Category: Jewelry

Trends come and go, but every fashionable woman knows that there are staples that never go out of style. The jewelry box is the place where spending more money on higher quality pieces ensures that your investment will last decades. There are ten essential pieces that every woman should have in her jewelry collection. They look fantastic dressed down for daily activities and work, and they bring a truly elegant touch to formal looks and the little black dress.

Before you buy your staple pieces, consider your options so that you spend your money wisely and on jewelry you will still love a decade or two from now. Which is your favorite: gold, white gold, sterling silver, or platinum? Silver is the least expensive, but gold is more traditional. White gold and platinum achieve the clean and polished look of silver, but are better quality. If you have the money to spend on platinum, it will look beautiful longer and sustain fewer scratches. The next question to consider is this: should you splurge on real gemstones and diamonds or opt for the less expensive cubic zirconium? The real thing will obviously last longer and shine more brilliantly. In addition, the bigger the stone, the more you can tell the difference. However, for smaller settings and for people who cannot afford real, precious stones, cubic zirconium is an excellent alternative if you buy a high quality piece. Armed with these considerations, you’re ready to pick out your jewelry staples. In no particular order, these are the top ten jewelry staples:

1. Diamond Stud Earrings: This is one piece where you should opt for the real thing. Until you can afford diamonds, the cubic zirconium will do, but diamonds last longer and the unrivaled, polished shine is part of the appeal. Perfect for any occasion, they look beautiful with jeans and a cardigan and elegant with a formal gown for a night out. Showcase them by pulling your hair back from your face. Diamond stud earrings create a classy, sophisticated, and timeless look on any woman.

2. Diamond Tennis Bracelet: This is another essential where the cubic zirconium is only a substitute until you can buy the real thing. Both the diamond tennis bracelet and the stud earrings emit a lustrous shine that is absolutely stunning. The same principles apply here; you can wear your tennis bracelet anywhere and anytime to achieve that high class, elegant look. These and your stud earrings will never go out of style, and you can pass them down to future generations as prized heirlooms.

3. Cocktail Ring: A big, fashionable ring with a large gemstone setting shows superior and distinguished taste. The stone in the ring can be any stone you love; some popular choices are red and blue sapphires, garnets, pearls, and emeralds. If you do not mind occasionally updating your ring, cubic zirconium is available in a variety of stunning colors. Before you choose your ring, make sure you settle on a color that will complement most of your wardrobe.

4. Chandelier Earrings: Although diamond stud earrings are the height of class, every woman needs something that dangles. Again, choose a color that complements most of your existing wardrobe so you can wear them often. My personal favorite is a chandelier earring made from marcasite and sterling silver that showcases black onyx. The antiqued look is quite distinguished and black matches everything.

5. Pearl Necklace: Simple, classy, and sophisticated, this timeless piece embodies class. White pearls are the most elegant, but other colors are available. Although they now sell long strands that you can wrap around your neck several times, the most timeless pearl necklace is a shorter strand that falls just below your collarbone. Again, the authentic pearl necklaces look the best. A good imitation does not exist.

6. Non-Pearl Necklace: Pearls do not match everything, so you should have at least one necklace that does not have pearls. This can be as simple as a silver or gold chain, or something a little more extravagant that has a drop pendant with a gemstone. If you opt for the latter, try to choose something that matches your cocktail ring and chandelier earrings so that you have a complete set. A diamond journey necklace and a diamond circle necklace are popular choices.

7. Statement Watch: How often does anyone really look at their watch nowadays? We have phones, computers, etc. that display a digital and easy-to-read time. Luckily, this gives you the freedom to choose a watch for its form, rather than its function. Find a stunning watch that matches everything and wear it to work for a professional look that does not sacrifice style.

8. Hoop Earrings: Gold, silver, or platinum. Not too big, please, these should be simple. The thinner, smaller, and more delicate they are, the more elegant they look.

9. An Artisan Piece: This is the creative piece. This can be as outlandish and colorful as you like, but make sure it is something you will still like years from now.

Luckily, this can either be cheap or expensive; the only requirement is that it is completely original and no one else has anything like it. These are pieces you find from street vendors and private shops. They are often handmade and have very artistic designs. The handmade pieces are the best; they ensure something completely unique.

10. A Large Broach: Stick it on your coat and keep it there. It should be elegant, but dazzling. I prefer marcasite showcasing cubic zirconium or gemstones for this, too.

The luster of pearl jewelry is without a doubt charming. No matter if it is a pearl necklace or maybe a pair of pearl earrings, you can’t help but appreciate their gleam. If you’ve paid for your own pearl jewelry or just accepted the piece to be a gift, it’s important to look after it to be certain it lasts a lifetime.

The Thickness of Pearl Jewelry
Diamonds, that have been compacted for eons deep within the world, happen to be the hardest gem stone in the earth. Pearls, conversely, are actually grown inside shells of oysters. These kinds of creatures of the sea manufacture the actual nacre of the pearl, the lustrous coating that provides pearls its luminosity. Unlike expensive diamonds, pearls tend to be tender, so you want to take the measures essential to continue to keep these kinds of gems appearing their finest.

Pearl Jewelry Is not for every Event
Even though a straightforward gold wedding wedding ring could stand up to the rigors associated with working together with your hands, your pearl band isn’t going to. The same remains accurate for your favorite pearl necklace along with pearl earrings. So usually do not have on your pearls while you engage in physical work, work in the backyard, or work out at the fitness center. The soil and sweat will shorten the life to your pearl jewelry. Likewise, whilst the pearls are derived from the water, that doesn’t mean that your pearl jewelry is going to survive whenever you swim in the ocean, surf, or scuba dive. Pearls certainly aren’t required to be closed away and work only for special occasions, but you should be careful that yout pearls are not ruined by the weather.

Chemical substances Can be Dangerous to Pearl Jewelry
As some people are sensitive to preservatives, pearl jewelry is often “hypersensitive” to hairsprays, fragrances, and ointments. The harmful chemicals confined in many of these solutions – even those identified as “herbal” – can easily shorten the life expectancy of the pearls. This is not to say that you ought to form your hair or apply your fragrance in case you’re going to put on your pearls. Rather, keep the “last on, first off” guideline at heart. When you find yourself dressing, your jewelry should be the very last item you put on, just before you head out the door. Whenever you come back, your pearl jewelry should come off first, prior to deciding to kick off your heels and relax for the night. By using this tip, you’ll reduce your pearl jewelry’s exposure to chemical substances and lengthen the life of your jewelry.

Keeping Pearl Jewelry Nice and Clean
Similar to all jewelry, pearl jewelry becomes filthy over time. You may softly clean your piece yourself using a a little wet fluffy clean pad. It truly is essential that you avoid any sort of scrubbing equipment, similar to a sponge as well as a tooth brush, and that you avoid using soap or detergent. After cleansing, place your pearls on a fresh, tender cloth to be able to dry.
It’s also possible to have your pearl jewelry professionally cleaned. Many jewelry retailers which are dedicated to pearl jewelry provide cleaning services for Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, and freshwater pearls of every color – such as white, pink, and black pearls.

Re-Stringing Pearl Necklaces
When you’ve got an Akoya pearl necklace, a Tahitian pearl necklace, or a freshwater pearl necklace, and you wear it on a regular basis, it really is wise to replace the silk string just about every few years. Re-stringing your own pearl necklace helps ensure that it is not going to bust and you won’t lose one or more pearls.

Diamonds they say are a womans best friend. If you are a woman reading this then Im sure you would agree. Well, diamonds or not, jewelry has always been a big favorite with women down the ages. Worn as an adornment usually, jewelry also shows ones social standing. And now, it is a tool for displaying your political affiliation too. Yes, I am talking about republican womens jewelry. Showing your support for your favorite party was never so fashionable. The range is made up of delightful charms, pendants, bracelets and a whole lot of other pieces crafted with the republican symbol, the elephant.

All the pieces in republican womens jewelry consist of the republican elephant in its inimitable shape made on gilded metal and even silver. The colours are red and blue enamel work that adds to the patriotic theme as well. Some pieces even sport tiny jewels to look like stars. You could go in for a precious piece which has an excellent finish and an adorable pattern. And in case of souvenirs, the options are immense. From small sized charms and earrings to large pendants and necklaces, republican womens jewelry is a style statement in all its forms.

They look as good with jeans as they do with dresses. A pair of blue jeans and a red top would get accentuated with a republican womens jewelry piece. Match your favorite sundress with a charm bracelet and you are ready for that Fourth of July barbeque. The best part about republican womens jewelry is that you will avoid all heated arguments by subtly displaying your political stance. There is an almost sport like appeal to a political discussion. It starts off in a very dignified manner and soon you realise its become a free for all with actual shouting happening. Now when you wear republican womens jewelry, everyone knows you as a very pro-Republican person and youve made your point clear without uttering a word!

Just when you think that the republican womens jewelry has a complete range, youll be surprised to find out that its just the tip of the iceberg. The potential for this jewelry is so large. Imagine having little embellishments on your outfit – probably a fastener charm or the buckle on a broad belt. You can almost picture what your plain dresses would look like with such a belt! And the best part of it all its like a little community. When you see another lady wearing a similar piece of republican womens jewelry, you know youll have something in common with her. Striking up a conversation is so much fun. Guys you see the possibilities too dont you?

There are a variety of different symbols used in Tibetan jewelry. These symbols include Buddha images, plus other symbols that are important in Tibetan Buddhism. Here is a brief outline of some of the images used in Tibetan jewelry.

The Kalachakra mantra, also known as the ten-fold powerful mantra, is a combination of symbols placed on top of one another to form the symbol. This symbol is traditionally shown inside a wheel of fire symbol. This symbol is commonly shown on different types of Tibetan jewelry.

The Om symbol is another common symbol in Tibetan Buddhist jewelry. The om symbol represents the om sound, commonly associated with yoga today. This sound starts and ends all mantras in both Buddhism and Hinduism, and it is said that all sound originated with om.

The eight auspicious symbols are also commonly found on Tibetan jewelry. Each of the Eight Auspicious Symbols represents one aspect of the teachings of Buddha. Though each symbol holds power individually, when they are grouped together those powers multiply. Some of the eight auspicious symbols such as the endless knot symbol and the lotus symbol are commonly shown alone as well.

The Conch Shell: The conch shell is a symbol of power and authority. The shell is used as a horn in religious ceremonies to frighten away and banish evil spirits. It stands as a symbol of the the teachings of Buddha being spread to the world, like the sound of the horn being blown. Images of the Buddha have three curving lines at his throat that symbolizes his deep and resonant voice sounding forth as a conch shell being blown.

Parasol: The parasol is said to cast a shadow of protection. Just as a parasol casts a shadow to protect the bearer from the heat of the sun, the symbolic parasol casts a shadow that protects the bearer from the heat of spiritual suffering. In Tibet, the parasol is associated with royalty. It is a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Two Golden Fishes: The two golden fishes are usually depicted standing vertically on their tails with their heads curved toward each other . They represent the two great rivers of India, the Ganga and Yamuna. In Buddhism these two fish represent happiness because they have complete freedom in the water. They also represent fertility and abundance because fish tend to reproduce so rapidly. Also, the two fish together represent unity and fidelity in marriage.

Endless Knot: The endless knot is a series of right angles and intertwined lines with no beginning and no end. This image symbolizes how all things are intertwined, and each will affect the other. When this symbol is stamped on a piece of jewelry being given as a gift, it symbolizes the connection that exists between the giver and the recipient. It can also mean continuity and represent Buddha’s endless wisdom.

The Treasure Vase: The treasure vase is a pot-bellied vase with a short, narrow neck that has been topped with a jewel symbolizing the fact that it contains treasure. This vase is said to have an endless supply of whatever is stored inside. Therefore, symbolizing abundance and wealth.

The Wheel: One of the most important symbols in Buddhism, the wheel comes in three parts, the hub which stands for moral discipline, the spokes which are usually numbered 8 which represent the correct application of wisdom, and the rim which represents concentration which is necessary to hold the art of meditation together, just as the rim holds the wheel together. Over time, the wheel has evolved into a symbol of the teachings of Buddha. When the wheel is turned it symbolizes the rapid spiritual change that occurs when applying the teaching of Buddha in ones personal life.

The Lotus: This symbol is perhaps the most poignant of the eight auspicious symbols. At it grows, the lotus rises out of the mud at the bottom of the pond, passes through the water, and rises above the water to bloom. This beautiful flower shows how the soul can pass from the the primordial mud of materialism through the waters of experience and into the sunshine of enlightenment.

The Victory Banner: This symbol stands for Buddha’s victory over the universe and his subsequent enlightenment.

Buddhist jewelry is a very important part of the culture of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. The symbols used on Tibetan jewelry can be used as amulets and protect the wearer.

The French have always had an edge when it comes to art and design. France probably has more artists per capita than any other civilized country. It’s no wonder then that some of today’s rising stars, and all-time classics, are French jewelry designers. Here’s our list of leaders. You’ll recognize some of the names here, others you probably won’t.

Coco Chanel had her hands in a lot of different projects. She designed everything from dresses and hats to perfume. She had a vision of elegant high-end jewelry with a simple design that anyone could own. Her jewelry became another one of the company’s trademarks, and met her requirements of elegant yet simple.

Jean Schlumberger was hired by Tiffany in 1956. Prior to that, he was forbidden from practicing art of any kind by his parents. When he got hired at Tiffany, he was given his own workshop where he stayed until he retired. Later, he came back to be a vice-president at Tiffany and Company.

Dominique Demoniere created unique jewelry for her clients. She was an accessory and jewelry designer. She created a variety of very unique and unusual pieces.

Both royalty and movie stars sought out Pierre Balmain for his create works. He created very unique designs for his clients, and earned himself a fantastic reputation by doing so. He was considered to be one of the most unique designers of his day.

The company Boucheron has been in business since the 19th century. In that time, they have moved from creating an array of jewelry for all kinds of people to making perfume and sunglasses as well. They also continue to create many different jewelry-type accessories.

Cartier also started business in the 1800s. From humble beginnings, he built his name and his business by creating only first-class exquisite jewelry, including the first bracelet-style watch. The name Cartier is still known and respected around the world, and they continue to produce high-end jewelry that is still admired and respected today.

Chaumet started business in the 1700’s. They have made literally hundreds of different jewelry lines and pieces. Their jewelry ranges from elegant and exotic to fun and crazy. The business has expanded greatly, and Chaumet jewelry is now sold all over France, and is making headway into other parts of the world.

Christian Dior is a popular name in jewelry around the world. They are best known for their classic watch designs, but have been leaders in the fashion and jewelry world for a long time. Their jewelry can be found in stores all over the world, or it can be purchased on line.

Mauboussin designs unique jewelry in a unique way. The designs usually start by selecting a gemstone first, and then designing the “jewelry” around it. It has led to a great deal of success. Fans of the jewelry say that it glows and has a unique shine to it. The jewelry is sold primarily in boutiques, but can also be found online.

Van Cleef and Arpels hold claim to some of the most elegant pieces of jewelry to ever come out of France. Since they have been around for a while, they have many different jewelry collections on the market, plus unique pieces.

They are becoming well known again today for their “Timepiece Collection.”
There are many other great jewelry designers in France. These are but a few of the best. Be sure to check out all of these amazing artists, and they will lead you to links of other young designers on the rise. France will always be known for its style, sophistication, and art.

You can find the full article about choosing the best French jewelry and much more jewelry advice and information on Jewelrista.com