Archive for the ‘Jewelry Diamonds’ Category
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
Countless people all over the world find the signs and meanings of Celtic jewelry designs beguiling and like to collect gold or Celtic knot jewelry. There are numerous exquisite pieces of jewelry depicting Celtic knots and other Celtic designs and it can be fascinating collecting jewelry with either a distinct type of pattern, for instance trinity knots, or a set with all styles. It can impart more significance to your collection if you appreciate something about the history and legends of the Celtic people who used these designs in their daily life on their jewelry and everyday items. Even though meanings of Celtic knot designs are, in general, missing to us, nevertheless a great deal is established on the subject of the history of the Celtic people.
The era of Celtic history dating from around 600 AD. in Great Britain after the Roman Era, known as the Insular Art period, saw an explosion of jewelry crafting and design. Skilled workers used precious metals to put together many elaborately designed pieces adorned with the well known Celtic knots but also spirals and animal symbols. In addition to ornaments, illustrated texts were produced, the most prominent of which is the Book of Kells. Crosses made of stone were carved with Celtic knot symbols and could be seen all through the British Isles, in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Creators of Celtic Knot jewelry nowadays are motivated by the objects that were produced in this era, taking their ideas from the illustrated manuscripts, relics and stone crosses still seen all over the country in our day. Irish designers are skilled in creating exceptional jewelry in gold and silver, bearing the intricate designs so loved by the Celts at one time. They embellish their jewelry with the intricate knots seen in these early relics.
The original meanings of many of the designs have been lost to us and various meanings have been invented by contemporary people, so discovering the earliest meaning of many of the designs is tricky and in many cases not possible. Then again historians can agree on a few things about the Celtic knot designs. The complex knots signify how all things are associated and also stand for God’s undying love. The Book of Kells is richly illustrated in bright colours with Celtic knots. The Celtic knot is possibly, the best known and most commonly treasured Celtic emblem and is a characteristic of a lot of pieces of first-rate Celtic jewelry including rings, Celtic crosses, pendants and wedding bands.
Trinity knots, or triquetra, are commonly seen in objects from the Insular Art period specially in illuminated manuscripts, for example the Book of Kells, and in metal work. It was typically used in combination with other knots and was often used as a space filler instead of a stand alone design. In recent times the triquetra has turned into a Christian symbol representing the Holy Trinity or as a representation of particular threefold things such as mother, daughter and granddaughter.
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009
So you have already decided that it is a gold diamond ring for a gold wedding ring that you want to get your girlfriend to propose to her, well then it is just a matter of picking out the ring, making sure that it is one she is going to love of course. There are a few different decisions that you are going to have to make here in terms of the design of the ring, one of the most important being the setting that you choose.
If you want to choose a gold diamond ring, the setting is one of the factors that are going to have the biggest effect on the overall look of the ring. Here are the main settings that you have to choose from.
Gold Diamond Ring From Prong
One of the most popular gold diamond ring settings is the prong setting. This is an especially popular setting for the solitaire rings because it is a sturdy way to hold a diamond in place and you will not have to worry about it falling out. The difficulty for using the prong or claw setting is that it can catch on clothing which is not part of ideal gold diamond ring.
Try Bezel Too For Gold Diamond Ring
Then there is the bezel setting which you may be interested in, and in this setting a metal band encircles a circular diamond, to hold it in place. The main reason that people prefer this setting is because it offers durability and reliability, and you are pretty much guaranteed that the diamond is not going to fall out.
However, a lot of women do not like this look because it does not make the diamond stand out and look as brilliant as it could.
Don’t Miss Pave When Buying Gold Diamond Ring
Another very popular choice of setting for a gold diamond ring is the pave setting. These settings are very popular for a few reasons, but more than anything it is because they have an exquisite elegance and beauty to them. Their design covers the entire surface of the ring with gems, so they are very elegant and expensive looking.
This is not going to be the right choice of setting however if your girl wants something simpler, and in that case you may want to stick with something like the prong setting. You also want to choose the setting that is going to best showcase the rest of the ring.
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Sunday, November 15th, 2009
Throughout history pearls have been worn by the rich, and given as rare and expensive gifts. Traditionally worn by brides on their wedding day, they have long been a symbol of love, purity and perfection. Nowadays pearl jewellery is available to more people than ever before, and you no longer need to be royalty to afford it. Pearls of all shapes, sizes and colours are grown on farms and with so many varieties to choose from any bride-to-be can find the perfect pearls to suit her wedding gown. In fact, there are so many different types of pearl that it can be difficult to know which to choose, so here are a few things to look out for:
Pearl type – The two main types of pearl are saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls are found in oysters in the sea, and are usually larger and more regular in shape than the freshwater variety. For this reason they are also usually more expensive. Freshwater pearls are farmed in lakes and rivers, usually smaller and often less regular in shape, though they come in a large range of different colours.
Size – When buying pearls, size makes a huge difference. The bigger the pearl, the more expensive it will be. Saltwater pearls are usually bigger than freshwater, and are more highly sought after.
Nacre – Pearls take a very long time to develop inside the shell of an oyster. When a foreign object gets into the shell the oyster produces layers of nacre, which gradually build up forming the pearl. The thicker the nacre coating, the more durable the pearl will be as jewellery. Some cultured saltwater pearls are made with a ‘beaded’ large nucleus which speeds up the process and keep the pearls as round as possible. Most farmed freshwater pearls and all natural pearls are composed entirely of nacre, so their shape is less likely to be perfectly round.
Luster – No pearl is perfectly shiny like glass but they do have a certain reflective sheen to them, called the lustre. Pearls with this shimmery surface are the most popular type.
Colour – The natural colours of pearls are various shades of white, pink and lilac although you can now get cultured pearls dyed in almost any colour. A pearl necklace made of matching naturally-coloured pearls will cost more than dyed ones, as it can take a long time to collect enough matching pearls for a whole string.
Shape – When we think of pearls, we normally imagine them to be perfectly round and smooth. In reality this is rare, and these round pearls are hugely sought after and so can be very expensive. Small cultured pearls are more likely to be round and some larger ones are formed around a bead to help the shape develop. Irregular pearls are also used and made into unique jewellery and pendants.
Matching – it can be difficult to find enough pearls of the same size, shape and colour to make a whole necklace, so a string of regular naturally coloured pearls is more desirable and will be more expensive.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Personalized wedding rings provide unique, one-of-a-kind meaning to this very important piece of jewelry. There are so many people who end up with the same bands and engagement rings that they tend to all start to look alike. While some people may not mind this at all, there are many other people who can truly appreciate having custom wedding rings as a way to mark their special day. Showing each other how much you care and love one another can be accomplished through such personalized jewelry.
Having one of a kind rings are also a way of bringing a little bit of the individual personalities to the wedding. It is a way of truly expressing the love they have for each other in their own special words. Maybe it is a special saying that has a unique meaning to the happy couple that can be engraved on the top of the rings or on the inside of the rings. Either way, it is a special way to show affection to one another.
For those who want a special ring but do not have anything off hand that they want to say, there are some simple suggestions that can turn any plain band into something special and personalized. Engraving the wedding dates into the rings will make this set of personalized wedding rings something to cherish forever. You can have the date written out or have it engraved as elegant Roman numerals.
Adding the names of the happy couple is another great way to put together the personalized wedding rings. It could be a nickname that is used, just a first name, or a first name with the middle name or middle initial. Either way, names are a fantastic and very popular way to express individuality in the custom wedding rings. Those who are going through their second wedding together may want to go a different route though.
If the couple already has children, including their names on their rings can be a very meaningul gesture. Special savings or phrases are another popular way of expressing the undying love the couple has for one another. The words true love, soul mate, forever, and twin souls are just a few words that could be used for personalized wedding rings.
Once you have decided what type of words or sayings you want engraved in the rings, it is time to decide what language you want it in. While English is the most common language chosen, other languages choices can add an air of the exotic. If you want to take heritage into consideration then you may want to have your personalized wedding rings engraved with a language that represents who you are. Chinese symbols are also a great way to express your love for one another and leaving the message secret from other people.
In the end it is all about what the two of you want as a couple. What makes it special for you will be different then what makes it special for someone else. Stick with what you love and it will be the best way to show your love and passion for one another in your custom wedding rings.
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Sunday, September 20th, 2009
You can personalize your jewelry so that it is a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Some of the most popular styles for personalized rings include those with the giver or receivers name, a special message or even an important date inscribed or in relief on the band or as part of the design of the ring.
Some of the most popular ways to make a ring uniquely your own is to have your name engraved or displayed on the outside of the ring, either on a band or within a setting or center area of the ring. Mother’s rings are the most common type of name rings. Monograms are a traditional choice for graduation gifts, especially for men. Ring styles for men include monogram rings and ring shapes of squares and horseshoes. Women’s monogram or initial rings can be similar in style or may be more ornate with sculpted or stylized shapes and added details.
Name rings that actually include the whole name or the name of a loved one are also very popular as gift items. These rings can also include words such as Grandmother or Grandfather, Mom, Dad or even Best Friend. Word or name rings have very special meaning and are often considered as keepsakes that may even become an item that is passed down from generation to generation. Rings that bear a last name, family crest or even the name of a family home or property are also very popular as heirloom type rings.
Keep in mind that name and word rings can also be very formal and for special occasions. Gemmed name rings are both elegant as well as breathtaking if they are worn as right hand rings or as dinner and evening type rings. These rings aren’t just for women, gemmed men’s name or word rings are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in a wide range of metals including palladium, titanium and sterling silver. Gold is always a classic and elegant choice, with a variety of karats (10k, 14k, 18k) and colors (yellow, white, rost) to choose from. For a more modern style with a lot of bling you may want to consider a two finger name ring which is ideal for longer names or for really drawing attention to the detail in the ring.
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Monday, September 14th, 2009
Inspirational personalized jewelry is more than must eye catching and gorgeous, it also provides a constant reminder to the wearer of words for living, positive and affirming messages or that there is someone that cares. Inspiration can come from spiritual symbols such as a cross or Star of David or from other symbols such as a peace sign or an infinity symbol. In some cases specific symbols such as the clasped hands around the crown of the Claddagh rings, pendants and bracelets have come to combine both aspects of the inspirational piece.
Inspirational rings are very popular, either those that feature religious or spiritual types of messages. Adding particular gemstones can also enhance the spiritual message since different stones represent different aspects of emotional, spiritual components and well being. Tradition has different gems representing different gifts – garnet delivers wisdom, emerald, eternal joy, and carnelian, wealth. Adding a semi-precious stone to an inspirational ring can really enhance the overall appearance of the piece of jewelry, plus you can also explain the significance of your choice of gem.
Necklaces are perhaps the most common type of inspirational jewelry and different styles of chains can lend themselves to a variety of pendants and charms that can be highly personalized for the wearer. Symbols such as crosses, hearts, prayer medallions, Saints and even spiritual passages or inspirational messages can be added in groups or as a single pendant to the necklace. Engraving a favorite religious passage or message can be a very powerful inspirational message that is ideal as a gift to a friend, family member or someone you care about. Pendants can also be used as charms on a bracelet, with each one carrying a different message.
Customizing jewlery with messages that motivate, comfort, commemorate, and insprie can be a wonderful gift. If you don’t want to use specific religious messages, there are also positive affirmations that can certainly inspire and can be customized to match just what you want.
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