SILVER GRADING AND SILVER JEWELRY PRODUCTION

Silver is graded by its fineness. There are basically two grades of silver, 999 and 925. 999 is termed fine silver, as, at 99.9% silver, it is as pure as it gets. This is the silver used for bullion bars and investment. Being too soft for most practical purposes, it is made into an alloy. The result is called sterling silver, or 925 silver, as it is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals such as copper. The alloy actually enhances the properties of the silver, making it more durable while leaving it ductile. 925 sterling silver is the standard used for making silverware and silver jewelry. When fine silver is used in jewelry manufacture, such as in hilltribe silver, the solder used forms an alloy with the silver, so the finished product may be between 95% and 99% pure, but it is still classed as fine silver.

SHIVA EYE

Shiva Eye is an organic gem. It is the natural protective door of the shell of the turban snail, a mollusk that inhabits reef crevices and tidal pools in many parts of the world, notably the Indo-Pacific. When preyed upon, by rock crabs, otters and some species of starfish, the mollusk will withdraw into its shell and turn its 'eye' toward the attacker in the hope of warding it off. The eye resembles the powerful third eye of Lord Shiva which was opened to end illusion and save the world, according to Hindu mythology.

As Shiva Eye, or Shiva's Eye shell, as it is called in Asia, is found in many of the world's seas, it goes by a host of different names according to local lore and language: Buddha Eye, Cat's Eye, Money of Mermaids, Sea Eye, and Naxos Eye, to name a few. Whatever the name, there is a legend behind it that attests to the miracle power of this eye. Along with the variety of names, there is a diversity of size and color. Shiva Eyes found in Tahiti can be quite large, some 4 inches across; those from southern Thailand are noted more for their intense natural coloring.

When the turban snail nears the end of its natural life, the protective eye drops away to the sea bed, from where it can be collected by diving, usually to a depth of 60 feet or so. This sought-after treasure is characterized by a spiral; the shape and colors of the spiral being unique from shell to shell, but often in varying shades of red, orange, green and blue, depending on each particular sea snail's diet (they feed on algae of various colors). The structure and rarity of color are what count in deciding the quality of each eye. The background to the spiral is pearly white, as, just like a natural pearl, Shiva Eyes are made up of calcium.
The Shiva Eye is in fact the crystal mineral aragonite, a natural gemstone.

Due to its reputed healing and protective properties (the same crystal mineral is present in the soothing waters of spas and hot springs) Shiva Eye is best worn next to the skin, in a bracelet, in a ring, as earrings or a necklace; some even wear it as an amulet or carry it as a lucky stone or charm.



Being a natural gem, the Shiva Eye needs to be carefully polished to bring out its natural beauty, and then set appropriately to complement its individual qualities. A sterling silver setting is ideal since the cool of the silver provides a perfect accompaniment to the warm tropical hues of the Shiva Eye.

Author: Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/shiva%20Eye%20shell/talingngam/8-16-200711-27-04AM_0010.jpg

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

NATURAL HANDMADE BEAD JEWELRY

Though usually thought of as being made of precious metals and gems, jewelry can in fact refer to any object used to adorn the body or clothing, and beads were probably the very first form of jewelry. Early humans handcrafted beads from natural materials found in their environment, most likely for utilitarian purposes such as fastening clothing.


Beads from archeological excavations were found to be handmade from wood, natural animal substances such as bone, claws, teeth, ivory and shell, and also soft stone. Later, in ancient Egyptian and Greek and Roman times, jewelers hand carved increasingly intricate and decorative beads, worn as belts and amulets. Beads then took on value as symbols of status and wealth. The practical use for the bead as a fastener was taken over by the clasp and later the button.


A reminder of the bead's original use survives today in the wood or horn toggles used as fastenings for the duffel coat, and the hardwood and ivory ones made for the Japanese kimono, some of which are works of art and collector's items. Bead sizes range from the palm-of-the-hand-sized decorative toggles to the so-called seed beads that can be smaller than a grain of rice. Shapes of natural beads can range from the typical smooth and rounded through cylindrical as in the natural shape of bamboo beads.

Wood has remained a popular material for making bead necklaces and bracelets, especially. The soothing feel and aroma of beads of natural wood such as teak, rosewood, bamboo and palm wood makes for an item that needs only a linen cord to produce a fine adornment. The vast choice of size, natural color and design means that there is something to suit everyone's taste.


Beads, seed beads included, can be embellished with other organic components, gemstones, pearls and mother-of-pearl, for example, in an array of unique designs. Inexpensive, lightweight and durable, it is no wonder then that beads have stood the test of time to become items of artistry to be worn and treasured.

Author: Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://mytrollbeads.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Troll-Beads-Pic-for-AD.jpg

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

WHAT IS TRIBAL WOOD JEWELRY?

A body adornment that is at once natural, ethnic, organic and attractive.
Sold as either older, previously worn pieces or more usually nowadays as innovative new tribal designs that keep to their tradition, what was once the preserve of colorful ethnic groups has become the inexpensive choice of the young, the famous and the style-conscious.

Typical items include wooden tribal earrings, wood necklaces, wood pendants, wood bangles, beads, wood bracelets, plugs, and hoops. Thailand in particular is noted for its bamboo earrings, as well as its bracelets, necklaces and earrings finely crafted from coconut shell.

Designs can range from the traditional right through to the more modern reggae style. Best of all, the designs are so diverse that they are suitable for wearing with almost any style of clothing on any occasion. Such a variety of color, weight and shape makes tribal wood jewelry unique and ever stylish.

Woods used range from tamarind wood, bamboo, coconut shell, palm wood through to teak wood and rose wood. All, of course, have different qualities, colors and finishes, the designs and patterns reflecting and enhancing the individual beauty of each. The wood is polished to bring out the natural veneer, sometimes with natural oil to help seal the wood.

Wooden jewelry is generally light and easy to look after. A little regular cleaning is all that is needed, especially for those tribal wood items that are for piercing. A mild natural soap or a few drops of tea tree oil will do the job.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

THE SPECIAL QUALITIES OF KAREN SILVER

Silver holds an important place in the life of the Karen people. Migrating from Tibet through Burma over the centuries, they have settled in the hills and mountains of northern Thailand, where they live close with nature.

The Karen have relatively few material possessions, but silver is their currency and their worldly wealth. It is collected and prized throughout their lives, used for dowries, and worn as an adornment and a symbol of status and prestige for its owner.

Karen silver is special in that it is 'fine' silver with a purity of up to 99.9% compared to 925 (92.5%) sterling silver. It has a color and feel all of its own, cool and satiny, it tarnishes less readily than other kinds of silver and can be kept white and shining by simply cleaning with lime juice.


Karen silversmiths have high status in their community and each family may be involved in the design and production of a host of fine individually handcrafted pieces.

Karen designs reflect the people's closeness to the land and water, with motifs inspired by plants, animals, flowers and the natural environment they inhabit. Each item is handmade throughout, rolled, shaped and engraved using traditional methods with the simplest of tools.

As each item is unique, there are literally thousands of designs: accessories such as rings, beads, bracelets, bangles, charms, spiral circle dangling earrings, ear hoops, toggles, clasps, strands, hairpins, hearts and pendants. Such is the variety of shapes and motifs that the piece may have a classic, contemporary or ethnic feel.

Of course, the intricate beauty of each piece makes it fine as a standalone accessory, but the design can be coupled with a suitable gemstone or the silver used as a setting.

Karen silver beads are probably the most popular item as they come in a wealth of sizes and can be made into necklaces and bracelets and sewn onto clothing to the wearer's individual taste.

Author : Michael Briton

Who is KS ?

KS co.,ltd. that base in Bangkok let's us have a look in their factory & explanation about the company what they are doing.

 
Based in Thailand, KS is a Body Piercing, Jewelry and Fashion Accessories designer, supplier and manufacturing company.  They have over 10 years of experiences specializing in body jewelry design and manufacturer for clients around the world.

In addition, more than 20 years of experiences for design and manufacturer of silver jewelry and accessories etc.  They have the capabilities to customize and design exclusively for your company or client.  Clients can also enjoy our complementary exceptional graphic support service.  KS has already brought many good ideas and inspiration for body piercing and fashion accessories.

KS also has a wholesale/retailer shop and e-commerce website.  For more information regarding both please visit www.kissisks.com

KS Piercing is located in the heart of Thailand and their long lasting relationship with their local workers and suppliers is based on mutual respect, support and understanding.  They support their workers and neighbors, and they always remember that they are depending on one another for their every day needs.  KS donate regularly to challenge youth, local Orphan home and also other projects as well around the globe.  They enjoy giving as they know that there is always somebody who needs receiving.  That’s the circle of life, and its true around here as much as anywhere else.

Their mission is to be the best supplier and manufacturer of body jewelry worldwide by providing outstanding service, innovative design and excellence to their customer.

Thank you KS for this survey and shearing the good knowledge and the great attitude :)

HANDMADE STONE BEAD JEWELRY

It can be said that something retro is always in fashion, and now is the time for handmade
stone bead jewelry. Retro-inspired designs and new variations on vintage styles are popular items now.
Some of the gemstones used for natural bead necklaces, bracelets, finger rings, ear studs and earrings are:

Lava Stone Beads and Labradorite Beads Bracelet

LAVA STONE: this is real retro; the style originally of ancient Rome, classic but designed with a new look. Lava stone is  formed directly from the natural cooling of melted volcanic rock.
With their uniform color and elegant appearance, red, green purple, black or brown lava stone beads come in a great variety of shapes, round, oval, flat, or heart-shaped. Unique alone, but also combined with amethyst, turquoise and other stones in a complementary design.

Amethyst Ear Studs

AMETHYST: a quartz-like gemstone with a vitreous luster, found in light pink-purple, lilac and  deep violet-purple, this wine-stained gem's meaning from ancient Greek means 'sober or not drunk '. Makes a good combination with lava stone. Major sources are Austria, Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Canada, India, South Korea, some states of the USA and the Ural mountains.Once considered equally valuable alongside diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire. More amethyst deposits discovered recently have made the price of this gem much lower. The most highly valued amethyst is inclusion-free and is a uniform, deep purple throughout.

Amethyst jewelry such as bracelets can be combined with other stones, but amethyst alone can be used as it comes in a variety of hues. Can be worn with formal and casual attire equally well.

 Lapis Lazuli Bracelet

LAPIS LAZULI: a dark blue stone with gold flecks, lapis was created millions of years ago, Major sources include Afghanistan, Egypt, Canada and Chile. It was one of the first

 Onyx Beads with Crystal Ball Bracelet

ONYX: another quartz-like gem, mined in Uruguay, India. Mexico, Brazil and Pakistan, onyx is the most affordable of the black gemstones. It has a smooth surface like marble. Its hardness and fine texture make it suitable for carving into various shapes.  Highly recognizable by the typically back and white zebra-like bands running through the stone, though more common are the stones with bands of reddish or brownish.hues.
Cut and polished smooth or as a bead, onyx is a fine stone for prayer beads, rosaries and worry beads. In stone bead jewelry it is particularly beautiful in combination with other stones, pearls especially.

Freshwater Pearl with Crystal Ball Bracelet

FRESHWATER PEARL: pearls organically nurtured in an ideal environment. Japan popularized culturing techniques some 100 years ago but now China is the biggest producer of fine-quality freshwater pearls. These pearls have greater variety of color and size than marine pearls, making for more varied handcrafted designs.
Perfect in any number of jewelry items either on their own or with other stone beads.

Mother of Pearl Shell Bracelet

MOTHER OF PEARL SHELL: the mineral nacre from inside an oyster or similar mollusk, secreted as a coating to protect its soft body. One design that shows off its qualities is as a pendant necklace with a waxed linen cord selected to complement the iridescent hues of the mother of pearl. In addition, this shell is designed for finger rings, bracelet and earrings.

Turquoise Beads Bracelet

TURQUOISE: the gem regarded as sacred by ancient cultures across the world.  Hardness and
richness of color are the criteria used to determine its quality. Turquoise can come in
shades of green-blue or light blue. The fewer veins of inclusion a turquoise stone contains,
the more valuable it is. Turquoise can be made into beads of all shapes and sizes. Pricing of the beads depends, as for pearls, on their size in millimetres.


SYNTHETIC TURQUOISE: a good, less costly alternative to natural turquoise. The pulverized
stone powder is resin-impregnated, and the result is a bead that compares well with the real
thing. The synthetic stone may also have more luster than the natural one.

Synthetic Coral Beads Bracelet

SYNTHETIC CORAL: now that coral reefs, the natural source of coral, have been steadily
depleted, this product serves to fill the demand. It is easy to take care of and it is
virtually indestructible. Beaded coral jewelry with a mixture of pearls or strung with
natural Shiva Eye shell makes a stylish bracelet, and coral earstuds set in silver bezels make for intriguing designs.

Author: Michael Briton

Picture Credit:

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

Pearls Grading and Quality

How are pearls graded?

Unlike with other gems such as diamonds, there is no sole, universal grading system for pearls. A jeweler or seller may, however, use one or more of the systems shown here to give an idea of the quality.

GRADING SYSTEMS: the most commonly and internationally used is the AAA-A scale, (AAA, AA and A) grading system. (Sometimes + is added to one of these to make an intermediate grading such as AA+ or A+. Some sellers use AAAA or AAA+ for individual, unmatched pearls.)

Pearls of AAA are recognized as gem-quality with flawless complexion, spherical shape, and intense luster. Even a single 'A' grade pearl will have good luster, be relatively smooth and fairly free of blemishes, and have a thin to medium nacre thickness.

There is also the so-called Tahitian system, which grades on an A to D scale. This system demands a nacre thickness of greater than 0.8mm.

Both of these grading systems focus primarily on the luster and surface quality of the pearl to determine its grade.

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has its own scale, the GIA trademarked '7 Pearl Value Factors': Pearl Size, Shape, Color, Nacre, Luster, Surface, and Matching.


Whatever the order the standards appear in, it is generally agreed that LUSTER is the most important factor in grading.
It is LUSTER that makes the pearl unique.
It is the pearl's radiant glow that comes from light reflecting off of the many layers of nacre.

The quality of the luster is related to the THICKNESS AND QUALITY OF THE NACRE.
The thicker the nacre and the thinner and the more numerous the layers of nacre in the pearl, the finer the luster and the more durable the pearl.

The SURFACE of the pearl is also a major factor. Smoothness and blemishes are very important in grading. No real pearl is absolutely smooth, and small blemishes can be ignored when the pearl has fine nacre and luster. Blemishes are less noticeable on pearls with higher luster.

SHAPE. Spherical pearls are the rarest; symmetrical ones, tear-drop shaped, for example, are still desirable, especially when well-matched. The more irregular, baroque ones are the least expensive usually, but are perfectly acceptable when mounted or set nicely. And a perfectly round pearl is very rare indeed. Since many non-spherical freshwater pearls have fabulous luster, roundness is not given as much value. Pearls with the best luster are better than pearls with with lesser luster but more
perfect roundness.

COLOR: A pearl's body color can be anywhere from white through gray, pink, gold, green, to black such as the Tahitian Black. Darker pearls range in color from dark bluish,
greenish, to peacock and multi-hued. The overtones are also important. A pearl whose body color is white (more expensive and sought-after) or cream may have subtle overtones of rose or pink, for example.

SIZE matters, too. Larger cultured pearls are rarer and more expensive. In particular, Akoya pearls over 7 millimeters become much more costly. Prices rise with each millimeter. The larger South Sea and Tahitian pearls increase dramatically in price with size: 100 or 200 percent with each millimeter.

MATCHING:  All of the above factors are important when matching the pearls in an item of jewelry. In a beaded strand the pearls usually graduate slowly and evenly in size, from the smallest at the back to the largest in the front. Pearls will not lay correctly if mismatched, and this reduces the aesthetics and the value of the piece.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit :

http://www.pearlsofjoy.com/Pearl-Grading_ep_46-1.html

http://www.tiffany925necklace.com/graduated-south-sea-shell-multicolor-pearl-necklace-16-p-1742.html

http://www.shecypearljewelry.com/pearl-guide/pearl-quality.html

Pearl For All

The natural pearl is one of the oldest known gems in the world and the only one produced inside a living being. Until just a hundred year ago, pearls were the preserve of aristocracy and royalty. And now, since sources of both freshwater and saltwater natural pearls have all but disappeared due to pollution and overfishing, the chances of finding a quality pearl in nature are literally a million to one.

Nowadays, pearls can be cultured in a natural controlled environment, either in sea water or fresh water. Though it may take years for a cultured pearl to develop fully, and the areas in which they can be cultivated are limited, they are no longer prohibitively expensive. The quality of freshwater pearls in particular is as fine as that of those cultivated in salt water and even rivals the natural pearl for iridescence and durability.

Natural handmade jewelry designs use the cultured freshwater pearl in a new collection featuring handmade necklaces, bracelets, earrings and earstuds in settings that accent the pearl's natural luster and appeal. In keeping with the trend for beaded jewelry, they are strung on pearl-friendly material such as linen, that does not grate against the nacre. A silver setting for earrings and studs offsets the pearl to its best advantage.

Freshwater pearls come in a greater variety of colors and shapes than their saltwater counterparts; they are all nacre, solid pearl, and cost a fraction of the price of saltwater pearls of equivalent quality. They are more resistant to wear and tear and when properly looked after can last indefinitely.

It used to be said that a strand of pearls is an essential item in a lady's jewelry collection, and for men it is a pearl tie pin or a pair of pearl cufflinks. More recently, earstuds or a single-pearl necklace or pendant on a leather cord have become popular items for both men and women.

Author : Michael Briton

Picture Credit : 

http://www.japanese-akoya-pearl.com/
http://www.beadinpath.com/PER-1189-p-freshwater_pearls_multi.html

Shamballa Jewelry

Shamballa was originally a legend of hidden kingdom that is mentioned in various ancient texts. Shamballa gradually came to be seen as a pure land, a fabulous kingdom whose reality is visionary or spiritual as much as physical or geographic. Today, Shamballa is regarded as a place of "peace, tranquility, and happiness". Some Tibetan medical texts those are believed to have come from this kingdom of Samballa describing human anatomy and physiology, sophisticated theories and methods of diagnosis, and ways to prevent and cure serious diseases. It is also said that Shamballa is the dharma chakra, located in the heart of all living beings. It is the symbol for the mind, completing the trinity of body, speech, and mind.

Shamballa jewelries, also known as Shambhala, Sambhala, and many other names that is recognized the ball bead fashion jewelry. Most of Shamballa bracelets are made from nylon string or waxed linen string featuring a traditional macrame manual toggle locking mechanism. The beads are made from plastic, metal, cubic zirconia stones, hematite, or diamonds.


Over the past year, huge rap and hip hop artists have been walking around the world with these Buddhist inspired shamballa bracelets and necklaces. Then there are many fans follow their idols and Shamballa bracelets and necklaces are become trends. First Shamballa jewelries are made from hematite and some metal, but many designers apply this Buddhist bracelet and necklace to become more fashionable by using gemstone, disco beads ball, and diamond with these jewelries. Shamballa bracelet or necklace has a greater meaning more than just chains or string that inspired from meditation and Buddhist history. They has individual meaning depend on the colors, shapes, and styles of each ball bead. Such as beads within some necklaces are made from semi-precious stones that may offer healing properties while combined with others. It is no wonder that many of today’s hip hop celebrities also wear these shamballa necklaces and bracelets for their own purposes more than fashion.

These Shambhala necklaces are not exclusive to the hip hop celebrities. Many other artists, athletes, actors and actresses have also been wore shamballa necklaces and bracelets. The disco ball bead necklaces can be seen around the necks of Heidi Klum, Keri Hilson, Beyonce, Michael Jordan, Lamar Odom and many more.

There are many ideas as to what these Shamballa bracelets represent, however the general idea is to promote your well being.

Referent:

http://www.kingice.com/Disco-Ball-Bead-Shamballa-Necklaces-100614.html

http://www.kingice.com/Disco-Ball-Bead-Shamballa-Bracelets-100613.html

Picture Credit:

http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/The-Cult-of-Shamballa/

http://www.ioffer.com/i/10mm-Black-Shamballa-Necklace-19-Yellow-Crystals-MC146B-201567876

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com/default.aspx?siteid=111&pageid=4509&productid=5774&lang=2

Type of Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is the main type of silver used in jewelry, ornaments, and dinnerware today. Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy. This silver is always stamped or hallmark as 925. The hallmark is depend on the percentage of pure silver in the sterling silver i.e. many silver jewelry from USA is 90.0% pure silver, so it is stamped 900 on the silver.

Fine Silver - is 99.9% pure silver. This silver is too soft to use for make the jewelry.

Alpaca Silver - is a metal alloy that is not silver at all. The Alpaca silver is combined with copper, nickle, and others metals. It's also called nickel silver, German silver, new silver and paktong. Frequently, the Alpaca silver is used to make the music instrument, but some manufacturers are used it to make jewelry. Because of its visual similarity to sterling silver jewelry and the price is not expensive, many consumers like to choose this instead real silver. Its stainless finish make the jewelry is easy to clean, requiring only lemon juice or mild soap to remove marks or tarnishing. On the others hand, the consumers that want the real silver and don't know the different between alpaca silver and sterling silver should beware some seller sells the alpaca silver jewelry and tell that is the real silver jewelry.


Mexican Silver - is called for describe the silver which made from Mexico. The Mexican silver is contained more than 90% pure silver. Most of silver jewelry from Mexico today is actually sterling silver.


Britannia Silver - is 95.85% pure silver and not over 4.16% copper alloyed. First, this silver type was introduce in England to replace sterling silver in 1697. Then in 1972, sterling was approve again and Britannia silver has remain an optional standard silver in UK and Ireland. The Britannia silver is hallmarked as 958, it is an even more pure form of silver than sterling silver. So it’s higher valuer.

Silver Plating - is the method to make the metal jewelry has a look like the silver jewelry. This process is also called electroplated silver or silver coated. Silver plating is normally using for base metal such as brass or nickel. The base metal is plated thin layer of pure silver. Even the plated metal is look like the sterling silver, but it tends to wear off quite quickly exposing the less than beautiful base metal.

Reference :

http://articles.fjewelrystore.com/silver-jewelry/warning-dont-buy-silver-jewellery-before-reading-this.html

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-alpaca-silver.htm

Picture Credit :

http://www.pinaymistress.com/how-to-clean-silver-jewelry-a-home-made-cleaner.html

The charming of Shiva eye shell

First content of this blog, we used to talk about "Shiva Eye Shell", and today we will offer you more information about this attractive shell and what is the charming of Shiva eye shell.

Shiva shell, also known as Shiva Eye or Pacific Cat's Eye is the protective covering at the opening of the Turban snail shell. Towards the end of the snail's natural life this protective door (also known as the operculum) detaches and sinks to the seabed.On one side of the Shiva eye shell is a beautiful spiral. The color varies from beige to deep green, depending on the sea snail's diet, while the background always remains a white. On the back side of the shell is a mesh of colors that similar with the color of the eye. When the mollusk living inside the shell detects danger it will close this protective door and expose this eye side, hoping to ward off the predator who thinks it is dealing with a much larger creature.

Absolutely that the charming of Shiva eye shell is the deep green spiral that contrast with the milky white shell. In addition, The spiral of Shiva eye shell is appeared in the style of "Golden Spiral", that is the best composition of arts. So this spiral is very attractiveness like a magic.

The names of Shiva eye shell are different by each area and legend. In the most area of Asia calls it as "Shiva Eye Shell" from the shape of spiral on the shell is similar with the symbol of the third eye of "Shiva" the god of Hinduism. They believe that the spiral is symbolizes of development and motion and is a strong and important symbol for protection against bad energies. On the other hands, many country in Europe such as France calls this shell as "Saint Lucy's Eye". The legend of Saint Lucy's eye said, through repeated prayers to the Virgin Mary, a young girl obtained her mother’s miraculous recovery from an incurable illness. She then ripped out her eyes and threw them into the sea to keep her suitors away and prevent herself from being diverted from her faith. She carried out many miracles. The Virgin Mary gave her even more beautiful eyes in response to her devotion. The operculum of the sea snail symbolizes Shiva eye.

Shiva eye shell also has the natural mineral and healing effects. The stone is a specially crystallized form of aragonite. In the same way as pearls, this is a calcium carbonate with the hardness rate of 4 to 4.5. Aragonite stimulates sensibility, is effective on your general well being in a calming way and lowers nervousness and tiredness. Because of its high amounts of calcium, the stone has as well a positive effect on aching muscles, joints, tissues and skin. 
"Why choosing Shiva eye?" By acquiring Shiva eye, you gain a new companion that often calls to you telepathically, inviting you to slip your hand into your pocket or bag and stroke the lovely, smooth mother-of-pearl with the tips of your fingers, obtaining decisive help, strength and support from it. You will enjoy many happy events, luck and good fortune that you attribute to your new guardian angel. Your language and thoughts will become more positive and as if by some miracle or magic that small, insignificant thing will grant many of your wishes.

Picture Credit:

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

Silver Jewelry

Silver has been use for thousands years ago for decoration, being equipment, for trade, and as the basis in monetary system. Silver does not the highest value of all metal, but it is the second only to gold. Even though the silver jewelry is much cheap than gold jewelry, it still valuable and popular from consumer and jeweler who are just starting out and cannot afford to make pieces in gold.


Normally, jewelry silver are made from sterling silver, as alloy 92.5% silver with 7.5% of copper. Thus the silver frequently stamped 925. But in U.S. the silver can contain at least alloy 90.0% silver with other metallic, this silver are stamped in 900.  The reason that the manufacturer do not use pure silver is the sterling silver is harder and has lower melting point than pure silver. Sterling silver jewelry are often plated with a thin rhodium or gold for bright and shiny look.

The most popular method for making the shape of silver is lost wax casting. Lost wax casting is made by put the model of silver jewelry between the several sheet of rubber in the silver box container. After the box container is heated in around 300 degree Fahrenheit, the rubbers are melted and cover all of the model. When the rubber has hardened, the solid block is cut in half revealing a perfect mold of the original desired design. This rubber block can be reused to make thousands of wax copies. Then injected the warm liquid wax with a syringe through a hole cut into the rubber block. When the warm wax hardens, the wax design is created. After that put the wax ring inside the small flask and fill the investment (powdered substance mixed with water that is similar in consistency to liquid plaster) around the wax model slowly to guard against bubbles of air left in the flask. The investment takes about 10 minutes for harden. Next, baking the flask which contained wax and investment in high temperature for several hours for a result of the wax to be lost by melting and evaporation. After the flask is cooled, the caster will place the flask in a casting machine for use a vacuum to draw molten silver into the mold. After the processing of casting machine finished and take a time for silver cooling down and harden, you can take the silver out from the flask and carving the investment out. The last processing is wash the silver, polish, and thin plate with fine silver or rhodium for more bright and shiny.

Reference:

http://www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go340/silver.htm

Picture Credit:

http://www.jewelryschool.net/waxdesign.htm

Pearl Earrings

The jewelry market is always changing in terms of fashion and style it uses. If we talk about the earrings we come to know that there are so many designs out there to select from. There are so many things to keep in mind before purchasing these earrings such as metal , shape weight ext....
For example the earring in the picture are 92.5 sterling silver  
But now other metals and substances are also used to make these earrings. Pearl earrings are one of the most  popular desings today.
They come with different colors and shapes which give an elegant look and boost your personality when you wear them.

Pearl earrings are very simple and available for all population levels as the pearls have different grades then they have also different prices ,and still looks precious. That is why pearl earrings are worn by people who have the taste for simple things. It is a fact that there are so many royal families in the world who prefer pearl over diamond jewelry. The reason is that they are very natural and symbol of permanence. Pearls are really unique in nature if we talk about the quality.

The pearl earrings are very beautiful and designed according to the taste of every customer. Every woman should have this earring. These earrings are great quality, and they are able to add style to your cloth. It is not difficult for anybody to take care of the pearl earrings. It is possible for you to take care of your lovely pearl earrings. They are produced by natural creations. Because pearls are natural that’s why they don’t react with chemicals, which are used in cleaning the pearl earrings. These pearl earrings can be worn with other jewelries like engagement rings, cubic zircon necklaces and eternity bands.

Wood with Handmade Jewelry

Wood is the most popular one of material to make the handmade jewelry. Also our business, the wooden earring is very popular and most interested by many customers. Many people don't know and have no any information about wood that the manufacturer use for make the jewelry. So they cannot differentiate between each woods. Today we will tell about some kind of wood which always use to make jewelry.

Teak Wood - This is the most wood that often used for making jewelry. Teak woods are from Teak trees are tall evergreens that grow well in places such as Southeast Asia, Hawaii and Costa Rica where the weather remains warm and humid and rain is consistent. The teak wood is hard strong durable yellowish-brown wood.

Palm Wood - Coconut palm wood, which is abundant in defunct coconut plantations in Southeast Asia and even in working plantations that need to have senile palms culled, has a stippled patterning and coloring as thrilling as endangered woods such as ebony and teak.

Rosewood - refers to any of a number of richly hued timbers, often brownish with darker veining, but found in many different hues. All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish. Most are made for bangle and ring.

 Sandalwood - Normally, the sandalwood are often used for the essential oil, but their fine-grained is also suit for making jewelry and another furniture. The wood is heavy and yellow in color as well as fine-grained.

Tamarind wood - The wood is a bold red color. Due to its density and durability, tamarind heartwood can be used in making jewelry such as earring, ring, necklace or etc.

Reference :

http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-03-15/home-and-garden/17212376_1_bamboo-wood-coconut

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5005168_information-teak-wood-farming.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandalwood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamarind

Photo credit :

http://www.naturalhandmadejewelry.com

Fashion Jewelry Color Trends for Spring 2011

First, we have to say HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 to all. we wish the happiness are full filled in your life. Absolutely that there are many things new on the fashion cat walks in the new year. Also for this year, many things new and many things are flash back fashion.

As we used to tell in the blog post about "Jewelry Trends in 2011" that the trends for this year is big, metal, motif design, and etc. But there are other one trend that also hot in this year is Faux Gemstone or Synthetic gemstone (also called fake gemstone). Go for resin and acrylic faux gemstones as they look gorgeous and appear startlingly authentic. Big singular baubles or a cluster of faux gemstones in an opulent hue are both eye catching and dramatic. Especially when mix and match with the color trends for this season that make the jewelry look more attractiveness.

The jewelry designers have chosen for the jewelry color for spring season present an interesting marriage of unexpected warm and perfect tones, The color names for jewelry color for spring 2011 season are Russet, Silver Peony and Silver Cloud.

Russet is classic brown color with a reddish tinge. In terms of jewelry, Smoky quartz is a popular variety of quartz and inexpensive. Other Russet jewelry color: Tiger’s Eye and Banded Agate

Silver Peony is a natural skin tone, fresh and light. The Gemstones jewelry for this Pantone will be Red Jasper on the low end and a light Golden Topaz for the other extreme.

Silver Cloud is the quintessential neutral that can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet. The perfect jewelry for silver cloud: Gray Cat’s Eye, Quartz with Gray rutilization and lighter tones of natural Hematite.

Reference :

http://www.suite101.com/content/best-jewelry-trends-for-20102011-a276371

http://www.jewellerygem.com/2010/12/jewelry-color-for-spring-2011-trends/

Photo credit :

http://skywalker.cochise.edu/wellerr/gemlinks/gem-links-tp.htm

http://bakati.com/s~q-Photo%20Jasper%20stone.aspx

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=280612658885