Category: Jewelry

Color Enhanced Diamonds - What Is The High Pressure-High Temperature Technique?

Posted by Tips Guides in Jewelry

     

Diamonds come in many different varieties. You have your usual opaque or yellowish tone diamonds which have undergone little or no alterations. In the alternative, you can choose from amongst a wide array of color enhanced diamonds, where the diamonds have been enhanced and their color tone brought out in a more vibrant manner.

In order to make the color enhanced diamonds take on this look, they have to undergo a certain high pressure high temperature or irradiation technique. The following will describe this technique as well as detail the results which occur due to such a technique.

What Is This High Pressure High Temperature Technique?

The high pressure high temperature technique is a relatively new technological advancement. Developed in 1999 by General Electric, this technique provides a way to get rid of the brownish color tones which cloud over the true beauty of the diamond. The way in which this process works is quite simple.

The company which takes part in treating the diamond via a high pressure high temperature technique in order to produce color enhanced diamonds will first evaluate the diamond. This initial consultation is performed to see what extent of the process is needed in order for it to reach its maximum potential.

After the evaluation, it is then time to get started with the high pressure high temperature procedure. The basis of the process is that the diamond is placed into a compartment and then pressure and heat is distributed equally over the diamond so that the results will be level throughout. More specifically, the diamond is first placed into a pressure compartment. The pressure compartment is then placed into a heat generating sleeve, usually made of graphite.

The sleeve is then covered by an insulating item in order to keep the heat within the small area surrounding the diamond. It is usually placed into a cubic or tetrahedral press and then pressure is applied over the entire diamond. It is important that the pressure is applied evenly over the entire diamond surface in order for the color enhanced diamonds to be uniformly enhanced.

What Results From the High Pressure High Temperature Technique?

There are two main types of diamonds which include Type I and Type II. Roughly 95% of all diamonds fall within the Type I category as they have a moderate to high nitrogen level within them. When these Type I diamonds go through the high pressure high temperature treatment in order to create color enhanced diamonds the result is usually a switch from brown or neutral color diamond to one which is a brighter yellow, orange or green color.

With Type II diamonds, those which undergo the high pressure high temperature treatment in order to produce color enhanced diamonds result in a diamond which is colorless, almost colorless, pink or blue in tone. These diamonds have low nitrogen content and are extremely rare gemstones. However, if one is able to find a color enhanced diamond of this type, they will have a gem which is absolutely exquisite and marveled by all who see it.

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

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Facts And History Of Jewelry

Posted by Tips Guides in Jewelry

     

The word jewelry refers to the various items of ornamentation. Its origin can be traced to the old French term joule which referred to several items like rings, bracelets and necklaces, in the 13th century. Jewelry has performed several functions other than adornment. It has often been the symbol of status.

The more jewelry one possessed, it indicated a better social standing. Jewelry was another form of wealth. Its value was equal to that of currency. In fact, in earlier days jewelry was used in exchange of other things, when the barter system was prevalent.

In the days gone by, when people were superstitious, certain pieces of jewelry were used as a treatment for the evil influences. To ward off the negative forces, armlets, bracelets and rings were worn. Fastening or clasping purposes were also served by jewelry.

The historical background of these decorative items is varied and rather interesting. The characteristic feature of the jewelry of different ages and countries has been formed by the availability of materials and the usage.

Nearly 40,000 years back the first attempt at making jewelry was made by the fore fathers of the Homo sapiens, called Cro magnon. In the uncivilized world then, devoid of any scientific discoveries or inventions, the decorative items were made from the bones, stones, wood.

They were not crafted by master craftsmen but were well strung by the sinews of animals. Pieces of cloth were kept secured by clasps made of bone pieces. The existence of the mammoth then provided a good source of raw material. The tusk was used and the tradition is still carried on even today.

Some 3000 to 5000 years ago specific forms and materials began to be made and the pioneers were the ancient Egyptians. They preferred gold to other metals. The malleable and lustrous quality of the metal attracted them. The availability of gold made it their item of luxury.

It was soon the right of the royalty to wear gold upon their body to indicate power. Not only while they were alive, but even after death they were given all the items of ornamentation to be worn by them.

A unique combination with the yellow metal was seen in the ancient Egyptian jewelry. The use of colored glass was to replace the gems that formed a part of the jewelry. They preferred copying the real colors of the stones to using them. Most of the gems were collected from the Red Sea and long necklaces, bangles and head gear were worn by both men and women.

A similar fascination for stones is noticed among the ancient Mesopotamians. Their designs were usually leaves, spirals, grapes within vines and other nature oriented patterns. They decorated even statues with fine filigree work done on metals. By the time it was 2300 years BC, the largest manufacturer of ornaments was Macedon, a Grecian province.

The Romans were fond of jewelry too. They mostly used brooches to keep their long flowing garments secured. Though they used gold often, bronze, beads and glass were also preferred. Procuring the materials was not difficult since their sprawling kingdom spread across man countries.

Treated wood was seldom used because of its ephemeral quality. Italians worked with gold in its crude form and carved exquisite pieces of jewelry. The unique item was the large pendant that contained fragrant solutions in them to act as deodorant.

In the Mohen-jo-daro and Harappan civilization, women wore jewelry mainly to adorn their necks and hands. Treated clay and beads were the frequently used material as they were cheap and easy to work with.

With time art progressed and jewelry took on new forms. The artistic designs, whether inspired by nature or not, still enthralls everyone.

You can have access to portuguese articles about jewelry from page Jewelry

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

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Peruvian Silver Jewelry Is Among The World’s Finest Artisan Jewelry

Posted by Tips Guides in Jewelry

     

Why does Peruvian silver jewelry rank among some of the finest artisan jewelry in the world? One reason is that the silver in Peruvian jewelry is high in quality. It is always sterling silver, which is defined as containing a minimum of 92.5% pure silver. But Peruvian silversmiths move one step beyond this 92.5% minimum standard, using 95% pure silver in their handcrafted jewelry. Too soft to hold up on its own, silver jewelry is always strengthened with other, harder metals, such as nickel or copper, thus the small percentage that is not silver.

Unlike the jewelry that is ubiquitously available in local malls and department stores, handcrafted silver jewelry from Peru is fashioned by artisans whose families have been creating it for generation upon generation. Their traditions stretch back into the mists of time — in some cases back even to the ancient, aristocratic Moche and Inca Civilizations. Over the centuries, these age-old techniques have been lovingly passed from parent to child.

However, Peruvian silver jewelry is not always confined by tradition. Many Peruvian artisans are so talented they’re able to combine tradition with modern, bold and dynamic designs. The result is innovative jewelry often more vibrant than that found elsewhere.

Their deep appreciation for exotic, native materials is another reason Peruvian artisanss are able to create some of the world’s finest silver jewelry. For example, the striking, red jungle seeds called “huayruro” are the centerpiece of some of today’s most captivating Peruvian silver jewelry. In conjunction with their handsome, hand-crafted settings, these densely-red, dried seeds — either singly or in clusters — make bracelets, necklaces and earrings of electrifying beauty.

Another exotic native material often used in Peruvian silver jewelry is the spondylus shell, highly prized for generations — all the way back, in fact, to the ancient Moche Civilization of the 1st to 8th centuries AD. In the past, Moche kings, queens and other royalty were buried with large quantities of these highly-prized shells. And archaeologists have uncovered, not from one, but from several ancient pre-Columbian civilizations in Peru, enormous quantities of beads made of spondylus shell. Today, set in rich, hand-crafted sterling-silver settings, this time-honored material makes for some exquisitely enchanting and captivating organic jewelry.

From deep in central Peru, in the valley of Huancayo, comes another exotic Peruvian material. For at least 4000 years, Huancayo fathers have handed down to their sons a special technique of carving on dried Peruvian gourd. Today this ancient technique is still being practiced in the Huancayo valley, and placed into modern sterling-silver settings, these one-of-a-kind miniature works of art provide stunning jewelry that will turn heads wherever it’s worn.

Completely apart from the aesthetic reasons for finding Peru’s artisan jewelry attractive, this handcrafted jewelry is becoming a hot fashion item to the modern American woman because of her desire to spend her money wisely. Peruvian silver jewelry is produced by artisans struggling for economic independence in a third-world country undergoing rapid change. So purchasing their wares gives socially conscious buyers a chance to help these hard-working Peruvians become economically self sufficient: an example of the sought out win-win situation that is most appealing to savvy women shoppers. This is a bargain and luxury purchase at the same time with buyers walking away with some of the highest-quality, most time-honored, and most exotic silver jewelry being made in the world today.

Elaine Rojas is a writer, entrepreneur and inveterate traveler and is partner in an e-commerce site, Tikanchay.com that sells Handcrafted Jewelry, handmade by master artisans who produce only the highest quality jewelry. The silver bracelet designs as well as the necklace and earrings are infused with Peru’s artisan traditions.

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The Emmy’s Sparkle With Celebrities, Style And Diamonds

Posted by Tips Guides in Jewelry

     

It was hard to tell who was the big winner on Emmy night - the celebrities or their diamonds. In celebration of the Primetime Emmy Award’s 60th diamond anniversary, there was plenty of bling to mark the occasion - from Heidi Klum’s diamond butterfly earrings to the commissioned $10 million Hearts On Fire Diamond Chandelier.

The heart-stopping, one-of-a-kind chandelier was designed by Hearts On Fire, a jeweler based in Boston. The shimmering, three-tiered fixture served as the centerpiece of the Architectural Digest Green Room where final preparations were made by the celebs before appearing on stage. With more than 3,300 diamonds totaling over 1,000 carats, the Hearts On Fire Diamond Chandelier glittered with a series of diamond strands which were illuminated by fiber optics. The diamond beauty was safeguarded 24/7 by a team of security guards.

For celebs who wanted to get up close to the chandelier, white glove service was provided. According to a spokesperson from Hearts On Fire, the piece is nothing short of spectacular when lit.

Back on the red carpet, it was clear that style for the evening was bold and dazzling. Sandra Oh, a clear fashion winner for the evening, swept hearts in her Oscar de la Renta black lace dress and 5.5 carat, emerald cut diamond stud earrings from Bulgari. America Ferrara’s stylists bathed her tastefully in diamonds, including the Fred Leighton 19th-century diamond flower necklace, 2.5-carat pendant earrings, a diamond cluster bracelet, and a 19th century diamond line bracelet. Meanwhile, Ferrara’s co-star Vanessa Williams illuminated the red carpet in diamond drop earrings, accentuated with iridescent pink and yellow diamonds. On her wrist, princess-cut diamond rows of 72 carats total weight set in platinum accented her Kevan Hall mermaid gown.

Another star who beguiled onlookers was Christina Applegate adorned with fancy colored diamond chandelier drops which perfectly complemented her elegant Reem Acra gown in ice blue with metallic touches. Booke Shields was stunning in a hot pink gown, a fashion season favorite, accessorized with a 19th-century diamond bow brooch and bold, diamond-statement earrings.

While most of us may never sashay down the red carpet adorned in diamonds, the diamonds we do own are priceless treasures. And they should be cared for as they are typically some of our most often worn jewelry. Products such as lotions and cosmetics can leave a diamond dull-looking from daily wear so it’s important not to wait too long in between cleanings.

Diamonds may be the hardest substance known to man, but they should not be cleaned with just any cleaner. A piece that is need of a really good cleaning may require an ultrasonic cleaner to remove encrusted dirt. This method should not be used on fragile settings, however, as ultrasonic cleaners can shake loose stones from their settings.

An effective but gentle method for cleaning diamonds begins with warm water and a small amount of liquid detergent. After soaking the piece for several minutes, a soft brush may be used to remove dirt, but avoid using a brush with stiff bristles as this may scratch any metal settings. Afterward, rinse the diamond in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Diamonds should be stored separately in a jewelry case with a fabric lining from other pieces of jewelry. They can also be wrapped individually in tissue paper and kept in a box. Storing jewelry together in a case can result in scratching. And for those who are in the habit of leaving a diamond ring on the rim of a sink, you may be tempting fate. Rings can easily slip down a drain and their retrieval can be both inconvenient and messy.

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.

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Gift Giving Tips On Choosing A Jewelry

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You already have given your girlfriend a letter, a stuff toy, a bag a pair of shoes, a new dress. Now you are in dilemma of what you should give her on your next anniversary that is nearing. Well maybe it will not hurt if you give her something special like jewelry, what do you think? Here are some tips on purchasing jewelry to give your loved one.

First off, decide on what type of jewelry you are to give your partner, will it be a ring, a necklace a bracelet? It depends on your budget and your taste, and on what type of jewelry you would to see her.

Next is choosing whether the jewelry is made of diamond or gold. If you prefer gold, be sure that you know what the word karat means. It means that it is the measurement or unit of gold content that jewelry contains. The more gold content means the higher the price but it will be more appealing. If you opt to give her a diamond ring, you have to consider few aspects in buying one, they are the appearance, the cut itself of the diamond, and also please do consider the color. Choose a more beautiful one. There are also jewelries that are made up of glass, platinum and other precious gems. Choose the one that is affordable yet elegant. Don’t force yourself to buy a very expensive one if you cannot afford to, you will only bury yourself in debt.

Jewelries also can boost up the chance of you being chosen as the boyfriend of the girl that you like the most if you are still courting her. But I suggest you give her jewelries when she is already your girl or wife. ?

When ever you decide to buy a jewel whether be it a gold diamond or any type, be sure to buy to people who are trusted in the fields of selling jewelries. You should do this to avoid being fooled by other scammers. You should be careful in choosing the people you deal with, I suggest that when you go to a jewelry store, bring someone who has knowledge about jewelries. It is a safety measure to prevent fallacy.

Women, young and old all like jewelries. They like it so much, so you better be careful in buying jewelries as to not turn off the girl that you like.

There are a lot of types of jewelries to choose from, so make sure that you pick the one that best accentuates the beauty of the person who will be wearing it. In the end, the price will not matter anymore because it is still the thought that counts. What is important is that you have showed that person that you appreciate her existence and that you are thankful that you have her as partner who is always there by your side and ready to support you no matter what. I hope that I have given you some tips in buying jewels for your loved ones.

James Brown writes about FTD discount codes, flatearthtrading.com coupon and ThingsRemembered.com coupon

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Iranian Crown Jewels Are Comprised Of World’s Greatest Treasures

Posted by Tips Guides in Jewelry

     

One of the worlds largest and most valuable jewel collections, the Imperial Crown Jewels of Persia, or Crown Jewels of Iran, consists of a mind-boggling number of treasures. On display at the Museum of The Treasury of National Iranian Jewels in Tehran, Iran, the collection ranges from breathtaking tiaras to jewel-studded swords to princely thrones, and much more.

The Crown Jewels span 2500 years of the Iranian monarchy, however the majority of the collection represents the Safavid shahs who ruled Iran from 1502-1736 A.D. The founder of Safavid Dynasty of Iran, Shah Ismail I, successfully established Iran as an independent country since the 7th century A.D. This Safavid dynasty brought about the compilation of priceless gems and jewelry through a variety of means. Some were acquired as war booty, others were gifts from Europe and India, and the country’s mother-of-pearl collection was caught from the Persian Gulf.

Already considered priceless during the Safavid reign, the collection was nearly lost forever in 1722 following a raid by an Afghan ruler who besieged the country’s capital and took control. The country’s jewels were plundered and sold to Mogul rulers in India. Seven years later, Iranian forces drove the Afghans out of Persia and regained some of the stolen jewelry. Through the years, the Crown Jewels again came under attack, but Iran’s rulers continued to make attempts to re-assemble, expand and protect their treasure.

Eventually, the royal treasury was transferred to the National Bank of Iran, after a law was passed enacting the collection act as a reserve to back up the local currency. The last Shah of Iran decreed the jewels were the property of the Iranian State and transported them to the Central Bank of Iran in 1960.

While a smattering of diamonds, rubies and other gemstones glitter in this remarkable Persian fortune, two of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds are also a part of the collection. The worth of the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Darya-ye-Noor diamond are so great they surpass monetary value.

The impressive crowns and tiaras of the Iranian Crown Jewels include the Kiani Crown, made of red velvet and surrounded by three horizontal rows of pearls around the circumference of the crown. In all, the total number of pearls on the crown number 1,800. Other jewels include rubies, emeralds and diamonds.

The Pahlavi Crown was created in 1925 and is also made of red velvet, in addition to gold, silver and encrusted jewels. At the center is a sunburst motif made of a 60-carat brilliant-cut yellow diamond. Unlike the Kiani Crown which is made mainly of pearls, the Pahlavi Crown predominantly displays diamonds.

The creation of the Empress’ Crown in 1941 represented the first time in 2,500 years where the wife of the Shah was also being crowned. While not as elaborate as the Kinai and Pahlavi, the Empress’ Crown is made of green velvet and white gold. Also featuring a sunburst motif in emeralds and pearls, the crown also showcases rubies and white diamonds.

A symbol of status and power, thrones hold a special significance in the 3,000-year-old history of Iran. Embellished with rare materials such as gold, silver and precious stones, Iran’s thrones create an aura of greatness.

The most splendid of Iran’s thrones was The Peacock Throne. At the time of its construction in the 1600s, the Shah Jahaan ordered his artisans and jewelers to create a raised platform-style throne that would surpass all others. Sadly, the Shah was eventually assassinated and his beloved throne was dismantled - its precious stones and gold stolen and never recovered. Thereafter, the throne of the Iranian Monarchy was known as the Peacock Throne and during this time several thrones were made which copied features of the original.

The Naderi Throne, unlike the Peacock Throne, was more chair-like and was created in the 1800s to be disassembled into separate pieces for portability. Made of wood, the throne features gold and encrusted jewels such as diamonds, rubies and spinels. In all, 26,733 jewels adorn the throne. A dazzling design depicting a peacock tail highlights the backrest, along with figures of ducks and dragons.

The throne was chosen for a moment of 20th-century history when Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi selected it for his coronation in 1967. Although he ascended the Iranian throne in 1941, Shah Pahlavi vowed to bring growth and emancipation to his country before holding a coronation. Twenty-five years later, and after much successful reform, Shah Pahlavi was crowned Iran’s ruler in a splendid ceremony, followed by the crowning of the Empress Farah Diba.

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.

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