Raymond Weil Watches

Making a beaded necklace or bracelet for Beginners
I make all my beaded jewelry by hand, on my website I give many genuine gemstone beads to choose from so people can customize their necklaces (also bracelets & earrings). Whatever beads you might use the technique is the same, I personally use only sterling silver parts & genuine beads such as black onyx, turquoise, red coral, aventurine, amazonite (very popular), rhondonite, mother-of-pearls, freshwater pearls, etc... I personally use only Beadalon wire which is extremely solid, it comes in many colors & variety some ticker & more solid... Much more expensive then most other wires but this is worth it if you want to make a necklace or bracelet that will truely last. Beadalon can be found in most jewelry findings online stores, Ebay, etc... Also, you need crimps (can be found in sterling silver, plated silver & other metals) and crimps covers (to hide the crimps & give it a nice professional look). There are special pliers sold to use with crimps & crimps covers which makes the job easyer but I have done it before with regular pliers well. Start by mesuring the correct leight of wire you want cut it with about 2-3 inches extra to what you need. The extra will be cut at the end but will make it easyer to work with & do the tips. Always have a ruler with you, it will be helpfull many times. So if you want a 16" necklace cut about 18-19" long of wire. I always start in the middle, so if you have a pendant or a centerpiece for the necklace put it on now. Make sure the bail or loop is solid. Usually I put a sterling silver ball on each side of the pendant large enough to stop the pendant from moving. Look at the bail or loop, make sure the beads you add on each side are larger. Now is time to add all the beads you want, using the ruler make sure you stop at the desired leight. Also dont forget that there will be a clasp at the end which will add some leight. For the clasps, there are many on the market. I usually use sterling silver lobster clasp or spring clasp. Also you need a jump ring soldered to fit with your clasps. So once you are done adding all those beads start ending the tip on one side. insert a crimp, then the clasp loop, then fold your wire back into the crimp. Tighten the wire so there is no loose wire between the crimp & clasp. Then squeeze the crimp shut with some pliers. Once that is done it should be solid. I always pull a little on it to double check. Ok now you cut the extra wire on that side leaving about 4-5mm. Using the pliers you fold it over the crimp. Now grab a crimp cover open it wide enought using your finger & set it on top of the folded 4-5mm wire, covering it & the crimp. Close the crimp cover using your pliers delicatly. Once that is all done one side is totally finished. Do the same on the other side using once again a crimp but of course a jumpring instead of a second clasp! Then a crimp cover again. Dont forget it must be tight at the end. You shouldn't see any of the wire. Then again dont make it too tight or the necklace will be stiff. I hope this is easy to understand. It is quite easy to do but the first pieces you make might need a little work redone later when you get better at it. Shop around before you buy any findings, some places are making way to much profit on people. Search for "jewelry findings" in search engines, and take a look on Ebay also, compare before you buy! I usually use sterling silver beads of size 2mm, 3mm & 4mm. And for my stone beads I use 4mm & 6mm. Thank you, It you think this is too much trouble visit my website! My prices are very reasonable. www.sterlingsilverart.com

Patrick is an internet marketer giving his reviews on various products as they come out on his personal blog at <a href="http://howtomarketingonline.com/2007/01/27/profit-lance-unleashed/">Marketing Online Tips & Tricks</a>

Care for Silver Jewelry
You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Silver in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Silver experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Silver.

WHAT IS STERLING SILVER
Silver is a precious metal and much like gold it is too fine to be made in a 100% form. To make it durable for jewelry, pure silver (999 fineness) is often alloyed with small quantities of copper (7.5%), thus comes sterling silver (92.5% or .925). Copper is added to strengthen the silver and make it durable to be use as a decorative or in fashionable jewelry.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
Most of our jewelry is 100% solid Sterling Silver (.925). When wrapping your items, DO NOT place them directly in paper, cardboard, or cotton filled boxes, as these contain trace elements of sulfur which will tarnish your silver jewelry. For best results, place the items in a sealed, air tight plastic bag or jeweler's sulfur free tissue (different from standard tissue) prior to boxing and wrapping.

HOW TO CARE FOR STERLING SILVER
As with every product its life span will depend on the care you give it. These are some helpful hints on how to look after your silver pieces.
1. To maintain the original condition of your silver jewelry, polish your pieces regularly using a non-abrasive cleaning cloth.
2. Soap and water will also help keep your silver looking good. Remember do not dry silver off with paper towels or tissues, always use a soft cloth.
3. When you are NOT wearing your silver jewelry, store them in a cool, dry place. Zip-lock bags and individual cloth pouches are ideal for this and will help prevent both tarnishing and scratching by other pieces. What causes silver to tarnish is air, and when it is not in use, the more you can keep it sealed the less it will tarnish.
4. Never immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral springs, and suntan lotion. Remember, some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach; these will cause discoloration and also loosen the gemstones.
5. Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents and commercial jewelry cleaners "dips" especially if the pieces have an oxidized finish. Using harsh polishing cleaners will alter the antique look of your jewelry.
6. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with a moist cloth until clean.
7. If your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, do not immerse in water, as this can loosen some settings. Never use dips or abrasives cleaners on gemstones.

KEEP YOUR ANTIQUED JEWELRY LOOKING GREAT
By allowing the metal to oxidize with a solution, sterling silver becomes "Antiqued" and develops an aged look. With wear, the antique process will fade, and the jewelry will look less "black' in color, becoming a vintage silver shade.
To prolong the dark color of the metal, avoid wearing the jewelry in the shower or bath. Water will remove the finish over time. Do not clean the sterling silver or the antique finish will be removed. Instead, keep your silver in a zip lock bag with the air squeezed out to keep it looking nice longer.

Buzz Reed Owner Lucky 7 Sales www.lucky7sales.com admin@lucky7sales.com

Diamonds And Such
This topic diamond is not an obscure one but we have tried to compile some fundamental points about this topic in this article.
This article that you are going to read about diamond is just an attempt on our part to make you aware of the fundamentals of diamond.

Life is about choices and what you get in your life depends on your choices. So, you made the choice of reading this article on diamond and the result is that you got the chance to gain so much information about diamond.

As a species, we love to adorn ourselves with jewelry, makeup, hair accessories. We do it now to enhance our looks, to attract a mate and because it just makes us feel good about ourselves. Some forms of adornment are symbolic - like wedding rings. Or they're used to make a statement about our lifestyle, like multiple piercings and earrings.

We chose to write this article about diamond of the simple reason that we believed we could write better and now when you are reading about diamond don’t you think that we were right in our thinking.

Have you ever wondered what the origins are of such self-decoration? Was there a meaning behind it? Or did we just start wearing beads, necklaces and earrings as our awareness of self increased and as we evolved?

We know that the earliest jewelry of bits of bones, shells and other personal adornments appeared in graves about 40,000 years ago. The idea that there was an afterlife, and the belief in spirits both good and bad, gave rise to the means to attract the good spirits and ward off the bad ones.

People protected themselves from evil spirits with adornments in the form of necklaces or bracelets, and pierced themselves with the same bones and shells to have these amulets on their persons at all times. At this time people also started painting their bodies with red ochre, which can be considered the earliest form of makeup. They also started lining their eyes with kohl to protect themselves against the force known as the "Evil Eye."

Even today, much jewelry takes the form of amulets. People wear crosses around their necks, or the Star of David, or wear a claddagh ring - all to attract good fortune or ward off bad luck. There are even more throwbacks to this earliest form of magic, such as a lucky rabbit's foot, or a lucky penny. Or we often have less well known, more personal amulets that have a meaning to us alone, but are still worn as good luck charms and amulets.

More About Diamonds at: <br> <a href="http://www.bestdiamondring.info/">Diamond Rings</a><br> <a href="http://www.diamondisforever.info/">Diamond Wedding Bands</a><br>

The Meaning And Significance of Birthstones by Month
Throughout the ages, people have revered gemstones as beautiful and even magical. In fact, some people used to believe that gemstones carried mystical powers and that each gemstone could bestow these powers to its wearer. For instance, a cool blue sapphire implies that the wearer is cool under pressure, while a red ruby implies that the wearer is passionate and fiery. Eventually people began to relate a given gemstone with a zodiac sign or month of the year. People born in that month of the year were thought of to possess qualities resembling that of the gemstone or "birthstone" linked to that month.



Over the years, a certain aura of confusion arose surrounding which birthstones were associated with which months. In fact, for some months, competing birthstones arose and competed for public acceptance.



The Modern Birthstone list contains the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list.



Listed are the Birth Months and thier respected Modern Birthstones:

January - Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl

July - Ruby

August - Peridot

September - Sapphire

October - Opal

November - Yellow Topaz

December - Blue Topaz



Apart from the modern birthstones there are other birthstones like the traditional birthstones, mystical birthstones and ayurvedic birthstones.



The Traditional Birthstone are older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone list. These stones reflect societal birthstone traditions, heralding back to the 15th century. (Many jewelers have differing lists of traditional birthstones.)The Mystical Birthstone are of Tibetan origin from over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone are from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - a type of medicine used for over a thousand years.



The Star Sign stone chart below offers another slant on birthstones/planetary relationships.



Sun Sign and their respective birthstones



Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)-Ruby,Agate, Garnet



Aquarius(Jan. 20-Feb. 18 )-Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst



Pisces(Feb. 19-Mar. 20)-Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone



Aries(Mar. 21-Apr. 19)-Bloodstone, Diamond



Taurus(Apr. 20-May 20)-Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald



Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20)-Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl



Cancer(Jun. 21-Jul. 22)-Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby



Leo(Jul. 23-Aug. 22)-Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx



Virgo(Aug. 23-Sep. 22)-Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire



Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22)-Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot



Scorpio(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)-Aquamarine, Topaz



Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)-Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz



Gemstones have a direct effect on our lives and this has been scientifically proven. Luck can mean fortune, force that operates for good or ill. There are many forces and vibrations flowing about us all the time, and gems which are nothing but minerals have a peculiar ability to concentrate these powers or forces on our lives. these forces can be both of the positive or the negative energy. So, choosing the correct stone can make the life force much more good luck friendly. This way we can influence the forces to be kinder to us.



Gemstones have living energy. Every gemstone has several attributes. Good luck is a part of the energy of many stones. There are times it may be more helpful to use more than one stone for the luck needed. As we change our way of life our vibrations change, that is why some gemstones will work differently on the same person at different times.



The best way to know what gemstones will be lucky for you is to hold it in your hand. The gemstones help change the life force around you and that is how gemstones can change your luck.



Every gemstone signifies or symbolizes a different meaning of its own, The stones may be precious or semiprecious stones thats is why what matters is that one chooses a personal gemstone of their own.



It is common today to have a personal stone. The personal stone may be a stone associated with a zodiac sign or a birth month. A personal stone may be a gem that has been passed down in a family. A personal stone could be a stone of a person's favorite color. A personal stone can be anything that a person wants it to be as long as the feeling for the stone is deep.



I hope this information can help you select a gemstone that has personal meaning to you and will give you much joy and pleasure.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for <a href="http://www.4engagementring.info/">http://www.4EngagementRing.info/</a>. 4EngagementRing.info is the best place to buy engagement rings, wedding rings, and diamond rings. Browse through our selection of wedding jewelry and engagement rings here: <a href="http://www.4engagementring.info/category/wedding-jewelry.html">http://www.4EngagementRing.info/category/wedding-jewelry.html</a>.

Everyone Wants Big Diamonds
As a status symbol big diamonds have no equal. It shows that you have the ability to spend an extravagant amount of money on jewelry. When not being displayed these beautiful gems are hidden away in secure locations and rarely see the light of day. When was the last time you have seen the Esther Williams famous Champagne diamond ring or the Taylor Burton pear shaped diamond?



Finding a good jeweler is the first step you need to take when purchasing any jewelry item. It is also necessary to do some research on the grading system of diamonds. Many good article are available on the internet to assist you in understanding the 4 C's of diamond grading. After you have learned the fundamentals your jeweler can clarify your understanding.



The American Gem Society (AGS), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the three most widely known and respected diamond grading laboratories in the world and each of them has developed a very similar nomenclature for identifying the 4 C's of diamonds. The 4 C's stand for Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut and I like to add shape to the 4 C's list.



The first of the 4 C's is the Carat. A carat is 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams and is always referenced within 2 decimal points. For example the the Golden Jubilee is considered the largest faceted diamond in the world and weighs in at 545.67 carts. The Taylor-Burton diamond is 69.42 carats. This is a highly accurate grading scale used to determine the weight or size of a diamond but it does not apply a value to the diamond.



The next thing you need to look at when purchasing a diamond is the color of the diamond. A white diamond is not white but clear in color. Different colors in diamonds are produced because of impurities trapped in the diamond during the formation process. Since nature rarely create anything pure many diamond will have show some color to the naked eye. Color range from totally colorless (D) to a pale color (Z). Diamonds of a higher grade than (Z) fall into the fancy color diamond range. A diamond with a color range greater that (K) usually have a descriptive phrase such as grade (M) Faint Brown.



White diamonds are usually more expensive because of their rarity, D through F, but some diamonds in the fancy color range can command a very high per-caret price. Pink diamonds have sold for up to $1,000,000 a carat. The largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamond is the The Steinmetz Pink Diamond and is 59.60 carats in weight.



Clarity Grading is the third factor in determining the quality of a diamond. This grading requires education and years of practice for a gemologists to master. The number and nature of the defects in a diamond is taken into account when applying the clarity grading code. Basically the diamond is looked at with the naked eye and under a 10X magnification lens.



Internally Flawless (I.F) when it presents no internal defects under 10x magnification.



Very slightly included (V.V.S.1 to V.V.S.2) when it presents defects that are very difficult to locate under 10x magnification.



Slightly Included (S.I.1 to S.I.2) when it presents defects that are easy to locate under 10x magnification.



Imperfect (P.1 to I.1) when it presents defects that are hard to locate with the naked eye.



Imperfect (P.2 to I.2) when it presents defects that are easy to locate with the naked eye.



Imperfect (P.3 to I.3) when it presents defects that are very easy to locate with the naked eye.



Next is the cut of the diamond and the cut has nothing to do with the shape of the diamond. The proportions and symmetry of the diamond cut determines the light dispersion, brilliance or life of the diamond. If the diamond's reflective qualities are below standard then the appearance of the diamond will be adversely affected. Many of the diamond cut over a couple hundred years ago were cut to maximize the carat weight with little regard to the diamond's reflective qualities. Many of the older stones have been recut to increase its brilliance. A good cut give the diamond it brilliance or the ability to handle light in a pleasing fashion. The brightness will seem to come from the very heart of a diamond.



In 2001 the EightStar company of California wanted to prove that optical perfection of the round brilliant diamonds could be obtained by using an exclusive light-tracking instrument called a FireScope which allows a diamond cutter to align facets so precisely that the flow of light into and out of a diamonds can be completely controlled. The American Star as slowly cut from 14.89 to 13.42 carats over a six-week period. Cutting the diamond for maximum light output and not size increased the beauty of the American Star and many of the older diamonds have gone through a recut.



There are several standard categories for the shape of the diamond but there are many variations on each standard categories. Basic categories include Round, Emerald, Pear, Heart, Marquise, Oval, and Princess cuts.



The Round cut is the standard for the diamond shape and is used in most engagement rings.



The Emerald cut is rectangular or square step cut with diagonally cut corners and usually has 2 to 4 rows of parallel facets to the center of the stone. A very popular style of cut used for Emeralds hence the name.



Pear or teardrop in shape and may or may not have a large flat surface in the center of the stone and is usually cut to have about 56 to 58 facets.



Heart shaped cut is heart in shape and if a shield shaped cutlet is present (flat center) then it will usually have 32 crown facets. If no culet is present then 24 pavilion facets is the norm.



The Marquise shape is oval in shape with curving sides and pointed ends and was developed in France in the mid 1700s. It is believed to have been named after the Marquise de Pompador, who was a mistress of King Louis XV.



Oval in shape and covered with triangular facets.



The Princess shape is a very popular square or modified rectangular shape. There are many variations of crown and pavilion facets cuts on the market.



The final shape of the raw diamond us usually determined by the imperfections found in the diamond. Many imperfectsions can be remove or hidden by and experienced jeweler in mounting the diamond in the final jewelry piece and by the proper cut of the diamond.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit http://www.diamonds-team.com

Jewelry-Buying Tips for Clueless Men
"Boys have their cars, their game consoles and their plasma TVs. And what about girls then? Jewelry jewelry and more jewelry. Marilyn Monroe once sang that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend�. The truth is, girls like pearls, gold wedding rings, antique ruby earrings and anything shiny and pretty too. Jewelry, you men ought to know, has the power to enchant, enthrall and amuse women. They are the best birthday, Valentine’s, Christmas and anniversary gift. Couple it with sincere apologies and a beautiful necklace becomes the perfect “peace offering� too. So just how do you choose the perfect jewelry? What are the things you should look for when buying one for your girl? Here are some tips you can follow: • When choosing the jewelry you want to purchase, consider the personality of the girl you are buying the jewelry for. While it is true that girls like jewelry in general, getting a piece that really suits our tastes and personality makes the gift more special. For an easier and safer choice, consider giving her something with her birthstone. • Take time when purchasing your jewelry. Be sure you have thoroughly inspected the jewelry for any cracks, scratches and other damages. After all, the lucky woman who’s going to get your gift deserves nothing less than perfection, right? • There are many scammers out there trying to pass their cubic zirconiums as diamonds or their $2-drugstore jewelry as antique earrings, so be sure that you only buy your jewelry from trusted stores. Remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. • If you’re going all out and decided to buy your girl a diamond, know that the things you have to carefully look at are color, cut and clarity. A good diamond (which is mostly colorless but can also come in pink, yellow and other colors) is perfectly cut and absolutely clear. • Different stones and gems signify different things. Pearls exude elegance, diamonds perfection and ageless beauty. Ask your jeweler suggestions for the appropriate gift to ensure that you are putting across the right message. • If you’re surprising your girl with an engagement or wedding ring, be sure you know her ring size before you buy the jewelry first. There really is nothing as anti-climactic as getting a ring that is either too small or too big. • After deciding the design you want, have the jewelry assessed by an independent party before you pay for it. It’s and added hassle, yes, but remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry. Whether you are looking for the most beautiful wedding ring for your future bride or antique earrings for you mom, remember to keep all these tips. Check out this web site for more on wedding rings, antique earrings and other beautiful pieces of a /www.sylviasantiques.com> jewelry. "

Maraya Bien is a copywriter affiliated with Sylvia’s Antiques, a 25-year old store that specializes in jewelries. It is a trusted source of beautiful <a href= http://www.sylviasantiques.com> wedding rings</a>, <a href= http://www.sylviasantiques.com/earrings-c-11.html> antique earrings</a>and other exquisite pieces of <href= http://www.sylviasantiques.com> jewelry</a>.

Secrets to Buying Jewelry Online
Jewelry isn’t something we typically think of when making an online purchase, though there is no question that buying jewelry online is becoming more and more popular. The reasons for this are many, but often start with selection and price. Because online retailers are able to reach a wider audience, they more often than not offer a better selection of jewelry than local stores are able to. Because they aren’t dependent on expensive local advertising or paying for expensive retail space, online jewelers are usually able to offer more competitive pricing as well.


When buying jewelry online, there are a few things to look for that can help insure a purchase you’ll be satisfied with. First off, make sure the online jeweler you are considering is a member of the Better Business Bureau. The BBB keeps a watchful eye on the complaints attributed to its member retailers, and only those businesses who maintain the highest levels of customer satisfaction can maintain membership. You can check with the BBB for more information on any online jeweler you may be considering.


The second things to be aware of is how much information the retailer is willing to give regarding the procurement and or manufacturing of the jewelry they sell. Online jewelers who purchase raw materials and manufacture their own jewelry are more likely to offer a better guarantee, lower prices and of course, items that can’t be purchased elsewhere. Online retailers who only provide basic product information are likely to be resellers who purchase their products from other retailers or wholesalers. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this practice, many stock their online stores with goods that were either deemed poor quality or were simply unable to be sold at other locations.


Finally, always look for an online jeweler who deals exclusively with the specific products you are searching for. If you’re looking for an engagement ring, go to a site that specializes in loose diamonds and settings. If you’re looking for pearls, go to an online retailer that manufactures pearl jewelry. The quality of jewelry you receive is likely to be several times better than that of the jewelry available at online retailers who sell a little bit of everything.

To purchase Freshwater Pearls http://www.purepearls.com/pure-pearls-freshwater-pearls.htm or Pearl Cufflinks http://www.purepearls.com/pure-pearls-cufflinks.htm visit our jewelry store http://www.purepearls.com for other pearls.

Facts About Champagne Diamonds
The majority of the Champagne color diamonds are found in the Ragged Ranges in the Kimberley region of Australia. In this remote corner of north west Australia is the largest diamond mine in the world the called Argyle Diamond Mine. Diamonds were discovered here in October of 1979.



Since Argyle Diamond Mine was officially opened in 1985 it has produced over 600 million carats of diamonds. By volume this mine is the largest producing diamond mine in the world but only about 5 percent of the stones produced are considered gem-quality. Other diamond mines usually have about 20 percent considered gem-quality.



There are three primary causes of color variations in diamonds. The first is some type of foreign element was trapped inside the diamond. Nitrogen is the most common element and is responsible for yellow or orange coloration. If boron is responsible then the diamond will be a blue color. The second cause of color variations in diamonds is Natural Radiation and it will cause a green color. These are all considered type I diamonds.



Type II diamonds have very few if any nitrogen impurities in them. They get there coleration due to structural andomalies caused by Plastic Deformation durring the crystal growth. The entense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Red, Pink, Brown, and Champagne colored diamonds.



The Type II diamonds are rare and constitute less than 2 percent of the gem-quality diamonds available. Most of Australians production of diamonds are of the Type II verity and are usually a steely blue or grey due to scattered boron within the crystal matrix.



Argyle Diamond Mine produces over 95 percent of the Champagne colored diamonds and they have developed a color grading scale that is used by the majority of the gemologists today. Champagne diamonds range from light straw color to deep rich cognac color.



Argyle color grading scale for Champagne Diamonds:



C1 - C2 = Light Champagne

C3 - C4 = Medium champagne

C5 - C6 = Dark Champagne

C7 = Fancy Cognac



The Earth Star



First found in the Jagersfontein Mine in May 1967 and the rough gem was 248.9 carats. It was cut into a pear-shaped and weighted 111.59 carats and is considered one of the largest pear shape cognac colored diamonds in the world. It was purchased by Stephen Zbova, of Naples, Florida in 1983 for $900,00.



The Golden Jubilee



This diamond is currently considered as the largest faceted diamond in the whole world. Also known as the fire rose cut diamond, this diamond has a unique fancy yellow-brown color that made it one of the most beautiful pieces of stone ever unearthed.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Diamonds. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Diamonds. Visit http://www.diamonds-team.com

Cleaning Cubic Zirconia: Tips that will keep your CZ jewelry sparkling!
Cleaning cubic zirconia jewelry is much easier than you think! So take advantage of these simple tips that will keep your precious jewelry sparkling and lustrousâ€"so you can enjoy them for years to come. Like diamonds, the precious cubic zirconia (CZ) gems need to be cleaned to maintain their original brilliance and luster. Many variables in our surrounding can dull the shine of precious gems: body lotion, perfume, hairspray, perspiration, or just simply, normal everyday wear. All lotions and soap film are some of the more difficult materials to remove. Just a little of any of these materials on your CZ stone, will take away much of the visual brilliance of the stone. So it is vital to keep your CZ clean to maintain its sparkling diamond look. A convenient way to clean your CZ jewelry is to use a small brushing device with soft bristles (preferably a toothbrush), along with warm to hot water mixed with a mild liquid dishwashing detergent (such as the brand, Joy), and brush as well as possible to remove any scum build-up. Then, rinse well in warm to hot water, pat dry with a clean cloth, and take a look. If more cleaning is needed, soak the jewelry piece in hot water, with about 1/3 detergent to 2/3 hot water. (The mix is not critical.) Then, just brush again. When you’re done cleaning your jewelry, be sure to dry it well so to keep its brilliant shine. Avoid exposing your CZ jewelry to abrasive substances such as household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage your jewelry. Although most abrasive cleansers will not damage a CZ stone, they will, however, take the lustrous shine off the metal in which the stone is set. Gemologists can agree that CZ comes closer than any other gem material to matching the characteristics of a diamondâ€"it’s uncanny. As CZ is quickly becoming more popular as a desirable substitute for diamond, it’s important to care for it the same way you would a diamond. So if for some reason you cannot remove the dirt off your CZ jewelry, take it to a jeweler and give it a high-pressure steam clean, as would be done to a diamond. This will remove almost any scum off your jewelry. When we clean a customer's jewelry and inspect it for wear, and loose or missing stones, we find the jewelry needing repair is most often a jewelry piece that has never been cleaned by the owner. Persistent dirt gets between the metal settings and the stones, causing abrasive wear and eventually, perhaps a loose stone. One of the most basic rules of jewelry care is to apply all lotions, make-up, hair spray, etc. first, before you put on your jewelry. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your jewelry either in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box. Now that you know how easy it is to care for your CZ, be sure to clean your CZ jewelry regularlyâ€"depending on how often you wear it; if you wear it everyday, cleaning it once a week is sufficient. Follow our simple tips on cleaning cubic zirconia, and you can be certain your CZ jewelry will not only maintain its original brilliance and luster for years to come, but it will continue to sparkle radiantly for you when you wear it, and show it off! © 2007 Pennybest.com. All rights reserved. Reprinting or republishing of this article is allowed, provided the author’s information including copyright and resource link is retained to accompany the article.

Penny Best Jewelry provides you with fine cubic zirconia jewelry and timeless designs, at an affordable price. The online store at http://www.pennybest.com offers you top quality cz jewelry including beautiful rings, earrings, stunning necklaces, dazzling bracelets, bridal sets, free shipping, free jewelry box and a 30-day money back guarantee.

This Year's Hot Styles of Pearl Necklace: Slender, Light, and Feminine
It is in the middle of 2007 already! Time flies! Fashion in pearl jewelry industry also changes so fast.Over the last 6 months, I found that the used-to-be-popular fancy style pearl necklaces were becoming less and less active, and is being replaced by another trend: pearl necklaces are becoming more slender, lighter, and more feminine.


Slender: a very slender chain combines with a mid- to big-sized pearl pendant is a common style I can find this year. It is slender, but it doesn't mean it is simple. In fact, designers must devote more effort to design such a slender but fascinating necklace.
I am impressed by this item: two rows of very thin platinum chains are connected by 5 diamond floret patterns, and a white 13-13.5 south sea pearl with a platinum floret post pendant sits in the middle.



Light: traditional pearl strands sometimes give a heavy feeling. This year, a lot of them become so light, because they halve their weight, and I call them "semi-pearl strands" or "semi-pearl chain".
The reason is that they are not traditionally strung by strings, but by thin metal chains in gold, silver, or platinum. In the whole necklace, pearls are not lined one by one, but each two pearls are separated by the metal chain. The pearls in the necklaces are all small-sized around 4mm. Now feel them, don't you think they are just perfect for the coming summer?



Feminine: this year for some reason, the pearl necklaces with floral or heart patterns always catch my eyes. Maybe that's just because they are in fashion, but I am not a fashion addict.
I went to a jewelry shop yesterday. I picked up a very simple white gold chain decorated by three white 7mm pearls and three rose patterns. It was simple but so intriguing! I tried it on. The shop lady smiled to me and said, "It is a very feminine necklace. You look so tender and charming with it." I finally found out why I like this style of necklace so much---because it is so feminine. Which woman doesn't want to look feminine and charming?



Summer is coming very soon, when I am selecting a pearl necklace, I will focus on slender, light and feminine styles. How about you?

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