Wiccan Jewelry November 15, 2009

Wiccans have made ritual jewelry popular in this day and age, and they often wear elaborate pieces that were carved or painted with magical designs and symbols. Females can often be seen wearing necklaces that are fabricated from silver and adorned with stones like jet and amber. Males usually wear gold. This isn’t any type of rule, just an occurrence. Jet is a fossilized resin, from the wood and amber of coniferous trees. Jet and amber are often considered to be married in magic.

The Sumbanese used to sell horses in exchange for gold coins, in the 16^th century. They hammered the gold into golden jewelry. One elaborate piece was known as a marangga, which was traditionally worn by men. Maranggas were meant to be worn as decoration, but the design’s inspiration came from plates that were worn when soldiers went into battle. It was thought that this would protect them from spear or sword wounds in the chest during battles.

Ritual jewelry October 19, 2009

(You can’t see much in this video, but let the drummmsss play as you read on!)

Ritual jewelry has a fascinating history that is as different as the cultures that it represents. Different cultures have different beliefs and uses for ritual jewelry. In ancient days, the elements of the precious metals and gemstones were used in ritual jewelry. Green gemstones, for example, including the emerald, were once used as a relief for eye strain.

American Indians believed that turquoise was a sacred stone, and they used it in many rituals. It was also used like money is today, to exchange for goods. American Indians today still believe that turquoise has healing and balancing energies.

In Africa, the jewelry used in rituals is beautiful and is supposed to reflect the wearer’s importance in the tribe, and their strong connection with their spirits. In medieval times, the jewelry used in rituals was supposed to capture the spirits’ attention.

Emeralds October 11, 2009

Emeralds are the most traditional May birthstone. They are a lovely green gemstone, usually in a darker green color. Inclusions in the gem are to be expected, and they don’t affect the stone’s price unless they are excessive. Many emeralds are treated to hide flaws and cracks. Unless the jeweler uses a colored oil, it generally isn’t disclosed to the purchaser.

Emeralds are expensive gemstones, and you can offset this by choosing emeralds created in a lab. In this process, the stone will have the physical and chemical properties of a naturally-occurring gem, but it is actually made in a laboratory. An emerald created in this way will appear the most like a natural emerald. Emerald glass crystals are sometimes used as a substitute for emeralds, but they are often too uniformly green and obviously fake.

Coral jewelry October 4, 2009

Coral jewelry can be described as timeless, unique, diverse and exotic. Coral has a beauty that is all its own, and it is beautiful in its own way. Coral is harvested from various countries including Tahiti, the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan. All the pieces are unique, and each has a quality that is different from all the rest.

The value of coral depends on its luster, size and surface quality, among other traits. Larger corals can’t be machine made, and are thus more valuable. Each coral is actually different from all the rest, and there are many different colors and shapes of coral. If you measured coral’s market value, in terms of color alone, the whitish-pink are usually the most expensive. Corals can be used in earrings, rings and necklaces, and they lend a unique air to whomever wears them.

Pearls September 29, 2009

Pearls

Pearls are known for their longevity, smoothness, perfection and purity. Jewelry made from pearls has found a place of favor among jewelers. Pearls usually have their own true colors. Other colors may be applied, and this can add to the pearls’ beauty. A black pearl has a beauty all its own, and is quite prized. The black absorbs all rays of light, and black pearl jewelry stands out in a crowd.

Pearl jewelry includes bracelets, pendants, necklaces, anklets and rings. It is suitable for wearing almost anywhere, but especially at formal affairs. It especially stands out when worn by a fair-skinned person, since the black and the white offset each other. You can purchase pendants of black pearl along with silver and diamonds, and these are especially beautiful. Pearls can also be added to chains and watches, to give a charming look.

Turquoise September 26, 2009

Turquoise jewelry is one of my all time faves in a semi precious stone, even if I can’t spell it half the time. It’s made from what many consider to be a blessed stone. Turquoise was praised and cherished by Native Americans and Mexican Indians. Jewelers have published books about the culture and crafts of the turquoise stone.

The fascination of men and women toward turquoise has been charted throughout the centuries. Turquoise is a natural stone whose shades vary from yellow to blue. It is known not only for its ornamental purposes, but also for its healing properties. It is found in Turkey, Egypt, China and Iran, among other countries. The stone’s color is usually determined by the other minerals near the stones. Iron gives turquoise a green tint, and copper adds blue to the color scheme. Zinc creates a more yellow tint for the stone.

Making your own… August 16, 2009

Rather than spending money on a bracelet or belt, find your nearest craft store and buy some various sizes of d-rings. Use a thick piece of ribbon and sew your d-rings onto it, to make a clever and crafty belt. Use thinner pieces to make a fashionable bracelet.

You can also find lots of different charms and beads at a craft store. You can use them to make earrings and necklaces. If you have a broken earring, or a half a pair that’s missing its mate, you can bend them apart and use them to make necklaces.

You can find inexpensive earrings, rings and other jewelry in second-hand or consignment stores. Check them carefully to make sure they aren’t made sloppily, and that they don’t have obvious flaws. You can look great for less!

Jewelry on a budget July 14, 2009

If you’re a little low on cash, there’s no reason you can’t still have jewelry, to help you look stylish. And you won’t suffer from the guilt that you sometimes feel after spending money on yourself.

You can add accessories to your collection by making your own jewelry using items purchased from thrift, craft or consignment stores. Make sure you pick items that look good to use on your jewelry. Don’t purchase jewelry that looks cheap. That’s how you’ll look. Be a careful creator, and choose your pieces wisely.

If you discover a vintage broach, you’ve found a perfect closure to use on ponchos, when you wear them around the shoulders. You can also use a broach to tighten a shirt that’s loose by cinching it, or you can pin it onto a headband.