by: Michael Gietl
Color Trends in Costume Jewelry
The fall fashion trends are ushering in another excellent season for costume jewelry and accessories. Rich colors and bold looks dominate the trend. Teal, amber and amethyst are the important colors with olivine and green used as neutrals. Topaz and peacock are also important and all indications are that rich color will continue into the spring season. Metals are seeing a return to gold, but silver is still stronger.
Bold Designs Dominate Fashion Jewelry
Fashion jewelry thrives when bold designs are in vogue and that is very much the case this season. The high fashion look is popular in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with natural components contributing to the designs. Wood is continuing its second season of popularity with shell important even in the fall line. But the rising star in natural materials is gemstone, which provides the beauty of natural semiprecious stones to the costume jewelry designs. This will definitely continue and accelerate in the spring line. Also popular in neckwear are 48 inch and 60 inch ropes that are worn extended or doubled. Jet is strong in holiday jewelry and estate looks (antique designs) are becoming fashionable in bridal jewelry.
Traditional Costume Jewelry and Accessories
While costume jewelry in bold designs and rich colors forge the way for leading fashion, there is a larger market that shouldn’t be ignored in more traditional and classic looks. Theme jewelry in pendants, earrings, and charm bracelets has an appeal that goes beyond fashion alone because it identifies with what the wearer cares about. In addition, traditional rhinestone, bridal jewelry, evening bags, and formal gloves have a classic look with timeless appeal. There is a major market for these items that will always be present even as fashion changes.
Accessory Trends
Sequins and buttons are very big in all accessories, especially in handbags and evening bags. Beyond these, the looks of the larger bags introduced by leading designers are the trendy styles of the season. These are the bags the stars are carrying, which goes a long ways towards popularizing the styles. In evening bags, large sequins and buttons are very much in vogue, but traditional looks seem to be carrying the day.
Sunglasses are definitely big and bold with aviators the runaway favorite. Retro looks are also excellent and colored frames with matching lenses are very popular.
Hats and Headwear
In millinery, dress hats are an important part of the market, with ladies hats the dominant player. The looks are very traditional with a new element of pre-made bands allowing for the versatility of custom designs. Casual hats, however, account for the major share of the market and no design in 2005 is more important than the rollup cowboy hat. While the design is not popular in every region of the country, the sheer number of sales makes it the number one hat of the year. This rugged look that is typically American has risen to such popularity that it becomes an important fashion statement. After cowboy hats, the three most fashionable designs are wide brim floppy hats, ladies fedoras, and newsboys. The entertainment field has played a major roll in popularizing these designs and the fashion looks continue into the fall season with felt, leather, wool, and leatherette used as the material for the fall versions.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Guide To Costume Jewelry
by: Alice Riley
Costume jewelry is often created with non-precious metals, usually gold or silver plated, and with or without beads and stones. Costume jewelry has been extremely popular around the world for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians are known to have worn decorative beaded necklaces and Cleopatra is probably one of the original wearers of what we now call costume jewelry. In more recent times the people of the Germanic and Slovak regions became highly skilled at developing intricate patterns in glass beads. However, beadwork used in costume jewelry is not only limited to glass.
A large variety of materials are traditionally used to make beads such as jet, wood, amber, gemstones, pottery, ceramic, metals, horn, coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and pearls. Some modern materials such as plastics, nylon and even polycarbonate variants are also used to make beads. Costume jewelry can be antique, period, or contemporary and there are many collectors of every style of costume jewelry. Venetian glass pieces of costume jewelry are particularly collectable as well as being extremely popular for people to wear.
Cleaning costume jewelry is extremely simple but needs to be done on a regular basis to prevent tarnishing. Simply use a mild detergent mixed in water to keep your costume jewelry in good condition. It is important not to soak the jewelry and to make sure that you dry it thoroughly before storing it. You can buy anti-tarnish paper for wrapping your costume jewelry in before you put it away for long periods of time but regular cleaning is the best defense against tarnishing. The tarnishing of costume jewelry is typically caused by the metal reacting with the atmosphere and oxidizing.
Unfortunately, there are a large number of people who are unable to wear costume jewelry next to their skin. This is because of their sensitivity to the metals used. It is important to make sure that anyone that you are buying the jewelry for is not allergic to nickel or copper, especially with pierced earrings. Costume jewelry may look beautiful and, especially in the case of contemporary pieces, be reasonably priced but it is not suitable for everyone to wear. For many people a piece of costume jewelry may be the first jewelry that they have worn and it is important to look out for signs of a reaction, especially after extended periods of wear. Often people will not show a reaction if they wear the jewelry for a short amount of time and this can be an ideal way to avoid any possible discomfort. You can also buy a special coating that you apply to the back of the costume jewelry to protect the skin from having direct contact with the metal.
Costume jewelry is often created with non-precious metals, usually gold or silver plated, and with or without beads and stones. Costume jewelry has been extremely popular around the world for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians are known to have worn decorative beaded necklaces and Cleopatra is probably one of the original wearers of what we now call costume jewelry. In more recent times the people of the Germanic and Slovak regions became highly skilled at developing intricate patterns in glass beads. However, beadwork used in costume jewelry is not only limited to glass.
A large variety of materials are traditionally used to make beads such as jet, wood, amber, gemstones, pottery, ceramic, metals, horn, coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and pearls. Some modern materials such as plastics, nylon and even polycarbonate variants are also used to make beads. Costume jewelry can be antique, period, or contemporary and there are many collectors of every style of costume jewelry. Venetian glass pieces of costume jewelry are particularly collectable as well as being extremely popular for people to wear.
Cleaning costume jewelry is extremely simple but needs to be done on a regular basis to prevent tarnishing. Simply use a mild detergent mixed in water to keep your costume jewelry in good condition. It is important not to soak the jewelry and to make sure that you dry it thoroughly before storing it. You can buy anti-tarnish paper for wrapping your costume jewelry in before you put it away for long periods of time but regular cleaning is the best defense against tarnishing. The tarnishing of costume jewelry is typically caused by the metal reacting with the atmosphere and oxidizing.
Unfortunately, there are a large number of people who are unable to wear costume jewelry next to their skin. This is because of their sensitivity to the metals used. It is important to make sure that anyone that you are buying the jewelry for is not allergic to nickel or copper, especially with pierced earrings. Costume jewelry may look beautiful and, especially in the case of contemporary pieces, be reasonably priced but it is not suitable for everyone to wear. For many people a piece of costume jewelry may be the first jewelry that they have worn and it is important to look out for signs of a reaction, especially after extended periods of wear. Often people will not show a reaction if they wear the jewelry for a short amount of time and this can be an ideal way to avoid any possible discomfort. You can also buy a special coating that you apply to the back of the costume jewelry to protect the skin from having direct contact with the metal.
Choosing Jewlery
by: Jeff Lakie
People have enjoyed jewelry throughout history. It has been given as gifts and as a symbol of relationships. It is not only a beautiful accessory, it helps identify a person. Jewelry can be a very expensive investment so making a wise decision on your jewelry purchase is important to make sure the jewelry is of a good quality and (most importantly) that the recipient is happy.
How to select diamonds
When you're selecting diamonds there are four things that diamonds are measured on. These are called the 4 C's of diamonds:
Cut. This refers to the shape of the diamond, which will determine how much it sparkles when the light hits it.
Carat. This is how big the diamond is.
Clarity. This measures how clear the diamond is. That is, if it has flaws (called inclusions) or not.
Color. This is the measurement of how white or yellow a diamond is.
Caring for your jewelry
Taking care of your jewelry is just as important as the decisions you made when you went to purchase it. For example, be sure to keep it clean as dirt will gouge the jewelry. Clean it very carefully with a soft cloth, or get it professionally cleaned at a jewelry store. Having clean jewelry is very important for its longevity but also, since jewelry is often worn on some of the most sensitive parts of the body, dirty jewelry can cause irritation.
Keeping your jewelry safe
Store your jewelry in a safe place. For example, you may want to buy a safe, or utilize a hidden safe which looks like a household product (like a soda can or a jar of cleaner) but has a secret compartment which thieves might not be likely to look in. Or, if you are jewelry is highly valued, you may want to even keep it in a security box at a bank.
Jewelry is an important investment in style and in your relationship! Buying jewelry wisely and keeping it clean and well maintained will help it hold its beauty and value for your lifetime and allow it to be a legacy to your children.
People have enjoyed jewelry throughout history. It has been given as gifts and as a symbol of relationships. It is not only a beautiful accessory, it helps identify a person. Jewelry can be a very expensive investment so making a wise decision on your jewelry purchase is important to make sure the jewelry is of a good quality and (most importantly) that the recipient is happy.
How to select diamonds
When you're selecting diamonds there are four things that diamonds are measured on. These are called the 4 C's of diamonds:
Cut. This refers to the shape of the diamond, which will determine how much it sparkles when the light hits it.
Carat. This is how big the diamond is.
Clarity. This measures how clear the diamond is. That is, if it has flaws (called inclusions) or not.
Color. This is the measurement of how white or yellow a diamond is.
Caring for your jewelry
Taking care of your jewelry is just as important as the decisions you made when you went to purchase it. For example, be sure to keep it clean as dirt will gouge the jewelry. Clean it very carefully with a soft cloth, or get it professionally cleaned at a jewelry store. Having clean jewelry is very important for its longevity but also, since jewelry is often worn on some of the most sensitive parts of the body, dirty jewelry can cause irritation.
Keeping your jewelry safe
Store your jewelry in a safe place. For example, you may want to buy a safe, or utilize a hidden safe which looks like a household product (like a soda can or a jar of cleaner) but has a secret compartment which thieves might not be likely to look in. Or, if you are jewelry is highly valued, you may want to even keep it in a security box at a bank.
Jewelry is an important investment in style and in your relationship! Buying jewelry wisely and keeping it clean and well maintained will help it hold its beauty and value for your lifetime and allow it to be a legacy to your children.
Caring for Your Jewelry
by: Lisa Jay
Sterling Silver & 14kt Gold:
Both will tend to tarnish over time.
-Store all precious metal jewelry in a zip lock bag to protect it. This does not stop the discoloration, but will drastically slow the process.
-Use a polishing cloth as needed for cleaning your jewelry.
Jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals:
-Store all jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals in a zip lock bag to protect it.
-Check the instructions on your jewelry cleaning solution prior to placing any items with stones in it to be cleaned. Some stones, such as turquoise, and freshwater pearls cannot be placed in most jewelry cleaning solutions.
-Do not wear your jewelry when you are showering or washing dishes.
-Use caution when wearing lotions and perfumes, for they will discolor gems such as turquoise.
Pearls: Special care should be taken with pearls. They are much more fragile than most gemstones.
-Use caution when using hairspray and perfumes. Let dry completely before donning your pearls.
-Cleaning pearl jewelry: wipe with a clean dry soft cloth after wearing them.
Sterling Silver & 14kt Gold:
Both will tend to tarnish over time.
-Store all precious metal jewelry in a zip lock bag to protect it. This does not stop the discoloration, but will drastically slow the process.
-Use a polishing cloth as needed for cleaning your jewelry.
Jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals:
-Store all jewelry with semi-precious stones and crystals in a zip lock bag to protect it.
-Check the instructions on your jewelry cleaning solution prior to placing any items with stones in it to be cleaned. Some stones, such as turquoise, and freshwater pearls cannot be placed in most jewelry cleaning solutions.
-Do not wear your jewelry when you are showering or washing dishes.
-Use caution when wearing lotions and perfumes, for they will discolor gems such as turquoise.
Pearls: Special care should be taken with pearls. They are much more fragile than most gemstones.
-Use caution when using hairspray and perfumes. Let dry completely before donning your pearls.
-Cleaning pearl jewelry: wipe with a clean dry soft cloth after wearing them.
A Little About Navajo Jewelry
by: Mike Yeager
Anyone who knows jewelry knows about Navajo jewelry. The Navajo, a native American tribe have inspired and have been admired because of their creativity in the design of their jewelry and other works of art. Every piece of Navajo jewelry is made with skill and in a unique design.
Navajo jewelry is the product of the Navajo people. These nomadic people were discovered by the Spaniards around 1540. They Spaniards introduced them to many things including sheep and horses. And, they also learned silver smithing from the Spaniards. Now, they are famous for their Navajo jewelry.
Navajo jewelry is beautiful. It is full of rich colors and textures that represent the Navajo people. Not only do they make Navajo Indian jewelry, but they are known for their pottery, rugs, paintings, and sculptures. And, they are known worldwide.
Today it is not hard to find Navajo jewelry. There is no need to travel to find it, it is available at your fingertips online. There are many web-sites that offer Navajo jewelry. Suppose you are on a quest to find Navajo turquoise jewelry. Enter this into your search box and click search. You will receive a page of web-sites that offer Navajo jewelry of all types including what you are looking for.
Navajo jewelry is known worldwide because of the unique and distinctive look that comes from their history and culture. Owing a piece (or several) of Navajo jewelry shows a love of Indian jewelry.
Anyone who knows jewelry knows about Navajo jewelry. The Navajo, a native American tribe have inspired and have been admired because of their creativity in the design of their jewelry and other works of art. Every piece of Navajo jewelry is made with skill and in a unique design.
Navajo jewelry is the product of the Navajo people. These nomadic people were discovered by the Spaniards around 1540. They Spaniards introduced them to many things including sheep and horses. And, they also learned silver smithing from the Spaniards. Now, they are famous for their Navajo jewelry.
Navajo jewelry is beautiful. It is full of rich colors and textures that represent the Navajo people. Not only do they make Navajo Indian jewelry, but they are known for their pottery, rugs, paintings, and sculptures. And, they are known worldwide.
Today it is not hard to find Navajo jewelry. There is no need to travel to find it, it is available at your fingertips online. There are many web-sites that offer Navajo jewelry. Suppose you are on a quest to find Navajo turquoise jewelry. Enter this into your search box and click search. You will receive a page of web-sites that offer Navajo jewelry of all types including what you are looking for.
Navajo jewelry is known worldwide because of the unique and distinctive look that comes from their history and culture. Owing a piece (or several) of Navajo jewelry shows a love of Indian jewelry.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Jewelry Enhanced
by: Frank Hague
Your jewelry is an important investment, and it retains its appearance and value longer if it is properly cared for. Here are some tips to ensure the long life of your gems.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold is tarnish-resistant, although it can get smudged and grimy. Lotions, powders, soaps, even natural skin oils can cover your jewelry and cut down on its brilliance. Jewelry cleaning removes this residue and restores the original luster of your jewelry.
Even though many commercial products are available to clean gold jewelry, a basic solution of detergent and water goes a long way to restore the radiance of gold, and a soft brush helps to gently clean intricate filigree designs and stones. Every now and again it can be helpful to soak the gold jewelry in a mixure of 1 portion ammonia and 6 parts water for about a minute. Make sure to dry and polish your gold jewelry with a soft cloth or chamois afterwards.
Professional jewelry polishing cloths are an efficacious and inexpensive way of keeping your gold collection glittering and radiant. These treated cotton cloths help to dislodge tarnish and to buff jewelry to a brilliant shine.
Never wear jewelry in the swimming pool or while doing chores. Though gold is said to be non-reactive, the fact is that contact with chemicals such as chlorine in pools or household cleaners will discolor or even damage your gold jewelry mountings.
When you are not wearing your jewelry, proper storage is essential. Be careful that pieces don't tumble together in a crowded jewel box if you want to avoid scratching and loss of radiance. Ideally, store your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case, or even a compartmentalized box so that every piece of jewelry resides in an individual soft cloth pouch. In damp climates, storing jewelry in small resealable plastic bags can extend intervals between cleaning, especially for silver.
It's important to check the stone settings of your jewelry sometimes for any damage to the bezels or prongs. Immersing the jewelry in rubbing alcohol for a couple seconds will restore the gorgeous sparkle to cloudy stones. It's critical to dry the jewelry thoroughly after cleaning prior to wearing or even storing. Pave set (glued in stones) jewelry should never be soaked in water while cleaning gold jewelry, as these glues, especially those used in older jewelry, are often not waterproof.
Special Gems
Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are relatively hard, though the later two can still sustain scratches. However, pearls, emeralds and opals are softer and need a gentler touch. Emeralds and opals contain water in their matrix and may crack if they are allowed to dry out. Regular application of cod liver oil from the drugstore every few months is recommended by antique jewely dealers. Pearls should be worn frequently to expose them to skin oils. If they dry out, their luster will diminish, so don't clean them with alcohol or detergents . Avoid exposing pearls to vinegar and other acids, as they will dissolve. To clean pearls, simply wipe them with a soft damp cloth.
Your jewelry is an important investment, and it retains its appearance and value longer if it is properly cared for. Here are some tips to ensure the long life of your gems.
How to Clean Gold Jewelry
Gold is tarnish-resistant, although it can get smudged and grimy. Lotions, powders, soaps, even natural skin oils can cover your jewelry and cut down on its brilliance. Jewelry cleaning removes this residue and restores the original luster of your jewelry.
Even though many commercial products are available to clean gold jewelry, a basic solution of detergent and water goes a long way to restore the radiance of gold, and a soft brush helps to gently clean intricate filigree designs and stones. Every now and again it can be helpful to soak the gold jewelry in a mixure of 1 portion ammonia and 6 parts water for about a minute. Make sure to dry and polish your gold jewelry with a soft cloth or chamois afterwards.
Professional jewelry polishing cloths are an efficacious and inexpensive way of keeping your gold collection glittering and radiant. These treated cotton cloths help to dislodge tarnish and to buff jewelry to a brilliant shine.
Never wear jewelry in the swimming pool or while doing chores. Though gold is said to be non-reactive, the fact is that contact with chemicals such as chlorine in pools or household cleaners will discolor or even damage your gold jewelry mountings.
When you are not wearing your jewelry, proper storage is essential. Be careful that pieces don't tumble together in a crowded jewel box if you want to avoid scratching and loss of radiance. Ideally, store your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case, or even a compartmentalized box so that every piece of jewelry resides in an individual soft cloth pouch. In damp climates, storing jewelry in small resealable plastic bags can extend intervals between cleaning, especially for silver.
It's important to check the stone settings of your jewelry sometimes for any damage to the bezels or prongs. Immersing the jewelry in rubbing alcohol for a couple seconds will restore the gorgeous sparkle to cloudy stones. It's critical to dry the jewelry thoroughly after cleaning prior to wearing or even storing. Pave set (glued in stones) jewelry should never be soaked in water while cleaning gold jewelry, as these glues, especially those used in older jewelry, are often not waterproof.
Special Gems
Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are relatively hard, though the later two can still sustain scratches. However, pearls, emeralds and opals are softer and need a gentler touch. Emeralds and opals contain water in their matrix and may crack if they are allowed to dry out. Regular application of cod liver oil from the drugstore every few months is recommended by antique jewely dealers. Pearls should be worn frequently to expose them to skin oils. If they dry out, their luster will diminish, so don't clean them with alcohol or detergents . Avoid exposing pearls to vinegar and other acids, as they will dissolve. To clean pearls, simply wipe them with a soft damp cloth.
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