BUYING EARRINGS NECKLACES

EARRINGS

No doubt about it earrings are very popular jewelry items In fact youre probably wearing some right now as you read this article and even if you arent chances are there are a few pairs sitting in your jewelry box People have been wearing these accessories for most of the last three thousand years Ancient Egyptians were fond of plugs a type of thick hoop that was inserted into a piercing and gradually enlarged to a size you could put your finger through In Queen Victorias day heavy dangling earrings known as girandoles were the fashion These miniature chandeliers stretched out the earlobes of many a woman including the Queen herself Today just about anything goes Earbobs of all types are worn by people from every walk of life If you dont particularly like a matched set wear just one or go ahead and mix and match until you find a look you love Earrings basically fall into one of two main categories pierced or nonpierced Lets take a look at both styles and some of the variations each has to offer Pierced ear jewelry is perhaps the most popular and easily found style The current fashion for piercing coupled with the fact that pierced styles stay more securely in the lobe has pushed nonpierced styles into the background The face of the jewelry sets on a thin post that passes through the piercing and attaches with a small slideon clip at the back Hooks These are extremely thin wires that vaguely resemble a fishing hook A joint in the hook holds the decorative part of the earring and the back portion of the hook extends behind your lobe to act as a counterweight Dangles This style is almost a combination of the previous two The jewelry attaches to your lobe with a post but the rest of it hangs down from the post to dangle freely Hoops These come in all sizes from tiny hoops to large ones that look as though they could double as bracelets Hoops typically attach with a small wire that passes through your piercing and connects to an opening in the rear portion of the hoop Other hoops use a post attachment and only give the illusion of being a complete ring

Non Pierced

For those who opt not to have their ears pierced there are several other styles to choose from
Clipons These earbobs attach to your lobe with springloaded clips Although earrings of this type can look just as nice as pierced ones clips are known to slip and many a bob has been lost this way
Screws These are somewhat oldfashioned and seldom used today Similar to a clipon this style uses a small screw with a flat head to create enough pressure to secure the jewelry to your ear
Magnetic This style employs a fairly strong magnet to hold your jewelry in place
Earrings can be made from inexpensive plastic or the most expensive metals and jewels You choose what you like and can afford
Suitable metals include
Surgical stainless steel Hypoallergenic and strong
1418K Gold Hypoallergenic and beautiful
Titanium Extremely durable but tends to irritate fresh piercings
Less desirable materials include
Gold or silver plate The thin layer of metal over steel tends to tarnish and wear away
Sterling Although lovely sterling is not a good choice for pierced style earrings since it reacts with body fluids and can leave permanent dark blackishgreen marks on your lobes
Nickel This inexpensive metal is widely known to cause a red moist rash wherever it comes in contact with your lobes Some people are immune to it but its use is becoming more limited because of this problem

Rings are one of the largest facets of the jewelry market from diamond engagements to silver fashion Women wear them men wear them teens wear them even kids have an inherent desire to adorn their fingers with pretty pieces After all what little one can resist the lure of the twenty five cent ring encased in the shining plastic bubble next to the gumball machine
Although the adornment of the finger began prior to the medieval period this is when the popularity of rings began to be most notable Even the lower classes begin to wear rings made from cheaper metals such as copper For officials the wearing of rings had an executive purpose their signet rings were used to seal and officiate documents Government officials religious leaders and even artisans and craftsmen owned insignia rings to mark their identification or goods
Engagement rings had their beginnings in ancient Rome when lovers would pronounce their impending engagement with betrothal finger spheres made from iron ore The earliest known offering of diamond engagement rings occurred during the late 1400s among royalty Today engagement rings are among the most popular types of rings from tradational diamond styles to yellow diamonds and other modern looks There are a tremendous number of styles and types of finger rings The majority are made from some type of metal for strength durability and beauty These may be inlaid with gem stones pearls beads crystals charms and more The metal is often detailed to create patterns shapes or unique embellishments Engraving in metal is also a common practice to show ownership or commemorate love relationships
Other materials include glass beads wood and organic materials such as bone
Common types of rings include
Promise A preengagement piece illustrating commitment
Engagement Shows impending commitment to marriage
Wedding Bands worn by both partners to signify the marital union
Anniversary Given to illustrate the time a marriage or relationship has been together
Mothers Given to show the love and sacrifice of a mother often given by her children
Graduation School High school and college graduations are often sealed into memory through use of rings as memorabilia
Birthstone Bands inlaid with gemstones corresponding to the persons birth month
Personalized Name initial or monograms offer an individual statement
Organizations and affiliations Sports fraternities sororities clubs and other organizations may have rings that identify members
Irish Claddaugh Signifies love loyalty and friendship Can be worn in different ways to signify impending marriage or marital union
Celebrity Rings Inspired by the often extravagant looks of celebrities these rings are usually imitations of highly expensive haute couture finger jewels
Mood Rings Highly popularized in the 1970s and 80s these are said to convey the mood of the wearer depending on the color of the stone or crystal
Spinners Consists of two parts a stationary outer band and a moveable inner band
Right Hand Usually worn in opposition to the lefthanded wedding or engagement rings to make a bold statement of individual identity
Puzzle Worn by ancient royalty these unique pieces consist of between 3 and 12 bands
Other Types
In addition to finger rings worn traditionally on the third finger of the left hand people now wear them on both hands and on many fingers Pinkie rings and thumb rings are often worn as fun fashion trends Stacked or numerous rings on one finger or many pieces on one hand are also worn Contemporary fashion rules encourage wearing them in different ways and expressing personal style
Accompanying the trend of personal expression and waning away from classic jewelry standards body jewelry has exploded onto todays contemporary jewelry scene Nose toe navel and tongue rings are all widely available in many styles
For fingers jewelry is usually sized according to a set of standard millimeter measurements These sizes range from a 5 which is 15 77 millimeters to a size 13 which is 22 2 millimeters Most jewelers will gladly assist you in sizing or you can find sizing tools online
If your sizing changes or needs adjusted your rings can usually be altered in 2 sizes either larger or smaller by a professional jeweler
Women have long been captivated by the beauty and allure of handmade bangle bracelets since ancient times They enhance the feminine mystique and graceful features of a womans arm with their delicate artistry Each handcrafted bangle is a unique work of art skillfully handcrafted by a jewelry artisan

Exotic Rings

Many people want to wear distinctive pieces but arent sure where to start Think of your interests personality lifestyle and more for ideas Bright or unusual colors can make a ring distinctive Choosing alternative materials to standard gold and silver can also lend an exotic feel to a ring Custom engraving or design can additionally make a ring stand out like no other
Look for interesting combinations that strike you and use your own style as a drawing point If you love flamboyant jewelry large rings with bright gems might be your choice in ring exoticism If youre looking for something quieter but still unusual try simple but interesting rings made with wood or shell
Indian jewelry has long been known for being exotic and distinctive The use of unusual gemstones such as tiger eye moonstone and prehnite create eyecatching looks In addition the rings are often fashioned into large unusual shapes and styles that include huge ovals or serpentine weaving of precious metals
Simple Bands
Boone Titanium Rings have a seamless band and inlaid wood The wood is exotic such as Zebrawood African Blackwood Buckeye Burl and Kentucky Coffee Burl The company also offers simple bands with engraved designs or engraving with color A few of their bands have gemstones melded into the band as well These exotic rings start around $300 00
Snake Rings
More popular than ever snake rings come in a variety of shapes styles and price ranges Traditionally these rings are given as a gift that symbolizes good fortune and health Snake rings were popular in the 1800s and often worn with serpentine bangles
Antique Rings
Family heirlooms can create a lot of interest and opportunity to tell others about the favorite relative who bequeathed the jewelry The painstaking time and care put into creating items in times gone by often make them far lovelier than any modern reproduction although some replicas do come close In addition an antique piece will have special meaning
Hand Created Designs
There are many different jewelry designers who create oneofakind handmade designs These rings come in a wide variety of styles to suit every need To find local artists and view their designs try craft fairs Many artists also sale their creations online at sites such as Ebay Exotic Glimmerings is one such Ebay store with a wide variety of exotic rings and other jewelry pieces
Exotic Engagement
Unless you are absolutely certain the woman of your dreams wants a unique ring then it is probably best to stick with tried and true diamonds However if your potential bridetobe is on board for an exotic ring to mark your engagement there are many alternatives available Here are a few ideas
Matching Celtic Rings
Traditional Diamond in a Unique Setting
Platinum Instead of Gold
Unusual Gemstones
Todays trend is to set aside traditional jewelry and look for something unique and personal No matter what style of ring you choose be it a traditional or exotic ring be sure it reflects your own character and tastes and is something youll be comfortable wearing for many years to come
Flower Earrings
Floral earrings are available in many styles Ranging from tiny rose stud earrings carved from pearls to delicate earrings made from precious metals there are a wide number to choose from
Materials
Flower earrings can be made from a variety of materials From gold earrings studded with diamonds to fun and funky plastics there is likely to be a style to meet all tastes and budgets
Precious Metals Precious metals such as gold and silver are a great choice for earrings The cool white metal of silver and the different hues and shades of gold means that there is a wide choice available Precious metals are straightforward to look after and while silver tarnishes when exposed to air for a long time the deep patina will accentuate the texture of petals
Extremely delicate earrings can be made from metals which give the opportunity to show off plenty of detail which will catch the light
Other metals are also available however it is important to make sure that any metal that is contact with the skin is nickel free and is hypoallergenic to avoid the potential for reactions with the skin
Gemstones are often carved into shapes and a popular shape is flowers These lend themselves to earrings and look extremely attractive
Gemstones are available in a variety of colors ranging from the pale opaque pink of rose quartz to the deep purple hues of amethyst The wide range of types of gemstone means that earrings can be chosen to complement a variety of outfits or match other jewelry items
Other Materials Flower earrings can be made from a variety of other materials These include fabrics and textiles such as velvets and silks Plastics and other man made materials are also available and these can bring a contemporary take on a classic flower Bright primary colors can bring a flash of brilliance to an outfit without being overly flashy
Styles
Flower earrings will either be worn as studs typical for smaller earrings which means that the flower is attached to a pin and this is secured with a butterfly clip or attached to an earwire which means that the flower dangles below the ear
Either style is attractive and looks great for many occasions Stud earrings are more practical as they are less likely to catch meaning that they may be more suitable for wear on the beach or during other leisure activities Dangling earrings are slightly more dressy however small flower earrings combine elegance with delicate style
Buying Small Flower Earrings
Floralthemed earrings can be bought from both traditional jewelry stores and online websites Buying from a high street jewelry store is a popular choice for many people because they can see and touch the earrings Whereas it is not advisable to try earrings on before buying it is possible to hold earrings up against your ears to assess the finished look This gives the buyer reassurance of what they are buying and helps avoid disappointment
Buying from an online store however also has many benefits It means that people can shop from the comfort of their own home and visit a variety of stores in a fraction of the time it would take to trawl around the high street equivalents Online stores often have a wider range to choose from and sometimes stock some more unusual products
Flower earrings are a beautiful item of jewelry Whether they are fun and funky brightly colored flowers or classic designs made from precious metals they are likely to bring pleasure to the wearer and gain admiring glances from others
Silver Rings for Men
Sterling silver is sometimes overlooked when choosing jewelry Its low cost sometimes gives people the impression that it is inferior to other metals This is far from reality however with silver offering many qualities making it an ideal choice for jewelry for men The steely color combined with its hardwearing qualities make this a practical as well as an attractive metal and it is especially suited to rings of all types
What is Sterling Silver
Pure silver is very soft and is known as fine silver This is most often used by wire jewelry artists who like working with the malleable wire Fine silver is impractical for normal jewelry however as it will easily knock out of shape and dent Sterling silver is an alloy of fine silver and other metals which retains all the positive features of silver but with added strength Sterling silver is also referred to as 92 5 as it is 92 5 percent pure silver and 7 25 percent other metals
Wear and Care
Unlike the softer metal gold silver does not wear down so quickly and is more robust This means rings made from silver are able to take the odd knock as well as hard wear and tear without damage Silver is easy to look after and rings that are worn every day will not tarnish The surface will remain bright although any engraved sections will gain a dark patina over time This adds to the appeal of the jewelry and emphasizes the design
Satin Finish Rings
Sterling silver will loose its shiny highly polished look after time and will take on a more satin look Many men prefer this and rings can be bought with a satin finish rather than a high shine
Cost
Another great feature of sterling silver rings for men is the price Silver is significantly less than gold and a fraction of the price of platinum This relatively low price means that large rings can be chosen without fear of breaking the bank To find a gold ring within the same budget range the ring may be goldplated or even hollow both of which mean that the ring would be nowhere near as practical as a solid silver ring
Custom Rings
The relatively low price also means that many independent artisan jewelers use silver to work with and a wide range of unique and custom rings can be found Artisan jewelers are often happy to take commissions and to design rings for customers and as such silver presents an ideal metal for them to work with Many larger jewelry stores and chains will also offer a wide range of silver jewelry styles and types and shopping around is bound to present many options
Different Types of Sterling Silver Rings for Men
There are many different types of ring appropriate for men These include the following
Gemstone Set Rings
Silver works well with a variety of gemstones Stones such as black onyx hematite and dark jade all look fantastic against the backdrop of silver and offer a great combination for someone looking for a masculine ring
Thumb Rings
Thumb rings are typically chunky rings worn on the thumb These are exceptionally suited to silver as these are more inclined to get knocked during wear Thumb rings are available in different shapes and styles although plain rings are best and unlikely to get caught in fabric
Spinning Rings
Spinning rings are popular and look great in silver as the inner part takes on a deep patina emphasizing the structure of the ring A spinning ring is in fact two rings one sits in side the other which gives the ring its movement
Necklaces are one of the most popular types of jewelry Befitting nearly any age and gender from young girls to adult men the variety of necklace types in todays modern jewelry market is astounding Read on for whats hot as well as the basics of neck jewelry

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