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

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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