Archive for the ‘Jewelry’ Category
Friday, July 10th, 2009
by Neta E. Talmor
Whether you are in a place where you are looking to purchase that diamond engagement ring, or you are simply shopping for a piece of diamond jewelry that will suit you, it is extremely important for you to stop and consider the source of those gorgeous gems. Diamonds have been considered amazing gemstones for hundreds of years, but it is only now that the public is getting good information on where they are coming from and what was done to get them. Ensuring that the diamonds that you have purchased were not involved in any sort of human atrocity is more difficult than you may think.
Conflict diamonds, which are also known as blood diamonds, are sold in order to fund different wars. The money that is made from the sale of these blood diamonds is used for such things as buying weapons or paying the soldiers. Usually these are terrorist groups and rebels against governments, especially in some African countries, where thousands of innocent civilians have been injured, tortured and killed in actions financed by selling diamonds to the Western world.
Angola is one country that has suffered due to the diamond trade. After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, there were several groups who fought for control of the country, and UNITA, the National Union for the Total Control of Angola, was one of them. This group sold diamonds abroad in order to finance their war on their government. In Cote d’Ivoire, a route has developed in order to take diamonds out of Liberia and the war zone of Sierra Leone. The Republic of Congo, despite having no official diamond mining industry, has faced sanctions due to the export of large numbers of diamonds with no explanation of where they are from.
The free world has begun looking into means that will allow them to curtail the use of the diamond market by people who would finance military action, but in many cases it has been a hard struggle. The biggest step towards this goal is known as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Pushed through by the UN, this is a process that is designed to certify the origin of all rough diamonds that have come from sources that are considered conflict free. The primary goal of the Kimberley Process is to halt the movement of blood diamonds into retail space and to ensure that human rights abuse funded through the illegal trade of diamonds is stopped.
Currently, there are 48 parties that actively participate in the Kimberley Process, with 74 countries represented. These participants include all major countries who have a hand in producing, importing and exporting diamonds. This is certainly an important step when it comes to banning the presence of blood diamonds in the market, but the truth of the matter is that the process still has a long way to go. There is a great deal of debate when it comes to ascertaining how diamonds are sourced and even how to track them.
If you are in a place where you are considering the purchase of a diamond, what are your choices going to be? Making it a priority to purchase only conflict-free diamonds is one thing, but how do you follow through? More than one conscientious consumer has run into a brick wall when searching out conflict free diamonds. They may be told that there is no way of telling where the diamonds are from, or they may be pushed off in other ways.
But if you are determined not to purchase a blood diamond, there are certain things that you can do that might help. Firstly, ask the jeweler to tell you where the diamonds originated. However, because there are many dishonest people out there you need more than just their word on the matter, and so, secondly, request proof that the diamonds are not conflict diamonds. If the jewelry company you are dealing with cannot provide you with written copies of their policy when it comes to blood diamonds, or statements from their suppliers, then this should definitely be viewed with suspicion on your part.
For your conscience sake, choose to join the fight to put an end to the blood diamonds trade. Your persistent and determined effort will go a long way toward saving hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.
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Friday, July 10th, 2009
by Edward Jacobsen
Throughout history the evolution of men wearing rings is astonishing. It’s early forms were usually utilitarian in nature. Early men who would use bows for hunting and fighting would use rings to protect their bow fingers. Rings were also used to ad devastating blows in hand to hand combat.
In the past if you wanted to prove that a document was authentic then you would press your ring with your family crest in wax to seal it. That practice is only used in very antiquated sects these days, but it doesn’t take away from the usefulness of men’s rings today.
For the last century it has been custom to give your girlfriend your class ring in high school. You are telling your best gal that she is the one, and you are telling other guy’s to back off. I doubt that this practice will end any time soon.
That brings us to the ring that causes men the most trouble of all. The engagement ring. Even though this is not a mans ring, it will probably be the ring that gives the man the most stress. Just trying to decide how much to pay for the ring is enough to drive most men crazy. So it definitely should be included in men rings through the ages.
With the birth of the internet the modern man can easily shop for rings that will enhance his style. New metals are available that are stronger and more resistant to scratching and tarnishing. This means a man can look great and not worry about maintenance.
New metals like tungsten and titanium have rocked the men’s fashion world. There are so many styles to choose from that there is no reason not to have a ring that defines who you are. Online you will find a plethora of awesome rings made from these metals. The prices of rings made from these metals are unmatched to their beauty and style
About the Author:
So go online today and find some of the unique
mens rings that are out there. Many of these sights offer free shipping and will also sen you a free ring sizer. You can’t go wrong with the styles that will define you personally.
Mens jewelry rings are the modern mans greatest ally.
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Monday, July 6th, 2009
by Sarit Simayof
Astrology and astrological symbols can be found in almost every culture throughout the world. Charms that depict astrological signs are very popular additions to charm bracelets, plus for many people they are seen as good luck charms as well. Understanding the zodiac signs and how they came about is a great way to show your knowledge about these traditional types of charms.
The term zodiac, it its most literal form, refers to the formation of an imaginary boundary around the earth. This path is defined as the sun passes around the earth on its annual rotation. Most people think about the time that the zodiac signs on charms refer to, which is actually a calendar designation. In reality the zodiac signs represent space, and the movement of the sun through that space translates roughly into our time measurement.
Always elliptical, the path of the zodiac never changes. The elliptical shape is divided into 12 segments that are equal in size and correspond to constellations within that space boundary. The symbols that are used now on charms and jewelry are the same as the symbols the first western astrologers selected thousands of years ago. Interesting enough almost all of the symbols represent some type of living form, although not all are actual living beings.
Most signs of the zodiac are from the natural world and include the crab, scorpion, goat and bull as well as three other animal symbols. There are also mythical symbols such as the centaur and the water carrier, all which can be beautifully depicted on a variety of charms of different styles.
When individuals wear charms with a specific zodiac sign it is typical their own or the signs of their friends and family members. Each sign has a particular set of mental and physical characteristics attributed to people born in that time period. Other planet’s influence is also calculated in different astrological charts that may also affect different aspects of an individual’s life.
In addition to identifying people born within a specific period of time, the zodiac charms are great just as decorative pieces on a bracelet. After all not everyone that wears these charms is necessarily up on all the astrological implications of the symbol. Often the zodiac symbols are combined with birthstones to add to the beauty and uniqueness of the charms.
Starting a new family charm bracelet may be a terrific opportunity to learn a bit more about astrology. Each person in the family can research their sign and select charms that represent that sign. They can then all be combined on a bracelet to make a original gift for anyone in the family.
Once there are a few zodiac charms on the bracelet be prepared for questions and a lot of admiring glances. Knowing about the different signs of the zodiac can help explain the charms and also just have fun with your jewelry.
About the Author:
Sarit Simayof is owner and CEO of World of Charms. The company is the best place to get silver charms, gold charms and charm bracelets in the USA. With their amazing verity of
charms for bracelets in each one of their 8 stores & with bigger verity of charms in their website anyone how is looking for a gift or just like charm bracelets and
charms should go and check what they are offering.
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Saturday, July 4th, 2009
by Edward Jacobsen
Throughout history the evolution of men wearing rings is astonishing. It’s early forms were usually utilitarian in nature. Early men who would use bows for hunting and fighting would use rings to protect their bow fingers. Rings were also used to ad devastating blows in hand to hand combat.
Men of power would wear rings to signify their status and to signify their crest for wax sealing documents. These practices are not used anymore and rings have been relegated to style and fashion. But there are still some utilitarian uses for rings in the modern day.
Class rings have always been a part of remembering our high school years. Traditionally the class ring of the man is given to his girlfriend to wear a s sign of the exclusiveness of their relationship. This is still common practice and there is no foreseeable end to this custom.
The ever frightening engagement ring has always been a source of stress for the person who is going to propose. Choosing this ring may be the single most difficult process that a man has to go through. The implications of making the correct choice between price and beauty are staggering.
With the birth of the internet the modern man can easily shop for rings that will enhance his style. New metals are available that are stronger and more resistant to scratching and tarnishing. This means a man can look great and not worry about maintenance.
New metals like tungsten and titanium have rocked the men’s fashion world. There are so many styles to choose from that there is no reason not to have a ring that defines who you are. Online you will find a plethora of awesome rings made from these metals. The prices of rings made from these metals are unmatched to their beauty and style
About the Author:
So go online today and find some of the unique
mens rings that are out there. Many of these sights offer free shipping and will also sen you a free ring sizer. You can’t go wrong with the styles that will define you personally.
Mens jewelry rings are the modern mans greatest ally.
Posted in Jewelry | No Comments »
Saturday, July 4th, 2009
by Shiran Cohen
Selecting a meaningful gift that will last for a long time for a young girl or a young lady is always a challenge for family and friends. An ideal option may be a charm bracelet and a collection of charms that celebrate all the events in the girl’s life as she matures and grows. Charms are particularly a great choice since the collection can continue to grow as the girl achieves her goals and discovers new interests.
There are several different options when it comes to selecting the starter charm bracelet and charms. One option is to use an Italian charm bracelet that can be constantly changed to suit the girl’s age and interests with a simple process of popping on and off the charms. Traditional charm bracelets can also be a great option, but smaller sized bracelets that fit a child will not continue to fit a young woman as she grows.
Many parents and grandparents elect to start the young girl off with an adult size bracelet and just keep it until she grows into it. This can be a great option if the girl is encouraged to help design the bracelet. Often these become sweet sixteen gifts or gifts that mark a special event such as graduation.
Some girls, even at a young age, love to wear jewelry so a child or smaller size bracelet may be the perfect options. These girls could pick out their own charms as well as get charms as gifts, then save the bracelet to one day pass on to their own little girls.
A jeweler, however, can remove even soldered on charms from a traditional style bracelet and transfer them to another charm bracelet. This can be a good option if the girl wants to move some of the charms from a child’s size bracelet to an adult charm bracelet. Charms don’t have to be replaced; they just have to be re-soldered.
Many of the styles and categories of charms that young ladies and girls enjoy are also going to be popular for use on adult size bracelets. Some of the most popular groups include those to do with animals, hobbies, events and travel.
Giving the gift of charms or a specific charm to mark those important and special dates and events in a girl’s life can be part of the celebration. The whole family can get involved in adding to the bracelet by selecting charms that tell the girl how special and unique she is.
It is uncommon to find a gift that is as versatile as a charm bracelet and a collection of charms. Each and every bracelet is different since each and every charm collection will be unique. In addition the collection will continue to grow as she ages, leaving a lasting memento of her younger years.
About the Author:
Shiran Cohen of World of Charms has more than 7 years experience in the charms industry. If you want to buy a charm bracelet or to add
charms to a bracelet you already have you need visit World of Charms and check their wonderful mix of
silver charms, gold charms and diamond charms for bracelets.
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
by Shiran Cohen
One lifelong type of gift that parents, grandparents, family members or friends can start for their daughters or granddaughters is a charm bracelet. Charms can then be added on for special events in the girl’s life, which she will have with her forever. These types of charms are more than just a decoration worn on the arm; they are a true memento of the many wonderful and milestone events in a young woman’s life.
Knowing just when and how to start a collection of charms will depend largely on the age of the girl. Obviously the most important factor will be if the girl is going to wear the bracelet immediately or is going to wait until she gets older. Smaller sized bracelets that fit younger girls can be replaced as needed, or perhaps another style would also work. The Italian charm bracelet and charms are a great option since the bracelet can be replaced with the girl still being able to use all the charms.
To deal with this issue it may be possible to choose an adult sized charm bracelet and to collect charms for the bracelet. When the young girl turns a specific age or reaches a particular milestone in her life she can then receive the bracelet to wear.
Of course there are those girls that may enjoy a child sized charm bracelet with gift charms and those she picks out herself while she is small. This would allow the bracelet to be worn and enjoyed, and then kept for her own child to wear when it is outgrown.
A jeweler, however, can remove even soldered on charms from a traditional style bracelet and transfer them to another charm bracelet. This can be a good option if the girl wants to move some of the charms from a child’s size bracelet to an adult charm bracelet. Charms don’t have to be replaced; they just have to be re-soldered.
Anything that a young girl enjoys doing or shows a passion or interest in is good category of charms to consider for the bracelet. Most young women have very diverse areas of interest that means there is a great number of possible combinations of charms.
Parents, grandparents, family members and friends can always add a charm to the bracelet for specific events. Birthdays, awards, recognition for a special gift or talent or even a charm that represents what the girl loves is always a welcome addition to the bracelet.
It is uncommon to find a gift that is as versatile as a charm bracelet and a collection of charms. Each and every bracelet is different since each and every charm collection will be unique. In addition the collection will continue to grow as she ages, leaving a lasting memento of her younger years.
About the Author:
Shiran Cohen of World of Charms get more than seven years experience in the charms industry. If you want to purchese a charm bracelet or to add
charms to a bracelet you already have you must take a look at World of Charms and check their wonderful variety of
silver charms, gold charms and diamond charms for bracelets.
Posted in Jewelry | No Comments »
