Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Costume Jewellery - Everlasting Beauty

Costume jewelry is forever. It transcends time and age. Right from creating jewellery items out of flowers and pebbles, to adopting metals like gold and silver for longevity, jewellery has always been popular. While some designs are more suitable to a particular time, there are others have seemed to be just as magnetic thousands of years after they were designed. A few so called evergreen designs, continue to form a part of almost all jewelry stores, all over the globe.

Be in Helen of Troy or Cleopatra or for that matter the more contemporary Madonna, women have always adorned jewellery to enhance their look. While women are often associated with jewellery, this is not to say the men are far behind. Right from bracelets, rings to neck pieces; jewellery is loved by men and women alike. The magnetism of a finely crafted jewellery piece is unequaled by any other accessory and the fact that it can be easily handed down through generations adds to its charm.

The magnetism of well crafted jewellery makes it highly desired. No other accessory is as impactful as jewellery that combines fine quality and good workmanship. While platinum and gold jewellery has been rather popular especially on the red carpet, lately we find that costume jewelry is not far behind. Nevertheless what is it about jewellery that makes is so much more desired and valued as opposed to other accessory items.

The fact that jewellery is seen as an investment over and above being just an accessory is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Unlike other accessories such as bags, shoes and watches that loose value over time, jewellery is seen as an investment that will rise in value over the years and can be easily converted, if need be, into liquid cash.

Of course gold is seen as much more of an investment as opposed to silver jewelry but fine silver jewelry has indeed carved a niche for itself over the last few years. The affordability of fine silver jewellery is highly luring for buyers, though gold jewellery still rules the international market due to its better resale value. However, be it gold or silver jewellery, its charm lies in the flawless execution of its designs.

Be it contemporary designs or those inspired from the age old Scottish era, the trick to identify costume jewelry is, understanding the perfect blend of aesthetic designs and authentic metals. One without the other cannot be classified as good jewellery. Fake jewellery pieces not only rob your pocket but, could also damage your skin over time. So, when looking to buy platinum, gold or silver jewelry, keep in mind that the metal must be of pure content. One must ensure that the jewellery being bought is authentic over and above being appealed too. Therefore, it is recommended that the purchase be made from a dependable source and a certificate of authentication be got too.

Indeed, it is true that costume jewelry has much more than just cosmetic advantages, though having all eyes on your when you enter a party is definitely a great attraction when setting off to buy an adornment.

Rolex Watches are good for fashion

"Rolex", the trademark name that Hans Wilsdorf created in 1908. Three years back ,the original name of the company founded by Hans Wilsdorf was "Wilsdorf & Davis".

There isn’t really much certainty how Rolex watches got the name it has now, but one story talks about how the word meant “to indicate movement” in English. Another talks about how the French phrase horlogerie exquise (which translates to exquisite watch industry) inspired the etymology of Rolex as a brand name.

Regardless of what the past behind the inception of its name was, by 1915 the name had officially been recognized, and Rolex watches were known to be Rolex watches by heart. The “name change” act is believed to be a campaign to popularize wristwatches.

During those times, pocket watches were popular, and it is believed that Wilsdorf opted for the name change to promote Rolex watches, giving the brand an edge (memory retention). The name was easy to pronounce, and the act proved to be quite effective.

By 1919, the original name of the company name was changed officially to the Rolex Watch Company. Later, it was replaced with the name Montres Rolex, SA and then finally to Rolex, SA.

But Rolex watches aren’t just what they are for the name. Perhaps the biggest thing to note about Rolex watches would be the innovative minds that made them, to what Rolex watches are now (not to mention what watches are now, in general).

The first waterproof watch case came from Rolex (soon enough, Rolex watches were the first fully waterproof watches in the world). Rolex watches were the first wristwatches to have a date indicator on the dial. The first type of two timezone watches (displayed at the same time) were Rolex watches. Rolex watches in 1931 were the first self winding watches, powered by an internal mechanical system, using the movements of a person’s arm. This breed of Rolex watches eliminated the issue of over-winding, as well as made watch-winding no longer needed.

More importantly, the first of watchmakers to earn chronometer certification for wristwatches came from Rolex’s working force (which to this date, Rolex watches still hold the record for; most certified chronometer movements, wristwatch category).

Rolex also played a role in the development of the original quartz watch movements. Rolex’s watch engineers, during the late 60s to the early 70s, were pivotal in the implementation and design of quartz movement technology. Models for Rolex’s Oyster line became the products of this technologies utilization.

Rolex watches hold the reputation of being tough, capable of withstanding the extremes of situations. From deep-sea diving, to mountain climbing, to aviation, Rolex watches are notorious survivors.

These days Rolex watches have somewhat become “status symbols”, even with more exclusive and expensive time pieces in the market.

Knowing just what Rolex watches have come to contribute to watch development and history, it isn’t really a wonder why it is the largest selling luxury watch in the world.

Gold is a good option to make a wedding ring

Gold is considered as the most traditional and desired metal to make a jewelry creation either for a wedding purpose or for any other purpose. In some countries gold is valued the most auspicious metal among the all metals to make jewelry. It is also because gold is within the budget and also looks very beautiful and suitable for engraving any design. So gold jewelry is the most common but authentic in looking among all the imagined options available for you. Traditionally wedding rings are made up of gold and silver alloy. But now designers are making rings of platinum and titanium. They are more durable and beautiful than a gold or silver ring. Platinum and titanium rings have a classy look with diamonds setting.

Gold is such a metal which can not lose its aura, its shininess and beauty over the years. Gold, as a metal is a lovely yellow color. Gold is favorable because it is looking good when it is worn and giving the right shape to it is easy and it is also durable. Pure gold is also very malleable at 24 carats so it is easy to design and shape. However, the best thing about the gold wedding ring is that it is available in different shades, designs and goes well with other metals too. If you want to purchase wedding ring made out of gold then you can quite different, inspiring shades like rose, green and even white gold.

While making a gold wedding band or a gold wedding ring then you have to think that what type of a ring you want. That is because there are variations of gold depending upon its purity. There are 14 carat gold, 18 carat gold and 24 carat gold. Each type of gold is suitable for making jewelry but 24 carat gold is not so much suitable for making a wedding ring any type of jewelry as it is higher carat that this would make the ring prone to twisting and going out of shape. So ensure that you select a wedding band that is either 14 c or 18 c. According to your necessity you can order a gold wedding ring which has alloyed metal. Mixture of two or more alloys along with gold like palladium etc can make the metal more durable and friendly to make any design. And then the price will be proportionate to the gold that is used in it. The more the proportion of gold the more expensive the wedding rings will be. Select the appropriate carat value that suits your budget and necessity. You can choose platinum or a diamond wedding ring except a gold wedding ring or wedding band matching your budget for that.

Now couples prefer to have an engraved wedding ring and a matching wedding ring. While making an order always keep in your mind that once you have ordered it you can not change your mind after the delivery. So be careful about choosing your wedding rings.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Gold Jewellary – Fashion in Your Budget Now

Gold jewellary has not gone out of fashion, but has evolved, over the years. Women now have a choice between wearing the most delicate of jewellery, instead of the heavy gold ornaments our grandmothers used to wear. Gold is malleable, so it can easily be melted to take a different shape. The purer the gold, the better will be your nick knacks.

Gold is displayed in karats: 10, 12, 18, 22 and 24. The number signifies the purity. For example, 18k would mean it is comprised of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metal. 24k is considered to be the purest form of gold, without any contamination. The higher the purity, the more expensive the gold will be. Whenever you buy jewellary, always ask for an authenticity certificate for the gold.

Gold jewellary is very versatile. It can be made with insets if stones, diamonds or kundan, or just simple gold. However, one must check on the quality of stones used. Gold plated jewellary is another popular form of ornaments, but the coating generally tends to wear off with frequent use, giving your jewellary a tarnished look.

Gold can be molded into a variety of ornaments – necklaces, bangles, earrings, and rings. Gold rings are extremely popular among both men and women. Gold bands are a symbol of commitment and are bought by newly married couples. They are also ideal for gifts on festivals and occasions. The purity of gold is marked on the inner surface of the ring.

Gold Jewellary is a favorite with people as it is wearer friendly and doesn’t cause any skin allergies. Unlike other metals, pure gold doesn’t react with other elements, so your jewellary will never look old or faded. Besides, gold can be designed into any desired shape, no matter how thin, without losing out on strength. Just one ounce of gold can be flattened out to a very thin sheet of ten feet square. This is why it is the preferred metal for any jeweler.

Sometimes, other metals are mixed with gold to alter the color. For instance, white gold is created by mixing a small percentage of palladium to yellow gold. Silver mixed with yellow gold gives it a greenish tinge, while copper gives a rose color to the gold. Besides, mixing also helps reduce the cost of gold and make it more durable.


When Gold Is Used as a Coating
There are many ways to mechanically apply a coating of gold onto a much less expensive metal, reducing the item's cost. The thicker the layer of gold, the less likely it is to wear away easily and expose the metal underneath.

Gold Filled Jewelry
Newer gold filled items have markings that indicate how much and what type of gold was used for the layer. A marking that says 1/20 12K G.F. means that the jewelry is at least 1/20th 12K gold by weight.

Gold Plated Jewelry
The gold layer in gold plated jewelry is typically thinner than the gold in gold filled jewelry, so it usually wears away more quickly. Plating is done in different ways.

You might see terms such as gold washed used to describe a very thin layer of gold--one that won't be very durable.

So What Should You Buy?
Solid gold is durable, so it is a better choice for jewelry you'll wear regularly. If you have allergies to nickel or other metals, choose items that have high gold content, such as 18K or 22K gold jewelry.

Gold filled or plated jewellary is suitable for jewelry that you wear occasionally. Everyday use would eventually diminish the gold layer, exposing the metal below, which might stain your skin or cause an allergic reaction.

For pieces that will last a lifetime and beyond, buy the highest quality gold your budget allows.