Pandora Bracelets USA Blog
Pandora Bracelets, Necklaces and Jewelry
Choosing a Ring Prong Setting Gold, platinum and
Choosing a Ring Prong Setting
Gold, platinum and silver rings offer variety different settings. Before you go out and buy an engagement ring, wedding ring or other ring, take a look at this brief guide to the various ring prong settings that are currently available.
Engagement Ring Settings
The prong setting, also called a claw setting, is the most commonly used setting.
The prong setting is especially popular for solitaire engagement rings. The diamond or other gem is inserted into three or more metal prongs forming a basket-like base. Then the prong ends are bent over so they rest against the crown, just past the stone’s girdle, holding it snugly in place.
Visible prong ends are often rounded, but they can be shaped into ovals, points, V-shapes, left flat or even formed into decorative shapes. The prong setting can be tall, perching the diamond above the ring band. Likewise, it can also be short, with the stone resting closer to finger.
Prong Setting Benefits and Disadvantages
Prongs are tiny, so more of stone is visible. Furthermore, prong settings are easy and quick to make and they are usually less expensive than more intricate settings. Finally, stones set in prongs are usually easier to clean.
There are some drawbacks to a prong setting that you should be aware of. The girdle area of the gemstone is not covered and prongs offer less protection for stone than other, more enclosed settings. On top of this, prongs can snag clothing and other items they come in contact with.
Evaluating Prong Settings
If you are going to buy a ring with a prong setting then you should carefully consider some the following points:
1. Make sure that the gemstone is held snugly, and does not wobble.
2. The prongs should be formed so that the stone sits at even height and is not up or down on any side.
3. Very thin or flat prongs will eventually break or wear away, putting the gemstone at risk.
4. Hooked prongs or prong ends that form an open loop before they touch the stone, will open up in time.
5. Short prongs, which provide enough contact with the gemstone, won’t hold it safely in place and can catch on to clothing and other items.
6. Large prongs may overpower gemstone, making the setting less attractive.
7. If you have or plan to have children, you wouldn’t want to wear a tall, narrow setting that could scratch or puncture delicate skin.
Finally, a professional jeweler may have diagrams that help you to visualize these and other types of prongs. Ask your jeweler if he or she has prong diagrams.
You should also be aware that prongs may need to be repaired over time.
Ask your jeweler to show you several prong settings and ask for advice on the safety and durability of each.
Trying many rings is best way to discover how different settings feel and look.
Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert at Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
#BREAK
The Hard Facts about Conflict Diamonds from Africa and India
Diamonds are small, easily transportable and command high prices. These characteristics have made diamonds a good source of funds for coup leaders in
Africa and elsewhere. These smuggled diamonds have been labeled ?conflict diamonds? and many consumers are wary about using a product that they think may be related to the suffering of innocent people.
However, before you skip buying diamonds it is important to understand the safe-guards that have been adopted by the UN and the actual role that diamonds play in the economic life of the developing countries.
In 2000, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry worked together to address issues related to diamond mining.
In 2002, established they established the Kimberley Process Certification System. This is a UN-backed process that virtually eliminated the trade in conflict diamonds. Over 99% of the world’s supply of diamonds is now from conflict-free sources. In addition the Kimberley Process Certification System is dedicated to presenting the facts about conflict diamonds.
Conflict diamonds have been reduced from approximately 4% to considerably less than 1% since the implementation of the Kimberley Process in 2003. In July 2000, the global diamond industry announced its zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds and continues to drive this policy. For example, Sierra Leone is now at peace and exported approximately $142 million diamonds in 2005.
More than 99% of diamonds are currently from conflict free sources and traded under the UN-mandated Kimberley Process. Under this system, rough diamonds can only be exported and imported when accompanied by a certificate from the exporting country.
At this moment, 71 governments and the legitimate diamond industry are all committed and legally bound to eradicating conflict diamonds. The diamond industry has introduced a system to help give greater assurances to retailers and to provide consumers with the reassurance that their diamond is from a conflict free source.
Diamonds and Development
Like the gold that is used in gold jewelry, diamonds are driving economic growth and prosperity in many countries around the world.
An estimated 65% of the world’s diamonds come from African countries and approximately $8.4 billion worth of diamonds a year are exported from Africa.
An estimated five million people have access to appropriate healthcare globally thanks to revenues from diamonds and an estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry.
The diamond mining industry generates over 40% of Namibia’s annual export earnings and diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to the age of 13. Diamonds account for 33% of the GDP (approximately $3 billion) of Botswana. Since diamonds were discovered in Botswana, GDP annual growth rate has averaged 7%. In addition, the revenue from diamonds is instrumental in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Besides the mechanized diamond mining activities in Africa, it is estimated that one million people work in the informal alluvial diamond digging sector. The Diamond Development Initiative was established to improve the working conditions of these artisanal miners.
The major role of diamond mining in several African countries has been pointed out by several world leaders - including Nelson Mandela - who have cited the importance of diamonds to the lives of African people.
So, the next time you are buying jewelry you can be sure that your diamond is not only conflict-free but is helping the poorest economies of the world get back on their feet.
Ghost writer is a jewelry expert and writer connected with Lewis Jewelry. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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How To Safely Clean Your Diamond and Gold Jewelry Diamonds and gold are precious materials and after investing so much in purchasing them, it is important to clean them in a way that will retain and enhance their original beauty. If you are not sure about how to do it, I would like to present some basic maintenance tips for diamond and gold jewelry. Hand lotions, hair styling products and everyday oil and dirt leave a film on diamond and gold jewelry preventing them from sparkling. This material can accumulate into a thick layer of gunk on the back of the stone if you wait too long between cleanings. Diamonds are the hardest substance known but the coatings and other materials that are used to enhance them can sometimes be removed by harsh cleansers and vigorous scrubbing. So, you should remove the dirt and film in a careful way. First you should find out if treatments were applied to the diamond before it was placed in a setting? If you have this information then it probably means you’ve done enough research to know how to keep the ring clean without damaging it. In any case, here is a method to clean jewelry safely: 1. Soak diamond rings in a warm solution of mild liquid detergent and water. Ivory dishwashing liquid is good, but other mild detergents are fine. 2. Use a soft brush, if necessary to remove dirt. Soft is the word?don’t use a brush with bristles that are stiff enough to scratch the ring’s metal setting. 3. Swish the ring around in the solution then rinse it thoroughly in warm water. Close the drain or put the ring in a strainer to keep from losing it! 4. Dry the ring with lint-free cloth For extra power, use a Water Pik. It provides stream of water that flushes away the grime. If you don?t have a Water Pik, then use a wooden toothpick to carefully push dirt away from stone and setting. Cleaning Unfilled Diamonds Diamonds that have not been fracture-filled can be cleaned with an ammonia/water solution. Use a gentler liquid detergent solution for fracture-filled diamonds. Ammonia can eventually cloud or remove the coating placed on the stone. If the ring has other gemstones then there are additional precautions to take. When cleaning any piece of jewelry, you must protect its weakest element. If the setting includes other gems, use a cleaning method suitable for the less durable stones. When you use household chemicals, think about your jewelry. Remove rings or wear gloves to protect them from products like chlorine, because it damages metals. Avoid bleaches and hair dyes on your fine jewelry. Diamonds and gold are beautiful and durable. If you clean your jewelry properly you will enjoy it for a lifetime. Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert connected with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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The Four Cs of Diamond Characteristics There are many
The Four Cs of Diamond Characteristics
There are many characteristics that control a diamond’s appearance and durability. The four most important factors are called the Four Cs and they are diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of these characteristics is important. It’s up to the buyer to consider them in order to find a diamond that suits his/her style, needs and budget. Let?s take a careful look at these diamond characteristics.
Diamond Color
A diamond’s color can be natural but it can also be altered by various treatments.
The color of a diamond can be affected by fluorescence, a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights.
The commonest color is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure. Other colors include gray, light brown or greenish. A diamond can be almost any color, although strongly color attractive specimens are very rare. The colors can be artificially produced or modified.
Some fancy colored diamonds are produced by irradiation and heat treatment.
Natural fancy colored diamonds command very high prices, especially the more popular colors.
Fancy colored diamonds, where the color is artificially produced, are no less beautiful, but sell for more normal prices. Occasionally, diamonds are available in blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown and even black.
Diamond Clarity
A perfect diamond with perfect clarity–or clearness–is rare. Most flaws in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking through a jeweler’s magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and the terms associated with it to ask the right questions–and understand the answers.
Diamond Cut
Did you know that a diamond’s cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say “cut” they are talking about a gemstone’s proportions, it?s depth and width and the uniformity of its facets. All characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities sought after in a diamond are related to the ?cut? of the diamond.
Diamond Width and Depth
The proportions of width and depth have a big impact on a diamond?s brilliance. The reflection of white light seen when looking at a diamond and the light traveling through a shallow cut diamond is lost out of the bottom of the stone and does not come back into sight. The lack of light makes shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless. If light travels through a diamond that’s cut too deep it escapes out the sides darkening all or portions of the stone. Light traveling through an ideally cut diamond bounces back out the top of the stone, bringing its brilliance into view.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat is the term used to express the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams of actual weight. Carat weight affects a diamond’s appearance and its price, and this makes it a characteristic that you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond.
The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of a single diamond. The abbreviation ct TW means carat total weight, and is used to express the total weight of multiple diamonds used in a piece of jewelry.
Carat is also used as a measure for other gemstones. But different gems of the same weight aren’t same size, because some are denser than others. The weight of smaller diamonds is often expressed as points, not carats.
So, there you have it. These are the four characteristics or Four Cs that you should consider when buying diamonds.
Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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How Charming — Why Charms And Charm Bracelets? Traditionally, there are several times in a woman?s life when she can receive a charm bracelet; once as a young girl and once for her marriage. In the past, when a woman married, she was given a charm bracelet to celebrate her future. A charm bracelet with wedding bells or a marriage certificate was later filled with charms representing the honeymoon, anniversaries and the birth of her children. This bracelet was frequently referred to as a ?Lifetime? bracelet, growing over the years to one day be passed onto her daughter, so she could continue the tradition of charm collecting from generation to generation. Charm bracelets were passed on from mother to daughter, either as a new gift or as a family heirloom. The daughter then added her own charms to the bracelet, including ones that represented her favorite hobbies, interests and beliefs. As the daughter matured, so did her charm bracelet, increasing not only the number of charms, but also in sentimental value. To a woman who lived during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, charms, usually worn in multiples on a link bracelet, were of great personal significance. A charm bracelet became a chronicle of a woman’s life; a time capsule that represented her loves, her interests, her travels, and her experiences. These sentimental, yet precious objects told her story, and preserved it for generations to come. A woman most probably received her first charm as a young girl; perhaps a ballerina or a flower. In her teenage years, she may have received the additions of a love token from a sweetheart, a souvenir from a school trip, a jeweled mortarboard for graduation. Charms commemorating her engagement, wedding, first home, children–all the major milestones of her life–followed in line. With the mid-century trend for travel enabled her to see much more of the world than her mother and grandmother had. Perhaps a small cruise ship charm told of her honeymoon trip to the islands; or an Eiffel Tower charm of a romantic weekend in France. She could spend many a cocktail party explaining the numerous exotic travel mementos on her wrist. Like many women of her day, a little pearl typewriter signified that she had a job outside the home. She might have also enjoyed sports (golf and tennis) and was loved the arts, particularly painting and theatre. A woman might have added other charms to her bracelet simply for their beauty. Compared to the flat, stamped charms of modern times, vintage charms are three-dimensional, highly detailed, and often jeweled — tiny works of art in their own right. There’s been a new trend for collecting vintage charms. Women today often wear a single charm from their collection on a bracelet, or as a pendant. Collections are often beautifully displayed in a shadow box, or hung from ribbons on a bulletin board, mirror or frame. Vintage charms make wonderful gifts. For a recently married bride, each guest could gave the bride an antique charm representing one of her, or the couple’s, interests or experiences. For another bride, she could do the opposite, using the antique charms as personalized thank-you gifts for her bridesmaids. Yet another idea would be that a woman could treat herself each birthday to a charm with some relevance to the preceding year of her life; and she could start the same tradition for her young daughters. Charms have become popular as a way to express individualism, because no two bracelets are alike. Hobbies, crafts, work-related, and sports-related charms can be easily found, as well as those pertaining to pets and animals of all kinds. There is a huge selection of charms available today, with a charm for every season and every reason. Many women find collecting charms addictive, and will include a many bracelets in their collection. The ease of removing and replacing charms make for endless combinations. A bracelet can be fashioned to correspond with any mood or occasion. Charms have recently seen an increase in popularity, especially with celebrities. They’ve given their stamps of approval, as many Hollywood personalities have been photographed with their charm bracelets on. Designers, like Pandora Jewelry, have produced their own collectibles, and the sky is the limit in terms of both options and price. Early charms were typically quite inexpensive, however some of the charms available today can vary from under $10 to several hundred dollars each. Pandora Jewelry invented a new system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which added a new dimension in collecting jewelry. This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America. Each item in the Pandora collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and 14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones and cultured pearls. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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The Four Cs of Diamond Characteristics There are many
The Four Cs of Diamond Characteristics
There are many characteristics that control a diamond’s appearance and durability. The four most important factors are called the Four Cs and they are diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of these characteristics is important. It’s up to the buyer to consider them in order to find a diamond that suits his/her style, needs and budget. Let?s take a careful look at these diamond characteristics.
Diamond Color
A diamond’s color can be natural but it can also be altered by various treatments.
The color of a diamond can be affected by fluorescence, a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights.
The commonest color is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure. Other colors include gray, light brown or greenish. A diamond can be almost any color, although strongly color attractive specimens are very rare. The colors can be artificially produced or modified.
Some fancy colored diamonds are produced by irradiation and heat treatment.
Natural fancy colored diamonds command very high prices, especially the more popular colors.
Fancy colored diamonds, where the color is artificially produced, are no less beautiful, but sell for more normal prices. Occasionally, diamonds are available in blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown and even black.
Diamond Clarity
A perfect diamond with perfect clarity–or clearness–is rare. Most flaws in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking through a jeweler’s magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and the terms associated with it to ask the right questions–and understand the answers.
Diamond Cut
Did you know that a diamond’s cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say “cut” they are talking about a gemstone’s proportions, it?s depth and width and the uniformity of its facets. All characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities sought after in a diamond are related to the ?cut? of the diamond.
Diamond Width and Depth
The proportions of width and depth have a big impact on a diamond?s brilliance. The reflection of white light seen when looking at a diamond and the light traveling through a shallow cut diamond is lost out of the bottom of the stone and does not come back into sight. The lack of light makes shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless. If light travels through a diamond that’s cut too deep it escapes out the sides darkening all or portions of the stone. Light traveling through an ideally cut diamond bounces back out the top of the stone, bringing its brilliance into view.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat is the term used to express the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams of actual weight. Carat weight affects a diamond’s appearance and its price, and this makes it a characteristic that you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond.
The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of a single diamond. The abbreviation ct TW means carat total weight, and is used to express the total weight of multiple diamonds used in a piece of jewelry.
Carat is also used as a measure for other gemstones. But different gems of the same weight aren’t same size, because some are denser than others. The weight of smaller diamonds is often expressed as points, not carats.
So, there you have it. These are the four characteristics or Four Cs that you should consider when buying diamonds.
Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Choosing a Ring Prong Setting Gold, platinum and silver rings offer variety different settings. Before you go out and buy an engagement ring, wedding ring or other ring, take a look at this brief guide to the various ring prong settings that are currently available. Engagement Ring Settings The prong setting, also called a claw setting, is the most commonly used setting. The prong setting is especially popular for solitaire engagement rings. The diamond or other gem is inserted into three or more metal prongs forming a basket-like base. Then the prong ends are bent over so they rest against the crown, just past the stone’s girdle, holding it snugly in place. Visible prong ends are often rounded, but they can be shaped into ovals, points, V-shapes, left flat or even formed into decorative shapes. The prong setting can be tall, perching the diamond above the ring band. Likewise, it can also be short, with the stone resting closer to finger. Prong Setting Benefits and Disadvantages Prongs are tiny, so more of stone is visible. Furthermore, prong settings are easy and quick to make and they are usually less expensive than more intricate settings. Finally, stones set in prongs are usually easier to clean. There are some drawbacks to a prong setting that you should be aware of. The girdle area of the gemstone is not covered and prongs offer less protection for stone than other, more enclosed settings. On top of this, prongs can snag clothing and other items they come in contact with. Evaluating Prong Settings If you are going to buy a ring with a prong setting then you should carefully consider some the following points: 1. Make sure that the gemstone is held snugly, and does not wobble. 2. The prongs should be formed so that the stone sits at even height and is not up or down on any side. 3. Very thin or flat prongs will eventually break or wear away, putting the gemstone at risk. 4. Hooked prongs or prong ends that form an open loop before they touch the stone, will open up in time. 5. Short prongs, which provide enough contact with the gemstone, won’t hold it safely in place and can catch on to clothing and other items. 6. Large prongs may overpower gemstone, making the setting less attractive. 7. If you have or plan to have children, you wouldn’t want to wear a tall, narrow setting that could scratch or puncture delicate skin. Finally, a professional jeweler may have diagrams that help you to visualize these and other types of prongs. Ask your jeweler if he or she has prong diagrams. You should also be aware that prongs may need to be repaired over time. Ask your jeweler to show you several prong settings and ask for advice on the safety and durability of each. Trying many rings is best way to discover how different settings feel and look. Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert at Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com. #BREAK The Hard Facts about Conflict Diamonds from Africa and India Diamonds are small, easily transportable and command high prices. These characteristics have made diamonds a good source of funds for coup leaders in Africa and elsewhere. These smuggled diamonds have been labeled ?conflict diamonds? and many consumers are wary about using a product that they think may be related to the suffering of innocent people. However, before you skip buying diamonds it is important to understand the safe-guards that have been adopted by the UN and the actual role that diamonds play in the economic life of the developing countries. In 2000, a coalition of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry worked together to address issues related to diamond mining. In 2002, established they established the Kimberley Process Certification System. This is a UN-backed process that virtually eliminated the trade in conflict diamonds. Over 99% of the world’s supply of diamonds is now from conflict-free sources. In addition the Kimberley Process Certification System is dedicated to presenting the facts about conflict diamonds. Conflict diamonds have been reduced from approximately 4% to considerably less than 1% since the implementation of the Kimberley Process in 2003. In July 2000, the global diamond industry announced its zero-tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds and continues to drive this policy. For example, Sierra Leone is now at peace and exported approximately $142 million diamonds in 2005. More than 99% of diamonds are currently from conflict free sources and traded under the UN-mandated Kimberley Process. Under this system, rough diamonds can only be exported and imported when accompanied by a certificate from the exporting country. At this moment, 71 governments and the legitimate diamond industry are all committed and legally bound to eradicating conflict diamonds. The diamond industry has introduced a system to help give greater assurances to retailers and to provide consumers with the reassurance that their diamond is from a conflict free source. Diamonds and Development Like the gold that is used in gold jewelry, diamonds are driving economic growth and prosperity in many countries around the world. An estimated 65% of the world’s diamonds come from African countries and approximately $8.4 billion worth of diamonds a year are exported from Africa. An estimated five million people have access to appropriate healthcare globally thanks to revenues from diamonds and an estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry. The diamond mining industry generates over 40% of Namibia’s annual export earnings and diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to the age of 13. Diamonds account for 33% of the GDP (approximately $3 billion) of Botswana. Since diamonds were discovered in Botswana, GDP annual growth rate has averaged 7%. In addition, the revenue from diamonds is instrumental in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Besides the mechanized diamond mining activities in Africa, it is estimated that one million people work in the informal alluvial diamond digging sector. The Diamond Development Initiative was established to improve the working conditions of these artisanal miners. The major role of diamond mining in several African countries has been pointed out by several world leaders - including Nelson Mandela - who have cited the importance of diamonds to the lives of African people. So, the next time you are buying jewelry you can be sure that your diamond is not only conflict-free but is helping the poorest economies of the world get back on their feet. Ghost writer is a jewelry expert and writer connected with Lewis Jewelry. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Fun Facts About Gold Jewelry If you are
Fun Facts About Gold Jewelry
If you are fascinated by gold, as most humans have been for the past 7,000 years, then you might find the following facts about the beautiful metal that you may be wearing on your neck, wrists and fingers to be quite interesting and in some cases surprising as well
Gold and copper were the first metals to be discovered by man, around 5000BC, and together with silver these three metals are found in the metallic state in the earth’s crust.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the mining and production of gold was halted for nearly 1000 years until the Spanish discovered America in 1492.
In the 14th century, the Incas, who considered gold “the sweat of the sun,” conquered the Chimu Empire and made Chimu goldsmiths cover every inch of their Temple of the Sun’s walls in gold.
In the 15th century, gold inspired Cortes to defeat Montezuma in Mexico and seize the Aztec’s vast gold stores in an effort to revive Spain’s economy.
In 1531, Pizarro invaded Peru and captured the Incas’ ruler Atahualpa and immediately melted down all of the Inca gold and sent it back to Spain
Gold mining took on much larger dimension after the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill on the American River (California) in 1848.
The gold that was discovered in Australia and South Africa contributed to a supplementary increase in the world?s gold supply and marked a turning point in the history of gold. Once a rare metal, gold now became more attainable by people of all classes.
In the modern era, Italy has remained at the forefront of the gold jewelry industry. The Italian Renaissance coincided with the discoveries of new sources of gold, and wealthy Italian patrons supported goldsmiths as they did painters and sculptors.
The chemical symbol for gold is Au, from the Latin aurum, which means ’shining dawn’. Aurora was the Roman goddess of dawn which links to the warm, yellow color of gold. Gold and copper are the only two non white colored metals.
Gold is still mined in its metallic form in over 60 countries around the world.
Gold is referred to as a precious and a noble metal.
Gold has an excellent chemical stability with a high resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
The purity of gold is measured in Carats or Karats. A Carat was originally a unit of weight based on the carob bean, used by ancient merchants in the Middle East.
The Carat is still used for the weight of gem stones where 1 carat = 200mg. Pure gold is 24 carats.
In Europe, 18 and 14 carat alloys are commonly used in jewelry while nine carat gold is popular in Britain. Many countries require every item of gold jewelry to be clearly stamped with its caratage. This hallmarking system was developed in London in the 14th century at Goldsmiths’ Hall.
All of the gold in the world could be compressed into an 18-yard cube, which is about 1/10 the mass of the Washington Monument.
It is believed that only 88,000 tons of gold have been taken from the earth since recorded history, leaving far more yet to be discovered.
A one-ounce gold nugget is rarer and harder to find than a five-carat diamond.
Even though gold is rare, it is far easier to find than winning a major state lottery.
Gold is so heavy that one cubic foot of it weighs half a ton. Gold is six to seven times heavier than other materials that equal its size. The largest gold nugget found in the U.S. weighed 195 pounds; it came from California.
A single ounce of gold can be drawn into a wire 60 miles long. Gold can be hammered so thin that sunlight can shine through it. Gold can be hammered into sheets so thin that a pile of them an inch high would contain more than 200,000 separate sheets.
In every cubic mile of sea water there is 25 tons of gold and there are10 billion tons of gold in the oceans.
These are just some of the surprising facts about the world?s favorite precious metal.
Bo Carpenter of Lewis Jewelers is a jewelry expert and frequently writes about jewelry and related topics. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Bracelets, Pandora Beads and other Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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The Four Cs of Diamond Characteristics There are many characteristics that control a diamond’s appearance and durability. The four most important factors are called the Four Cs and they are diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of these characteristics is important. It’s up to the buyer to consider them in order to find a diamond that suits his/her style, needs and budget. Let?s take a careful look at these diamond characteristics. Diamond Color A diamond’s color can be natural but it can also be altered by various treatments. The color of a diamond can be affected by fluorescence, a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights. The commonest color is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure. Other colors include gray, light brown or greenish. A diamond can be almost any color, although strongly color attractive specimens are very rare. The colors can be artificially produced or modified. Some fancy colored diamonds are produced by irradiation and heat treatment. Natural fancy colored diamonds command very high prices, especially the more popular colors. Fancy colored diamonds, where the color is artificially produced, are no less beautiful, but sell for more normal prices. Occasionally, diamonds are available in blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown and even black. Diamond Clarity A perfect diamond with perfect clarity–or clearness–is rare. Most flaws in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking through a jeweler’s magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and the terms associated with it to ask the right questions–and understand the answers. Diamond Cut Did you know that a diamond’s cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say “cut” they are talking about a gemstone’s proportions, it?s depth and width and the uniformity of its facets. All characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities sought after in a diamond are related to the ?cut? of the diamond. Diamond Width and Depth The proportions of width and depth have a big impact on a diamond?s brilliance. The reflection of white light seen when looking at a diamond and the light traveling through a shallow cut diamond is lost out of the bottom of the stone and does not come back into sight. The lack of light makes shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless. If light travels through a diamond that’s cut too deep it escapes out the sides darkening all or portions of the stone. Light traveling through an ideally cut diamond bounces back out the top of the stone, bringing its brilliance into view. Diamond Carat Weight Carat is the term used to express the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams of actual weight. Carat weight affects a diamond’s appearance and its price, and this makes it a characteristic that you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond. The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of a single diamond. The abbreviation ct TW means carat total weight, and is used to express the total weight of multiple diamonds used in a piece of jewelry. Carat is also used as a measure for other gemstones. But different gems of the same weight aren’t same size, because some are denser than others. The weight of smaller diamonds is often expressed as points, not carats. So, there you have it. These are the four characteristics or Four Cs that you should consider when buying diamonds. Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Black Friday brings the crowds early - Tahlequah Daily Press
The Hidden Meanings Of European And American Charms.
Starting at the inception of the 20th century and extending until the 1960s, it was a mark of the middle-class that young girls be given a charm bracelet before they reached puberty. At every holiday or anniversary, a new charm is added to the bracelet, often by the relative who had given the original bracelet.
The demand for charms is ancient; only the method of marketing them is relatively recent. Not all the charms on these bracelets were lucky emblems — equally common were hobby-related and school-related charms. In fact, the number of charms available, and the ordinariness of many of them — a telephone, a car, a cheerleader’s megaphone, a windmill — may have devalued the word “charm” in the English language, so that today it’s often misunderstood that if someone refers to “charms” when that person means “amulets.”
The French, in particular, had a list of charms called “Le Langage de Porte Bonheur” (”The Language of Good Luck Charms”) and included 10 charms that symbolized:
* An elephant: “Felicite” (happiness)
* A heart: “Amour” (love)
* A four-leaf clover: “Bonheur” (luck)
* A horsehoe magnet: “Argent” (silver — or money, due to the magnet’s “drawing” power)
* A die, showing seven spots: “Veine” (games of chance; gambler’s luck)
* The number 13: “Joie” (joy; the usual use of this number is as general luck or gambler’s luck)
* A pig: “Prosperite” (prosperity)
* A hamsa hand: “Richesse” (riches; this is not accurate — the hamsa hand protects against the evil eye
* A horseshoe: “Fidelite” (fidelity; not entirely accurate — the usual meaning is attraction or “drawing”)
* A pansy: “Souvenir” (remembrance; it belongs more properly to the “language of flowers”)
During the 20th century American charm bracelet at left features a variety of lucky charms in a bright mix of brass, copper, sterling silver, and gold-plated metal. This bracelet is typical of the kind of jewelry worn by adolescent girls in the 1950s and 1960s, collected charm by charm while traveling through the tourist traps, flea markets, jewelry stores and yard sales. Many of the more modern American charms symbolize:
* A silver heart engraved with initials: love for the named individual
* A brass heart pierced by an arrow: smitten romantic love
* A silver horseshoe: attraction or “drawing” luck
* A gold wishbone set with a pearl: wishes come true
* A silver horseshoe on which is placed a wishbone, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe and the words “Good Luck”: good luck
* A gold and green enameled four-leaf clover: luck
* A silver money bag with a $ sign: wealth
* A copper horseshoe on which is placed a four-leaf clover: good luck
* A brass heart padlock: faithful love
* A silver spread of playing cards: gambling luck
* A gold double horseshoe set with an artificial diamond: money luck
* A brass money bag marked 1000: wealth
* A silver horseshoe: attraction or “drawing” luck
Other popular 20th century charms often found on European and American charm bracelets include:
* A swastika: luck (pre-Nazi Germany)
* Twin hearts pierced by a single arrow: reciprocated love
* An Amanita muscaria mushroom: luck
* A chimney sweep or his ladder and brush: luck
* A “Lucky Buddha”: luck
* A black cat: gambling luck
And although unrelated to European and American charm bracelets — but probably made to meet Occidental rather than Far East tastes — are, what are know as, Chinese charm bracelets, made with glass beads, jade carvings, and metal amulets strung on black cord and tied around the wrist.
Following similar design lines to Chinese charm bracelets, Pandora Jewelry invented a new system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which added a new dimension in collecting jewelry. This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America.
Each item in our collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and 14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones and cultured pearls.
Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com. -
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Black Friday brings the crowds early
Tahlequah Daily Press, OK - "There's a Danish charm bracelet called Pandora, and it's probably the biggest thing going right now," Mutzig said. "You can buy it for friends or family, … |
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Artisans Get Together in Lava Hot Springs
KIDK, ID - We'd like to get them together and have a holiday extravaganza once a year here in Lava," said Yvonne Brown, with Pandora's Bobbles and Beads. … |
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Turn that gift advice on its head - Philadelphia Inquirer
Gold Mining: How Do We Get Gold Out Of The Ground
The precious metal of gold has fascinated humans for thousands of years. But how do we actually get it out of the ground? Let?s take a look at the most common ways to mine gold.
There are two main gold mining methods, one is called ?placer” and the other is ?vein” mining. And another type of mining is when gold is collected as a by-product in the mining of other metals.
Placer Mining
Placer mining is practiced when the metal is found in unconsolidated deposits of sand and gravel from which the gold can be easily separated because of its high density. The sand and gravel suspended in moving water. Much heavier metal sinks to bottom and is separated by hand.
The simplest method of placer mining is panning. Here the miner swirls the mixture in a pan rapidly enough to carry the water and most of the gravel and sand over the edge while the gold remains on bottom. This was the classic method used by the Forty-Niners during the California gold rush of 1849 and has been immortalized in story, art, and song.
A more efficient form of placer mining uses a sluice box, a U-shaped trough with a gentle slope and transverse bars firmly attached to the trough bottom.
The bars — extending from side to side — catch the heaviest particles and prevent them from washing down the slope.
Sand and gravel are placed in the high end, the gate to a water supply is opened, and the lighter material is washed through the sluice box and out the lower end. The materials are caught behind the bars and are gleaned to recover gold.
Another variation of placer mining is called hydraulic mining. A very strong stream of water is directed at natural sand and gravel banks washing away the lighter materials. The suspended materials treated as if they were in giant sluice box.
Currently the most important placer technique is dredging. A huge shovel of several cubic meters capacity lifts the unconsolidated sand and gravel from soil and mud and the placer process starts.
Vein Mining
Vein, or lode mining is the most important of gold recovery methods. Each ounce of gold recovered requires the processing of about 100,000 ounces of ore. Much gold is deposited in rock veins and this method accounts for more than half world’s total gold production. Gold in veins may be of microscopic particle size, in nuggets or sheets, or in gold compounds. The ore requires extensive extraction and refining.
One-third of all gold is produced as a by-product of copper, lead, and zinc production. Copper must be electrolytically refined to raise its purity from 99% to the more than 99.99% that is required for many industrial purposes.
In the refining process an anode of impure copper is electrolyzed in a bath in which the cathode is a very thin sheet of highly refined copper. This process
creates anode sludge which contains gold in quantities sufficient to make its recovery profitable. One-third of all gold is obtained from such by-products.
Silver and platinum are also recovered from the copper anode sludge in quantities large enough to more than pay for the total refining process.
Extraction, Refining and Uses of Gold
Ore from the gold mine is first crushed in rod or ball mills. This process reduces the ore to a powdery substance. The gold is then extracted by amalgamation with mercury or by placer procedures. Approx. 70% is recovered at this point.
The remainder is then dissolved in dilute solutions of sodium cyanide or calcium cyanide. The addition of metallic zinc to these solutions causes metallic gold to precipitate. This precipitate is refined by smelting and the purification is completed by electrolysis. The sludge produced in this process will also contain commercial quantities of silver, platinum, osmium, and other rare-earth metals.
Gold is one of the first two or three metals, along with copper and silver that was used by humans in these metals’ elemental states. Because of its poor chemical reactivity it was found uncombined and required no knowledge of refining. Gold was used in decorative arts before 9000 BC. And civilizations prized gold for its beauty.
A principal use of gold today is as a currency reserve. For centuries gold was used directly as currency along with silver. During the 19th century, gold assumed the role as the sole basis of the currencies of most nations. Paper money was directly convertible into gold.
World War I, however, disrupted the ?gold-standard” system. The original gold standard was gradually abandoned. The United States stopped minting gold coinage in 1934 and the dollar eventually emerged as the principal unit of international monetary transactions.
Since the 1970s, gold has been bought and sold on the world market, with widely fluctuating prices. Today gold reserves maintain only a very indirect relationship with currency values. However, as gold has declined as a currency reserve, its use in industrial processes has risen. On top of this, its beauty and workability continue to give gold an important role in the world?s jewelry industry.
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Bo Carpenter of Lewis Jewelers is a jewelry expert and frequently writes about jewelry and related topics. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Bracelets, Pandora Beads and other Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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 Philadelphia Inquirer |
Turn that gift advice on its head
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA - The kind of junk that turned my jewelry chest into Pandora's box. Back then, my mother gave me estate jewelry like it was going out of style, which it was, … |
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Holiday Gift Guide — Part Two - Centre View
Buying Gold Jewelry: What You Need to Know
Gold has been valued by humanity since the dawn of civilization and gold jewelry never goes out of style. However, in order to make the best possible choice when buying gold jewelry it is good to know some of the basic facts as well as the ?jargon” of the jewelry trade.
The first thing to know is that gold is as wearer-friendly as it is beautiful. Pure gold doesn’t react with other elements to create tarnish. While some people may have an allergy or staining problem with metals combined with gold, gold itself is rarely a problem.
Gold can be worked into most shapes ranging from tiny strands to very thin sheets. One ounce of gold can even be hammered into a thin sheet spreading out over ten feet square. In short, gold can be manipulated in virtually any way the jeweler or artist wants.
How Pure Is Your Gold?
Gold is used in many ways and there are varying degrees of purity in gold jewelry. Gold jewelry is marked 18K, 14K, or 10K, with the K standing for karat.
The karat system is used to describe the percentage of pure gold in jewelry.
The higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold:
24K gold is pure gold.
18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or other metals, equaling 75% gold.
14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or other metals, making it 58.3% gold.
12K gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or other metals, making it 50% gold.
10K gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or other metals, making it 41.7% gold.
In the United States, 10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called “gold.”
European Karat System
In Europe a different karat system is used to indicate the percentage of gold in a piece of jewelry. Here is the system:
18K gold is marked 750 to indicate 75% gold
14K gold is marked 585 for 58.5%
10K gold is marked 417 for 41.7%
There are other markings that are commonly found on gold. The karat marking should be accompanied by a hallmark or trademark identifying the maker and the country of origin is sometimes included as well.
Why Mix Other Metals With Gold?
This is a good question. Pure gold is soft and it wouldn?t be practical for daily wear. Combining other metals with it makes the gold more durable and the jewelry less expensive.
However, adding other metals changes color of the gold. For example by adding nickel a jeweler is able to create ?white gold.” By adding copper the jeweler is able to create a ?rose gold” with a pink tint, and when silver is added to gold it creates a greenish color.
Metals added to the gold result in an alloy. An alloy is the term given to a blended mixture of metals. However, the term ?solid gold” can be used to describe jewelry of at least 10K in the U.S. In addition, a gold alloy of 18K or 14K can also be called ?solid gold.”
Gold is also used as a coating which is placed on top of less expensive metals. There are many ways to coat another metal with gold and this generally reduces the cost of the item. The thicker the layer of gold that is applied, the less likely it is to wear away, and vice versa.
Gold-Filled Jewelry is the term given to jewelry that has a gold layer.
Newer gold-filled items have markings which indicate how much and what type of gold is used for the layer. The typical marking is: 1/20 12K G.F which means that the item has at least 1/20th 12K gold by weight.
Gold Plated Jewelry is another term used to indicate jewelry with a gold layer on top of other metal. The gold layer in gold-plated jewelry is thinner than the layer in gold filled jewelry, and it wears away more quickly.
Finally there is a type of jewelry designated as ?gold washed.” Here the layer of gold is very thin and it won?t last very long.
So, what should you buy? Solid gold is durable and the better choice if you wish to wear your jewelry on a regular basis, but it is very expensive. If you have allergies to nickel or other metals then you should choose jewelry that has a high gold content, such as 18K or 22K gold.
Gold filled or gold plated jewelry is suitable for occasional wear but everyday use would diminish the gold layer exposing the metal beneath it. This could stain the skin or result in an allergic reaction. So, if you want to have a lifetime of use then choose the highest quality of gold that you can afford.
Bo Carpenter of Lewis Jewelers is a jewelry expert and frequently writes about jewelry and related topics. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Bracelets, Pandora Beads and other Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Holiday Gift Guide — Part Two
Centre View, VA - Known for their rich, durable design, the necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings sell for $60 to $360. The Pandora necklaces and bracelets come … |
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Pandora Charm Bracelets Create An Interesting Niche Charm bracelets
Pandora Charm Bracelets Create An Interesting Niche
Charm bracelets have been around for thousands of years. They’ve represented everything from status to memories to warding off evil spirits. There are hundreds of different types of charm bracelets that are collected. From the classic charm bracelet, which incorporates dangling charms hooked onto an open-weave chain, to the contemporary and modern Italian modular charm bracelets, there are charms and bracelet styles to suit any age group, taste, even budget. The materials for charm bracelets are nearly as varied as the different types: bracelets can be made from inexpensive stainless steel or pricey 18K gold. One of the newest types of this unique combination of collectible jewelry are the Pandora charm bracelets.
Pandora charm bracelets use a new, patented technology that adds a different twist to the charm bracelet. Instead of using dangling charms, like a traditional bracelet, or interlocking stainless steel square charms one might find on an Italian bracelet, Pandora bracelets are unique. The charms on a Pandora bracelet come in the form of beads, round charms that can be made in many different patterns and use different gemstones to make each bracelet unique to its owners. What makes these bracelets especially special is how each charm is attached to the bracelet base.
Pandora charm bracelets have three segments of threading for each bracelet. The beads, or charms, are actually screwed onto the bracelet in whatever pattern the wearer wishes. Each bead moves freely and rotates on its own as a woman moves her wrist, so they definitely catch the eye. The various metals that make up Pandora bracelets range from the inexpensive sterling silver model — starting at $21 for the base bracelet — to the gold model — around $500 for solid 14K gold. The beads also range in price depending on the type of metal used, from around $16.50 up to $750 for a single bead.
The many different types of Pandora beads include solid sterling silver and gold styles, Murano glass beads, genuine gemstones and initial beads with a combination of silver and gold. Matching rings (matching to the beads) are also available. New Pandora bracelets are developed each year with new charm designs released four times a year.
The popularity of charm bracelets continues to grow in the US. More and more women are searching for a new type of charm bracelet to express their tastes and interests. The Pandora charm bracelets are perfect for collectors of any age.
This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America.
Each item in our collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and 14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones and cultured pearls.
Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Understanding the Different Jewelry Components Which gold or silver jewelry settings are most durable? Which gold or silver jewelry clasps are most secure and which are the easiest to manipulate? How long is a gold choker necklace? If you can understand jewelry terms and jewelry components, it is easier to buy the right jewelry when shopping for gold or silver jewelry online and off. So here is a brief guide to some of the most important jewelry components. Choosing Necklace Length Most necklaces are one of several standard lengths. When lengths vary you can use the standards to help visualize how a necklace will fit. About Jewelry Clasps and Chains Some clasps are easier to open and close than others and some offer more security. It’s easier to choose jewelry when you know how clasps differ, so examine the clasps carefully before purchasing your jewelry. Surf the web or visit a jewelry store to visualize the popular chains used to create all styles of jewelry. Gemstone Shapes and Settings Check out several websites or visit a jewelry store to visualize some of the most popular modern and vintage gemstone cuts. After you get an idea of what is available, then pick the gemstone shape that best matches your needs and esthetic taste. Remember that a diamond or any other gemstone will look different when placed in different settings. So, as you look around, be aware of the different settings that are used in popular jewelry stores and websites. Also, when choosing a setting for a gemstone you should consider how secure the setting is. That is, you should be aware that some settings hold the stone more securely than other settings. Different Jewelry Clasps Jump Ring A jump ring is a circular ring of metal. It can come unsoldered or soldered closed. Jump rings come in different diameters and different types of metals and most often a jump ring is used to connect one component to another. Split Rings A split ring is similar to a jump ring, but instead of either being soldered closed or a slit being left in the ring. They continue around, sort of like a spring and they come in all kinds of different metals. Often split rings are used as a way to easily connect a pendant or a charm to a piece of jewelry. Spring Ring Clasps These are the most common of clasps. Spring ring clasps are used on beaded items like necklaces and bracelets. Actually, it is a little spring inside of the round part of the clasp that allows it to open and close. Spring ring clasps are available in silver, gold, gold-filled, and base metals and they are available in different diameters. Lobster claw clasps Just as its name indicates, these clasps look like the claw of a lobster. They are the most secure of clasps and are especially good for any extra heavy piece of jewelry. Lobster claw clasps are available in silver, gold, gold-filled, and base metals and different sizes. Toggle clasps A toggle clasps have two sections: the ?T? part and the ?O? part. ?T? is inserted into the ?O? when connecting the two ends of a piece of jewelry together. They are available in a huge variety of designs and metals. So there you have it. These are the most basic components used in jewelry design. When buying your jewelry take a look at the clasps and gemstone settings that are used in the design of the jewelry. If you are not sure which one is best for you, take the help of a professional jeweler. Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert connected with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Black Friday brings the crowds early - Tahlequah Daily Press
The Four Cs of Diamond Characteristics
There are many characteristics that control a diamond’s appearance and durability. The four most important factors are called the Four Cs and they are diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of these characteristics is important. It’s up to the buyer to consider them in order to find a diamond that suits his/her style, needs and budget. Let?s take a careful look at these diamond characteristics.
Diamond Color
A diamond’s color can be natural but it can also be altered by various treatments.
The color of a diamond can be affected by fluorescence, a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights.
The commonest color is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure. Other colors include gray, light brown or greenish. A diamond can be almost any color, although strongly color attractive specimens are very rare. The colors can be artificially produced or modified.
Some fancy colored diamonds are produced by irradiation and heat treatment.
Natural fancy colored diamonds command very high prices, especially the more popular colors.
Fancy colored diamonds, where the color is artificially produced, are no less beautiful, but sell for more normal prices. Occasionally, diamonds are available in blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown and even black.
Diamond Clarity
A perfect diamond with perfect clarity–or clearness–is rare. Most flaws in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking through a jeweler’s magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and the terms associated with it to ask the right questions–and understand the answers.
Diamond Cut
Did you know that a diamond’s cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say “cut” they are talking about a gemstone’s proportions, it?s depth and width and the uniformity of its facets. All characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities sought after in a diamond are related to the ?cut? of the diamond.
Diamond Width and Depth
The proportions of width and depth have a big impact on a diamond?s brilliance. The reflection of white light seen when looking at a diamond and the light traveling through a shallow cut diamond is lost out of the bottom of the stone and does not come back into sight. The lack of light makes shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless. If light travels through a diamond that’s cut too deep it escapes out the sides darkening all or portions of the stone. Light traveling through an ideally cut diamond bounces back out the top of the stone, bringing its brilliance into view.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat is the term used to express the weight of a diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams of actual weight. Carat weight affects a diamond’s appearance and its price, and this makes it a characteristic that you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond.
The abbreviation ct is a shortened way to write carat, and refers to the weight of a single diamond. The abbreviation ct TW means carat total weight, and is used to express the total weight of multiple diamonds used in a piece of jewelry.
Carat is also used as a measure for other gemstones. But different gems of the same weight aren’t same size, because some are denser than others. The weight of smaller diamonds is often expressed as points, not carats.
So, there you have it. These are the four characteristics or Four Cs that you should consider when buying diamonds.
Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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Black Friday brings the crowds early
Tahlequah Daily Press, OK - "There's a Danish charm bracelet called Pandora, and it's probably the biggest thing going right now," Mutzig said. "You can buy it for friends or family, … |
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Arms wide open
Tulsa World, OK - J. Spencer's two Tulsa stores will each host a trunk show of Pandora jewelry — 10 am-8 pm Thursday at the 8303 S. Memorial Drive location, then 10 am-5:30 … |
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More Myths Connected With Popular Gemstones People have
More Myths Connected With Popular Gemstones
People have been wearing gems and gemstones for thousands of years, and these gemstones are usually associated with many widely held beliefs and with folkloric knowledge. Let?s take a look at some of the most popular gemstones and see what beliefs they are associated with.
Coral
This gem is thought to protect it?s wearer against magic spells and people have been wearing coral jewelry in places where the belief in magic and magic spells are widespread. Some people also believe that wearing coral is a cure for madness and others believe that the gem gives wisdom to the person who is adorned with it. In many cultures, coral gems are given to children as gift for their protection.
Garnets
North American Indians used red garnets at bullets and believed that they would seek blood and inflict a deadlier wound. Christians believed garnets symbolized Christ?s sacrifice while Islamic adherents believed that the gem illuminated the fourth heaven. Muslims also believed that garnets illuminated the fourth heaven. Others believe that the gem has a therapeutic effect and it is thought to stop bleeding, cure inflammatory diseases, and smooth discord.
Lolite
The gem?s name is derived from the Greek word meaning violet and it is known as the gemstone of clear vision. It is believed to have the power to guide lost sailors to the brilliance of the sun in order to find their way home.
Moonstone
According to Hindu legend, moonstone is formed from moonbeams. There is a common belief that if you held one in your mouth during a full moon, you could see your future. In India the moonstone is known as a sacred stone and it is believed to bring good fortune. The gem is also a highly prized gift for lovers as it is said to arouse tender passion.
Lapis Lazuli
This gemstone is considered to be an emblem of chastity and some believe that the gem blocks the wiles of the devil and ensures help of the angels. It is also thought that wearing Lapis Lazuli will calm the wearer and some people use it as a tonic for melancholy and fever. It is sometimes put in embalmed bodies to represent the heart that was removed.
Opal
The opal was once believed to be a symbol, of faithfulness and confidence. Some said that it had magical powers because of its play of colors. Others say that the gem can strengthen eyesight, protect against contagious diseases, ease sadness, and turn pale in the presence of poison. In general, the opal symbolizes magic, love, hope, happiness, and truth.
Onyx
Onyx is linked to lovers and is said to cause discord and help to cool the fires of passion. It was once believed to cause bad dreams and sad thoughts. On the other hand, the ancient Romans wore it believing it gave them courage.
Pearl
In the 13th century pearl were said to cure mental illness and heartbreak and they were once thought to be the tears of God. Through the ages pearls were considered to be an emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity and were believed to symbolize love, success and happiness.
Peridot
This gemstone is known to be dull by day but glowing at night and this quality helped prospectors mark them for digging the next day. The gem is widely thought to help dreams become a reality and is often given as a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection.
Tiger?s Eye
This gem is commonly used to focus the mind and it is also believed to offer protection during travel, and is considered the most popular chatoyant gem.
Topaz
In the15th century topaz was used to detect poisons, calm anger, and break spells. Christians believed it stood for uprightness. Hindus wore topaz above the heart to prevent thirst and assured long life, beauty, and intelligence. The Greeks also felt it gave strength and used as an amulet against harm.
Tourmalines
Tourmalines were once believed to protect the wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and misfortunes. It was also said to be a gem that would help to n to attract friends and lovers. According to some beliefs the pink tourmaline promotes female balance and protection while the green tourmaline promotes the same qualities among men.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been associated with horses for centuries. These gems were believed to protect any rider who wore the stone from injury. In the 17th century it was only considered effective if it were received as a gift. Southwest Native Americans saw stone to be sacred. Tibetans today consider the stone to bring good fortune, health, and to serve as a protector against the evil eye.
These are some of the most widely held beliefs about the gems and gemstones that have been worn by humans for the past thousands of years.
Ghost Writer is a jewelry expert with Lewis Jewelers. Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.
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What is a Diamond? Diamonds are the glamorous stones that decorate the finest jewelry in the world, but just what exactly are diamonds? How are they formed? Where are they found? If you are curious about these questions then read on because I would like to share with you the most important facts about diamonds. First of all, diamonds are made of carbon. Charcoal and graphite are also composed of carbon, but their chemical structure is different. In diamonds each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, like a pyramid. Each link or bond is the same length, and the tetrahedral formation is completely regular. It is the structure, strength and regularity of this bonding which makes diamonds very hard, non-volatile and resistant to chemical attack. Diamonds are one billion to three billion years old. They were formed deep within the Earth’s crust, and come to the surface via volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in Kimberlite, which is a volcanic rock. Diamonds seem to have been known for about 3,000 years. However, in early times, other hard minerals were often confused with diamonds. The earliest diamonds were found in about the 12th century B.C., in India. India remained the most important, if not the sole, source until 1725, when diamonds were discovered in Brazil. The Indian and Brazilian deposits had been almost exhausted when, in 1866, the Eureka diamond was discovered in South Africa, followed by the Star of South Africa in 1869. Soon afterwards, the great South African diamond rush had started and till today South Africa remains one of the world’s most important sources of diamonds. However, diamonds have since been discovered throughout the world, including Russia and Australia. Until the South Africa finds, diamonds were so rare and valuable, that they were only owned by the very wealthy. Diamond possesses many qualities, which make it an ideal gemstone. They are extremely hard, and also very tough and hard-wearing and this helps it to take a very high polish. In its pure form the diamond is colorless and has a high refractive index, so has a very high luster. Diamonds possess high dispersion qualities and different light wavelengths are diffracted differently, giving a strong scintillating play of prismatic colors. Despite these generalqualities, 80% of the world’s diamonds are not suitable for jewelry. Pure diamond, if it existed, is colorless. Most diamonds have a slight color, although the color is almost imperceptible. The commonest color is yellow, which is caused by tiny amounts of nitrogen being present in the crystal structure. Other colors include gray, light brown or greenish. Diamonds can be almost any color, although strongly colored, attractive specimens are very rare. In addition, colorful diamonds have not been widely promoted by diamond manufacturers because if consumers liked blue, red, green and other colors then they might start buying sapphires, rubies, emeralds and other gemstones instead. In any case, colored diamonds can be artificially produced or modified. Some fancy colored diamonds are produced by irradiation and heat treatment. Natural, fancy colored diamonds command very high prices, especially if they are the more popular colors. Fancy colored diamonds where the color is artificially produced are no less beautiful, but sell for more normal prices. Occasionally, fancy colored diamonds are available in blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown and even black. The next time you see a beautiful diamond, you can reflect on the one billion year history of this glittering object.
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