Monday, April 28, 2008

Your Ultimate Expression of Love With Handmade Jewelry

If you are looking for a way to show your lover that you love them, one of the best ways to go ahead and do this is with handmade beaded jewelry. You'll find that when you give a gift of one of a kind jewelry that it can become a very important symbol in many ways.

It tells your lover that you took the time to go out and find something really special, and also tells them what you think about them; a one of a kind piece of jewelry for a one of a kind significant other is a great way to make your feelings and thoughts known.

When you head out looking for a piece of handmade beaded jewelry you need to put a bit of thought it into it before you start searching. Think about the person you're buying the gift for. What do they wear regularly? Do they like jewelry or do they save it for special occasions? Some people only wear jewelry at work, while others will switch out sets when they come home or head out for the evening. Take a moment to inventory the jewelry that your significant other wears.

Think about whether the jewelry you select should have any meaning. For instance, most people who love jewelry will often prefer gold or silver. Silver is a wonderfully flexible material, and you'll find that if you don't know which camp your lover falls into that silver makes a great compromise. It has a lovely, glowing sheen, and it tends to be harder than gold. Remember that pure silver is considered too soft to wear on a day to day basis, so think about getting sterling silver, or any other silver that has been alloyed to make it a little tougher.

The elaborateness of the piece of handmade beaded jewelry in question should also come into play. How complex are the decorations of the person that you are buying for? While some people prefer that their rings and necklaces should be very complex and detailed, other people prefer a real fluidity and simplicity of design. If your significant other is short and wouldn't mind looking taller, get longer necklaces with a V-shape. You'll also find that a choker or a U shaped necklace will shorten someone's appearance.

When you are looking for the pendants that will hang from the necklace, keep in mind that if your beloved has a fuller figure that they can complement their bodies with larger pieces. If your significant other is smaller, however, make sure that you don't overwhelm them with a piece that is too large.

Take a look and find out what is out there and make sure that you can make your loved one happy! Take some time to do your shopping and you'll find that finding handmade beaded jewelry that is one of a kind is a great deal easier than you think.

Handmade Beaded Jewelry

Unique handmade jewelry ranks right up there as one of the wonders of modern day. In fact custom jewelry takes the heart of yesterday and makes it the beauty and wondrous grace of today's beaded jewelry.

Some of the most amazing necklaces, bracelets, earrings worn by today's top names are actually handmade beaded jewelry crafted from the naturally formed stone and elements that have been present on the earth for centuries. It is this tie with nature, with a greater power, that makes handmade jewelry so attractive to so many people.

Gemstone jewelry is often used to symbolize or signify specific qualities the wearer hopes to enhance and accent. Handmade jewelry - perhaps a ruby - accenting a cross may signify the blood of Christ, the sacrifice, while jewelry containing turquoise may symbolize the traditional association of being at one with the sky, or freedom.

In these ways and many more, handmade beaded jewelry can often take the form of the latest style of fashion jewelry while having a meaning that is so much deeper, so much more intense than any trend.

When it comes to gemstones one of our most treasured traditions is the wedding ring and very few are as impressive as the diamond. While diamonds aren't normally used in beaded jewelry we would be remiss if diamonds were not included here.

A diamond is worn on the wedding ring due to its reputation for loyalty and continued love. It is placed on the ring finger of the left hand because it was thought that there was a vein that ran from that finger directly to the heart.

Handmade beaded jewelry artists create magical combinations of natural gemstones, beads and precious metals into one of a kind treasures. These beautiful works of art come to life and are to be cherished and passed along to generation after generation.

Custom crafted gemstone jewelry designed with care and attention to detail by a jewelry artisan, is really special. Whether it's handmade jewelry adorning an antiqued pendant or pearl drop earrings or a unique diamond set ring or an exquisitely crafted gemstone and silver necklace to rival any you would find at a big-name jeweler, handmade beaded jewelry captures the hearts of all who wear them.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Shops Having Handmade Jewellery

There are hundreds of different stores that you should consider when looking to buy high quality handmade jewelry. If you are quite new to handmade jewelry then you should be quite cautious, it can be a scary thought even for the most experienced shopper! But it doesn't have to be quite that scary as long as you take shopping seriously you shouldn't experience any major problems.

Fantastic Jewelry Designers

If you are looking for designer hand made jewelry in particular then the most popular brand that you should be aware of is BlueLuxe. This store is the best one i have found for designer handmade jewelry. They offer very high quality jewelry but at very reasonable prices.

BlueLuxe stores offer jewelry from many different designers including:

- Ben-Amun
- David Aubrey
- Flying Lizard
- Sierra
- Ugly Dolls
- Wendy Mink
- Wasabi
- Fajl
- La Contessa
- Kevia
- Mashka

Of course don't just stick to one store, it's worthwhile shopping around so that you can get the perfect jewelry for your needs. Another shop that you should check out is Bernardine. This shop has a lot of jewelry that is inspired by Asian and African art. The jewelry created is bold and colorful, bernardine is one of the best designers for handmade jewelry in the world!

How to buy The Perfect Jewelry

Before you buy the jewelry there are quite a few things that you should consider. When you are ready to buy some jewelry you should be sure to shop around. Jewelry is a very personal thing, you need to shop around to find the perfect jewelry for your needs. When shopping around you should also make sure you compare prices, service and quality. If possible then buy from a jeweler that you have used before, otherwise ask your family for advice choosing a jeweler.

You might want to take the jewelry back if you discover that it doesn't go with your outfit, in this case you need to be sure what the refund policy of the store is. Try and find someone that offers a no quibble guarantee. If you buy your nonpareil jewelry online, then make sure you keep printed copies of your receipt and confirmation.

The Making Of Unique Handmade Jewellery

Unique handmade jewelry ranks right up there as one of the wonders of modern day. In fact custom jewelry takes the heart of yesterday and makes it the beauty and wondrous grace of today's beaded jewelry.

Some of the most amazing necklaces, bracelets, earrings worn by today's top names are actually handmade beaded jewelry crafted from the naturally formed stone and elements that have been present on the earth for centuries. It is this tie with nature, with a greater power, that makes handmade jewelry so attractive to so many people.

Gemstone jewelry is often used to symbolize or signify specific qualities the wearer hopes to enhance and accent. Handmade jewelry - perhaps a ruby - accenting a cross may signify the blood of Christ, the sacrifice, while jewelry containing turquoise may symbolize the traditional association of being at one with the sky, or freedom.

In these ways and many more, handmade beaded jewelry can often take the form of the latest style of fashion jewelry while having a meaning that is so much deeper, so much more intense than any trend.

When it comes to gemstones one of our most treasured traditions is the wedding ring and very few are as impressive as the diamond. While diamonds aren't normally used in beaded jewelry we would be remiss if diamonds were not included here.

A diamond is worn on the wedding ring due to its reputation for loyalty and continued love. It is placed on the ring finger of the left hand because it was thought that there was a vein that ran from that finger directly to the heart.

Handmade beaded jewelry artists create magical combinations of natural gemstones, beads and precious metals into one of a kind treasures. These beautiful works of art come to life and are to be cherished and passed along to generation after generation.

Custom crafted gemstone jewelry designed with care and attention to detail by a jewelry artisan, is really special. Whether it's handmade jewelry adorning an antiqued pendant or pearl drop earrings or a unique diamond set ring or an exquisitely crafted gemstone and silver necklace to rival any you would find at a big-name jeweler, handmade beaded jewelry captures the hearts of all who wear them.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Handamde Bracelets

At one point or another, everyone has experienced the joy of receiving a handmade bracelet in their life. Whether you have been given a friendship bracelet by someone who was close to you, put together beads with your grandmother over a lazy Sunday afternoon, or been given a special present by someone who you had a crush on you, handmade bracelets have probably crossed your path at one point or another. Most people get over them, but I have never. I love all of them. I love charm bracelets, friendship bracelets, lanyards – you name it and I have made dozens of them. I even tried to start a handmade bracelet business at one point, although it quickly fell through.

I guess the thing I like so much about handmade bracelets is the effect of the personal touch. In this age where almost everyone buys gifts, people forget the effect it can have on the you to receive something that has been handmade by a friend. A new CD or computer game will be forgotten within several months or years. A nice piece of handmade jewelry – something which costs only a fraction of the price – will be with you forever. For me, it is almost a magical process. The way that a handmade keepsake can unite two people is truly amazing if you think about it. This is why I take every opportunity that I have to make a handmade bracelet for someone.

A lot of people never make handmade bracelets because they haven't been shown how. They assume that it will be too hard for them because they don't particularly have a knack for crafts. If you have never tried it before, you would be amazed at how easy handmade bracelets can be. You can make them in many different ways.

When I was a kid, my favorite way with bead looms. With the bead loom, you can turn a thread and cheap plastic beads into a gorgeous pattern of different colors and shades. You can even draw little pictures with the beads! Another favorite among children is the lanyard. These handmade bracelets are made out of strips of brightly colored plastic that are twisted together in various patterns. Both of these are extremely inexpensive ways to assemble your own bracelets handmade, yet can be used to make gifts that will be remembered for a long time. You can even just go into a bead store and pick out your favorite beads to assemble a lovely, unique necklace. It takes moments, but will be remembered for years.

Homemade Jewelry - What Make you special?

Walk down any street in an American city -- I live in New York, but it doesn't matter where you are -- and almost everyone is wearing some sort of jewelry. Lately even men are getting into the trend -- wearing paired hoop earrings -- one on each ear.

Most people are wearing the standard fashions you see in department and chain jewelry stores. Current fashion jewelry takes good advantage of colored stones and modern jewelry making techniques, and so there is a vast array of truly beautiful commercially made jewelry available. For most people, that's fine. There are some of us that want something different ... something with feeling ... something handmade.

Handcrafted items take a person with skill and talent time to make using hand tools.

Handmade jewelry isn't confined to the boundaries factory made jewelry must have simply because it is mass produced. In order to make thousands of pieces that look exactly the same they have to be made in exactly the same manner. Machines can do that easily and cheaply. Each piece of handcrafted jewelry can be different, like the artist.

We all know the difference between a home cooked meal and fast food. Handmade sweaters are a more personal gift than machine made sweaters. Handcrafted jewelry is special in the same way. The person who made it cared about what they were doing. The artist hoped this creation would find a home with someone who would know, feel and truly appreciate the unique nature of their jewelry.

Handcrafted jewelry can be made of almost any material. Designs can vary with every piece. It is truly an art form. Most jewelry artisans design unique rings, pendants, earrings or other jewelry items. Many will make a series of related designs that compliment each other. The creative process is different for everyone. The limited manufacture of handmade jewelry is what drives the artist to constantly create new designs.

Art has many mediums. Contemporary art jewelry is made with an endless array of beads from all over the world. It can be made from rubber, many types of metal, plastic, glass and even paper. Art jewelry is available to fit every individual and every budget.

People are starting to notice. They ask - "Wow -- where did you find that pin?" or "That is SO different -- I LOVE it!" More are shopping in small stores, craft fairs and online from small artisans. Handmade jewelry is becoming more popular every day.

Consider handcrafted jewelry the next time you're shopping for someone special. The lucky recipient will know you cared for them and spent the time to find a truly unique and personal gift.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Gold Jewellery the Prized Possesion

Gold is the most popular among the precious metals. No other metal has got such a fancy from mankind as Gold does. Gold Jewellery is the prized possession of the Humans from the ancient times.

Gold jewellery is known for its beauty and grandeur. The character of Gold offering extreme malleability and ductility coupled with the man’s imagination and his ability to create wonderful and intricate designs has made Gold Jewellery a thing of beauty.

Gold jewellery has become an expression of love and affection and sometimes it becomes a binding factor among the family members. It is considered the most auspicious thing in life by most of the cultures like the Oriental and Indians. A family’s wealth and status is measured by the quantity of Gold Jewellery held by it in these cultures.

In ancient Egyptian civilizations, the Pharaohs wore Gold Jewellery all over their bodies as a part of their royal ceremonial Robes. These were buried with the Kings on their death with a belief and wish that their dead Kings should look rich and pompous even after their death. Such was the affinity shown to Gold Jewels during these times.

Gold is mostly worn as Jewellery and the basic use is as Rings worn in the fingers of married and engaged People. Apart from this it is worn as ear rings, nose studs even in the tongue, belly button and other places on the body. But most of people use Gold Jewellery in their necks as Chains, Necklaces, Hip chains, Gold Bracelets and Bangles in their hands, as Ankle chains in their legs and toe rings in their legs.

Changing Styles, invention of machinery that aids in the production of low weight Gold jewellery with highly intricate designs all lead to the rampant use of Gold even by the less affluent people of the Society. Gold jewellery is a craze amongst the younger generations also and the changing fashions give different types of use for the Gold jewellery which are worn more as a show of Wealth rather than for their utility.

There are certain important things to be noted while purchasing Gold jewellery. The primary thing is the quality of the Gold metal measured by its purity in Carats. The higher the Carat value the purer the Gold. Pure Gold is mixed with other metals like Silver, Copper to give strength and other characters to the Jewellery made out of it.

For low cost market, the Gold Jewels are made in less pure gold and they too come out in equally good designs and that has a got a good Market also. The third and cheapest of the Gold jewellery is the imitation Jewellery which looks equally elegant like the originals but have less than 1% of the gold content hence they are the cheapest ones among the Gold Jewellery ranges.

Benifits of Amethyst jewelery

For women, jewelry is not just an accessory. It is a way of saying who you are, what you stand for, or even what kind of mood you are in. Amethyst jewelry can show people all of those things and it can be worn in such a large variety of ways that you can have a new look everyday.

When amethyst is put in a simple silver setting – a ring, a pendant, or a bracelet – it can portray a sense of carefree style that is often irresistible. Most people are naturally drawn to those who appear to be relaxed, carefree, and unfettered by the problems of the world. Your jewelry can suggest those things to other people. Amethyst, when combined in a style such as simple pendant on a cord, suggests that not a lot of thought went into it but gives a unique look.

Amethyst jewelry can also be made to give a very classy, sophisticated appearance. When showcased in a gold setting, perhaps in a matching earring and necklace set, it can make a woman look very put together. In the business world, looking put together is essential to women. Women who have an unfinished look often don’t go far in their chosen career. When a woman looks as if she can’t pull her look together it suggests to others that she can’t pull her business together either. Classy, sophisticated jewelry can inspire confidence in those you come across in your business day and amethyst jewelry has an understated look that is important in the business world. When understatement is combined with gold it can be a winning combination.

The amethyst is also believed to be a source of power and business strength. If you believe in the power of gemstones (and increasing numbers of people of all lifestyles are beginning to see their powers), wearing amethyst jewelry can make you feel confident in your business dealings and in your personal life. When you are working on an important business deal or something you wish to have a personal victory over, the amethyst may give you the extra edge you need to carry it through successfully.

Your jewelry says a lot about you and wearing amethyst jewelry can help portray the image you wish to get across. Whether it is your day off and you’re looking for a simple piece of jewelry or an important business meeting or even a night out on the town, there is a piece of amethyst jewelry to suit every occasion.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Elegant Handmade Classic Jewellery

Handmade jewelry boxes look different from jewelry boxes produced in factories, in terms of class and elegance. Their price is often very high. Though their supply is limited, they are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, textures, finishes and prices. If you are still not able to find one, it is always better to search for them online.

However, this carries a risk too. It is difficult to verify the claims made by sellers that the jewelry box bought by you is handmade. Any expert may be able to tell the difference but a common buyer cannot. In some cases, the jewelry box may be partly handmade and partly machine-made. In fact, such jewelry boxes have flooded the market, though most of them are being sold as fully handmade jewelry boxes.

To be sure that one is buying a handmade jewelry box, one should go for antique jewelry boxes. Until a couple of centuries back, all jewelry boxes were handmade. There are certain companies which offer to make handmade jewelry boxes available according to individual tastes and preferences. That could, however, cost one a great deal.

Most of the handmade jewelry boxes are generally made of wood. This is because wooden boxes often last longer than metallic boxes, are much easier to make, and most of the time look more elegant, also.

Handmade jewelry boxes are made differently all over the world. However, they can be ordered from anywhere in the world, as many of them are displayed online. A connoisseur of handmade jewelry boxes must keep track of various offline and online auctions where such items are made available quite often.

High Quality Handmade Jewellery Designs

There are hundreds of different stores that you should consider when looking to buy high quality handmade jewelry. If you are quite new to handmade jewelry then you should be quite cautious, it can be a scary thought even for the most experienced shopper! But it doesn't have to be quite that scary as long as you take shopping seriously you shouldn't experience any major problems.

Fantastic Jewelry Designers

If you are looking for designer hand made jewelry in particular then the most popular brand that you should be aware of is BlueLuxe. This store is the best one i have found for designer handmade jewelry. They offer very high quality jewelry but at very reasonable prices.

BlueLuxe stores offer jewelry from many different designers including:

- Ben-Amun
- David Aubrey
- Flying Lizard
- Sierra
- Ugly Dolls
- Wendy Mink
- Wasabi
- Fajl
- La Contessa
- Kevia
- Mashka

Of course don't just stick to one store, it's worthwhile shopping around so that you can get the perfect jewelry for your needs. Another shop that you should check out is Bernardine. This shop has a lot of jewelry that is inspired by Asian and African art. The jewelry created is bold and colorful, bernardine is one of the best designers for handmade jewelry in the world!

How to buy The Perfect Jewelry

Before you buy the jewelry there are quite a few things that you should consider. When you are ready to buy some jewelry you should be sure to shop around. Jewelry is a very personal thing, you need to shop around to find the perfect jewelry for your needs. When shopping around you should also make sure you compare prices, service and quality. If possible then buy from a jeweler that you have used before, otherwise ask your family for advice choosing a jeweler.

You might want to take the jewelry back if you discover that it doesn't go with your outfit, in this case you need to be sure what the refund policy of the store is. Try and find someone that offers a no quibble guarantee. If you buy your nonpareil jewelry online, then make sure you keep printed copies of your receipt and confirmation.

You should also ask the jeweler to write something about your jewelry or gift on the receipt if it is important. Writing the weight and size of the diamond for example is very useful as you know exactly what you were sold. Very good jewelers will supply you with a certificate guaranteeing the quality and size of the stones used.

You need to know that you are buying what you think you are. In this case you should get another professional opinion. Find out whether the jewelry is authentic as soon as possible so that you can take it back if not.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Jewellery Trends

Accessories are a key look this season, as well as a great way to update any wardrobe. And a number of both fresh - and timeless - jewellery trends are emerging on the market to help you do just that. A few of the hottest trends this season include right hand rings, cocktail rings, charm bracelets, vintage style jewellery, circle jewellery and layered jewellery.

However, aside from retaining an unfailing fashion-ability, jewellery is about stating who you are - just look to the defining jewellery trends of iconic and alluring stars like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner. That said, even today, there's no better place to uncover the latest jewellery trends than on your favourite celebrities. Jennifer Lopez and Drew Barrymore, for instance, love the layered jewellery look, while the likes of Jennifer Anniston, Cameron Diaz, Kiera Knightly and Paris Hilton have all been seen sporting circular jewellery - or more specifically, the 'circle necklace'. Moreover, jewellery trends tend to outlive fashion trends - so your jewellery will dazzle season after season.

The right-hand ring jewellery trend, for example - a trend by which women buy diamond rings for their right hand - represents women's independence and empowerment. The trend has been big in the US for some time, but is making its way over to the UK this season. Another variation of this is the cocktail ring. Every fashion-conscious woman is wearing one: they're big, bold and colourful, and are generally worn on the right hand. And while cocktail rings can be crafted out of diamonds, they're most often big gem stones or prominent statement pieces.

Bracelets form another large category in this season's top jewellery trends. Wooden bracelets, for example, are making a big comeback; however, other bracelet trends seem to hold an incessant gaze in the jewellery market. One trend that's always in style, the charm bracelet is a simple yet fun way to accessorize. You can buy them already assembled, or you can purchase a linked chain, collect your charms, and make your own, distinctive charm bracelet.

Certain styles of jewellery - such as vintage - are also expected to maintain their appeal this year. Classic vintage jewellery always holds some part of the jewellery market limelight; it captures the spirit of the 1950s, featuring modern interpretations of vintage classics which will, in time, become classics themselves. Stylish and timeless, heirloom vintage pieces will never go out of fashion.

Circular jewellery is another prominent component of this season's defining trends. The circle, perhaps the simplest of all shapes, is an endless symbol of love and life; circular jewellery is therefore a perfect way to celebrate a big step or a turning point in your life. Another major trend in the US, the circular design is particularly popular in the form of the 'circle necklace' - a necklace with a circle pendant, often decorated with diamonds.

And finally, layered jewellery is stong this season! Layering is about wearing many of the same type of pieces at the same time - a particularly strong trend with yellow gold jewellery. And if this approach to jewellery seems a little heavy-handed to you, rest assured that layering needn't look heavy or overdone - just as long as the right pieces are layered together. So don't buy one necklace, bangle or bracelet this season - buy five!

You'll find a number of jewellery specialists who prioritise and recommend the latest and most classic jewellery trends - so you can take your pick and accessorize - whether it's to update your wardrobe or simply complement your distinctive style.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Handmade Bracelets

At one point or another, everyone has experienced the joy of receiving a handmade bracelet in their life. Whether you have been given a friendship bracelet by someone who was close to you, put together beads with your grandmother over a lazy Sunday afternoon, or been given a special present by someone who you had a crush on you, handmade bracelets have probably crossed your path at one point or another. Most people get over them, but I have never. I love all of them. I love charm bracelets, friendship bracelets, lanyards – you name it and I have made dozens of them. I even tried to start a handmade bracelet business at one point, although it quickly fell through.

I guess the thing I like so much about handmade bracelets is the effect of the personal touch. In this age where almost everyone buys gifts, people forget the effect it can have on the you to receive something that has been handmade by a friend. A new CD or computer game will be forgotten within several months or years. A nice piece of handmade jewelry – something which costs only a fraction of the price – will be with you forever. For me, it is almost a magical process. The way that a handmade keepsake can unite two people is truly amazing if you think about it. This is why I take every opportunity that I have to make a handmade bracelet for someone.

A lot of people never make handmade bracelets because they haven't been shown how. They assume that it will be too hard for them because they don't particularly have a knack for crafts. If you have never tried it before, you would be amazed at how easy handmade bracelets can be. You can make them in many different ways.

When I was a kid, my favorite way with bead looms. With the bead loom, you can turn a thread and cheap plastic beads into a gorgeous pattern of different colors and shades. You can even draw little pictures with the beads! Another favorite among children is the lanyard. These handmade bracelets are made out of strips of brightly colored plastic that are twisted together in various patterns. Both of these are extremely inexpensive ways to assemble your own bracelets handmade, yet can be used to make gifts that will be remembered for a long time. You can even just go into a bead store and pick out your favorite beads to assemble a lovely, unique necklace. It takes moments, but will be remembered for years.