Gemstones Natural vs Synthetic

Debra Hamer

What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from a natural gemstone “seed”. By controlling the environment in which the gem is grown, impurities and inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural gemstones. The created stones have perfect color and clarity which is so highly desired. Most natural gemstones have imperfections due to uncontrolled growing conditions in nature.

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Bridal Jewelry: Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition

Sam Serio

‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.’ This is a saying that many brides take to heart when considering their wedding trousseau. From wedding gowns, accessories and motifs, brides from all walks of life throughout the years have tried their best to stick to this formula. It’s interesting to note that bridal jewelry can follow this adage, too.‘Something old’ could most often be a piece of bridal jewelry that is a family heirloom. Sometimes the groom would give to his bride a ring or another piece of jewelry that had once been owned by his mother, grandmother, or past brides in his family. Maybe the bride would wear her own mother’s antique jewelry or some other gem that has been handed down to brides in the family from generation to generation.

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Gemstone Treatments

Debra Hamer

Though not common knowledge to the public, most gemstones are treated in some way to enhance their color and clarity. An untreated gemstone is a rarity. These treatments are common and widely accepted in the industry and normally do not de-value the stone.Most retail jewelers do not divulge this information to their buying public or they themselves are not aware. If they are a reputable and ethical establishment then they will be honest if queried on the subject. Don't expect this information to be offered without inquiring first.Heat treatment is the most common method used to color enhance gems.

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Vintage Costume Jewelry: Yesterday's Fashion Today

Sam Serio

Jewelry, whether fine or costume, has been a part of human culture since the earliest times. People wear jewelry to satisfy their vanity, to indulge their love for beautiful things, and to look good to others. Vintage costume jewelry fulfills all these criteria, but at a fraction of the cost of real or fine jewelry. It is an inexpensive alternative that does not sacrifice taste as well as style.Vintage costume jewelry may be less expensive, but good quality ones are never seen as cheap. They are less costly because they are not made from precious gems.

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How To Safely Clean Your Jewelry

Sher Matsen

To keep your jewelry sparkling you’ve got to take care of it! Cleaning your jewelry is an important part of its care. No matter how careful you are with your jewelry daily life will take its toll on it – grime and dirt, hair spray residue, soap film – they all cause a residue to build up on your jewelry making it dull and unimpressive.Cleaning your jewelry should be done with a little caution. Some stones such as turquoise, pearls, or opals, do not fair well with harsher cleaners. Use only warm soapy water and a Q-tip to gently clean these stones or gems. Rinse and polish.

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Pearl Jewelry Fashion Trends in 2005

(ContentDesk) August 9, 2005 -- A single strand of classic cultured pearls is always in fashion. Any woman who is looking for her first pearls will choose a white cultured Akoya pearl necklace. Their luminosity, simple elegance, and grace have made cultured Akoya pearls a top fashion pick, year after year. Pearl jewelry with more designs is also a fashion trend in 2005. These designs take a classic style and make it even more sophisticated.

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