Category: Jewelry

Jewelry making as an art and craft form has taken a center stage in the curriculum of various fashion institutes in the past few decades. Making stunning jewelry pieces is no more confined to a special class of people, moreover, lot of young people are making efforts to hone their creative talent and crafting contemporary pieces like cross pendants, pave earrings and enamel bangles as well as traditional jewelry pieces like vertical earrings and enamel rings. Eventually, the recent advancement in technology has given way to make utmost use of expert knowledge that is available at hand.

The wide-spread use of internet has also made it possible for amateur jewelry makers or artists to understand and learn this art at nominal prices or sometimes free of costs. There are numerous websites on internet that utilize the latent or raw talent of these amateur artists by asking them to work in different projects online. This provides ample opportunities for the beginners who by working in these projects under expert guidance create memorable work like strikingly beautiful fashion rings, fashion necklaces, heart pendants and medallions that will represent their imagination and creativity. This also enables them (the beginners) to make a portfolio of their individual work for future reference.

The art and technique of creating marvelous fashion rings, enamel rings, enamel bangles and fashion necklaces requires the sharp eyes of the designer who can easily pin-point or depict the minute details. The well-crafted vertical earrings, pave earrings, cross pendants or heart pendants will appeal to every women who want to portray carefree and light-heated appearance and look. The idea behind creating medallions certainly comes from symbolism of the imagery that comes from folklore, mythologies, and fables. The jewelry artists learn and understand various techniques to transform their designer ideas into metallurgical wonders or art forms to bring fantasy into reality.

With passage of time, the trends and tendencies in jewelry has undergone a wide-spread change. Men too used to wear jewel pieces in earlier times but during post modern era when the angry young man emerged, this trend got downturn. Incidentally in the past two decades, this trend has bounced back with men especially the younger lot adorning exotic jewel pieces in most of the scenarios to display their spirit of rebel.

There is no doubt; jewelry has long evolved as the symbol of personal expression and status to the ever-green investment piece that will always be cherished by men and women alike and inspire the artists to create stunning and priceless pieces for long times to come.

While out shopping, you may have noticed silver jewelry that looks tarnished in the recessed areas. Were you mistaken to think a store would sell tarnished jewelry? Well in fact it is quite the fashion trend right now!

Oxidization refers to a process that naturally takes place when silver is exposed to oxygen in the air. It can happen within a few days to a few months, depending on the environment, humidity, and other factors. What do you do when you cant wait that long for your jewelry to oxidize? You can speed up the process with oxidizers that are applied to jewelry, allowed to dry and then polish away the excess on the raised portions of the jewelry item.

Liver of Sulfur is one such oxidizing agent. It comes in a powdered form, usually in chunks. It is very toxic so be very careful when handling. Be sure to use in a well-ventilated area and wear latex gloves. Do not allow the Liver of Sulfur to touch your skin, if it does, rinse with soap and water immediately.

Live of Sulfur works best when it is heated. Mix together the Liver of Sulfur with a little water, stir together and heat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. You just want to gently warm the solution, not cause it to boil over! Also heat the silver jewelry with a hair dryer or other heating element, be sure to protect your countertop or work area from the heat, you can scorch it.

After both the Liver of Sulfur and jewelry item are heated, dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently dab it onto the silver jewelry. It should turn a dark color upon contact. It may go through several phases first beginning with green, then brown, then dark brown and finally black. You may have to re-heat the solution and jewelry item several times to achieve the darkness you desire.

Another product on the market that oxidizes silver is Black Max (formerly Silver Black). It is much easier to use because you do not need to heat the solution or jewelry item. Simply dip your cotton swab into the solution and apply to your jewelry item. It will turn black upon contact.

After your jewelry item is oxidized to the level you desire, you need to polish away the excess. This will happen on any raised portions of your jewelry item, leaving the recessed areas dark. You can use a Dremel handheld tool, polishing bench, or manually with a silver polishing cream. Polish until you are pleased with the results, this may take a while if you are polishing it by hand, but the results will be worth it!

There are a variety of different symbols used in Tibetan jewelry. These symbols include Buddha images, plus other symbols that are important in Tibetan Buddhism. Here is a brief outline of some of the images used in Tibetan jewelry.

The Kalachakra mantra, also known as the ten-fold powerful mantra, is a combination of symbols placed on top of one another to form the symbol. This symbol is traditionally shown inside a wheel of fire symbol. This symbol is commonly shown on different types of Tibetan jewelry.

The Om symbol is another common symbol in Tibetan Buddhist jewelry. The om symbol represents the om sound, commonly associated with yoga today. This sound starts and ends all mantras in both Buddhism and Hinduism, and it is said that all sound originated with om.

The eight auspicious symbols are also commonly found on Tibetan jewelry. Each of the Eight Auspicious Symbols represents one aspect of the teachings of Buddha. Though each symbol holds power individually, when they are grouped together those powers multiply. Some of the eight auspicious symbols such as the endless knot symbol and the lotus symbol are commonly shown alone as well.

The Conch Shell: The conch shell is a symbol of power and authority. The shell is used as a horn in religious ceremonies to frighten away and banish evil spirits. It stands as a symbol of the the teachings of Buddha being spread to the world, like the sound of the horn being blown. Images of the Buddha have three curving lines at his throat that symbolizes his deep and resonant voice sounding forth as a conch shell being blown.

Parasol: The parasol is said to cast a shadow of protection. Just as a parasol casts a shadow to protect the bearer from the heat of the sun, the symbolic parasol casts a shadow that protects the bearer from the heat of spiritual suffering. In Tibet, the parasol is associated with royalty. It is a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Two Golden Fishes: The two golden fishes are usually depicted standing vertically on their tails with their heads curved toward each other . They represent the two great rivers of India, the Ganga and Yamuna. In Buddhism these two fish represent happiness because they have complete freedom in the water. They also represent fertility and abundance because fish tend to reproduce so rapidly. Also, the two fish together represent unity and fidelity in marriage.

Endless Knot: The endless knot is a series of right angles and intertwined lines with no beginning and no end. This image symbolizes how all things are intertwined, and each will affect the other. When this symbol is stamped on a piece of jewelry being given as a gift, it symbolizes the connection that exists between the giver and the recipient. It can also mean continuity and represent Buddha’s endless wisdom.

The Treasure Vase: The treasure vase is a pot-bellied vase with a short, narrow neck that has been topped with a jewel symbolizing the fact that it contains treasure. This vase is said to have an endless supply of whatever is stored inside. Therefore, symbolizing abundance and wealth.

The Wheel: One of the most important symbols in Buddhism, the wheel comes in three parts, the hub which stands for moral discipline, the spokes which are usually numbered 8 which represent the correct application of wisdom, and the rim which represents concentration which is necessary to hold the art of meditation together, just as the rim holds the wheel together. Over time, the wheel has evolved into a symbol of the teachings of Buddha. When the wheel is turned it symbolizes the rapid spiritual change that occurs when applying the teaching of Buddha in ones personal life.

The Lotus: This symbol is perhaps the most poignant of the eight auspicious symbols. At it grows, the lotus rises out of the mud at the bottom of the pond, passes through the water, and rises above the water to bloom. This beautiful flower shows how the soul can pass from the the primordial mud of materialism through the waters of experience and into the sunshine of enlightenment.

The Victory Banner: This symbol stands for Buddha’s victory over the universe and his subsequent enlightenment.

Buddhist jewelry is a very important part of the culture of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. The symbols used on Tibetan jewelry can be used as amulets and protect the wearer.

There are many aspects to running a successful jewelry store, but set-up is by far one of the impacting and important. In order to ensure your business runs smoothly with minimal stress, you should probably make sure set-up is taken care of. As they say, first impressions are lasting, so you want your customers to have an experience they’ll remember.

Here are a few tips to guide you into making sure your jewelry store looks like a million bucks on opening day:

Let There Be Light!

You probably have picked out some beautiful merchandise. Unlike clothing or other fashion items, jewelry needs to be displayed in a manner that draws attention to it. A really great way to highlight your jewels’ and gems’ stunning features is to have proper lighting on them. But just any light bulb won’t do. Florescent lighting, although it seems like the likely choice, simply won’t do your jewelry showcase justice. Instead, try Halogen lighting. Halogen lighting is really flattering for jewelry. Whether they are in the ceilings or in strips in the retail display, the really make the jewelry sparkle and shine.

Show It Off…

You have probably spent a lot of money on your inventory, and want it to sell. This is where the importance of a proper retail display comes in. Sturdy store displays are a must. They come in wide varieties of shapes, styles, and finishes. With many store display retailers, you can choose the specific finish and the metal trim for the cases. Whatever finish you choose it should be cohesive to the type of environment and ambience you’re trying to put off to your customers. All in all set up of the glass showcases is crucial.

There are many variations of your set up that can really make or break a sale. For instance, you should really position the items you want to push or your most important items at eye-level. If you don’t you could be missing out on a potential sale, because the customer simply didn’t notice it. Also, you should keep the glass showcase clean and clear of clutter. Don’t worry about putting all of your stock in the showcase, although it is temptingwe know you want to sell everything. Instead you should put out your best looking pieces and the rest in the back. Also, put a few items in a counter top glass display case by the register. The cash register is where the most impulse buys take place, so it would be beneficial to your sales to take advantage of that.

Be Creative!

Lastly, don’t forget that the customer always appreciates a creative set-up to a new store. It’s what generates that word of mouth buzz that is essential to your long-term success. And word-of-mouth advertising is the bestbecause it’s effective, and FREE! So don’t be afraid to something different. Just because every jewelry store is set up like Zales, doesn’t mean you have to it that way. Try to put your own unique spin on the store, without changing the fundamental elements that make it work, that keep people coming in. With being creative, you have to make sure that it is functional, and most importantly, puts you products in the customers faces in a non-intrusive way.

Making handmade beaded jewelry is a skilled craft which many artisans have enjoyed. Technological advances of bead construction and jewelry accessories help to make jewelry assembly easier. This gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy making their own beaded handmade jewelry into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, pendants, and much more.

Here is a checklist for making handmade beaded jewelry:

1.Design and assemble your own unique design which meets your needs and requirements.
2.The jewelry design, style of beads, and color selection match your complexion and wardrobe colors.
3.It is the perfect gift for friends or family members.
4.Jewelry pieces are affordable and easy to create.
5.Duplicate worn out vintage or favorite pieces of beaded jewelry.
6.Repair and re-string necklaces, bracelets or earrings.
7.As a jewelry designer, you are able to create other unique pieces of jewelry or beadwork for special applications and situation.

How often do you and I need or spend hours shopping for special jewelry needed for a wedding occasion, a cocktail dress, a business promotional function and other types of special occasions?

It is sheer delight to be able to make a beaded necklace which fits the neckline of a new dress and to have matching beaded earrings which are just perfect. And it fits our budget.

Have you ever been in a bind to find the perfect gift for your best friend or favorite family member? When a loved one opens their gift and finds the perfect jewelry piece or accessory which she or he has been trying to locate they are absolutely ecstatic.

More pleasurable and exciting to them is to learn you made this beaded jewelry design as a gift. The fact you listened to what their heart wanted and to deliver their desires made with your skilled and talented hands is an added benefit which cannot be described. It is to be experienced.

One day that beautiful jewelry project which you designed and made with your hands may become an heirloom piece to be passed from generation to generation.

There are many more benefits which you will experience as you create custom made jewelry adornments of beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, pendants, and many other handmade beaded accessories.