(ARA) – You probably have some important women to shop for this season – maybe a wife or daughter, your mom or sister. Need some ideas? Think jewelry.

The wide variety of gem colors, shapes and sizes could make finding the perfect jewelry gift a little intimidating. But even if you procrastinated and now are looking for a last-minute gift, a little background information on jewelry will make your search easier.

Shopping online could be the best way to find a beautiful piece of jewelry and have it delivered in time for your holiday. For assistance in finding quality jewelers, try these tips:

1. Look for professionally-taken photographs of the jewelry, showing you details about the gems, the gold or silver and even the clasps.

2. Use a jeweler who has received Better Business Bureau high scores and is a member of industry associations such as The Jewelers Vigilance Committee and The Cultured Pearls Association of America.

3. Ask for liberal return policies. A 90-day return policy with free shipping is a good example.

When looking for jewelry, some of the more popular gems to consider include:

* Amethyst – There are many legends about this deep purple gem. The birthstone for February, amethyst is quartz, found all around the world, and has created an aura of mystery because of how heat and light can change the color of the stone. These stones look great in rings, drop necklaces and earrings.

While amethyst is hard and resistant to damage caused by wear, sunlight and black lights can affect the color of the stone.

* A bit more expensive, but still beautiful, the emerald with its deep green color is said to bring good luck and well-being to a wearer. Good quality emeralds are rarer than amethysts because the gem is easily flawed. Because of the strong color, emeralds work well in rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings and mix well with other colors.

Emeralds require a little extra care when wearing. Cleaning solvents can remove the seal usually applied to the stone to protect the fine pores of the gem’s surface. Remove the jewelry before immersing in cleaning agents such as soapy water.

* Pearls are in a different category from the rest of the gem stones, partly because they come in so many different shapes and colors. Popular styles are freshwater pearls – ranging from pastel pinks and whites to a light purple color – and Akoya pearls – also known as the classic pearls, known for their perfect round shape and hint of a pink overtone to the color.

“Cultured pearls are the perfect gift,” says Fran Mastoloni, president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. “Their versatility allows them to be worn with almost any outfit and they effortlessly transition from day to night adding instant fashion and elegance.”

Pearls make a fabulous jewelry gift. A classic white strand of pearls around the neck, a simple pair of pearl earrings or a stunning bracelet of baroque pearls can reflect the luxury and good taste of the women you’re shopping for.

“Pearls are affordable but elegant jewelry so you can show how much a woman means to you,” says Jeremy Shepherd, CEO of PearlParadise.com. “They are also very versatile, allowing you to match the skin tone of the woman you’re shopping for perfectly.”

PearlParadise.com offers discounts off the retail price for freshwater and Akoya pearls. You will be able to find a range of colors and shapes of pearls placed in thousands of different jewelry designs and settings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Soft, sublime and blue, aquamarines have a distinct look and color that makes them stand apart amongst all other gemstones. The lovely color of this stone reflects clear blue skies and the serene seas. The most admired quality of aquamarines is that they flatter most skin tones and eye color, the main reason behind their popularity with the ladies.

Aquamarines get their name from the Latin words ‘aqua’ meaning sea and ‘mare’ meaning water. These charming stones have forever been associated with water. Greek soldiers in ancient times wore aquamarine amulets to protect themselves from the rage of sea gods. Some legends also say that aquamarines were first discovered in the treasure trunk of mermaids.

The alluring aquamarines possess many qualities. Where on one hand they cure insomnia, on the other hand they are considered effective for eye problems mainly short sightedness. It is said that Germans used aquamarine crystals as eyeglasses to prevent shortsightedness. Aquamarines are positive stones that bring in a feeling of cheerfulness. Besides, the soothing color of aquamarines is believed to bring about feelings of belief, harmony and camaraderie. Anybody sporting an aquamarine is said to benefit with happiness and wealth.

The most fascinating feature of aquamarine lies in its color. A lovely shade of clear sky blue that the stone reflects is ultimately beautiful. The value and worth of aquamarines is also determined by the color of these stones. The color in an aquamarine ranges from light blue to sky blue and teal. While a deep shade of blue is preferred and coveted in aquamarines, personal preferences may lead one to bluish green or greenish blue varieties of the stone. A wise aquamarine buy would be to go for a stone that has a good cut in a lighter shade that will sparkle like a diamond minus the price tag.

Aquamarines have fewer inclusions as compared to other gemstones. These stones have good clarity with very few inclusions. While buying an aquamarine it is a good idea to opt for a stone with more carat weight which will enhance both the color as well as clarity of the stone. Aquamarines like most other gemstones are heat treated. Heat treatment being permanent in nature preserves the beauty of these stones.

Aquamarines were first discovered in Madagascar. The ‘Santa Maria’ varieties of this stone found mainly in Brazil have created a storm in the jewelry world for their sheer beauty. Other sources of aquamarines are Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia.

Whether aquamarine rings, aquamarine earrings or aquamarine pendants, these stones stand out in every form of jewelry. Teamed with diamonds or alone, aquamarines make a mark due to their innate charm.

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Titanium engagement rings

One of the hottest trends in men’s and women’s jewelry is titanium rings. No longer do ring buyers have to settle for a 14 ct gold rings from the local jeweler or department stores. Nor do ring buyers have to settle for cheap, imported jewelry that will turn one’s skin green or cause an allergic reaction.

Titanium rings have become very popular due to the strength, durability, cost and design options available. This article is a good buying guide for those who are looking for a titanium ring.

Titanium Ring Material
Most grades of titanium are hypoallergenic, which means that will not react with human skin. Most are also non-reactive to most chemicals, salt water and other corrosive elements. The only exceptions are the extremely cheap titanium rings found online. These are are often made from impure titanium or low grade titanium and will, on occasion, contain other metals or impurities that will affect the ring.

Most U.S.-based titanium ring manufacturers use high grade titanium for two reasons. The first is that it guarantees the ring will be hypoallergenic. The second is that high grade titanium is much stronger than the inferior grade titanium often used in imported rings. For the strongest and most durable ring, you need to move away from the very low price point rings.

Titanium Ring Designs
The design choices for titanium rings are basically limitless. With modern milling and engraving machines, the possibilities for making truly unique ring designs are only limited by the artisans creativity and skills.

Some of the most popular titanium rings are those that feature inlays. The base of the ring is made from titanium and the outside of the ring is grooved and inlaid with some materials. Popular inlays include gold, silver, exotic hardwoods, minerals and gemstones. These handcrafted titanium rings are all unique to the wearer and, if properly made, will last a lifetime.

Ring Makers Experience
With titanium rings, like most things, you really do get what you pay for. At the lower end of the spectrum, there are the titanium rings that are imported from Southeast Asia. These are mass-produced of inferior quality titanium and feature designs that might just be etched on the surface of the ring. These rings are good for a temporary ring or for an occasion that is not meant to form a lasting part of a person’s life.

For a women’s or men’s titanium engagement or wedding ring, you will want to locate an artisan with many years of experience making titanium rings. An experienced titanium ring artisan will have superior titanium, ring-making machines and artistry to make a ring that is is made to last a lifetime.

When shopping for a man’s or woman’s titanium ring, keep in mind the material, the range of titanium ring designs available and the ring maker’s experience.

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Framont Swiss Watch

Even though you are not a car enthusiast, you must have heard about the BMW or the Mercedes Benz, you have, have you not. Well when you hear about these names they are usually synonymous with being at a zenith when it comes to the automobile industry. It would rather be a stiff and competitive dialogue to say that these are best manufactured automobiles that exist in the world but with the legacy that built up behind them when an ordinary car buyer or fan thinks of supremacy in automobile engineering they would always think of definitely think of these to companies. Well what does this have to with a watch, you might ask yourself. Then could you imagine if all the products that came out that place held that same level of quality and held the same presence in the marketplace.

What if I then said that the watches of Switzerland did the same thing? Well that is exactly what occurred, being well recognized for their excellence in accuracy and durability. Well, after years and years maybe even decades or centuries even of producing first class timepieces, the water of Switzerland now sit on the same bench as the BMW and Mercedes Benz, gaining the same respect and reputation they earned in the automobile industry. As with all great things, a great amount of reputation is earned while others are stuff that only legends are made of. But as with any good story there is always someone else to take it on and make it grander than the truth and the watches of Switzerland are no exception. What really makes the Swiss watch different and that much more appealing and unique is the Swiss on each timepiece that automatically scream quality no matter the stories behind are fact or fiction.

As regards to actual story that is behind the watches of Switzerland is a combination of Swiss precision with German marketing. You probably did not know this but much the watch making companies early on were originated in Switzerland and sooner or later got involved with German parent companies to create an engineering masterpiece with a decisive marketing push behind it. In the end everything in this process had eventually worked for the best as far as the watches were concerned. But what really made the watch the success it is today was not some overnight miracle, it actually took being televised in an international sporting event to secure the final touches on this great watch’s reputation.

Swiss Watches and The Olympics

The organizers knew the once the Olympic Games hit television airwaves that it was an absolute priority that precision timing came into play after all it was an international event. To most of the worldwide community the idea of precision Swiss timing was already well accepted and very well known, but however to Americans this idea was still a little in dark for them. But, just as the Olympics hit the airwaves and Americans started watching and viewing this event being timed by Swiss timing, at the bottom of the television screen words stating Swiss Timing constantly reminding the world that if you want precision timing you go with a Swiss product there was nothing left to say.

As stated after the Olympics there was nothing left to say or do, from then on whenever you mention Swiss timing you are speaking of something of undeniable quality and precision. Just one of the more of the legends that the television helped create and let run wild but here is the thing, this one is real.

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Lampwork Earrings

There are a lot of people who love the matte look of handmade lampwork beads. Sometimes people don’t ask to have them etched, but realize when the beads arrive, that they’d like the aged, worn out matte look on them. Some vendors give customers the options of sending the beads back and having them etched for free, but most people do it themselves. If you want to etch your own beads, here are some useful tips.

First, a small jar of etch solution will be required, you can get these at your local craft shop. Ask the store workers for glass etching solutions, they’ll usually know what you mean.

Safety first. Once you have the solution, put on some disposable rubber gloves, open up your windows if you’re in a confined space (just make sure that you have ventilation – imagine that it’s chemical cleaning – and you’re all set to go. IMPORTANT – keep in mind that the etch solution is acid, though it’s easily neutralized by baking soda, so make sure to have that close by just in case you spill the acid on anything.

The best thing to use would be a plastic bowl, after placing the beads inside it, pour the solution over them so that they are fully covered. Or if you have the option, strap the beads on something (wire would do), and just put them inside the confinement. Read the instructions on the bottle you purchased, written there should be a time that it takes to etch materials. Usually it’s around 5-10 minutes, but just double-check in case it’s something new and highly toxic. After that, use a plastic spoon to scoop up the lampwork beads out and take them out. Have a glass of soda nearby to put the beads in there to neutralize the acid – and do never take the beads with your bear hands prior to neutralization.

And voila – you’re done! The lampwork beads might have some white dust on them, but don’t worry, it’s easily removable with a toothbrush. Just don’t brush your teeth with it afterwards.

Don’t throw away the etching solution – there are 2 reasons for that. First, you don’t want to have acid in your garbage, and second – economy. You can reuse the acid over and over for years and it would work just as fine. Though make sure to keep it outside children’s reach.

Main things to remember here is to never let the etch solution touch glass or metal. Nor should you let it come in contact with cloth or skin, wash immediately with baking soda.

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Whether you are a history buff or simply seeing handmade beaded jewelry worn by your favorite actresses, it is hard to look at the jewelry from the past and not take a look at the handmade jewelry that was worn then. While some of these pieces look unbearably clunky and old fashioned now, some would look right at home on today’s top fashion catwalks and expos. Jewelry, in all of its forms, has had a strong effect on the world and the fashions that were based off of it.

Early in history, jewelry was a mark of status of some sort. Perhaps the only people who could wear it were of religious importance, or perhaps they were the only people who could afford it. You’ll find that even though the handmade beaded jewelry from early eras seems primitive to our eyes that it was still crafted with care. For instance, the twisted torques, close fitting necklaces that were worn by the Celts, was often a sign of both manhood and wealth.

Later on, jewelry was a mark of privilege and leisure; it was a show that not only could you afford to feed yourself and your loved ones, but that you could spend a lot of extra money on beautiful things. For instance, in many parts of Europe, there were sumptuary laws that forbid people of a certain class from wearing things that were too extravagant, whether that was cloth, jewelry or special leathers. Often though, people would ignore these rules and the fact that they had to pay a fine was also seen as a mark of status and wealth!

During the Victorian age in Europe, handmade beaded jewelry started taking the shapes that would be very familiar to those of us who wear jewelry today. The Victorian era had a very strong interest in death and funerary arts, though, and this was often eerily represented in so-called mourning jewelry, where people would snip hair from their departed loved ones and weave it into lockets, broaches and rings. Sometimes this jewelry would get very elaborate and it could be quite beautiful, especially when different shades of hair were used.

The beginning of the twentieth century saw the beginning of costume jewelry. Costume jewelry, far from being as cheap or as disposable as the name implies, was actually meant to be jewelry that complemented one particular outfit. Various precious metals and gems could -and often did!- go into the production of costume jewelry.

Today, we are experiencing a real renaissance as far as jewelry goes, and whether you love fine handmade beaded jewelry or simply love adorning yourself with something new every day, take a look and see what sort of impact the right piece of jewelry can have on you!

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Panerai

While most watch manufacturers anticipate market demand, and rise to meet it, there is one brand which follows its own path, regularly choosing to produce fewer watches than consumers demand. With long waiting lists a constant feature, and limited editions typical of their production style, who is this elusive brand? The answer: Panerai.

Although founded in Florence in 1860 by one Giovanni Panerai, the company spent most of its long history not selling watches to the public at all, only launching themselves fully to the global market in the 1990s. But what were they doing before that?

Giovanni Panerai formed links with the Swiss Watch industry when he opened the business, which gave the brand enough accuracy and credibility that when his grandson inherited the company, he was able to become the official supplier to the Italian navy, by specialising in high-precision instruments. The link between the two would continue well into the next century, and branch out into other areas of the military, beginning with shipments of optical and mechanical instruments to the Ministry of Defence. In 1910, Panerai began testing luminescent materials, later patenting a mixture called Radomir. This luminescent substance, and its successor Luminor, gave their names to two of Panerai’s most recognised models.

Panerai presented prototypes of their first Chronograph, the Mare Nostrum, in 1943. The watch was designed for Italian Officers but the war which was keeping those officers occupied at the time meant that it never went into production. Product development continued apace leading to a version submersible to 200m, quite a feat for the time. Over the next half century the company worked closely with the Italian military, until it no longer became cost effective. This is what finally pushed Panerai into the consumer market, and in 1993 they finally released a number of limited edition models aimed at the civilian market. These included The Luminor, Luminor Marina, and the Mare Nostrum Chronograph. The company was further promoted when Sylvester Stallone requested the Limited edition Slytech watch following his discovery of the brand while filming Daylight.

Panerai have become very popular in recent years; their military legacy has been a range of highly accurate and precise watches which are nonetheless in short supply – the company have never been in large scale production and waiting lists for popular models – such as the Luminor Marina and variations thereof in the Contemporary Collection – are always long. It was Panerai that lead the recent trend in large dials, and its watches are highly prized; not least because they produce a limited number each year. If you want a new Panerai, be prepared for a long wait.

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“We get a lot of consumer calls and letters on how to ‘undo’ a damaged piece of silver,” said Alison J. Gutterman, COO of Jelmar, makers of Tarn-X Tarnish Remover and Silver Glaze. “The best advice that we can give consumers is to know what caused tarnish and to give their silver a consistent care program.”

The biggest myth among consumers, says Gutterman, is that tarnish is caused by exposure to air, and therefore silver should be hidden away in cupboards and sideboards until ready to use. “The opposite is true — the more frequently you use your silver, the less it will tarnish,” says Gutterman.

“Tarnish is actually the result of a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur,” she explains, “and trace amounts of sulfur occur everywhere, including in the air.” Consumers might be surprised to learn that sulfur is a natural by-product of heating fuels and gas used for cooking — both of which have their heaviest usage during the winter months. Sulfur is also naturally present in many foods. The familiar dark spots that peas often leave in silver serving dishes, for example, are caused by the sulfur in peas. Although it’s harmless, tarnish gives silver a dark, unpleasant appearance.

Another threat to silver comes from flowers — silver reacts to the acids and sap from flowers. A silver piece used as a vase for a cut flower arrangement or to hold a plant needs protection.

While silver pieces that are actually in use are less likely to tarnish, Gutterman points out, they are exposed to greater risk of damage in handling. Silver pieces should always be washed individually by hand, and never in the dishwasher because the detergent film may build up. Here is the three-step care program recommended by the Tarn-X experts:

* First Step: Hot, Soap-and-water Wash.

The first line of defense with any silver piece, whether sterling or silver plate, is to remove dirt and grime by washing each piece in hot soapy water and drying it thoroughly immediately after each use. Frequent use and washing lessens the ability of tarnish to form. You need hot water and soap to remove dripped wax on a silver menorah, for example, or the dirt, dust and grease that build up on the surface of silver bells hung from the doorway. Don’t be alarmed if you see some tarnish developing on the tines of your silver forks, even though they are frequently washed. The points often tarnish because of their almost-constant contact with food.

* Second Step: Removing Tarnish.

This is actually the easy part. Simply apply Tarn-X with a soft cloth, wiping it on the clean piece of silver, and it will remove the tarnish; the mild “chemical” odor is actually from the sulfur coming off the silver. Don’t rub — rubbing is not necessary, and may be harmful to the silver. If the tarnish is extremely heavy, use a second application. Unlike silver polishes, Tarn-X is faster acting, less messy and less abrasive to silver. This is the key to preserving your silver — remove the tarnish, but limit the frequency of polishing silver, as all polishes remove some of the silver.

After the tarnish is removed, rinse the piece completely, this time in cold water, and immediately dry it thoroughly to avoid spots. Don’t use hot water for this wash, as it might cause some streaking. For larger pieces, Gutterman suggests applying tarnish remover and rinsing one section of the piece at a time.

* Final Step: Polish with Silver Glaze.

This finishing touch will show your silver at its best, and will help minimize the effect of wear spots and other mars. Be wary of products that combine tarnish remover and polish, as excessive rubbing and buffing can damage the silver.

“With this simple three-step process, you can bring your silver up to its finest appearance without a last-minute rush, and get the fullest enjoyment from it all through the year,” says Gutterman.

For more tips on caring for your silver, visit www.jelmar.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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You may have selected the engagement ring alone (or possibly with the help of a friend), but the wedding rings should be chosen together. A custom engraved wedding ring set would not only be unique, but a beautiful and romantic sentiment to cherish for years to come.  You deserve that extra special touch to honor your extra special day.

Finding Just The Right Words

You and your bride-to-be may have decided on custom engraved wedding rings but you still have to choose what word or phrase you would like to be inscribed inside your rings. Believe it or not, this can be a more difficult task than many couples realize at first. You have so much that you want to say, but with very limited space within your custom engraved wedding ring. You might want something more meaningful than the usual of just names and dates.

There are many popular and famous quotes and sayings that have become common suggestions by jewelers for custom engraved wedding rings.  You can choose from pre-made lists, or create something personal and penned by you. Many jewelry stores may have ideas for your custom engraved wedding ring, or you can be sure to find plenty of ideas online at various web sites.

Why not try something from the root of all Romance languages on your custom engraved wedding ring? Latin is an age old, timeless, been around forever and then some language; many popular languages spoken today can be traced back to this tongue. Semper Amemus translates to “love always” and Semper Fidelis means “always faithful.” Another romantic Romance language to consider is French; Mon cœur est a vous rolls off the tongue and onto your custom engraved wedding ring. It very simply states the truth: “My heart is yours.”

Popular pop songs have given way to lovely and tender sayings; “Truly, Madly, Deeply” and “From This Moment On” top the list. For die-hard Star Wars fans, something whimsical like “May The Force Be With Us” will keep the laughs rolling every time you look at your custom engraved wedding ring.

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There are several metals that you can make your own wedding rings out of: white gold, gold, silver, and titanium. In the United Kingdom, you can even make your own wedding rings from regular nickels. Cool, a five-cent wedding band! There is also tungsten, but that choice is not really recommended because steel cutters that most hospitals use will not get the ring off; so if your fingers swell, you are in trouble because that sucker isn’t coming off.

Ringly Ideas For Your Wedding Hoops

There are also several choices of gems that one can choose when you make your own wedding rings. There is always the traditional girl’s best friend, the trusty old diamond. Not to be out done by some shiny piece of coal is the luscious pearl, and the other family favorites of rubies, opals, or emeralds. If stones are not your thing, you can go without a stone.

When you make your own wedding rings, you can have engravings if you want to add them. Accent stones are perfectly acceptable, as are zodiac symbols. Professing ones undying love is also another great idea. The choices are endless except an old ex girlfriends name; that could get you into big trouble. You can also give the rings a brushed finish look.

Besides the creative plus to wanting to make your own wedding rings, there is also the fact that they are very budget friendly. The reason that they are so much less expensive is that you are not paying for the designer’s name. If done right, the rings will become more sentimental as you grow old together.

Some couples choose to have the vows engraved into their rings, and some men are putting the dates into their bands for a reminder that will keep them from buying that expensive ring to get them out of trouble when they have forgotten their anniversary. Some couples have chosen to make rings out of bones.  It may seem odd, but as the saying goes “to each his own”.

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