Making A Tri-Strand Beaded Necklace

If it's true that a cord of three strands is not quickly broken, this easy, tri-strand beaded necklace ought to last forever! The simple pattern is a dream to make, the perfect project for beginners, and yet it has an elegance and sophistication to it that beginner's projects typically lack.

To make the tri-strand beaded necklace, you'll need:

Craft thread (quilting thread works well if you don't have craft thread on hand)
A needle
A pair of sharp scissors
A necklace clasp, of any kind; I like to use the barrel closures
3 packages of 11/0 seed beads, or similar beads; I like 11/0 Rocaille beads, but any seed beads will work.

Once you've made the necklace, and gotten the hang of it, you may wish to experiment with different beads. For example, using three different sizes of seed pearls, with the smallest on top and the largest on bottom, gives a stunning layered look. Or, make two strands out of pearls and one out of cloisonn?. For now, however, stick to the simplest of beads forms; the seed bead, a fun, elegant, yet inexpensive choice.

A word about your needle: the eye should be large enough to thread easily, but small enough to slip through your beads. Always test the needle, by sliding it through two or three of the beads, to make sure that it fits easily through the hole.

To begin, cut three strands of your craft or quilting thread. One should be 21 inches, one should be 17 inches, and one should be 13 inches. You may wish to play around with these lengths once you've made this first necklace.

Gather the threads, with one end even, and attach the even ends to one half of your necklace clasp. I typically slip the threads through and tie them; a drop of glue on the knot adds strength. You should now have half a necklace clasp with three threads of three different lengths hanging from it.

Beginning with the shortest thread, the 13 inch, thread your needle and string your beads. Ideally, you should stop at least 2 inches short of the end of the thread; this will give you room to tie off your thread.

You want to be very careful at this stage. Without losing any of the beads, thread the end of the 13 inch strand through the second half of your necklace clasp, and tie it on. This will keep your beads from slipping off the smallest strand while you do the other two.

Repeat the procedure with the 17 inch and the 21 inch threads, again, stopping 2 inches short of the end and tying them onto the necklace clasp. Once each strand is finished, add a drop of glue to the second half of the clasp, just as you did to the first, to add strength to the knots.

When you're finished, you should have three swags of beads, roughly 18, 14, and 10 inches, respectively.

Because these necklaces are so simple and easy to make, they make great crafts for kids 8 and older, and great party favors or gifts. Teens can make and exchange these necklaces, and children will find they make great Mother's Day gifts. Children will probably want to work with larger beads, which are easier to work with. A nice 05/0 or 06/0 bead is generally best for kids 8-12, and some adults may prefer the larger sizes, as well! Tri-strand bead necklaces can be made with any kind of bead, in any kind of colors, and a pendant can be added to the lowest strand, making these the most versatile of all bead necklaces.

Article by webmaster of an information, advice and tips website about Charms and Things where you can be advised on how to choose different charms for your own charm bracelets

How To Mount A Stone So That It Can Be Used For A Charm Necklace

I am assuming this is a tumbled stone, not cut as a jewelry stone with a flat back and definite shape. If so, let me know and we will go one more time.

Here is the answer for a tumbled freeform stone.

The kind of jewelry part (called "findings" in the trade) you want is a bell cap. There are different styles of this. You should be able to find these at crafts stores and if you want gold or perhaps sterling, a jeweler should be able to order for you. A few crafts stores will have sterling findings but most will have only plated items.

To attach the stone to a bell cap, a good adhesive should be used. There are two primary types of adhesive for this purpose. The first is 2 part epoxy cement and the second is a thick single part craft glue. There is a difference in the two: Epoxy takes more set-up time, meaning the cap must be set-up in place on the stone while the epoxy cures. The cement has no strength until some time has passed after the two parts are mixed. The epoxy has the advantage of curing with an almost unseen line and is a neater application.

The thick craft cement will hold the cap in place even when uncured and all may be set aside for a day while the cement cures. The disadvantage of this glue is the thickness and it will show a bit. Still, many crafters like the thick glue because it holds quite well in many kinds of cementing jobs.

BASIC PROCEDURE

Take the bell cap and press onto the part of the stone where you want it fitted. Try to fold the "arms" of the cap to match the contour of the stone fairly closely. Then when cement is applied, all is already fitted to the shape of the stone.

With either cement, do what many folks skip and help insure a good lasting bond. Simply clean the metal cap and the stone with alcohol (household medicine cabinet variety is fine) to remove any traces of oils from the surfaces. Allow to dry and then apply the cement.

Brands recommended: Should be available at crafts stores.

If not, a good craft store should have suitable alternative brands. I do not recommend the 5min cure types since working time is very short. You are better off to support the stone with the cap fitted and set aside for a couple of hours and get a stronger bond. Keep the leftover epoxy mix on the same scrap baggie or whatever you mixed it on, along with the toothpick (or whatever mixing tool). When the leftover cement is cured and the tool is stuck to it firmly, you know the cement is cured. This tells you your jewelry item is ready without having to mess with it while the cement cures.

E6000 crafts cement. This is the one part thick glue. Apply sparingly since it will squeeze out a bit and will settle down to a smoother surface. Be careful of "stringers" of cement on the application tool (again, toothpick or what is handy) since these stringers are messy getting on the wrong places. When cured, the cement may be peeled off of places it should not be.

You will need a "jump ring" (wire loop) or "snap on bail" to hang the stone from a chain. These are also available at crafts stores or at a jewelry store(generally not in mall chain stores, try local folks).

Just do a dry run first and then cement away! Use as little cement as appears needed for a neat and less "crafty" looking finished job.

Victor Epand is the owner of http://www.JewerlyGift.biz, a huge online jewelry superstore featuring the greatest selection of jewelry including personalizable items. Clearance Sale items are here: http://www.jewelrygift.biz/collection/clearance-sales.html

Some Things to Remember When Buying White Pearl Collar Necklaces

White pearl collar necklaces have been around for centuries. This style reached its peak during the Victorian era, where women of high birth wore them to accentuate their necks or over their high-collars to accessorize their clothes. White pearl collar necklaces have recently been making a comeback and enjoying a new popularity with stylish women of all ages.

White pearls are a favorite of women in the U.S. In Asia, women prefer silver-colored pearls. White has always been the color associated with pearls, even though they do come in a variety of shades and tones. White has remained a favorite over the years because of their simple and understated elegance.

Choosing pearl quality

One of the rarer pearls and the more expensive are natural pearls, produced ?by accident? when underwater irritants enter the shell of an oyster. Cultured pearls are the more common, since they are created using artificially planted ?nuclei?. They are in no way inferior to natural pearls and in fact are quite valuable; they are just produced differently.

When choosing fine white pearls, remember several factors that contribute to its beauty and value: the nacre thickness, luster, surface texture, size and shape.

Nacre thickness is probably the most important factor to consider when buying white pearls. Nacre is the crystalline/organic substance that is excreted by the oyster or mollusk when an irritant or nucleus enters its shell. This substance coats the irritant in layers, until it becomes thick. This coated irritant or nuclei becomes the pearl.

Nacre thickness differentiates a high-quality pearl from a low-grade one. The thicker the nacre coating, the more durable and long-lasting the pearl is. Pearls with thinner nacres usually do not maintain their luster over the years and may in fact chip off.

Luster refers to the reflective quality of the pearl. The pearl has a mirror-like surface and the quality of its luster is directly affected by the thickness of the nacre. The thicker it is, the deeper the shine. High-quality white pearls reflect light and the surrounding objects best.

Surface texture refers to the clearness and smoothness of the pearl. It is the near absence of imperfection on the surface. No pearl has the perfect surface, but minimum and nearly imperceptible flaws affect its overall look and value. Pearls are graded depending on its imperfections, like spots, bumps, discolorations and other irregularities that show on its surface.

The size of the pearl is determined by its diameter and is measured in millimeters. Tiny pearls measure from 1mm and under while bigger pearls can reach a diameter of as much as 20mm, just below an inch. With all things being equal, size can mean a huge difference in the value of a pearl. The bigger ones, of course, fetch the higher price.

Pearls are never perfect. If one such is found, it is probably the rarest and the most expensive. Because pearls follow the general shape of its irritant or nucleus, it can come in a variety of shapes, from the spherical to the symmetrical to the baroque. Which one you pick for your pearl collar will depend on your preference.

Color and overtone

White pearls are white, right? Well, not quite. Aside from the similar silver color, there are also white pearls whose main body color is affected by its overtone. Overtones are hints of color that lie on top of the main body color of the pearl. Think of a pearl as a tiny white sphere and its overtone like a slightly colored clear plastic that is wrapped tightly and smoothly over it and you can imagine how slightly different the white would appear.

White pearls could have one or more overtones. These can enhance the beauty of white pearls and provide a unique glow to its iridescent quality. Some white pearls, for example can have pink or yellow overtones. Which one you choose is really just a matter of personal taste.

Why collar necklaces?

Collar necklaces have an old-time charm. If you look at paintings and illustrations that date back some centuries ago, you will find collar necklaces adorning the necks of women, even queens and princesses.

Collar necklaces are about 12 to 13 inches long and may be composed of three or more strands of pearls. These are worn to fit the middle of the neck snugly. They are best worn during semi-formal to formal occasions when they can accentuate a slender neck and draw a stop to a pointed chin.

Choosing the right-size pearls

When buying white pearl collar necklaces, it?s a good idea to consider the age, face shape and body composition of the wearer. Generally, smaller pearls look best for children and teens, medium pearls for women in the 20s to the 30s while older women may look best in bigger pearls.

A good thing to remember is that the pearl collar is worn as an accessory and thus should not overwhelm the face. Otherwise, nobody will notice the wearer anymore. It will only be the pearls that they will see. Worse, if the size isn?t right, it will look like your pearls are borrowed from someone else.

For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com, http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com, or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com

Guide to Choosing Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces never run out of style. They are always classy, elegant and quite flexible as wardrobe accessories. They are one of the most popular gift choices for weddings, being the birthstone of June and they have a lasting, mystical appeal that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Pearls are rarer when they are produced naturally but while cultured pearls are quite affordable, their quality is in no way inferior to that of natural pearls. To an untrained eye, it is very difficult to tell a natural pearl from its cultured cousin. The only way to differentiate is probably to use x-ray where a ?nucleus? will be spotted in the cultured variety.

Some of the more common types of pearls used in necklaces are Mikimoto, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls. Mikimoto is the highest quality pearls and come in different colors. Akoya pearls often come in white, cream or silver while Tahitian and South Sea pearls have darker colors. Saltwater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls.

Choosing pearl necklace lengths Choosing the right length of pearl necklace depends upon the wearer?s age, neck size and overall body composition. In general, long necklaces tend to elongate the neck and draw attention away from it, as opposed to shorter-length ones which flatter longer necks. Here are the different lengths of pearl necklaces recommended for every woman?s unique need:

Collar ? typically 10 to 13 inches long and are quite flexible either for evening wear or casual day wear. These are worn high on the neck, above the base. Another style is the dog collar, which is made of several strands, quite popular in the Victorian era and slowly making a comeback.

Choker ? 16 to 18 inches long, chokers surround the base of the neck. A good choice for ladies with long, thin necks because chokers can de-emphasize the throat?s length.

Princess ? at 17 to 20 inches long, this is the most popular length, classic enough to match any outfit or neckline.

Matinee ? 20 to 24 inches long. These work well worn with dresses, business suits and corporate wear and are a great choice for occasions requiring semi-formal wear.

Opera ? 28 to 34 inches long, usually worn during formal events and occasions. Because of its length, this pearl necklace may be doubled to form two strands. When worn as is, it should ideally reach below the bust line.

Rope or sautoir ? the longest, starting at 37 inches, worn best with pantsuits. Rope-length pearls don?t have to hang from the wearer?s neck alone. They could be doubled or knotted for more style flexibility. Some even come with multiple clasps, which allow the wearer to use the necklace in shorter lengths.

Short necks will do well wearing pearl strands that sit at least 2? below the collarbone while thick or heavy necks will look good in graduated chains with lengths beginning at 18?. Long thin necks are flattered by shorter lengths, especially those that sit at the base of neck, following the curve of the throat.

Fleshy necks look better in necklaces that lie below the base, especially if the strand is segmented or comes with a square, rectangular or any pointed pendant. Necks that are wide at the base need necklaces that are at least 1? below the collarbone or longer strands.

Other pearl necklace styles

Other styles of pearl necklaces are the bib which, as the name implies, covers the base of the neck and the upper part of the chest in several strands of varying lengths. Another option is the graduated necklace which consists of pearls in graduated lengths, usually with the biggest pearl/s in the middle. A popular style is the uniform necklace where pearls of similar size are strung together.

Choosing pearl colors and size

While white, cream, pink or silver pearls generally will look good on anyone, they can best enhance fairer skin. Gold or yellow pearls will look best on darker-toned skin.

Generally, younger women should wear smaller pearls. At this point in their lives, they could show off their youthful necks with smaller-sized chains and pendants. Older women may want to use longer-length pearl necklaces to draw attention away from their necks. They can also wear bigger pearls with wider, double- or triple-strand chains.

Pearl necklace sets

One of the best ways to buy matching jewelry is to get ones that come in a set. This way, you have a necklace, a pair of earrings and either a ring or bracelet that come in matching styles. However, if you prefer just the necklace, some jewelers will allow you to buy one off a set.

For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com

Buying Guide for a Mikimoto Pearl Necklace

The highest quality cultured pearl necklaces are those produced and created by Mikimoto. These pearls are known for their unparalleled beauty and brilliance. It is said that once you wear Mikimoto pearls, any other kind of pearl will seem second-rate. Mikimoto pearls are so refined in quality that its fans include the royal families of Britain and Japan, Marilyn Monroe and Monaco?s Princess Grace.

Here are some information on what Mikimoto cultured pearls are, where they came from and how to buy them.

How pearls are formed

A pearl is the result of an oyster or mollusks? reaction to an irritant that invades its shell. To try to protect itself, the mollusk secretes a crystalline substance called nacre which builds up in layers upon layers, surrounding the irritant. When this happens, a pearl is born.

Pearls have been cultured for centuries not just in Japan, but in other countries as well. Much of the products result to semispherical pearls, also called mabe pearls from the oyster that grew them, and not in the more coveted spherical pearls. It was Kokichi Mikimoto who developed a special technique to induce oysters to create a round pearl.

The man behind the name

Cultured pearls as we know them, owe a lot to Kokichi Mikimoto, the man who perfected the pearl culturing method that is still used today. Contrary to popular belief, he did not invent the industry although he did play a very significant role in advancing the techniques which contributed to the improvement in cultured pearl quality.

Mikimoto, the son of a noodle restaurant owner, was born in 1885 in Toba City, Japan. He was first introduced to pearls when he started raising oysters. Around this time, Japan was already trading pearls with other countries and pearl oysters were in danger of becoming over-harvested. Mikimoto decided to concentrate on experiments in seeding oysters and producing pearls.

The first endeavors were failures. Mikimoto and his colleagues repeatedly encountered disappointing results, due in part to uncontrollable factors like water temperature and red tide. But this did nothing to dissuade Mikimoto from his dream.

His efforts paid off eventually. On July 11, 1893, with his wife Ume, he discovered a beautiful pearl in one of his oysters. He never looked back since. By the time he died in 1954, the highly honored Mikimoto had successfully advocated and promoted cultured pearls and opened markets all over the world. Today, his name is synonymous to the highest quality cultured pearls.

Buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace

Pearl necklaces come in several lengths. From the shortest to the longest, they are: collar (10?-13?), choker (14?-16?), princess (18?-20?), matinee (20?-24?), opera (28?-34?) and rope (37? and longer). The length of the pearl necklace will depend on the woman?s age, body composition and neck size, although an 18 to 24-inch pearl necklace is a good length for anyone. Generally speaking, the longer the necklace, the more it ?elongates? the neck.

The mark of ?M?

Every jewelry created by Mikimoto including pearl necklaces, has an ?M? stamped on its setting. This is a guarantee of quality. However, in some cases, the mark of ?M? will only guarantee that the setting is genuine and not the pearls, which can be replaced and restrung.

A caveat: there is a black market for Mikimoto clasps, where original Mikimoto clasps are used for cheaper or imitation-quality pearls. Beware also of ?closeout? Mikimoto sales, even if they come in ?new? 18k gold.

The best way to distinguish a true high-quality Mikimoto pearl from other pearls is to look for a unique road map or line pattern on the surface of the pearls under a 10x magnifying lens. Experienced jewelers can recognize this. On your own, you will want to find genuine Mikimoto pearls to compare with your intended purchase. Once you see the difference, true Mikimoto pearls are easily recognizable.

You might also encounter pearl necklaces that are labeled ?Mikimoto quality?. This is misleading. These are not pearls produced under the patented Mikimoto process. True Mikimoto pearl necklaces are those produced under stringent conditions in Ise in Honshu, Japan.

Akoya vs. Mikimoto

Another fine quality pearl is akoya pearls, although this is a general term used to refer to saltwater pearls. These are not Mikimoto pearls and they don?t cost the same.

Grading method

Mikimoto pearls are rated using four grades, with AAA being the highest. There are 4 sub-grades starting with AAA1. Highest-grade pearls are those with the best luster and reflective quality, almost mirror-like, while lower-grade pearls are those with reasonably clear reflection.

When buying your Mikimoto pearl necklace, be sure to ask for grading certificates. This is not only good for insurance, but it is also a guarantee that what you are paying for is a true Mikimoto pearl necklace.

For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com, http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com, or http://www.bestpearlearrings.com

Akoya Pearl Necklace - Chinese or Japanese?

Beautiful. Elegant. Lustrous. These are just three adjectives normally used when asked to describe Akoya Pearl Necklaces. A contemporary piece of jewelry, each pearl necklace is hand-knotted individually showing a silky luster. Brilliant Japanese pearls, it is always a pleasure receiving Akoya pearl necklaces.

Although something so rare and precious does come with a price. The average price for an Akoya pearl necklace is $4000 dollars. Some stores offer a discount especially during the Holidays though.

But if you can afford getting yourself or a significant other one, why not? Akoya pearl necklaces assure fine beadwork, awe-inspiring luster effect and a brilliance that is so stunning that when worn, they seem to be diamonds fresh out from the sea. Akoya pearl necklaces have then on become symbols for beauty and elegance and one of the most popular pearls the world over.

Akoya pearls are graded using AAA, AA+, AA and A.

AAA pearls are those belonging to the Top 1% of the harvest. Their luster is excellent and they are 96% blemish free. Their matching is excellent, they have a round shape and a thick nacre.

The AA+ pearls are those that came from the top 5% of the harvest. Their luster is also excellent and they are 90 to 95% blemish free. Their matching is excellent, they have a round shape and a thick nacre.

The AA pearls are those belonging to the Top 20% of the harvest. Their luster is very good and they are 80 to 90% blemish free. Their matching is very good, their shape is round and their nacre ranges from medium to thick.

The A pearls are those belonging to the Top 50% of the harvest. Their luster is very good and their blemishes are moderate when set on the light. They have good matching and a round shape.

Every pearl necklace retailer know that if there are two kinds of pearl necklaces competing head-to-head for the demands of the jewelry-loving market, it would have to be the Japanese Akoya Pearls and the Chinese Akoya Pearls. The normal public would go, ?What?s the difference? They?re both pearls.? Alas, my friend, you think wrong. There is still a difference between the two, therefore the competition.

When it comes to pearls, Japan has the best and most precious ones out there. Considering that theirs are the most spherical in shape. In the pearl industry, the rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is.

Japanese Akoya pearls is the epitome for the classic quality and grace of what pearl necklaces should be. Pearliculture in Japan is one of the highest paid labor in the world because of the tedious procedure of cultivating and getting the pearls from the oysters and mussels.

But because there are so much competition out there, Japanese Akoya pearl industry being number one just had to come to a halt. It was obvious for the last half-decade but it was only with the strong supply of Chinese Akoya pearl necklaces pouring in did the expected actually occurred.

Regardless, even if it were Japanese of Chinese Akoya pearl necklaces, the price remains the same because of the rarity and the precious quality this piece of jewelry represents. The twist of this whole competing for the best pearl necklace is that Japanese factories are quickly becoming the largest consumers of the Chinese Akoya pearl farmers. Pearls from China are imported into Japan and then later on tagged ?Made in Japan.?

Akoya pearl necklaces today obviously contain Chinese Akoya pearls. To say that it is Japanese Akoya pearls kinda raises the question if it really is. Is it really the rare spherical black Akoya pearls Japan is known for or is it merely made in Japan?

But it is still a consumers right to know whether he is paying the right price for the necklace he is purchasing. Generally, people believe that if the Akoya pearl necklaces came from Japan, it is expensive. For them to not feel cheated, they must not take the ?Made in Japan? tag seriously.

Studies show that 80% of Akoya pearl necklaces are actually Chinese cultured pearls. The strands may be from Japan but the pearls are really from China.

Another question is that what about the manufacturers that gets their Akoya pearl stocks directly from Japanese farms. The answer is that Japan pearl farms sell their pearls to factories where the items are bleached, polished, matched and drilled. Never do they sell directly to the retailers.

Because of the estimated 80% Chinese pearls and 20% Japanese pearls, it is extremely hard to figure out the understandable profit when it comes to Akoya pearl necklace-making.

Regardless, consumers still buy Akoya pearl necklaces simply because the standard of this fine piece of jewelry continue to prove true today. Its standards remain topnotch and the beauty, luster and elegance of the Akoya pearl necklace ? be it Chinese or Japanese ? still make the wearer shine to the nines.

For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com http://www.bestpearlnecklaces.com

Shimmering beauty of a Diamond Necklace

This precious stone is loved by every possible woman and also regarded as her best pal for life we known it as Diamond. A diamond necklace is a perfect gift to woo your lady And trust me it really works. By wearing a diamond heart necklace you can give a reward to yourself for all the hard work you done to get this wonderful piece of jewelry around your neck.

If you are looking for gift that last without losing its worth but you must have strong heart to shell out your bank account for that, just buy a well crafted piece of diamond necklace and make that special moment an immortal one.

But not every diamond necklace is high priced. There is an array of diamond necklace comes with an astonishing low price tag. These necklaces are made to sprinkle some sparkles on your color bones .Diamond necklace is an elegant and luxurious piece of jewelry.

Diamond necklace is the most cherished and appreciated piece of jewelry .it makes women to feel like a queen. A fine piece of jewelry is an excellent way to express your felling and show how much someone means to you.

A diamond necklace complements your elegant shimmering personality with its radiance. Everyone deserves this beautiful piece of jewelry and with the available range it is not just an expensive dream anymore.

For the bride to be a diamond necklace is just a right kind of gift. Make that special day memorable with the eternal shine of diamonds. These few diamonds around her beautiful neck in a well crafted necklace make her to tinkle in everyone's eyes

Necklace with some diamonds is a perfect give for any special occasion like birthday, wedding, anniversary, arrival of a new born or just to say" I love you". A diamond necklace around your neck defines your taste in jewelry .It is an impeccable piece of craftsmanship and of superior quality .To own a diamond necklace is every diamond lover's dream. No other jewelry can replace the classier looks of diamond.

Diamond jewelry is well famous as graceful piece of lasting jewelry. No jewelry collection is complete without some elegant piece of the world's most expensive stones called diamond. And what more one can say about the enchanting beauty of a fine cut diamond necklace.

So! Don't you think a diamond necklace is what you were looking for?

Mark your accomplishments with a diamond necklace and fell the taste of your success forever.

Pearl Jewelry – Pearl Necklaces – Quality Pearls

Women now have the luxury of plentiful jewelry options. Pearl Jewelry is one of the wonderful accessory and a gift item that can be purchased in a wide array of colors, styles and price range. Some gemstones are very exotic and very flashy but pearls have natural luster appeal and great aesthetic value. Pearls add to the feminine touch, charm and grace, as pearls are natural gems and one the best gifts from Nature.

It is no wonder that more and more women are choosing pearls as their preferred jewelry composition of choice. And the legend goes around in many parts of the world that these beautiful pearls bring good luck to the wearer. Greeks have long tradition of giving pearl jewelry as bridal gifts and in some other part of the eastern world pearls are still considered as an item of good fortune and strength.

Every individual has its own personality and taste and so have their own personal style that they exude in the way they dress, carry themselves and wear pearl jewelry. When choosing pearl jewelry items as gifts for your loved ones, it is very important to find out the gift receiver’s taste and preference. Some may like pearl jewelry with small size pearls and other may prefer large or colored pearls.

Pearl jewelry has the advantage over other kinds of jewelry that it is very much appealing and all women love wearing pearl jewelry. It is hard to find any women now not having pearl jewelry in her wardrobe. Pearls that were once for rich and wealthy people are affordable now and unlike diamonds one doesn’t have to spend fortune.

Pearl jewelry in white color is very classic and traditional but now pearls come in various other exciting and captivating colors such as peach, pink, black, lavender and golden.

If diamonds are forever, so are we told many times by the industry and the gold jewelry is traditionally been the hallmark of women's wardrobe collection then pearl jewelry is equally a perfect jewelry collection item and for centuries women have adorn themselves with lustrous pearl jewelry. Pearls are timeless fashion statement and are always in demand.

Pearl Jewelry – Quality Par Excellence

Amber Teething Necklaces -- How Do They Work?

I am often asked about the science behind amber teething necklaces. Parents also want to know if there are any side effects to wearing amber for long periods of time.

Unlike teething gels, powders or pain relief syrups, the traditional beaded amber necklaces imported from the Baltic region are a non-invasive and side-effect free remedy for the pain and complications of teething, such as lack of appetite, upset tummies, ear ache, fevers and colds.

A natural analgesic, amber will help calm a baby without resorting to drugs.

Amber is a resin, not a stone. It is therefore warm to the touch, as well as very comfortable and light to wear.

Scientific investigation into the therapeutic effects of amber is ongoing.

Currently, there are two different theories that attempt to explain how wearing amber on the skin can have a soothing and calming effect on teething babies and toddlers.

One theory suggests that when amber is worn on the skin, the skin's warmth releases miniscule amounts of healing oils from the amber which are then absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream.

Amber's anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties are also recognized by allopathic medicine. In Austria, Switzerland and Germany, you will find amber teething necklaces sold in local pharmacies. Pharmacists and doctors have long known about the healing properties of amber which include calmative, analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and febrifuge (anti-fever) functions.

A second theory is based on scientific findings which have shown that amber is electromagnetically alive and therefore charged with a significant amount of organic energy. Its special attribute is the fact that it is electronegative. Wearing amber produces negative ionisation on the skin's surface. This, in turn, has a positive influence on the human body. The negative ions assist in the in the prevention of illness. These health-promoting effects apply to babies, children and adults alike.

It is possible that the soothing and calming effect of amber teething necklaces, which has been empirically observed, is based on a combination of the factors listed above.

Katharina Bishop is a freelance writer. She is the owner of Wondrous Gems, a business specializing in amber and gemstone jewelry, with the aim of promoting the healing properties of crystals and gemstones. http://www.wondrousgems.com

Necklaces of the Middle Ages

The European era of necklaces this article covers is from 1300's to 1600's. During the middle ages it was customary for men, women, and children to all wear jewelry. This era had two main themes for jewelry: religion and romantic love.

Very popular were busts and portraits of saints, altars, or ornaments worn on necklaces. Mythical creatures such as mermaids and dragons were very popular along with animals, such as dolphins and lions. European towns each developed their own unique design style, such as Venice which was influenced by the imports of precious gems and other items from the orient bringing forth oriental approaches to the designs. Engraving ranged from having ones initials to lengths of scriptures or poetry. A popular religious pendant was the Tau Cross, which was worn by itself or with many on the chain, sometimes just one tiny bell was worn with it. It was also popular to wear a necklace with just a tiny bell attached only.

The leading workshops were in, Paris, Limoges, Meuse, Belgian-Lorraine, Siena, Florence, and Venice. The main precious metals used in jewelry making were gold and silver with the main gemstones being sapphires, rubies, and pearls. During the early part of this era (14th century) gemstones were finished with the en cabochon method which is highly polishing smooth the stone and not cutting it into faceted angular cuts until later when cutting was more perfected. Other types of neck jewelry were glass beads of various colors combined with precious gems mounted in silver or gold. Covering certain areas of the piece with enamel was also a common practice. Niello was also used which was a mixture of silver, sulphur, and lead. Fashioning jewelry necklaces was often done with molten metal poured into molds. Germany was well known for using milled wire instead of pouring to make them.

The en cabochon method gave way to a new method during the 15th century which was the forerunner of the diamond facet cutting we know today. The Dutchman Louis de Berken, was the first to discover in Brussels that a diamond could be polished with pulverized diamond moistened with oil. In 1476 he was able to perform facet cutting to diamonds, which had previously been used for rock crystal. Charles the Bold employed Louis de Berken at his court for his newly discovered amazing ability.

Cloisonne' enameling was where the enamel was applied and fired in raised cells which would sometimes be done with soldered wire. Champleve' took over in popularity which is the carving out of areas and filing these areas with enamel and then leveling down (usually sanding) the surrounding metal with the level of the enamel. The copper champleve' work was a technique which allowed colorful jewelry to be produced from inexpensive material and was opaque with clearly outlined areas of color. Paris goldsmiths have been credited with inventing translucent silver enameling, with this technique the goldsmith pours the opaque enamel into a bas-relief carved into the silver. The silver backing produces a delicate and diffused shimmer when the light hits it due to the light colored enamel. The gold enameling technique en ronde bosse also developed by Paris goldsmiths in the late 14th century . This technique utilized various colors of glass flux which were melted over a gold core, and combined with beads and precious stones, including red rubies and blue sapphires being the most popular. In Hungary, which from the 13th to the 15th century was the European country richest in gold, wire enameling was taken over from Italy. This method consisted of twisted gold wire forming the contours of the design and the hollows were filled with an opaque enamel.

Gothic style came about during this era which were religious scenes portrayed similar to Gothic church cathedral art. The effect was a straight forward type of approach which started to change into a more elaborate free flowing style later on.

Short chokers were worn and light to heavy chains were worn on the neck. Necklace chains were of all manner of thicknesses and lengths, some had large round links with others having tightly woven type of braiding. Long thin chain necklaces were often weighed down with heavy pendants. Italian women were known for wearing a crown like brooch attached to a hair ribbon.

The middle ages may be one of the most famed in history for adventures and artifacts of this fantastic period including the unique jewelry. This era lives on in many of todays artist's designs as they have studied this amazing period in history.

To see some amazing jewelry visit: www.amazing-adventure.com/Jewelry/AlleJewelry.htm

Glenn Heitkoetter is a part time writer and runs the following websites: http://www.incredible-items.com and http://www.amazing-adventure.com