Thursday, February 21, 2008

Eternity Ring History

By Ian A. Maher

The history of the eternity ring goes back almost four thousand years. Ancient Egyptians are thought to be the first to make and wear eternity rings. Eternity rings are essentially a continuous circle of metal studded with stones either halfway or all the way around. Early eternity rings were meant to symbolize eternal life and love. The unending, unbroken circle of precious metal represents a never-ending circle of trust, or the circle of life. Eternity rings today symbolize an everlasting relationship of love and are commonly used for wedding or anniversary bands.

Early eternity rings featured stones that went halfway around the shank of the ring. They also further set their meaning in stone when they were fashioned to look like a snake swallowing its own tail. This snake swallowing its tail eternity ring really helped solidify the meaning of the continuous circle as the eternal symbol of love and life. Eternity rings were originally made with the stones flush mounted. This is where the stones are actually embedded into the metal. The flush setting makes for a very comfortable wear. If the stones are too large or protrude from the sides too far, then they can be uncomfortable between your fingers.

Modern eternity rings are usually channel set for comfort and larger stones are avoided. Channel set refers to how the stones are encased by the metal only on the edges of the shank. This is not to be confused with claw set where the stones are raised above the shank and held on by prongs. Claw set is almost exclusively used for half eternity rings so that the prongs do not irritate the skin on the surrounding fingers. Modern advances in jewelry crafting have actually made full claw set eternity rings much more comfortable and popular. Channel and claw set eternity rings give a more brilliant shine to the stones used than the flush mount setting, but some still prefer the original embedded stone eternity rings.

The meaning of an eternity ring traditionally is eternal love, but it is really open for individual interpretation. Couples very often come up with their own meanings. Eternity rings are used for wedding bands and vibrantly compliment diamond solitaire engagement rings. They are becoming increasingly popular as anniversary bands or right hand rings. But, you can give an eternity ring for any occasion. The birth of a child is a very appropriate time to give an eternity ring. In this instance, it could symbolize the eternity of your new family or your never-ending love and compassion for your wife who has helped you create this new life. Some like to say that it symbolizes the eternity that it took for the baby to arrive or some other personal meaning to you as a couple. As an anniversary gift, it could symbolize the eternity that you will be together or how it has felt like an eternity being married.

Whatever meaning you come up with, an eternity ring will leave a lasting impression and most definitely become an heirloom and beautiful conversation piece for years to come. The long-lasting reputation and never ending popularity of the eternity ring will ensure that it never goes out of style and is always admired and loved. Showing your love with eternity rings is a long standing tradition and will surely make your special someone feel loved and appreciated.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_A._Maher

Diamond Rings and Their Cuts

By Ian A. Maher

Diamond rings are certainly the most popular rings in the world. They are widely used for engagement, but are also very commonly used for anniversary gifts, graduation rings and congratulatory rings, as with the birth of a child. If you are in the market for diamond rings, then you probably have a lot of questions about cut, carat, clarity and quality. Here we will focus on the cut of diamond that you may prefer. Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, so the one you choose will have some personal significance. Although no two diamonds are identical, there are nine basic cuts that you can choose from.

The princess cut is the most popular today. This is a square cut diamond with added facets for fire and brilliance. Square diamonds are beautiful, but have lost out in the popularity contest with round brilliants in the past. That is why the princess cut has become so popular lately. The old style of square cut just didn't sparkle like the round cuts did. The princess cut brings you the sparkle of the round cut in a beautiful, sophisticated square shape.

The asscher cut diamond is a square diamond with the corners cut off. This helps eliminate chipping risks. The asscher doesn't have all of the facets of the princess cut, but does have a unique sparkle. Higher quality diamonds are generally used for the asscher cut because its design can show flaws more vividly than more brilliant cuts. The emerald cut is basically the same, but more of a rectangle shape. The emerald cut can also show flaws if the quality of the diamond is not high enough.

The cushion cut diamond is rectangular with the corners rounded. It has more facets than the emerald cut and can more effectively hide flaws. It has more sparkle and brilliance, but doesn't show the clarity that an emerald or asscher cut can. Similar to the cushion, asscher and emerald cut is the radiant cut. This is a marvelously faceted rectangular cut. The corners are cut off and the facets are triangular like the popular round brilliant.

An oval cut is very beautiful with its smooth lines and sparkling facets. This is a good alternative for people who love round brilliants but prefer something a little more unique. Another unique shape that really sparkles is the heart shaped diamond. The pear cut and marquise cut are also popular alternatives to the traditional round brilliant. All are beautiful and have lots of facets to sparkle. Pear cut diamonds are round on one end and come to a point on the other, like a teardrop. Marquise cut diamonds are oval with a point on two ends, giving them a unique yet feminine shape.

Whatever styles of diamond rings you are considering, you're sure to make an impression with any shape of diamond that you choose. Make shopping for diamond rings fun by educating yourself on what types of diamonds are out there before you shop. Buying diamond rings is an experience that you should feel good about. Once you've decided on the right one for that special someone in your life, you're sure to win her heart.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_A._Maher

Tag Watch - The Unique Face Of An Essential Tool

By Korbin Newlyn

It has often been noted that imitation is the greatest type of flattery. This often reveals itself as true as men and women of the younger generation attempt to emulate those people, who they revere, that might be considered by most to be a sports star or is in the entertainment business. For instance, when the immortalized band of the Beatles were at the height of their popularity numerous young men would try to imitate the way that they dressed or tried to have their hair styled the way the Beatles had it done.

There is a similar type or imitation going on in the world of manufacturing. This happens when a certain product becomes highly popular or when there is an association with being a product that is considered by many to be luxurious. One such example would include clothing that contains a designers label attached to it.

Very often, people who are unscrupulous will produce a product that is highly similar to the original product and then attempt to trick their customers by putting a designers label onto that fake piece of clothing. An additional type of imitation of success is in the industry of expensive watches. One such watch that has many competitors that attempt to match the watches various characteristics is the Tag watch.

History

The founder of the Tag watch was Edouard Heuer and it is with him that the history of the Tag watch began. The date he founded the company was in the year 1860. His primary goal was to give people timepieces that functioned with precision.

In the beginning, Heur's enthusiasm was focused in creating timepieces that would be utilized in sports where keeping track of time was vital. The dedication and achievement of this watch is evidenced in contemporary society as the official timepieces of such sports as sail boating, snow skiing, and Formula 1 racing.

The organization has invariably strived to outdo its competitors in as many areas of time tracking and management as could be achieved. In time, due to the fact of their ongoing upgrades and implementation of improved processes they inevitably became regarded as the "avant-garde of watch making".

Hallmark

The Tag watch is associated with numerous special developments. One of these notable accomplishments was to the the first watch manufacturer, in the year, 1916, to enable the measurement of time using their time pieces, down to the hundredth of a second.

Quality

The quality of the Tag watch is not only evidenced by its precision in the tracking of time but by the way that it is constructed. The Tag watch is constructed from the highest quality materials which includes the use of stainless steel. It also has a very easy to read face.

Additionally, in an effort to consistently improve their time pieces, the Tag watch organization has achieved numerous patents that have demonstrated their persistent devotion as well as commitment to improving their particular product as well as the science of time keeping in general. The Tag watch is considered by many to not simply be a reliable watch, but also associated with being an item that is luxurious in the world of timepieces.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of fine jewelry. If you would like to learn more go to Watch Band advice and at Guess Watch tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Korbin_Newlyn

Identifying Valuable Cameos

By Jon Kreps

Found on everything from necklaces to watches, the cameo remains a popular design today despite having roots that date back more than two thousand years. No trace of the design can be found during the Dark Ages but it started to resurface again in the Age of Enlightenment. Popularity for the cameo really exploded because of Napoleon Bonaparte. You can now find cameos embedded into just about any type of jewelry imaginable, like: rings, watches, bracelets, and pendants.

By and large, a cameo can be identified by the portrait which adorns each and every piece. Buying valuable pieces that will appreciate in value boils down to knowing how to spot the hidden gems in flea markets and online auctions. The materials used when crafting the portrait will play the largest role in price determination. Learning how to distinguish the various materials used to create the portraits is vital to determining value. Materials used to create cameos include:

Abalone

Agate

Bone

Coral

Glass

Ivory

Plastic

Stone

Wood

But looks can be deceiving and there are a lot of great imitations out there made out of plastic. Cheaper cameos will have a molded portrait while your more valuable pieces will be carved. Some of your really cheap molded versions will appear shiny and may even have blended colors. Molded cameos made from something called Bake Lite, however, can actually command more than some carved versions.

Despite the few exceptions, most molded pieces are not worth very much money so you want to avoid them where possible. The key to cameo collecting is to avoid those molded pieces and focus on identifying quality carved pieces. Rounded features and a marked lack of precise or sharp lines are hallmarks of molded pieces. Learning the distinguishing features of the molded cameos will help you avoid them and focus instead on the more profitable carved pieces.

Owing to their fine craftsmanship and superior materials, carved cameos will almost always command more value than any molded piece. The great diversity of materials used in creating carved cameos means collectors have a lot of things to look for when trying to identify a specific piece. Authentic shell cameos will have crisp lines along with a thin back. However, some carved cameos will have a thicker back like those made from mother of pearl or abalone. The infamous "two-toned" effect common to many of the most prized cameos is often found in pieces made from agate, the same substance used by the Greeks to create the very first known examples of the design.

But while the carved pieces made from mother of pearl, shell, and other similar materials are all worth money, those made from stone tend to be even more valuable. There are many fakes out there that will look like a stone piece but careful examination should tell otherwise. Unless the back of the portrait is undercarved, avoid it because it is a fake glass imitator. Unlike their shell and coral cousins, the carved stone cameos are much rarer but they can still be found by seasoned collectors who know how to spot them.

By simply taking the time to learn how to spot the valuable pieces, the rewards of finding those hidden gems makes everything worthwhile. Genuine carved pieces appreciate in value and will almost always have greater detail than a plastic or glass piece. In the end, value really does boil down to carved or molded. For over two thousand years we humans have been in love with the cameo and it looks to remain that way for the next two millennia as well.

Jon Kreps is a jewelry expert specializing in vintage cameos, indian jewelry, and authentic costume jewelry. To learn more about cameos or other vintage jewelry, visit http://www.vintagetemptations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Kreps

Buying the Best Cameos

By Jon Kreps

While spotting the cameo design is simple enough thanks to the classic portrait which adorns each piece, assessing value is another problem entirely. When a person knows what to look for, they can find absolute gems out there for pennies on the dollar. One of the easiest ways to identify the valuable pieces is by looking closely at the materials used to create both the portrait and the piece itself. Actually, cameos have been and are currently made from a wide range of materials, including:

Agate

Glass

Bone

Coral

Ivory

Plastic

The truth is, however, that plastic can be made to replicate just about any natural material. The unique and valuable cameos will be carved and made from your better materials while the molded ones are mass-produced knock-offs. Manmade materials are used to create the molded cameos and they will tend to weigh much less than a carved version. Carved versions are typically worth more but some molded cameos made from Bake Lite can actually be more valuable.

For the most part, however, most molded cameos are quite literally a waste of time for the serious collector. Collecting cameos can be profitable when you know what to look for. Collectors can identify glass cameos by looking on the back of the piece for the appearance of mold marks or ridges. Since the carved pieces are where all the money is at, be sure to remember how to identify the imitation pieces.

The materials and time investment needed to create the carved cameos are what makes them more valuable than the molded pieces. Made from things like bone, shell, and even wood, the specific identifying features for carved cameos varies according to the material used when making it. The cheaper plastic versions can be spotted upon close inspection of the portrait and will feature few precise lines and poor detail. The thin back and precise lines are common to most carved cameos but those made from mother of pearl or abalone will actually have a thick, flat back. Many of the finer pieces are carved from agate, a layered substance that produces a brilliant dual-colored effect.

Collectors are well advised to buy carved cameos made from shell, agate, and abalone but they should be especially motivated to find those made from stone. Many glass imitations are specifically designed to mimic a stone cameo so you have to know what to look for. At the junction between the portrait and plaque, there will be a slight concave curve to the back of the portrait creating a slight gap. Stone cameos are perhaps the most likely to appreciate in value and are definite collector's items.

It takes knowledge and experience to really collect cameos for serious profit. If the piece is shiny or seems to have few sharp lines or detail, it is most likely plastic or glass. Abalone, mother of pearl, and some wood pieces will have thick, flat backs while the other carved pieces will tend to be thinner and have undercarving. Investing in vintage cameos can be a great way to have some fun while building a reliable nest egg.

Jon Kreps is a jewelry expert specializing in vintage cameos, Indian jewelry, and authentic costume jewelry. To learn more about cameos or other vintage jewelry, visit http://www.vintagetemptations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Kreps

Designer Inspired Jewelry Is An Affordable Quality Alternative

By Joe Smart

Designer Inspired Jewelry is the cost efficient solution to keeping up with the latest trends while effectively managing your budget. Since fashion trends are constantly changing it becomes expensive to update your collection with high priced designer jewelry.

You can have a designer image for a lot less money if you wear quality designer inspired jewelry instead, AND it will look just as impressive. Even a trained eye will find it difficult to tell the difference. Why pay retail designer prices when affordable inspired jewelry will make the same impression?

The impressive combinations found in designer inspired jewelry are incredible to look at. It is even more amazing how these designers are able to replicate the pieces to the finest detail, providing beautiful creations that are durable and practical. They attract attention and yet the price is much more affordable than the real thing.

There are designer inspired jewelry for women, men, & even babies. They are inspired by famous designers such as Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, Chopard, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Bulgari/ Bvlgari, Hermes, Stephen Lagos, Fred Leighton, Judith Ripka, Harry Winston, Heidi Klum, Tiffany, David Yurman, Michelle Round Deco, Van Clef & Arpel, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kieselstein, Juicy Couture, Vera Wang, Majorica and other famous designers.

Designer inspired jewelry includes necklaces, pendants, engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, ankle bracelets, watches, cufflinks, chains, pins, brooches, baby gifts, baby charms, chandelier earrings, and jewelry accessories. You can even copy the fashion trends of your favorite hollywood stars with celebrity inspired jewelry.

These inspired pieces are made from the highest quality materials available, such as diamonds, sterling silver, yellow & white gold, cubic zirconium (CZ's), gemstones, jewels, pearls, stainless steal & turquoise. They might not use the exact same material as the original but they sure look as if they do.

It can truly and honestly be said that there is something for everyone when it comes to choosing designer inspired jewelry. You don't have to worry too much about your budget because, thanks to the Internet, there is something available for every budget imaginable. Even the wealthiest people on the planet wear them because it is a great way to keep up with the ever-changing fashion trends.

With the whirlwind of fashion trends, designer inspired jewelry gives you the flexibility to update your look on a whim. Who needs the real thing when you can opt for enormous diversity from affordable, quality alternatives? Mix and match the pieces in your jewelry box to achieve chic day and elegant evening looks or rich winter and bright summer styles. They truly do look like the real thing.

Check out thousands of celebrity and designer inspired jewelry pieces at Designer Inspired Jewelry

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Smart

Brazilian Gold Jewelry

By Alexandra Zeb

If you're like me, you're a gal who doesn't just want to be caught up with the fashion trends, you want to be way, way ahead of them. For instance, I take special pride in announcing what I think is going to be the newest, hot thing, and then (hopefully) watching it actually happen. A while back I wrote about the importance of cuff bracelets and then watched in amazement as my prediction came to fruition at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Fantasia strutted down the red carpet with their beautiful, bling bangles. Now that cuff bracelets are omnipresent, it's time to move on to what I feel will undoubtedly be the next best thing ... Brazilian gold jewelry.

So here's the skinny fashion-savvy chicas, and you won't be disappointed that you read this! I have no doubt in my mind that Brazilian gold jewelry, is going to be one of the next biggest trends for this year, in case you want to head up these gorgeous gems before they hit the scene. In fact, I've already seen British songstress Natasha Beddingfield donning a bracelet, in the infamous yellow-gold shades that are well-known to Brazilian jewelry.

Having been to several trade shows in New York City, I often get an unfair (and sweet) insight into the upcoming trends. In the most recent shows I've seen a sudden, yet subtle, increase in Brazilian distributors. However, Brazilian jewelry is very difficult to find which adds to its exclusivity. Another reason why I believe it will be a huge hit with stylish celebs. Even among jewelry retailers, Brazilian jewelry is extremely difficult to find, making it quite the hot commodity. This is probably due to several factors, including shipping fees, customs investigations, language barriers, time difference, etc..

How do I spot Brazilian jewelry, you ask? Look for that yellow-gold hue, which typically means that the piece is 18 Karat Gold plated. Also, Brazilian designers weave intricate designs, with an emphasis on geometric patterns. Another method known to Brazilian jewelry is the brushed gold effect, where the jewelry actually has gold brush strokes on the surface, which creates an absolutely beautiful and unique effect. And lastly, Brazilian jewelry often has a very rustic, even Egyptian, look and feel to it. Brilliantly colored gems are often attached to ring bands and necklace chains with woven gold wires.

So keep an eye out, I have a feeling you will soon see Brazilian gold jewelry popping up all over the place!

Alexandra is the Head of Marketing and Sales for Mademoiselle Jewelry - a company that was founded on the principal that jewelry is art. Mademoiselle Jewelry specializes in unique jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, and designer jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is hand selected for quality, uniqueness, and creativity. Mademoiselle Jewelry also carries jewelry lines specifically designed for men and children.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexandra_Zeb