A pearl, like coral, is an organic gem because it comes from a living source. Unlike other gems, pearls do not need to be polished or cut: they are perfect straight out of the mollusk. The technique for growing a natural pearl and a cultured, or cultivated, pearl is the same: the first occurs in nature, and the second, with human intervention.

The tooth test really works. Cultured pearls will feel slightly
gritty whereas false or faux pearls will feel perfectly smooth.

These days, natural pearls are hard to find, and very expensive. Cultured pearls, however, come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and prices.

Should I Buy Larger or High Luster Pearls?

When choosing your cultured pearl jewelry, always prefer high luster and thick nacre over size of the pearl. Thick nacre which in turn imparts high luster are two of the most desirable characteristics of a fine pearl. High luster and thick nacre will serve you well by complementing and highlighting skin tones, and ensuring value for generations.

What is Iridescence?

Iridescence or orient is the play of colors over the pearl surface. Often irregularly shaped pearls have high iridescence simply because the nacre sits in the little crannies and nooks of the pearl surface.

Larger, Rounder Pearls = More Expensive

Fine pearls require at least two to three years of cultivation inside a mollusk which explains why larger pearls are more valuable than comparable smaller ones.

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During the past week we’ve received a
number of new designs that we’re very excited to show you now.  Some of the
items are similar to favorite previous designs, such as the rhodochrosite
earrings shown in the second row below.  Others are totally new and unique
using special artisan techniques such as hammering and oxidizing for unique
presentations.  All of the items are priced with discounts, as you would
expect from us here at Hand Trades.  We’re especially interested in your
feedback about some new, handcrafted rings  using a variety of sterling
silver, brass, 14kt gold and gemstones.  All of these items are in stock
and ready for immediate delivery.  Please let us know if you have any
questions and we’ll be glad to help.
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	1″ Adorable Opal Peacock Biwa Pearl 925 Silver Earrings [4 in stock] Price: $48.75 Retail: $70.00 You Save: $21.25 (30%) I I
	Rhodochrosite Garnet .925 Silver Earring 1 7/8″ [4 in stock] Price: $41.91 Retail: $60.88 You Save: $18.97 (31%) I I
	Huge! Carnelian & 925 Silver Pendant 3″ [4 in stock] Price: $40.53 Retail: $62.04 You Save: $21.51 (35%) I I
	Aqua Mystic Topaz .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 5 [3 in stock] Price: $33.00 Retail: $52.00 You Save: $19.00 (37%) I I
	Carribean Larimar .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 8 [3 in stock] Price: $49.71 Retail: $74.28 You Save: $24.57 (33%) I I
	Size 6 Tourmalinted & .925 Silver Ring Jewelry [4 in stock] Price: $51.00 Retail: $76.00 You Save: $25.00 (33%) I I

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You’ll find a number of new designs. We’ve combined a couple pendants and included a sterling silver chain to make a very nice necklace.
There are some new earrings with clasps. We typically make earrings with french hooks and sometimes, but not often, some stud earring designs. Today you’ll fine some leverback and clip fittings.

There are a number of pieces with unique gemstones in both cabochon and faceted pieces. Stones include crazy mexican lace agate, blue quartz, labradorite, moonstone, labradorite, citrine, turquoise, iolite and even more.

To see all of our new items added to the Hand Trades collection on November 16th, click on this link:

http://www.handtrades.com

Women , being the more fashion conscious sex, generally know what size chain fits them best and what size chain works best with specific styles of pendants. But men might need a little help choosing.

Here some suggestion for silver chains what would be the best length for men:

* Jewelry is more of a fashion statement these days, so the most important factor to be considered is style, like for example men who are into baggy clothes, hip-hop music, etc., the length that would be the best fit would be a long 30 inch sterling silver chain, especially if the pendant is large. Nowadays pedant seven reaches sizes of a wall clock! A longer chain is much preferred for this type of style.

* For those who are in to glamorous look, sizes that are fitted just below the collar bone would be perfect.

* Those who are into the gothic look are more likely to prefer a choker, a tight silver chain that sits just above the collarbone.

* Another factor to be considered is design, for example silver chains like Curb, Figaro and Rollo are much more attractive to look at if the fit is just right. Great for formal occasions.

* While designs like byzantine, serpentine, etc. are best if their longer, just in between the collar bone the chest, this type of silver chain would be best if it comes with a pendant.

* Silver chains like omega, are best fitted if it is just the right size, best with or without any pendants.

* There is also the beaded silver chain, which would probably best for dog tags. Especially for those men who are in service.

This are just some suggestions that would help you choose the best size for you, but, each of us has his or her own taste when it comes to accessorizing the silver chain. One of the best ways to know the best fit for you is to experiment, as time passes styles, designs, and sizes change, and determining the best length or fit will also change. The final determination is to try on the sterling silver chain. If it looks good to you, you got a winner!

Layering Necklaces for Black and White Garments:

Black and white garments are excellent as they can be used as a blank canvas. Just about anything goes on these two colors and they also make an easy transition from office to party. Gold jewelry looks particularly good against white. Either silver or gold jewelry combines well with black.

When layering, it’s more effective to use different lengths, shapes and sizes. So layer a 24″ necklace with several in 16″ and 18″ lengths. Large looped chains can combine with delicate figaro, cable and figure eight style chains. Then add a gemstone choker style necklace and perhaps hang a single coordinating focal gemstone from one of the longer delicate chains.

SPECIAL NOTE: The only style rule that shouldn’t be broken is not combining silver and gold.

Most jewelry designers just naturally prefer some methods of constructing jewelry to others. However, as the designer is not the only person who is going to be wearing the jewelry it is important to have a range of styles in any design portfolio.

This article will walk you through the different types of earrings and earring hangers.

Obviously, the most important aspect of an earring is comfort. No matter how beautiful or appropriate an earring selection might be, if it is too heavy for extended wear it is going to sit in your jewelry box unworn.

We all know that it is kind of gross to be trying on pierced earrings at a store. But if you have any doubt at all about the weight of the earring carry some disinfectant wipes with you and wipe the earring down prior to trying it on.

Leave the earring on for a few minutes, shake your head – how does it feel? Any discomfort with this brief trial – put the earring back. Never mind about the other shoppers staring at you – they wish they had thought of the idea.

To follow is a quick guide to earring design:

Chandelier – very popular the last few years. As the name implies this style of earring has multi-level branches that hang down from the earring base. Normally gemstone briolettes (tear drop shaped gems) hang from the branches.

Drop – usually one larger gemstone, geometric shape or charm hangs from the earring base normally facing forward. Some drop earrings combine a charm and a gemstone. The basic design of the drop requires the earring to hang in a straight line from base to end.

Hoop – Angelina Jolie is the queen of the gold hoop earrings (find out where she buys them). As the name implies this earring is round or slightly oval and runs through the piercing in your ear. Hoops come in many circumferences from quite tiny to shoulder dusting.

Stud – Round gemstone earring with a post and earnut that goes through the post at the back of your ear to hold the earring on. Diamond studs are a classic look that are appropriate worn with ripped jeans to evening gowns.

Types of earring hangers:

Fish Hook – this is a type of earring hanger. As the name implies the part that goes through your ear resembles a fish hook

French Hoop – a rounded hanger that is open at the bottom to allow it to past through your piercing.

Leverback – made for both pierced and non-pierced earrings. The back of the hanger flips up to press against the back of your ear to hold the earring in place.

Screw On – non-pierced earring hangers with a terminator that screws up against the back of your ear to hold the earring in place. Rarely seen now except with vintage earrings. Most screw on earrings are extremely uncomfortable to wear for any length of time.
The earring shown on this page is a hybrid design. The basic construction is a gold hoop. However, the hoop is set with a ruby drop then hung on a fish hook hanger.

Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa. The United Nations (UN) defines conflict diamonds as “…diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.” These diamonds are sometimes referred to as “blood diamonds.”

Background:

Conflict diamonds captured the world’s attention during the extremely brutal conflict in Sierra Leone in the late 1990s. During this time, it is estimated that conflict diamonds represented approximately 4% of the world’s diamond production. Illicit rough diamonds have been used by rebels to fund conflicts in Angola, Liberia, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo (also known as Congo Brazzaville).

Today, the flow of conflict diamonds has been reduced to considerably less than 1%.

Eliminating Conflict Diamonds:

In July 2000, the global diamond industry made clear to the international community its zero tolerance policy towards conflict diamonds. Dedicated to eliminating the trade in conflict diamonds, the industry worked closely with the United Nations, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada to create the Kimberley Process Certification System. This system was formally adopted in 2003 and guards against conflict diamonds entering the legitimate diamond supply chain. The diamond industry also adopted a voluntary System of Warranties to assure consumers that their diamonds are from sources free of conflict.

Today 74 governments have enshrined into their national law the Kimberley Process Certification.

Tourmaline exists in many colors, sometimes mixed within one stone, and can be an excellent alternative to more expensive gemstones. Its hardness is rated at 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale (compared to 10 for diamond and 9 for sapphire and ruby).

Read descriptions carefully — some jewelry is made synthetic tourmaline (it’s usually a good buy). And some retailers use the term tourmaline but qualify it with other words to indicate the jewelry looks like tourmaline, but isn’t the real thing.

1. Tourmaline Earrings

You’ll find a broad range of prices in this collection of tourmaline earrings — some are expensive, but many are priced under $50. Pink and reddish tourmaline top the colors in this assortment, and the stones are used alone or combined with other gems, from pearls to diamonds.

2. Tourmaline Bracelets

Another wide mixture of price ranges, but the collection includes quite a few affordable tourmaline bracelets. Faux tourmaline bracelets are much less expensive but don’t last very long.

3. Tourmaline Necklaces & Pendants

Don’t be discouraged if the first tourmaline necklaces you notice are expensive. Keep rolling through the list and you’ll find jewelry in a range of prices. Necklaces and pendants are usually more expensive than earrings and bracelets in general, and that guideline is true for tourmaline.

4. Tourmaline Rings
The tourmaline used in most of these rings are accompanied by one, and sometimes two, other gemstones. Rings vary greatly in price, but some mimic more expensive gemstones of the same color. You’ll find deep green tourmaline rings that are every bit as beautiful as jewelry made from emeralds, but at a lesser price.

5. Tourmaline Body Jewelry
Small pieces of tourmaline are used as accents in this selection of body jewelry. Nearly all of the jewelry is priced at about $21, but a few of the more intricate pieces are more expensive.