http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/the-emerald.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/the-emerald.html Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The emerald is a variety of Beryl, a mineral occurring in a range of colors from colorless to pink to green to red. The most widely known forms of beryl are its blue variety, aquamarine, and its green variety, the emerald. The term “emerald” is thought to stem from an Old French word that translates to “green gemstone.” A deep, vibrant green is the characteristic color of the most valued emeralds, a hue attributed to traces of chromium present in the gems. Unlike many other gems, inclusions in emeralds are tolerated as a natural feature, and vibrant, intense green color attributes more to an emerald’s value than the presence or absence of flaws within it.

Colombia is the origin of some of the most beautiful and valuable emeralds in the world. Colombian emeralds are renowned for their deep green hue absent a devaluing blue tint. A majority of the world’s emerald supply today comes from Colombia, with much of it originating in the same areas mined by ancient civilizations. Emeralds are also mined in other areas throughout the world including Brazil, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, and Russia, to name a few.

Emeralds are set in all styles of jewelry. A single emerald makes a beautiful solitaire ring, or multiple smaller emeralds may be set surrounding a larger stone, a popular design for diamond rings. Because of the presence of inclusions in natural emerald, cutting emeralds is challenging and requires utmost precision and skill. The emerald cut, now also a popular cut for diamonds, was created to alleviate some of the challenges associated with emerald cutting and emphasize the beauty of the stone. It is common today for emeralds used in jewelry to be treated with special oil, wax or resin to enhance their appearance.



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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings and other precious stone fine jewelry. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/elizabethan-jewelry-past-and-present.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/elizabethan-jewelry-past-and-present.html Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Necklaces were commonly worn by women of the Elizabethan age, who often wore multiple necklaces at the same time. The carcanet, a wide, collar-like necklace crafted from fine metal and jewels and often worn along with other necklaces is a piece characteristic of the era. Gold pendants were a common accessory for women later in the era, succeeding the popularity of brooches. Pearls, gold, silver, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and other precious metals and gemstones were incorporated into beautiful necklaces and other pieces of jewelry worn by the upper class. Though gemstones were fashioned into different shapes for jewelry using basic methods in this era, gemstone cutting technology and expertise was quite limited in comparison to the complex, multi-faceted gemstone cuts common today.

Another piece of jewelry common to both Elizabethan era and today is the ring. Similar to modern day practice, rings were worn to symbolize marriage, and were often crafted of gold and engraved with a message. Though rings were worn as a symbol of marriage, they were not typically worn by men, and even wedding rings were mostly limited to the upper class. Rings were sometimes worn on both the first and the second joint of the finger, not just the first as rings are most commonly seen today, and it would not be uncommon for every finger to be adorned with a ring except the middle.

Earrings experienced some popularity in the later part of the Elizabethan era. Women would have both ears pierced, while men would have only one. Earrings were typically a continuous hoop, possibly holding a pendant, as the modern day post style and hook style had yet to be invented.

The Elizabethan era spans forty five years, and no single style exemplifies it directly. In fact, Elizabethan jewelry alone is a topic that has been examined in volumes of literature. Genuine Elizabethan jewelry as well as new pieces influenced by the styles of the era are still worn today. Many jewelry styles of today owe their existence to concepts originating centuries ago during the Elizabethan era of English history.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of diamond rings and other platinum and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/jewelry-the-fail-proof-christmas-gift-for-a-woman.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/jewelry-the-fail-proof-christmas-gift-for-a-woman.html Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
It is practically universally true that women love jewelry. Though style preferences vary greatly among women, one would be hard pressed to find a woman who truly does not appreciate beautiful necklaces, eternity rings or diamond earrings. And it is not just the value and outward beauty of jewelry that a woman loves—it is the symbolism of the piece as a gift from the man she loves; it is the thoughtfulness that led you to select the specific piece of jewelry for her; it is the love represented by the gesture.

Inherent symbolism, personal significance and of course outward beauty make jewelry the perfect gift for a man to give to the woman he loves. Giving a woman a personalized gift of jewelry involves first gaining insight into her preferences and style. If you have been with a woman for a long time, perhaps you already know what style of jewelry she likes. But you can also pick up on some clues she may be sharing without even realizing it. For instance, does she always wear silver jewelry, or does she mix it up between gold and silver? Does she prefer to wear matching necklace, earring and bracelet sets, or does she mix and match styles? Does she wear large dangling earrings, or does she prefer simple, understated pieces? By observing her jewelry over a period of at least several days, you can gain valuable insight into her preferences that can help you select the perfect gift. And you do not have to go it alone. Discussing your observations with your jewelry retailer can give you the expert perspective you need to select the perfect piece of jewelry for the lady in your life.

If you have given her jewelry as a gift in the past, you can use this experience to help determine what to give her this Christmas. If you have given her a beautiful sapphire ring in the past, and she loved it, why not give her a coordinating pair of sapphire earrings and a necklace to match?

Options abound in Christmas shopping for the woman in your life. The gift of jewelry alleviates the risk of giving an impersonal or unromantic gift. After all, just because she loves kitchen appliances and warm socks does not mean that is what she wants to receive from her beloved man on Christmas morning.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/an-overview-of-birthstones.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/an-overview-of-birthstones.html Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600
January: Best recognized for their rich reddish brown color, Garnets actually span a range of colors including orange, violet, green and yellow. It is perhaps due to the deep red color common to this coveted gem that it was long associated with healing powers for blood related ailments.

February: February’s birthstone, Amethyst, gets its name from the Greek term “amethystos,” which means not drunk. Historically associated with sobriety, the amethyst is a type of quartz occurring naturally in rocks and appearing in various shades of purple.

March: March’s birthstone, the Aquamarine, has been associated with courage and happiness. With hues ranging from pastel blue to teal to deep blue, it is apparent why the Aquamarine’s name is derived from the Latin terms meaning “sea” and “water.” The bloodstone is another commonly accepted birthstone for March.

April: April boasts possibly the most desirable birthstone, the diamond. Highly regarded worldwide for its unmatched beauty, strength and historical significance, April’s birthstone is also given as a symbol of love and impending marriage today.

May: Vibrant green characterizes May’s birthstone, the emerald. Emeralds comprise the green variety of the mineral beryl, while March’s birthstone Aquamarine is beryl’s blue variety. Emeralds have historically been associated with good luck and long life and have been thought to aid in eye health.

June: The modern June birthstone is the pearl. Pearls are the only birthstones that are created by a living organism, the oyster. An oyster will secrete nacre, an iridescent, lustrous substance, onto a foreign object as a natural defense mechanism, a process that can eventually form a pearl. Today, most pearls are cultured pearls, or pearls that are created after humans introduce irritants to prompt oysters to secrete nacre in a controlled environment.

July: Though July’s birthstone, the Ruby, is associated with a deep red, the natural Ruby can range from pink to brown. The Ruby was in ancient times considered to possess magical powers and was believed to change colors to warn its owner of danger. Ruby’s vibrant color, hardness second only to diamonds and rarity make it one of the most valuable gemstones.

August: Peridot, the modern August birthstone, ranges in color from light yellow-green to bright green to olive green, depending on its iron content. The Peridot is an extremely old gem, though it has seen fluctuations in popularity over time. A mid 90s discovery of a massive Peridot deposit prompted a modern day surge in Peridot availability and popularity.

September: September’s birthstone, the sapphire, can span many colors but is most well-known for its rich blue variety.

October: The birthstone of October is the Opal, a highly regarded stone emitting a rainbow of colors. The Opal is admired for its iridescence and, unlike other gemstones, is not characterized by a crystalline structure.

November: The modern birthstone of November is Topaz. Topaz, occurring in a variety of colors but most commonly yellow, has been incorporated into striking jewelry for hundreds of years. Derived from a Sanskrit term meaning “fire,” the term Topaz was at one time used to describe any yellow gem.

December: Turquoise may be the most commonly accepted birthstone for December today, though blue topaz and tanzanite are also associated with the month of December. Like many stones, turquoise has historically been linked to desirable virtues. This non-transparent stone has been said to promote mental clarity as well as trust and kindness.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/considerations-for-diamond-ring-shopping.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/considerations-for-diamond-ring-shopping.html Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 eternity rings, many buyers are surprised by the large number of diamond ring options available. Whether you are purchasing a ring from a retailer or designing a ring to be crafted by a jeweler, a number of decisions must be made in selecting the perfect diamond ring. Besides being familiar with the 4 Cs which affect the value and appearance of a diamond—cut, color, clarity and carat weight—the following considerations may also help you in your search for the perfect diamond ring:

-What diamond shape do I prefer?
Perhaps the first decision in selecting a diamond ring is which diamond shape you are seeking. Diamond cutters craft diamonds in several shapes for diamond rings, some of which are round, princess, marquise, pear, and oval. The shape of a diamond determines its outward appearance, and you will likely realize a natural preference for a particular shape as you shop. Some rings have one central diamond, as in the traditional engagement ring, while others have several diamonds that may be the same or different shapes.

-What type of metal should I choose?
Yellow gold, white gold, platinum—there are a number of metals that are common for diamond rings. Platinum is a popular option for engagement rings and eternity rings because of its resilience, though it comes with a higher price tag than other metals. Silver, on the other hand, is prone to corrosion and thus is not the best choice for frequently worn rings such as wedding bands and eternity rings. Discuss with your jeweler the metal that is right for you, taking into consideration its color, durability and resistance to corrosion.

-What setting style do I prefer?
Something you will quickly realize when shopping for diamond rings is that diamonds are affixed to rings in a variety of ways. The way that a gem is set and held in place is referred to as its setting. Several setting styles are common for diamond rings, some of which are the bezel setting, channel setting, and prong setting. The shape and size of a diamond and the strength of the metal used may help determine the type of setting that is used in a particular ring.

Perhaps you already have in mind the type of diamond ring you are seeking, or maybe you prefer to explore all of the options until you simply discover the perfect ring. With the multitude of diamond ring styles available, having an idea of the shape, type of metal and setting style you prefer can help you in your quest for the diamond ring that best suits your taste and personality.



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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/aviation/protect-your-jewelry-when-traveling.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/aviation/protect-your-jewelry-when-traveling.html Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500
One way to protect and transport jewelry conveniently is to purchase a jewelry travel case that is equipped to secure and protect the types and quantity of jewelry you will be carrying. Travel cases for jewelry are available from many sources and vary in capacity, price and design. In purchasing a travel case, be sure to take into consideration the types and amount of jewelry that will travel with you, and select a case that will accommodate your needs yet consume minimal space in your luggage.

Packing jewelry safely within your suitcase, however, does not have to involve investing in a jewelry case. You may safely and economically pack your jewelry by securing it with cardboard or heavy paper. Individual necklaces can be packed within cardboard enclosures created by first cutting cardboard rectangles that measure slightly more than twice the length of each chain. This may be accomplished by securing each necklace within two slits that have been cut at one end of each rectangle, and folding the rectangle in half to cover the chain. The cardboard enclosure can then be taped together or placed within a snug baggie that allows the chain minimal space to shift. Earrings and bracelets can be secured with cardboard or heavy paper in a similar manner. The goal is to create a sturdy enclosure that prevents necklaces from becoming entangled and protects all jewelry from harm brought on by potential compression and impact.

Keeping valuable items such as jewelry with you as you travel ensures that they will arrive with you at your destination in the improbable circumstance that your checked baggage does not. Whether you opt for the do-it-yourself approach or purchase a jewelry travel case to meet your needs, be aware that you may request a private security screening if you are traveling with large amounts of valuables and would prefer to protect your privacy.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/what-factors-determine-diamond-prices.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/what-factors-determine-diamond-prices.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 eternity rings, diamond necklaces and earrings are on the market for a wide range of prices. In fact, the difference from one diamond ring to the next can easily be several thousand dollars. For most consumers, price is an important factor in a buying decision, so it is important to understand what you are paying for when you purchase a brilliant piece of diamond jewelry.

As with many consumer products, diamond prices paid by end users are affected by the value that is added at each level of the supply chain. Diamonds are mined from the earth in what can be expensive, elaborate mining operations, incurring an initial cost. Of course, diamonds do not emerge from the earth in the beautifully polished cuts commonly seen at jewelry retailers. After being mined, diamonds are typically cut and polished before being sent to an independent laboratory for grading. Then diamonds are placed on the market for purchase by wholesalers or diamond dealers, who in turn sell them to various retailers. Finally, diamonds are in retail stores and ready for purchase by consumers. Each stage of the supply chain adds some kind of value and incurs markup, each of which are reflected in the end price a consumer will pay for a diamond.

The cost to mine, prepare and market a diamond is not the only determinant of the end price of a piece of diamond jewelry. Also included, of course, is the complete cost from mining to market of metals and other gemstones that make up a piece of jewelry, as well as crafting of the piece itself. Diamonds are appraised and valued individually based on evaluation of the four Cs—carat, cut, clarity and color.

The price of a diamond is calculated based on some determined value per carat. That is to say that the value of a 0.5 carat diamond which is valued at $3,000 per carat would be calculated as $3,000×0.5 = $1,500. However, despite the apparent simplicity of the (price per carat x carat weight = diamond price) equation, several factors influence the determined per carat value of an individual diamond. Evaluation of a diamond’s color, clarity, and cut contribute to the determination of its per carat value, with diamonds exhibiting the most attractive combination of features being considered the most valuable and thus the most costly., the carat weight for an individual diamond is also affected by its rarity. Since a one carat diamond is much rarer than a half-carat diamond, a one carat diamond will incur a higher per carat weight than an otherwise equivalent half-carat diamond. Though tempting, it is inaccurate to assume that you can simply plug the carat weight into an equation to determine the value of a diamond. Each diamond must be individually appraised in order for a value determination to be made.



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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/shopping-for-gold-jewelry-understand-gold-terminology.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/shopping-for-gold-jewelry-understand-gold-terminology.html Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 eternity rings. Let us take a look at some of the most frequent terms you may encounter when shopping for gold jewelry—gold plated, gold-filled and solid gold:

-Gold Plated: Gold plated jewelry is comprised of a metal base with a coating of at least 10 karat gold applied to the outer surface. Gold plated jewelry may be indistinguishable from solid gold jewelry to the untrained eye, but gold plated jewelry is only protected by a thin sheet of gold, which has a tendency to wear away with use over time. Thus, gold plated is not typically the most desired option for heavily worn jewelry such as wedding bands and eternity rings.

-Gold-filled: In order for a piece of jewelry to be designated as gold-filled, gold must constitute at least 1/20th of the weight of the piece. Gold-filled jewelry is comprised of a base metal coated with one or more layers of gold that have been mechanically bonded to the outer surface.

Jewelry that is gold-filled strikes a middle ground between gold plated and solid gold jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry is enveloped in a significantly thicker layer of gold, giving it less tendency to wear over time than its lightly plated counterpart. For many jewelry consumers, gold-filled jewelry is a desirable alternative to solid gold jewelry due to its strength, resistance to tarnish, cost effectiveness and resemblance to solid gold.

-Solid Gold: Any jewelry or other article claiming to be “solid gold” or “pure gold” must be comprised of 24 karat gold throughout. Solid gold’s resistance to corrosion and enduring brilliance have made it a desirable metal for jewelry and art throughout ancient history. However, the softness of pure gold makes it practical in many situations to mix pure gold with other metals, increasing its strength for intricate jewelry designs and lowering its cost to end consumers. Today, gold jewelry usually includes a mark designating its karat weight, with 24 K representing solid gold.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/jewelry-industry-terminology-what-is-a-diamond-grading-report.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/jewelry-industry-terminology-what-is-a-diamond-grading-report.html Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 eternity rings for the first time leaves some consumers overwhelmed with the seemingly foreign terminology and grading systems that are prominent in the jewelry industry. Intermingled with talk of the four Cs, diamond shape and color grading, shoppers may encounter mention of the term “certificate” or “diamond grading report” in relation to diamonds. Though the term “certificate” is still widely used by people in the industry, “diamond grading report” is becoming the more preferred terminology. A diamond grading report is a document issued by an independent laboratory that describes in detail the identifying characteristics of a diamond as analyzed by a diamond grader.

First, the distinction between a diamond grading report and an appraisal stands to be clarified. A diamond grading report is prepared by a major gemological institute and represents precise characteristics of an individual diamond, while an appraisal ascribes a monetary value to the diamond. Grading reports describe individual characteristics of the quality of a diamond, but do not assign the diamond a value. By contrast, an appraisal assigns a value to a diamond but does not authenticate its quality. However, the information contained within a diamond grading report can influence the value of a diamond reflected in an appraisal. A diamond grading report is designed to provide concrete diamond quality information that outlasts diamond market price fluctuations.

A number of gemological institutes certify diamonds worldwide, though arguably the most widely recognized diamond grading reports in the United States are performed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). So what type of information does a diamond grading report provide us?

First, an individual diamond described in a report is identified by a unique number called a certificate or report number. Included in the report are specific measurements of the diamond to one hundredth of a millimeter accuracy, as well as its exact carat weight. The clarity and color grade of a diamond are also analyzed based on widely accepted metrics, and values are included in the diamond grading report. Another important metric included in the report is a description of the diamond finish, which encompasses the polish quality as well as the diamond’s symmetry. A diamond’s fluorescence as noted by the diamond grader is another included feature. A graphical representation of the diamond depicts the existence and location of imperfections that help identify the stone and affect its value. In addition to the concrete values determined to be associated with an individual diamond, a comments section is included to cover other identifying characteristics that further define a diamond’s quality.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/white-gold-in-jewelry.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/white-gold-in-jewelry.html Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 eternity rings. Yet, if you have ever seen a solid gold bar, you probably noticed that pure gold has a vibrant, deep yellowish-orange tint. So where does white gold come from? Actually, there is no such thing as white gold! Gold in its purest form is exactly the color the name suggests—gold.

By the early 1900s, jewelers had developed the advanced techniques required to make jewelry from platinum. Platinum, being highly durable and a stunning silver-white color, became a superior option to the silver that had been widely used to accentuate diamonds. The rarity of platinum, however, contributed to its high value, making this beautiful silver metal unaffordable to most. White gold began to fill the public’s insatiable demand for a shiny silver yet sturdy metal for jewelry.

The purest form of gold, 24 karat gold, is not often used alone in jewelry manufacturing because of its inherent softness as a metal. Instead, gold is commonly mixed with other metals to form an alloy, which is a combination of metals. However, simply mixing gold with another metal does not make it appear white. When metals are alloyed, a change takes place in the atomic structure which causes a change in the way the metal reflects light from different wavelengths. When gold is alloyed with one of the metals used to produce white gold, the metal takes on a silver-white hue, the characteristic color of white gold.

White gold can be produced by alloying gold with one or several other metals that have a “whitening” effect, commonly nickel, zinc, copper, or palladium. Nickel has been heavily used to produce white gold in the past, though the jewelry industry is transitioning away from its use partly because of the allergic reactions some people have to nickel. Palladium, a sister metal of platinum, makes an excellent constituent of white gold, though its rarity and high melting point make palladium expensive to purchase and tricky in manufacturing. White gold alloys are not limited to gold and another metal. It would not be uncommon, for instance, for white gold to be composed of a combination of gold, silver, copper and palladium.

White gold jewelry is often plated with rhodium, a white, reflective and very durable metal that is also related to platinum. This rhodium plating serves to strengthen and brighten the color of the white gold. Eventually, a rhodium plating will wear off, so there is a need to have rhodium plated white gold jewelry re-plated periodically. The amount of time before re-plating is needed depends on the amount of rhodium present and how harshly the ring is treated.




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About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings, diamond rings, platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>