Archive for the ‘Products’ Category

Loose Cubic Zirconia: Your Guide To Simulated Diamonds

Saturday, October 31st, 2009



Although at one time cubic zirconia was looked down upon as a “fake” diamond, today the simulated stones are appreciated for their own characteristics and beauty. Still, many people do not have a thorough understanding of these synthetic gems. Here are answers to some common questions.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Loose cubic zirconia (also called CZ stones) are lab made gems. Cubic zirconia is found in nature, but it is extremely rare and the chemical properties of natural cubic zirconia are slightly different than those of synthetic gems. The simulated stones are made from a powder that is heated to a very high temperature, and then cooled in a controlled environment so that flawless crystals form.

How are Cubic Zirconia Stones Different from Diamonds?

There are several differences, the most notable of which is that diamonds are found in nature whereas cubic zirconia used for jewelry is man-made. Diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness (the highest rating), whereas cubic zirconia is generally rated at 8.5 on the hardness scale. CZ stones are denser and thus heavier than diamonds. When it comes to quality, but, these synthetic gems leap ahead of the pack. Whereas most diamonds have what are called inclusions (flaws), the best cubic zirconia stones are flawless. Similarly, colorless diamonds are very rare, whereas the lab made gems are perfectly colorless (although color can be added during the manufacturing process).

Are all Cubic Zirconia Stones the Same Quality?

Like diamonds, loose cubic zirconia stones are rated according to quality. Cubic zirconia AAAAA are the best quality simulated stones, while CZ AAA are next, followed by the A-grade cubic zirconia.

Are Cubic Zirconia Stones Available in the Same Cuts as Diamonds?

Cubic zirconia stones are cut so that they have the same facets and proportions as diamonds. The most classic cut of both diamonds and CZ stones is the round brilliant, with 58 facets and the ability to reflect light. Stones with a marquis cut are typically twice as long as they are wide and have a point on each end. A pear shaped cut resembles a teardrop combines the faceted brilliant cut of a round stone with the elongated look of a marquis stone. Similarly, the oval cut has the sparkle of a round brilliant, but is oval rather than round. The octagon cut, also known as the emerald cut, has stepping stone facets that reflect light more subtly. A square cut is sometimes called a princess cut, and has pointed corners.

How is Loose Cubic Zirconia Used?

Jewelry makers buy loose cubic zirconia at wholesale prices, and use a variety of materials to transform the synthetic gems into gorgeous accessories. CZ stones are used in engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, solitaire rings, and even ankle bracelets. Colored cubic zirconia is also used in a variety of fashion jewelry, including earrings and as side stones in rings. Settings are often made from 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, sterling silver, or platinum.

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How To Choose Your Jewelry Armoire

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Do you often misplace the strands of pearls you wore at last night’s dinner at the opera with friends? Can you never find your favorite piece of jewelry when you need it most for that very vital date? Well, worry no more. Get a jewelry armoire to store your jewels in the most elegant and efficient way.

A jewelry armoire may not be as huge as the special room beneath Buckingham Palace where Queen Elizabeth keeps her jewelry collection, but it certainly can store more of your beads, stones aand bangles than the musical jewelry box that you’ve kept since high school for sentimental reasons.

Armoires

The French word armoire originally meant an arms cabinet or gun storage, but not anymore. In these modern times, an armoire is defined as a tall cabinet, usually with drawers, shelves and doors. Armoires nowadays can be wardrobe armoires, jewelry armoires, entertainment armoires and just recently even computer armoires.

Even family-friendly Wal-mart stocks faux burl wood jewelry armoires for less than $200 ordered online, so there’s really no excuse for not getting out there and choosing your jewelry armoire.

How to choose your jewelry armoire

1. The first thing you need to know is your woods or non-woods and including your pretend woods. And then choose which suit you most.

Do you like your jewelry armoire to gain more character and charm even with wear? Then a real solid wood jewelry armoire is for you. Most real wood jewelry armoires are made from oak, maple or pine, so you can choose from the classic yellow brown oaks, regal cherry red maples or mission brown practical pines.

Do you not mind the look of an engineered MDF teamed with laminates or wood veneers for your first jewelry armoire? Then you can hop on to the internet and shop for hand-carved, hand-painted jewelry armoire beauties which look like wood and cost less.

2. The next thing to choose is where you are going to place your jewelry armoire. Will it stand next to the Victorian mahogany chest of drawers in your bedroom? How much space do you have for it? Do you want it to match with the other furniture in the room? Or do you want it to be a centerpiece?

Depending on your answers, you may want to consider the homely French country style with its handcrafted doors, the elegant Queen Anne dark cherry heirloom style or the chunkier mission brown jewelry chest box style.

3. How will you use your jewelry armoire?

Will it be mainly a storage space for your jewelry? Then you may want a tall chest of six to eight drawers with sides that swing open to hang your pearls and necklaces.

Or will it be a place where you can sit down, try on that flaming red ruby necklace after you’ve place on your makeup? Then you might consider having a shorter vanity armoire with mirror, vanity and a soft-cushioned bench.

4. Are there any fengshui (or child proofing) considerations for your jewelry armoire?

Does it have to have round edges so as not to shoot sharp darts of energy while you are trying to relax before an vital party? Are you worried your toddler might bang her head on the sharp rectangular edges your jewelry armoire as she uncontrollably waddles to you while you’re putting on a pair of ruby earrings? Then the half-round jewelry armoire with rounded legs might be the one for you.

5. Are there any other security considerations for your jewelry armoire?

Do you have home contents insurance but would still feel safer if your jewels are locked? Then you may want to get a jewelry armoire that can be locked.

6. And last but not least – how much are you willing to pay for it?

Does your budget fall around the $300 mark? Then you can buy well loved, best selling brands in real oak with mirror, eight drawers and side swing doors to hang all your pearls and golden necklaces.

Do you have around $400 to spare? Then you can get yourself an elegant dark cherry red maple Queen Anne jewelry armoire accented with detail rice carved posts on its doorface.

How about if you just have $59.95? Then the excitement of the hunt for excellent and used jewelry armoires is for you. Last time I checked there was a cherry Queen Anne jewelry armoire chest box being auctioned on ebay for a mere $59.95. But you better rush.

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How To Choose Jewelry

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Choosing your jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. Most vital is to stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. That said it never hurts to step out of the box once in awhile.
What’s most vital is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count!

You need to determine what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do you want it to compliment? Do you want it subtle? The occasion or event you’ll be wearing your jewelry to is also vital – make certain it is fitting. A sexy oversized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not be fitting for the boardroom.

Although you may have a favorite designer. There’s really no need to stick with just one designer. In fact there’s no need for the pieces to really be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a small pizzaz!

Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in brilliant condition. What’s fantastic with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, place it away or give it away and have still gotten excellent value for your money.

Designer pieces tend to cost a small more, last a small longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.

Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don’t want to spend the money for sterling, then buy some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have to any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.

We always recommend have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you excellent value for the cost. Gold like silver can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.

When purchasing rings you can have fantastic fun – again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an vital role in what will look excellent. For example long skinny fingers don’t look excellent with huge oversized rings, yet a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Small nails? it all makes a difference. Play and see what you like what looks excellent. Also determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example if your working around fine fabrics you’ll not want any rings that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement.

When purchasing necklaces be certain you know your neck size so that you get a excellent fit. This is very vital when purchasing on line as you don’t get a chance to try. If your neck is average in size then a 16″ necklace will look fantastic, but if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16″ necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favourite necklaces you already own. This will give you a excellent indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30″ are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces make sure its a color that compliments your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn’t match or compliment your skin tone your look could be lost.

When purchasing bracelets you’ll need to choose where you’re going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless – you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainy gem bracelets. If it is a slip on bracelet be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very vital. To large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small can constrict your wrist movement.

When purchasing earrings – the shapes and styles are endless – from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. From enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. Size of the earrings is very vital to the statement your making. The larger the earring the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren’t for everyone – depending on your face size and shape they may really detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you.

Your jewelry choices are endless – no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You’ll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with small effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement!

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How To Give The Gift Of Fine Jewelry

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Fine jewelry is one of the most luxurious and exquisite gifts that you can give for a holiday or a special occasion. But, picking out the perfect piece for a loved one isn’t always simple. Everyone has their own unique tastes when it comes to fine jewelry, so choosing a piece that the recipient will wear often requires full knowledge of that person’s style and preferences. The temptation is often to spend the most possible money, with the thought that the larger the precious stones the more gorgeous the jewelry will be. But, more often than not, a smart choice is not always the most expensive item, but is the item that best suits the wardrobe and the eye of the person who you are shopping for.

If you are plotting to buy a piece of fine jewelry, it is a excellent thought to make time for several trips to more than one store so that you can have the time you need to compare prices and styles across several different vendors. Before you set off on your shopping trip, try to make a thorough examination of the kinds of jewelry your intended recipient already owns. This will keep you from making a redundant buy, but more importantly it can give you a guide that will help you choose the perfect piece or set of fine jewelry. Make notes about what kind of stones are most prevalent in the existing set of jewelry. Although many women and men delight in having a wide variety of stones, it is often a excellent thought to choose a piece that will match well with earrings, necklaces, and rings that person already owns. If you learn a jewelry box that is already filled with rubies, for example, you would probably do well to choose an item that includes rubies so the recipient can wear the item with matching pieces that are already a part of his or her regular jewelry repertoire. Also notice whether the person you are shopping for tends to prefer single large stones that make a bold statement, or whether his or her collection includes mostly items that combine many small stones for a more delicate and refined look.

If you are not terribly knowledgeable about jewelry styles in terms of modern versus classical settings, avant garde versus conservative pieces, or any of the other spectrums along which fine jewelry falls; pictures can provide a valuable tool in helping you make your buy. Take simple snapshots or Polaroid photos of some of the recipient’s favorite items, and bring them with you when you shop. A salesclerk with a trained eye will probably be able to glean vital information from these pictures, and will then be able to steer you towards pieces of fine jewelry that are similar in terms of style. This can help you make sure that the money you spend on fine jewelry as a gift is money well spent, because the more specifically a piece suits the taste of the recipient, the more often he or she will be likely to wear it.

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