Old Fashion Girl

Archive for the ‘Fashion Jewellery’ Category

Molli and the Pearl wedding jewellery

‘The diamonds,’ he repeated, in his customary  assured and confident tone, ‘we’ve got the money.’ ‘ Hmmm’, was her only answer.  Bart  – or Bartholemew Augustine Meredith  to be exact – rolled his eyes towards the ceiling; he was given to dramatic expressions of his feelings. Molli, his fiancé – Daphne Hillary Molière – ran her delicate pianist’s fingers along the glass cabinet while seemingly mulling over the myriad choices;  but Bart knew, and the jeweller knew, that although she was holding the delicate, diamond heart-shaped earrings in her hand, she really wanted the pearls.

Bart knew his love. He knew she had his needs always at the centre of her actions, so he waited patiently while she asked to look at this set or those, looking at them but not looking at them as her eyes kept moving back to the blue velvet box wherein lay the pearl wedding jewellery of her  dreams. Bart wandered off towards the entrance where a whole city of jewellery sparkled. His Mercedes sat outside the Hatton Garden jewellers, watched by a friendly security guard that had become even friendlier when handed half a torn ten pound note. He would go back and help her decide on the diamonds. He would be the boss in their marriage, never mind how much money and class her family brought to the arrangement. He would make the decisions.

Mollie was speaking to the jeweller. Had she made up her mind? Then suddenly she was coming out of the shop with a silk bag hanging daintily from her wrist. ‘What? What’s this?’   ‘It’s alright Darling I’ve paid.’ She was smiling. ‘Oh did you want to buy the pearls for me, how sweet. I know, you can buy the diamonds for my birthday. Shall we go?’ she said as she swung gracefully into the driver’s seat.

Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Creating The Dream

Many places offer a wide selection of cubic zirconia jewelry. These brilliant sparkling stones demand attention wherever they go. But what is cubic zirconia (CZ), and how is it made?

A cubic zirconia is a man-made gemstone. They replicate the fire and flash of perfect diamonds, but at a fraction of the cost. Placed into fine gold or sterling silver settings, a cubic zirconia is almost indistinguishable from a genuine diamond. Only trained gemologists can tell the difference between the two.

While CZ crystals have been known since 1937, early crystals were too small for jewelry-making. In the 1970’s, scientists discovered how to grow larger crystals in the lab. CZ is formed by heating zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide to very high temperatures (almost 5000 degrees Fahrenheit!). The mixture is then cooled very slowly. This results in beautiful, flawless crystals with amazing fire and brilliance. Other ingredients are also added to produce various colors.

The cooled crystals are quite large – too large for jewelry. A single large crystal is cut into smaller chunks. Specially-trained gemologists further cut and refine each chunk of crystal. They then cut facets into each stone. These facets reflect the light, creating the fire and brilliance that we love so much.

The smaller cubic zirconias are destined to become sparkling pendants, rings, earrings, and more. They are placed into settings that maximize the fire of each one. CZ jewelry is popular for its low cost and amazing flash.

It is my own personal opinion, that you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Cubic zirconia jewelry is made to appeals to all tastes and budgets. Who says a diamond in a woman’s best friend? Probably some billion dollar company. Well I’m here to say CZ jewelry can be a woman’s new best friend! So happy shopping, and past those great finds on to me.
The cooled crystals are quite large – too large for jewelry. A single large crystal is cut into smaller chunks. Specially-trained gemologists further cut and refine each chunk of crystal. They then cut facets into each stone. These facets reflect the light, creating the fire and brilliance that we love so much.

The smaller cubic zirconias are destined to become sparkling pendants, rings, earrings, and more. They are placed into settings that maximize the fire of each one. CZ jewelry is popular for its low cost and amazing flash.

It is my own personal opinion, that you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Cubic zirconia jewelry is made to appeals to all tastes and budgets. CZ Jewelry can be a woman’s new best friend. So happy shopping, and past those great finds on to me!

COSTUME JEWELLERY

COSTUME JEWELLERY

As per the law of nature, women are more beautiful creatures than men and have always tried to enhance their beauty with various remedies irrespective of the remedies being natural or artificial. Since time immemorial women are known to have constantly created or re-created different ways to look more beautiful. They used to design, stitch and create their own clothes just to stand out from others. When clothes became mundane, they invented ornaments. The adorned themselves with these fineries and added a dash a glamour with these ornaments to even the simplest of clothes they wore. Right from the stone-age women have indulged themselves in jewelleries. Even in that era, the bond between a woman and jewellery became obvious.

FLASH BACK

Way before the discovery of precious metals like gold, silver, copper or bronze etc. women knew how to adorn themselves. They used sea-shells, conches and other fine stones and materials to create their jewelleries. The necessity of looking prettier than others paved the way for costume jewellery and it is nothing less than its evolution that these are here now for all to admire. Armed with creativity and imagination jewelers have come up with innumerable designs and countless new types of metals and stones to give variety. The variety in jewelry leaves people astounded as they walk past any jewelry shop. Millions of people admire jewels but because of their high value only very few can actually possess these extravagant ornaments. Ordinary middle class women being deprived of the very expensive jewellery delved into a solution for this problem and thus the concept of costume-jewellery was born.

OLD IS GOLD

Earlier costume jewelry was all about semi-precious stones, artificial metals coated with gold and silver polish and other chunks of mirror, stone or patch-works, shells or colorful threads, etc. these jewelleries were designed keeping in mind the middle class and poor women and girls who could not afford to spend much on jewelleries and those women who liked to wear jewelleries properly coordinated with their clothes. Gradually costume jewellery became very popular among women of all walks of life. The designs of costume-jewelleries outdid the traditional jewelleries so much so that people has started preferring costume-jewelleries to the traditional jewelleries. Seeing the popularity of jewelleries, the jewelers decided to merge the two distinct styles. Thus costume jewelleries that we now come across are the amalgamation of traditional stones, precious metals etc. in a modern form. The generation next version of costume jewellery is a perfect modernized blend of fashion, glamour and tradition with of course a tint of diamonds, a generous plating of gold and silver or the more coveted platinum with a dash of dazzling brilliance due to the brand name.

JEWELERY GENEXT

People are now more and more fashion conscious and with the desire to leave an impact in the social circuit are ruling out the repetitive designs. This new breed of fashion conscious people are increasing exponentially; thus creating a huge market not only for costume jewelleries but also for jewellery designing. Costume jewellery is not only designed in accordance with fashion trends but also according to the taste and preferences of the buyers. As for example during weddings, extravagant affairs in many countries and where a great emphasis is put on jewellery. The brides jewellery is selected very carefully ensuring that the social status and financial soundness of the brides family is reflected conspicuously. Needless to say, that the jewelleries are very carefully co-coordinated with the brides trousseau.

Costume jewellery is just the right the thing for every woman for any occasion. It saves money also and gives reason to flaunt the attire as well as adding radiant confidence to the wearer.

Celebrity Inspired Jewelry – Get The Look For Less

These days, everyone wants the red carpet look without the million dollar price tag. If this sounds too good to be true, think again. Thanks to celebrity inspired jewelry, its now possible for anyone to own the best on a budget.

The craze with celebrity inspired jewelry first began with the diamond engagement ring given by Ben Affleck to Jennifer Lopez. A large emerald-cut pink diamond takes center stage as the main focal point of this beauty. One each side, white baguette diamonds proudly accentuate the enormous center stone. Fans fell in love with this ring around the world, which lead to the demand for designers to recreate the ring in a look that anyone could afford. The result was a sterling silver creation featuring a large emerald-cut pink cubic zirconia center stone, which is accented by white baguette cubic zirconia on each side.

It wasnt long before the trend of wearing celebrity inspired engagement rings became the next big thing in fashion jewelry. When Nick Lachey proposed to Jessica Simpson, a beautiful pear-cut diamond ring came into style in a big way. This bold beauty dazzled the media and fans alike. With one diamond located on each side of the stunning pear-cut center stone, Simpsons new ring was as bright as the spotlight itself. Once again, designers came through with a creation that everyone could afford. A bold sterling silver band with a large white cubic zirconia pear-cut center stone, which is accented by white cubic zirconia on each side, began showing up on jewelry lovers around the globe.

When it came to trends, Lachey and Simpson werent the only musical duo making their way into the line of celebrity inspired jewelry. Kevin Federline gave Britney Spears a stunning ring featuring a cushion-cut center diamond sitting atop a double row of connected diamond-encrusted bands. The inspired design was recreated in sterling silver and glistening white cubic zirconia. The cushion-cut center stone, which replicates a flawless diamond, sits boldly above a double band of cubic zirconia accents.

What line of celebrity inspired jewelry would be complete without a dazzling pair of earrings? As far as trend setters go, Oprah Winfrey is one of the best. Not only has she made a name for herself in the media, but also for her fantastic fashion sense. Oprahs famous pear drop diamond earrings won her fans over in a flash. The design features a round white diamond stud and a large pear-cut diamond dangling below. In an effort to recreate this stunning design, jewelry manufacturers released their own version done in affordable sterling silver. Like Oprahs authentic diamonds, the inspired earring features a round white cubic zirconia stud and a dramatic pear shaped cubic zirconia dangling below. Because the earring is available in cubic zirconia and sterling silver, fans can have the look of the real diamond earring for a lot less cash.

When it comes to red carpet wear, the styles are both dramatic and unique. Any woman who watches the annual award shows will probably agree that seeing the glamorous jewelry is one of the most interesting aspects of the red carpet arrivals. Not many can afford a million dollar ring or necklace, but most could afford that look if it were created in sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Thanks to celebrity designers, including Nolan Miller and Charles Winston, many of todays most expensive looks can be worn by those who only watch the red carpet from afar as opposed to actually walking on it.

Can You Make Money as a Fashion Designer?

Do you have a love for fashion? If that love includes designing your own clothes or fashion accessories, like handbags, have you ever thought about making a living as a fashion designer? When it comes to being a fashion designer, many individuals feel that it is a dream of theirs that just isnt destined to become a reality. While this is sometimes the case, it doesnt always have to be. With the right willpower and the need to succeed, you can easily make money as a fashion designer.

When it comes to making money as a fashion designer, many individuals believe that they can only be successful if they see their designs on the runways in New York or Paris. While this would definitely help, you dont have to be a famous, well-known fashion designer to make money as one. Did you know that you can make money as a fashion designer making your own clothes right from your own living room or home office? You can and if you would like to know more on how you can go about doing so, you will want to read on.

As you likely already know, many fashion designers start out with simple drawings on paper. Many have the dream of turning their drawings into real pieces of clothing or fashion accessories; therefore, many do so. What is nice about making a living as a fashion designer is that you have a number of different options. For instance, if you were just starting out small, to see how your designs would sell, you can not only be the designer, but the maker as well. If you would like to hire assistance, either right away or after your business took off, you could do as well.

If you are interested in starting your own fashion design business, you will want to think about having your own online website. In fact, many fashion designers sell their products exclusively on their own online websites, not in some big fancy fashion store. Of course, if your fashions take off, you could later choose to do so if you want. If you also want to sell your own fashions locally, you may want to think about renting some business space. If you carefully choose your space, you cannot only have a sales floor, but you may also be able to have a warehouse where you can make and store your fashions. This ideal if you are interested in running both an online fashion store and a storefront one.

If you have been interested in being a fashion designer for a while now, there is a good chance that already have some of the many supplies needed. For instance, you probably already have a large selection of drawing materials, a sewing machine, and likely even a collection of fabrics. If that is the case, you will find that the startup costs associated with getting your fashion design business up and running are minimal. For many, it is the cost of starting a business that poses the biggest problem, but it may not necessarily be a problem for you.

Of course, when it comes to running a business, even just a small one, you need to remember to abide by all local, state, and federal laws. For more information on running a small business, like a fashion design business, out of your home, you may want to think about speaking with your local government officials. If they cannot assist you, they should be able to point you in the direction of someone who can.

PPPPP

595

Bridal Jewelry: Common Mistakes

The Engagement Ring

Shopping for the perfect engagement ring can be very exciting, yet thought provoking. For most couples, an engagement ring is intended to serve as a permanent fixture in their relationship. With this said, it is important for the couple not to select a diamond engagement ring that is too trendy. Selecting bridal jewelry that is too up-to-the-minute may cause the bride to grow out of her ring in a couple of years. The best engagement ring is one that is timeless.

Bridal Accessories

The average bride will choose a bridal jewelry set to wear with her wedding gown. However, it is important that the bride refrain from choosing bridal jewelry before she has selected her wedding dress. Hence, bridal accessories are supposed to enhance the dress–not the other way around. This important factor follows the age-old question–What comes first, the chicken or the egg?

Something Borrowed

Inheriting a family treasure from mother, grandmother, or even great-grandmother is a kind gesture–especially when it can be worn on the bride’s wedding day. Although wearing a family heirloom for bridal jewelry is sentimental, it may not be a practical choice. As mentioned earlier, the purpose of accessories is to enhance the overall appearance of the wedding dress. If grandmother’s antique pearls conflicts with the style of the wedding gown, it may be best not to wear the heirloom. In this case, it may be a good idea to agree to wear the borrowed jewelry to the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or on the honeymoon.

Something Old

This could easily apply to something that you received from your mother, grandmother, etc.. but it can also be something that brings back pleasant early memories. How long did you know your future husband? Maybe your bridal jewelry is a reflection of the first present he gave you (visit to a fabulous beach). How about beach themed jewelry for you and your bridesmaids.

Something New

Even if you choose to make an heirloom as the center of your bridal jewelry, complement it with some of the elegance of modern Swarovski crystal accessories or the latest designs in pearls.

Bridal jewelry is a significant element in preparing for marriage. As a symbol of everlasting love and an enhancement for the bride’s wedding attire, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that many brides have made in the past. When it comes to selecting the perfect bridal jewelry, the bride should choose wisely!

Article written by Michelle Lindsey

Birthstone Jewelry Makes a Great Gift

What is birthstone jewelry? Each month of the year has a specific gemstone associated with it that is considered the “birthstone” for that month. Your birthstone is the gemstone that the month you are born is assigned to.

Since the custom of wearing birthstone jewelry began, it has been thought to provide the wearer with luck and other virtues specific to their month of birth. It also was rumored to provide the wearer with protection from evil forces. In modern times,birthstone jewelry makes a perfect gift for any occasion – Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries and any other time you need a thoughtful, yet cost effective gift.

Birthstone jewelry is not hard to find at any department store, or online. Due to its popularity, merchants usually have a decent selection of birthstone rings, pedants, earrings and other birthstone jewelry. You can often find coupons and discounts on birthstone jewelry, especially around the Holidays, Valentines Day, and Mothers Day when it is a popular gift item.

Here is a handy list of months and their birthstones:
January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April – White Topaz
May – Emerald
June – Pearl, Moonstone
July – Ruby
August – Peridot
September – Sapphire
October – Opal, Tourmaline
November – Yellow Topaz, Citrine
December – Turquoise, Blue Topaz

Birthstone jewelry makes a great gift for young girls. There is inexpensive quality costume birthstone jewelry that is made specifically for 5 – 12 yr old girls. Kids will find it neat that they are wearing “their” birthstone, not to mention that they will enjoy dressing up in their jewelry just like mom.

Speaking of Mom, birthstone jewelry makes an excellent gift for women as well. There are many varieties of gold, silver and platinum birthstone jewelry. Some of them can be pricey, but are often coupled with diamonds and/or other precious stones. Your recipient will be touched at the personal thought that went into their gift. Or, as a twist, you can even find custom jewelry that has several birthstones, one for each child or grandchild.

Best of Tucson Gem and Jewelry Shows

J.O.G.S. Tucson Gem and Jewelry show is the largest and most popular independent jewelry trade shows in the Tucson, Arizona area. Wholesale manufacturers, miners and international dealers gather at the Tucson Expo Center, the site of the J.O.G.S. show, every winter.
Buyer attendance at the J.O.G.S. show exceeds 27,000, composing over 4,000 jewelry firms. The majority of these are registered business owners representing the retail jewelry industry of the United States. The attendees of the J.O.G.S. show are owners of gift shops, private galleries, boutiques, department stores, and retail jewelry shops. The buyers are able to buy jewelry right on the floor as it is delivered; this makes J.O.G.S. a cash and carry show.

For the 2008 show, there will be approximately 800 booths of exhibitors selling wholesale finished jewelry, cut stones, gems, beads, coral, turquoise, amber and much more. The exhibitors are divided up by pavilions.

Must see at J.O.G.S.

A truly one of a kind Southwestern jewelry pavilion can only be found at the J.O.G.S. show. It is composed of great Mexican and Native American designs of turquoise and coral set in silver. Exhibiting are the top dealers, miners and manufacturers with the largest stock of jewelry from Albuquerque, Mexico and China.

The American Amber Association presents, at the J.O.G.S. show, the largest U.S. Amber pavilion. The pavilion is composed of amber designers and amber manufacturers from all the Baltic countries famous for their amber source. If you are an amber retailer or are just an amberholic, you will love this pavilion. The J.O.G.S. show is your once in a year opportunity to buy these great designs at an excellent price.

The Art Gem Dcor pavilion contain some of the most beautiful dcor items crafted out of stones, gems, copper, wood, metal and other materials. These are museum quality pieces created by some of the most talented artists in the world. This is truly one of the most unique art collections you will ever see, it is like an art show inside the J.O.G.S. show. Besides the exquisite art pieces, you can also find some great everyday interior design pieces. Other J.O.G.S. pavilions include the many international pavilions which represent the rich jewelry heritage of Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico and Nepal.

Products at the J.O.G.S. show

There are products at the J.O.G.S. show to suit just about any buyer. The product range covers all price points, from high end one of a kind designs to everyday popular items available at wholesale prices. Often buyers rely on the expertise of the wholesale sellers to pick out next seasons hottest selling lines. Buyers can be seen purchasing large quantities at wholesale prices as well as occasional one of a kind purchases intended for personal and private collections.

Venue of the J.O.G.S. show

Each J.O.G.S. show is held in the state of the art Tucson Expo Center, one of Tucsons largest professional convention centers. The whole show takes place under one roof and on the same floor, ensuring that buyers visit every booth and no vendor gets left out. Great promotion, a complimentary lunch buffet for the buyers, top security and a red carpet atmosphere has been responsible for the success of the J.O.G.S. show.

Beaded Lanyards: Quasi Jewelry

The typical lanyard is a length of basic rope, wire, or cloth that is designed to secure a small object. They are often purchased in large quantities and are fairly inexpensive. Many employees wear lanyards around their neck to secure identification badges while on the job.

Beaded lanyards can be as basic as an inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They can be ordered through most typical lanyard suppliers and feature a variety of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several different lengths and an array of colors.

Other beaded lanyards are quite unique and are referred to by some as jewelry. They are designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. Beaded lanyard patterns may consist of colorful patterns of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.

The most popular beaded lanyards are used to secure eyeglasses or sunglasses around the neck. They attach to the temples of the glasses, allowing them to hang around the neck when not in use. These exquisite neck lanyards are often referred to as eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders. They are a fashionable way to keep track of an item that can be easily misplaced or damaged. Beaded lanyards allow the wearer the freedom to easily put on and remove glasses frequently throughout the day.

Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard patterns are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings.

One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.

Art Of Jewelry Making

There are some jewelry hobbyists that exhibit their creative edge and brilliant talent when making their own jewelry designs. It is a very rewarding experience that is made quite simple through Internet jewelry websites. These fine jewelry retailers maintain an inventory of jeweler tools, castings and ring mounting devices to let a jewelry making enthusiast explore all possibilities at a reasonable price.

With so many gem choices to pick from, creative jewelry craftsman have the opportunity to cut, polish and enjoy brilliant works of art in jewelry form that they can give as gifts to special people in their life. These jewelers are very knowledgeable of what it takes to create a diamond, and are skilled craftsman when it comes to cutting multi-faceted gemstones with exquisite precision.

Its hard to believe that an unattractive chunk of carbon could be crafted into something so beautiful. People love to wear these chunks of coal around their necks as pendants, and around their fingers as engagement rings to show the world they are truly loved.

Some jewelers like to explore all of the possibilities and keep an abundant amount of amethyst, citrine, aquamarine and garnets and other semi-precious gems on hand to fulfill custom orders that will add wonder and magic to someones day.

Some people have a particular stone in mind when they come in to place their custom jewelry order. They get captured by the beauty of loose gemstones that they see in a highly lit display case and hand select several gemstones to be added to their order. These extra touches of color will make a truly special wearable jewelry item that is custom ordered in their favorite setting.

The shaping of gemstones is offered in at least 15 varieties and each will prominently display the refined tastes of the particular jewelry fancier. There are heart shapes that are typically ordered by star crossed lovers who enjoy a continual reminder of how they feel for each other. The marquise, rectangle, square and round shapes fill a more traditional shape that is found in most jewelry fashions on the market today.

For creating unusual and unique shaped jewelry pieces, jewelry enthusiasts might choose a trillion cut or perhaps a triangle cut that will turn a unadorned ring band with few possibilities into a work of art in very little time at all. The rectangular Octagonal and Cushion shapes make dramatic shaped gemstones gifts for the most astute jewelry wearer in your life.

Whether you prefer a ring setting that is basket shaped, or prefer bezels with baguettes running vertical and horizontal in a swirled and very ornate jewelry creation, there are certainly many opportunities to display your favorite gemstones in exquisite styles that fit your personality.

Many people bring in their older jewelry pieces to have them remounted into exquisite settings that give new life and satisfaction to an old ring arrangement that they are no longer comfortable with. Gems such as diamonds and rubies are collectible items that families pass down as heirloom items that the entire family can enjoy with a little work by a skilled jewelry craftsman.