What your jeweler will not tell you is the single most important diamond trait which determines value and brilliance. The rarely mentioned yet most important detail is a diamond’s depth percentage. A diamond cut to the ideal depth percentage will reflect substantially more light known as brilliance or fire. A diamond with the same color and clarity may appear dull and boring compared to a diamond with an ideal depth percentage.

Diamonds are often cut either too shallow or too deep in order to save diamond mass which results in a dull appearance and cheaper cost. You may think you are getting a good deal but you are really paying for poor quality. The ideal depth percentage is different for each diamond shape. An ideal round diamond should be cut between 58-63%.

To find the best quality diamond look first for an ideal depth percentage, then consider color, clarity, and carat weight. Buy only certified diamonds which come with a third party verification of its characteristics. Make diamond education a large part of your search and you will be better equipped to make an educated purchase. You work hard for your money so make sure you are buying the best!

Most jewelry stores will charge a hefty premium for a properly cut diamond. Desert Brilliance offers ideal cut diamonds without any additional fees giving you the most for your money. Buy with confidence at Desert Brilliance for the best priced, best quality diamonds available. Visit our diamond education page and then compare our prices to others. We promise to bring you the best value possible and will answer any questions you may have during your diamond ring purchase process.

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First you should choose a mild cleansing agent for your jewelry. A soap or shampoo based cleaning agents always enough to get your silver shining. You should not use strong cleaning solutions as this can damage your silver beyond repair.

It might even react with the silver and decrease its weight. You can choose from common household items like baking soda or tooth paste. Most stores stock cleaning liquid especially formulated for silver jewelry. You can take one of those too.

You should first polish off the surface dirt and concretions using a soft cloth. You should use straight and direct stokes to take off the dirt. Circular motion might harm your jewelry and scratch it as well. You can also use a soft bristled brush to clean out difficult to reach areas.

The last step is to dry your jewelry thoroughly. This will prevent any ugly stains from remaining on your sterling silver jewelry. You can use any absorbent material to wipe off the liquid. It is necessary to use soft cloth to do this in order to avoid any scratches.

After this do not forget to store the jewelry in an air tight container. If you don’t have one, a velvet or satin lined jewelry box will do just fine. You must keep the jewelry separately though.

A little care and gentle cleaning can go a long way in helping you maintain your sterling silver jewelry in pristine condition for years to come.

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Personalized mother’s necklaces are popular during Mother’s Day and the Holiday Shopping Season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Valentine’s Day is the current rising trend as more and more husbands buys a personalized mother’s necklace for their wife.

Handcrafted or Machine Stamped? Machine stamped names and birth dates on pendants are consistent and much defined edges. However, if you want to have the wow factor, nothing is better than a handcrafted necklace. An artist will hand etch or stamp your child’s name and birth dates into the disk. It is one of a kind and the cost is comparable to machine stamped. Handcrafted stamps give you the satisfaction of a personal touch.

Regular Font or Block Font? Block fonts come in standard sizes for each character and all the characters are upper case. Block fonts are best for monogram personalization where they are two or three initials. Regular fonts typically come with the first letter in upper case. Regular fonts have an advantage of being easier to read and the option of having it in cursive which is much more stylish.

Pendant Shape – So what kind of pendant shape should you choose? There are hundreds of shapes to choose from such as stars, symbols, and many polygon shapes. The most popular pendant shape is the circular disk made of silver or gold. Circular creates a look that is well balanced and the complete absence of sharp edges. Therefore, it is also very comfortable and light to the touch. The top selling circular disk is one with slight grooves in it to give multiple angles of reflection drawing extra attention to you at parties and baby showers.

Length of Necklace – Most necklaces will come in 14 to 20 inches. 14 inches and 16 inches are the most popular lengths. Less than 14 inches and the pendant can crowd the neckline. It also looks awkward as it dangles close to the neckline but is too long to be a choker. Over 16 inches tends to hang too low and prevents the pendant from being seen with most blouses or dresses.

Material – While pearls, gemstones, and diamonds all can be used for the chains, the most popular choices for the chain and pendant is sterling silver and gold. Both sterling silver and gold are perfect for the pendants because they are malleable and strong enough for the personalization. Sterling silver is great as it provides a nice fresh look while looking elegant matched against almost any dress or skirt. Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is the optimal choice over silver and other variations because it tarnishes less. Gold is great for both the chain and the pendant as it is a timeless look and never tarnishes. Gold is also soft and light so it will make the personalized necklace feel lighter. The hippest designs can have gold on one side and silver on the other side.

Cora Lee is the owner of BlissLiving, widely known for a huge selection of personalized mom’s necklace designs, designer diaper bags, and unique baby gifts. For additional tips and ideas for personalized mother’s necklaces visit http://www.BlissLiving.com BlissLiving.com has been featured in US Weekly and People Magazine’s Celebrity Babies, and has been listed as one of the highest rated sites by the Better Business Bureau, with double AA ratings, for five years in a row.

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Jewelry is an ornamental kind of adornment, usually worn on the body but is becoming increasingly used in innovative and unique ways. It can sometimes be engraved, customized, and personalized. Jewelry has been constructed from numerous different materials, like costume jewelry as an example. However, it’s most often created with precious metals and set with gemstones. Most fine jewelry is made through a process called jewelry cast.

Giving the gift of jewelry can be rewarding for the giver and receiver for years to come. It’s not chocolate or candy that melts with the first bite or a stuffed animal that gets thrown away. It demonstrates thought – in that you picked it out especially for the person that you are to give it to. The beauty of the jewelry demonstrates the beauty of the relationship.

Choose style over price – make the item suitable for the person who is to receive the gift. Learn as much about your partner’s style as possible before entering in on a purchase of any kind. Pearls, for example, might be more suitable for a more mature person. Birthstones are customized to match a significant aspect of the person already known to you. Choose gems that are likely to please and you will forever be remembered as someone with good taste.
Cheap jewelry isn’t necessarily bad jewelry – although you get what you pay for. Good jewelry is jewelry that pleases the receiver as well as the giver.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on jewelry, silver and gems and visit our associated site articles for free.

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One of the amazing things about fantasy jewelry is that it is well appreciated by both men and women. The handcrafted designs of the traditional silver and gem pieces such as dragons, druids, ruins and circlets have been traditionally popular with men, while the lighter more stylized symbols have been equally popular with women. The jewelry ranges from heavy to light, chunky to fine and highly gemmed and jeweled to plain silver or gold. Since there is such as wide selection of fantasy jewelry it is sometimes hard to categorize it into one big group.

Dragons, which form a great deal of the inspiration for many of the fantasy jewelry pieces are often shown in collections with semi-precious stones. Typical gems seen in these pieces will be amethysts, carnelian and amber. Carnelian is a relatively new gem in commercial jewelry and has a metal ore looking red to rust coloration with variations throughout the stone. Dragons can be curled around the gem, embracing the gem or perched on the stone in rings, pendants and necklaces.

Fairies are very popular with women and tend to be very delicate, feminine and stylized. They may be displayed in the setting with a gem such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, or sapphires. Often the fairy is in flight with delicate filigree wings and accents of roses, birds or vines. Again, like with dragons the fantasy jewelry for women can be in silver or gold and is often custom designed or one of a kind.

Troll beads, unlike traditional fantasy jewelry can have obvious fantasy styling but they can also be incredibly beautiful just as a bead to add to any type of chain. Each style of Troll bead has its own particular story as to how it originated. The beads can be put together with other Troll beads as a type of story bracelet, or they can be mixed with gold and silver beads, which are also available as Troll beads, to add a touch of fantasy to any piece of jewelry. Each year new designs of beads are added, each with their own history and mythical or fantasy background story.

If you have always wanted something different, something that is really unique but you didn’t want to go all the way to fantasy jewelry, Troll beads, rings, pendants or starter sets may be just what you have been looking for. Not all stores sell Troll beads, although the company’s website allows you to search for retail stores in your area. If you plan to visit the site, make sure you have a couple of hours to browse through the beads and read each history, it is really amazing.

Amy Carrington is a fashion maven and an editor at http://www.SorellaJewelry.com Sorella creates personalized jewelry with the names, words, dates and Chinese symbols that matter to you.

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So what do this year’s Oscars tell us about what’s hot in jewellery? Here are five key jewellery trends for 2009 that emerge from the Oscars red carpet.

1. The overall tone was one of understated elegance, as if flashy bling isn’t always appropriate for these tough times. There were exceptions, but discreet chic remains the buzzword for 2009, and not in-your-face loud.

2. Simple outfits were popular at the Oscars, with white and cream (or ‘barely mint’ in the case of Sarah Jessica Parker) predominating. But with such a simple colour palette, many chose to accessorise with a splash of colour. For example, Angelina Jolie chose striking green dangling earrings to go with her elegant black Elie Saab gown. In fact, one commentator described her earrings as the most interesting part of her outfit. Using dashes of colour to liven up everyday outfits is one of the great jewellery trends of the season, as it’s an affordable way of reviving an old outfit.

3. Statement jewellery is still one of the most important jewellery trends for this season. Just check out the number of celebrities wearing Fred Leighton statement pieces. Big flower bracelets, chunky beads and big base metal are all great new statement ideas for 2009.

4. Drop or dangling earrings remain a big hit. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ actress Freida Pinto wore pretty drop earrings, as did Angeline Jolie (see above). Heidi Klum opted for oversized chandelier earrings, proving that these will remain on-trend in 2009. To be sure, shoulder-scrapers aren’t very practical, but smaller, easier-to-wear versions will continue to be really popular this year. For those who aren’t sure about chandelier earrings, don’t fear, as simpler dangling earrings are also hot this season.

5. Charm bracelets were worn by quite a few on the red carpet, including Heidi Klum, who sported a whole stack of silver charm bracelets. The stack of charms, watches and chains shows a revival of that famous eighties Madonna look, which is set to be big again in 2009. But as Heidi Klum shows, you can still look dainty and feminine with your stack of charms and keep in with one of the year’s hottest jewellery trends.

Of course, most celebrities don’t even have to buy the accessories they walk down the red carpet in. Jewellery designers and dealers loan the pieces in order to gain visibility for their companies, as do fashion designers. But celebrity looks can inspire whole new jewellery trends, and breathe new life into old ones.

Nicholas Watson is an ethical jewellery designer. He is also founder of the online jewellery store http://www.jungleberry.co.uk/

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This timely 10 point guide tells you what should you be looking out for if you’re buying, designing or making jewellery in 2009.

1. Exotic and ethnic inspirations will remain a big feature for all accessories in 2009, particularly jewellery. Think tribal jewellery, think safari khakis as well as seed beads, chunky beads, wood, ceramics, plastic and leather. Especially if it’s handcrafted jewellery.

2. Gold is becoming more expensive amid the global economic downturn, so many women are turning to other materials as an alternative. Silver is always popular, and brass is going to be big this year. Look out also for platinum, an affordable alternative to the more expensive metals.

3. Cool yellows, greens and turquoise will be the colours of the spring and summer. The economic gloom means you can also bank on classic black and white to capture a timeless elegance and discreet chic. After all, some fashion jewellery trends never go away.

4. On a related note, if you’re feeling bold, experiment with clashing colours in your clothes and jewellery. Several influential trendspotters have identified mixing bold outfits with bold jewellery as one of the key fashion jewellery trends of the year. Maybe it’s to banish all the financial doom and gloom.

5. Bold statement jewellery, which was popular in 2008, will remain a hit. Be it tribal jewellery, handcrafted jewellery or big geometric designs, big is beautiful.

6. As will big flowers and butterflies. Fashion loves a good motif, and in Spring and Summer 2009, it’ll be the butterfly.

7. With earrings, dangles and chandeliers are going to remain popular choices.

8. Jewellery with a story: the trend of 2008 will grow as ethically-sourced jewellery continues to capture hearts and minds, as well as our eye. Fair trade jewellery and environmentally-friendly materials are set to take 2009 by storm.

9. Cuffs and chunky bracelets. Particularly, if it’s a tribal jewellery look.

10. Handcrafted jewellery. As we question what went wrong to land us in this economic mess, it’s time to go back to what’s true and honest. The value and beauty of jewellery that’s handmade will be a major trend in 2009 and beyond as we begin to appreciate the beauty of artisanal work over the mass-produced.

Bear these little pointers in mind and you’ll be all set for a great 2009. Most of all, enjoy dressing up with accessories, and what’s best, there’s loads of fresh fashion jewellery out there to discover that’s original and won’t break the bank!

Nicholas Watson is a jewellery trendspotter and a leading advocate of ethical fashion jewellery. He is also founder of the online jewellery store Jungle Berry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Watson

Even many centuries ago, when jewelry was still very crude, but still beautiful, it was used in bridal rituals. Hence, even though the jewelry is becoming more sophisticated with every decade that passes, it still plays the same very important role in our society.

If there’s one thing that the bride wants to do on her wedding day, it would be to look beautiful. Many thousands of dollars are spent on bridal clothing, such as the wedding gown, as well as accessories. Jewelry is the perfect accessory to add beauty to the wedding gown and add sparkle to the bride herself.

Here are a few ideas on how to get the right bridal jewelry to make your wedding day even more perfect.

To pick the best bridal jewelry, you have to match the jewelry with the wedding gown as well as the personality of the bride.

That means, the more elaborate the wedding gown and the more outgoing the bride herself is the flashier and more elaborate the bridal jewelry should be.

If the bride is shy and introverted, the bridal jewelry should reflect that shade of her personality.

This selection of bridal jewelry is probably the most important, because you do not want the jewelry to overshadow everything else, and you also do not want it to be overshadowed by the wedding gown.

Remember, your bridal jewelry is an accessory. It should not be the centerpiece of the wedding.

Some people purchase their bridal jewelry with the purpose of using it only on that one day. If that is the case and you can afford it, then obviously you can pick out something that is wedding specific.

Not many people can do that.

So the best approach is to purchase bridal jewelry that you can wear for the rest of your life. This means when you purchase your bridal jewelry you should also keep the practicality of the item in mind.

To summarize, pick your bridal jewelry to match your personality and your wedding dress style. And also keep in mind the subsequent uses of that jewelry.

Pierre Perissel recommends these fashion jewelry items to accentuate your beauty and add sparkle to your outfits. Pierre also contributes fashion and jewelry information to TheFashionPro.com.

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Since jewelry that is fashionable for celebrities, is the most often sought by the general public, many jewelry designers are regularly creating less expensive fashion jewelry that are similar in appearance to that of the designer jewelry worn by the celebrities. This means that even though the majority may not be able to afford such luxurious designer brand jewelry types, they may find their designer replicas to be more wallet friendly. For instance, take a look into the pages of many popular fashion magazines today, and you will find an assortment in showcases for both clothes and jewelry that are similar in appearance to the more expensive designs within budget of the everyday individual.

The best thing about fashion jewelry is that you can easily buy a lot more pieces of jewelry to compliment all your attire, because it is so inexpensive. Besides when you buy fashion jewelry, there is no need to fret over buying insurance, as with expensive designer jewelry. It is easily located nationwide in various department and discount stores and outlets. While you are always sure to find just the right designs and styles that are dazzling to compare with designer jewelry, for a fraction of the price, when you shop online for your fashion jewelry.

Properly Caring for Your Fashion Jewelry

To enjoy the long life of your fashion jewelry, even if it is less expensive, you will need to care for it properly, to ensure its appearance of newness and striking beauty. You can extend the lifetime of your fashion jewelry by never getting it wet. Keeping it nice and dry, means taking it off for bathing or swimming, since moisture can cause its colors to turn or even rust. Actually, it is best not to wear your fashion jewelry continuously, rather you should wear it occasionally and then take it off, because the acidity of our body can cause color changes in fashion jewelry. Remember, it will stay beautiful longer by taking care of it properly.

Leaving it on for extended periods of time can cause fashion jewelry to change colors due to the acidity of our bodies. Fashion jewelry is beautiful, less costly, and can last a surprisingly long time provided that it is cared for properly.

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When there is no doubt regarding the efficacy of the custom wristbands for upholding your cause, people often are clueless as to how to create one. Here is a brief guide to help you get started in your efforts.

When it comes to create a custom silicon wristband, you have to consider three important points: first the color of the band; second is the selection of logo and third is the message imprinted on it.

Choose the right color
So far as the wristbands are concerned, different colors signify different causes. We all know about the famous yellow Live Strong wristbands that aim at uniting the cancer patients all over the world in their determination to overcome this deadly disease. Though it is not essential that you strictly follow these color codes to create your wristband, it is advisable to use a color scheme that correctly represents your cause or your brand.

Suppose you are going to use silicon wristbands to spread the news about your club that takes part in various kinds of marine activities. In that case, choose the aqua blue as the color of your wrist band. If you are fighting against any kind of violence, then red is the color to best represent your aims. Are you supporting some environment relates causes? Then green should be the color of your custom band.

Create a suitable logo
People tend to better respond to any kind of message when it is represented through the images or pictures. That is why logos are so important; the specific icon associated with a certain cause or product tend to cut a lasting impression on the minds of the people and as such the logos have great advertising value. So you will find starting from big corporate houses to small charitable organizations have their own logos that help stir up a person’s memory whenever he or she comes across the particular icon.

But choosing the right logo is very important: there should be a link between the logo design and the aims of your organization. Just consider our previous examples; it is odd for a sports club to use the logo of a tree, similarly it will be of no practical value, if an environmental organization uses the picture of water sports equipment as their logo.

Thus the logo in your custom bands should correctly represent your specific aims.

Slogan
The last and most important consideration relates to the choice of a winning message. The slogan should be cut and thrust to reflect your objectives in a concrete form.

Thus the success of your custom wristband depends on the three factors: the color, logo and slogan. If you are passionate about your cause, you are sure to strike the right combination to create the most attractive custom wrist band.

By Jason Uvios