Personalized jewelry

Personalized Jewelry - The 6 Most Popular Trends

Jewelry adds a spark or that finishing touch to the wardrobe, and now personalized jewelry is beginning to stand on its own as a major trend. Actually, several trends at the same time!

So what is personalized jewelry? Personalization doesn't just mean a monogramming of a person's name anymore. Many artisans in the jewelry world are happy to make commissioned one-of-a-kind pieces for people allowing for a gift that is nothing if not personal. Also, charm bracelets, birthstone pieces, and original mommy jewelry are the most popular kinds of personalized jewelry today.

Since the niche has literally exploded in the last few years, here are the top 6 hot trends in personalized jewelry, as well each category's biggest fans.

Charm Bracelets and Necklaces


For the younger generation it is increasingly popular to create and wear charm bracelets and charm necklaces. Each charm may be added or taken away easily allowing the jewelry to change as quickly as a teenager's mind. Bead stores are a huge fad in malls and even college towns, where young adults can find thousands of unique charms and beads to create their own jewelry, update older pieces they made, or augment store-bought jewelry.

Personalized Coming-of-Age Gifts

Coming-of-age gifts are often personalized with monograms and may be engraved with a special date (debut, sweet sixteen, graduation, etc) making the jewelry a reminder of the event for years to come. Even pearls can receive the treatment of personalization with a small tag or charm attached at the clasp with room for initials or the year. These gifts offer a more "grown-up" assortment of jewelry options for those moving into adulthood.

Classic Name Bracelets and Baby Name Jewelry

For some a name necklace is a wonderful item. Popular in the 80s and re-popularized recently by Hollywood stars, these necklaces create a personal statement in a name. These names are available in tons of styles from simple gold script to snazzy rhinestones. This is the most classic kind of personalized jewelry and is most popular with young teens. However, new moms also like this style because they can monogram their baby names. This trend has become known as "baby name jewelry.""

Personalized Wedding Bracelets

Wedding party gifts engraved with the date serve to remind of the appreciation for participating during the special event. Cuff bracelets or simple pendant necklaces are a great way to incorporate a thank you with an engraved reminder, while other couples choose individual gifts for each person in the bridal party.

Baby shower gifts for both the bride-to-be and the mom-to-be can be very personalized. A charm bracelet such as the Pandora-style bracelets are a more sophisticated way to show trinkets from days past with room to add for the days to come. There are even jewelry options for the baby on the way and these beautiful pieces can usually be monogrammed too. Some showers even give out personalized bracelets to the attendees as a memento of their participation on this fun occasion.

The New Friendship Bracelet

In the past, friends wove bracelets for each other using string and plastic. Now they custom design pieces using professional techniques. This trend is spilling over into baby showers too. How it works for these showers is for each friend to bring a bead, stone or charm that is special to them and represents the guest of honor in some way. These gifts are collected to create a very personalized bracelet or necklace, sure to bring smiles every time it is worn.

Mommy Jewelry

I've discussed how moms are passionate about their baby name jewelry. Another popular kind of mommy jewelry is birthstone jewelry. These can be created as rings, bracelets, or necklaces and can be as unique as the ladies who wear them. Next to the first grader's painted macaroni necklace it is sure to be one of mom's favorites, and one that can even be worn for a fancy evening out.

( Articles By Cora Lee )

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Crystal jewelry

All About Crystal Jewelry

The trend and demand for crystal jewelry is increasing day by day. Whether it is necklace or bracelets, earrings or finger-rings; wearing crystal jewelry has been in fashion for quite some time now.
There are different types of crystals, for example, Swarovski (also known as the Austrian crystal) and Celestial. The Czech glass is also a famous name in this jewelry type. Gemstones like quartz and amethyst are in high demand in jewelry due to their exquisite shades and beauty. Many such gemstones are left in their crystal form since they look more beautiful and natural in their original forms. Also, this jewelry is enthusiastically worn by people who believe that the natural crystals in their crude form have a strong healing power.

A beautiful and creative variation of wearing crystal jewelry is in the form of ornamenting one's dress with beautiful sequences of crystals. This not only makes the dress look elegant and expensive, it also gives a lift to the personality of the wearer.

This jewelry can be very expensive or very affordable, depending upon the type of crystals used in the jewelry. The Austrian crystals are considered to be the most expensive ones. Artificial crystals are also prepared in laboratories in different colors. The artificial crystals are more affordable than the natural ones due to obvious reasons.

Crystals are very durable, therefore, your jewelry can be very long-lasting and it may be passed on to the next lot. You can create beautiful patterns of crystals on jewelry or clothes depending upon your taste and style.

In short, crystal jewelry is always in vogue and looks pretty in different designs. You can wear this jewelry to compliment any dress, and you are sure to look good.

( Articles By Imran Al )

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Celtic jewelry

Celtic Jewelry - Ancient History Meets Magic

An ancient and storied art that transcends time and cultures, Celtic jewelry is known for its flowing lines with swirls, spirals and knots that represent the interconnectedness of life.

Celtic History

Thousands of years ago, they covered Europe with tribes. Earliest recorded history comes from about 500 B.C., but there are indications that they had been around much longer than that. Also, any early historical references came from neighboring tribes and their enemies. As a result, they were not painted in the best light and, in fact, were considered barbaric. They were feared by the enemies because they were known to chop off the heads of their conquests.

Listening to these accounts, it is hard to believe that these are the same people responsible for the delicate and intricate patterns of Celtic jewelry. But, as everything evolves over time, the Celts became more civilized and when the Bronze Age arrived, they were busily honing their metal-crafting skills.

Irish Celtic Jewelry Design

Though the Celts lived all throughout Europe, most people think of Ireland or Scotland when they think of this culture. This region is also the origin of the art associated with them. The hallmarks of these designs are the swirls, spirals and knots. Flowing swirling lines are the basis for any pattern whether it forms a design or an image. The lines all cross and connect and this is indicative of the the belief that all things are connected in life.

There is no set meaning for the different designs, but there are certain knots that are known as marriage or love knots, which are a great example of the Celtic philosophy on the interconnectedness of life. Another popular use of the knot is the Celtic cross design.

It was originally a pagan symbol that used four arms of even length to represent the four elements of the earth, but as Christianity arose, it took on a more religious meaning. Animals are also popular elements in this style of jewelry as is the Celtic heart design.

Rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, cuff links-this design is used to create all kinds of pieces so everyone can wear it. And, the piece doesn't have to mean anything to enjoy the beauty of the craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Caring for the Jewelry

Celtic silver jewelry is typically sterling silver and should be cleaned using silver cleaner that is designed to remove the tarnished spots. This cleaner comes in wipes, cloths, creams and liquid cleaners so choose what works best for the type of jewelry.

Gold pieces can be cleaned in regular jewelry cleaner. If the piece is antiqued or enameled, soak it in warm water with a mild soap instead of a harsher cleaner. This is to make sure the finish is not damaged.

Celtic jewelry design is an ancient and storied art that transcends time and cultures. There is a bit of magic to it and the designs can be worn with any wardrobe style-light and airy for casual spring and summer and heavier and more intricate for evening wear. But, don't save it for special occasions, add a bit of art and magic to every day with Irish Celtic jewelry.

( Articles By Andrew Stratton )

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Wholesale fashion jewelry

Wholesale Fashion Jewelry - Offering the Best!

Jewelry is a woman's best friend. The industry has been blooming, thanks to the growing demand of varied ornaments that are increasingly being preferred by various women. In order to offer best of jewelry items at reasonable prices, wholesale fashion jewelry has lot to offer.

Jewelry wholesalers tend to offer unique and exclusive range in order to meet the tastes and preferences of customers. Various colors and stones are used in several combination's to bring out the natural grace and beauty. Some of the commonly used colors are red, green, blue and orange.

Collection of Jewels

Many of the wholesale jewelry collections include sought after range of earrings, neck pieces, brooches, bracelets, rings and chains that are beautifully created and designed using various precious and semi-precious stones. Various gems and stones are used to beautify these items in order to make them appealing and extremely attractive that instantly catches the attention of a woman. Diamond, silver, gold and platinum jewelry are offered that are exquisite and one of its kind. However, there are several other materials that are increasingly used to make the jewelry items. Some of the most commonly used materials nowadays are plastic, wood, terracotta, stones, shellac, metal, beads and resins. Dangle earrings are hot items that are extremely popular among young girls especially teenagers. Hoop earrings and short studs are also a huge hit among the girls. These are available in various vibrant colors and trendy designs that look extremely elegant and stylish.

Anklets are the favorites of many that look really fashionable. These are usually the thin chains that are worn around the ankles with jeans or skirts that make girls look graceful and stylish. Butterfly shaped necklaces look wonderful and bring out the femininity. There are even hair tiara accessories for little girls to get that gorgeous look of a princess. Rings are available in varied materials and color combination's with a view to offer variety to various customers in order to enable them to suit as per their preference. Metal rings are also extremely popular in order to get that "rock star" look!

Significance of Wholesale Fashion Jewelry

Wholesale fashion jewels tend to offer huge variety and dazzling collections of fashionable ornaments in order to provide the best to the buyers. A jewelry wholesaler tends to provide incredible items at unbeatable and unmatched prices. When buying from such a source, people may get an opportunity to save considerable amount of cost on their bulk purchases. People may even get a chance to modify and beautify their ornaments with some creative handicraft thereby giving it a personalized effect. In the present times, there are several online stores that are increasingly dealing in wholesale accessories thereby allowing people to make a purchase just at the push of a button. People are lured by exceptional collections and attractive discounts that instantly persuade people to fall for such a mouth watering offer as it tends to be too great to resist the temptation. One can easily check the various accessories offered as per their convenience. Online stores offer a one stop shop for the fashion accessories that present a sought after collection of the same.

( Articles By Gabby Kline )

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Turquoise jewelry

How to Clean Copper Jewelry With Household Items


Copper is one of the most popular metals in the jewelry industry. Copper is used as a base metal to harden softer metals. For example, if you have 14kt gold jewelry it may have 40% copper. Copper is also used as a base metal for different types of plating. Silver plated jewelry may have copper as the core metal then layers with several coatings of silver. Copper is commonly used with gemstones such as turquoise. Since copper is found mostly in the southwest region of the United States many pieces of turquoise jewelry embedded in copper can be found in Mexico, Texas, and surrounding southwest states.

Besides iron, copper is one of the most useful metals in the world. However, over an extended period of time, copper becomes tarnished and develops green patina from oxidation. So what is the best way to clean copper jewelry?

To clean any type of copper jewelry you can always use commercial cleaners, however, there are cheaper alternatives that you can find right in your kitchen cabinet. Commercial cleaners use very mild acids that remove the patina without harming the copper. To avoid the cost of these cleaners try Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Both of the condiments contain mild acids such as malic acid which is found in tomatoes and apples. You can also use a combination of lemon, water, and salt that is an excellent copper cleaner. The combination uses the right amount of abrasion from salt along with the mild acid from lemon. Keep in mind that if you have copper jewelry that has gemstones especially pearls or fluorite you should not use this solution.

One of the safest ways to clean copper jewelry that also has gemstones are sonic cleaners or everyday hand soap. However, the patina will not be completely removed using these methods but the gemstones will be cleaned effectively.

To keep your copper jewelry looking beautiful everyday you should think about purchasing plastic bags and anti-tarnish paper. Simply place your copper jewelry in the bag with one sheet of anti tarnish paper to keep the green patina from oxidation from accumulating on your jewelry.

( Articles By Ryan L. )

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Hip hop jewelry

Wholesale Hip Hop Jewelry - How They Can Price it So Low

With the arrival of hip hop jewelry and style from the early nineties onwards jewelers have been in a mad scramble to serve this market. This type of custom made jewelry in precious metals and stones is at the top of the wholesale jewelry food chain because in reality they are not wholesale at all. Custom made iced out jewelry is actually a premier retail market because jewelry is made to order and can cost up to five times more than a similar item that you find already made in a jewelry store. The Wholesale jewelry market is about regular rap styles that are mass produced in China or India whether in precious or semi-precious metals and stones.

Hip hop jewelry with its emphasis on extreme amounts of metal and small stone settings is particularly well suited for manufacture in low cost production centers like China and India. It is here that wholesalers of hip hop jewelry designs will go to source the factory production of their designs. There is more small diamond production in India than anywhere else in the world. Availability of vast quantities of matched round and square polished diamonds in India coupled with the vast labor pool of skilled setters make India and also China the places to subcontract out production of successful rap jewelry designs. Wholesalers know this and as soon as a jewelry model shows some sign of success in the retail market, they begin to contract out factory production capacity in these countries to scale up production and lower costs so they can put together a budget for further marketing the successful models.

This approach worked well for jewelry made from gold and platinum till 2007 when gold and platinum spot prices began to move dramatically upwards to the $800 to $900 dollar an ounce mark. Wholesalers had no choice but to pay more attention to similar style jewelry made from silver and stainless steel since they could push up their inventory prices only so much before jewelry in gold would become unsaleable. Retailers began to see many designs that were previously available only in gold suddenly become available in silver and steel and this changed the retail and wholesale markets for hip hop jewelry. Rap jewelry enthusiasts could now purchase silver versions of their favorite designs studded with cubic zirconias or rhinestones for under $200.

The rise of silver and steel in the jewelry wholesale market and the lowering of price points for great hip hop jewelry pieces suddenly made this jewelry affordable to a whole segment of youth that would never have spent a full semester of college tuition on a piece of real iced out jewelry. In addition to clothing followers of rap culture could now sport jewelry pieces that their favorite artists wore without breaking the bank. Jewelry wholesalers could now introduce a plethora of iced out jewelry styles to small retailers at a fraction of the cost of the precious jewelry. In the process a whole new generation of jewelry shoppers could now get online or into a jewelry retailer and complete their rap attitude and style with multiple pieces of hip hop jewelry at affordable prices.

( Articles By Theodore G )

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Clip earrings

Jewellery & Earcare Guide - For All Your Earcare Needs
Articles By John M Brown

Up until recent times there was little or no restriction on the content of fashion jewellery. In short, manufacturers were free to use almost any base metal for the ear post and clips of your jewellery. The most popular addition to any piece of costume jewellery came within the plating process, and whether the article in question was to be silver or gold plated made little difference; the one common element in all plating of jewellery was - the use of 'Nickel'.

Nickel was added to enhance the shine of the earrings or necklet. Unfortunately it was a well documented fact that in certain cases the addition of nickel could cause an allergic skin reaction. Exact figures were never collated as to how many people this process actually affected, but that didn't stop the Eurocrats from acting with vigour. Soon the 'Boys in Brussels' declared that all earrings, necklets, rings and brooches, in fact - any fashion jewellery or accessory that came in contact with the surface of the skin must be 'Nickel free'.

So to sum up - now, when you buy your fashion earrings or that pretty necklet, by and large they should be nickel free. This however doesn't mean that all ear-care stops there - Oh No !
There is still a basic hygiene code you should adhere to if you want to avoid future problems. This is where BACKS is on hand to help. Our Product range of replacement earring backs, clip pads, sterile studs and anti-allergenic solution has over the past fifteen years helped people manage their jewellery wearing problems. Available widely throughout retail outlets in the U.K. The Backs Earcare Products range is now available direct for your convenience.

PRODUCT GUIDE.

Gold Plate Backs: Suitable for all pierced earrings they are safe comfortable and inexpensive, for best results both the earring post and the backs should be regularly cleansed with Backs Ear Clear Solution.

Silver Plate Backs: Exactly as above only silver plate.

Supabacks: Certainly our best selling item and probably the most versatile of all the replacement backs. The large disc and secure bullet back gives great support to even the largest earring. This earring back is also ideal if in past years you have enlarged the piercings in your lobes.

Polymer Supabacks: As above, only where Supabacks have a gold plated bullet section - these are completely clear.

Bullet Backs: A gold plated bullet shaped earring clutch / butterfly, very secure and discreet - ideal for all earring types.

Hypo Backs: As above - but once again made from high grade polymer making them non- reactive and ultra discreet.

Clip Pads: Designed to ease the pinch caused by certain clip earrings. If the clip on your earring has a little hole, then these clever little comfort pads will simply push through.

Slip On Pads: A universal comfort pad to ease the ear-pinch felt with some jewellery. Simply slip the polymer sleeve over the arm of the earring clip and you jewellery is ready to wear.

Ear Clear Solution: This little bottle is probably the most important item in your jewel box. The solution is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic. Ideal for sensitive earlobes newly pierced ears and the general cleansing of earrings, necklets, bangles, and all forms of body jewellery (see separate section).

PROBLEMS AND SOME SOLUTIONS.

I don't want to worry you but that little hole in your ear lobe never technically heals-up.

Think about it - if it did - you wouldn't be able to wear you earrings! That's not to say that your body's defences won't protect you by closing the opening around the piercing but it does need a little help from you. True, there have always been people who could wear a rusty nail with little reaction, where others only have to scratch themselves to feel genuine pain or irritation. I think it is therefore safe to say that a degree of cleansing and maintenance can do no harm and will probably help avoid some of the more unpleasant reactions that can happen from time to time.

Q I am wearing nickel free earrings but still get irritation after a short while of wearing them.

A Your body cycle changes every seven years or so, just as you could once run a hundred yards in 16 seconds, now that may not be possible. So it is with your body, your PH balance may have altered causing an acidic reaction. Similar symptoms may be due to medication - eg. sulphur based drugs. Try using Ear clear Solution on both, the earring post, earring backs and ear-lobes. If the symptoms persist, change to clip earrings or try sterile studs for a short while, this way you will keep your piercings open. If your problems persist - consult your G.P.

Q My earrings feel heavy and move about more than they should.

A Somewhere in you jewellery-wearing past you have probably followed a trend for heavy or large earring. Worn over a period of time without the correct support they have literally stretched the holes. Change to an earring back with a built -in disc for support. Supabacks or Polymer Supabacks will help, they won't return your earlobes to their former glory but they should arrest any further stretching

Q I am still getting irritation even if I wear gold jewellery - why?

A The only pure gold is 24ct . Because 'Pure Gold' is too soft it needs to be strengthened with an alloy - the more alloy the jewellery contains the lower the carat rating eg. 9ct is the hardest wearing gold, 22ct is the softest and by definition the most pure. If you are having trouble with gold try wearing a higher carat rating, say 18ct. Once again don't forget to sterilize your earrings, this may be enough for short periods of wear.

Q My ear lobes are sore when I wear clip earrings.

A This one really is very simple, use a clip pad. This simple action will reduce the ear pinch caused by some of the more aggressive ear-clips.

Q How often should I change my earring backs.

A In an ideal world about every 3 months, a more realistic answer would be look at them closely - do they look past their sell-by date? If so discard them - after all you wouldn't wear an article of clothing for six months without washing it would you? Remember these earring backs are next to your skin, in some cases 24 - 7. Go on Throw Them Away!

Q I can't wear fashion or gold earrings without irritation.

A For reasons previously stated you have a severe allergic reaction try either a sterile stud like Hypo Studs, they are piercing quality and are therefore about as non-reactive as you can get . If this solution doesn't appeal, try sterling silver, ounce for ounce it's purer than 18ct gold.

Remember that regular cleansing of both the earring posts, clips and ear lobes can only help prevent infection and aids comfort.

BODY JEWELLERY

The popularity in the wearing of body jewellery is something nobody could have predicted. Sad to say, the information with regard to care of both the piercings and the jewellery itself has not kept pace.

Body piercing has been carried out on almost every part of the body from the face to, shall we say, more private parts. All these piercings have one thing in common -THEY MUST BE CLEANSED!

There really is no substitute for regular cleansing. Backs Ear Clear solution is ideal for cleansing all types of body jewellery. It's antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties cleanse and coat to avoid infection and irritation. The solution is best used on ear lobes and although it will not harm other pierced body parts, its immediate effects are a little too aggressive for use on sensitive areas.(For External Use Only).

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