Archive for May, 2010

Pink and Silver, my Dear

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A simple CZ pave always attracts attention when the presentation is right. Unassuming, delicate, understated and colorful – yet subtle. This bracelet with its 5 charms in the round is the perfect blend of simplicity and poetry. Come to see us at 925e.com and we’ll show you item 53-701-1713. You’ll see why we are so proud. Sterling silver with pink gold and rhodium plate. A subtle pave of CZ to create a focal point and there you have it. Silver Jewelry Wholesale at its best. It’s right here waiting to delight you at any moment in time.

Trying to have Tiffany’s for Breakfast?

Trying-to-have-Tiffany-for-BreakfastIn the news recently, tiffany Jewelers lost an important lawsuit against eBay. This was by the second circuit U.S. court of appeals, so it’s not good news for Tiffany.

This occurred last month. The result found eBay not liable for trademark infringement even though some of its sellers market counterfeit goods. Tiffany’s case was that eBay contributed to trademark infringement because it allowed a steady stream of sellers to offer fake Tiffany items. Tiffany’s seemed to feel that the famous auction web site should be penalized for its part in the sales that use the Tiffany name, but deprive Tiffany of its rightful profits. This case has been in the courts for 6 years. The original tip-off to Tiffany was that 73 percent of eBay listings for Tiffany products were fakes. Instead of going after each individual seller, Tiffany tried to go after eBay – a much easier target. But this strategy failed.

In addition to stopping the sale of counterfeit goods, Tiffany also wanted to control the online trade of their branded genuine goods. They don’t seem to appreciate how successful eBay is at marketing their products and benefitting from the name – even for the real thing.

But, the court disagreed. They posit that eBay is not liable for several reasons. One of the key reasons being that eBay removes auctions of fake goods upon request. To eBay’s credit, an investigation showed that eBay stopped every single auction when Tiffany complained of counterfeit goods. Beyond this diligence where Tiffany is concerned, eBay has been careful to develop or acquire tools to promote trust and safety on its site, including the buyer’s protection program. At no little cost to eBay, reportedly this effort sets them back $20 million per year.

Taking a step back, the results of this lawsuit can be looked at as a good thing ecommerce in general. As long as a company is diligent to protect buyers and sellers and effectively discourages fraud and the many types of rip-offs that can occur on line, they should be protected from frivolous lawsuits. These issues become even more important when we look at resale services like eBay which somewhat change the market. Millions of people are able to benefit from old items in their dresser and garage by selling them on line compared to just a few years ago, we were stuck with them for life.

So, as long as you are doing honest business, whether an individual selling some unwanted family heirlooms or an online service helping people to trade over the internet, you should feel a bit reassured by this recent ruling. As always, though, caveat emptor!

Yellow Diamonds

Yellow-DiamondsThe Tiffany Yellow Diamond, one of the largest yellow diamonds ever found has only been worn by two women.  One wore it to dinner and the other for a publicity photo shoot. A diamond of this size and value is not very practical to wear as a matter of course. In the rough, before it was cut into 90 facets, it weighed 287 carats. Then it was cut down to 128 carats in a custom shape to maximize its brilliance. A diamond of this size and value cannot be cut in just any way. It must be carefully planned and executed or great waste will result. The young man that did cut the stone – only 23 years old at the time – studied it for a year first. The result was an outstanding and precious stone in every sense.

Another fascinating diamond that you must know about is the Kimberley Octahedron. Named after the place it was found – the Kimberly mine in Africa – and its shape – this is the biggest yellow diamond ever found. At 616 carats it still has not been cut into a gem with facets and remains in its original shape and size. Now, it is the 14th largest diamond ever found with 13 non-yellow diamonds even larger. About the size of a golf ball, the Kimberly Octahedron remains with the scientists. Also not practical to wear or enjoy at cocktail parties it remains a valuable and beautiful treasure nonetheless.

If you are looking for yellow diamonds today, there are some that are even made in the laboratory. These diamonds are made the same way natural diamonds are created: with heat and pressure. When the laboratory diamonds are made, they are in fact a bit superior in strength because they are made under controlled conditions. The color is also more pure and more beautiful at times. Unfortunately, these diamonds are very expensive as well because of the process required to create them.

When considering yellow diamonds, there are several different shades. Canary yellow is perhaps the most popular, but deeper and more vibrant shades of yellow are also available. Other shades of yellow include: fancy yellow, fancy light yellow, light yellow, very light yellow, and faint yellow. All shades of yellow are a measure of nitrogen in the stone. The more nitrogen trapped inside, the darker the yellow.

Rare yellow diamonds have now become quite popular with celebrities. Here are some of the celebrities that recently bought them: Johnny Damon, the Red Sox baseball star, gave Michelle Mangan a brilliant yellow diamond engagement ring. Dennis Quaid, Kimberly Buffington, Heidi Klum, Varonica Varekova, Petr Nedved, Rodney Jenkins, and Joy Enriquez have all been seen recently purchasing a yellow diamond. Who’s next on the list? Will it be you?

(Pictured: The Tiffany Yellow Diamond)

Fashion Jewelry is always in Fashion

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What are some of the latest trends in fashion jewelry? What are people wearing in Tokyo? In Paris? in New York?

There are the big trends that some follow and there are the local trends: trends amongst friends. Then there are the choices you and I make that may not be the latest greatest, but fit the occasion and our mood. Sometimes, we don’t care what the trends are. But let’s look at some of the goings-on and see if we feel inspired, ok?

In Tokyo earlier this year, a girl on the street takes fashion and jewelry into her own hands. The pants look like she caught on a fence and just cut them without caring how it was going to look, but we like the improvised bracelet made from simple yellow plastic chain. She made her own necklace from what appears to be plastic chairs from a doll house. And, finally, her headset is colorful enough so she can walk down the street listening to tunes in a style that will zonk everyone around her. She did a good job on a budget, it seems.

In Paris this March, Fashion Jewelry was decidedly less ‘plastic’ than Tokyo’s contribution. We found a model wearing a beautiful YSL outfit that made her look like a nun ready for… a shopping spree? It wasn’t a hat or a veil. What was it? It looked good, especially with the piece we will classify as Fashion Jewelry hanging low around her neck and ending just below her hips. A fantastic thick golden chain with a large flat pendant of a woman’s silhouette. Sometimes one piece of jewelry is all it takes. This was one of those times.

And we end up n New York with Melania Trump – Donald trump’s wife since 2005. Melania has put together her own line of Fashion Jewelry using reproductions of fashion gem stones. The reproductions being all less than $200, it brings the jewelry into a range many more can afford. She has defined in her collection: watches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings and pendants. We’re not sure if even she is wearing her own line, but I’m sure they’ll end up as gifts for many of her friends.

That’s what we found in our world tour. But you don’t have to go to these places to find your Fashion Jewelry. Just visit your local jewelers and see what they have for you. It is sure to brighten you day and your next event.

Are you Cool enough for a Bracelet?

Are-you-Cool-enough-for-a-BraceletMen’s bracelets come in so many shapes, sizes colors and styles. In fact, once you see what is available, you may be inspired to go on a shopping spree.

Natural styles include simple cotton ropes. These can be accented with small metallic bars, loops and clasps. But cotton, although popular, is by far not the only natural material in use for men’s bracelets. Perhaps longer in use would be the leather straps that can be worn on the wrist or higher on the arm over the biceps. This style is popular with super hero types. But, we digress.

Let’s get back to men’s bracelets. All kinds of nylon and plastic can be worn as well. The rubber-like bands sometimes worn signify support for a cause. These are inexpensive to make and distribute and can be a great way to get the word out.  But when it comes to men’s jewelry, the most popular are the metal types. Sterling silver with semi-precious stones, and solid gold less often with stones.

Solid copper and silver with leather is a nice choice. Simple bracelets with beads of all sizes is also easy to find. Some with colorful beads and others with more earth tones.  Men more often go for the earth tones to stay understated. Another popular choice of materials for bracelets is stainless steel.

Many men consider their wristwatch as a sort of bracelet but, don’t make this mistake unless your watch is quite fashionable. If it isn’t, sometimes it is better to go to formal occasions without the watch. Wear a simple bracelet instead.

With a suit, often it is better to go with a more classy style of bracelet. Instead of wearing a bracelet that you may like, feel comfortable in, or are just used to, think about how it looks for the occasion and with your outfit. Often, it is better to take off the inappropriate bracelet and wear nothing on your wrist instead of something that just doesn’t match your outfit or the occasion.

Better yet, go shopping for bracelets, so you have something to wear on special occasions. Think about what kinds of events you are often invited to. Think about what kinds of outfits you’ll be wearing. Wear the same outfit while bracelet shopping, if possible.

When it comes to bracelets, there are so many choices. Some have meaning, some are just a habit and for comfort and others are like a new tie. To be picked carefully so they look good.

Jewelry Wholesale: Fairies and Angels

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Our Fairies and Angels collection has some new friends flitting around looking for homes. The best place to find silver  jewelry wholesale is 925e and when you see Item #60-781-1372, you’ll know what we mean. Available in other colors, too, this enchanting fairy with a blue cat’s eye set in sterling silver delights the beholder with a fantasy come true. It’s a new member also found in our stone collection and worth adding to yours. Every thing of beauty needs a home.

Black Diamond Rings

Black-Diamond-RingsThere are three types of black diamonds: natural, irradiation treated and heat-treated under high temperature.  In the late 1990’s, one designer started using natural black diamond (carbonado), which had been used for industrial purpose till then, in combination with clear diamonds. This original idea was immediately copied by other designers and it became quite popular. To keep up with a growing demand for black diamond, it required securing sufficient material. As a necessity, artificial irradiation appeared on the scene. This takes otherwise uninteresting diamonds and makes them very dark green so they appear black. The third type of ‘black’ diamond is a new development. The stones were originally natural diamonds of very poor quality single crystals or white to grey polycrystalline crystals, which are turned black by being heated with very high temperatures.

Black Diamonds, as available in most jewelry, are the radiation treated type. Black diamonds are genuine diamonds treated with radiation to make their color appear black. Under normal light, they look black. They are, however, very dark green. To test this, a bright light source should be placed near an edge of the diamond. This allows the light to illuminate some of the interior of the stone. The very dark green color that becomes visible is commonly seen in enhanced black diamonds. The very dark green color that is seen is never seen in natural diamonds. It is a result of the radiation treatment.

What about carbonado as found in Brazil? These black diamonds are untreated and are made of the same material as diamonds, but are quite porous. They also have many holes and gaps in their surface and some grey is often found as well. Because of this, natural carbonado is much more rare than treated diamonds and the cost is much higher when used in jewelry. These are the natural version of the black diamond.

When shopping for Black Diamond Rings, there are many types to pick from. Many styles are  available for men because of the stylish appearance of the black stones. Black Diamond Wedding sets are becoming very popular with certain crowds. Black Diamond pave is also very popular with some ring styles and looks striking. Black Diamond Solitaire Rings are also in vogue with many people snatching up Black Diamond Solitaires whenever they see one that catches their eye.

Black Diamonds are also often mixed with White Diamonds – the standard clear diamond – to create a stunning contrast. Whichever  Black Diamond ring style you choose, you can guarantee it will be a real attention-getter.

Sand Dollars for Pennies

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This unique design brings back memories of the sea even if you’re miles from the ocean. In the classic shape of sand dollars, these earrings just arrived and are a well-loved item already. An example of our original and affordable jewelry wholesale, your find these sand dollars in our Silver Collection with the item #54-706-6462. Just pennies compared to what they appear to cost, these will catch the eye of your customers right away. And they’ll remember you for it. Find everything you need at 925e.com.

Sorry, your Diamond was Sold!

Sorry-your-Diamond-was-SoldDespite the recent economic challenges, the first half of 2008 saw a 32% increase in jewelry sales at Christie’s auction houses compared to sales in the first six months of 2007.  And in case you weren’t watching closely, the world’s most expensive diamond was sold in December of 2008.

The Wittelsbach is a 35.56-carat blue diamond from India. It was chosen by King Philip IV of Spain as part of the dowry for his daughter, Margarita Teresa. Leopold I, later became Emperor and passed the diamond on to his heirs after she died in 1673. When the Archduchess of Austria married Bavaria’s Crown Prince in 1722, the diamond became known as The Blue Wittelsbach after the Crown Prince’s family.

It sold for $24.3 million. While the Wittelsbach is the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. It also likely the most expensive diamond ever sold. The world-famous Hope diamond, although never sold, would cost more than the Wittelsbach. So, if the hope Diamond is sold at some future date, we’ll contact you so you can get your checkbook out.