jewelry is usually crafted by hand, giving it a unique quality unlike cheap fabricated jewelry. These days, Indian Tribes often make a living by selling their beautiful hand crafts, jewelry, and other intriguing works of art as a means of survival. Buying Indian jewelry gives you the opportunity to help them support their culture and continue living their traditions.

As with all Native American art work, each piece of jewelry comes from a Tribe of intriguing historical legend and unique traditions. For example, Native American jewelry made by the Tigua Indians, a Puebloan tribe, is truly remarkable due to the fact that around the 1930s, their Tribe was thought by some to be extinct. It wasn’t until they reunited and began to articulate themselves as a people, reclaiming the land that had been taken from them, that they were at last identified in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as a tribal nation. The signing of the law by the president made Ysleta Del Sur, their new land near El Paso, Texas, into a reservation where they still live today.

Like many Indian Tribes, the Tigua Indians make jewelry and hand crafts for a living. Their jewelry is similar to the jewelry created by the Navajo Tribe of the southwestern part of the United States, and is recognized for its great design and intricate detail. By incorporating natural elements, beads and glass, along with beautiful pieces of sterling silver, they make beautiful works of art that exemplify the best of American Indian culture and hand made Native American jewelry. Investing in a piece of Tigua jewelry provides you a true appreciation of their talented art work and a look into the Tigua way of life. Traditional craftsmanship is what makes these pieces unique, and a great buy for those who love Native culture and jewelry.

When purchasing American Indian jewelry, it is important to look around and not be deceived by cheap substitutes. Purchasing genuine items, hand crafted by Native Americans, will ensure the quality of your jewelry, and give you the assurance of knowing that your piece is the real thing. As you shop for American Indian jewelry, you will realize that it can be very expensive, as is most jewelry made by hand. Fortunately, with a little work, you can locate great pieces at low costs if you know where to look. Shopping online is one of the greatest ways to come across terrific deals as well as a great variety of jewelry available.

Authentic American Indian jewelry makes a great gift idea for jewelry collectors and for those who are fascinated by American Indian culture. From a wide range of bolo ties, bracelets, necklaces, watches, rings, and more, you won’t have trouble deciding on the perfect gift for young or old. Whether buying for yourself, a friend or loved one, remember that buying true pieces of Native jewelry is not only a great choice in fine jewelry, but also an investment in the American Indian culture. You will enjoy helping keep their customs alive while owning elegant pieces of American Indian jewelry.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about purchasing American Indian jewelry. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com