Fashion Jewelry

Expensive watches

Watches are, well, timeless in their value. Even for the many that now use their mobile phone to check the time, a watch is a thing of beauty and value – if you pick the right one. It shows the significance of a timepiece when people are awarded one at retirement. They can vary from just a dollar or two to extremely expensive. Let’s look at some of the most expensive watches.

Some of the more common expensive watches cost in the 5,000 dollar range, but, if you’re paying so little, why bother? The watches that cost enough to make this list must be in the six figure range. Matthew Morse, editor in chief of WatchTime magazine says: “Then as now, at the most expensive levels wristwatches are status symbols meant for collectors, though some watch companies don’t make a lot of money off of their highest-end watches because of the cost of research and development, they still produce them to give their brand an ambiance of exclusivity. For people who can afford them, they’re about the pleasure of owning something extraordinary, whether or not they ever actually wear them.”

There are so many features with the more expensive watches; you may need to study for a while just to understand what you’re getting. There are chronograph functions for timing laps, moon phase indicators for tracking slices of the lunar pie, and perpetual calendar functions which track days, months and even years for centuries. Some things you get with the ‘Grande Complication’ by Jean Dunand include: a mono-pusher split-second chronograph, split-second hand isolator, minute repeater, tourbillon, bi-retrograde perpetual calendar, and even a see-through sapphire back signed by its creator, Christophe Claret. The makers like to call it ‘one of the five most complicated wrist watches in the world’. We wonder who would want that label. It is certainly one of the most expensive watches ranging from $700,000 to $800,000 depending upon materials used.

When searching for a watch in the more expensive range, you must know about the ‘tourbillon movement’. This is an intricate mechanism that eliminates time-keeping errors caused by minute variations that result from shifts in gravity whenever a watch changes position. It was Invented way back in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet.

Another nice feature of some very nice watches is the ‘minute repeater’. First created in the days before widespread use of electric lighting, repeater watches aid wearers in the dark by chiming or “repeating” the current time at the push of a button. Using bells of different tones, a minute repeater will ring out hours, quarter hours, and the minutes past since the last quarter hour. If you consider this a must have, you’re a real watch enthusiast. It is also quite practical.

One problem with getting the watch you want isn’t the money. There seems no shortage of people with several hundred thousand dollars to spend on their watch. The problem is getting your hands on the limited quantity. Many of the world’s most expensive watches are produced in severely limited quantities–including just one. They frequently have buyers lined up long before they’re finished, often at rates of just a few per year.

Money is still a factor, though. At the high end, in 1999 the most expensive watch ever sold, a 1933 gold Patek Phillipe with 24 complications, was auctioned off at Sotheby’s for $11 million. So if you’re in the market for a rare and exquisite watch, having the big bucks is just the start. Maybe you should start treating your watchmaker or local jeweler to lunch.

Chunky Necklaces

Large and chunky necklaces are getting more popular each day.  You’ll find some are crafted with gemstones, acrylic or glass beads – some with big pendants – some multi strand large bead – but all of them are stylish and fashionable.  Wearing a chunky necklace can really bring to life an otherwise uninteresting outfit.

Since bangles have long been ruling a certain part of the jewelry world, with many girls stacking them up their arms like armor season after season, more and more fashion conscious are looking to something new. New has arrived. Chunky necklaces are making their mark in the fashion world and are certainly here to stay. Everywhere you go, you’ll find the big and chunky look demanding attention. Wouldn’t you like to get in on the action? It’s not hard to find and won’t cost you too much either. Just pop in to your local jewelers or big department store and see the new styles on hand.

In fact, many designers have embraced oversized, larger than life necklaces, and the trend has finally trickled down into most stores for consumers. Beaded necklaces with clusters of glass, clumps of discs, and hammered squares are just a few of the combinations that have fashionistas have been longing for.

In order to pick the chunky necklace that is just right for you, step outside the box a bit and think outrageous! Regardless of your personal style preferences, there’s a chunky necklace that is just right for you! Consider some of the following. A Retro Necklace: The diva with an art deco, geometric flare will love a necklace with distinct shapes such as the necklace from Marciano. Wear it to work with a bold wrap dress and t-strap pumps. Or, how about Tribal Beaded Necklaces? If you love aboriginal styles, you’ll love to wear chunky – it was born there. Mix and match tribal and ethnic printed clothing with rugged sandals and a handbag to show off this style to the fullest. How about Big Flower Necklaces? There are plenty of oversized chunky necklaces using flowers and floral styles to make any daisy giggle.

Some of the new chunky necklaces don’t fit into any particular style. They just jump out at you and demand to be noticed. There are rustic and earthy looks, and bright and shiny looks. You can also pick ones with many stones or leather and cotton incorporated for a more natural look. There are steely styles, too. In fact, new styles come out each day.

Pick a necklace that speaks to you and you will find it speaking to your friends, too. Find a bracelet that matches well and a ring or two and you’ll be doing chunky in style. Forget the tiny and delicate and go for the big and bold look of the chunky necklace. Set aside your mass of bangles and throw on a chunky necklace instead. The look is bold and eye-catching, and is sure to catch the eye of that special someone across the room!

Wooden Jewelry – The Natural Treasures

Wooden jewelry is in style get even for now. In any event, it is not faddy, as it is an unending look. Wooden bangles can fall in myriad shapes and styles, reasonable like metal bangles. Artfully made wooden beads form the options for unanimity necklaces and stilted bracelets very broad. You can harm these pieces instead of a protracted time. The benefits of wood jewelry do not stop there, though.

There are classifications of the wood turned into jewelry. It could be beads, chunk, square, oval, round, name the shapes and it will turn into a fashionable one. The material can be sourced out easily. Other types of woods are not allowed to be designed as jewelry because its component may cause allergy. Most of the woods are treated properly by mixing it with chemicals that can protect the wood from exposing harmful effects or irritation to the user.

Turquoise Jewelry

Although Turquoise is not faceted like diamonds and rubies, it has remained at the height of fashion since ancient times. Turquoise has been worn by the rulers of ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. It was favored by many Native American cultures. It was also amongst the first gems to be mined, and some historic mines are still working today. The North American Indian tribes used turquoise extensively. In Mexico, the Aztecs inlaid turquoise together with gold and other precious gems to create masks, knives and shields. Turquoise has also been traded and mined in the southwest since pre-historic times.  A Pueblo Indian legend tells that turquoise stole its blue color from the sky – thus it is known as the “sky stone”. Each turquoise gem has its own character appeal or “zat”.

American Indian artists have been incorporating silver, copper, beads, shells, ivory, amber, turquoise and other stones into their Southwestern jewelry designs for years. The use of turquoise, coral, jet and shells as personal adornments by Southwestern Indians dates from prehistoric times and the use of silver is almost 100 years old. As part of their livelihood, the American Indians continue to create stunning pieces using the same techniques from long ago. Their jewelry making traditions stay strong. They incorporate new materials and advanced techniques like glass beads and metalworking.

Ancient folklore tells us that turquoise has healing and protective powers. For centuries people from various cultures around the world have believed that turquoise has the ability to attract luck, love, and money. In fact, 13th century Persian traders frequently wore turquoise jewelry in an attempt to harness the protective powers of the gemstone.

Turquoise necklaces have even been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 3500 B.C. Coral is a very common accompaniment gem in turquoise jewelry, and its different hues of red can dramatically highlight the green and blue tones of turquoise. In ancient times coral jewelry was particularly prized for its many believed supernatural benefits, including as a ward against accidents and a protective amulet against magic.

When you shop for turquoise jewelry, you can request certificates from Native American craftsmen as well. Not all beautiful turquoise jewelry is made by just one group of people, though. Much beautiful turquoise jewelry comes from Thailand as well. There are so many designs. Some are in traditional styles and some are in new and modern configurations. The type you pick will be up to what works for your outfit and occasion, of course. Through the years, turquoise has truly become a necessary item in anyone’s jewelry collection. Although you can’t count on getting the benefits as stated in the traditional folklore, there just may be a chance some of the benefits will come to you. At the very least, you will have added a precious item to your collection and something you can enjoy and treasure for years to come. Turquoise jewelry is truly a wonderful thing to own.

Body Piercings and Jewelry

It seems that everywhere you go nowadays, body jewelry is more and more popular. Along with body jewelry, you’ll find piercing to be the most common form of wear. Perhaps many of us don’t find it appealing to have small holes made in our body, it is more and more common for young people to go crazy for it. Long practiced in many cultures all over the world, body jewelry and body piercing is a big hit in the west lately.

Some of the most common forms of piercing are: Face Piercing, Ear Piercing, Nipple Piercing, Navel Piercing, Nose Piercing, Tongue Piercing, Eyebrow Piercing and some other areas we won’t mention in this article. Let us say that with the world record being more than 4,000 piercings on a single person, there is quite a variety of places and styles of piercing out there for the asking.

A body piercing is exactly that — a piercing or puncture made in your body by a needle. After that, a piece of jewelry is inserted into the puncture. The most popular pierced body parts seem to be the ears, the nostrils, and the belly button.

If you are going for a piercing yourself, here are some of the things you might expect. The area you’ve chosen to be pierced (except for the tongue) is cleaned with a germicidal soap. Your skin is then punctured with a very sharp, clean needle. The piece of jewelry, which has already been sterilized, is attached to the area. Then the person performing the piercing disposes of the needle in a special container so that there is no risk of the needle or blood touching someone else. Afterwards, the pierced area is cleaned and the person performing the piercing checks and adjusts the jewelry. You should then get you instructions on how to make sure your new piercing heals correctly and what to do if there is a problem.

If you’re thinking about getting a piercing, there are some things you should know and think about first. If you’re under 18, some places won’t allow you to get a piercing without a parent’s consent. It’s a good idea to find out what risks are involved and how best to protect yourself from infections and other complications. Certain places on the body can cause more problems than others. Infection is a common complication of mouth and nose piercings because of the millions of bacteria that live in those areas. Tongue piercings can damage teeth over time. And tongue, cheek, and lip piercings can cause gum problems. The list goes on and you should seriously consider some diligent research. After all, it is your body, and taking advice from anyone that is not a professional may be a mistake.

If you do finally decide to get a piercing, you should make sure you’re up to date with your immunizations (especially hepatitis B and tetanus) and plan where you will get medical care if your piercing becomes infected (signs of infection include excessive redness/tenderness around the piercing site, prolonged bleeding, pus, and change in your skin color around the piercing area). If you plan to get a tongue or mouth piercing, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. You also need to be sure that the place you go is sanitary and has good hygiene.

Body piercing and body jewelry can be fun and interesting. Unlike a new dress or bracelet, this affects the integrity of your skin and puts you at risk in ways that almost all other fashion decisions do not. Think it over carefully and be sure you research specifics of your chosen piercing. If you decide to go ahead with it, take care of yourself and keep the area clean and you will have a new surprise to show off as fast as you can say “ouch!’

Coral Jewelry

Corals are known as organic gems because they normally grown in the water.
Coral jewelry has a long history, and is still made and worn in many parts of the world.

Coral jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials and continues to be made to the present day – the red hues of coral have always been prized gems of artisans and craftsman.

Fashion jewelry has large selection of fashionable and excellent – Coral jewelry is very popular now a day because there are truly beautiful, light in weight and comfortable to wear.

Each coral stone are a unique work of art, and fashionable with exceptional value, there are also classic and perfect to wear at any occasion or a gift for loved one, you will love handmade coral stone jewelry when you get it.

Sterling in Style

In pure sterling silver, this pendant is in a class by itself. For your most discriminating of guests; have something of this caliber on hand and they will be sure to come back for more. For those that buy their silver jewelry wholesale form the experts at 925e.com, they’ll find it under Item Code: 54-706-7119.  Wholesale silver jewelry for every budget, style, and age. Take an adventure and browse our collections at 925e.com. Live in style.

Will You Love A Stack-Rings?

In western cultures, male or female of any ages, on any fingers, thumbs or toes, can wear them. Rings are often made out of precious metals, like gold and sterling silver. Many popular styles of rings are made out of stainless steel or other base metals, wood, bone or shells. Rings speak of love and friendship or are worn just for beauty and fashion.

If you prefer to wear 3-4 rings on one finger like me, you will love stack-rings, which are two or more rings designed to fit on one finger at the same time.

Normally, each ring is just two mm. width so it will still be comfortable for you to put them on your finger.

Stack-rings, especially ones that made of sterling silver can be a good choice when you are looking for wonderful and not too expensive gifts.

The majority of people’s skin tone is more suited to silver or a mixture of silver and gold than just the plain gold – Moreover, the glows of silver or sparkles of any kinds of gems can create this fashionable and fascinated ring…

Adventures in Men’s Jewelry

Men’s jewelry has begun to move beyond the expected and more towards the unique, the classic, tough, and the stylish. Jewelry sales for men have increased over the past few years, and there is no sign it will slow. In the past, there wasn’t much focus on men as customers in jewelry, but now, entire lines of products are being designed in their honor.

It used to be that cuff links, tie clasps and watches were all that was available. Lo and behold, now there are also earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants to choose from. Men now make purchases for themselves instead of family or significant others making the selections for them. This implies a more educated modern day man when it comes to fashion. Bracelets have become almost as common as watches. Not only because more designs are available, but because the designs currently on the shelves are being sold out. With increased sales come increased interest in the market segment and you have more designs with more and more variety available. This, in turn, increases sales as the new styles catch the eye, friends are wearing them and the trend feeds upon itself.

It’s an important point to note that men are attracted to strong and masculine styles. Especially when it comes to jewelry. No man wants to have his virility questioned by a mis-selection of accessories. Men’s stainless steel jewelry remains popular, even with the rise of the alternative metals because it provides a look of strength. From cuff links to dog tags, stainless steel is often used in combination with other masculine materials. Leather is often a choice. Black onyx, tiger’s eye and turquoise are common selections as well. Precious stones? Not as much. This also helps to keep the prices reasonable.

A strong influence on males can be what the sports stars are doing. Like tattoos, earrings and other jewelry worn by famous and bold players with big personalities only intensifies the trend. Another sign is men buying themselves bracelets, rings and pendant necklaces with increasing frequency, and wearing their bling with a confidence. Insiders estimate the industry has seen a 20 percent growth in men’s jewelry in the past few years.

So, thanks to David Beckham, more and more men are looking to accessorize their look. Alternative white metals such as tungsten carbide, titanium, and stainless steel are being mixed with rubber, diamonds, cable, silver and gold accents to create a different but very sophisticated, fashion forward look for men.

A major trend in jewelry for men this year is ID bracelets. The ID bracelet has been a fashion fixture since the 60’s, but now it is gaining momentum as a staple of men’s fashion jewelry.

Some men are also wearing pearls and diamond on their ears. The simple ear studs of the 80’s have graduated to bolder designs that include stones and gems previously only worn by women. Trendy fads do come and go, but the interest in men’s jewelry is here to stay. So, men are becoming equals on the jewelry scene as well. With facial cleansers and food choices, and now fashion jewelry, men are coming into their own, and adding a level of sophistication to their lives. Watch out, ladies. Soon, your man just may be giving you fashion advice.

Swarovski Crystals

Have you heard of Swarovski? In 1895, Daniel Swarovski started Swarovski Crystals, a company that makes a range of precisely-cut crystal glass and related luxury products. They make figurines, jewelry and fashion clothing, home decor, chandeliers, and loose crystal elements. Their headquarters are in Wattens, Austria. This is near the beautiful town of Innsbruck. The company has quite a bit since 1895 and now they have over 24,000 employees in all branches.

Daniel Swarovski was born on October 24th, 1862 and passed away on January 23rd, 1956. He was born in northern Bohemia which is now called the Czech Republic. His father was a glass cutter who owned a small glass factory. At his father’s glass factory, Daniel served an apprenticeship and became skilled in the art of glass-cutting. In 1892 he patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of crystal glass. Like all true entrepreneurs, this invention and his creativity and dedication were instrumental to the success of his company. But as all successful businessmen have to do, they paid a price for their advanced techniques. They established their factory to take advantage of local hydroelectricity for the energy-intensive grinding processes which Daniel Swarovski had patented.

Their products include crystal sculptures and miniatures, jewelry and couture, home decor and chandeliers. They have many techniques to make their crystals shine brightly and look beautiful. In order to create a crystal that allows light to refract in a rainbow spectrum, Swarovski coats some of its crystals with special metallic chemical coatings. Aurora Borealis, or “AB”, is one of the most popular coatings, and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. Other coatings include Crystal Transmission, Volcano, Aurum, and Dorado. Coatings may be applied to only part of an object; others are coated twice, and thus are designated AB 2X, Dorado 2X etc.

Top stay ahead of the competition and keep the company profitable, they are always innovating. In 2004 Swarovski released Xilion, a new copyrighted cut designed to optimize the brilliance of ‘Roses’ which are crystal components with flat backs, and Chatons, which are diamond cut crystals. Their group of companies also includes ‘Tyrolit’ – makers of abrasive and cutting tools, ‘Swareflex’ which makes reflective and luminous road markings, ‘Signity’ who specialize in synthetic and natural gemstones, and ‘Swarovski Optik’, who make optical instruments such as binoculars and rifle scopes.

They also run a crystal-themed indoor theme park, ‘Swarovski Kristallwelten’ (it means ‘Crystal Worlds’) at their original site. The Crystal Worlds center has a grass-covered head in front, the mouth of which is a fountain. This Crystal Worlds exhibition is completely inspired by their crystals. The park is designed to amaze and entertain, but not to educate. There are no explanations about the crystal-making process there.

A few short years back in 2007, Swarovski formed a partnership with electronics giant Philips to produce the ‘Active-Crystals’ consumer electronics products. This includes USB Memory keys and in-ear headphones. In 2008 they rolled out additional products such as Bluetooth wireless earpieces. These all sport some form of Swarovski crystal on them as decoration. Their figurines are considered collectible, with a stylized mouse being the very first figurine created. A smaller version of this mouse, now labeled the ‘replica mouse’, is still available. The company produces many types of figurines from ladybugs to limited edition Disney collectibles. So, now, when you hear the name ‘Swarovski’ you’ll know a bit more about them.