Wholesale diamond

Role of Diamond Wholesalers in Diamond Trading



Diamond trading begins with the rough sorting of diamonds in the diamond exchanges. After this sorting starts the largest and by far the most important step which is the wholesale marketing of a diamond.

Diamonds go through the hands of many wholesale traders before reaching the retail outlets, for me and you to buy it. Hence diamond wholesalers marketing largely influences the price, quality and quantity of retail diamonds that reach the international markets.

Though diamond traders play an important role in diamond trading they are largely controlled by diamond exchanges. Since diamond exchanges are large and powerful, they enjoy a monopoly in the diamond industry.

The main reason for this monopoly is that only a few wholesale dealers are allowed to buy loose diamonds from the exchange and that too under many unprofitable norms and conditions.

These wholesalers are also referred as "sight-holders". They have to buy the packet of loose wholesale diamond the way it is and enjoy no freedom of quality and price negotiation.

The work of popularization of diamond jewelry is also undertaken by them. In fact, wholesale dealers who are unable to increase their markets substantially loose the rights of sight holding very quickly.

Wholesale diamond jewelry is distributed sometimes by companies as well, but actually they also get the loose diamonds for processing from the wholesale dealers. Wholesale dealers hence perform a very important task of diamond popularization and hence they help to boost up the diamond trading industry.

The price of the wholesale diamond jewelry largely depends on the length of the supply chain. It means that the more number of wholesale traders involved in the whole process, beginning from the diamond exchange and ending in the retail outlet, the higher will be the retail price of the diamond jewelry.

The very same factor also influences the quality of the product as well. A long supply chain means a thorough processing of the jewel. It will yield better finished products when compared to the ones that are produced by processing in a hasty manner.

Hence a good balance is moreover maintained between the price and the quality of the product. It is not that you end up paying a large amount for a hurriedly finished product.

All the credit for this balance must go to the wholesale dealers who through their price and quality negotiating tactics regulate the diamond market. A lot of variation can be easily seen between the situations of wholesale traders in various countries.

In countries like Israel and USA, which have their own diamond exchanges, the position of the traders is better. They get more freedom in buying wholesale loose diamond.

Most exchanges tend to offer special privileges to the traders of their own country. This hence leads to an uneven regulation of markets. This clearly reflects on the importance of wholesale traders in regulating the diamond markets. Wholesale diamond trading is developing day by day and it is leading to an increased popularization of the diamond industry. ( By R Govindan )

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Diamond cross pendant

Diamond Cross Pendant is a Jewelry Classic


Is there a special woman in your life that deserves an extra special gift? You might consider that jewelry classic - the diamond cross pendant. It is a gift that is always appropriate and always appreciated for its beauty and meaning.

Women of every age can wear diamond cross pendants anywhere, whether they are religious or not. A diamond cross always look right, whether at a church service or at sophisticated cocktail parties. Diamond cross pendants can be beautiful symbols of faith or merely understated fashion accents.

You may be surprised at the many styles are available. Crosses are available with just a simple diamond at the center of a gold, silver or even wooden cross. Or, the cross may be made up solely of the diamonds and their settings. Very tiny simple crosses look lovely on a little girl at her Baptism or First Communion. Teenagers and young adults often opt for larger, ornate crosses with diamonds of varying sizes. These go particularly well with today's Gothic look. Quite often there are matching rings and earrings available to make a lovely set.

Diamonds don't have to be the sole gemstone on your cross pendant. Women often like to combine their diamonds with their birthstone or other favored gems. One wonderful idea is to have a diamond cross pendant studded with the birthstones of her husband, her children and/or her grandchildren. Or, you can make one to match their diamond promise ring. These become cherished heirlooms.

There are hardly any occasions in which it would be inappropriate to give a diamond cross. Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries are ideal occasions as well as weddings and special religious observances. Milestones such as Confirmations, graduations and retirements can be marked with this precious jewelry. Giving it at Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Sweetest Day would be appreciated too. "Just because" gifts are often the best of all.

Presenting the pendant in an elegant gift box is always right. But why not make the presentation extra special: This Easter put the pendant inside a hollow chocolate Easter egg or bunny. Hang it around the neck of an Easter stuffed animal. If you're not giving it at Easter, try to find another occasion-related item in which to hide the pendant. Or, hang it from the rearview mirror of her car? (In any event, make sure she finds it. There is a story of a valuable engagement ring being hidden in a chocolate Easter egg. The intended did not open it right away and in fact, exchanged the egg (and the ring) for something else. The story goes the ring was never found.) Don't let this happen to you.

A diamond cross pendant is a beautiful gift that never goes out of style. Give her a gift she will treasure always. She will always remember and appreciate your thoughtfulness. ( By Kurt A. Schefken )

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Diamond pendants

Choosing the Perfect Diamond Pendant Can Make You Outshine



A female neckline is highly astonishing to look at and thus it calls to be specially adorned with a beautiful jewelry piece. The diamond pendants are classical and unique jewelry items that can actually do great wonders. While choosing the diamond pendant, it is crucial to consider the wearer's contours. There is a large variety of diamond pendants available from the round shaped to asscher cut pendants. While one style looks best with casual wear, the other style might look good at special occasions like weddings. These pendants are not just available for the women lot, now the men can also flaunt a beautiful piece of pendant in a chain. The pendants are now available in different designs and styles like the "heart and arrow", the "u and me" that can be simply used to have a great feeling of love.

The diamond pendant looks great when matched with beautiful beads. This simply makes bold avowal and is just perfect for both the formal as well as casual wear. The blend of unique styling and materials make the perfect gemstone pendant.

These pendants can be offered for any occasion and indeed are a splendid surprise gift to be presented to your loved ones. They are surely an ultimate experiment that the wearer will enjoy. In case you are not sure of what buying for your dear ones for the festive season, diamond pendant can be the best pick as it can match with anything wear making you look amazingly beautiful. The diamond pendant is a brilliant ornament to be worn at any event. Throughout the holiday season, one of the gift products that can be purchased is surely the diamond pendant. As soon as you plan to have the pendant necklace as a present, it is a great idea to have some unique chains matching your pendant.

The common shape for diamond to be placed inside the pendant is pear shaped one. This type of a diamond is selected for a diamond pendant as it is most beautiful and reflective when displayed in the vertical position. As the pear shaped diamonds can be utilized for the engagement rings, dangles in ears and suits the necklaces, they are also an important part of the custom designs for a pendant.

The delicate pendants look simply awesome when matched with a unique gold chain. A slender neck with halter style dress wearing the pear shaped pendant looks just mesmerizing. The blend of glass types and colors form a brilliantly unique pendant.

Last but not least, you can even make your own style statement with the gemstone pendant. The coin pendant can also prove to be the perfect choice to be included in your jewelry collection. You can engrave any symbol or your own name on the diamond pendant as well to make it look superb. ( By Rich Vial )

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Pearl pendants

Single Pearl Necklace FAQ

Q. What is a single pearl necklace?

A. A single pearl necklace can mean multiple things. Sometimes it refers to a necklace with only one strand but more commonly it refers to just one pearl on a chain. Pearl pendants are similar to, and in fact are often synonymous with single pearl necklaces.

Q. What types are available?

A. As above, you may find one pearl on a chain the most common. However, you may see a "caged" pearl - for example, a heart pendant with a pearl inside. Because you only need one for these necklaces, your options are wide open! Akoya are the classic white, cream, or rose color and are very high quality. Freshwater ones come in nearly every color and their thick nacre makes them quite durable. Finally, consider South Sea pearls for their golden color or Tahitian for their striking hues and lovely orient.

Q. Are pearl pendants/single pearl necklaces as fashionable as strands?

A. Not only are these necklaces fashionable, but they are more modern than their classic counterparts! Keep in mind that pearl strands are traditionally restricted by age. Teenagers wearing pearl ropes, for example, are thought to be too grown up or wearing things that are inappropriate to their age. You do not have to worry about this with a pendant. Not only that, these necklaces will not overwhelm petite or delicate figures.

Q. How much do they cost?

A. If you have ever compared the prices of pearls and felt your jaw drop at some of them, you are in for a treat! Whereas you could pay thousands or hundres of thousands for a high quality 18" Akoya necklace, their single pearl cousins may cost only five hundred dollars or at most a thousand. Basically you are able to save money because you only need to pay for one pearl. This means you can buy any type that you choose for a reasonable price!

Q. Where can I buy a single pearl necklace?

A. They are available at most online retailers such as Amazon, Pearl Paradise, Unique Pearls, or Overstock.com. You may also find them in department stores both on- and offline. Try checking Nordstrom, Macy's or JCPenney, for example. ( By Elle G )

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Custom jewelry

Custom Jewelry - Is it Always the Best Decision?

If you are fond of jewelry, then you are probably fairly familiar with various kinds of jewelry and jewelry designs. You may also know that custom jewelry designs are now one of the most popular alternatives for jewelry customers.

There is, however, one very important question regarding the utility of the custom jewelry designs. You need to know that the custom jewelry or custom designs are not always the right choice for everyone. However, if you want an abundance of choices and the ability to design your piece to your exact style, fashion, and budget then custom jewelry design is something you should research immediately.

Lets next talk about some of the advantages that custom jewelry offers over traditional models.

Not all the jewelry designs are going to suit all types of women or girls. It is true that there are innumerable varieties of the jewelry designs in the jewelry shop, but the fact remains that you might be dreaming of a particular style that is simply not featured in the standard collections. In that case, the best option for you is to pursue custom jewelry design. You will then get the exact style and fashion you desire.

There is also another advantage to utilizing custom jewelry designers. You have control over how much you want to spend on it and how heavy the jewelry items will be. You also have the scope to decide which stones the jewelry pieces will include. For instance, if you decide to buy a custom ring, you can decide whether you would want a diamond or a ruby as the gem of choice.

It is true that the jewelry stores and even the online jewelry providers have jewelry pieces that are of the latest fashion and some that are of the traditional designs. However, choice of designs is something that most amazingly varies from individual to individual. The more interesting thing is that there is something special about wearing jewelry that has been custom hand crafted. When someone asks you about the jewelry you are wearing, you can feel proud of having designed it on your own.

Price is also a matter of great advantage. It is not like going to a shop and choosing one from what is on display. Very often, you may pick up a piece that you like but the price may be too much for you. Alternatively, you may find something to suit your budget but the style is not to your liking. With custom designed jewelry, you can have total control over the designs, and thus ultimately what the final price will be. ( By Andy Moquin )

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Pearl bracelets

Shining Pearls As Pearl Bracelets For Children

Pearl can be precious as well as semiprecious, but it looks beautiful and elegant on any occasion. Pearl bracelets for children are available in the market and are worn just for fun, as the children love to wear jewelry especially the one that has pearls and beads in it. But at the time of purchasing the pearl bracelets for children from the online store, it is essential to check for all details of the piece of jewelry as any glitches in the designing of the jewelry may lead to serious complications.

One must be careful when putting pearl bracelet for children in the child's hand as the children have a tendency to put everything in their mouth, hence they need to be monitored at all time. The string of the beaded bracelet must be durable enough and should be replaced easily. Pearly look is appealing and small children are often attracted to this piece of jewelry as it has ball like pearls stringed together. The pearl bracelets for children look good on any occasion whether it is a casual outing to the shopping malls or a birthday party.

Pearl is obtained from Mother Nature and many people often wear pearls as they look very beautiful and have timeless appeal about them. In fact, pearl bracelets for the children can be found under the section for beaded bracelets at various online stores. But, it is important to purchase the bracelets from a reputed firm and also ask the vendor to show the authenticity certificate for the pearls before closing the deal. This is a very feasible method of buying pearl bracelets that are easily available online. ( By Tom Schavo )

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Discount jewelry

Where to Get Your Discount Jewelry Appraisals


If you recently bought a vintage item at a discount jewelry store and you really want to know its real value, you can have it appraised. How should you do it and who can you approach? Read on below.

Look for Clues
Before looking for a professional appraiser, check for clues in the jewelry itself that can somehow give you a hint of the item's history. Look for markings like letters and numbers.

The letters "GF" means gold-filled and "HGE" for heavy gold electroplate. GF and HE pieces are of less value than those with markings like 14K and 10K. Pure gold is 24 Karats but it is too soft to hold the jewelry's shape so most gold jewelry is mixed with other metals. The higher the K, the more gold mixed with the other metals.

For silver jewelry, sterling is the highest grade and can be marked as .925, 92.5 or 925. However, the value of your vintage discount jewelry is not only directly proportional to its composition. Some items are valued more for the date it was made, manufacturer or who owned it before.

Consult Local Antique Stores
Most local antique stores have in-house appraisers that charge nominal fees. You can have your discount jewelry appraised and have an idea on how valuable the item is.

Look for a Professional Jewelry Appraiser
Ask your friends and other vintage jewelry enthusiasts if they know somebody who is a practicing professional appraiser. It is important to have your item professionally appraised if you want it covered by your insurance company. ( By Arya Yuda )

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Fashion necklaces

Teenage Fashion Necklace Styles

Jewelry is a great way to dress fashions that you are wearing. You can take a plain black dress and give it many looks with the jewelry that you choose to wear with it. There are many different styles of jewelry that you can choose from cheap custom to expensive. Being a teenager you will want to be fashionable and wear pieces that make a statement, look good and you can afford.

Teenagers will choose necklaces that will be delicate or big and powerful. This is a decision that each person would make. You can wear the necklace that will make a bling statement that everyone will see and will be a major part of the outfit. The nice thing about the bling necklaces is that you can wear it with simple clothing and have everyone's eyes go right to the piece of jewelry. For a daintier look with the softer looking pieces of fashion, wearing the single chain with a little delicate charm will give you the look that you are trying to achieve.

One of the most popular types of necklaces is the personalized name one with your name on. These come with and without small stones in them.

The other popular type of necklace is the friendship necklace, where each one of the friend will wear a part of the chain and the charms will intertwine. This is really popular when you are dating someone.

You don't have to spend a lot of money on your jewelry but you will want to pick great pieces out to start your jewelry collection and make the statements that you want to make when you wear it. You will keep adding to it over the next years but you will want some great pieces to start out with. ( By Judith Thomas )

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Bracelet charms

Top 10 Most Popular Themed Charm Bracelets


Many women enjoy having a collection of charms that focus on a central theme or motif that is particularly important in her life. These charms, which can be either silver or gold or a combination of different types of metals, reflect the various symbols that depict the theme in a beautiful and classic way that is delightful to wear and look at.

Getting started with a collection of charms isn't really difficult if the individual has a hobby or favorite activity. Travel can be a wonderful theme for charms, with collections from around the world or just around the area in which you live.

Sports and music are two other very popular themes for collections of charms on a lovely bracelet. Sports charms can include players, equipment and even trophies and awards while music themes can include dancers, musical instruments and other types of symbols of music and sound.

Everyone has their favorite type of food and charms that depict ingredients, food equipment and even famous traditional foods of different regions are fun and whimsical types of collections. This may be a perfect gift for anyone considering a career as a chef or in the food industry.

Family and pets are near and dear to a woman's heart, so charms that include these two themes are very much in demand. Consider a family type of charm bracelet that features each member or a collection of a favorite pet or domestic animal. Charms can be in silver or gold, depending on the wearer's preference of metals.

For those that prefer the call of the wild, charms that feature animals from around the world are a great idea for a themed bracelet. Keep in mind that there are many different styles of charms that can either be mixed or matched within any one theme.

Girls and women that love to spend time sailing, boating or just on the beach relaxing will love a collection of charms with a nautical theme. These bracelets will be wonderful for a day at the lake, beach or the waterfront but will also be a wonderful addition to a lovely evening out.

Gaming and bringing luck to the wearer are also popular themes for charms. These types of charm collections can include lucky symbols from around the world, all done in beautiful gold and silver charms. Professional charms that represent a lifelong career or a future career are also a wonderful addition and are easy to get a themed bracelet started. ( By Amber Sim )

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Ankle bracelets

Gold Ankle Bracelets

All women adore diamonds, but what they are head over heels about, is an ankle bracelet adorned with diamonds! The purchase of an ankle bracelet is one that requires some thought, whether this is for your own enjoyment, or a gift for a girlfriend, your mom, or your sister.

Anklets used to be a popular worn primarily as a beach accessory, but they are now the perfect accent to show off a shapely leg for any occasion. Along with being a great beach accent, an ankle bracelet can add delicate class to your little black dress and heels for your night out, or accentuate your sandals with some lighthearted fun for your picnic in the park.

Feel free to take advantage of the opportunity to browse and purchase your ankle bracelet online, as you have access to vendors from anywhere you can think of, and making a purchase this way is quick and convenient.

Locating an online retailer with a actual physical address where their business is located, is one important recommendation, allowing you the option of visiting their location if you happen to be in the vicinity. When you are in the market for high quality jewelry, a vendor operating out of their garage, is not the best seller for you to be making this purchase from.

It can cause trouble for you in the future, if you personal information, credit card number, or personal check, wind up sitting in a post office box in Anchorage, where a scam artists will grab it, move to another city, and use your information in some fraudulent way. You can have confidence in a jewelry store that has years of operation under their belt, and has developed a good number of repeat customers, and a reliable reputation.

Choosing your ankle bracelet from a company who cares about the quality of the merchandise and customer service that they are providing their customers, and who has positive feedback from previous clients, will guarantee the best possible buying experience.

Although you intended to find the perfect ankle bracelet, that your loved one would adore, even purchasing it from the world's most reputable jeweler, cannot promise this reaction. You should always take the preferences and personality of the recipient into account when purchasing an anklet. Is she partial to white or yellow gold, or possibly silver? Are charms an accessory that she enjoys? Or maybe she is a huge fan of hearts? ( By Linnette Catherin )

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Gold bracelets

Gold Bracelets - A Buyers Guide


There are many different types of gold bracelets on the market today and different styles suit different people, so any buying guide needs to inform the consumer about as many types as possible. Whether you are into the latest fashion 'must haves' in the shape of fine jewellery lovelinks bracelets, more traditional ornate styles or the more simple gold bangles, you will be spoilt for choice both in independent jewellers shops and in the bigger chain stores.

Gold Bangle Bracelets

Gold bangle bracelets though very understated in design can show a sense of style and class purely by the reflectiveness of the gold itself catching the light as you move. There are more stylised bangles on the market however that cater for those who like to get people's attention in the street or when they're out for the evening. Stylised bangle bracelets range from simple designs, to enamelled shapes being incorporated into the bangle surround or even gold snake shaped bangles which appear as though a snake has wrapped itself around your wrist. Not a style that would appeal to everyone, but certainly eye-catching.

Gold bangles come in two main types, solid gold and hollow gold. The advantages of solid gold bangles, is that they are less likely to dent or deform than hollow bangles, however they are more expensive as you are getting more gold essentially. Plus solid gold bangle bracelets are harder wearing which means they'll last longer and can be handed down through the generations.

Gold bracelet bangles are a versatile item of jewellery which will compliment a wide range of fashions and suit any occasion whether you are attending a dinner party, birthday or going on a date they will always look classy.

Lovelink Gold Bracelets

If you are buying for the younger generation or for someone who likes to change their look on a regular basis, then you may wish to opt for lovelinks gold bracelets as they allow the wearer to become a jewellery designer themselves. They are basically bracelets with beads which are inter-changeable and the wearer can really put their own touch on the design by adding silver, gold beads and even other types of jewellery along the bracelet. Different lengths of bracelet leather are available so you can style yours to be tight around your wrist or loose with more beads. Jewellers even sell beads which have names engraved onto them, so you could have your partners name featured in your lovelinks bracelet.

Ornamental Gold Bracelets

For those of you who want a bracelet with a little more style and finesse then there are a range of handmade and ornate gold bracelets which are available on the market which have various shapes and designs. The types of designs which are available are things such as inter-twined loops, chain-links in various sizes and also bracelets with more complex loops and twists.

Two Colour Gold Bracelets

If you really want to stand out, why not consider gold bracelets made with both white and yellow gold segments. These range in style from heart shaped loops made from yellow gold and smaller intricate white gold chain links which really have the 'wow' factor. There are even some gold bracelets that are made entirely of white gold if you don't like the idea of wearing silver and don't like the colour of yellow gold.

Which ever style of gold bracelet you choose, you're sure to look classy as bangles and bracelets add another level to other types of gold jewellery. Whether you want to impress friends with unique animal shaped bangles, inter-changeable lovelinks jewellery or ornate classically styled bracelets, you'll be amazed at the choice available online or on the high street. ( By Noah Back )

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Tennis bracelets

The Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Ever wondered where the diamond tennis bracelet started? The diamond tennis bracelet has an interesting history and as a piece of beautiful jewelry it is unparalleled. Let's take a look at how this beautiful bracelet began and what custom design options are being created today.

Is It Just A Diamond Bracelet?

Diamond bracelets have been popular for a long very long time. The wrist is an ideal location to display the beauty and sparkle of diamonds, as the movement of the hand helps display the brilliance of light as it plays with the cut of your gemstones. There are various settings and clasps that can be used with a diamond bracelet, and must be considered carefully, as you might have significant value both emotionally if it was a valued gift and also in terms of dollar value. You don't want to find yourself losing your favorate piece of jewelry because of a poor clasp.

The Diamond Tennis Bracelet is Born

Chris Evert, the famous professional tennis player, did just that, lost her diamond tennis bracelet during an intense match with her opponent. Having discovered that the clasp to her bracelet broke during play, she asked the officials to hold the match until they were able to find her bracelet. Highly publicized and viewed, the association quickly became popular and now these wrist pieces are typically referred to as diamond tennis bracelets.

There are a wide selection of styles for this popular form of diamond jewelry in existence today, limited only by the creativity of the jeweler and the public's demand. You may prefer embellished tennis bracelet sets, vintage diamond bracelets, custom designer diamond bracelets, or antique bracelets. There are many options to choose from and much depends on your style and taste, though, in my experience, any of the above make an impressive and appreciated gift.

Men's AND Women's Diamond Bracelets

Another interesting aspect of the diamond bracelets development over time is the increase in men's bracelet popularity, they are not just for women any more. You can typically choose between platinum, white gold, or yellow gold for the bracelet set itself, and your selection of loose diamonds for placement will have a good deal of impact on your jewelry pieces beauty, desirability and value. As diamond jewelry is concerned the diamond tennis bracelet is here to stay as a hugely popular and beautiful means of showing your love or appreciation as a gift. One need not play tennis to appreciate the beauty and ownership of these custom diamond jewelry pieces. ( By Susan Feingold )

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Accessories fashion

Ancient Rome Fashion Accessories


Jewelry

In the early ages, jewelry worn by Romans was mainly made by Greek craftsmen and was in a predominately Greek style. They primarily worked with gold, glass and semiprecious stones. Specimens were enameled, damas-quined or plated.

As the spoils of military conquest became greater, more sophisticated stones became available, including pearls, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. This luxury in jewels corresponded to the periods of Roman commercial expansion during the last two centuries BC and the first two of the Christian era. Although Rome was then an important manufacturing centre, Antioch and Alexandria rivalled her in the execution of fashion accessories in the Oriental taste. Gradually Roman artisans introduced not only their filigree and granulation techniques and their decorative motifs, but also their habit of piling on precious stones.

The tendency towards luxury became more marked in the third and fourth centuries AD, with a predominance of Syrian styles represented by large gems. This translated into heavy pendants, ear-rings or crotalia, and bracelets developed into multiple convolutions.

Footwear

Roman footwear did not differ much from that of their predecessors, the Greeks, the former having adopted the essentials of Athenian fashion. In terms of style, the footwear of both peoples exhibited a marked difference between the right and the left shoe. In terms of function, however, Roman footwear adopted a new meaning: certain types of shoes were a distinctive mark of a social class.

The first roman shoes were rather simple. Known as the carbantina, they were sandals held in place by a thong. The carbantina were replaced by the calceus, a low-cut shoe with a leather sole and thongs crossed tightly over the foot and up part of the leg. Only citizens were allowed to wear the calceus.

At first, the calceus senatorum was black, then, under the late Empire, became white. It was quite high, slit on the inside and fitted with a tongue. The red leather thongs muleus were reserved for the Emperor.

Emperors wore shoes in the current styles, but made of richer materials. Gallienus launched the zancha, a high leather boot fitting closely to the leg, imported from Armenia or the Crimea.

The pero was a light boot made of raw, natural hide. It reached to the calf and laced all its length. The pero was worn in the country.

In the house, Romans wore sandals, either the solea, whose sole was fastened on by cords over the instep, or the crepida, which were leather espadrilles held on by a strap passing through eyelets, with a wide range of fastenings. Women wore the soccus, a s richly decorated slipper, or the calceoli, a term which seems to have been applied specially to shoes worn in the house. The upper of women's shoes was not divided into two pieces, as was usual for men's footwear, and women's shoes were made in red, green or yellow as well as white.

The gallicae, originally from Gaul, were closed boots, which appeared in Rome in the last century of the Republic.

Hair and headgear

During the Republic, hairstyles were simple. Roman women wore their hair parted in the middle and rolled in a chignon, or plaited it and then rolled it. There were variations as married women began to wear their hair coiled on the crown. By the time of the empire, hairstyles had become very sophisticated. The hair was still parted down the center but it could be waved, curled, or worn in a loose roll that sat low on the back of the neck. These complicated and often enormous arrangements, required the work of a hairdresser or ornatrix responsible for adjusting the false switches or wigs, or dye hair blonde or ebony black. Dyeing the hair was a common practice. Originally only prostitutes colored their hair yellow. But with time, women of all classes began to do so. Otherwise the Roman woman bound her hair with a simple red or purple vitta.

Men's hairstyles were also rather simple and careless at first. They grew their hair and beard long only during times of mourning. Baldness was a deformity, so bald men wore wigs or false hair pieces glued to the scalp. During Hadrian's time long hair and trimmed beards became fashionable and hair was crimped with curling irons.

There were several types of headgear. The galerus was a close fitted cap. The petasus, inherited from the Greeks, was a straw wide brim hat wore mostly by women, though senators were authorized to wear it at the Circus. The pileus was a men's cap made from felt, it was round and brim-less, encircling the head. The cucullus was a simple hood, attached or not to a cape.

Make-up and grooming

The thermae were more than public baths. They were social places where men met. Women had their own separate baths or visited the public baths in the morning.

A visit to the bath lasted several hours and comprised four stages. It started with the sudatorium, where bathers could be massaged with scented oil followed by the calidarium, an even hotter chamber with a hot pool. A rest break followed in the tepidarium, a warm room, to prepare the body for the cold water treatment - the frigidarium.

After bathing, they exercised by training with weights, running, or playing sport games. The less active played board games.

Cosmetics, perfume, and skin care products were very popular. Like the Greeks, women used a toxic white foundation made of lead, honey, and fat to which they added a dye made from ocher, saltpeter foam, or wine dregs for color. Soot was applied to the lashes and brows. Face masks could be made from plant extracts, but sheep fat and breadcrumbs soaked in milk were also used. Spots were treated with butter and white lead, sores - with cow placenta. ( By Adriana Allen )

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Amber jewelry

Natural Plastic Jewelry - Amber, Horn and Tortoiseshell

When we think of plastic jewelry, the first thing that comes to mind is colorful molded pieces of bakelite, acrylic or clear lucite plastics.

Long before man-made plastics were invented, jewelry was being made of natural plastics - materials that could be heated, softened, molded, carved or pressed into many designs.

One of the earliest natural plastics to be used for jewelry was Amber. Fossilized tree resin, not sap, amber is 30 to 50 million years old, and is often called "The Gold of the North", since much amber was found in the northern Baltic states and in Poland.

Amber's color ranges from a warm pale yellow, to the familiar honey-gold, to almost black. Clear amber is highly prized, and opaque amber lends itself to intricate carvings and shapes. Some amber jewelry can be found with pre-historic insects embedded inside. Amber lends itself to beautiful beads, pendants, earrings and rings. Beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, amber was imitated by less expensive synthetic plastics such as bakelite and celluloid. To test for amber, you could heat a pin and insert it into an inconspicuous part of the piece. The pin should go in easily. It's better to have a professional non-invasive test performed by a jeweler.

Amber jewelry is plentiful, and can be found at reasonable prices. It pairs beautifully with silver, and the golden color complements any complexion.

Horn and Tortoiseshell have been made into jewelry since ancient times. Natural horn from buffaloes and other animals was ground up, pressed into molds and heated to form boxes, buttons, hair combs and jewelry pieces such as pins and brooches. Natural horn has an uneven, crackled surface, and feels hollow. If burned, it smolders and has an odor like burned hair. Again, a professional opinion is preferred to possibly damaging a vintage piece of horn jewelry.

Tortoiseshell, familiar in its synthetic form as eyeglass frames, is actually made from the shells of Hawksbill turtles. It was used to make boxes, hair combs and jewelry in the late nineteenth century. Real tortoiseshell has an irregular natural grain, will burn with a flame and has the odor of burned hair.

If you have the opportunity to purchase jewelry pieces made of amber, horn or tortoiseshell, be sure that you are getting the genuine article and not a synthetic plastic imitation. Deal only with reputable sellers, and ask for a written guarantee that you are getting the real thing. Have the piece tested by a professional, and care for it as you would any piece of fine jewelry. Keep it clean, wipe it with a soft cloth after each wearing, and store it carefully. ( By Deena O'Daniel )

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Cut princess

Princess Cut Diamond Ring - Make Her Happy!


There are many places to buy rings from. If you really want to make her happy, you need a princess cut diamond ring! Let us find the best!A diamond ring is essential, and a princess cut diamond ring, is even more essential! So, you want to make her happy, and it is shopping time.

These rings can be expensive, so what are you to do? Why not save? Saving doesn't have to compromise on quality, and can make all the difference.

The first point to remember, is that you can actually go through and save quite a lot and still have the quality!

The first step is to remember the options. There are many options, and they can be found.

The first place that most people look, is through the jewelry stores, but jewelry stores are actually not the best place to look, if you really want to save.

What jewelery stores allow, is the ability to see and item, and buy it there and then. Price wise, and selection wise, they often don't contain a great deal of options.

So, some people visit several places, but the key to success, is being able to find wider options.

The first point to remember is that there are mail order options, and this can be good, however, the best option I have found, is to go online.

There are many online jewelry stores, and they can actually save a lot of money. The first point to remember is that researching them is essential, and it is a good idea to make sure they have the association bodies logo or something that shows they have genuine items. ( By Sarah Reddingworth )

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Amethyst pendant

Amethyst - The Calming Quartz

What is an amethyst?

A member of the quartz family, amethyst is the world's most valuable quartz gemstone. Unique for its crystalline structure, it is best known for its varying shades of violet. This eye-catching quartz can be found in mauve, lavender, lilac, or the deepest of purple, offering a shade to fit anyone's taste. Through heating, the stone can produce gorgeous yellow-hued quartz, called Citrine, as well as Prasiolite, a lovely green variation.

Where does amethyst come from?

Siberia once had magnificent deposits of amethyst in the Ural Mountains. The most desired color, deep purple with rose-red tint and even blue tints, came out of these deposits. Like many ancient gemstone mines, it was depleted long ago. Today, your amethyst pendant probably originated in Brazil or Uruguay, though some do come from Sri Lanka, Mexico and Arizona as well.

Mythology

The name is Greek for "sober." Now, this makes sense once you hear the story of Bacchus. He was the Roman god of wine and revelry. One day, he was in a foul mood and set his tigers on the next person to cross his path. This unlucky person happened to be a maiden named Amethyst who was on her way to the Goddess Diana's temple. Diana turned her into a pillar of quartz to stop the tiger attack. Bacchus was so remorseful; he poured wine over the pillar as an apology and stained the pillar purple.

As a result, the stone was believed to have the power to stave off drunkenness. In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans would carve drinking goblets from the violet quartz rather than wear them as amethyst and diamond rings, in an attempt to remain sober as they drank their wine.

Birthstone for February

Celebrating a birthday in February? You might want to start hinting for the amethyst and diamond bracelet you've been wanting. As a February baby, you have a right because it is your birthstone. Of course, everyone can ask for and wear it, but you have a special connection.

If your 6th wedding anniversary is coming up, you've got another opportunity to hint for jewelry made from the crystalline gemstone. Amethyst rings come in a variety of cuts and colors to fit any personality.

Healing Properties

You already read how the quartz can ward off drunkenness, but it has other healing properties as well. It is said to have a calming effect on the wearer invoking peaceful and loving feelings. It also bestows courage and protection on whoever wears it. Soldiers going into battle may have worn an amethyst pendant or carried a carving made from the violet quartz to keep them safe.

How to care for your gemstone

Quartz is fairly strong and this gemstone ranks a 7 in hardness. It is more than strong enough for everyday wear, but at a mere 1/15th the hardness of a diamond, taking care with it is recommended. To bring back the lost sheen of a gemstone ring, soak it in soapy warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. ( By Andrew Stratton )

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Cross pendants

Multi-Color Murano Cross Pendants - How to Get the Best Price

A multi-color Murano cross pendant is probably one of the most popular religious jewelries in the world. You cannot miss Madonna or George Michael with their customary cross pendants while performing on stage. Whether they did it for religious significance is yet to be determined. But fans have liked them for both secular and non-secular reasons. And the result is that there is an increase in the sale of cross pendants. There are various types available in the market, but the Murano cross pendants stands out among the lot.

The pendant is designed exquisite care and has great artistic value. It has a multi-colored cross and the cross is embedded in silver setting. Wearing this pendant is like making a style statement. Moreover you will be getting matching earrings with this pendant. The earrings will be either oval shaped or square shaped. Before you buy the Murano cross pendant, you should first understand that a pendant is not as same as a charm. A charm is much smaller in size, and they are designed in such a manner so that they can hang from a chain or a bracelet.

But with pendants, there are larger and they can be gifted in any occasion. The charms are generally gifted for luck. When you think of shopping the multi-color Murano cross pendant, you will have two options. One of them is the local store, while the other will be an online store. There are advantages and disadvantages for both of them. However the risk factor is greater with online shops, if you do not choose to be careful. With local shops, you have the option of looking at different pendants before you can finally come to a decision. With online shops, you can only look through the catalogue and the picture in the catalogue might not be the same as the real piece of jewelry.

With an online shop, you have the option of getting a hefty discount on price. The discount can range up to 65%. Moreover if you are one of those few people who love to shop in a peaceful atmosphere, you will love the whole concept of buying the pendant from the comfortable confines of the house. If the multi-color Murano cross pendant is embedded in silver setting, you can buy it with less hassles. However if it happens to have gold setting, them you need to know a little more about gold. To enrich your knowledge, you can easily take help of the Internet which is full of useful information.

24 k is generally termed as pure gold. But you should never buy a 24k gold pendant as the gold will be soft and prone to damage. When you are buying jewelry, the best option is the 14k. Gold which is termed as 14k contains 59% gold. Alloy is added to the gold to make the jewelry strong and durable. The latest trend is white gold. The color is white as manufacturers add nickel or palladium to gold. When you look at the pendants you are bound to be impressed. White gold goes well with diamond and platinum and other precious jewels. ( By John Harley )

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