Diamonds As Investments - Young Women Get It

By : Derek Dashwood
The journals of Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus and Captain James Cook are inspiring, and speak of men of adventure in their blood and who must go over that mountain, or get into a boat and sail off and see if there really is an edge to the world, or diamonds and gemstones for riches and glory.

And of course there was always the need to find riches. Glory would not repay the king and those who had paid for your journey. Lucky us. Now if we want to look glorious we have learned to click on the net.

Now, rather than bundle up in rags and forty pair of ill fitting shoes, now our Lady Marco Polo can sit in the comfort of her favorite chair, invite her chums over, only the good ones, for a pajama net diamond hunt. My teen age grand daughters have shown this world to me, and it just amazes us elders how quickly generations outdistance their parents, let alone their grand parents.

And the difference between the boys and the girls on how they see the changes. The boys are fascinated with the massive action and huge machinery working the immense oil sands of Alberta. My 22 year old grandson is working there and is now a foreman and is driving a huge new truck and making big money. His 21 young old brother worked with me in construction and at my hotel and now is earning his construction ticket and I feel both lads have assured futures.

Very differently with my 18 and 16 year old grand daughters, who have read about the massive new diamond finds north of those oil fields, and while the boys find diamonds of less interest than driving a huge machine in the oil fields, the girls are learning they can make an investment at low bid prices on the net, now more than ever.

Now, as much as hang out at the mall, the grand daughters gather around their new computer, while the lads drive around in the new and very expensive and depreciating new truck. They all have received a computer, over the years.

Both grand daughters received their computers from a doting grand father for such good grades. Now, they have part time jobs and are taking more schooling. But in their spare time, they and their friends are giggling and huddled around the computer, no longer the television set, or out at the mall.

The girls find so many net sales sites and others and the ladies find they can have a ball, learning how to negotiate but it is easier with a computer, rather than an intimidating older person at a jewelry store counter saying you want to offer me WHAT for this diamond? She would run away, frightened.

Here, you even see it: one will look shocked as the other places an extreme low bid on some gorgeous diamond, as if that clerk was barking over their shoulder that you can not have that for that price. It is not possible.

And the girls find it is possible. They wear in when they browse past that jewelry store in the mall, when they bother. Katie gives that lady a wave with her diamond bracelet hand, with a big smile. It is a great way for a young lady to feel a sense of power and maturity. Makes my day.

Wonderful and amazing can only describe the affluence that seems to be available each year. We must take care that we apply our good brains to apply ourselves to our careers, and be of good fellowship to all.

But there can also be something very uplifting to allow oneself an occasional little treat. And the more it makes you smile and feel good, and also rich, is good.

We need to repeat to our grand children that most of all, do not waste hard earned money. But feel the excitement of placing a ridiculous low bid on an item that would make you glow.

And if you know, as you glow, you paid low, you will show humility and joy and deep satisfaction. That you take care of you, even on the tightest of budgets,is good for you. Always. And the new expensive and impressive truck will be worth half in a decade, while the safety deposit box for safe storage is already being thought about.Which will be the wise investment as seen a decade from now? I think my grand daughters know.

Author Resource:- Derek Dashwood enjoys news behind the news, seeing how small acts can lead to healthy changes we later take for granted at Diamonds and Gemstones

How to Keep Your Jewelry Clean And Sparkling Throughout The Year

By : Susan Banks
Everybody, especially women, loves jewelry. It's an accessory that one cannot simply do without. However, people are hard-pressed to keep it clean and sparkling. You can of course take the help of a professional jewelry cleaner, but these can be pretty expensive.

There are numerous ways and means thorough which you can keep your jewelry in ship shape throughout the year. What’s more you can employ these methods from the comforts of your home. They are easy to do, and easy to learn. Here are a few tips on keeping your jewelry clean and sparkling throughout the year:

Cleaning Your Precious Diamonds
The process is quite simple. Take a glass bowl, and pour some Vodka into it. Take your diamond jewelry and swish it inside the bowl. Take it out and then rinse it with clean, clear water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Moreover, if your diamond jewelry is really very dirty, then it is advisable that you dip a soft toothbrush in the vodka and scrub the jewelry delicately. This process will clean and add the requisite sparkle to the diamond jewelry in no time at all.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry
This is again a process that is simplicity itself. All that is required is a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and a teaspoon of household ammonia. Your gold jewelry must be then immersed in this mixture and allowed to rest in it for a period of around ten minutes. After this, you must use a soft cloth to wipe them dry. You will be amazed by the efficacy of this simple process.

The Silver Jewelry Tip
Your silver jewelry might just be the hardest item to clean. Many people try and clean it with a silver paste, but in the hands of the amateur, it usually ends up as a messy failure. An easier way would be to use a glass casserole whose bottom must be lined with an aluminum foil.
You must then add two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of salt and some boiling water inside the glass casserole. The silver jewelry then needs to be added to this mixture and allowed to sit in it, till the water cools down. After that, remove the silver pieces and buff them with a soft cloth.
If you use this process, it's a surety that all the crevices and creases of the silver will be cleaned of all the dirt and the jewelry will sparkle anew. The best part about this method is that there is absolutely no need to keep rubbing the finish. This helps in prolonging the life of the jewelry and it will last longer.

Your Precious Pearls
There is no intricate process that will help you keep your pearls sparkling throughout the year. They will only be kept clean and shiny, if you wear them often. There is a scientific reason for this. The oil from your skin will help their luster and keep them soft.
However, there are times when there is simply very little opportunity for you to wear your pearls. In this case, you can keep them in good condition by sprinkling some olive oil on a soft cloth and then wiping them gently.

Moisture: The Dust Trap
Always remove your jewelry before you take a bath or head for a sauna. This must be especially taken care of, in the case of gemstone jewelry. Such jewelry is quite sensitive to moisture and any exposure to it might lead to the jewelry pieces losing their sparkle and newness.
Any amount of water on the jewelry pieces acts as a trap for dust particles and other residual matter.

A Simple Solution
If you don't want to put in too much of an effort with regards to your cleaning process then you can clean your gold and silver jewelry using a solution of soap and water. The cleaning powder must not be strong, as the presence of hard chemicals will have a detrimental effect on your jewelry.
Proceed with caution with respect to cleaning your jewelry with a soap solution. Be well aware of the chemical content of your soap solution. If you are not to sure about this, then the best thing would be to apply the solution on an area of the jewelry that is less conspicuous.

Jewelry Storage
Due importance must also be given to where you store your jewelry. This would ensure the cleanliness of the jewelry. You must keep your jewelry in an enclosed storage space that is also dry and cool. Any sustained exposure to heat will cause an irrevocable damage to your jewelry.

Use the above mentioned tips to regularly clean your jewelry, so it looks as good as new. The results of these tips might just surprise you with their brilliance.

Author Resource:- Susan is a regular contributing copywriter to Fuzing.com. This viewpoint is proudly brought to you in conjunction with trade leads from the Necklaces section of our portal.

How to Keep Your Jewelry Clean And Sparkling Throughout The Year

By : Susan Banks
Everybody, especially women, loves jewelry. It's an accessory that one cannot simply do without. However, people are hard-pressed to keep it clean and sparkling. You can of course take the help of a professional jewelry cleaner, but these can be pretty expensive.

There are numerous ways and means thorough which you can keep your jewelry in ship shape throughout the year. What’s more you can employ these methods from the comforts of your home. They are easy to do, and easy to learn. Here are a few tips on keeping your jewelry clean and sparkling throughout the year:

Cleaning Your Precious Diamonds
The process is quite simple. Take a glass bowl, and pour some Vodka into it. Take your diamond jewelry and swish it inside the bowl. Take it out and then rinse it with clean, clear water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Moreover, if your diamond jewelry is really very dirty, then it is advisable that you dip a soft toothbrush in the vodka and scrub the jewelry delicately. This process will clean and add the requisite sparkle to the diamond jewelry in no time at all.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry
This is again a process that is simplicity itself. All that is required is a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and a teaspoon of household ammonia. Your gold jewelry must be then immersed in this mixture and allowed to rest in it for a period of around ten minutes. After this, you must use a soft cloth to wipe them dry. You will be amazed by the efficacy of this simple process.

The Silver Jewelry Tip
Your silver jewelry might just be the hardest item to clean. Many people try and clean it with a silver paste, but in the hands of the amateur, it usually ends up as a messy failure. An easier way would be to use a glass casserole whose bottom must be lined with an aluminum foil.
You must then add two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of salt and some boiling water inside the glass casserole. The silver jewelry then needs to be added to this mixture and allowed to sit in it, till the water cools down. After that, remove the silver pieces and buff them with a soft cloth.
If you use this process, it's a surety that all the crevices and creases of the silver will be cleaned of all the dirt and the jewelry will sparkle anew. The best part about this method is that there is absolutely no need to keep rubbing the finish. This helps in prolonging the life of the jewelry and it will last longer.

Your Precious Pearls
There is no intricate process that will help you keep your pearls sparkling throughout the year. They will only be kept clean and shiny, if you wear them often. There is a scientific reason for this. The oil from your skin will help their luster and keep them soft.
However, there are times when there is simply very little opportunity for you to wear your pearls. In this case, you can keep them in good condition by sprinkling some olive oil on a soft cloth and then wiping them gently.

Moisture: The Dust Trap
Always remove your jewelry before you take a bath or head for a sauna. This must be especially taken care of, in the case of gemstone jewelry. Such jewelry is quite sensitive to moisture and any exposure to it might lead to the jewelry pieces losing their sparkle and newness.
Any amount of water on the jewelry pieces acts as a trap for dust particles and other residual matter.

A Simple Solution
If you don't want to put in too much of an effort with regards to your cleaning process then you can clean your gold and silver jewelry using a solution of soap and water. The cleaning powder must not be strong, as the presence of hard chemicals will have a detrimental effect on your jewelry.
Proceed with caution with respect to cleaning your jewelry with a soap solution. Be well aware of the chemical content of your soap solution. If you are not to sure about this, then the best thing would be to apply the solution on an area of the jewelry that is less conspicuous.

Jewelry Storage
Due importance must also be given to where you store your jewelry. This would ensure the cleanliness of the jewelry. You must keep your jewelry in an enclosed storage space that is also dry and cool. Any sustained exposure to heat will cause an irrevocable damage to your jewelry.

Use the above mentioned tips to regularly clean your jewelry, so it looks as good as new. The results of these tips might just surprise you with their brilliance.

Author Resource:- Susan is a regular contributing copywriter to Fuzing.com. This viewpoint is proudly brought to you in conjunction with trade leads from the Necklaces section of our portal.

Latest Top 6 Womens Watches To Hit The Market

By : Susan Banks
Women's watches are exciting to watch and to wear. The latest top watches to arrive on the market are found on the internet. Access to the internet means you don't have to live in a large population center in order to have the latest and best fashion accessories and jewelry. The exciting thing about the new watches is that they come in every possible style and color to appeal to every woman's lifestyle.

Pierre Nicol Floral Collection

Even in the depths of winter, fashion watches from the series can make you think of spring. The women's watches feature a bezel design enamel silver case in a charming floral motif. The vibrant color of the flowers and vines that surround the face of the watch matches the color of the extra large easy to read dial. Choices of color include Hot Pink, Pumpkin, pale blue, and five other fashion hues. The movement is precise quartz and the band is wide, solid bracelet style with decorative floral matching the face. This is a watch that is a fashion statement as well as a time piece and any woman in a lighthearted mood would be thrilled to own it. Look for Pierre Nicol PN188-1251 in your favorite color.

Swiss Legend

The Swiss Legend Eleganza for women features a black leather strap with a crocodile finish. The fastener has push button deployment. The stainless steel case is set with 116 white diamonds in a full cut. These diamonds weigh in at 2.64 carats with excellent clarity and a color grade H. The movement is Swiss quartz. The dial is textured black with silver hands. The numerals are in an Arabesque style. The diamonds are set in a bezel style with a double row along each side of the face and a single row at top and bottom of the face. For a classy design to wear at the most fashion conscious occasions, choose this bold, yet elegant watch.

Accutron

The accuracy of this brand continues to be popular among men and women alike. The Versailles Gold-tone stainless steel women's watch features a Swiss quartz movement with a sapphire crystal. The bracelet style of the band makes it dressy enough to wear with a business ensemble yet functional enough to wear to a coach your child's Little League team. The face of the watch is made of white mother of pearl. The hands and the numeral and stick markers are of gold tone. The watch is water resistant which can be important to anyone who loves water sports. Of course the accuracy of this brand name is built into the name itself.

Technomarine

For a truly unusual watch, you must see the women's Maori Diamond Black Rubber timepiece. The watch face is an offset triangle in a bezel setting. The watch face is silver and features the Maori tattoo. The tattoo is repeated in the black rubber band. 56 white diamonds accent the case with a combined diamond weight of 1.19 carats. Swiss made quartz movement with a sapphire crystal guarantees accuracy and dependability.

This is not a watch to be hidden under a long sleeve. It deserves to be flaunted both for its beauty and its unique design.

Cartier

A Cartier timepiece is a luxury item. It is a recognized status symbol for every women who owns one. An example is the Cartier Women's Tankissime Solid 18 K Gold watch. It is a slightly rectangular watch with roman numerals on a silver grained dial. The bold links in the bracelet are the same width as the case and are fastened by a hidden clasp. There is nothing retiring about the 18 carat gold, yet the design is so clean and understated that the watch would make a lovely accessory to almost any classical style garment.

Rolex

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust 18kt Gold Ladies Watch speaks with quiet elegance. The case and bracelet are made of 18 carat yellow gold. The watch face is set in a fluted gold bezel design. The champagne dial is marked with Roman numerals. Quality is built into the 31 jeweled synthetic sapphire crystals. The bracelet is formed in the style known as President. The watch is a Rolex which almost speaks for itself in name recognition. The classic lines of this and other Rolex watches can be a welcome accessory with almost any type of ensemble from tennis dress to riding habit.

No matter what type of lifestyle you lead, choosing a women's timepiece that appeals to you is easy when you use the internet to narrow the selections. Think beyond the mundane and have fun with a new women's watch in one of the latest styles. You can expand your horizons in style by choosing something that's new and different from your usual look.

Diamond Cross Design Pendant: Symbolizes Faith and Fashion

By : Christian Cross
The evolution of diamond cross design pendant is quiet interesting. The idea of cross deigned pendant seems to have originated from the arrangement of stars in the galaxy. A group of stars known as Asterism smaller than the constellation in our astrology in the south polar part of the southern Carina consists of four bright stars forming a diamond shape or a cross. The idea cross deign that was adopted by observing the arrangement of stars in the sky above and was brought to the earth below employing the idea in the line of jewelries and accessories.

The cross design symbolizes faith and wearing a cross jewelry emphasizes on the fact that he/she is a religious person. But what is the history of diamond studded cross pendants? It is assumed that some of the Jewish living peacefully in the Eastern Europe was talented jewelers that travel a lot to promote their products. They sold many precious stones including diamonds en route, which has higher demands from that time until now in almost all types of jewelry. Because of their trade they got their identity as merchants of precious stones. Persuading their style of attaching stones to any jewelry people, particularly jewelry designers started attaching gemstones on any jewelry they make especially on those cross. Hence from that time it became more of a fashion statement giving rise to diamond cross pendant.

As everyone knows that diamond is an expensive gemstone that enhances the value and the beauty of any material where it is attached to no wonder why diamond cross pendants is so popular and expensive. Alone the gemstone diamond could not be the factor behind the dearest price value of the diamond cross pendants. There are several other factors that affects the value of the diamond cross pendants. The bigger the size of the gemstone the more expensive will be the pendant. Diamond cross pendant with a perfect cut gemstone also increase the price. The metal that supports the diamond cross gemstones also plays a major role in defining the price of the jewelry. Commonly used metal in making a diamond cross jewelry are two-tone gold and white gold metals and the purity of these metal is another great factor that also rule the price of a diamond cross jewelry.

Because there is a great demand for diamond cross jewelries, probably because it symbolizes the two F’s that is Faith and Fashion all in one so the designers are more focused on having diamond cross designed jewelry in every jewelry

Diamonds, Smart Money Now Buying Net Diamonds In Rare Low Bids to Wealth

Diamonds and gemstones are being discovered and dug out of the ground up in the north of Canada. And this is very good news in many ways.

One is that these new rare tight pipes of diamond discoveries are easily controlled in a narrow area. And that these new additions to the shrinking world supply of essential industrial diamonds are in a democracy where good governance is far different from the blood diamond situations in war torn Africa.

There, the differently burst diamond pipe has strewn diamonds over large areas, which creates chaos over vast areas. Various tribal warlords plant land mines to protect their areas, which causes fatalities and mutilations among local farmers who live constant lives of fear.

Now that these new diamond pipes are being mined in the north of Canada has changed everything. For decades my daughters looked with suspicion at diamonds, and they would agree that buying them would only encourage the blood money war lords who kill people in Africa to steal these.

In contrast, now our grand daughters learn in school of these proud superior new Polar Bear Diamonds from the far north of Canada, and that only a polar bear bum makes a diamond the one them them. Now they apply money from part time jobs to have a house get together or a diamond net party, and place low bids on pure new Canadian diamonds with a Polar Bear stamped into the bottom.

And that little Polar Bear tells our grand daughters and all that locals were employed, not mutilated in the collecting of these rare gems. And our grand daughters are smart and of high moral caliber and the former disgust and doubt of blood money has changed to polar bear pride.

And an investment in their very own future. They are ahead of the rest of us: if these are great news bears, they want one. We may indeed be losing the polar bears to global warming. But Canada can at least allow the polar bear to live on as a diamond forever.

Our grand children can feel good that they make a low bid investment in a precious product they could later use as security for their first home, or their own home business. Right now, they only cruise the mall or comparison shopping, and laugh at the price in the jewelry store window.

At home, they go where the smart money, and do what they could not do with the snobbish lady at the mall, but bid low and laugh and come back. They now show off their prize new possessions; they give the lady at the jewelry store a big wave. With their jeweled hand.

Our good fortune is where these rare pipes of diamonds shot out of the core to the surface of the earth, in rocky northern Canada. This has greatly expanded the supply of highest rate diamonds in the world.

Another is that these new diamonds are of a smaller type of cluster diamond: they tend to fall apart into more perfect diamonds of a size to impress but at a more easy labor process and risk of waste.

That these are diamond pipes and in a democracy that enjoys good governance is good new in many ways. Linked to this is the findings by the Pew Institute of America. They have studied global needs and decisions for where to plant more forests to suck up poisons and carbon.

They find there are three vast forested areas on earth: Russia, Brazil, and Canada. Their decision has been that only Canada has the good governance and order to make likely best use of any attempts to suck up bad carbon.

And while Canada already plants more trees than it cuts, that volume of reforestation has begun. And if we cut down some trees to get your diamonds to you, we have promised to replant them. Sparkling you, cleaner air. Good news should travel net quickly, so here you are.

Diamonds, Gemstones - How Grand Daughters Buy Them at Bargains

By : Derek Dashwood
Diamond net auction bargains are now part of family life. Until recent years the tight cartel control kept a small supply of diamonds to market each year, all down through channels until it was in your jewelry store window at a price far above what we could afford.

What a change a decade can make. Massive new diamond finds in the vast rock basin of northern Canada have changed it all. These new finds are creating new partnerships before unheard of to the benefit of us all.

Famous jewelry name brand firms and department stores are joining start up groups, and the cartel has found itself joining whichever group to what degree it can as new diamond pipes, as they are called, are being discovered continually in this vast land.

How this affects my grand daughters and their friends is that these additional diamonds are coming on the market at purest high quality. This means that diamond cutters and all those experts to create perfect diamonds in Yellowknife, the frozen capital of the Northwest Territories of Canada.

As these new diamonds are of such high quality they are having a tiny polar bear on the bottom to indicate their source. Many people including my grand daughters and their friends are aware of blood diamonds from war torn Africa.

With these independent decisions, another important event is occurring while these young ladies make their own decisions with money they are working hard to earn. They are empowering themselves in a way their mothers or grand mothers never knew.

Rather than stand at a jewelry store counter and timidly ask if they could see this or that and feel rebuffed; they now cheerily and proudly walk their walk and each has now some proud diamond studded piece of jewelry she is so highly proud of.

My grand daughters have learned our lessons well, that there is all the difference between consumption and investment. During the worst times ever people in history people would go hungry before they sold their most precious diamonds or jewelry,and then it was a precious deliverance at worst or best.

What a new world. Our grand children are learning to earn and spend wisely. The computer and net connections that allow Net Site specialists to link with the mighty computer centers that weave this magic of vast markets on display in front of you and your or my grand daughters.

They know it is an investment that at the low price they paid it will be greatly increase in value with each year. And if someone offers them a huge profit, they may take the money and run. Right back to the computer to find another precious heirloom. Such a thought in the minds of a young woman has potential for ever changing realities coming ahead of us.

Mall walks are still fun, and useful to price compare. And then off they skip to their net comparisons, and the joy and laughter begins. And her grand mother can turn the computer on, but not set the time on the DVD. Nor can I.

But with expert help and teaming up with every excellent large expert company we are so directly connected now that volumes of the best net low bid diamonds are here before you. Our grand daughters are in the midst of this empowerment of the individual. And how this evolves is in the midst of happening while we all hurry about.

And we should all be so full of appreciation that we live in such times, and that our task in all this is to continue our good wise loving ways and make a better widget that makes lives easier for other people. That is, follow good examples and be the finest we can be. The future may be in better hands yet.

How to Shop All Merchants in One Place

By : Daryn Duff
All of us are a little brand conscious when it comes to purchasing different items. While some people wear only a particular brand’s clothes, others use electronic products manufactured and sold only by their favorite Japanese or European company. Even household help is generally brand and store conscious and we generally keep coming across cooks who will only use food products bought from a particular department store or house keepers who use floor cleaners made by one particular brand. Let alone household help, years of shopping and consuming stuff from different merchants have given all us particular favorites when it comes to buying stuff. This habit however, makes shopping more tedious since we keep on hopping from store to store in order to find the “best this” and the “ best that”.

Living in an age where time has actually become the most precious commodity, shopping different merchants has become a tough job since it is no longer as easy as picking up something and paying for it then and there. Driving long distances in city traffic, finding hard to find parking spaces and standing in long checkout queues in order to buy different products from different stores is extremely tiring and strenuous. However, thanks to online shopping, we can now save ourselves from this hassle altogether. All you need to buy different kinds of products from different brands or merchants now is log on to a good online department store and shop to your heart’s content.

Most good online department stores are exact virtual replicas of their brick and mortar cousins, and you can buy everything--- clothing, fragrances, accessories, shoes, computers, software programs and video games, electronics, cameras, flowers and gifts, gourmet foods, health and personal care products, home and garden stuff, jewelry and watches, musical instruments, sports & outdoors gear, toys and baby products online at hoppyshopper.com and other such stores. The best part about shopping at such a store is that you can shop all merchants at one place. Not just this, but you can easily compare products and prices offered by different merchants and make informed and educated purchase decisions.

All you need to do in order to buy something at an online department store is log on and go to the department that you want to shop in. If you are looking for a particular product, all you need to do is type in the name of that product and you will get a list of prices and packs that different merchants are offering for the same. In case you are looking for a particular brand, then you can also search for products using brand or merchant names and you will be guided to that section of the store which stocks your favorite brand just like in a real store. The only difference is that you are saved the hassle of hopping from store to store in order to shop for different brands at different merchants.

Get started with your gold investments

By : Coins Bullions
Gold investments are the best way to consolidate your investments as they are well known for fixed market value that does not depreciates in a volatile way in comparison to stocks. Incase you are looking for investment opportunities; make sure you go for buy gold as investment that helps you in getting the best value for money. Given the market value of gold and its stability over money investments, gold can offer huge financial returns and true vale for money. It is seen that gold has survived monetary collapses while sailing through swiftly in the bullion market. This makes gold stable in comparison to stocks and shares where the risk of losses is much high in comparison of profits.

However, if you want to go forth with gold investments, make sure you invest in gold coins as they offer instant liquidity solutions. Apart from liquidity solution, gold coin investment rules both the national and international markets. It is seen that gold bullion investment is the most lucrative and sound investment in bullion market as many investors try to incorporate gold stocks in their portfolios. However, if you are planning to dabble in stock of gold as investment, make sure you have a thorough knowledge about bullion trade and its market
practice.

While making gold as investment, try to gather as much information about bullion trade. This will definitely help you in making a sound investment. It is seen that investment in gold jewelry such as necklace, rings and other things is not as sound investment in comparison to gold coins and bricks. Gold bricks and coins are secure investments and help you in increasing your profitable bullion trade career. However, in order to get started with gold trade portfolio, you have to start collecting gold bars and coins. This will definitely give you an edge in trading policies. The benefit of trading in gold bullion trade is the fact that gold investment does not get effected by the falling paper currency. Therefore, if the trade market faces crunch and money value topples, your gold will remain virtually unaffected to the falling price by providing you an option of stable liquidity. Therefore, given the benefits of gold investment, gold coin sale can offer you a plum and lucrative trading practice that helps you in getting good money in exchange of gold. During increasing sensex, gold prices automatically increase and offer huge dividend on its sale.

So, given the amazing benefits of gold trade, if you are into bullion trade or deal in gold investment, you will definitely have an edge over other portfolio owners as bullion trade is more lucrative in comparison to other portfolios. In comparison to $ US, gold has show a strong position that makes it an important investment. Well, keeping all the above things in mind will definitely help you in making the best investment solution. Buy Gold as investments which are more profitable than real estate ventures as economical recession can take the toll of market price however, in gold investment; it remains untouched by any market condition.

Getting in Vogue with Hip Hop Jewelry

By : Andy West
History has produced and left behind many distinctive items that are magnificent cultural indicators of the times and hip hop jewelry is no different. In the early days of man, decorative pieces fashioned from bone, stone and seashell was worn on the wrists, around the neck and from the ears. Just as in modern times, the jewelry of man's progenitors was meant to denote status and sometimes even affiliation with certain groups.

The earliest form of hip hop jewelry is said to have emerged sometime in the 1970's. The trend stuck with a number of musicians, actors and athletes and moved on into the 80's and 90's. However, with each decade, this form of jewelry grew not only in popularity but size as well.

These days, it is not uncommon to flip on the television and see some of the brightest and most talented hip hop stars performing with distinct and eye catching pieces of jewelry. Sometimes the piece is simply a long chain and nothing else. Other times it is a number of pieces such as a thick chain with diamond-studded initials, several rings, a jewel encrusted wristwatch or flashy earrings.

Jewelry is an element that not only complements the performances of these artists but their lifestyles as well. Extravagant, attention grabbing and hard to miss, hip hop jewelry is larger than life. It is a celebration of hard work and an expression of the individual's success both now and in the future.

While everyone may not be able to afford the high dollar jewelry of a successful multi platinum artist, hip hop jewelry is not totally out of reach for the everyday individual. Seeing that there was a demand for these types of accessories, a large number of quality jewelers have opened up to a whole new market. One can find exactly what they want and need in a high quality replica simply by going online.

Many of these replicas are anything but cheap dime store knockoffs. Typically, jewelers will use the same types of precious metals and gemstones used in the original piece. However, instead of solid gold a piece may be gold plated and the gemstones may be of a smaller carat. This is what allows one to not only emulate their favorite celebrity but also purchase the same high quality without the heavy price tag.

Along with pieces being designed for both men and women, hip hop jewelry comes in a number of designs that are perfect for all occasions. There are also pieces that are designed to go specifically with a certain outfit. These types of jewelry may be of any size and use a specific geometric design, gemstone color or both.

One of the most popular looks are the pieces that are referred to as iced out, or studded with diamonds. As diamonds are one of the most precious jewels to be had, owning an iced out piece of jewelry can be very costly. To keep the expense down, smaller diamonds, less diamonds or faux diamonds are always an option.

Faux diamonds are nearly impossible to tell from the real thing with the naked eye. This is especially true when items are of extremely good craftsmanship. Items using faux diamonds are a popular choice and are available for both men's and women's pieces.

While opting for understated pieces of jewelry is the common path for most people, this is generally because it is a purchase meant to enhance or round out a person's appearance. Hip hop jewelry is all about making a statement and making it loud and clear. It has never been and never will be about modesty.

Reasons to Spend More On Your Next Watch

By : Victor Epand
Some people say that a watch is just a watch and all you need it to do is tell time. They think, "Why should I spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy watch when I can just buy a basic watch for less than $20?" Many individuals have less forgiving budgets and feel that it would be a waste to purchase an expensive name brand timepiece. The value of a watch depends on the person, and while there are many who would not like to spend a great deal of money on watches, other people see the value in it. Why buy an expensive watch?

One reason to buy a more pricy watch is to add to your work attire. People with busy work schedules, deadlines and meetings need to keep good track of time. Corporate jobs often require business professional attire, and sometimes basic watches just don't look appropriate with that polished type of look. A more expensive watch may not only look nice with business clothes, but many higher quality watches have special features such as multiple alarms, databanks, calculators and world time that come in handy to the busy professional.

Another reason to purchase finer quality watches is for special occasions. When you dress up for holiday dinners, celebrate an anniversary with an expensive night out, or go to the opera, a basic watch isn't appropriate. Evening gowns, tuxedoes and other formal clothing go well with gold, silver, and jewel accessories. Rather than spend on jewelry that is simply fashionable, why not have a fancy watch that is both fashionable and functional?

Top of the line watches also make for very lovely gifts. Birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas or Chanukah, are all times when the gifts of a really nice watch might be appropriate. Simple basic watches are nice as well, but a really thoughtful top of line watch with special features that show that you had that person in mind when you picked out the watch makes it a very special gift.

Sometimes, when you spend more money on a watch it has better features and they last longer. Many more expensive brands have extra-long battery lives, are made of more durable materials, and allow you to do more than just tell time. Technology has allowed for compasses, smart alarms, and thermometers to be included as features on higher quality watches. Lower priced watches do not always have additional features, and sometimes break more easily than watches that cost a little more money.

Perhaps investing in expensive watches is not appropriate for everyone. Many people who would like to have finer quality watches cannot afford to spend a great deal of money on a luxurious watch. They may have more pressing financial obligations to attend to. Other people with more flexible budgets and a greater amount of expendable income are able to splurge on watches of a classier taste more readily than others. Investing in a good watch is not a bad idea.

Tips to Choose Your Wedding Jewelry

By : Jerry Leung
As you begin your search for your wedding jewelry there are a few things you must keep in mind. The wedding jewelry must actually contrast your wedding dress, however ironic it may sound. If your wedding dress is fancy and gaudy try to stick to simple and understated jewelry.

On the other hand if you're wedding attire is simple, try to liven it up with a bit of showy jewelry. The next thing, it must compliment the way you wear your hair. If you are wearing the hair in an up-do, then larger earrings will make you look a stunner with your dress. For those of you who prefer wearing their hair down, go for small studs or miniature hoops.

Though it may seem insignificant, the way you wear your veil can also have an impact on your persona. Jewelry that is too gaudy and huge tends to make you look odd and rob quite a lot of your charisma by becoming a distraction. The color of the metal is of vital importance.

Of course the color of metal depends on the metal you choose. The commonly preferred metals are Gold and Silver, whichever you choose you should try to stick to one and not mix them up. This hold true especially for earrings and necklaces as these are the most conspicuous parts of your wedding jewelry. These days many brides choose to wear pearls on their wedding day. They have this magical ability to look stunning with almost any type of wedding dress and hair do.

Sterling Silver wedding bands make a chic statement besides being durable and sturdy. Usually the wedding band is a highly polished band of either silver or gold. Selecting a sterling silver wedding band begins with the design preference. The commonly preferred ones are those with personalized engravings, channel set gemstone accents or just a simply highly polished one.

Apart from the design, the size of the ring is also of prime importance and is a vital consideration when shopping for sterling silver bands. Besides being attractive they are less expensive and available at a fraction of the price you will be paying for other precious metal. With regular care, and polishing sterling silver can last a life time. Another metal that has been growing in prominence is Titanium. The metal's hypoallergic qualities, lightweight, affordability renders it a good choice for wedding jewelry. Titanium is an extremely tough metal and is practically unbreakable.

Best Tips For Buying Jewelry on eBay

By : Victor Epand
Over a decade ago, a new website came into the cybersphere and it was called eBay. This site allowed millions of users to bid on a variety of merchandise in a virtual auction. It also allowed people to sell oodles of items to anyone around the world.

Of course, with this came the idea of buying cheap jewelry on eBay. Why go into a jewelry shop when you could just surf eBay and find a perfect ring at a bargain of the price. However, before you think of doing this, there are some things to consider.

Before you buy jewelry, or anything on eBay for that matter, you have to look at what kind of rating the person selling it has. If they have a poor rating, claims against them or bad reviews, you may not want to plunk down a few hundred dollars on those earrings. On the flip side, if it is someone who has sold a lot of merchandise, has excellent reviews and no claims against them, then you should be safe.

Pictures tell 1,000 words, but they don't always tell the truth. Be sure what you are buying is in fact the picture you are seeing. If it is, make sure you see if you can get as many pictures as possible of the merchandise. There is no point in buying diamond earrings with no back clasps to hold them on the ear. If there is a item with no pictures, then don't even approach buying it unless they can provide you with a photo. In this digital age, that is not too hard.

Ask as many questions as you can, including is it real? Don't go and buy something without finding out as much as you can about it first. If you buy a diamond only to find out it is fake, and you did not ask any questions, then you have absolutely no one to blame but yourself. Questions are key to buying jewelry, or anything, on eBay.

All in all, avoid buying expensive items like jewelry off eBay unless you can be sure the person selling it is legit. You may never receive the package, it may be fake or their may be something missing on it. Either way, you need to make sure about everything before purchasing. Otherwise, you are just as safe going to a second hand shop to buy a ring. At least there, you know what you are getting because you can hold it in your hand.

Finding the Perfect Diamond Earring Set

By : Andy West
For many, a diamond earring set is fondly remembered as the first real piece of jewelry ever owned. Though it is a rather simple accessory, it is something that can give a lifetime of significance to the wearer. As it has been found, diamonds are not only jewelry but also an investment, an heirloom and treasured keepsake.

Because there are now so many venues in which to purchase these earrings, choosing a quality set means focusing on four basic elements. The basic scale used to rate the quality of a diamond is referred to as the Four C's. When examining using the Four C's, one is looking at the color, clarity, cut and carat.

When referring to color in a diamond, the aim is to get one with as little color as possible. A scale that ranks from A to Z helps determine color, with A being truly colorless. A stone that is ranked towards A, or colorless, will cost a great deal more than those ranked on the other end of the scale.

In general, a color ranking of G or H is considered to be very fitting for earrings. This is especially true if one opts for a typical carat size. However, if one is opting for a larger than average carat size, the color ranking should be as close to colorless as possible.

The element of clarity in a diamond refers to flaws such as cloudiness or microscopic cracks deep within the stone that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The scale of clarity goes from F for flawless to I3. Stones on the lowest end of the scale are considered to be seriously flawed.

Though most diamonds for earrings are ranked SI1, clarity is not always the most important element to consider unless and until considering a larger carat. It is also not as important because earrings generally do not see the same kind of wear and tear as other accessories. Not having to put a focus on clarity is what makes earrings one of the most affordable jewelry purchases there is.

Cut is another element to consider when purchasing diamond earrings and perhaps one of the most significant. Cut has much to do with how much light reflects off of the diamond. Common cuts such as round or princess are just some of a few popular options to choose from.

When cut is an issue, it is recommended that one choose a high grade in order to get the best sparkling qualities. With a good cut, there will be more facets or polished surfaces on the precious stone to reflect light. However, there are some that have fewer facets than others that are still attractive and desirable.

Last but not least, carat is yet another element to consider when purchasing. It is said that carat ranks as high in importance as cut during the selection process. When it comes to earrings, carat refers to the combined weight of the diamonds used.

Choosing a set of earrings that is smaller may be more affordable; however it is important that the setting does not overshadow the diamonds. Earrings of a large carat can simply be too overwhelming to offer any type of aesthetic value.

Other things to consider when buying diamond earrings are the setting, the shaft, the clasp and the metal used to create them. Whether choosing gold or silver, flaws in these aspects can seriously affect the overall quality of the earring. Many jewelers will offer to cover any unforeseen defects and its workmanship by offering some type of warranty

Diamond Learning Guide

Cut
Illustration of diamond cut

The cut of a diamond determines how it reflects light, which is responsible for its sparkle or brilliance. A well-cut diamond is cut by a skilled professional to the best proportions possible so that light will be reflected from each of its mirrorlike facets and disperse through its top. Too shallow a cut will let light escape through a diamond's bottom, causing it to appear dull, while too deep a cut will allow light to be lost through a diamond's sides, making it appear dark.

Because a diamond with perfect color and clarity could nevertheless have poor brilliance if it is not well cut, many gemologists consider this to be the most important property to note when choosing a diamond. Diamonds can carry cut grades of Excellent, Ideal, Very Good, Good, or Fair.

Clarity
Illustration of clarity

No two diamonds are alike. A diamond's most distinguishing characteristics are its inclusions, marks that are often invisible to the naked eye. However, under a jeweler's magnifying loupe or microscope they can look like crystals, tiny rivers, or clouds. A diamond's clarity is determined by the presence or absence of inclusions--fewer inclusions mean better clarity--and how visible they are. The greater a diamond's clarity, the greater its brilliance and value. A diamond categorized as internally flawless will have no inclusions, but this is extremely rare.

Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. Those with larger inclusions are considered lower-grade. Diamonds with inclusions that are visible with the naked eye are graded I1 to I2.

Color

Though diamonds come in a wide range of colors, colorless diamonds have traditionally been considered the most valuable. Most diamonds are graded on a scale using the letters of the alphabet, from D (colorless), the best grade, through Z (a light yellow). It is difficult for the untrained eye to notice such variations in color unless stones are being compared side by side. The comparatively rare colored diamonds are known as fancy-colored and are also quite valuable. They range in hue from the more common yellow (also graded Z+ on the alphabetic scale) to pink, blue, green, red, and even black and white.

Illustration of color

Diamonds that are graded D, E, and F tend to be the most expensive because of their rarity. However, any diamond you buy should have a good balance of cut, color, and clarity, so as to impart the most brilliance and dazzle possible.

Carat
Illustration of carat weight

A diamond's weight is measured in carats, with one carat being equivalent to 100 points. You will often see a diamond referred to as a 3/4-carat stone or a 75-point diamond. Larger stones are often more highly valued, but size should not be the only consideration--high brilliance, which varies according to clarity, cut, and color grade, is highly desirable in a diamond.

Shape
Illustration of diamond shapes

The traditional round cut provides a combination of the best qualities a diamond can have. However, there are other shapes that can emphasize a diamond's different features. The choice of a shape is best based on personal taste and the design of the jewelry.

Care

Diamonds, as the hardest substance on earth, are resistant to damage. However, diamond jewelry is set in different metals, and care will vary from piece to piece. The girdle can be chipped by a hard blow, making a protective setting extremely important. Diamonds should be cleaned in a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water, using a gentle scrubbing brush to remove any dirt. It is a good idea to have them cleaned once a year by a professional jeweler, at which time the security of the setting can be checked as well. Diamond jewelry should be stored in a soft cloth pouch to ensure that the stone will not scratch other jewelry.
Certification

A diamond certificate represents independent verification that the stone purchased has all the qualities of cut, color, clarity, shape, and weight expected. It is a further indication of the condition and value of that diamond as represented on our site. Such certificates are issued by several agencies employing highly trained gemologists and provide an unbiased and accurate evaluation of the diamond. These gemologists scrutinize each stone to analyze its dimensions, clarity, cut, color, finish, symmetry, and other details.

Diamonds purchased from the Collection may be certified by the American Gem Society Laboratories (www.agslab.com), the Gemological Institute of America (www.gia.org), or the International Gemological Institute (www.igiworldwide.com). The type of certificate provided will be noted in the product specifications of your jewelry purchase; if you do not see a certificate type noted, one will not be provided.

Precious Metals Learning Guide

Gold Quality

The purity of gold is measured in karats. Pure gold measures 24 karats but is too soft in this state to be used effectively in jewelry. So it is alloyed with other metals--silver, copper, nickel, and zinc--to increase its strength and durability. Common measurements once the alloy is added are 18 karat (75% gold), 14 karat (58%), and 10 karat (47.7%). In the United States, the legal karat limit for the metal to still be considered gold is 10 karats. A higher karat measurement in gold content indicates a greater value of the jewelry piece. Gold jewelry should always be stamped with the karat mark, either 18k, 750 (European marking for 18k), 14k, 585 (European marking for 14k), or 10k. In addition, to assure its quality, the piece should be stamped with the manufacturer's trademark or country of origin.

Gold Color
Yellow gold is the most common color and is usually alloyed with silver and copper. Yellow and white gold are similar in strength and malleability, making them perfect for jewelry that is worn daily. White gold is alloyed with nickel, copper, and zinc--and while it looks similar to platinum, it has vastly different properties. Rose-colored gold is alloyed with copper and is often used to accent white or yellow gold. The saturation of color varies from piece to piece and according to gold content.

Gold Care
To keep gold shining and scratch-free, avoid contact with chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Do not wear jewelry during rough work and be sure to store it in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch. To clean gold jewelry, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft bristled brush, if needed.

Silver


Silver Quality
Pure silver is soft and easily damaged. To give it more durability when creating jewelry, it is combined with copper, which makes it sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, but this alloy does not have an effect on the value of the metal. To ensure that the silver is high quality, jewelry should be stamped with a quality mark. According to federal law, the mark must be accompanied by a registered trademark or maker's mark. Acceptable marks for silver include: sterling, sterling silver, ster, .925.

Silver Care
Silver should not come into contact with harsh household chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or chlorine. To avoid scratches, store silver in a jewelry box or pouch. Silver tends to tarnish as it reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. Cleaning and wearing it regularly will help maintain its shine and prevent this. Immediately upon noticing discoloration, use a polish made specifically for removing tarnish.

Platinum

Platinum Quality
Platinum is the most durable of fine jewelry metals. It does not chip or splinter easily, making it perfect for diamond and gemstone settings. It is similar in color to white gold, but compared side by side, the difference is clear. Platinum jewelry is usually 95% pure platinum with 5% iridium or palladium alloy. It can also be 90% pure platinum with 10% iridium or palladium alloy. To guarantee its quality, each piece should be stamped with a 900 Plat to denote 90% platinum or a 950 Plat or Plat mark to denote 95% platinum.

Platinum Care
Cleaning platinum jewelry with mild, soapy warm water should be sufficient to maintain the metal's shine and polish. As with other fine jewelry, it should be stored in a fabric-lined box. Do not wear platinum while doing rough work, and avoid contact with harsh chemicals. If platinum becomes scratched or a patina begins to develop, a jeweler can restore the original shine.

Gemstone Learning Guide

Color
Jewelers describe the color of a gemstone in terms of three characteristics: hue, saturation, and tone. A gemstone's basic color is its hue, and those with purer hues (for emeralds, green; for sapphires, blue; and for rubies, red) are generally considered more valuable. Often, however, a hint of another color can be detected. Sapphires will range from purplish blue to greenish blue; emeralds, yellowish green to bluish green; and rubies, orangey red to purplish red. Saturation is a measure of the intensity or purity of a gem's hue and is determined by the degree to which gray or brown hues mute its defining color. Value tends to increase with saturation, so a fully saturated purplish blue sapphire may well be more expensive than a muted pure blue one. The tone of a gemstone, a measurement of its lightness or darkness, is usually given as light, medium-light, medium, medium-dark, or dark.

Clarity
A flawless gemstone is rare and usually extravagantly priced. As with diamonds, most gemstones have inclusions, or tiny mineral flaws, that can be seen under magnification or by the careful eye. Sapphires tend to be moderately included, while emeralds and rubies are usually heavily to moderately included. Make sure that any inclusions in the stone do not penetrate deeply into the gem, as this may cause it to break or crack. Clarity grades range from VVS (very, very slightly included) to I3, in which inclusions are prominent and severely affect the gemstone's beauty.

Cut
A gemstone's cut refers to its proportions and symmetry. It is essential in making a gemstone look appealing--the stone should be symmetrical in all dimensions so that it will appear balanced, and so that its facets will reflect light evenly, providing good brilliance. Color should also be taken into account when cutting for optical efficiency. If a stone's color is highly saturated, a shallow cut will allow it to pass more light, while a deeper cut may increase the vividness of a less saturated gem. There is no generally accepted grading system for gemstone cut.

Size
Though a gemstone's weight is usually given in carats, this may not give an accurate idea of its size, because different types of stone have different densities. Therefore, a 1-carat sapphire or ruby will be smaller than a 1-carat emerald, though they have the same weight, because sapphires and rubies (both a form of the mineral corundum) are more dense than emeralds.

Illustration of gemstone dimensions

Gemstones can also be measured in dimensions (diameter, length, and width). It is important to know the dimensions to ensure that the gemstone weight will be visible and well proportioned in the setting.

Treatment
Gemstones are often treated to enhance color and fill cracks. Please note that, if a gemstone has been treated, this information will be provided in the specifications on the stone's product detail page. There are various accepted techniques, depending on the type of stone. For example, oils and resins are frequently used to fill surface-reaching fissures in emeralds and rubies. This process is not permanent, however; if a treated ruby or emerald is subjected to high heat from a jeweler's torch, an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, or even hot dishwater, the filler may leak out of the stone. Sapphires and rubies are often heated in a kiln or furnace to enhance their color. Such heat treatment, which is considered permanent, has been used for centuries. Lightly colored sapphires may also undergo diffusion treatment. This is done by heating a stone in the presence of coloring elements such as titanium or iron, which causes a thin layer of color to be diffused into the stone's surface. Because this color layer is so thin, a diffusion-treated sapphire should not be repolished.

Care
To clean gemstone jewelry, first wipe it with a soft cloth to remove any dirt. Emeralds require only the use of a soft cloth, as cleaners may damage these soft gems. Sapphires and rubies can be cleaned with either an ultrasonic cleaner or a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water, with a soft brush. Store your gemstone jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry case so it does not touch other pieces in your collection. As with all jewelry, normal wear and tear can loosen prongs and settings, so it is a good idea to have it checked by a professional jeweler who can make repairs as needed.

Watches Learning Guide

Mechanical Watches
Mechanical watches are the traditional "wind-up" or analog watches with numbers or marked dials and moving hands. They are powered by a mainspring and operate via a series of interlocking wheels and gears. To set the gears in motion, mechanical watches must either be wound automatically or by hand. The automatic watch is wound continuously as the owner wears it: when the wrist moves, a rotor, or weight, inside the watch drops by the force of gravity, causing the mainspring to be wound. Since the mainspring of an automatic watch maintains full tension for a longer period of time than a hand-wound watch, it has greater consistency of power and, therefore, greater accuracy.

The moving parts or bearings of better-quality watches are usually called "jewels." Because the gears and wheels are subject to wear, the bearings are made of hard synthetic sapphires or rubies. Mechanical watches tend to be more expensive than electronic quartz watches due to the high-quality bearings, smaller production rates, and distribution.

Electronic Crystal Watches
An electronic quartz watch is a battery-powered watch that contains a tiny quartz crystal that vibrates to measure time. Usually the crystal is synthetic quartz and vibrates over 32,000 times per second. This high number of vibrations gives quartz watches extraordinary precision--many are capable of accuracy to within one minute a year. Quartz watches have fewer moving parts than mechanical watches and are less likely to break down over time.

Quartz Crystal Watches
The quartz digital watch displays time using numerical digits in an LCD (liquid crystal display) instead of moving hands. A battery causes the quartz to vibrate and a computer chip translates these vibrations into the display. These operate with the same accuracy as electronic quartz watches.

Water Resistance
Most watches on the market are water resistant. A watch should be marked "water resist" to confirm its level of resistance to moisture, as there are several degrees of resistance. This information is called out in the product specifications on the detail page of every watch that Amazon.com sells.

Water resistant: It is wearable if water is being splashed, but it should not be exposed to any water pressure. It is protected from perspiration or accidental immersion in water.

Water resistance 50 meters (150 feet): It is wearable around household sinks, while playing sports, and in shallow water. It should not be worn while scuba diving.

Water resistance 100 meters (333 feet): It is wearable around household sinks, while playing sports, and while swimming or poolside diving. It should not be worn while scuba diving.

Water resistance 300 meters (990 feet): It is wearable around household sinks and while playing sports, swimming, and scuba diving at depths not requiring helium gas.

Gray-Market or Unauthorized Watches
Gray-market watches are genuine watches from the original manufacturer that were acquired from an unauthorized dealer or reseller prior to customer purchase. Manufacturer warranties are not valid for these watches.

Watch Care
Watches can easily be soiled by sweat or dirt. To keep them clean, wipe the face, case, or band regularly with a soft cloth, paying special attention to the back of the case. Leather bands should be wiped with a soft cloth, but metal bands can be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush. Watches should not be left in extreme temperatures, as this could damage the watch or shorten the lifespan of its battery. If your watch is an analog quartz watch, do not expose it to magnetism--it may temporarily stop working or show a time loss or gain. To sustain water resistance, have your watch checked regularly and maintained according to manufacturer instructions.

Pearl Learning Guide

Cultivation
Pearls are produced naturally in the body of salt and freshwater mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. When these animals sense an irritant, such as a grain of sand, they produce a soft coating of calcium carbonate substance around it. The result is a pearl. Because perfectly round, naturally produced pearls are so rare, a process known as cultivation was developed by Kokichi Mikimoto in the early 1900s. A small bead of polished shell, the nucleus, is used as an irritant and delicately inserted into the mantle of a mollusk. It takes approximately 20-24 months of intensive husbandry to cultivate a saltwater pearl and somewhat less time to cultivate freshwater pearls. The harvest usually takes place during the months of June and September.

Color
Mollusks produce pearls in a variety of colors, accommodating most personal preferences and budgets. The general color of a pearl is also known as the body color. Pearls typically range from white, cream, and yellow to pink, silver, or black. An overtone of secondary color is sometimes seen. For instance, a pearl may appear to be white, but upon closer inspection a rosy hue is detected. The body color would then be termed white-rosé. Color variation does not affect the quality of the pearl, though it should be noted that color matching is important when choosing pearls for some necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. In fashion jewelry, pearls can sometimes be dyed to achieve the desired color, which should be mentioned in the product description or specifications.

Pearl colors


Lustre
The appealing, deep shine of a pearl is often what defines its beauty. This shine is produced by multiple layers of semi-opaque calcium carbonate crystals, called nacre. The nacre reflects light on the surface of the pearl, producing brilliance and sheen. Lustre is an integral feature in determining the quality of a pearl. Large pearls have a thicker nacre and, therefore, a higher lustre. When comparing a small Freshwater pearl to a large South Sea pearl, the difference is clearly visible to the untrained eye and should be considered when purchasing pearls.

Examples of pearl lustre


Shape
While pearls come in many different shapes, the rarest and highest-quality are round. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea oysters tend to produce the roundest pearls, while those of Freshwater mollusks can be oval to slightly off-round. When considering a pearl purchase, whether it be a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, look for consistency in the shapes of the pearls. Many of the less symmetrical shapes are used in stylish jewelry which can be quite beautiful: the drop pearl’s shape lends well to earrings, and the baroque pearl features irregular shapes that work well as necklace accents. In addition, a half sphere pearl called a “mabe” is often used in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Examples of pearl shapes


Size
An oyster’s particular type and size has a direct effect on how large the pearl it produces will be, and pearls do come in a wide range of sizes. Round pearls are measured according to their diameter, while baroque pearls are measured by their length and width. A pearl’s size does not necessarily affect its quality, but it does affect its price. Large, round pearls are rare and their lustre is usually high--this beautiful combination of traits is often reflected in the cost of such pearls.

Average pearl sizes (in diameter):
Akoya: 6-8mm
Freshwater: 5-6.5mm
South sea: 11-13mm
Tahitian: 11-12mm

Illustration of pearl sizes


Surface Markings
Often when an oyster creates a pearl, the nacre does not develop smoothly. The surface of a pearl is judged by how many marks are visible in the nacre. These imperfections can be small and unnoticeable or quite large and distinct. Like diamonds, pearls are rarely flawless. However, high lustre or the way pearls are strung and set can help conceal surface markings.

Examples of surface markings


Akoya Cultured Pearls

Akoya pearls are produced in several varieties of saltwater mollusks in Japan and China. They were the first to be cultured in the early 1920s and are the most popular pearls used in strands and earrings. They produce the most consistently round pearls with high lustre and very slight imperfections. Their colors range from cream and white to white-rosé. Initially, they look similar to round Freshwater pearls, but compared side-by-side, the difference in lustre and color is obvious.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls

These pearls are gathered from freshwater lake and river mollusks. Most Freshwater pearls come from China and they can be mostly round to off-round, or rice-shaped to baroque. They look similar to Akoya pearls, but are the perfect gift when on a budget. They might be slightly less symmetrical, smaller, or not as easily matched, but these minor differences provide a major value for the price.

South Sea Cultured Pearls

South Sea pearls are primarily cultured in the northern waters of Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. They are either white or black with silver overtones. Because of their size and high lustre, and the sensitivity of the oyster to culturing, they are quite valuable and rare. They average from 11-13mm, but can even be found as large as 20mm. The oyster that produces these pearls is considerably larger than those that produce Akoya pearls, and is extremely sensitive to the cultivation process. Gathering acceptable South Sea cultured pearls from these oysters is difficult, and makes them more expensive than Akoyas.

Tahitian Cultured Pearls

The natural black color of the Tahitian pearl comes from the black-lipped variety of the pinctada maxima oyster. These oysters are farmed on the volcanic atolls of Tahiti, where the mixture of nutrient-rich ocean water mixes with warm lagoons creating an ideal environment for them--and the only place where Tahitian pearls can be found. Like the South Sea pearl oyster, the black lipped pinctada maxima is sensitive to the cultivation process, making the Tahitian pearl rare and expensive. Though they are, on average, slightly smaller than the South Sea pearl, Tahitian pearls are larger than Akoyas and their black color adds a dramatic touch.

Care
Proper care of pearls is not difficult if you remember that they are organic and produced by a living thing. Pearls are soft and delicate, but when cared for with common sense, they will maintain their lustre for centuries. The pearls should not come in contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, chlorinated water, or other harsh chemicals. To keep them clean, let them be the last item put on when dressing, and the first item taken off at the end of an evening. The best way to maintain their lustre is to wear the pearls often, and wipe them down with a soft cloth afterward--pearls absorb the oils from skin, which helps keep them moist. Pearls should be stored in a cloth pouch or jewelry bag, separated from other jewelry to prevent nicks or chipping. Periodically, pearl strands should be restrung since the silk thread used to tie the pearls together breaks down over time.

Necklace Length Guide

Whether you're giving a gift or purchasing a new piece for that special evening out, consider where the strand or pendant will lie on the chest.