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Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Fits the Most Special of Occasions

tugumuda — Thu, 13 May 2010 01:31:38 +0000

Throughout our lives, there are days that we know will remain etched in our memories forever. There are milestone birthdays, bat mitzvahs, and graduations, along with our wedding day and the days our children are born. For occasions large and small, handcrafted silver jewelry can commemorate special days and help to create lasting memories.

Lockets

Our grandmothers may have worn lockets on silver chains around their necks, but these memory-keepers are enjoying a resurgence today. Lockets make perfect gifts for new mothers and new grandmothers. For someone close to us who is experiencing a recent loss, a locket expresses heartfelt condolences in a way that honors a loved one.

Silver Chains

Artisans who specialize in handmade jewelry have access to silver chains in dozens of different designs. Moreover, because they solder the end caps and the rings connecting to the clasp, their bracelets, necklaces, and anklets won’t fall off and get lost – an ever-present danger with commercial produced chains. Because the chains are usually sold by the inch, you can purchase one in any size. That makes them perfect gifts for a variety of recipients, from babies to men, from plus-size women to little girls’ dolls.

Pendants and Earrings

Handmade pendants and earrings are made the old-fashioned way, with hand tools, one piece at a time. Set with gemstones, they make wonderful anniversary gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, and even bridesmaids’ gifts. Thematic pendants – like dragons, pentagrams, or Celtic symbols – are memorable birthday gifts.

Rings

In our society, rings convey an incredible sense of meaning. Depending upon the occasion, they signify commitment, hope, love, or eternity. Handmade silver wedding rings, which are available in a bright polish finish, a satin or brushed finish, or a hammered finish, can make a memorable day even more special.

But rings can also reflect your gift recipient’s interests, hobbies, or passions. From traditional Celtic rings and classic pentagram rings to biker rings and puzzle rings, jewelry artisans offer a dazzling array of gift-giving options.

And Much More….

Handcrafted silver jewelry can take many other forms, all of which can add meaning to special occasions. Barrettes are the perfect gift for a little girl on her first day of school, while charm bracelets and cufflinks make wonderful graduation gifts. Religious jewelry is appropriate for to commemorate milestones in virtually all faiths, while cuff bracelets are the perfect “just because” gift.

Finding Jewelry Online

While there are many online sources for jewelry, it’s important to select a company that has a long-standing tradition of creating handcrafted silver jewelry. The artisans can either guide you to pre-made pieces, or can work with you to create the perfect, customized gift that reflects your affection for the recipient.

Handcrafted Silver Jewelry: The Plus-Size Woman’s Dream

tugumuda — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:31:14 +0000

There’s little argument that we live in a world designed for our thinner sisters. Those of us who are more bountiful can often feel as though we’re on the outside looking in – especially when it comes to fashion accessories. Sure, we can buy accessories like barrettes and earrings, but when it comes to pendants on chains, bracelets, and rings, we’re often out of luck. The chains simply aren’t long enough, the bracelets are too tight, and the rings simply aren’t big enough. That’s why it’s a godsend to find handcrafted silver jewelry made by artisans who care enough to create lovely pieces that “fit” plus-size women.

Silver Chains

The challenges we face in the world of fashion accessories are often a matter of chain length. Whether for necklaces, bracelets, or anklets, the answer is to find chains that are custom-sized for any length. Thanks to the Internet, custom-length chains are only a few clicks away.

When you’re shopping for silver chains, look for a source that offers dozens of different kinds of chain. You’ll then have the same kind of selection that average-sized women have. Perhaps you like box, rope, or bar and link chain; maybe you like the elegant sophistication of herringbone or the more substantial Byzantine or Madeira styles. The bottom line is that you should have access to a wide variety of choices that are .925 sterling silver and that are priced by the inch.

Clasps and Fasteners

The telltale signs of quality bracelets and necklaces are the clasps and fasteners. When jewelry is assembled commercially, the fasteners are literally the weak links; all too often, they simply come apart and cause you to lose your chain. High quality handcrafted silver jewelry, on the other hand, has caps that are soldered on and jump rings that are soldered closed so that the ring connecting the clasp to the chain can’t open.

Rings to be Treasured

Gemstone rings are wonderful fashion accessories, but they also make great gifts. While there are traditional birthstones for every month (January – garnet; February – amethyst; March – bloodstone or aquamarine; April – diamond; May – emerald; June – pearl or moonstone; July – ruby; August – sardonyx or peridot; September – sapphire or lapis lazuli; October – opal or pink tourmaline; November – topaz or citrine; December – turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite), there are also astrological birthstones based on a Zodiac sign’s ruling planet.

You know that you’ve found a reputable establishment when it’s upfront about whether or not its gemstones have been enhanced. If a stone is not naturally mined, its description should indicate that it has, for example, been heated or irradiated (an accepted practice, since some stone colors – like ruby and sapphire – rarely occur in nature). Similarly, it should be noted if a stone is reconstituted from powder or stabilized using liquid acrylic. Again, the jewelry industry approves of these methods, but they should still be disclosed.

Final Tip: Bigger May be Better

As plus-size women, we have the luxury of being able to wear larger pieces of handcrafted silver jewelry. Don’t be afraid to opt for wider chains, larger earrings, or bigger gemstones. We can pull it off – beautifully!

Gothic Clothing for Fun

tugumuda — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:13:21 +0000

Are you ready to put a different type of style into your life? If you are into punk gothic clothing is going to be the type of clothing that will fit your style. for the cuts, the off the shoulder looks, and the inclusion of leather in your clothing, gothic clothing is going to set your style, set you out from the crowd, and put you in the scene you want to be in.

Gothic clothing uses a look that includes what some people feel is a sexy, sleek, and wild look. Not everyone is going to dress in a suit and tie for work, and if you are not in that group, consider gothic clothing to set your mood for fun all day and all night long. Gothic clothing is based on the use of tight corsets, tight clothing, leathers, the look of chains and an overall style that is different from many other types of designers and styles that are available.

Most gothic clothing is not available in retail stores offline. You can occasionally find a gothic clothing store offline, but in larger cities. Prices for gothic clothing are going to be a bit higher, as you are purchasing a specialty item, one that will take you back in time to a point where costumes where a daily habit, and the costumes wear worn by those who had the most power in that time, and the most wisdom.

Gothic clothing often times represents a more animal looking side to life. The animal prints of the leopard and the tiger are often times very popular with the gothic clothing you can find for sale online. The tiger prints in bold yellow, black, and sometimes in white with black are popular as gifts, for wearing, and to set your wardrobe out among the rest. Leopard prints in red, white, black and sometimes in yellow are exciting additions for those who want to have the gothic clothing feel extended in their life.

Gothic clothing purchases can be completed online. You can find many gothic clothing retailers online, from different countries that are going to add that something special to your wardrobe, and that others in your friendly circle are not going to have. You can mix and match gothic clothing to include pants, shirts, shorts, tops, tanks, and neckwear or head gear that is fabulous compared to the boring type of suits and outfits that are available through other retailers. The gothic clothing lines are exciting, sexy, and sultry, setting your own style to be one that will make you a step above the rest in your crowd. If you are in the rock scene, in the punk scene or if you are a partygoer, you are going to love what you can find online in the gothic clothing sections.

how to buy Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Online

tugumuda — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:50:23 +0000

Handcrafted silver jewelry is beautiful and unique. Whether you’re looking for pieces to add to your collection or are shopping for gifts, there are excellent online sources for handmade earrings, pendants, rings, barrettes, and necklaces. For a wonderful buying experience, follow these five tips.

1. Find a reputable source. This may go without saying, but don’t confuse commercially manufactured jewelry with handcrafted silver jewelry. The latter is made by artisans that take great pride in their work. It’s helpful to look for a company that has been in business for decades, and that has been selling online for at least five years.

2. Take advantage of customization. When jewelry is handmade, it can be customized in any number of ways, from the lengths of chains to the types of gemstones used in pendants and rings. You don’t need to settle for “almost good enough.” Instead, you can get the piece you’ve always dreamed of, in exactly the right size.

3. Measure carefully. Because customized pieces generally aren’t returnable, it’s important to make sure that the handcrafted silver jewelry you order will fit. It only takes a few minutes to get a good measurement, and doing so will ensure that the necklace or ring you order will be exactly what you want. For rings, ask a friend to take a piece of string, put it around the knuckle or largest part of your finger, and mark the string. To determine the size, hold the string against a tape measure and compare your measurement to the website’s sizing chart. If you’re in between sizes, it’s best to go with the larger size. You can also use string to measure for bracelet, necklace, or anklet lengths.

4. Do your gemstone research. The best online jewelry sites have a wealth of information on gemstones. Before you order, read up on the gemstones you are considering. It’s important to know, for example, that aquamarine can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, but that ultrasonic and steam cleaning may damage the stone. Similarly, you may know that pearls are delicate and can easily absorb liquids, but you might not know that turquoise is also porous and can easily become stained.

If you’re going to order jewelry with gemstones, it’s also crucial to know whether the stones are natural or if their colors have been enhanced. Reputable artisans will freely share this information. Don’t be alarmed, however, if the stones have been heated or irradiated to intensify or change their colors. Naturally colored rubies, sapphires, and topaz, for example, are extraordinarily rare; it is an accepted practice within the jewelry industry to enhance gemstone colors.

5. Invest in the real thing. Silver jewelry is gorgeous, but only if it’s real silver. Make sure that the online source you select uses either sterling silver (.925 or 92.5 percent silver) or fine silver (99.9 percent pure silver). When you invest in handcrafted silver jewelry, you’re not only buying a piece you will treasure, but one that is likely to become an heirloom for future generations.