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Working with Beads |
Beads, although these are one of the most commonly used decorative materials, but still, one can make unique and exclusive designs and patterns using them. Beads can be used for jewelry, home décor, clothes, and accessories like bags and shoes, etc. These are extremely easy to apply on anything and give the chance to user to be as creative as he/she wishes to. The greatest features of beads are their different colors, sizes and shapes that enable the manufacturer to use them for different purposes. However, while using beads for any piece of accessory one must be really careful for neatness and intricacy as any improper pattern or alignment can put all your efforts down the drain.
Before using beads to decorate something one must be aware of the basic rules of beading to be able to apply those to all sorts of patterns be it simple or complex, big or small, peyote or floral. Usually bead work is done by thread, but, one can always find other ways to apply beads depending on the base material such as thin and flexible wires. While making earrings or hair pins, thin metal strips that can be rounded at the ends must be used to hold the beads in a systematic series without falling.
The most popular accessory amongst youngsters is the bracelet. Bracelets are worn on the wrist and are made of different sized beads. Usually colorful and bright beads, produced from wood, plastic or glass, are used for making these funky pieces of jewelry. These bracelets are extremely easy to make. Simply, arrange some beads in a thread and put a hook at both its ends and you will get a beautiful and trendy bracelet for your teenage daughter. However, if you wish to make a beaded bracelet for your son, you can use rubber instead of thread to give it a more macho appearance. While using rubber you must make sure not to stretch it too much as it can form cracks or even break the rubber. It is also advisable to choose the size of rubber that fits the wrist of the wearer easily to in order to make it last long. In this way, you can easily make stylish bracelets for your loved ones and gift them on their special occasions.
The basic concept applied while making designs from beads is to create loops or parallel lined patterns. This gives a base for all sorts of simple and complex designs. A huge amount of patience and eye for perfection is a must to make bead jewelry as the flaws would be very much visible in the intricate designs. There are many beading kits available in the market to help an amateur learn the art and make beautiful patterns. Alternatively, one can take samples of the pre-existing patterns and try to make one on his own. Working with beads is not rocket science, but, it surely requires an artistic hand and mind. |
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Wooden Beads Can Make Stunning Jewelry |
Jewelry made up of wooden beads is the next in thing for all the fashion lovers. There is a huge popularity of wooden chains and bracelets amongst people, especially, the teenagers. Accessories made of the wooden beads besides giving an earthy touch to the whole appearance also add more grace. These highly trendy beads can go with a variety of outfits and for people of all age groups. The best thing about these beads is that they are extremely simple yet elegant. Also, these beads are highly affordable; therefore, everyone can buy them and look stylish without bothering about the price tag.
These beads are generally ideal for those who love funky and casual jewelry. Being light in weight, the jewelry made of wooden beads can be extremely convenient to wear for a relatively long duration and can be used to make anything from necklaces to bracelets and anklets. These beads offer a great scope for creativity. One can opt for accessories with plain and simple beads or if you are slightly adventurous you can go for different patterns and shapes.
Brief History of Wooden Beads
The Western culture was introduced to the wooden beads in the 1920s when almost all the other parts of the world had almost lived the era of these beads. When it was the onset of semi-precious and glass beads in the other tribal communities, the use of wooden beads was at its zenith in the West. After the arrival of more precious and expensive stones, these wooden beads were restricted only to the tribal groups. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, the western world again saw the trend of wooden beads being brought back by high class fashion labels. This again encouraged people to wear the funky accessories made of wood. Although, wooden beads came late into the Western world, however, they came to stay rather than vanish with time.
Besides the fact that these beads are comparatively inexpensive than other pieces of jewelry made of precious or semi-precious stones, these still need proper care and maintenance. One must protect them from chipping off on the surface or getting cracked. If kept with care, these beads can make you look good and stand out of the crowd on every occasion you sport them. Also, as these beads are available in all shapes, sizes and colors one can team them up with almost every kind of outfit in order to look trendy and stylish. |
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Tips on Using Gold filled Spacer Beads to Make Jewelry |
Gold-filled spacer beads are an invaluable tool for jewelry designers, especially those who specialize in making affordable pieces. Gold filled beads look exactly the same as gold beads, but at a greatly reduced cost. This makes jewelry more affordable both for the designer and for the client without compromising appearance. Designers can buy gold filled beads at wholesale prices; keeping a selection of round, corrugated, Roundelle, stardust, sandblast, satin, and fancy laser-cut faceted beads on hand makes it easy to choose the very best spacer beads for the project.
When using gold filled spacer beads to make jewelry, first decide whether the spacer beads should complement or contrast with the other beads or gemstones in the piece. If you want the other beads or gemstones to stand out more, selecting smaller, plainer, more streamlined gold filled beads will play up their natural beauty without competing with them for attention. If you want the piece to make an impression as whole, faceted or corrugated gold filled beads in medium to large sizes really make a statement.
Consider color, too, when deciding how to fit gold spacer beads into your design. If the piece features birthstone beads, charms, or a pendant, the gold in the bead should harmonize with the colors in them. You can also use contrast to create a flashier look, but be careful not to overdo it so you don’t lose the effect of the featured item.
Use gold-filled spacer beads to lengthen a necklace, bracelet, or anklet that is not the client’s preferred size or does not fit properly. Clients appreciate knowing that a piece can be customized for them or for the intended recipient. Letting them know that a piece can be adjusted can help you make the sale.
Gold filled spacer beads are also helpful with the other beads in the design are weighty or bulky. For example, glass beads, while exquisitely beautiful, might be too heavy for clients who suffer from arthritis. Featuring just a few glass beads as the focal point on a necklace of gold filled beads allows the wearer to enjoy the beauty of the glass beads without discomfort. Vary the shapes and sizes of the spacer beads for a younger, less traditional look.
Gold-filled beads have the added advantage of always being in style. The range of shapes, finishes, and sizes available means that designers can use gold-filled spacer beads to make jewelry to suit all ages and tastes. |
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Marketing Jewelry Featuring Sterling Silver Beads |
Sterling silver jewelry pieces are so beautiful that they often sell themselves, but marketing still has its place in jewelry design. For example, everyone is used to seeing lots of marketing and advertising of jewelry during the holiday season and around Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. In the current economy, it pays to combine creativity and artistic design with effective marketing techniques so jewelry artisans and retailers can continue to do what they love – sell gorgeous jewelry to grateful clients.
For example, when creating jewelry designs for pre-teens and teenagers, keep punk-, goth-, and vintage-inspired pieces in mind as featured in the wildly popular Twilight movie series. Sterling silver beads are perfect for this style, especially in particular cuts, such as mirror-cut (to achieve a shimmery look), and when combined with gemstones, such as deep purple amethysts and dark red garnets, that reflect the style. Embellishing sterling silver jewelry with ribbon is another way to remind teen clients of the styles their idols are wearing. Jewelry designers can create affordable but fashionable pieces for teens that will fly off the shelves simply by being in touch with teens’ current interests.
Bracelets and necklaces for new mothers are another way to market jewelry. Necklaces with birthstones of the children are traditional, but for nonconformist moms, sterling silver beads (with one shape or finish for girls and another for boys, for example) are another way to show appreciation for the hard work of motherhood. The necklace can easily be restrung with another child is added to the family. This type of jewelry makes a nice gift when a child is born or adopted or for Mother’s Day or Mom’s birthday.
Certain themes are more popular during particular times of the year, too. In summer, sterling silver beads can be used to make beach-themed jewelry and friendship bracelets, as well as to accentuate designs featuring shells and pearls. If the polished surface of the silver beads is overwhelming the rest of the design, consider a satin or stardust finish (these beads have a rougher texture and a dull, as opposed to shiny, surface).
Jewelry designers can market their special offers via displays, website photos, and free newsletters. A coupon can also entice buyers into your store or onto your website. Another marketing technique is to hold a free- or low-cost jewelry-making class. Make-and-take classes are great for beginners, and more advanced techniques can be taught in a series of classes. Jewelry retailers without brick-and-mortar stores can record jewelry-making techniques on YouTube. |
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Choosing the Perfect Gold filled Findings |
Due to the variety of gold-filled findings available, it can be difficult for even experienced jewelry designers to select the perfect finding (“findings” is a very general term that refers to head pins, eye pins, fastenings, brooch and earring bases, etc.). However, choosing the right finding is important, because it is literally the finishing touch to many jewelry pieces.
The right finding can be the perfect enhancement or, unfortunately, can bring down the quality of the jewelry piece. For example, a simple, sleek finding can be the perfect ending to a modern piece, while on the other hand, the same plain, streamlined finding can be a disappointment on an elegant, intricate pearl necklace. Some jewelry pieces look prettier with a hidden closure, while others demand a clasp that is a featured part of the overall design. Here are a few notes about choosing the right findings for particular jewelry designs.
- Gold-filled findings are an excellent choice for jewelry designers who want the look of real gold without the expensive price tag. Gold filled findings have a much thicker layer of gold than gold-plated findings, so they last for many years longer.
- Jump rings are small rings; one use is to attach necklace fastenings; split rings are small findings that look similar to key rings.
- Eye pin and headpin findings differ from one another in that eye pins have a loop at one end. Use 24 gauge eye pin and headpin findings for beads with small holes and for pearls.
- Gold-filled plain toggle clasp findings are two-piece findings; one piece is circular and the other is a bar that fits through the open loop. These findings are available in a variety of sizes and in many finishes, such as hammered or braided gold. Some have charms, such as hearts, attached to the ring. They are popular because of their attractive appearance and also because they are relatively easy for the wearer to clasp. They can be used for necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
- Button clasp findings hold two to three strands are offer a very elegant appearance when gold-filled because they are often filigreed (cut to have a lacy appearance). Gold-filled button clasp findings look wonderful on vintage-style pieces and with vibrant gemstones, such as garnets.
- Gold-filled box clasps (rectangle- or square-shaped) hold up to seven strands, depending on their shape and size. They are also typically filigreed and are meant to be seen.
Selecting the perfect jewelry findings isn’t always easy, but the choice is worth careful consideration to add the right touch to a finished piece of craftsmanship.
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Peridot Gemstone |
What the Romans hailed as the "Evening emerald" might have been "Cleopatra's emeralds" too. Scholars now believe that many of the Egyptian queen's emeralds would have in fact been peridot. This green olivine, mined on the island of Zabargad was known for centuries as "chrysolite" before it came to be known as peridot.
The lure of the peridot enchanted Europeans too, for they brought back the stones from the Crusades and decorated church plates and enhanced robes with peridot too. It is also listed as one of the stones used by Aaron (from the ancient Hebrew culture) as the second gemstone on his breastplate. Apart from Zabargad, Burma produced peridot too. In the late 90’s San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona emerged as the sole supplier of peridot.
Consider this; peridot is one of the rare gems, which is not color-enhanced. Hence, there is no known synthetic version to this irreplaceable gemstone. It is the birthstone for people who are born in the month of August and bears a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Peridot – A Gem for every Spirit and Expression
Egyptians regarded the peridot as the "gem of the sun". They believed that it had the ability to reduce anxiety and helped improve verbal communication. It is believed to have the ability to make dreams come true and has been awarded the emblem of energy, strength and fame. Peridot is available in a variety of green shades, ranging from yellowish green to a deeper olive green. Truer hues of green make the peridot valuable.
Such distinctly positive qualities and its bright beauty make the peridot a great option for couples who are interested in peridot engagement rings. Apart from that, its light color in is particularly suitable for antique, and art deco styles, which are sure to enliven any piece of jewelry with a vibrant use of color.
Peridot rings, earrings and pendants are widely revered for its physical, mystical and psychological benefits. Not just that, peridot will also help take your fashion quotient to the next level too. Go ahead, flaunt one today! |
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Tiger Eye |
Tiger Eye Quartz is a member of the quartz family available in shades of brown yellow, pink, blue and red with a silky luster. It has received its name due to the resemblance of its bands to the tiger’s eye. People of any zodiac sign, irrespective of sexes and religion can take advantage of the tiger eye quartz. It is believed to be a stone which enhances good luck and ushers in prosperity too.
The tiger eye quartz is available in a number of attractive shapes and is widely used for fashion jewelry. It is widely used in pendants and beads where its lovely tiger eye like appearance adds glamour to an outfit. As with caring for most of your other gemstones, you need to ensure that you protect it from scratches and blows, and avoid high temperatures.
Tiger Eye Quartz – Blessed with Natural Appearance and Metaphysical Powers
Just as the tiger represents strength and the ability to survive in tough terrains, the tiger eye quartz symbolizes power, decisiveness and confidence. It is an apt gemstone for people who seek power in pursuit of their ambitions and are ready to thrive in the world just like a tiger.
Tiger’s Eye Jewelry
Tiger’s eye is a semi-hard material and has a thickness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is found cut in the shape of cabochon. Its layered and shimmering appearance makes for a perfect necklace, earring or pendant. It is a sturdy gem too, thus making it a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts. The most beautiful tiger eye is the common golden brown. However, you can find blue/grey ones, which are known as falcon’s eye or hawk eye. The red tiger eye is produced through heat treatment.
Australia, China and South Africa are the main sources of the modern day tiger eye. Today, the tiger eye remains a popular gemstone due to its durability. However, you need to be aware of the imitation glass or plastic beads, which are known as Cathay stone. These are manufactured and not natural. You need to check with reliable gem dealers and buy genuine tiger’s eye jewelry. |
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Moonstone |
Moonstone - the milky white gem - is so named for its semblance to the color of the moon. It is considered to be the most valuable variety of feldspar with unique rainbow sheen on it. Hence, it is also known as Rainbow Moonstone. Moonstones have a silvery or bluish iridescence, caused by the intergrowth of two different types of feldspar with different refractive indexes. While white is the most popular variety of Moonstone, it can also be found in other hues like grey, brown, blue, yellow, orange, green and pink. However, blue colored Moonstones are considered to be the most highly priced. Moonstones are commonly found in Brazil, European Alps, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and USA (Pennsylvania and Virginia). The ones found in Sri Lanka have the best quality.
Moonstones were very popular with the Romans, who thought it was formed out of moonlight. Thus, it always had a romantic aura to it. It is favored for love and togetherness. In the modern age, Moonstones work as a beautiful highlight in jewelry designing – in the form of rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Associated with the 13th wedding anniversary, it is an ideal gift for your beloved. However, special care should be taken to maintain and preserve them. This translucent semi-precious gem ranks 6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and hence, can be scratched or chipped easily. Therefore, it is advisable not to keep two stones together. Take special care to avoid bringing them in contact with abrasive cleaners or acid. Always use a gentle, non-acid based jewelry cleaner or a mild solution of several drops of dish detergent and water to clean them.
As a gem, Moonstone is a storehouse of immense potential. It is believed to be a stone of wishes, intuition and balance. It helps to master your emotions by not suppressing them, but by bringing them under the control of your will. It fosters happiness, gracefulness, good fortune, hope, spiritual insight and wisdom. As a representative of Mother Goddess, whose strength lies in her gentleness, Moonstones influence you to be gentle and caring. It also helps in childbirth, enhances fertility and growth and regulates menstrual cycle. As a protective stone, it is also believed to protect travelers, especially who travel at night and on water. It also aids in the assimilation of nutrients, eliminates toxins and assists the body in releasing excess water. It can regenerate tissues and organs and heal the reproductive system.
Moonstone is the most magical looking gemstone. Its changing colors and the moonshine glow that shimmers across its surface, give it a unique and mystic feel, tough to be competed by any other stone of the same group. A gem of the lovers and psychics, a guard for sailors and voyagers, a representative of the Victorian jewelry – Moonstone is in one word, a
multi-gem. |
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Gold Filled Chains |
If "Necessity is the mother of Invention", innovation is definitely the child of invention. The need to beautify oneself with the help of precious and semi-precious stones and expensive metals had been an age-old tradition. Gold had always given all other metals the toughest competition in this field. However, as the gold price increases, it is gradually moving out of the common people’s reach. It is here when innovation plays a major role; making us mortals come up with the innovative art of creating gold-filled jewelry.
One of the most popular items of gold filled jewelry are the gold filled chains. The base metal of the chain is usually brass or copper (and at times, silver as well). This base metal is then placed between two pieces of gold and then heated to bind them together, before being run through a roller to thin it down. The surface layer of the gold-filled chain is about 100 times thicker than that of gold vermeil jewelry, which makes them long-lasting. Hence, gold-filled chains are considered as "lifetime jewelry" as well.
For a gold-filled chain to be legally stamped with the 'GF' marking, its weight must be at least 1/20th gold, which means that at least 5 percent of the piece has 12 karat gold. "1/20 12kt GF" and "1/20 14kt GF" are the most common stamps found on gold filled jewelry.
Not being as expensive as a pure gold chain, gold-filled chain easily fits into your pocket. At the same time, it is strikingly similar to pure gold jewelry, in terms of its appearance; look, feel and wear the two are almost indistinguishable. Gold filled chains also have the latest and the sleekest designs and wearing them definitely makes you appear to be a trendy and fashionable person. It does not cause skin-rashes and hence, can be used on a daily basis. It becomes a natural choice as a gift item, especially for people who have a limited budget. For example, teenagers wanting to gift their mothers a chain that would look classy, or people who have got their first job and want to gift something nice, yet within their budget, to their special ones or as Valentine day gifts.
Thus, gold filled chain is a great alternative to pure gold, in terms of both cost and quality, as a piece of jewelry that you want to wear daily, or as a gift to your dear ones, or simply as a style statement. |
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Jewelry Design with sterling silver beads Past and Present |
Story of silver ornament beads started four thousand years back. Humans always fascinated about this white metal once considered more valuable than any other precious metal available on the planet.
Wonderful story of sterling silver beads origins
At times in our world's history, silver has been more valuable than gold. In Egypt in 2000-1400 B.C., silver was used to make jewelry when it was available, but it was quite rare, and many pieces were eventually cut apart or melted down for use as currency (coins did not exist). However, this period of time marked the beginning of use of metal-capped beads in the Middle East.
After the Persian War, jewelry in Greece became much more abundant. The Classical period, from about 475-330 B.C., saw the use of a plethora of beads, including interlocking beads. In Iran, a gold-bead and pearl necklace has been discovered that probably dates from the Persian Empire (4th century B.C.); the necklace was part of a cache of jewelry that was almost certainly hidden away around 330 B.C., when Alexander the Great's troops were advancing into the area.
 Silver jewelry in the shapes of animals began to appear in China between 600 B.C. and 600 A.D. It is believed that the Chinese had little interest in precious metals until they interacted with nomads from the north and west. The nomads taught the Chinese how to make hooks for belts that held the wearer's sword. Some of these belt-hooks were made of silver and decorated with gilding and semi-precious stones. Another find in that region was a silver belt buckle in the shape of a crouching horse; the buckle dates from the 3rd or 2nd century B.C. Interestingly, also dating from 600 B.C. to 600 A.D. was a hoard of silver unearthed in Spain that included bracelets featuring animal- or snake-heads on one end.
Another exceptional silver jewelry piece was located in northern Italy. This piece, one silver brooch of a pair, dates from the 5th or 4th century B.C. Yet another intriguing find that dates from the early Iron Age is a silver cauldron embellished inside and out with figures of gods and goddesses, animals, and even a sacrificial scene.
Though examples of silver jewelry from ancient times are few and far between, it is fascinating that they exist at all. These pieces serve as inspiration for modern designers and provide an historical perspective that buyers will find meaningful. The fact that silver beads were used to make jewelry as many as 4000 years ago offers us a link to our past through the art of jewelry design.
Today's sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver; the remaining 7.5% is typically copper. Pure (99.9%) silver is not usually utilized in making jewelry because it is too soft. Even beginning jewelry designers and hobbyists should maintain a supply of sterling silver beads to enhance and accentuate their creations. New designers may want to start with 2mm and 3mm beads and experiment with larger bead sizes as they become more comfortable and proficient at working. |
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