Archive for the 'Jewelry' Category


Jewels of the Nile

September 3, 2009
Author: GemKing
Jewels of the Nile

Gem collectors value peridot for its distinct greenish hue and its brilliant luster. But few people realize that these gems have been cherished for almost the entire duration of recorded history. According to ancient writings that have been preserved and deciphered, the Egyptians began to mine peridot around 1500 BCE. It has even been speculated that the captivating emeralds that adorned Cleopatra’s necklaces were in fact peridot.

 

To this day, the gem is often confused with an emerald. Peridot can be found in just about any shade of green, however, depending on its iron content. A peridot bracelet makes for a stunning addition to any jewelry collection and goes especially well with a little black dress. While peridot jewelry is appropriate for any occasion, it’s especially suitable for a formal affair.


Gathering Raw Materials

August 20, 2009
Author: GemKing
Gathering Raw Materials

I first became interested in agate hunting about a year ago when I moved to a town in the picturesque Rocky Mountains. Roaming the hillsides in search of precious stones teaches you to pay attention to small details that people wouldn’t normally notice. Sometimes it practically blows my mind that nature can be so simple in some ways and limitlessly complex in others.

 

Whether it’s because of superstition or simply a solid fashion choice, I prefer to wear my most elegant agate necklace when I’m searching for stones. I’ve learned to recognize agates for their stunning banded structure and their versatility. Agates can be used as a centerpiece or an accent in practically any type of jewelry – rings, earrings, necklaces and even bracelets.


Choosing Your Bead Size

July 29, 2009
Author: GemKing

Choosing Your Bead SizeThe look of your jewelry all depends on the size of the beads. A necklace with large, chunky stones is a statement piece that demands all the attention and should be worn with a simple outfit. Smaller, more subtle beads can work with everyday wear and a more elaborate outfit. And very small beads make up intricate pieces of jewelry and can either be dressy or casual, depending on the style.

I love the look of small beans, like seed beads, because they can be strung or woven together to create really interesting patterns for a necklace or bracelet. The problem with jewelry made of small beads is that if it breaks, the beads fall off and scatter everywhere! They’re much more difficult to repair than pieces of jewelry made of large beads. My favorite seed bead bracelet broke several years ago, and I never got around to having it repaired. Sometimes a jewelry maker will repair a piece of jewelry if it breaks, so be sure to ask before buying if you’re worried.


Dressin’ Up

July 9, 2009
Author: GemKing
Dressin’ Up

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: basically an olive green. The intensity and tint of the green however depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow-green through olive green to brownish green. The most valuable is considered a dark-olive green color.

 

Peridot crystals have been collected from some Pallasite meteorites. A famous Pallasite was offered for auction in April 2008 with a requested price of close to $ 3 million at Bonhams, but remained unsold. Peridot is the only gemstone found in meteorites.

 

Peridot olivine is the birthstone for August. It is sometimes mistaken for emeralds and other green gems. Peridot necklaces are usually presented as gifts.


Original Accessories for Individualistic Women

June 5, 2009
Author: GemKing
Original Accessories for Individualistic Women

Let’s face it, some women aren’t happy with the traditional gold and silver jewelry.  While it’s nice to wear our finest jewelry now and then, it’s not practical to wear it all the time.  Instead of having a collection of gold and silver that just continues to increase in size, consider some more original accessories that better accentuate individual style.  These accessories might include beaded bracelets, which are ideal for showing off our wrists and instigating intrigue and delight.  There are also toe rings, anklets, and necklaces to consider.  These accessories are not the traditional jewelry fare, and are much better for those who want to represent their own style, rather than the style of some traditional jeweler. 

 

We all know the importance of making a good first impression, and with original jewelry, we can achieve just that.  No one remembers who was wearing those traditional jewelry pieces that all women have; be the center of attention with a piece that draws attention and distinguishes from the crowd. 


Homemade Beaded Necklaces

May 22, 2009
Author: GemKing
Homemade Beaded Necklaces

It’s a simple and fun process to make beaded necklaces at home, and it’s possible with just a few supplies and a little creativity.  Beaded necklaces have been prominent in societies around the world for centuries.  While no one knows the origin of beaded necklaces, most believe that some of the most elaborate beaded necklaces came from the Native Americans.  These necklaces featured beads made from wood, stone, and precious materials like turquoise.  To start making beaded necklaces, first it’s necessary to acquire the supplies.  First, purchase a string or cord; this can be something as simple as fishing line, or something more elaborate like a leather cord.  Take the string or cord and stretch it from end to end, then place the beads in the order desired on the line.  Before knotting the string at the two ends, ensure the beads are in the proper order; it’s harder to take the beads off once the string or cord is tied! 

 

Making beaded necklaces is a fun activity for parents and kids, and is also a great school activity that nurtures creativity and artistic sensibilities.  Those who make beaded necklaces often find an accessory that lasts for a lifetime and continues to provide all kinds of fun memories.


Add a Bit of Jasper to Your Life

May 11, 2009
Author: GemKing
Add a Bit of Jasper to Your Life

If you’re interested in the world of jewelry, you’ve probably realized that gemstones make for some of the most beautiful ornamentation, which includes everything from pendants to beads. To that end, one of these commonly utilized gemstones is jasper. A variety of silica, jasper is often found in red, brown, and yellow coloring. Less commonly, it is also seen in a green form. It is particularly ideal for jewelry because it is so easily polished to a high sheen.

 

Combining the two properties of bright, vibrant colors and high sheen, jasper remains one of the most popular and common gemstones in modern jewelry making. While it can be used in any type of jewelry, a jasper necklace is a particularly nice addition to any jewelry box. A prominent necklace can add an element of drama to any outfit, especially if the outfit is dominated by neutral or solid colors and the necklace is brightly colored. And that drama is a surefire way to stand out and get noticed.


Making Your Own Jewelry

April 27, 2009
Author: GemKing
Making Your Own Jewelry

If you like your jewelry to be a little bit more unconventional, look into collecting your own gemstones. Particularly if you live on the West Coast of the United States and you love the look of agates, it might be worth traveling to the state of Oregon. Within that state, there is an unincorporated community known as Agate Beach. This beach is located within Lincoln County between the landmarks of Newport and Yaquina Head.

 

Just as the name suggests, the beach is filled with both translucent and opaque agates. If you are able to take this journey, make sure to comb the beach as early as possible. The beach has gained some level of notoriety, especially among West Coast inhabitants, and this means the beach can be picked clean by late morning. But if you are able to find a cache of gems, consider making your own jewelry with your finds. After all, a black agate necklace is sure to be a treasured part of your collection if you handpicked the gems yourself.


A Philosophical Gift

April 6, 2009
Author: GemKing
A Philosophical Gift

The concept of yin and yang is based in Chinese philosophy. It is used to describe opposing forces that are interconnected and complimentary to one another. According to Chinese philosophy everything has both yin and yang aspects. These forces constantly interact and never exist in absolute stasis.

 

If you’re considering getting a gift for your significant other, you may think about a yin yang bracelet. This bracelet will serve as the symbol of the feminine and masculine balance in your relationship. Your partner will appreciate this token on your affection and the lesson in Chinese philosophy.


My Favorite Season

March 23, 2009
Author: GemKing
My Favorite Season

I have always loved the autumn season. There’s just something about the falling leaves that makes me feel so happy. That’s why when I saw an autumn leaves necklace on an online jewelry store – I knew I had to have it.

 

My birthday was coming and I hoped that my boyfriend would buy me the necklace as a gift. I knew exactly the outfit I would wear with it – a ruffled pink blouse and a pair of dark denim jeans. I can’t wait until my birthday finally comes so that I can open my gift.