Aquamarine Jewelry

Birthstones are an important part of current jewelry culture. Many people know a lot about some of these gems – for instance, April's birthstone is diamond, which is a highly coveted and well-known gem. Those born in May are lucky enough to have the emerald as their birthstone – another well loved gem. One gem that isn't as well known as some of the others is March's birthstone, which is aquamarine.

Aquamarine, which takes its name from the Latin term aqua marina (which means "water of the sea"), is a transparent light blue or blue green gem, and a member of the beryl family. The colors for this gem can range from just a barely there tint of color (looking almost clear like a diamond) to a brighter, more blue green hue. Aquamarine is considered a semiprecious gemstone, with the precious gemstones being diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. It is not as costly as these gems, and may be easier to find.

Aquamarine is not a delicate gem, the way that emeralds are, although they are both beryl gems. Green beryl, known as emerald, is a softer and more easily fractured gem – which is why it is more expensive to obtain. Aquamarine is sturdier, and larger carat weights can be found due to the fact that when it is mined the crystals can be kept in relatively big pieces. Aquamarines can be found in several places on the globe, from Colorado in the United States to Brazil and several African countries. The largest gem of this type ever found was mined in Brazil, it weighed over 110 kg.

March's birthstone is often paired with white colored metals, such as white gold and silver, because of the complimentary cool tones of the aquamarine and silver. If the stone is very light when it is mined, the aquamarine jewelry may be heat treated in order to bring out a deeper blue color. In aquamarine jewelry, the darker the stone is the more money it is worth. Some women choose the lighter versions of aquamarine for a specific reason, however, and that is because they are an excellent substitute for diamonds in jewelry like engagement rings and stud earrings.

While aquamarine may not be the rarest or most expensive member of the beryl family, it is still a beautiful stone worthy of any jewelry piece. The transparent turquoise blue of a good aquamarine stone is unrivaled in beauty, and there are no other gems that come close to attaining that specific type of coloration.

The Use of Leather In Fashion

Luxurious leather has been fashionably used for centuries. Because leather breathes, is water resistant, travels well and lasts for years, it has become a popular material in the fashion industry.

Several different types of skins are popular to use in fashion, including:

• - Calfskin, which is made from young cows;
• - Pigskin is leather from pigs;
• - Buckskin comes from deer or elk skin;
• - Kidskin is made from young goats;
• - Lambskin comes from young sheep and lambs;
• - Alligator skin is made from alligators and crocodiles.

There are also different processes uses to finish the skins and make the suitable to use in fashion, such as:

• - Patent leather, which is given a shiny finish with oils, resin and varnish;
• - Suede, where the flesh side of the leather is brushed to make it nappy;
• - Nubuck, which is buffed on the hair side to create a velvety finish;
• - Top grain, where the real finish is usually sanded off and an imitation grain is stamped onto the leather;
• - Full grain, a leather that has the original grain.

The use of leather began in around 3000 B.C., when the Egyptians discovered it could be used as body armor, household furniture and tents. In Spain, during the 15th century, leather was used for sofas, armchairs and as a wall covering. In the 16th century, leather hats and tunics became popular throughout England during the romantic era of Shakespeare. Ever since that time, leather has been one of the most popular materials used in fashion.

Today there are limitless leather apparel and accessory options. Leather is versatile, practical, prestigious and both sexes look great wearing it. Also, leather comes in many colors and textures, so it always has a trendy, exciting appearance.

Accessories made from leather stand the test of time and look fashionable anywhere you go. Gloves, shoes, hats, belts, boots and handbags made from leather are not only attractive, but a solid investment because of their durability. The wide array of styles and colors available match or enhance any ensemble.

Popular leather fashions include bomber jackets, blazers, trench coats, jeans, trousers, jeans and skirts of all lengths. Styles range from classic and traditional to funky and high-fashion, depending on your preference. Dutch Leather Designers know how to design top of the bill.

Leather is easy to maintain, too. Smooth leather can be wiped with a damp cloth. Suede and nubuck should be brushed. If you get leather wet, let it dry naturally because heat will damage its natural oils. Finally, if your garment gets soiled or worn, bring it to a professional leather cleaner to extend the life of the item. When it comes to fashion, leather is better!

Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry - A Timeless Classic

Handcrafted beaded jewelry has been with us since the caveman days. Yes, beads have been found that are believed to be 70,000 years old.

Even during the 1600's and later, our ancestors would trade beads with the American Indians. Tiny beads of all different colors and sizes were swapped for all sorts of items.

Women of all ages have found beaded jewelry to be attractive and pleasant. During years from long ago, beaded jewelry and beads in general, were very stylish and a sign of wealth. Beads are still very fashionable to this day.

One of the reasons why beaded jewelry is still so popular is because practically anyone can make them. Putting together a string of beads is quite simple when you get the hang of it. Putting together a beautiful beaded necklace is a wonderful feeling.

You will find beaded jewelry in every form and type that can be worn for just about any occasion. You can get a beaded necklace or bracelet, beaded shoes, dresses and other accessories. It really comes down to using your imagination in where to utilize beads.

Men also wear beaded necklaces as well. Many times you will find wearing them on the beach.

If you are looking for jewelry that has stood the test of time and is still as popular today as it's ever been, then look no further than beaded jewelry.

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Love And The Purchase Of Gemstone Gifts

There are never enough ways to show your partner or significant other the love you have for them. The words "I love you" say an awful lot and there can be no substitute. Fine jewelry comes a close second.

There are lots of colorful gemstones that are associated with love. Red stones stand for the heart, a passion and for life. When we think of red, we commonly consider ruby as the jewelry gemstone of choice. There are less pricey variants like red spinel, red tourmaline and the most inexpensive like red garnet. All these are natural gemstones, full of symbolism and are truly beautiful – ideal for a loving gift.

To represent your faithfulness and persistence, you can opt for green gems. It is not only emerald that is green, although that would be a wonderful choice. There is green garnet and green tourmaline. To symbolize your spirituality and pureness, blue gems are those to look for. Besides sapphire, you may also have blue tourmaline, blue iolite and blue spinel.

But if you have a bigger budget to spend you, of course, may want to give those stones with a combination of diamonds. With diamond, it always symbolizes eternity and can never be outclassed. Have you considered, however, the genuineness of pearl? It shows love and purity and displays elegance. Traditionally, birthstones are good options as gifts too as they symbolize the connection of you and your loved one's destiny.

Saying, "I love you" with jewelry is always possible – with an eye on practicality and wisdom.

The Tools For Murano Glassmaking

Murano glass jewelry is highly sought after throughout the world. The artisans that produce this jewelry are highly skilled and accomplished craftsmen with traditions dating back several centuries.

As with other kinds of glass, Murano glass is made from fine silica. The silica melts when exposed to high temperatures and becomes molten glass. After it hardens, it becomes solid glass. When glass is in its semi-molten state, it can be bent or shaped, stretched or packed, or hot worked in other ways.

To shape and work with glass as they do, the Murano glassmakers make use of special tools to get the job done. One of the main tools is the borselle, the name of the tongs, which are used to hand handle glass while in its molten state so that it can be formed, bent, and shaped accordingly. For creations which are meant to be containers, a tool called canna da soffio (blowing pipe) is used to blow the inside portion of the glass so it expands and adheres to the contour of its mold. The pontello is used with this tool to hold the glass while it is blown and after it is blown. It also makes it easy for the craftsman to add the final touches to the glasswork before it hardens thoroughly. The scagno is the glassmaker's workbench. The final tool is the tagianti, a pair of clippers, which is used to cut through glass.

Having the right tools is not enough for anyone to work with glass as the Murano masters do. Hotworking glass is a very sensitive process, especially if your goal is to shape glass to create very attractive works of art. Considerable effort must be put into detail to make glass art look its best. If you wish to put things in perspective and learn just how difficult working with glass is, try heating up a small glass tube, then try stretching it evenly along its length without splitting the tube in two.

How To Look Good In A Plus Size Bridal Dress

When Super model, Liz Hurly landed in India to marry her long time boyfriend Indian businessman, Arun Nayyar she was looking resplendently revealing in her summer dresses. When celebrities say that they wish to look their 'best' on their wedding day it means they should be thin. But not anymore.

Hollywood is tired of the 'thin is in' craze. 'Big is beautiful' is the latest fad. In show biz the pendulum keeps vacillating and now the 'big girl' is the toast of tinsel town.

Last year Milan fashion week featured a show for plus size bridal dress. It was a surprise to see many fashion czars taking interest in the plus size woman especially bridal dress.

Nowadays it is the celebration of curves and more bodylicious the better is what women are opting for in their plus size bridal dress. Today women do not shy away from strutting their stuff down the aisle and so there is a demand for plus size bridal dresses in all the boutiques all over the country.

Another fad with woman nowadays is to get married after getting pregnant. The protruding tummy and butt is no cause to feel ashamed about but to show off proudly in a plus size bridal dress. Believe me nobody seems to mind the plump arms or the heaving bosom on top of the protruding tummy or her well rounded bottom, instead people are happy to see a shapely woman down the aisle and not an emaciated stick insect.

It is surprisingly refreshing to see XL size as the beginning size for the plus size bridal dress. The famous show American Idol featured only 'big girls' and they seem to have the biggest fan following.

What is good in this plus size bridal dress is they are as well revealing and alluring to the eye. An international dress designer from Dallas who designs plus size bridal dress has a hoarding in his store' healthy body has a healthy mind'.

Plus size women generally do not go in for a strapless or spaghetti strap bridal dress. Sleeves, cap sleeves or three fourth sleeves are a good option. Ball room skirt can add to the overall roundness of the woman and make her look ethereal in her plus size bridal dress on the most important day of her life.

Be comfortable in the plus size bridal dress you choose. Not necessary that it should be a gown. It can even be a skirt and blouse for a court marriage. Make sure that you can walk and move with ease in your plus size bridal dress. A 'V' neckline accentuates your bust and makes the neck look longer. It is often a real challenge to find the clothes you want at the best prices. A plus size bridal dress is incomplete without the right shoes to go with it. Often we end up being caught on the 'wrong foot'.

Wedding day is the most important day in a woman's life. So buy yourself a plus size bridal dress which not only fits you but flatters you too.

Pearl Types

In general, pearls are of dominantly colored white. However, there are also cases of subtle tints and colored hints, depending where the pearl is harvested. The coloration also varies according to the pearl's age. Some hues found in colored pearls are yellow, blue, pink, green, brown and purple.

The black pearl can be considered as the rarest and the most valued pearls of all time. This is because such pearls are very rarely produced by white pearl oysters and other kinds of bivalve mollusks. Black pearls are also very hard to culture for mollusks often reject the contents of black pearl substances, which cause them to die.

Contrary to common belief that the prettiest pearl is smooth and shiny, it has been know that real pearl possesses a sandy feel. In fact, the primary indicator towards knowing if the pearl you have is real or not is through biting it. Real pearl will feel gritty to the teeth. As for the price, it varies according to the layering of the pearls accumulated dirt and minerals. The more evenly and extensively layered the pearl, the higher its price. Harder pearls also sell for a higher price.

As of today, the most expensive and biggest pearl ever found in the world is the Pearl of Lao Tzu. It weighs 6.6 Kilograms and has a diameter of ten inches. It was found in the Philippines in 1980, but was rumored to have originally been in possession of the last dynasties of China.

Now that you know many things about the pearl, it's for you to experience its magnificent splendor. No need to dive for it nowadays though. All you've got to do is visit the nearest jewelry shop and start lavishing your self with the loveliest pearl earrings, bracelets and necklaces you can get.