The holidays may have been commercialized, but for the faithful the season has a deeper meaning. Now, the reason for the season can also be expressed in alternative jewelry choices. It can be a way to celebrate one’s religious heritage and express identification to a specific religious community. While not everyone goes to church or engages in Jewish or Christian traditions, there is a growing segment of the population who is inspired by religious symbols and is actively seeking to use them in their jewelry and accessories, also. In fact, religious artifacts are so popular in jewelry right now, that you can expect this trend to even outlast the holidays.

Continue reading »

Want to shoot instantly into the news? Just take a costly and popular product, encrust it with insane amounts of gold and genuine diamonds, announce to the world that you will be making limited pieces, and enjoy the ride to the top. This is precisely what jeweler Stuart Hughes has done in the past and now too, by picking up an iPad and literally turning it into gold, with diamonds sprinkled over it for good effect, along with a humongous price tag of course.

Stuart has picked up the elegant iPad and transformed it into a 10 of a kind piece of art by embellishing it with solid gold and diamonds before offering it to the elite public with deep pockets and a frantic wish to own a sleek and luxurious hi-tech product that only 9 others over the globe will possess. Stuart Hughes has crafted the entire body and the screen surround of a 3G iPad in a single piece of 22 carat solid gold that weighs “only” 2100 grams. If you thought that was heavy then he has also added financial weight by embedding 53 flawless diamonds of ‘I’F’ rating that add up to 25.5 carats.

Continue reading »

Celebrities all over the world are seen wearing chocolate diamonds at galas and other functions. Why these beautiful stones grace those gorgeous necks is easy to see. Diamonds have always been bought, sought after, coveted, cherished and shown off in the past and will definitely be as highly valued and treasured in the future. Today, chocolate diamonds – which are from the same family, with a slight difference – are also known as beautiful colored diamonds.

These diamonds are formed with natural colors. Factors like radiation and other elements create the colors – some rare and different, in the diamonds. Chocolate diamonds are brown in color. This color is produced naturally and because the color is not rare they are pretty affordable. For example a blue diamond will cost thousands of dollars (of course this will depend on the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat) while chocolate diamonds are much cheaper. Here again, the price will depend on the quality and size of the diamond that is being bought. It is important to note that not all these chocolate diamonds are really natural but are manmade with their colors enhanced so as to make diamonds that have lower color more beautiful and desirable.

Continue reading »

Tired of hitting the box stores to find one of a hundred copies of the same jewelry design? Modern diamond jewellery designs can often seem a bit mass commercialized when you’re looking for something truly unique. If you’ve got the money and the time, you can get some great jewelry pieces either handcrafted or recycled at your local jewelry store. Here’s a few ways to find some really unique jewelry designs. It does take time and some ingenuity, but it can often mean having a one-of-a-kind piece.

Continue reading »

Don’t have the money to go on a luxury cruise to the Bahamas due to the recession? Why not opt for some jewelry designs that you can wear that make you feel exotic regardless? Jewelry is an inexpensive way to feel like you’re doing something different and new. It can remind you of different cultures and customs, like you went traveling around the world, even though you stayed home. It can add a splash of color and the exotic to your lifestyle that’s fun and inexpensive too!

Get Away with Island Jewelry

Maybe you can’t go to Hawaii this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the feel of the vacation by opting to add some island jewelry to your wardrobe. Add some shells, some mother-of-pearl, and any kind of design that reminds you of sunny beaches. You’re going to love staying home or going to a local beach, when you know you can still look the part.

Continue reading »

There are many different design trends in the jewelry industry today, many that you will see from celebrities and other people in the public eye. Prominent jewelry in entertainment can help define the next hot jewelry item that everyone seeks for his or her very own collection. The 46664 bangle is one of these new jewelry trends that is popping up more and more in celebrity engagements and other pop-culture jewelry events. Ranging in price from $23.95 up to over $12,000, there is sure to be a 46664 bangle that can suit your own taste and style. Even those individuals who wish to design their own jewelry can get a 46664 bangle that will be exactly what they are looking for.

Continue reading »

Irish people have a unique heritage rich in symbolism. Criss cross wedding bands rings women love can also be representative of Irish knots designs. You can include elements of Irish design in bridal jewelry or just everyday jewelry. It’s never a bad day to celebrate your heritage! Here’s a few pieces to look for and add whether you’re Irish or just love their designs.

Claddagh Pendants

Two hands holding a heart that is crowned is a Claddagh Pendant symbol. It holds three meanings: faith, love, and loyalty. They can be all made of metal or they can include stones either set in the heart or as a replacement of the heart. Most Irish jewelry comes in silver tones, although there’s no reason you can’t use the same symbols with gold.

Continue reading »

Do you know what year do you buy diamonds on a wedding anniversary? It all depends! In the past, diamonds were associated only with the 60th wedding anniversary, however, in modern customs, they often can be presented at the 30th anniversary. People like to mark the passage of time and commemorate special occasions with a gift of jewelry, starting with the diamond engagement ring to mark the proposal.

Diamond Engagement Ring

The proposal is not complete without a diamond engagement ring. It’s a symbol that the suitor is serious and that the date is about to be set for the wedding. The custom started with royalty, but anyone can get in on the act now. In fact, it’s considered a bit uncouth if you don’t have a genuine diamond engagement ring to offer your bride-to-be.
Continue reading »

Fashion seems to be heating up as the economy turns the corner. Designs of diamond jewels are nestled in gold settings again, despite the price factor. It could have something to do with the metallic tones showing up in fashion wear too. Out with the bold and back to the ultra feminine. You’ll see ruffles and a variety of chandelier drop earrings. Contrasting colors are showing also with hot yellow sometimes matched up with electric blues. That requires jewelry that can also grab some colorful attention. Denim is always in style, although some years more than others. Just because one wears denim doesn’t mean you can’t wear jewelry, in fact, it’s the best way to add a little class to your spring outfit. Along with the return to the feminine is the idea that less is more. Understated elegance is back and your jewelry should be classy, but not too brassy.

Continue reading »

Diamonds may be forever, but often the settings aren’t. Diamond jewelry, high end engagement rings and pendants especially, should be cared for like any good investment. You wouldn’t carelessly leave your house or car dirty, just because you’ve gotten used to it being there all the time. However, many people forget about the care and maintenance needed to make their jewelry last a long, long, time. Here are some great tips for how to care for your find diamond jewelry.

Clean Gently

Every day you put on makeup and other types of products on your body. All that can land on your fine jewelry and cause it to lose the glow it had in the jewelry case. This doesn’t even account for the perspiration that comes off your body and also can bring dirt to your fine jewelry. The key is to take your jewelry off at night and clean it with a 100% cotton cloth before storing in a pouch or something while you sleep.

Beware the Environment

Some jewelry made of silver or gold can tarnish or pit due to the environment. If you’re getting into a hot tub, it’s a good idea to take off your jewelry first, if you’re unsure. Hot temperatures and a high level of chlorine can contribute to the rapid demise of your jewelry settings. If you have prongs or other delicate pieces on your jewelry, then don’t wear them when you’re playing sports either. They can get bent or broken very easily.

Don’t Use Abrasives to Clean Your Jewelry

You don’t want to scratch the surface of your setting or a semi-precious stone. Abrasives like toothpaste should be avoided. The best way to clean your jewelry is with jewelry cleaner or in an ultrasonic cleaner. If your jewelry has more than diamonds on it, be sure to that the method you use to clean it isn’t going to damage softer stones. Don’t use alcohol as that can damage some settings, and stick with water and gentle jewelry cleaners. You can have your jewelry maintained by your local jeweler should a clasp break or your white gold needs recoating.