Tanpola Articles Directory

First and foremost, find websites which sell jewellery which is hallmarked and guaranteed Sterling Silver. A hallmark is not just the 925 stamp that any silversmith can add to their silver, it is stamp given by an independent accredited laboratory that has carried out a scientific test on each and every item individually to ensure that the silver used does contain 92.5% pure silver and does not contain any Nickel (one of the commonest causes of jewellery allergies). You can not tell this by eye, and the 925 stamp does not guarantee this (I know. I have sent 925 stamped silver back to the smith that has failed the assay test because he thought he was helping by giving the silver a nickel bath to improve the shine).

Size
It is very difficult to determine the size if a piece of jewellery from a photo, particularly if the photo is only a close up with nothing to compare it with. To give you the best visual impression, find sites which also show the jewellery modelled on a person. This will allow you to see how it will look, where it will sit, and whether it will work for you. Also look for sites which provide the weight and dimensions of the piece. Then mark these dimensions on a piece of paper so that you can see the actual size of the piece. If you work in imperial measurements (inches and ounces) use a conversions internet site to convert out the dimensions from grams and millimetres so you know exactly what you are buying.

Fit and Style
Once you know the actual size of the piece, it is important to understand if that will fit and suit you. Earrings are pretty simple; all you need is the drop and an image to see if they are too long or short. Pendants again are not a problem once you have the actual size. Just make sure it’s the right scale for you, and check the size of the loop on the pendant if you plan to hang it on an existing chain or necklace.

Bracelets are a little more tricky. When buying any bracelet, there are 2 things to consider. Firstly do you want a bangle (a bracelet made from a solid piece of silver which is a fixed shape & size)? Or do you want a bracelet (usually a silver chain or set of silver links or beads which has more flexibility and movement in it)? Secondly, be sure to measure your wrist. Wrist size does not reflect dress size. The key to choosing the right bracelet is to look at the size of your wrist & decide how small or large a piece will suit you best. When you have decided which design will work best, then measure your wrist and make sure the silver bracelet you order will fit comfortably. If you are unsure, go for an elasticated bracelet which not only feel great on, but are also flexible enough to accommodate significantly different wrists.

With necklaces, it is all about the drop. Like wrists, necks vary enormously. When buying a necklace, first think about the length that suits you best. Perhaps you have a specific outfit with a neckline you need to fit. The best way to get this right is to make a necklace to the size you want from a piece of string and then measure the string. This will give you the perfect length. Most retailers provide the total length of the necklace, and this usually does not include the drop of any attached pendant. If in doubt, mail them and ask.

Then think about scale. Silver necklaces come in an almost unlimited number of designs. If you are a dainty size 8 (US sizes 4), stick to dainty pieces that won’t swamp you. If you are taller or bigger boned, you can get away with a bolder silver necklace with more detail, and heavier silver pendants.

Price
If you are buying a brand, or a standard piece of jewellery that is sold by a number of different sites, then by all means shop around for the best price. Make sure you are actually comparing identical pieces. Check weight and dimensions and if they don’t provide them, don’t risk it. Something that looks the same on the picture may be smaller or lighter in reality. Make sure you check for any additional costs like postage and packing to be sure the cheapest site really is cheaper. Alternatively, you may be looking for an exclusive piece or even a one off. These will never be as cheap as the standard pieces which are made in their thousands, but you do have the comfort of knowing you have something special, and in some cases completely unique. In that case, price is probably not your main concern.

The price of silver jewellery is determined in 2 ways. Firstly weight. Silver has a worldwide price per troy ounce and the heavier the piece, the higher the price. Secondly workmanship and method of manufacture. Machine made is cheaper than handmade, pieces made using moulds tend to be more expensive than other pieces of the same weight because of the time and costs involved in creating the initial mould. Pieces with a lot of intricate detailing will again be more expensive purely based on the time it takes to make each one. If you are ever concerned about the price of a particular piece, then mail the retailer, they will be happy to explain the reasons behind it.

Advice
If you are buying your jewellery as a gift for someone else, and you are not entirely sure what to buy, then advice is also critical. Find a site which offers a gift buying service, or free advice. If they don’t say so, mail them and ask. Most good retailers will be happy to help you.

Security
Make sure the site you are buying from uses a reputable secure payment provide like Worldpay or Paypal to ensure your credit card details are safe and secure at all times. Make sure they have a privacy policy so you are not inundated with junk mail afterwards. My advice is sign up for their mailings as you may get some great offers along the way, but if they mail you too often or send you irrelevant offers, then unsubscribe immediately. Life’s too short for junk mail.

Scott Demaret designed Corazon Latino, an online retailer selling an exclusive range of handmade Silver Jewellery to customers all over the world.http://www.corazonlatino.com

There are many reasons why Celtic engagement rings are so popular. After you have heard about them, you will surely decide that a Celtic engagement ring is the one you want.

Celtic engagement rings combine classic tradition with modern sophistication. There are a number of different options, each showing the strong Celtic history. As the Celtic Knot is a symbol of love, union, and infinity, it is the perfect symbol of your commitment to your marriage and life together. Often referred to as the Lovers’ Knot, this is one of the most popular designs for engagement rings. Although this design is a favorite in itself, it can be even more meaningful when it is the theme of a custom-made ring. You can choose from amongst the many Celtic Knot rings currently available, or have a ring which is uniquely your own. Whichever you prefer, the rich symbolism of the Celtic Knot is a beautiful way to express your eternal love and commitment.

The Claddagh is also a popular design for Celtic rings. Although many people wear the Claddagh simply because it is a lovely design for jewelry, it has its own history as being an engagement symbol. The Claddagh consists of hands, heart, and a crown; these represent friendship, love, and loyalty. The simple but elegant beauty of the Claddagh makes it a favorite style in engagement rings. It is as popular today as it has been throughout generations in the past.

Many people like to incorporate the Celtic Cross into their engagement rings. Regardless of one’s particular religious beliefs, an engagement ring which symbolizes God’s love is an appropriate way for a couple to begin their new life together.

One of the nicest aspects of Celtic engagement rings is that there is such a wide variety available, the one you choose will be very special even if you purchase one that is ready-made. All of these popular designs can be found individually in an assortment of styles, as well as rings which have a combination of these symbols. You can also have the type of metal you prefer, as they are available in sterling silver, platinum, and the various karats of gold. If you feel that an engagement ring should include a stone, many Celtic engagement rings have diamonds, emeralds, and other gemstones.

For a truly unique expression of your love and commitment, you can have a Celtic ring custom-made just for you. You will have the finest workmanship and the finest quality materials in the ring which you design. You are individuals, and your relationship is unique; a one-of-a-kind ring is the most lovely way to show it. When you select the metal, stone, and design you want, it will be your very own creation.

Amongst the many styles of Celtic engagement rings currently available, or if you prefer to design your own, the rich tradition coupled with a modern sense of sophistication will make it easy for you to select the one ring that is perfect for you.

Stewart Baker writes for http://www.Shanore.com Shanore is a leading Irish jeweler specializing in creating unique custom designed Celtic engagement rings for couples. They also handcraft Celtic wedding rings for that special occasion. Browse their selection for ring that is right for you.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but other gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds are definitely within the inner circle. Gemstones have always been valued for their beauty and rarity and have served as investments, adornments, and status symbols in nearly every culture. Gemstones are generally broken to two categories; precious and semi-precious, but the determination of which of these two categories an individual gemstone falls into is often determined by fashion and can change over time.

White diamonds have enjoyed the longest run as the world’s favorite gemstone and are a staple of fine jewelry. In the 1940s, an advertising team from NW Ayer launched a campaign using the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.”‘ This immortalized the diamond as the ultimate gift of love. Because of the elevated position of the white diamond in the gemstone world, it remains the only gemstone to have an internationally accepted grading system introduced in the 1950s by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). All other gemstones are still graded by eye rather than using a powerful microscope, though many gemstones are rarer and held by gemologists to be more valuable than diamonds.

Among colored gemstones, rubies are considered king; in fact the Sanskrit word for ruby means “king of gemstones.”‘ The deep color, outstanding brilliance and rarity of rubies make them one of the most valuable gemstones. Until the 19th century, red garnets and spinels were also thought to be rubies and it was only after the difference in the chemical makeup of these gemstones was discovered that it was understood how truly rare and valuable rubies of large size actually are. It is because of this historical misunderstanding the “Black Ruby” and the “Timur Ruby,” two of the British Crown Jewels, were so named when they are not rubies at all, but spinels.

Sapphires also rank as one of the most sought after gemstones, desirable for their cool brilliance and color. In earlier times, some cultures believed that the universe was an enormous blue sapphire in which the Earth was embedded. This image captures the many shades of blue found in sapphires and expresses the awe that a perfect gemstone inspires. Unlike rubies, which have come to symbolize heat and passion, sapphires exude tranquility and constancy.

Emeralds are another gemstone that, in top quality, are more valuable than diamonds. Long ago the people of India believed that the intense green gemstones held healing properties, promised good luck and enhanced well-being. Emeralds have retained some of that ancient mystique and many people still associate emerald green with good luck. Emeralds have come to symbolize life and love of nature.

All gemstones are unique and express vitality and energy through vivid color and brilliance. Ralf Waldo Emerson said, “If eyes were made for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being.” If that is true, then gemstones, though they serve no real practical purpose, will always be highly valued for the pleasure their exquisite beauty bring to all who see them.

Africa Gems (http://www.africagems.com) offers a vast array of strait cut gemstones and other jewelry online. The owner, Mark Sarosi, is a professional who has gone on many gem safaris and speaks from experiences that come, literally, from the trenches. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

When the time comes to pop the question to a loved one, there are many different things to consider. Factors such as where to ask for one’s hand in marriage and the timing thereof are both extremely important however purchasing the perfect engagement ring for the occasion is perhaps on the top of the importance list.

There are a few tips which one should keep in mind both prior to and during their engagement ring shopping expedition which will help to yield the best possible result which is that of the perfect engagement ring.

Know What Your Future Bride Likes and Dislikes

It is a good plan to have an idea as to what your future Bride likes and dislikes when it comes to diamonds, jewelry and if possible, engagement rings. Since many do not like to come right out and ask the significant other what type of ring they would like to have and wish to keep it a surprise, they can still hint around and find out what their tastes are in this department.

Simple things such as taking notice of their jewelry collection or asking friends and family members for advice on the subject may help the individual to narrow down the options when it comes time to buy the ring.

Have a Price Range In Mind Prior to Shopping

One should also know their intended price range when it comes to diamond engagement ring shopping. This is important for a few different reasons. First, it allows the shopper to focus in on a certain category of engagement rings. Secondly, by having a set price in mind, the shopper will not be tempted to spend above and beyond their limit which may cause problems down the road, especially if they finance the ring purchase.

The best way to come up with a desirable price range is to look at one’s personal finances and see how much money they can pay each month if they intend to buy the ring on credit or through a financing plan.

Consider Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Sets

Another tip to keep in mind when shopping for an engagement ring is whether the ring is available with matching wedding bands. Frequently one will be able to find engagement rings and wedding bands which match one another and can be purchased as a set. This will not only look nice once the couple gets married as the bands will match but it may also provide a good deal when it comes to paying for the rings.

Shop Around and Take Your Time

Purchasers of engagement rings should also be sure to shop around at different jewelry locations and take their time when engaging in a purchase of this type. So long as the buyer is not in a rush to buy a ring, it will benefit the individual to embark on this important shopping journey carefully and thoughtfully. Doing so will bring about the best result, which is the purchase of a beautiful engagement ring.

James Greene is a Graduate Gemologist and Master Gemologist Appraiser. James has been in the jewelry and appraisal business for over 25 years and specializes in Insurance and estate appraisals. http://www.diamondmarketwatch.com

Throughout hundreds of years, charm bracelets have been part of many different cultures. The bracelets started off as trinkets of power that that would keep away evil spirits and bad luck. But throughout time, as superstitions faded, people would simply wear them for fashion purposes. Or they were also given as gifts and a reminder of someone’s affections. These bracelets would be worn around a person’s wrist. Some people would even have chains and fobs that would hang from the bracelets. It could be something very generic to something quite personal.

Even though charm bracelets have been around for ages, the new trend of bracelets offered by higher end couture brands in the fashion world have breathed new life into an old art form for jewelry. The simpler ones bear the brand name stamped on the chain. As with anything high-end, there are always the lower tiers offered for more affordable prices. Charm bracelets are available in all metals – silver, gold, platinum, or even just sterling steel. Some are even made with string or wires made by arts-and-crafters. Charms especially made for children and pets are also offered. And Asian bracelets that have magnets attached at the ends that meet are meant to help with the body’s proper blood flow.

Besides the obvious gesture of having a sweet message or a name engraved into the charm bracelet, there are other ways to make them more personal. If you feel you have the time and wish to give it that extra touch of love, you can always make a charm bracelet yourself. There are many tutorials and how-tos available for you to quickly learn to create your own. Making your own would show that you have put some time and thought into your gift, which can be more valuable than simply buying one from a store. For more information on how to create your own bracelets, there are many books available on the various patterns. Or you can just Google it on the internet for a quick lesson.

If you do decide to opt for buying a charm bracelet, first browse the internet for the style and color from any brand, then try to take note of the various prices, and compare before buying. You may be able to find something similar or even better from a no-name brand. Some sites offer large discounts for the same products, so be sure to shop around. Also, be certain to make sure the substance that the bracelet is made of is what you want and not an imitation. Buying a bracelet from a mall or store would be advantageous in that you could check to make sure the bracelet is the correct size and made of the proper material.

Sebastian Marders has been expressing himself through creative writing from an early age. He loves writing about a variety of things and sharing the website that inspires each piece with his readers. If you would like to know more, then please visit http://foundbracelets.com.