Beauty Tips Guides

The wedding ring goes closest to the heart. In other words, put on the wedding ring first, then the engagements ring. In ancient times, it was believed that there was a vein that went directly from your ring finger on the left hand to the heart. That’s where the symbolism of wearing the wedding ring on that finger started.

The terms “synthetic” and “simulated” are confused in the minds of most folks. Synthetic means a REAL diamond material but manmade. Simulated means, a material that looks pretty much like a diamond but is made from something else. A “synthetic” diamond is actually diamond but is manmade in the deep secrets of the laboratory. The “simulated” diamond is a CZ, a Moissanite or other simuilant. So far to date, the Moissanite is the best, even if color might be a bit off.

MOISSANITE

Moissanite is a very durable stimulant for diamonds. The only drawback is the particular stone, since some may show a greenish tint. I suggest you ask to see more than one stone and compare the color for the whitest (least colored) Moissanite.

Moissanite is a diamond like clear form of a substance you are likely familiar with: Silicon Carbide. Think of wet/dry sandpaper. That is silicon carbide, a very hard and durable material. When science was able to consistently manufacture clear crystals of silicon carbide, the gemstone “Moissanite” was born, named after the original discoverer from many years ago and before marketable crystals were producible.

This material is harder than most gemstones, not bothered by the heat used in jewelry work (meaning if prongs holding the stone need work in the future, the stone may be left in place for the work to be done). The stone is bright, durable, and wonderful to the eye. The only distraction is the “sometimes” slightly off-color. That is why I suggest asking a jeweler to have more than one stone for you to select from. Do this with uncounted stones.

Remember, carat is a weight and not a dimension! Moissanite and diamond do not weight the same and a carat of one is not the same size as a carat of the other. Simply ask for a “diamond carat size” when getting the stones to view. Most jewelers will do this automatically since they understand the size the customer wants is relative to the sizes of diamonds.

Believe a good look at some loose stones and a mounting selected and they you will be on your way, happy with the stone. These stones beat CZ is all aspects except the sometimes “tint” of color. CZ must be perfectly clean to really look diamond-like but the high refraction and characteristics of Moissanite keep it looking diamond like even when soiled somewhat.

Still, make an effort to keep all gemstones clean! All looks better that way and regular cleaning is the best way to check for wear and loose stones. Many jewelers will clean your item for free. Most should do that, I believe.

Moissanite is an excellent choice. But…be sure to see the stone first and pick the whitest (most color free) stone.

METALS

Platinum is an excellent choice for a ring but keep in mind that platinum will not keep a shine like white gold will. Platinum is durable, hypoallergenic, holds stones well and all that. Platinum is much more expensive than gold. Still, expect platinum do develop a dullish look after wearing a while.

The other metal might be Palladium, another metal in the platinum family. Do not get this. Palladium is a decent metal but many jewelers cannot work it properly and very, very little choice is on the market in palladium. We have NO palladium rings in our business. Palladium is mostly used to add to gold to make a form of white gold. Now, a white gold made with palladium is an excellent metal choice. You will have to go to a knowledgeable jeweler to find someone who knows the difference.

This is what I mean: White gold is made by taking pure gold which is yellow, adding other metals to make it a “karat” gold, like 14k or 18k. (Pure is 24k and too soft for jewelry.) Sometimes metals are added to change the color of the karat gold. For instance, more copper makes rose gold. More nickel makes white gold.

In recent years, more manufacturers are using palladium instead of nickel since some people are allergic to nickel or have sensitivity to the metal. Those people cannot wear white gold made white with nickel. So, we have palladium white gold which is a slightly different white than nickel white gold but looks great and has no skin sensitivity problems. Some newer nickel metal mixes of gold meet higher standards and have no “sensitivity” issues either.

I suggest asking for white gold (if platinum is out of the budget) and finding out if it is palladium white or nickel white. Ask if the nickel white meets the new “European standards” and is hypoallergenic. If the lady is used to white gold and has no problems with, regular nickel white gold should work fine. Just keep it out of anything with chlorine, like swimming pools, bleaches, hot tubs, etc. Chlorine works real danger on white gold made with nickel.

Victor Epand is the owner of http://www.JewerlyGift.biz, a huge online jewelry superstore featuring the greatest selection of jewelry including personalizable items. Clearance Sale items are here: http://www.jewelrygift.biz/collection/clearance-sales.html

Amethyst is the February birthstone. It is characterized by its purple color but it has other variations from light to deep purple and when subdued to hot temperature it changes to yellow. The yellow colored amethyst is called “burnt amethyst”.

Composition of Amethyst

Amethyst is composed of a variety of quartz mineral which is abundant on earth. Quartz makes up 12% of the crust of our planet which appears in the form of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks.

Historical Background

Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos” which means sober or not drunken. It was believed that the name was given after the color of a wine. This precious stone was said to be used by warriors to avoid intoxication during wars. If you drink wine from amethyst cup, you will be safe from being drunk.

In the early years, the gemstone was thought to be worn by royalties and monarchs. Purple then signifies the color of highness and power. Along the line, the famous Cleopatra was said to have amethyst rings and St. Valentine let his assistant Cupid to wear an engraved pendant made from Amethyst.

Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that Amethyst can dispel evil thoughts and can lead to high intelligence. It has also been mentioned in the Holy Bible that this gem has been one among the 12 stones beautifying the clothes of high priests of Yahweh. Rosaries during those times are made mostly from amethysts. In Tibet, this stone is deemed sacred to Buddha.

Geographic Distribution

Amethyst can be mined in South American countries such Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as African countries such as in Zambia, Argentina, Namibia, etc.

Here is a list of specific localities from where to find amethyst:

1. Guerrero, Mexico - the stones here are darker and in deep purple. The amethysts found here are considered to be one of most precious amethyst in the world.

2. Vera Cruz Mexico - amethysts here are pale crystallized and have grown in light colored rocks.

3. Maraba, Brazil - the crystals are not fine and in medium or pale colors. These amethysts are often cut and carved.

4. Rio Grande de Sul Brazil - the stones from large volcanic rocks and appears to be quite large.

5. Thunder Bay, Canada - amethyst here is formed from metamorphic rocks and is unique.

6. Uruguay - characterized by brown or gray exterior

7. Africa - there are large stones but are not attractive; however the interior color is clear thus cut pieces from this locality is admired and priced.

8. Maine, USA - they are not available for distribution these days

9. North Carolina, USA - the color of amethysts here are blue-violet

Generally, amethysts of South America are available in larger sizes than in African countries, but the latter stones have finer color and more saturated. On the other hand, amethysts in very dark colors are available on Australian regions.

Amethyst can also be found in the localities of United States and Canada. Few mentioned places are Texas, Pennsylvania, Carolina and Ontario. The stones found here are not fine thus are not usually use for jewelries.

Amethyst is available widely in different shapes and dimensions; fancy shapes are also available but generally, the stones are cut in a standard size.

Metaphysical Characteristics

Amethyst is said to be powerful and can the following benefits to the owner:

- Brings calmness and serenity.

- It can enhance a persons ability to learn new ideas faster.

- Can stabilize minds and a balance of emotional, mental and physical states.

- A person can be tough and good in business.

- It can get rid of all the toxins from the body and can treat arthritis. Other disorders that can be treated are problems in nervous and digestive system. it can also build up the immune system

Amethyst is the gemstone for those under the zodiac signs of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. It is also the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.

Amethyst, like other gems have its historical details being decipher from as far as 25,000 years ago. These stones are characterized by its beautiful color and thus quite expensive. Learning through birthstone will give us many information; some quite factual and others fictional; one thing is for sure, studying this birthstone is very interesting!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.artisan-jewelry-online.com where you can learn more about jewelry and gems.

The basic rule of jewelry care is to apply all lotions, make-up, hair spray, etc. first, then put on the jewelry. Pearls are especially susceptive to the solvents in hair sprays. In the reality of the jewelry business, I see people who refuse to remove rings and those who do so only once in a while. When we clean a customer’s jewelry and inspect for wear and loose or missing stones, the jewelry most often needing repair is a ring that is “never” taken off the finger and cleaned by the owner.

Persistent dirt gets between the metal settings and the stones causing abrasive wear and eventually perhaps a loose stone. Everyday wear on the outside of stone settings may lead to lost stones, too. A regular home cleaning and good look at the jewelry will prevent most stone loses, allowing for repair or tightening before it is too late. It is not common to see really clean jewelry come into the shop. When we do, that jewelry is generally in much better condition than the dirty items.

Hand lotions and soap film are some of the more difficult materials to remove. With CZ stones, a clean stone is vital to keep the “sparkling diamond” look. Just a little lotion on the bottom of the stone will take away much of the visual life of the stone. Fortunately, CZ’s are fairly hard and tough. Cleaning may be more aggressive than with stones like opal or pearls, for example.

Start by taking the ring off the finger long enough to clean it! Using a soft tooth brush and a warm to hot solution of a dishwashing detergent like Joy, brush as well as possible to remove the scum and lotion. Rinse well in warm water. Pat dry and take a look. If more cleaning is needed, soak the ring in hot tap water with about 1/3 detergent to 2/3 hot water.(The mix is not critical.) Then brush again.

The brush and even the end of a toothpick will not damage the stone. Do not use any abrasive cleansers. Most will not damage a CZ but will take the shine off the metal and might scratch some softer kinds of gemstones. Do not use toothpaste or similar stuff. Short of buying a small home sized ultrasonic cleaner, the detergent approach is one of the best for home use.

With CZ a little sudsy ammonia may be added and will greatly improve the cleaning speed and effectiveness. Don’t use any ammonia cleaners with silver, turquoise or pearls. Ammonia will cause spots on sterling. Use enough ammonia to liven up the faint hearted and do have a window open and some air moving.

With regular cleaning, you “get to know” the jewelry and can spot worn metal and loose stones before a loss happens.

When you cannot get the dirt off, let the jewelry store clean and inspect the jewelry. Strong detergents in heated ultrasonic cleaners followed with high pressure steam cleaning will remove most all dirt. Soap scum takes a little longer but comes off ok.

CZ is hard enough to cut glass. Most faceted gemstones are hard enough to cut glass. However, dust in the air contains a lot of silica (think sand). Hand lotions will leave a film on jewelry for dust to stick to. Over time, this rock dust in the air will abrade metal settings and some softer gemstones. Keep the lotion off the jewelry if at all possible. Not only does lotion free jewelry sparkle and look better every day, it will wear longer, too.

Victor Epand is the owner of http://www.JewerlyGift.biz, a huge online jewelry superstore featuring the greatest selection of jewelry including personalizable items. Clearance Sale items are here: http://www.jewelrygift.biz/collection/clearance-sales.html .

Most transparent minerals have, when pure, no color. Diamonds, being transparent, are no exception to this rule. Color is due to the presence of relatively small amounts of foreign substances, usually in metallic oxides. Iron oxide is one of the most common oxides, especially in diamonds. Sir William Crookes, the noted scientists, tells us that ash left when a diamond is burned in oxygen is largely iron oxide. The oxides that cause color in precious stones are thought by some to exist in very small particles, suspended, as it were, in the crystalline material. The particles are so small that they are invisible when viewed under a microscope. They cause a selective action upon white light that attempts to pass through the material, so that it comes out more or less colored. Light of certain colors is held up or absorbed, more than light of other colors, with the result that the light which emerges from the material is on longer white, as when it entered.

Iron as a colorant commonly produces yellow, brown, or sometimes red; a truly white diamond is very rare. Diamonds of a very light blue tint are scarce, but are more abundant that really snow-white stones. The presence or absence of color in a diamond exerts a very great effect on the value of a diamond. When goods are purchased in small or irregular lots that are less carefully graded, or when stones are taken into trade, the merchant needs to be able to discriminate the matter of color.

Aside from the diamonds which possess beautiful color, the tints in diamonds are pale and range from yellow and brown that is obvious, but not deep enough to be pretty. In such faint shades the presence of color cannot be seen by the average person, and at times not even by one trained, unless by direct comparison with stones known to be perfectly white.

It is the ability to detect these differences and determine how much color a stone carries, that successfully judging a diamond lies. The commercial value that goes along with the numerous grades may be learned in the trade, and the names that are applied. The most difficult part of grading a diamond is to definitely determine which class a certain stone belongs.

Artificial help in grading diamonds is one area that always needs covered. First of all, a diamond grader must not be color blind and also they cannot suffer from the lack of vivid perception. Practice and training is also necessary before great skill can be acquired. Given these prerequisites, how should one get the best results in grading?

First of all you need to have a good north light, unobstructed by any objects. There cannot be any colored surfaces near by to reflect tinted light. Second off, do not attempt to judge stones closely except in the middle of the day, between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. Very erroneous results may result if this precaution is neglected. Dark and gloomy days should also be avoided. You need to have lots of good neutral lights to make fine comparisons.

It is nearly impossible to make fine distinctions by artificial light. A gem with distinct tints of color will appear white by some kinds of artificial lights. If you have to make a decision in the evening, you may use a tungsten filament light. A tungsten filament light gives the nearest approach to daylight of any of the kinds of artificial light. It is not a good idea to attempt to grade stones in unfamiliar surroundings. If at all possible try to use the same place every time while studying the color of stones.

An essential is to have with you for comparison, stones whose color you are sure of. Rough distinctions can be made by people who are experienced, without the aid of a comparison. When it comes down to making a comparison between two very fine stones the absence of an aid makes it almost impossible.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular
jewelry site:
JewelrySalesandService.com. Provides information on jewelry, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces
and watches. His website,www.JewelrySalesandService.com
also has information on diamonds, birthstones, gemstones, pearls, gold, sterling silver,and platinum.

Hollywood stars are considered icons in modern day fashion. May they be dresses or jewelry, people look up to their favorite stars and emulates the way they dress and how they accessorize themselves. Even in Hollywood, there are people who are fans of piercing and other body jewelry aside from the regular and normal extravagant rings, necklaces and earrings.

As the lights in red carpet events, you’ll see actors and actresses adorned with gems and jewelries that sparkle in the lights. Nowadays, a number of Hollywood celebrities have become fans of platinum jewels which they wore in different events and awarding ceremonies.

The likes of Reese Witherspoon, Madonna, Brooke Shields, Michael Douglas and David Bowie seem to prefer body ornaments like rings, pendants, wedding bands and bracelets made with platinum.

But body jewelry and body piercing didn’t come from the influences of Hollywood. It was more like the other way around. Historically speaking, some 4000-5000 years ago body ornaments have been used in the attempt of people back then to make themselves appealing depending on their culture.

Body piercing as well has been a practice in early civilizations. Even the Bible mentioned nose piercing. The Eqyptians wore navel rings in their various rituals. Some incorporates piercing as a religious ritual like tongue piercing for the Aztecs, Shamans, and the Mayans in Central America. Various tribes in Northwest America and in Africa still practice various kinds of body piercings.

Piercing and body jewelry has been around for centuries. It was only in the 1960s and the 1970s that the practice became more of a form of rebellion and self-expression. Jim Ward and his piercing shop, The Gauntlet, are often referred to as the first ones who popularized piercing in the United States.

The practice has grown from tribal rituals and religious rites into a form of fashion. Body jewelry and body piercing is now known as a kind of artistic expression. You’ll find celebrities like Hollywood stars, rock stars, and sports figures that wear such ornaments proudly, making them models for younger generation and giving their throngs of their fans something to imitate.

However, one should not always mimic Hollywood celebrities. Sometimes, the way the stars dress and accessorize is not ideal for you. For example, if a celebrity actress dons a silver nose stud, imitating the same might cause you to have allergenic reactions to the metal. It is wise to make certain the kinds of materials that are bio-compatible to your own body.

Metals like silver or gold contains small amounts of nickel which could still cause irritations on the skin, especially if you’re too hypersensitive. Nickel is not a bio-compatible material and any skin exposed to it can lead to problems like simple rashes which could lead to complications and infections. It is not always a good thing to follow blindly. One needs to think first and see if following their favorite celebrity is worth it.

Most celebrities can afford the more expensive stuff. The fans, however, have to think of ways to keep up. For fans there are other options. A lot of stores sell affordable accessories and body jewelry similar to the ones that adorn their favorite celebrity’s ears, neck, nose, lips or tongue.

Want to find out more about Celebrity
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There are many different types of jewelry that can be worn and many of these are decorated with gemstones. By and large the gemstones that are set in jewelry are of a treasured and semi cherished nature. They often are of a unique stone or cut. Most of the time we are presented with stones that are very popular ones like diamonds. However, recently black diamonds have begun to make their appearance in the jewelry scene. But, have yet to take off like the standard diamond.

While these black diamonds are becoming more popular due to marketing tactics they are not seen widely nor do many people conceive having black diamonds in rings. This is likely due to the fact that the black diamonds don’t have the sparkling shininess that is evident with white diamonds. We all know that most wear diamonds for the look and what others will think. As with all fancy colored diamonds the formation of black diamonds is very uncommon making this a very expensive piece of jewelry to own. This diamond comes in many shapes and sizes. This sometimes creates a challenge for people to work with and on.

Because of its uniqueness and small market share, the cost is usually much higher than the standard diamond. We all know, that in part, it goes back to supply and demand. Regardless of the cost though there are some people who like to wear these black diamonds as men’s rings. This trend is very small. This could be due to the fact that many jewelers consider these black diamonds as being imperfect stones and consequently not worth the time that it would take to cut and mold them. So if you would like to wear jewelry that has black diamonds embedded in them you will have to make inquires from reputable jewelers if they have these gemstones in stock. You may find that this could pose a challenge because many jewelers just don’t carry the stone.

Other than this you will likely have to look on the internet for online jewelry stores where you can purchase your black diamonds from. Word of caution, do your research diligently and feel comfortable with a company before doing business with them. Once you have found such a place and you are prepared to purchase the diamond for the going price you will need to trust that you have found a place that will sell you quality black diamond jewelry. As these types of jewelry pieces are very hard and uncommon to find you should look at the different designs that are available and see if there is one that appeals to you in spite of the price. Remember, this is not a race, take your time and make your decision wisely.

There is also another way that you can get good quality jewelry with black diamonds embedded in the design. You will need to locate a stone store that has black diamonds for sale. Having verified the caliber and seen if the cost is one that you can yield you will need to buy the quantity that you need for your design. The next step is to find a goldsmith or jewelry creator and give your design to them. This may sound like a long and arduous process, but it is well worth your time. At the end of it all you are left with a fine piece of jewelry that is custom to your liking.

You will have to trust at the end of the jewelry making process you will be the proprietor of a unparalleled piece of black diamond jewelry. To find quality jewelry takes time and to be the owner of jewelry with black diamonds means that not only should you have a discreet eye for the first-class caliber items in life but you should be prepared to pay for them as well. Black diamonds are unique and can make for a perfect gift or addition to your jewelry. When looking take your time and enjoy the process for you will be very happy with your new accessory.

Bowe is the webmaster and content provider for many informational websites. Looking for jewelry but don’t know where to start? Look here for help.