Handcraft Blog :: Arts Crafts » Jewelry

What properties are important when choosing a diamond?

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:44:00 +0000

“Cut: An exceptionally cut diamond can create a beautiful brilliance, and a poorly cut diamond may appear dull. Many gemologists believe how a diamond is cut is the diamond’s most important attribute. Width and depth play a huge role how light travels in the gem. If cut too shallow the diamonds radiance will be lost. The light travels out the sides. When a diamond is cut too deep the diamond will appear dull. By doing this the light travels out the bottom of the stone.
Color: Diamonds act like a prism, by doing so it divides light in to a spectrum and colors reflect light in to bright flashes called fire. The diamond acts as a filter when looking through it, the spectrum will reduce. The less amount of color in a diamond, more brilliant its fire and the better its grade. The color rating system goes as follows.
D: Positively colorless. This is the highest color grade, and in turn exceedingly rare.
E: Colorless. Small traces of color are able to be detected by a gemologist. This is also a very rare diamond.
F: Colorless. Slight color is seen by a gemologist, still considered “”Colorless”" grade; and a high quality diamond.
G-H: Almost colorless. Color is more noticeable when compared to the higher grades of diamonds. These diamonds exhibit an excellent value.
I-J: Near colorless, color is slightly detectable.
K-Z: These grades of diamond are inferior in quality. They lack fire, and brilliance that consumers look for in a good diamond.
Clarity: This is the way the (GIA) Gemological Institute of America grades a diamond for flaws, or inclusions. These can be scratches, trace minerals, or something else to detract from the pure beauty. Clarity ratings are as follows.
FL-IF: Flawless
VVS1-VVS2: Has minute inclusions, they are very difficult to see.
VS1-VS2: Slightly included not usually seen without magnification. These are less expensive than VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1-SI2: These diamonds are slightly included. Some flaws are at times visible to the unaided eye.
Carat Weight: This is the actual size of the diamond.”

Fashion Jewelry – Most Popular Casual Dress Accessory

Tera Warner — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:53:08 +0000

Fashion Jewelry is a very popular accessory that we like to add when dressing causal or when we want to spice up a dressy outfit that we might wear in the evening. Cheaper jewelry is being opted by a lot of women and girls these days while earlier only the gold and silver jewelry was being used. Not only is the jewelry cheaper, but you get the same great look for less.

Anyone can purchase jewelry at all places these days. You can even accessorize you clothes with these jewelry that are showcased a lot of departmental stores. Even a casual dress can be made to look quite attractive and flamboyant by adding up a nice necklace and latest ring. You will be able to get a perfect match for every cloth in your wardrobe with so many designs and colors that they are available in. Women and young girls nowadays are not just looking to sport any kind of jewelry with their clothing, but they like the big and sparky fashion jewelry.

Everyone wants to look trendy by wearing big jewelery and the one so much in demand these days are the glass dichroic rings. These rings look exquisite with its color and fabrication available in both round and oval shapes. You may have to pay a little higher price when these are hand crafted and making use of special materials. The dichroic glass being designed with 14kt gold in the edges will cost more than the complete glass ones. The teenage girls are very fond of the dichroic glass. Dichroic rings are most found with the designs of hearts or realistic flowers on the inside of them.

One can see that one of the most special features of this dechroic glass rings are that it is made of a lot of colors making it to display so many colors while wearing them. You cannot believe that these rings are not made with paints! The color for the rings is due to the operation of the light that the rings have been exposed to. As these dichroic glass rings are hand crafted in the most ethnic way they look so pretty. High tech equipment is needed in order to complete the process of making the glass.

The manufacture of dichroic glass into its thickness is due to the treatment of oxides and silicones. The colors that the ring has is due to the metallic oxidation that has been coated on the clear or black glass. When a gold frame is added to the dichroic glass rings it gets more colors.

The ones that are most preferred are the rings amongst the necklaces bracelets and anklets as most of the people love to sport jewelry made of dichroic glass.

Custom Handcrafted Jewelry

Andy Johnson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:12:06 +0000

Women like to wear unique pieces of jewelry. As much as possible they do not want to be seen wearing the same precise piece other ladies are wearing on the street. For them, wearing unique jewelry makes them feel they are special. To avoid purchasing common jewelries, a woman normally searches for the help of a master artisan.

Handmade beaded jewelry is timeless. It is always in style because you can have it customised to reflect the newest trend in fashion. You don’t have to try doing it personally. You can turn to custom hand made jewelry designer or master artisan for your unique jewelry pieces. Handcrafted jewelry workmen are pros when it comes to creating unique jewelry artworks. You can rely on their expertise to produce a completely unique piece of dazzling jewelry your friends will drool over. These artists decide to showcase their talent and abilities to supply a masterwork for each customer they have. A masterpiece that is much nearer to ladies who truly appreciate beauty and art.

These artists dedicate a great amount of time when it comes to selecting quality gemstones with the right shape, size, color, and luster. Their creative talents are challenged whenever they’re mixing quality gemstones and beads with different metals including gold, silver, copper and bronze. Another challenge they are always facing when making a piece of custom jewelry is mixing the right gemstones and accents which will give the finished piece uniqueness with balance and harmony. Also, do not forget that they consider your budget when coming up with and making you jewelry.

Don’t they deserve so much praise for each work of creativity they made for us to enjoy wearing and made us feel so special among others? Regardless of what your taste is when it comes to owning and wearing custom hand made jewelry, you’ll need to seek out designers who could create unique beaded jewelry. So if you’d like to hear those ooohs and aaahs each time you wear your own personal designer jewelry, don’t be shy to seek aid from a handcrafted jewelry artisan near your place.

Handmade Jewellery

Kevin Kelly — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:14:42 +0000

In ancient times jewellery was as popular as today; however, the styles of jewellery have evolved with the passage of time. Nowadays new and modern designs are liked by the majority of women and men all over the world but antique jewellery has also maintained its importance and is still highly valued by modern people. The award winning handmade jewellery is also very old and is still in fashion.

Handmade jewels are gorgeous pieces of art made of a variety of materials such as; glass beads, fresh water pearls, crystals, stones, shells, plastic, wooden beads and other fascinating gemstones and metals like bronze, silver and some others. Beautiful and exotic designs are made by using these lovely metals and materials. Expensive and fashionable jewels are loved by women to show off their wealth and status. Handmade jewels are one of the valuable and most adorable jewels. Handmade articles are so gorgeous that they can make you the centre of attraction in a party and everyone will admire the beauty and loveliness of the handmade articles that are skillfully crafted by creative artisans.

The unusual handmade jewellery comes in a variety of stunning and elegant designs. Precious metals, stones, pearls, and beads are used to make fine pieces of handmade jewels. Silver handmade articles and beaded handmade pieces are the choice of many people. Designer handmade jewellery is also adorable with exquisite designs which are amazingly beautiful. Lovely Vintage handmade jewels are also exceptional. Falling leaves, patterned lockets and other beautifully carved articles are some of the highly demanded designs of handmade jewels.

Liora Magid is a highly regarded handmade jewellery designer. She usually sets into her silver and gold jewels a wide variety of semi-precious stones and enamel. Crystals, pearls, cornelian, amber and pyrite are her favorite stones. Her exquisite collection of handmade jewelry includes; rings, bracelets, earrings and brooches. Kelly Meeker is another famous designer of beautiful handmade articles and offers striking wedding collection of jewellery in silver, pearls, moonstones and crystals. Godfrey Gardner inspired by the theme of nature offers an eclectic range of fabulous handmade bracelets, watches, rings, earrings, necklace, belts, anklets and other articles. Designer jewellery is very unique and no two pieces of designer jewels can be the same.

Birthstones are also used in handmade jewels like ruby, garnet, turquoise, emeralds, topaz and other gorgeous stones that make them more appealing. Bridal handmade jewels are so glamorous that every bride wants to wear handmade jewels on her special day. Handmade jewels are also excellent for gifts on special days like engagements, wedding anniversaries and other memorable occasions. Their uniqueness and charm make them more fascinating and adorable.

Trying To Sell Your Handmade Jewelry

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:46:20 +0000

When your studio starts to look like a dragon’s treasure stash, it’s time to start selling your handmade jewelry! Why not? You’ve been making jewelry for some time now, and all your friends and family have hinted they have all the jewelry they need for now. You’re so addicted to the relaxation and enjoyment of creating lovely pieces of jewelry that there is no way you can, or want to, stop. It’s really time to make your hobby pay for itself and earn some cash for yourself, too! Moreover, determining fair prices for your jewelry isn’t nearly as complicated as it first may seem.

There is a good variety of ways to sell your jewelry from a home-based business, and it’s sensible to start from, home. Setting up in a shop or boutique may seem glamorous, but it takes time, and usually eats your profits and some personal cash. Starting out small can be so much fun! With the methods below, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with your community and make it aware of your business, and form a network with other crafters, which can be a wonderful source of design ideas and support!
Home Jewelry Parties: This is one of the least expensive, fun and profitable bases from which to start your home-based jewelry business. You can host the party yourself or have someone you know host it for you. Invite several people, serve refreshments and show off your jewelry to your guests. Let the guests try on the jewelry, and provide mirrors large enough to allow them to see how well a necklace fits. Have a receipt book and plenty of cash change on hand, because you’re sure to sell some of your beautiful jewelry items!

Arts and Crafts Fairs Shows and Festivals provide a fun and exciting venue for selling your jewelry. It is a great way to meet fellow artisans, as well as establishing yourself in the crafts network. While you sell your jewelry, you may visit other jewelry booths, make friends with the owners and pick up tips to enhance your business, learn the latest trends and learn new designs. You may enjoy haggling with customers and learning how to correctly price you jewelry for optimized sales and profits.

These are just the three easiest and least expensive ways to start your home-based jewelry business. You may want to start with just one method, then gradually branch out into the other areas, concentrating on the most profitable. This is a sure way to maximize your profits, build a solid customer base and participate in a network of crafters who are just as enthusiastic about the jewelry-making business as you are!

What Is Your Jewelry of Birthstones?

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:44:22 +0000

Handmade birthstone jewelry is popular in all parts of the world because of its beauty and allure. Many people like to wear their birthstones in jewelry articles as these stones are believed to bring good luck and good health to the wearer. Historical planetary talismans and other jewelry items are still appreciated by many people across the globe. They are composed of various gemstones known to have mystical powers associated with them. There are different talismans connected with different planets, for example the talisman of the moon is thought to be the source of feminine power. Similarly, the talisman of Mars can help fight disease and attacks.

These charms are worn as pendants in chains or as earrings. Amulets are also worn in a similar manner to keep troubles away. Many kinds of gemstones are used to make such jewelry articles including stones of the twelve months. Chakra gemstone jewelry is also known to have special healing powers associated with it. Handmade chakra jewelry articles are now widely available on the internet. They are composed of lovely anklets and beautiful bracelets. Different materials are used in these articles including leather, beads, sterling silver, gold, Sworavski crystals, and healing gemstones. Chakra means energy source and there are seven basic chakras in the human body.

Birthstones like agates, carnelians, amethysts, garnets, moonstones, pearls, bloodstones, and peridots are used on these bracelets and anklets and they look lovely. Some people use them as mere ornaments, while others consider them special and sacred. Beaded watches and necklaces also come under chakra jewelry and they are equally beautiful and unique. These jewelry articles can make excellent and unforgettable gifts for all occasions. Handmade jewelry is made by using various artworks including filigree and wire looping techniques. You will find tons of designs in this category, all of which are exceptional and simply exquisite.

Silver handmade gemstone jewelry is also gorgeous and attractive. Fresh water pearls, black onyx, garnets and carnelians are often used on beautiful necklaces. Some of the birthstones represent love and prosperity, while others symbolize hope, peace and tranquility. These stones come in various lovely and exotic colors and can bring peace of mind. Many people believe that wearing certain gemstones can make them healthier and can also help them to get through various challenges of life. Magic amulets are used for special purposes, such as making a relationship last or choosing a profitable business.

Birthstones are also used for making magnetic healing bracelets and necklaces. Crystals are used to complement the designs of these jewelry articles along with silver or gold wires. They look beautiful and are available in many different colors which can also be matched with any kind of outfit. They are given common names like November Topaz, October Rose, May Emerald and March Aquamarine. This type of handmade jewelry is popular across the globe and is not very expensive either. Children’s gemstone bracelets and anklets are also available out there in beautiful patterns. Breathtaking designs are available in handmade gemstone jewelry with different kinds of beads, crystals and stones which can be bought for any occasion.