In the beloved movie “The Wizard of OZ,” Dorothy merrily skips along the yellow brick road on her way to find the Emerald City. Although it is a work of fiction compliments of L. Frank Baum, it is true that over the centuries emeralds have possessed a magnetic draw rife with mystical legend and lore. Ancient Egyptians wore them as a symbol of fertility, Cleopatra loved them so much that she had her own mines built, and the Incas worshipped the verdigris stone as a god.

The most famous of all emeralds, the Mogul Emerald, is the largest ever recorded and weighs a spectacular 217 carats. It’s elusive past has only added to the mystery surrounding the inscriptions and flowering swirls engraved into its surface. The stone has once again disappeared from the limelight as it was sold at auction to an anonymous buyer for $2.2 million in 2001.

Another famous set of green stones is the Crown of the Andes. Forged from emeralds mined deep in the Andes Mountains in the 16^th century, the golden crown was adorned with 453 emeralds totaling about 1,500 carats. The crown was created as an offering to the Virgin Mary, in the hopes that she would save the people from the plague sweeping the region at the time. Whether or not it lived up to its purpose is unknown, but it’s still an ornate work of dazzling beauty currently owned by a private collector.

The third most famous emerald in history is the Devonshire Emerald. Named after the 6^th Duke of Devonshire who received it as a gift from the Emperor of Brazil in 1831, it’s notable simply for its rough size of 1,386 carats.

Modern times have seen celebrities and royalty alike sporting the deep green stones. Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor and Angelina Jolie are fans–in fact, Jolie’s emerald earrings and ring sparked a wildfire of interest after she donned them on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in 2011.

These days, though we no longer worship emeralds or live and die in their pursuit, the intensity of the rich May birthstone still fascinates...proving that despite time and place, everyone loves an emerald.

Sources:

http://sanchezinternational.com/blog/famous-emerald-gems-throughout-history-2/

http://worldfamousgems.com/themogulemerald.html

by Leslie Hedrick

How do famous gems and beaded jewelry pieces get their names? Many are named after their owners, or after a famous place or incident. The Hortensia Diamond was named after Hortense de Beauharnais, a French woman who led an adventurous and illustrious life… but she never owned the Hortensia Diamond. There’s no record of her having even worn it!

So why is the Hortensia Diamond named after her?

Hortense was the daughter of a Parisian Vicomte. Her parents’ marriage was unhappy, and ended in divorce. Hortense and her mother, Marie Rose Josephe Tascher de la Pagerie (say that one three times fast!), lost their social standing and most of their possessions, including their beaded jewelry, and moved back in with Marie Rose’s parents on the island of Martinique.

They may have gotten out just in time. Hortense’s father didn’t survive the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution.

After enough time passed, Marie Rose (who now went by the name of Josephine) and Hortense moved back to Paris, and began to make a name for themselves once again in French society. Josephine caught the eye of the already famous general Napoleon Bonaparte, who lavished her with gifts of beaded jewelry, and married her.

This made Hortense Napoleon’s step-daughter. When Napoleon became Emperor, he also came into ownership of the French Crown Jewels, including the 20.53 carat Hortensia Diamond. Maybe the flat, peach-pink stone was named after the girl during this time, due to her love of gems and beaded jewelry.

Hortense married Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother. In 1806, Napoleon appointed Louis as King of Holland, making Hortense the country’s queen.

In this picture, we see Hortense bedecked in beaded jewelry and a tiara. But even as Queen of Holland, when she had a treasure trove of gems and beaded jewelry, she had no direct connection to the Hortensia Diamond.

These were tumultuous years for Hortense. She and her husband were so unhappy that, like her mother, she eventually divorced. This happened during Napoleon’s exile on Elba. Divorced or not, Hortense remained politically active, and when Napoleon escaped exile, she supported his return to power.

When Napoleon failed, Hortense was punished for supporting him with exile from France. She wandered Europe for awhile, before settling in Switzerland in 1817.

Most scholars think the Hortensia Diamond was named after her between 1806 and 1817, but no one knows why. It’s just one of those unsolved mysteries surrounding famous gems and beaded jewelry!

The History of Swarovski Crystal

Chances are the name Swarovski conjures images of dazzling, brightly hued stones in your mind’s eye. For nearly 70 years, the Swarovski name has been synonymous with sparkling jewels, but the real story begins long before that. 

In the late 19^th century, Daniel Swarovski worked in his father’s glass cutting factory in Wittens, Austria. Fascinated by the trade, Daniel practiced his skill with verve and acuity, and by age 30 had invented his own glass-cutting machine. Prior to his newfangled invention, skilled craftsmen had done glass cutting by hand, but the manual labor factor meant that each stone was slightly different than the last. With the creation of Swarovski’s contraption, crystal stones were now turned out swiftly and uniformly, which would eventually revolutionize the glass jewelry industry.

Although the decades saw Swarovski crystals used in everything from traffic signals to binoculars, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the fashion world took notice of the gleaming gems and houses like Chanel and Schiaparelli snapped up fabric sewn with the scintillating crystal beads. By the 1950s, Swarovski had teamed with Christian Dior to develop the highly reflective, glistening coating that defines the Swarovski crystals we know today.

Since the mid 20^th century, Swarovski has emerged as the frontrunner in crystal beads. The company is known for its constant innovation and creation of new colors, coatings and designs. Swarovski crystals beads make stunning necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets. In fact, no matter how you choose to wear your Swarovski crystal beads, the beauty imbued by the 118-year history will shine spectacularly through.

Sources:

• Swarovski Crystals Making History Beads
• Swarovski Crystal History

10 Reasons Why Your Wardrobe Needs Handmade Jewelry
By Leslie Patrick

Walk through any mall in America and you’ll see a treasure trove of jewelry. A kaleidoscopic array of baubles, bling and accessories cascade from every shop window, their inanimate voices practically screaming “buy me”! Trouble is, that while these pieces may look nice and the price may even be appealing, there are various hidden factors involved when making a purchase from a chain or department store. Poor quality and unethical working conditions is just the tip of the mass production iceberg, yet are factors that pleasantly disappear when you choose to buy handmade, and domestically crafted beaded jewelry. Choosing handmade accessories is a fashionable decision you can feel good about–read on to find out why.

Top 10 reasons why you should buy handmade today:

1. Higher Quality. In general, handmade beaded jewelry is of a more superb quality than mass produced items found in your typical chain store, thus handmade items tend to last longer and wear more gracefully. Artisans who craft their work in small batches place great care and consideration into each bracelet or necklace they create, ensuring an end product that will be a valuable addition to your collection for years to come.
    
2. One of a kind. When you purchase handmade jewelry from a small artisan, you are guaranteed that the item you are wearing exists nowhere else on the planet. You can revel in the unique collection of beads that came together to create the specific piece you now treasure–a feeling you simply can’t capture with mass-produced jewelry from a chain store.
    
3. Supporting small businesses. When you choose to buy domestically, you are investing in the American economy. Small business owners too often close their doors in the face of competing with products mass produced overseas. Don’t let this happen! Buy your beaded jewelry locally!
    
4. Supporting the arts. Purchasing handmade beaded jewelry is an investment in the arts. Jewelry making has been a craft for thousands of years–from the ancient Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans–and it is still going strong today. Investing in handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans ensures this vibrant and beautiful skill is carried on through future generations.
    
5. Custom ordering means countless choices. Want a necklace made from your children’s birthstones? Need a pair of earring to match the bridesmaid’s dress for your best friend’s wedding? When you choose handmade beaded jewelry, the possibilities for design and color suddenly become infinite turning your beaded jewelry dreams into reality.
    
6. Makes gift giving easy. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas and birthdays suddenly become a lot simpler when you have a go to source for handcrafted beaded jewelry. From earrings to pendants, choose from an array of premade accessories or concoct a special gift of your own creation to dazzle your loved one.
    
7. Repairs are a breeze. Chances are that your favorite piece of jewelry is probably going to get some wear and tear. With handcrafted jewelry, there is a good chance that you can return to the same artist for repairs–not likely with something you bought at the mall.
    
8. A face and a name. Most of the time, it is impossible to know who creates the things we buy. So wouldn’t it be nice if on occasion you could put a face and a name to a product? When you buy from small artisans, each piece comes from the heart of the artist who created it, allowing you to feel more connected with the jewelry you choose to wear.
    
9. More for your money. Sometimes the prices for mass produced items are cheaper than handmade items, while sometimes the opposite is true. But even if you do spend slightly more on a handcrafted item, the long-term quality you receive will be well worth the extra few dollars you shell out initially.
    
10. Love and care. When an artisan handcrafts a piece of beaded jewelry, they are pouring into it their creativity, passion and love. So when the person who creates a work of art truly cares about the creative process, the beauty shines through uninhibited making a stunning piece of beaded jewelry that much more enviable.

Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: The Orlov Diamond

written for SWCreations by Leslie Hedrick

Though it’s said to have come from India, like so many rare beaded jewelry pieces and gems, the Orlov Diamond’s story really takes place in Imperial Russia.

In the 18^th century, Grigory Orlov was quite the ladies’ man. He wasn’t of noble birth, or particularly well educated, but he was strong, handsome, and rich enough to give women expensive beaded jewelry whenever he liked. There came a time, however, when his eye fell on the wrong woman. Princess Kourakina was the mistress of one of Orlov’s colleagues, who was understandably upset at the affair. A great scandal ensued, which ended in a dual. Orlov killed his colleague, and never mind the damage to his reputation.

All this to-do attracted the attention of young Catherine, who was at that time only a Grand Duchess and Empress Consort, married to Peter III. She demanded to meet the rake Orlov, who could have any woman he wanted. It wasn’t long until they were lovers. That was when Catherine told him about her plans to take the throne from her husband. Orlov was intrigued, and when the time came, he organized and led the coup that dethroned her husband Peter. In return, she gave him a title, and he became Count Orlov.

Orlov was Catherine’s favorite counselor and confidant for many years. Over the course of their love affair, Orlov gave Catherine numerous gifts, included priceless gems, beaded jewelry, the throne of Russia, and a child.

But eventually, Catherine the Great turned her attentions to Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin, and spurned Orlov.

He was devastated. He sought to win her back with gifts, like beaded jewelry. That’s when he came upon and purchased the enormous diamond that would eventually bear his name. He gave it to Catherine, but she couldn’t be bought back.

That didn’t mean she didn’t hold her former lover in high regard. She gave him as many gifts as he gave her—beaded jewelry, a marble palace in St. Petersburg, a title. She also named the diamond after him, and had it set in a beaded jewelry setting at the top of a royal scepter. A fitting place for the symbol of the man who helped her take the throne.

Australia’s Lightning Ridge region is known as the black opal capital of the world, and has produced thousands of opals for beaded jewelry, as well as loose stones. But the most famous opal it ever produced has to be the Flame Queen Opal.

Back in the early 20^th century, a miner in Lightning Ridge abandoned his claim in order to fight in WW1. The claim was soon taken over by three down-luck miners. For three weeks they dug in the earth, surviving on bread and water, hoping to strike it rich. When they got down to about 30 feet, they struck a hard black nodule. Only when they brought it into the sunlight did they realize what they had found.

One of the miners was very skilled in working beaded jewelry and polishing gems. The other two trusted him to bring out the beauty of the Flame Queen Opal, and he didn’t disappoint.

The Flame Queen Opal is a “red-on-black” opal, and has often been referred to as a “fried egg.” This is because the center of the opal filled in a deeper cavity, resulting in a different coloration. Depending on the light and the angle at which it’s viewed, the “yolk” of the Flame Queen Opal looks red, orange, bronze or yellow. The outer band is a beautiful blue or green, again depending on the angle it’s viewed at. It’s never been set in beaded jewelry, and may be too big for delicate beaded jewelry settings to comfortably hold. At 263 carats and three inches across, it can fill the palm of a hand.

The Flame Queen Opal also has a possible fossil on the back. Some Australian geologists believe there’s an imprint of what might be a ginkgo biloba leaf in the veiny patterns on the back. An ancient tree may have existed on the site.

Unfortunately, by the time they found it, the three miners were so desperately hungry, they didn’t have time to hold out for a suitable buyer. They sold the Flame Queen Opal to a local dealer of opals and beaded jewelry for only £93, about $150 in the U.S. That’s got to rank as one of the greatest rip-offs, or one of the greatest deals, of all time—depending on which angle you view it from!

The Flame Queen Opal has been sold at several beaded jewelry and gem auctions, and is now in private ownership.

The story of the Bahia Emerald isn’t one of women flaunting dazzling beaded jewelry, but of Las Vegas heists and near blood baths in the desert. It is the largest emerald stone ever found, and the single largest emerald crystal ever discovered in embedded in rock. It weighs 840 pounds. That’s about 1,900,000 carats. It’s worth about $400 million. Chump change, right?

After it was found in Brazil, it exchanged hands several times between gem and beaded jewelry custodians, until it wound up stored in New Orleans—at exactly the wrong time. During its short stay in a secure warehouse vault, Hurricane Katrina swept in and devastated the city. The Bahia Emerald was submerged with other beaded jewelry beneath 16 feet of water for two full months.

It was decided to move the Bahia Emerald back to California, and here’s where its history gets a little hazier than other famous beaded jewelry pieces. We know about certain incidents involving the Bahia Emerald, but we can’t be sure as to their exact timeline, or what exactly happened.

There has never been a successful, simple sale of the Bahia Emerald. Bernie Madoff attempted to purchase it for about $197,000,000, but was arrested before the deal closed. A well-known Columbian family also tried to purchase it, but the transaction went wrong and almost ended very violently. It brings to mind Hollywood scenes involving women in silk dresses and beaded jewelry, and stoic guards with big guns and slick suits!

Had enough Hollywood yet? The Bahia Emerald was reported stolen in a heist! Around Christmas of 2008, Lt. Grubb of the L.A.P.D. went on a mission to retrieve it, telling his team, “We’re going to stop on the way and get breakfast. We’re going to pick up a $400 million piece of evidence. On the way back, we’re not stopping.”

No criminal charges were ever placed and no arrests were ever made. The person who reported the Bahia Emerald as stolen in the first place quickly backed away from the case after his life was threatened.

Presently, the Bahia Emerald still lives with the Los Angeles sheriff’s department. There are a number of parties claiming ownership of the Bahia Emerald, including gem dealers and beaded jewelry merchants. Court battles are underway, but many people believe the judge could never come to a good decision, since all those involved have dubious claims.

It’s unlikely the stone will ever be turned into beaded jewelry, since its value lies in its size.

by Leslie Hedrick

You’ve probably heard of the Hope Diamond—the 45.52 carat megalith of a gemstone, colored a deep ocean blue with hints of violet. Legend says the Hope Diamond was stolen from its setting in the eye, or the third eye, of a sacred Indian statue, adorned with priceless gems and beaded jewelry.

The Hope Diamond in its current beaded jewelry setting, surrounded by smaller diamonds. Photo from the Smithsonian Institution.

For the record, this legend is probably just that—a legend. We may never know the Hope Diamond’s exact origins, but the first place it shows up in history is in India in the possession of a French merchant named Tavernier, a collector of beaded jewelry and precious stones.

Tavernier was an entrepreneur who liked to sell his priceless findings to high bidders. Imagine his happiness on being summoned to court of Louis the Sun King. Louis bought the Hope Diamond, along with other gemstones and beaded jewelry artifacts. Some stories say Louis bought over 1,200 gems that day! The actual number was probably closer to 25.

The “Blue Diamond of the Crown of France” was worn by royalty for several generations, and earned the nickname “the French Blue.”

But trouble came to France in the form of revolution. The Sun King’s descendant, Louis XVI, and his wife Marie Antoinette had to flee the country. Trying to keep their heads on their shoulders meant they had to leave everything behind, including all their beaded jewelry and the French Blue. Over the next few days, the crown jewels were plundered by revolutionaries, and the French Blue disappeared from history for a time.

Who owned the stone from 1792 to 1812 is anybody’s guess. The Hope Diamond was probably recut during this period, so as to avoid detection.

A big blue diamond matching the French Blue’s description pops up again in 1812, in the possession of a London merchant of gems and beaded jewelry. It’s history is shady during this period, too. It was probably sold and bought through several private channels, until it finally shows up in the beaded jewelry catalogs of one Henry Philip Hope, who gave it his name.

The Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, and they remain its custodians today.

by Leslie Hedrick

In the mid-1500s, an African slave working in the Gulf of Panama found the largest, most lustrous pearl ever discovered. The administrator of the Spanish colony in Panama took the pearl, but rewarded the slave with freedom.The pearl was given to Philip II of Spain, who gave it to his fiancé Mary Tudor of England. Mary wore the pearl as beaded jewelry, in a brooch. We still have a painting of her looking stern and royal, but well decked out in her gowns and beaded jewelry.Mary died in 1558, and the pearl went back to Spain. It was a favorite beaded jewelry piece for the Spanish queen consorts for about 250 years. We see it in paintings of Elisabeth of France and Mariana of Austria, the two queens of Philip IV.

La Peregrina in its present beaded jewelry setting, with diamonds and rubies backing it up.

In 1808, Joseph Bonaparte—Napoleon’s big brother—became king of Spain. After about five years he was forced to flee the country, but not without taking some expensive beaded jewelry and one rare pearl from the crown jewels! It was around this time that someone noticed the pearl had been passed around quite a bit. It earned the name “La Peregrina,” which means “The Pilgrim,” or “The Wanderer.”

And the Pilgrim’s journey continued! From Joseph it went to Louis-Napoleon (his nephew), who sold it to James Hamilton (Duke of Abercorn). The Hamiltons held onto it until 1969, when they auctioned it through Sotheby’s, and Richard Burton bought it for Elizabeth Taylor. We still have many photos of Taylor wearing the pearl as a beaded jewelry pendant, looking like royalty.

La Peregrina has a free spirit. It even liked to disappear from its owners from time to time. The Hamiltons lost the pearl twice when it fell out of its beaded jewelry setting—once in Windsor Castle, and again in Buckingham Palace. It fell out of its setting around Elizabeth Taylor’s neck too. She nearly had a heart attack until she found one of her puppies playing with it under her bed.

I’ve heard it said that gems have no owners, only temporary keepers they choose to share their energy with for awhile. La Peregrina is a perfect example of such a wandering stone.

Elizabeth Taylor in the famous La Peregrina necklace.

by Leslie Hedrick

In 1716, Prussia gave Peter the Great of Russia an extravagant gift honoring the peace between their nations—an entire room made of amber and encrusted with beaded jewelry. The panels were backed with gold leaf, which made the entire room glow with a topaz-like warmth.

The gorgeous Amber Room, made of real amber and beaded jewelry, glows like citrine or topaz. Image from Imaging-and-Art.com.

The Amber Room was moved between several locations, but wound up at Catherine the Great’s Palace. After a few renovations to make sure it fit its final installation, the Amber Room covered 180 square feet, and included six tons of amber and other semi-precious beaded jewelry ornaments.

It was called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Historians estimate that today it would be worth $146 million.

The Russian nobility had different ideas for how the Amber Room should be used. As the room symbolized peace, Czarina Elizabeth liked to use it for meditation. Catherine the Great used it as a reception room to impress visitors. Alexander II thought the room, with all its glowing warmth and impressive beaded jewelry, was the perfect display area for his trophies.

During WWII the Nazis also had ideas about the Amber Room. They thought it had been made by Germans—and for Germans (perhaps because the initial designer, Andreas Schluter, was German, but perhaps because they believed everything of value was German). Curators at the palace tried to disguise the amber panels and beaded jewelry elements with wallpaper, but to no avail. The Nazis found it.

For a short while the room was in a German museum in Kaliningrad, but it was hidden away before the end of the war. After the city was bombed, the Amber Room’s trail goes cold. Some say it was destroyed by the bombings, others that it rests in crates at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

A replica, complete with real amber panels and gold beaded jewelry embellishments, was completed in 2003, but the original room is still missing.

by SWCreations

Handcrafted jewelry adorned with Ruby gemstones, the month of July’s birthstone, has been accepted through the years as a symbolic fortune of love, passion and the ability to enrich one’s life. Through history the Ruby gemstone is revealed as a powerful spiritual deterrent banishing sorrow and disharmony. As well as offering protection from bad friendships and possible dangerous situations that life may throw at you. As an elegant gemstone known for promoting tranquility, centuries have passed and many people continue to wear July’s birthstone, the Ruby, never knowing its history. The antiquity and power behind this astonishing gemstone only accentuates the beauty this July birthstone has to offer. Handcrafted jewelry embellished with Rubies affirms a luxurious and opulent personality for any person wearing such elegance.

If born in the month of July, you are lucky enough to have a birthstone as beautiful as the Ruby. To wear handcrafted birthstone jewelry ornamented with Rubies will uplift your spirit. The collective history inspires artists to have a constructive imagination allowing this July birthstone to bring out the best in all of us. Jewelry’s enhanced with Ruby birthstones it proposes a vigor for life, revealing the artist’s imagination in every piece of handcrafted jewelry.

While diamonds are known as the hardest gemstone in the world, the Ruby is exceptionally hard as well, coming in second as the hardest natural mineral. July’s Ruby birthstone is found all over the world; 13 countries including the United States. The most expensive Ruby and considered the best color of red is the “pigeon blood red Ruby”. This gemstone is the brightest and most valuable of all Rubies. Most are known to be a dark red, but can also be known as almost pink in color. Though, if a Ruby does not meet a certain color criteria it will be deemed a pink sapphire, an elegant gemstone all its own.

Well, SWCreations offers exactly what you’re looking for! A collection of handcrafted jewelry designed and hand constructed using only the finest materials. Jewelry accented with exquisite Ruby gemstones offering a modern medley of unique handcraftsmanship available in designer necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings and so much more. Handcrafted Jewelry adorned with Ruby gemstones offer beauty, harmony and elegance. Grant yourself a positive, loving and virtuous day, each and every day. What more could one ask for?

As an accomplished contemporary Designer and published Artisan in the 21^st century, Stephanie A. White, Owner of SW Creations offers her talents using a mosaic of colors and designs unique to her own taste. This collection was created to offer flair and pizzazz to each and every person wearing her jewelry. This is an assembly of treasures that revolutionizes the jewelry industry here and abroad. As an artisan her original styling intensifies an image of power and strength. Creating and contributing to an abundant amount of charm and sophistication in every artful piece. This jewelry was designed and created to offer you a unique look, setting you apart from mainstream society.

by SWCreations

Do you know what Marilyn Monroe, Rafael Nadal, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Anne Frank, George Bush, Donald Trump, Paula Abdul, Michael Phelps and Prince William have in common? We know that they are all famous on their own right. They are after all some of the most popular actresses, actors, athletes, authors, musicians, entrepreneurs and politicians in the world. Well, the answer is actually not complicated. All of them are born on the month June.

It is then appropriate that we put the spotlight now to birthstones associated with the said month. True to the personalities of people born on this month, June has three birthstones. As far as I know, it is the only month with such number of birthstones. Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone are the three gems associated with June.

Pearls are the most popular among the three. The word itself has become synonymous to beauty, royalty and elegance. Now you can understand why Marilyn Monroe seems to be fascinated with pearls. Who wouldn’t be charmed with pearl beaded jewelry? Wearing them brings you class and a feeling of royalty. No less than the well-loved Princess Diana is often seen wearing pearl accessories.

But not just any type of pearl necklaces can pull this off. There are tons of commercially produced pearl accessories nowadays that can make your outfit look monotonous. What you need are handcrafted pearl jewelry that will help you stand out from the rest. Pearls are supposed to be rare and unique.  Handcrafted beaded pearl jewelry makes a better statement and they bring out your personality even more.

Now let’s talk about moonstones. If you have been following the TV show Vampire Diaries, then you probably have an idea of what it looks like.  Ancient civilizations believed that wearing jewelry with this stone can bring forth victory and good health. We don’t know for sure if that is true. What we do know is that handcrafted jewelry containing moonstones have become prominent because of their allure. Holding it up against the light will reveal silver streaks of color much like a moonlight. Twilight movie actress Kirsten Stewart and award winning actress Meryl Streep have been seen wearing moonstones publicly.

The third gemstone for June is alexandrite. It is rare and has chameleon like qualities. Alexandrite is basically yellow in color but it excitingly turns to red once exposed to light. This gemstone gives you two gems in one as it appears like an emerald in daylight while it looks like ruby at night. Aside from its natural beauty, women are attracted to it since it symbolizes happiness and good fortune.

Even better than having these pieces of jewelry is the idea that you own exquisite pieces that are one of a kind. Such is the case for handcrafted jewelry. Each piece is painstakingly designed and beaded. There is also a huge consideration in quality as opposed to those manufactured commercially. Seeing that they are one of a kind, chances are you won’t find somebody else wearing the same beaded jewelry. Isn’t that sweet?

Wouldn’t you rather own something unique and exquisite? Let us know and we know just the place find some.

by SWCreations

Give the gift of radiant color and shimmering sparkle this holiday season with beautiful glass beaded jewelry from Stephanie A. White, jewelry designer and artisan at SWCreations.

Jewelry is one of the most unique gifts of the holiday season, and the handcrafted process at SW Creations makes it even more special. Stephanie White uses only the finest glass beads and gemstones from around the world, many of which you won’t find at the disposal of other, more expensive designers.

SWCreations is very excited to offer designer beaded jewelry made from handcrafted Lampwork glass beads. Elegant and available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, these beads were first created thousands of years ago by combining the flame of an oil lamp with air blown through a pipe. Today, natural or propane gas is the fuel used for this intricate and precise method of bead creation, while air or pure oxygen is the oxidizer that melts and shapes the glass.

Each Lampwork bead SWCreations adds to a piece of jewelry is a stunning and tiny work of art, selected from a treasure chest of colors and styles such as swirls of pastel, bold or metallic color combinations, floral patterns, and opulent solids that are either plain or embellished according to the design. Most are paired with glistening clear or richly colored Swarovski Austrian crystals and bright, oxidized Bali.925 silver.

No two selections from SWCreations are ever alike! Though Stephanie’s creative jewelry is often imitated, it is never duplicated, nor is any of her designer beaded jewelry ever mass produced. From beaded earrings to beaded anklets to a beaded jewelry necklace, you can be confident that the recipients on your gift list will unwrap jewelry that is as unique and special as they are.

From simple, understated beauty to jazzy, dynamic stand-outs, SWCreations has jewelry to please all tastes. See their selection of glass beaded necklaces for women and men and handmade beaded earrings, pendants, bracelets, anklets, watches, and button jewelry for women and young ladies.

Other popular items include birthstone pieces, which can be added to any custom piece, and jewelry extenders, ideal for increasing the size of any necklace, bracelet, or anklet for a perfect fit. SW Creations is proud to also offer a complete line of awareness jewelry, a portion of the proceeds from which are donated to support efforts to battle breast cancer, domestic abuse, and multiple sclerosis. 

A wide array of choices are available at the SW Creations website, and only your imagination can limit the ways in which that ultimate piece of jewelry can be constructed. Stephanie will work with your ideas to make a distinctive, highly customized item, whether you want a particular shape or a piece featuring colors that celebrate any number of occasions, moods, personalities, or styles. Because each piece is the only one of its kind, even the girl who seems to have everything will be thrilled with handcrafted beaded earrings, handmade beaded anklets, or handmade beaded necklaces made versatile with a jewelry extender. 

Stephanie takes great pride and pleasure in the items she makes. Every beautiful selection you purchase will be personally pre-wrapped by her prior to shipment to ensure a safe journey from her shop to your hands. See the selection at SWCreations.net and place any special orders soon to guarantee delivery by the holidays. We also invite you to visit them on Facebook. 

Original, Beaded Jewelry Designs — As Unique as the Women Who Wear Them.

by SWCreations

The gift-giving season is fast approaching and it’s always nice to surprise a friend or family member with something you know they’ll cherish forever. This isn’t always easy, and sometimes you can run the risk of gifts becoming repetitious. But there is one gift that will always be unique.

SWCreations, a maker of original handcrafted beaded jewelry, offers a vast selection of beaded anklets, beaded earrings, and designer necklaces – all available with the option to include birthstones specific to those you love.

Turquoise is the birthstone of December and has been admired for its color and beauty for as long as stone jewelry has existed. Aside from being worn by rulers of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Persia, China, and Israel, turquoise is often traced back to Native American tribes from the Southwestern U.S. Each civilization attributed different qualities to turquoise, but they all agreed it is a cheerful stone that clears the mind and improves health.

Turquoise comes in several shades ranging from a true turquoise found in Iran and the U.S. to a greenish blue found more often in Egypt. The amount of copper and iron in the stone accounts for the different shades, and the more copper it contains the bluer it will appear. Green turquoise contains more iron.

For beaded jewelry, the color is a fashion decision, but all turquoise needs special care. Turquoise beaded earrings or beaded anklets can fracture easily, simply because the stone’s Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness is below six. Turquoise also tends to absorb perfumes and skin oils, leaving it susceptible to fracturing from products such as cosmetics. This is one reason the stone is left smooth and not faceted.

Beaded jewelry at SWCreations can be created with any birthstone for a completely personal gift. Beaded necklaces, with beaded earrings to match, are very popular, and an additional jewelry extender will ensure the ornaments fit perfectly. A jewelry extender can be created for beaded anklets, bracelets, and a variety of necklaces, including those made of sterling silver or gold vermeil and plated by silver or gold.

Designer Stephanie A. White crafts individual pieces of jewelry that are one-of-a-kind. She uses gemstones collected from locations around the world to create her custom jewelry, so there is a wide variety of colors and styles from which to choose. These are high-quality pieces designed to last for generations and become heirlooms over the years. As gifts, the jewelry guarantees uniqueness. Pieces can be given year after year because of the vast selection of gems, metals, and designs available.

And don’t just think the winter season when picking out the perfect handmade jewelry gift for someone. The designer will create bracelets and anklets using gems, beads, and crystals that harmonize with and represent each of the four seasons.

Czech glass beads, Swarovski Austrian crystals, amethyst, tanzanite, aquamarine are a few that represent summer. Blue and green turquoise, purple Czech glass beads, sapphire, peridot, and amethyst represent winter. One piece for each season would make a wonderful gift for someone who loves to wear jewelry year-round and may appreciate something different from the usual selection.

The customer chooses the color, type of bead, and item desired. If the customer has design ideas, they can be suggested. Each item is delicately hand-crafted by Stephanie White, so you know the item wasn’t mass-produced. Other than Christmas, handmade beaded jewelry makes wonderful gift ideas for birthdays, bridesmaids, and wedding favors. The birthstone of each bridesmaid can be made into a personalized necklace or bracelet. Key chains can be made for men and women.

December is the month to think about turquoise as a birthstone, and it’s rapidly becoming very trendy as a design element in any jewelry piece. A uniquely crafted turquoise necklace with matching earrings is a gift that will be appreciated and loved for years to come.

by SWCreations

While we think of summer, imagery of colorful clothes, the warmth of the sun, after that laughter come to mind. We think of possibilities for all the great times we will get to share together with family and friends as weather shifts from chilly and dreary to warm and cheery. Beaded jewelry enthusiasts think in terms of finding fashionable pieces which are as delightful and versatile to dress in as the other accessories in their wardrobe. Many choose citrine because it fulfills all the requirements that help it become a sensible choice for summer wear.

Citrine is a variation quartz that has many features that ensure it is perfect for warmer weather. It is reasonably priced, durable, and extremely versatile. This striking gemstone comes in colors ranging from lemon yellow, to brighter golden hues, including oranges, browns as well as reds. It’s most common color, nevertheless, is yellow. Albeit it has nothing - other than color - in common with topaz, it is also frequently referred to as gold topaz, or Spanish or Madeira topaz.

Probably the most interesting features of citrine genstines is its strength and durability. On the Mohs scale of hardness, with diamonds being a 10 and the toughest mineral on earth, citrine, like other quartz crystals, is ranked at 7. The fact that it is so resilient makes it a top choice amongst those seeking to expand their jewelry collections. It’s a safe option to wear to outside get togethers like graduations, picnics or wedding parties because it’s hard to scratch or chip.

Of course, for most individuals, their beaded jewelry has to be as versatile as it is durable, particularly in today’s economy. Citrine is no slacker in this category either. It’s elegant, yet casual and so interchangeable. Business women can easily get away with wearing a gorgeous citrine necklace into the office, yet continue to wear it after work at more casual events.

Its colors allow it to be adaptable to a wide range of color palettes when thinking in terms of wardrobes. Yellow, which is itself a very cheerful and notable color, blends beautifully with trendy and vibrant summer colors like pinks, greens, and even tropical hues and patterns. Yet it still visually nice with the more subdued earth tones of tans, grays, and soft greens.

Moreover, given that citrine is available in such a wide variety of sizes and shapes, it offers many choices for the different types of jewelry it can be used in. It would likely easily be designed into something as delicate as a beautiful citrine tear-drop necklace, or something as bulky as a chunky citrine bracelet or ring.

The citrine gemstone is versatile and durable, but also very important, it’s quite affordable. It’s easily the more economical and fashionable choice for those who prefer the luxurious yellow sapphire, or yellow diamond.

It’s been said for years that citrine gemstones can be connected with self-confidence, light-heartedness, and self-esteem. It certainly makes sense. Anyone sporting it in the summertime months, or all year around for that matter, can feel self-assured that they are wearing something as striking as it is affordable and durable - also it’s certain to make a statement it doesn't matter what the occasion.

by SWCreations

Style seems to come in waves, like circles that recycle things over and over, rolling old things back into the new, years after the original idea was formed. As the years go by, you may have started to recognize that things that were cool when you were a kid are somehow cool again—however bad or good the idea might be.  For instance, the latest fashions, though devoid of this kind of accessory for a few years, are again turning to beaded jewelry for hailed accessorizing.  But this kind of jewelry has been around a lot longer than you probably think.

Jewelry and ornamentation have been a part of cultures all over the world probably since it began.  As people began to experiment with the resources around them—stones, trees, plants, clay, etc, they began to see great opportunities to create beautiful things.  In tribes of old, the spiritual and political leaders of the community were sometimes designated by the kind of jewelry and accessories they wore.  It was a sign of something special—of social advantage, or of power.  

These people crafted beaded necklaces, head adornments, and other things to drape on their bodies out of many things.  Sometimes they would string them on plants or animal skins, and, of course, all were made by hand.  Beaded jewelry was the norm, because most everything had to be crafted, and then strung on some kind of strand or chain.  Almost anything could become a bead:  a bone, a small rock, some precious stone or metal, or even hair or parts of an animal for good luck.  

Soon enough, women in general began to adopt the fashion of wearing beaded jewelry.  In more recent years, it has become a large fashion industry, and ranges from all kinds of weights, lengths, materials and colors.  Even handmade jewelry is becoming more popular, with kits available to the average person.  Many people have begun to make their watches into a piece of beaded jewelry, and these are becoming more and more widespread.

These practices stem from old traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, through centuries.  Every culture has its own twist on how it is done, or what it is made from, but most cultures use some kind of beaded jewelry to designate something of meaning, or even just to promote the idea of beauty.  We are not so far removed.  And now, with so many options available, you can find the kind of jewelry that will really mean something to you.

by SWCreations

In today's touch economic times, most people don't  have the same budget that they used to have.  Not only have people had to cut back on the essential items, but the extra type items have definitely taken a back seat.  Items that have taken the backseat are things like jewelry and expensive accessories.  Well if you have noticed, handmade beaded jewelry is definitely in these days as most fashion magazines show a model or celebrity wearing it.

Beaded jewelry has really taken off because people are able to make it themselves and the sky is the limit when it comes to creativity and design.  Many people like to use their birthstone when making these types of bracelets and necklaces to give the pieces special meanings.  One such birthstone is especially popular.  Topaz is the birthstone from the month of November and is used in many beaded jewelry creations.  Why is Topaz so popular?

The main reason is because of the look that Topaz has.  This type of birthstone has a very clean and clear look as you can see through it.  This is fun to make a part of a beaded jewelry piece as you can have shiny little Topaz beads that not only reflect light, but give some dimension and depth to your beaded jewelry creation.   This look is very popular as the Topaz beads usually come in the color blue, but can also come in other colors such as red, gold, and green.  With all of these different types of colors to choose from, it is easy to find the right Topaz beads to be able to match the outfit or look you are wanting to achieve.

Another reason why Topaz beaded jewelry is such a hot item is because of the cut of the beads.  Topaz is usually cut into very pentagonal shapes which give it many flat surfaces.  These flat surfaces do a fantastic job reflecting light which gives the Topaz a blingy feel.  This shimmer makes the jewelry look much more expensive than it really is as it glistens in most light settings.  Most people like having the appearance of wealth without having to spend the money, and Topaz is one of those secret birthstones that can give off that type of appearance.  

As you can see, beaded jewelry is getting more and more popular as people are saving money by creating their own pieces.  When pairing up beaded jewelry with the November birthstone Topaz, many people find the look they have been craving to pair with any outfit or accessory.

BIRTHSTONES BY MONTH
A birthstone is a treasured material that signifies the month that a person was born. It is thought that they hold powers and personality traits that are unique to the individual born under a certain zodiac sign.  Wearing your birthstone can pass on powers to your body and mind.  The twelve birthstones are:

1. January – Garnet:
   Garnet is considered to bring purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship. Garnets occur in many different colours except blue.  The gem is found in colours such as orange, green, purple, yellow, brown, black and even colourless. Garnets enhance sexuality and sensuality.  It is successful for lung, blood, heart and infection consitions.  It is located in Africa, India and Uruguay
2. February – Amethyst:
   The amethyst is extremely beautiful and is believed to protect against evil spirits. It extends from a pale lilac to a deep, bright violet colour and is said to bring good luck. This stone has healing properties and is effective for conditions connected to withdrawal symptoms of any addiction.  It is found in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.
   
3. March – Aquamarine:
   Aquamarine occurs in different shades of blue ranging from pale yellowish blue to deep shades of blue.  It signifies compassion, trust, harmony and friendship.  It is successful for throat complications and illnesses brought on by stress. It is located in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.
   
4. April – Diamond:
   Diamond is the most valuable and most expensive gemstone. It is extremely scarce and brilliant. It is effective for brain disorders and to draw out toxins.  Diamonds represent true love, passion and commitment.  It is found in Australia, Ghana and Zaire.
   
5. May – Emerald:
   Emerald is green and represents loyalty, faith, love and friendship. It is effective for disorders linked to the eyes, fertility, the spine and headaches.  It is also used to boost mental capabilities.  Emeralds are found in Colombia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil.
   
6. June – Pearl:
   A pearl symbolizes beauty, happiness, love and wealth. It is used to boost personal integrity and also for health complications in connection with the stomach, heart, spleen, intestines and also ulcer complications. It is the only gemstone created as a result of the biological activities of living organisms.  Some places where pearls can be found are the Gulf or Mexico, Europe, Japan and Australia.
   
7. July – Ruby:
   The ruby is well-known for its brilliant red colour which signifies blood, love, romance and passion. It is effective for health problems linked to the blood and infection.  It is also used to boost energy and bring about success. The ruby can be found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya and India.
   
8. August – Peridot:
   The peridot signifies power and influence.  In olden days it was taken internally for asthma.  It is effective for health problems relating to the lungs, breasts and sinuses.  Peridots can be found in the United States, China and Burma.
   
9. September – Sapphire:
   Sapphires are accessible in a variety colours. They symbolize clear thinking and wisdom. They can be found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya and Tanzania among other countries.
10. October – Opal:
    Opal is available in nearly every shade, from milky white to dark black.  It imparts hope and harmony.  It is effective for eye complications and can be found in Australia, Mexico and the United States.
    
11. November – Topaz:
    Topaz are available in shades of brown and yellow.  It is considered to bring long life and fidelity and represents beauty, splendor and happiness.  It is effective for asthma, blood diseases and sanity. Topaz is found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.
    
12. December – Turquoise:
    Turquoise is clear blue and is really expensive. It is said to bring good health, fortune and peace.  It is successful for throat, teeth and depression problems.  Turquoise can be found in countries such as Iran, United Sates and Africa. 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/friendship-articles/lets-be-aware-of-birthstones-by-month-2657818.html

About the AuthorPlease visit these links for more information on Birth Stones By Month and this link for information on December Birth Stone

Whether you'll find emerald rough, raw, or uncut but the true beauty of emerald will emerge out as a shining green star. Because of its unique and special color of green concerned with this gemstone, that made this gemstone earned tremendous fame, almost from all parts of the world. The gorgeous looking – emerald gemstonehas been a favorite choice right times ancient times till date. Emerald is the birthstone for those who born in the month of May. Emerald is also known as ‘Nature or Mother Nature' stone due to its green color. If you're thinking that the comparative popularity of emerald is somewhat less than diamond, pearl, and ruby, sapphire or if any other gemstone then you is completely wrong. Emerald is a precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. The emerald is a variety of Beryl, a mineral occurring in a range of colors from colorless to pink to green to red. The most widely known forms of beryl are its blue variety, aquamarine, and its green variety, the emerald.

The vibrant color of emerald gemstone has been historically symbolized for good luck and also to heal up the body. It's been also believed that Astrologers suggest this stone to be worn so as to bring wealth at home. You must have also observed sometimes when a student is weak in studies; he or she is being preferred to stud emerald gemstone in their ring, chain, pendant or bracelet in order to overcome make the person bright and sharp. It is even used as the anniversary gemstone for marriage, because it symbolizes kindness, faith and purity. Well, green is not the only color in which emerald gemstone is found but, also yellowish and bluish color can also be seen. The refreshing green colored gemstone has the healing ability and a good amulet for eye troubles.

Besides its power, the extensive use of emerald gemstone being studded in earrings, rings, necklace, anklet, bracelet, pendant and even as loose emeralds so as to customize every individual's needs and liking's. Well, you can easily get any good jewelry shops nearby your area where you'll completely get astonished by the exotic collection of emerald jewelry. Even if you've just come for window shopping, you'll surely feel to purchase at least emerald ring, emerald earring, emerald bracelet or emerald pendant to stylize your persona. People like to wear jewelry which sounds modern, innovative, in demand, and trendy.

But, buying is not enough as a consumer you need to think all buying factors in mind too. If you're running short of money then need to make hole in your pocket or ask for huge credit from anybody. The price of emerald depends on its size, color, carat, clarity and few other features. As emerald jewelry turns out to be very costly, it would be advisable to pay personal visit to your jeweler and ask about its details but if can't spare good time the buying from any recommended and quality online jewelry shop is a better option.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/all-about-emerald-2156333.html

About the Author: Bella Mclaine loves writing on Gemstone, one of the website she has written extensively about Emerald is www.gemstoneall.com

Diamond jewelry has been valued and worn throughout most of recorded history, although the art and science of cutting loose diamonds is relatively new - and diamond jewelry has only been available to the general public for the last 150 years or so.

Prior to that, diamond jewelry was worn almost exclusively by royalty. The earliest example of diamonds being placed in a setting dates from the time of the Norman Invasion of England; at that time, one of the Árpád kings of Hungary, possibly Andrew I, had rough-cut diamonds set into a crown for his queen. However, cut diamonds would not be available for another half-millenium.

The mid-1500's were an energetic time; Martin Luther of Germany and Henry VIII of England had broken with the Church of Rome; Ivan IV (the Terrible) expanded Russia to its present-day borders, and Ottoman sultan Suleiman extended the Turkish empire as far west as Vienna. It was during this time of ferment that the first diamond-cutters' guild was formed in Antwerp, located in present-day Belgium. An industry soon developed for the purpose of appraising loose diamonds, giving birth to the modern diamond jewelry market. Antwerp continues to be the center of the international diamond jewelry trade.

The gems that are used in diamond jewelry is 75% science and 25% art. Together, these make up the "4 Cs" that are used to evaluate loose diamonds:

• carat
• color
• clarity
• cut

"Carat" of course refers to the weight of the gem; a carat  is equivalent to about 2 decigrams, or a mere 1/150th of an ounce. That means the largest cut, polished diamond in existence - the famed Star of Africa - weighs just a little over 2-1/4 pounds.

Although we generally think of clear or white diamonds, they come in a wide range of colors ranging from crystal-clear white to dark amber. Pink, green, blue and even purple diamonds are not unusual, and some are far more valuable than their white counterparts.

Clarity refers to just that - how clear the stone appears. All natural and artificial diamonds have internal flaws; the fewer or the less apparent these flaws are, the higher the appraisal is likely to be.

These three qualities are objective, and easily measured and quantified. Cut is a more subjective quality; selecting gems that are appropriate for use in diamond jewelry requires a good eye and aesthetic sense.

Of course, loose diamonds are not really jewelry until they are placed in a setting, such as a ring or necklace. Even the finest diamonds' value can be affected by the setting; it is a value-added aspect of diamond jewelry.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/the-history-of-diamond-jewelry-344312.html

About the Author: Jonathon Blocker specializes in diamond jewelry, colored diamonds, and loose diamonds. He is a consultant for GemFind.com, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.

Beaded bracelets are no longer the simple threaded bracelets they once were. These fine pieces of handcrafted jewelry are in high demand as their hand crafted beauty shines through. Everything you can imagine is available, including button jewelry bracelets, crystal bracelets of every color, charm and bead bracelets, gemstone bracelets, clustered beaded pieces, earthy bracelets, and double strand bracelets. These fine quality hand crafted jewelry items are stunning and one of a kind. You don’t want to buy something that’s manufactured when you can get a unique piece.

Now if you are looking for a special gift for someone you know, handmade bracelets crafted out of any of these styles will be wonderful! Beaded jewelry gifts are very popular all the time! Consider the personality and usual dress of the person you are shopping for. Do they like a lot of drama? If so, then consider beaded jewelry that has a lot of flair, such as charms or various colors. Are they more sophisticated? If so, choose something elegant, like a single strand in sparking, shimmering crystals. Perhaps your gift recipient loves to wear unusual buttons. If that’s the case, consider a button jewelry style bracelet!

Consider now, on the other hand, that you are shopping for yourself! Obviously, it is easy to shop for oneself! However consider a few things when choosing between the many beaded bracelets. The first thing you should picture in your mind is whether or not this beaded jewelry will match what you want to wear with it. Will it match one outfit or multiple outfits? Think about what colors you like to wear. Do you like busy jewelry, or a peaceful, subtle, calmer piece? Use these considerations to choose your bracelet. Also, how big is the bracelet compared to your wrist? Jewelry extenders are also available to extend the length of your bracelets or other jewelry items.

Beaded bracelets are always popular and never go out of style. The artistic pieces available today will be most impressive to nearly anyone. You can get just about any style and many colors and unusual sequences. Quality handcrafted jewelry in the form of a bracelet is a piece that will last a lifetime. Handcrafted beaded jewelry is an item that sometimes becomes a family heirloom as well. These fine pieces are works of art that can enhance your appearance when you wear them, as well as become a conversation starter!

Button jewelry is a surprisingly attractive type of handcrafted jewelry that you can get today that is custom designed and look like designer pieces of art. These items make incredibly thoughtful quality handcrafted jewelry, and those you give them to will be impressed with their quality. You can get button items crafted in the form of bracelets and pendant necklaces. These items, when combined together in the hands of a fine jewel and artist, make incredible gifts for those you love, and certainly are conversation pieces for those who own and wear them.

Giving button jewelry as a gift is unique in itself, and the recipient will be amazed at how unique this item is. Handcrafted jewelry such as this is not common and will be appreciated. The first item that you can give is a button art necklace, which is presented in the format of an articulate looking pendant on a chain. They can have many colors and patterns, and come in a limitless variety of styles. Shimmering sterling silver is often used as is glimmering gold. Some show more of an artist’s hand while others are more sophisticated and simple. These pieces of quality handcrafted jewelry are sure to be treasured for years to come.

As unique as button jewelry is in the form of a pendant necklace, crafted in fine quality, a bracelet made out of buttons and other accessories of artistic merit is also a great gift. When giving a bracelet, you will be able to see that there are many more artistic expressions in this piece of handcrafted jewelry. As a gift, a bracelet is something that someone can wear to accentuate an outfit, so if you know the recipient wears a lot of a certain color, consider getting a bracelet that will go along well with that. The many parts in a quality handcrafted jewelry piece usually flow well in a color theme.

Giving button jewelry as a gift is something that the recipient is sure to cherish for many years to come. Because the gift is so unusual, they will remember you very well every time someone asks them where they got it as well. This makes the bracelet a special gift indeed. Handcrafted jewelry always assures that the item is unique and made of fine quality. Giving a piece of quality handcrafted jewelry is a loving gesture which will be remembered for a long time.

Beaded earrings are a wonderful gift for the elegant, eclectic, energetic, eccentric, earthy, or eloquent person in your life. There are many personality styles out there, and just as many earrings made out of beautiful beads! Elegant earrings are the first. Beautiful, gentle colors made in many dangling styles to suit even the most equally elegant outfit are available for purchase. These earrings are always designed in a large array of shapes and styles to match nearly any style outfit or level of elegance.

Beaded jewelry in the form of earrings is especially great for the eclectic earring collector. Some of the designs you can find among beaded earrings are incredibly unusual, and are perfect for that one person you know who tends to walk away from the beaten path! You know this friend. She is always wearing bright colors and making bold statements in her accessories. She probably adores artwork as well. The colors available in this type of handcrafted jewelry varies so much that you are sure to find the perfect item! An energetic person is always likely to wear quality handcrafted jewelry that is made out of dangly beads, because energetic people are always expressing themselves flamboyantly!

Beaded jewelry gifts are always in season, and even more so for the eccentric person you know. This quality handcrafted jewelry is also appreciated by the earthy friend or family member that you know. These people truly appreciate things that are handmade. The eloquent person in your life is sure to appreciate the fine quality of this type of handcrafted jewelry and express that back to you when they thank you for this gift. If you are getting beaded earrings for yourself, you are sure to find the colors, styles, shapes, and unique features attractive and never boring.

Beaded earrings are a great gift for yourself or someone you know who is of nearly any personality. This quality handcrafted jewelry is carefully created by loving hands of the jewel and artist, creating a unique set of earrings each and every time. Whether dangly, earthy, sophisticated, fancy, wacky, or fun, you will be sure to love this style of handcrafted jewelry. It never goes out of style, so you will have a set of earrings to weather all of the changes in fashion! Get a few color sets that match a multitude of colors, and you’ll have earrings to last a lifetime!

Jewel extenders in the past have often been plain and without an attractive appeal. However, today’s extenders are perfect for fancy pieces of jewelry of all kinds.  The clasp style of these extenders varies greatly so that it will match any handcrafted jewelry you might own that is just not quite long enough to sit well on an outfit perfectly.  Sometimes when you receive beaded jewelry gifts, you might find that it’s not quite long enough, so adding an extender to the quality handcrafted jewelry makes it fit just right. Extenders are perfect for beaded jewelry of all kinds, but especially necklaces.

Today’s jewelry extenders are impressive and very highly attractive.  They are almost like beautiful beaded jewelry themselves, and add a little something special to that too short necklace you own.  Whether for every day wear or a special event, an extender that itself is a fine piece of quality handcrafted jewelry is best.  You can find extenders in a variety of beadwork, including freshwater pearls, glass beads, cubic zirconia, and Swarovski Austrian crystals.  These can make a fine addition to your beaded jewelry.  This is a very cost effective way to make your jewelry fit just right.

There are a surprising number of jewelry extenders you can get as well.  You can get just about any type of extender.  You can buy extenders for bracelets, which is great because everyone has seen a tiny bracelet that is simply too small for some wrists.  Another good type of extender is anklet extenders.  Anklets are so attractive, so it’s really disappointing when you have one that’s too small. Gold anklet and necklace extenders are also available at a very reasonable price.  Of course, necklace extenders are the most popular form, and are very helpful when you have a fine piece of quality handcrafted jewelry that isn’t quite long enough.

Jewelry extenders are a great option to lengthen just about any form of jewelry on a chain and using an extender of equally fine handcrafted jewelry quality is important.  Since you can get an extender for your necklace, anklet, or bracelet in just about any matching material, why wouldn’t you get that inexpensive extender and enhance your handcrafted jewelry and its appearance when you wear it?  Extenders are made of the same materials, whether it is beads, pearls, gold, or even find items such as cubic zirconia or Swarovski crystals!  Extenders make your beaded jewelry and non-beaded jewelry work well for you!

Winter is ultimately an enjoyable season; cosy nights in with friends, mulled wine and wrapping up warm. When January comes around the sunny days may still seem like a far way off but get dreaming about all the new fashion bits and bobs you will need for the sunnier spring and summer days and any winter woes will melt away.

There are a number of different pieces and looks to see you through spring and summer in style and you can mix and match whatever you wish to create your own individual look.

Shorts are a continuing trend from 2009 with hotpants and boy shorts taking centre stage in 2010. These shorter than short styles are revealing so if there was ever a time to hit the gym, spring 2010 could be perfect! Team with tights to see you through any unexpected cold days and go bare legged when the temperature rises.

Things are certainly looking up for hemlines generally in 2010 - skirts are creeping up the thigh and bottom-revealing bloomers, also known as hotpantaloons, which first appeared in New York have since spread across the fashion cities with head spinning speed.

Sticking to the bottom half, patterned trousers are getting a look in. There is no need to stick to boring block colours on your lower half as a whole host of different trouser prints have made their way onto the spring runways. From floral and bold to striped and subdued you can take your pick from all that’s on offer.

Playsuits have made a comeback. Every so often, one-piece styles of clothing have a revival and the bodysuits and leotards so popular in 2009 have developed into jumpsuits and playsuits for 2010.

Another trend from 2009 that is still holding ground into 2010 is the “boyfriend” blazer. Having one of these in your wardrobe can cure many a fashion fracas and offers an easy way to look chic whether on a fresh spring day or mild summer's night.

The spring/summer story to steal womens fashion headlines is the obsession with nude hues and tones. The vast majority of catwalk shows opened with nude, ice-cream colours, turning the attention to the cut and drapery of the cloth as opposed to eye-popping colours.

The summer of 2009 featured lots of colour blocking whereas spring and summer 2010 focus on subtle tones like nude with peach or grey with icy blue.

White is always a trend for summer but 2010 is going all the way so expect it to be a washout – bleached cotton can be tailored for a masculine feel or ruffled for a more feminine look. Sheer fabric is another big style statement for 2010. Keep it sheer, nude, soft and feminine and you can’t go wrong.

With fashion styles picked out for the year ahead it's possible to start planning your wardrobe for the months ahead - whether that means hitting the sales or adjusting what you already have is up to you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/fashion-forward-for-2010-1669906.html

Among the mystical birthstones, bloodstone and jasper are associated with the months of February and October respectively. Both these gemstones are unique and beautiful. They have different healing powers and are also used in contemporary jewelry designs. Bloodstone is also known as green jasper but it comes with blood red spots or veins and hence the name bloodstone. It is not very expensive and therefore used in affordable jewelry articles including pendants, rings and earrings. This stone is particularly used in men’s rings in which it is combined with other gemstones to give an individual look. The beautiful green color looks lovely with gold, silver and platinum. 

Bloodstone is also considered a jewel of the month March in traditional and Ayurvedic astrology. As such it is believed to have certain healing powers associated with it like it cures hemorrhages and blood circulation problems. Powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine in India and many other parts of the world. This magical stone was used in ancient times in Egypt and some other civilizations as a supernatural object to defeat enemies. Bloodstone is commonly known to increase strength and power and also used as a healing stone for the cure of sports injuries and joint problems. 

The gemstone of February is also used in Ayurvedic healing. Ayurveda revolves around five elements of life – earth, water, fire, air and space. Bloodstone represents fire and earth and therefore considered a very powerful stone in Ayurvedic astrology. The stone gives an appearance of a red sun setting in the sea which looks beautiful. Bloodstone also has a calming effect on the nerves and can cure uneasiness and discomfort. Other popular Ayurvedic birthstones include agate, ruby, sapphire, topaz, diamond, garnet and amethyst. Among these ruby, diamond, and sapphire are also used in the king of planetary talismans – the navaratna. 

Jasper comes in different colors ranging from red to brown. This is also one of the popular birthstones in ancient times and was believed to have many mystical influences on the wearer. Black jasper is a beautiful variety of this gemstone and is often used in contemporary jewelry designs. These semi-precious stones are used as beads in beautiful jewelry articles including handmade bracelets, necklaces and rings. The beads are also sold on wholesale and come very inexpensive. They can be used for all kinds of jewelry making projects. Jasper is believed to heal stomach disorders and pregnancy-related complications. 

Jasper has many varieties including leopard skin jasper and poppy jasper. Leopard skin jasper is lovely and strong. It is connected with spiritual enrichment and religious values. Since jasper comes in many exciting colors, it can have a positive effect on our emotions and the way we think. Poppy jasper can help in relaxation. Both these birthstones have special mystical powers and can be worn as beautiful ornaments. They are affordable jewels and are often used as beads in colorful bracelets and chokers. If you also believe in the healing powers associated with various gemstones, check out these beautiful and mystical stones.  

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/mystical-birthstones-bloodstone-and-jasper-644378.html

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Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of clear ocean blue, and is widely recognized as the March Birthstone and the gemstone for the 18th anniversary. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, aquamarine holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your aquamarine jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!

The beautiful Aquamarine is semi-precious, a light greenish blue to a vibrant blue variety of the species beryl, which makes it a relative of the Emerald.  The name Aquamarine is derived from Latin, meaning seawater. "Aqua" translates to water and "marina" translates to sea. This seems especially appropriate for aquamarine's barely-there icy blue tones to intense greenish-blue tones, reminiscent of the sea. Also believed to embody the spirit of the sea, it has been regarded as a symbol of purification, ever-lasting youth, and happiness.

The sparkling tones and light blue hues are said to evoke feelings of trust, harmony and sympathy. The unique blues that the Aquamarine displays are said to represent eternity and life-giving properties, since it is, after all, the color of both the sea and the skies.  

Aquamarine gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with Black Onyx, black pearls or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include lighter, bridal colored combinations with quartz, raw diamonds or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring aquamarine, click here. Aquamarine is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of blue or green eyes.

According to legend, Aquamarine originated in a treasure chest for mermaids. Throughout history, Roman fisherman have used aquamarine as protection from the water, as the gemstone is believed to lend strength and confidence. Aquamarine's powers are said to develop best if the stone is immersed in sun-drenched water. Carrying aquamarine is also believed to guarantee a happy marriage, making the owner not only happy, but wealthy as well.

Mostly mined in Brazil, China, and Pakistan, Aquamarine is the designated birthstone for the month of March. It is also the zodiac sign Pisces assigned gem, and for the18th anniversary.  This gem is often cut into faceted shapes, smooth cabochons, beads and carvings.

Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Aquamarine gets a score of 7.5-8, meaning that it is quite scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Aquamarine gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water or an ultra-sonic cleaner. Avoid solvents and harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.

Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/aquamarine-marchs-gemstone-of-ocean-dreams-270891.html

Belittling, humiliation, beating, stalking, rape—these are all tragedies that occur with domestic abuse. Isolation, injury, depression, and low self-esteem are the direct results. Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, is a serious problem in the United States. According to the American Institute on Domestic Violence, 5.3 million women are abused each year in the US, every nine seconds a woman is beaten, and every year 1,232 women are killed by an intimate partner.

Domestic abuse occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate over the other in some way. Men and women can both be abusers; however, women are five to eight times more likely to be the abused. Despite what some may think it does not happen due to a lack of control on behalf of the abuser. Domestic abuse is a choice the abuser makes based on his need to exert power and control over his partner. For example, he often considers and even plans out scenarios for the next abusive encounter. He chooses to hurt his partner in areas where others will not see the bruises. He stops abusing to appear completely in control in situations where he might be caught.

Most often, abuse occurs in cycles and being familiar with that cycle may help you or someone you know escape from a bad situation. The cycle always begins with abuse, which can be psychological, physical, sexual, or economic. After the abuse occurs, the abuser feels guilt, but not about what he has done to his partner. His main concern lies with being caught. He rationalizes or makes excuses for what he has done, often accusing his partner of pushing him to do it.

In order to regain control over the relationship and keep his partner from leaving, he then reverts to “normal behavior.” He may pretend that he did nothing at all, or he may treat his partner like gold—causing her to feel that there really is hope for a happy life together. This is often referred to as the honeymoon phase. Once normalcy is reestablished, the abuser begins to fantasize and plan out the next time he will abuse his partner. He creates a plan, a set-up, which his victim will fall into so that he has what he thinks is a legitimate excuse to abuse her again. Then the cycle starts all over again.

There are many signs to look for that indicate whether you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse. There are those based on inner feelings and those based on the abusive partners behaviors.

Signs of abuse based on your own inner feelings:

· Fear of partner

· Fear of angering partner

· Feelings that you deserve to be mistreated

· Feelings of helplessness

· Feeling that you are the crazy one

Signs of abuse based on abusive partners behaviors:

· Partner humiliates and criticizes you frequently

· Ignores you or makes you feel like your input is not valuable

· Blames you for his own abusive behavior

· Threatens to leave you

· Threatens to commit suicide if you leave

· Threatens to take your children away

· Acts overly jealous or possessive

· Controls where you are going and who you are going with

· Limits your access to money, or transportation

· Constantly checks up on you

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, the cycle can and must be broken. Nobody deserves to be mistreated, and help is available. The only way to break the cycle is to leave. Many women think that is impossible, but it isn’t. There are a lot of government or privately funded agencies that will help find shelter for women and their children as well as protect them from a dangerous partner. Other sources are 24-hour hotlines, shelters, legal services, and counseling. These services are often free. Always remember that if you are in a dangerous situation you can dial 911.

Domestic abuse is a terrible thing, but it’s important to remember that nobody has to endure it—and nobody ever should. It’s a condition that is growing ever prevalent in the United States and no two cases are exactly the same. It comes in many forms and each is painful, scarring, and immobilizing in its own way. If you are a victim or you suspect you know someone who is, then reach out and break the cycle right away.

Working from home can be a very rewarding job. It is such a gift to be able to see your kids off to school and be there when they return home. There are more than 10 million Work at Home mothers ranging from your crafty mom to your data entry computer job mom. With gas prices still on the rise you might welcome not having the daily commute and shelling out all that money.

If you are currently looking for something to do from home you need to be on the alert for the Work at Home scams. Just remember that old saying, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” If they are asking you for money to help you find a position this should be a red flag. Real opportunities do exist, but you will have to exercise discretion to determine if the position is real or a scam. This would be an excellent time to have your guard up and take the time to do the research. After all anyone, even scam artists, can build a presentable convincing website these days.

These are some good tips and words of caution:

• If they are asking for money, NEVER send money; legitimate recruiters or employers will never ask you for money.
• Check and see if the opportunity comes from a real website. If you are not familiar with the company do some additional research.
• Look through websites to locate information about the company, such as; address, email, and telephone number. You may have to do a Whois.net search to see detailed contact information.
• Filling out the forms could be a scam to get your email address, so be sure you thoroughly do your homework on every website, before giving out your personal information.
• Watch out for the ‘Act Now!’ statements. Although you do not want to miss out on an opportunity, be patient no legitimate company will hire you on the spot.
• If the income they promise seems too incredible or they promise you will only have to work a few hours a week, be very cautious. This is one of those ‘too good to be true’ red flags.

A good place to start is to determine what your areas of interest are. Also, what fields are you experienced in? The odds are if you like what you do you will probably enjoy doing it more. Someone once said “if you love what you do, the money will follow”, and I can attest to that statement. If you are starting your own business it can take 2-3 years to get the business off the ground. Starting an online business can be very rewarding but will still require work and research to climb to the top of the search engines. It is possible to create a successful internet business that requires less overhead.

If your Work at Home business does become successful you will have to learn how to balance working from home with managing your family. It is possible to use a content management system to build just about any type of online business. The content management software programs require a learning curve, but they are easier to manage on the day to day basis. In the beginning you will have more than enough time to expand your topics of interest although as your business grows you may find it is more than one person can handle. Unless your company is producing enough to hire outside help you will want to avoid spreading yourself too thin; after all there is only so much one person can do in one day and still have time for her family.

 
http://workathomesuccess.com/scamalert.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_at_home