Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Invest in Tomorrow's Collectible Jewelry Today

    Wouldn't it be great to have a time machine that would allow you to go back and buy today's collectible jewelry at yesterday's prices? You can do the next best thing by buying jewelry today that will become sought after in the future. Here are eight tips to help you in your search for tomorrow's collectible jewelry.

    1. Quality and craftsmanship

    Quality pieces command quality prices. Cheap jewelry is a dime a dozen at flea markets and resale shops. But quality pieces with crystal stones that still shimmer and faux pearls that have retained their luster paired with metal that hasn't had its finish rubbed or flaked off, will always hold appeal for collectors.

    2. Pieces hallmarked with the designer's name

    A designer's name or mark on a piece adds instant value. It gives an item the cachet of the entire breadth of the designer's work. Look for a hallmark on the back of pins or brooches, near the clasp of necklaces and bracelets, or on a separate hanging tag in the same finish as the metal.

    3. Name recognition

    Not every designer becomes well-known. Every collector of vintage jewelry probably has at least one piece in their collection with an obscure hallmark they can't identify, and that's fine if they like the piece. But when they come across a piece with an instantly recognizable name, they don't hesitate to scoop it up. They know they've found something special -- and they know they'll be able to sell it in the future to someone who will appreciate the name as well as the style.

    4. Small production per piece

    The fewer pieces of an item there are in existence, the higher the demand and price. Opt for the offbeat or unusual -- as long as you like it -- over a generic piece with mass appeal. While both will have resale value if they're made well, the unique piece should prove harder to find, thus driving up its resale price. If a more expensive item captures your heart, remember that fewer people buy a higher priced item which can create increased demand in the future.

    5. Limited Edition pieces

    A Limited Edition eliminates the guesswork of how many pieces were made. Limited Edition pieces should be stamped with both the total number in the Edition and the number of each particular piece. For example, piece number 12 in an addition of 250 will most likely be stamped on back "Ltd. Ed. 12/250". If you buy a piece that isn't stamped with the actual edition, but instead has a Certificate of Authenticity with that information, be sure to keep the Certificate with the item to ensure you get the optimum resale price in the future.

    6. Thematic pieces

    Look for pieces that will have crossover appeal to at least two groups of collectors. For example, Christmas jewelry is sought after by both jewelry collectors and Christmas collectors. If it's an angel, you'll add angel collectors to your list of potential buyers as well. The more people you have vying for an item, the higher your selling price will be.

    7. Assurance of authenticity

    Buy from a reputable retailer. Designers in all fields are plagued by knock-offs. An Authorized Reseller protects your investment by ensuring that you're getting the genuine articles you're paying for.

    8. Buy what you like

    This is the Cardinal Rule for collectors. You'll never go wrong buying what you like. Today's joy won't be diminished if you aren't able to sell something at a profit tomorrow. And if you truly love something -- you probably won't want to part with it anyway!

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Invest in Tomorrow's Collectible Jewelry Today


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Monday, February 7, 2011

Look Great In The Latest Costume Jewelry

    If you want to look your best but are on a tight budget, do not despair. You do not need a lot of money to have pretty accessories. You can look great in the latest costume jewelry.

    Costume jewelry is also referred to as fashion jewelry. One of the best things about this jewelry is that it is available in such a wide variety of styles, shapes and colors. It can be made of plastic, glass, leather, wood, fake fur and other materials.

    When you look for the latest costume jewelry, you will find bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. You can find items that will improve the appearance of any outfit. By selecting the right fashion jewelry, you are sure to turn heads when you go out in public.

    Having the latest fashion jewelry is essential if you are the kind of person who likes to experiment with different looks. You can buy a lot of affordable items and daily select jewelry that suits your mood.

    Maybe you like to try out different looks you see in magazines. You might like the accessories that celebrities wear. With fashion jewelry, you can get those same great looks and still stick to your budget.

    In the past, costume jewelry had a negative image. The pieces were seen as cheap products to be used on stage or by people who could not afford better jewelry. Things have changed, and the latest costume jewelry is worn by all groups.

    People sometimes think of costume jewelry as being gaudy, but you can find many understated items to use as accessories. Some fashion jewelry items are replicas of more expensive pieces. These replicas can be very high in quality and will be perfect when you really want to dress to impress.

    Replicas are usually made of better materials than most fashion jewelry, so they can be a little more costly. However, replicas are still generally affordable, and you should be able to buy this kind of fashion jewelry that looks good and complements your outfits.

    Fashion jewelry is great for short-term use. Styles change quickly, and when you buy the jewelry, you can get the looks you want at affordable prices. You can discard the items later when they are no longer fashionable. You will not be out of a lot of money because the jewelry was inexpensive.

    If you choose to hang on to your costume jewelry for a longer period of time, that will not be a problem in most cases. Although it is inexpensive, much of the jewelry can last for quite a while with proper care.

    You can keep the jewelry looking good by wiping it down when you remove it. Do not use harsh solutions for cleaning because they will cause the metals to fade. You should store your items in a covered container to prevent dust from ruining the appearance of the jewelry.

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Look Great In The Latest Costume Jewelry


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Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Glamour of Vintage Jewellery and Modern Reproductions

    Jewellery and its role underwent significant changes over the course of centuries. If in older times it had a number of functions ranging from its use as a currency to religious, symbolic or artistic purposes, today the use of jewellery is mainly decorative. Unlike in older times, an item of jewellery is not an indication of its owner's status but rather of wealth or taste (or at times a lack of any).

    A modern outfit without the right accessories will never look its best. Luckily, with so much to choose from one does not need to resort to fine and expensive items. For a casual daily look a simple string of vibrant glass beads may add that necessary accent to your look and give it a distinctive character and the individuality you are looking for. In deciding how to accessorize a casual dress I give preference to vintage jewellery. It is guaranteed to add a stylish touch and a distinctive look. The vibrancy of colours, intricate designs and quality make vintage jewellery really stand out from its modern counterparts. And online retailers offer a wide choice of such products. What attracts me the most to authentic vintage jewelry rather than its modern replicas is the chance to acquire a rare piece with a bit of history and not a mass produced item.

    I buy vintage fashion accessories online and find that lots of chunky 1960s necklaces and the like are often made from glass and come in rich vibrant colours unlike modern similar items made from boring plastic. If you want to make a stylish fashion statement with the help of vintage jewellery without massive damage to your bank account your first search stop should be eBay. With its abundance of items on sale being constantly updated you will be spoilt for choice. With all products being carefully categorized to help you find that rare something special the search can be real fun. The only word of caution is not to get carried away with bidding as it might get very addictive.

    One piece of retro jewellery is experiencing a real fashion revival in recent times - the brooch. Being no longer a granny accessory, a brooch may be used in a variety of ways for a customized look. It can be attached to a belt to emphasize the waist, or be affixed to an evening handbag or a hat adding a touch of glamour. A vintage brooch can be used to turn a plain ring into a fashionista dream cocktail ring. Another fascinating modern trend is the use of vintage brooches to create a bridal bouquet. For those of you who can afford high end products there is a choice of modern vintage inspired jewellery collections offering exquisite designs captured in diamonds, gold, platinum and rhodium with every piece being an investment in itself.

    Whatever you decide to go with - an authentic vintage jewel or modern vintage inspired reproduction - one thing you can be sure of: fashion obsession with vintage style is here to stay. And the more that modern technology throws hi-tech gadgets at us, and the more the rhythm of our daily life gets sped up, the stronger our nostalgia will be for good old vintage glamour.

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The Glamour of Vintage Jewellery and Modern Reproductions


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Saturday, February 5, 2011

In Search Of High Quality Luxury Watches

    Stylish, luxury watches can be found in many different models and are made from a variety of materials. You could choose to shop for gold watches, silver watches, diamond watches and more. The important thing to remember about shopping for luxury watches is that you don't have to spend more money to get a great-looking watch. There are many watches out there that would be considered a luxury to have, and they don't cost nearly as much as some of the biggest name brands. If you shop carefully, you can find a great watch at a great price.

    Luxury watches can truly highlight a great outfit. Whether the watch is for a classy, well-dressed, handsome gentleman or an elegant, conservative, tastefully-dressed woman, certain watches just add flair to any good-looking outfit. A golden watch is usually a man's favorite type of watch, whereas the women generally prefer diamond watches. No matter what the case may be, luxury watches have been a part of the culture of elegant dress for a while now, and they will continue to be for quite some time. The possibilities and combinations of watches and outfits are endless, and there's no telling how many great-looking results you might find with the help of stunning time pieces.

    Pick a price range and stick to it if you would like to purchase luxury watches. Once you focus your efforts on a specific range of prices that you are willing to pay, you can find the best value for that amount of money and buy it. Pay special attention and be careful to look for clearance sales. You might be able to find a great watch at a local shop that is trying to get rid of an older shipment of watches to make room for a new one. You may be able to find a watch for 300 dollars that would normally sell for 500 dollars. You never truly know what's out there to be bought until you look.

    Luxury time pieces make great gifts for any special occasion. You could surprise someone special in your life with a great watch for an anniversary gift, on a birthday, Christmas, or any other time of the year. The best idea is to make sure you have the budget to spend on the watches, as they usually aren't cheap. If you've got the money to spend, though, there are thousands upon thousands of amazing watches out there for you to explore and consider for purchase. These types of watches can be the highlight of a great holiday season or a reminder of the love a married couple shares. You can even get creative and have them customized. You might be surprised what you can do with a watch even with a smaller budget.

    Luxury watches are still popular even though cell phones are used more to tell time than watches are. There's no replacement for luxury time pieces as part of a great-looking, classy outfit. Gold, silver, diamond and other types of stunning watches are always a welcome sight at social gatherings, so consider buying yours today.

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In Search Of High Quality Luxury Watches


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Friday, February 4, 2011

Eco-Friendly Jewelry: Certifications To Care About

    When most hear the term eco-friendly jewelry, the immediate thought is either vintage or rings, necklaces and earrings created from recycled supplies. Nevertheless, when buying new stones, especially diamonds, the word eco-friendly becomes a holistic method that addresses both the practices utilized to acquire such stones and also the impact that mining has on the neighborhood communities. It is crucial to look for conflict free and free trade diamonds and insist that jewelers verify the full chain of custody of their stones, from harvesting to finish.

    Jewelers are also working to address the concern of "dirty mining" of precious metals, particularly gold. Classic mining methods have evolved into open pit mining, heap leaching and amalgamation.

    With open-pit mining, companies save the time of creating underground shafts and merely blast the complete surface of the mining area creating enormous craters and damaging the surrounding eco-system. Moreover, from the huge amount of materials brought towards the surface of gold-hunting are for the most part worthless. Discovering an ounce of gold through open-pit mining can result in 30 tons of mine waste.

    Heap leaching is really a particularly toxic approach to extract gold from ore. Ore is crushed and piled into heaps after which sprayed with cyanide, an incredibly toxic substance, that seeps through the ore and bonds with the gold. The gold-cyanide combo is then shuffled to a mill where the two are chemically separated. The cyanide is then kept in an artificial pond for re-use while the ore waste is piled into an unofficial dam of sorts. These dams aren't only toxic but very unstable.

    As if it couldn't get any worse, the third typical practice, amalgamation, utilizes mercury to form an alloy with the gold. That alloy is then broken apart with the use of nitric acid which releases mercury vapor into the atmosphere. The unwanted effects of mercury vapor on humans and animals? Damage to the kidneys, brain, liver, heart, lungs, colon and immune system.

    Just as with diamond mining, gold mining also raises fair trade and human rights concerns as workers are usually exploited and indigenous communities relocated inside the quest for gold.

    Much like soda cans and old t-shirts may be recycled into jewelry, so can gold. Eco-friendly jewelers look to recycled jewelry and industrial material for their gold sources. It is also critical to look for the "fair trade" label on any gold purchase you make this holiday season. Savvy consumers can also ask if jewelers are Green Circle Certified, which means that a third-party has verified the gold is indeed made of 100% post-consumer recycled content.

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Eco-Friendly Jewelry: Certifications To Care About


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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Classic Pearl Jewelry For The Times

    Pearls are a classic choice in jewelry. Royalty wore strands of pearl jewelry as far back as the middle ages and once cultured pearls became affordable, almost every woman had a prized strand and wore them frequently. Pearls became a mainstay accessory for women all over the world and are still popular today in several different forms.

    Pearl Types
    Pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Natural pearls are most expensive because they are scarce. Cultured pearls are more accessible because oysters or mollusks are artificially inserted with organic material on which to grow the pearl, which is harvested several years later. Natural and cultured pearls come in a variety of colors including white, cream and black with pink, lavender, green, silver or gold overtones. Freshwater pearls are another option and have unusual raisin-like shapes that radiate a kaleidoscope of subtle, shimmering color.

    Shapes
    Round and semi round pearls are best for strand necklaces. Button pearls have one round side and flat side that is backed by metal of a pendant, cuff link, ring or earring to make it appear round. Teardrop pearls, also called drop or pear shape make beautiful pendants or drop earrings. Baroque pearls have interesting and irregular shapes. They are included into pendants or their unique shapes are extenuated in strands. Circled pearls have ridges that form around the body and are commonly used as pendants, earrings or cufflinks. White and cream pearls both go well with gold and white pearls with silver or pink overtones work well with silver or platinum as do black pearls.

    Strands
    Strands are the most popular and classic type of pearl jewelry. A strand never goes out of style. The type Audrey Hepburn was wearing years ago is still popular today. Both multi-strand and single strand are popular types of necklaces. Collar strands are 10 to 13 inches in length and falls around the throat. Choker necklaces are 14 to 16 inches long and sit at the base of the neck. Princess strands measure 17 to 19 inches and come to the collarbone. Strands measuring 20 to 24 inches or just above the breast are matinee length and opera length goes to the breast bone at 28 to 35 inches long. Rope necklaces measure 45 inches or more. Longer strands are easily twisted and wrapped around the neck to give the illusion of multi-strands or around the wrist to make a bracelet. Uniform pearls are to all one size while graduated has larger pearls at the front and smaller ones to the back.

    Other Pearl Jewelry
    A single pearl on a chain is a classic necklace style suitable for young and old. Earrings come in studs and drop style. One pearl or a cluster makes for a lovely cocktail ring and a bracelet of delicate fresh water pearls interspersed with diamonds makes a beautiful accessory for special occasions. Pearl jewelry lasts forever if kept safe inside a felt bag and out of sunlight and heat and maintains its stylish nature for years to come.

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Classic Pearl Jewelry For The Times


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Getting Started With Your Wedding Registry

    Now that he mustered up the courage and popped the question and you're officially engaged. Right after you purchase your tungsten wedding bands, it's time to start planning your future together. One of the first steps in the wedding planning process is getting your registry together. Nowadays, many couples have lived together prior to marriage and therefore have an idea of what styles they enjoy or even as to which additional items they could use to enhance their home. Others still wait till after marriage to begin living together. No matter your choice, the wedding registry is a very important aid in starting your future.

    With the ease of technology to aid seemingly everyone from the very young to the elderly, registries are an increasingly important tool that can help the excited couple choose their style. Guests can easily choose a wedding gift from the couple's registry and get them a gift they can actually use. This way, everyone can contribute to the couple's new life together, knowing that they are purchasing something the couple will love!

    The next step is to choose where you want to register. Thanks to the ease of the internet, it is now easier than ever to find out where it is you want to register. For any couple starting their lives together, the obvious choice is to register at a store that contains all they could need, such as a Macy's. Here are some helpful hints about how to choose the proper place for you and your future spouse to register.

    1. First, decide as a couple where you like to shop. Remember, the gifts you receive are things you will use for your home, so make sure you like what you're asking for. While women get a bad rap for their inexplicable love for Target, men share an affection for the store. Target works as it is a store that can satisfy daily needs as well as long term needs. Another popular choice is Crate & Barrel as it contains a plethora of household goods that are reasonably priced and durable. Another popular choice is Macy's, which has plenty of selection. It is a little more high end, but full of many choices that are perfect for the new couple.

    2. Second, it is important to take your guests and their time into account. At this point in the wedding planning process, you have an idea of the amount of guests that will be attending or at least be invited to the wedding. It is important to choose a store that is readily accessible to others. A local mom and pop general store may make it difficult for any out of town guests to find what you're looking for

    3. Third and finally, take consideration of the budget of your guests. It is advisable to choose various registries, one that is generally more affordable to most guests, such as Target, and a higher end one, such as Macy's. This way, you can factor in all of your guests.

    After having chosen the proper place, it is time to dig through the catalogs and make your wish list. It's important to look around your existing home and decide what your really need. Some of the stuff you may need may be something you already posses, such as an aging appliance. Whatever you end up choosing, it is important to be specific and actually take the time to make a registry. Otherwise, you could end up with 7 toasters.

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Getting Started With Your Wedding Registry


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