The Age of Titanium

Although Titanium is an abundant element on earth it was not discovered until 1791 but it would be another hundred years after that before it was possible to isolate the metal.

In appearance the metal is grey and lustrous and has often been used to make alloys which are light and resistant. Titanium has also been detected in meteorites and in the moon rocks brought back from the Apollo 17 mission.

It is because of its desirable properties which make Titanium an ideal metal for this technological age that has lead to a huge rise in popularity of this metal.

In industry the uses for titanium are many because of its resistance to corrosion even from salt water, alkalis and acids and even corrosive gases. Because of its corrosion resistance and the fact that it is also physiologically inert and hypoallergenic, Titanium is also used extensively in the field of medicine and in particular for prosthetic implants such as hip and knee replacements.

This wonderful metal has very high strength to weight ratio and it is much utilised in critical and demanding applications such as in the aerospace industry. The use of Titanium has made space exploration possible and the earlier rockets such as Mercury, Apollo and Gemini were all made largely of this metal. The Space Shuttle also has many parts made from Titanium as have many jet fighters, submarines, ships and tanks.

Titanium therefore is used across a broad spectrum of applications making it very much a metal of our modern age.

Aircraft grade titanium is now becoming increasingly popular in the jewellery trade and has found favour particularly in the manufacture of mens jewellery because of itÂ’s hard wearing properties. Titanium rings have become increasingly popular as wedding rings in part because they will stand up to more wear and tear than precious metals but probably just as much because of the look. Titanium really is a very versatile metal and lends itself very to the making of fine jewellery and a variety of looks can be achieved utilising different finishes and even the application of heat which brings about a change in colour ranging through the whole spectrum.

This property of colouration by heat has been used particularly in the manufacture of ladies jewellery for making eye catching unique designs in earrings, necklaces and modern, trendytitanium rings.

In the making of rings, titanium can also be inlaid with precious metals and set with precious stones and although the material is more difficult to work with because of its strength, once made you will have a beautiful piece of jewellery that will look good and last a lifetime.

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Posted in Jewelry , Necklace , Titanium

Creating Your Own Jewelry

Do you have a better way to accessorize yourself than with a nice piece of jewelry? The problem is that sometimes costume jewelry can also be extremely expensive. Nevertheless, you have another alternative to buying them you can make them. It is easy to learn how to create your own jewelry. And sometimes it is even better than buying them because you can make them to match your outfits and your personality. This way you are not only going to save money, you are also going to have fun.

Are you interested in making necklaces? The simplest way to do this is using beads. You will see that you can create a variety of beautiful necklaces just using some heavy string and a various beads of different colors. In the case you are going to cover the whole circumference with beads you may even substitute the heavy string by a dental floss. You should always bear in mind what are you going to wear the necklace with. This way you can compliment the color of the necklace with the color of the dress you are wearing. Once you know the colors, you should start thinking about the pattern, which can be achieved by alternating colors or shapes, or making all of the beads the same size and color.

The most important thing at the moment of making your necklace is to be creative. But you should not forget to keep the theme in mind when you start making it. When you go to buy beads you can buy the ones you always use plus some focal point beads that are bigger that the rest. These bigger beads can be use when you choose to employ wire instead of string for your necklace, just one or two beads for the whole piece are enough and the wire show through. Usually you can choose from a great variety of attractive beads, such as wooden, ceramic and glass pieces.

If you are thinking of making beads, you have a lot to do. You only need beads and wire to make a great variety of rings. What you have to do is to twist various strands of wire together making a circle that fits your finger. You have to remember to maintain the ends long in order to string beads on the edges. Just make a ball of wire to maintain the final bead on each strand in its place and then keep the beaded strands as individuals strands or twist them into a ball. And use it with whatever you want!

Another option is to make earrings. It is not difficult because the majority of craft stores sell earring components that can be used right away; the only thing you have to do is add the decorations that you choose. You can buy almost twenty pairs of earrings for no more than three dollars. You can also include some ribbons or a strand of beads. Just be creative and you will be able to attend any party.

Similar techniques can be used to create bracelets and anklets. You have just to twist together bare wire and beaded wire to make a nice combination or create attractive wire shapes with just a pair of needle-nosed pliers. You only need to include a nice object that fits and make some loops in the wire and create your own charm bracelet.

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Posted in Jewelry , Necklace

Freshwater pearl jewelry is less expensive

1) As you may have noticed. Freshwater pearl jewelry is less expensive.

And you know the Akoya pearl is more expensive...

A few reasons for this difference, one the freshwater pearl is easier to grow. Freshwater pearls are easier to grow because the process of nucleation is different and easier. The amount of nucleation per mollusk is much more in the freshwater pearl mussel (at one time 40 to 50) the most an akoya can produce might be 4 or 5 and they do not that often because quality goes down and mortality goes up. Freshwater mussels can be nucleated again with less mortality than the one time for akoyas. There is more control over the environment, ponds and streams as opposed to ocean water, which has typhoons and red tides to contend with.

2) Of course, Akoya Pearls are mostly round in shape.

And needless to say, Freshwater pearls are rarely round shaped.

The Akoya is nucleated with a round bead made from a freshwater mussel shell that is made round to begin with. The Freshwater mussel is nucleated with a piece of soft tissue, usually just a flat piece, or many flat pieces.

3) The freshwater pearl earring is solid nacre.

Here is something you might not know about...an Akoya Pearl Necklace has a bead core made of shell and only a coating of nacre, as thin as 1mm.

See above, the soft tissue that the freshwater mussel is nucleated with is absorbed leaving a pearl of solid nacre, more like natural pearls. The Akoya is nucleated with a shell bead of some size, and only allowed to develop nacre for a limited time before harvesting. The length of time is limited only by the cultivator's desire for quicker harvests.

4) A benefit of thicker nacre means that a freshwater pearl necklace will last longer.

Truth be told, low grade akoya pearl necklaces with a thin coating of nacre often chip and or wear off.

As you can imagine, a freshwater pearl with solid nacre has nothing to chip away; whereas, an Akoya pearl is possibly only a coating of as little as 1mm, so it can easily be worn or chipped.

5) The better grades of Akoya Pearl Jewelry have a higher luster compared to freshwater jewelry pearls.

A Freshwater pearl bracelet can have "orient', a rainbow iridescence noticed on heirloom or natural pearls. An Akoya pearl bracelet does not have this.

The nacre or mother of pearl of the Akoya has a greater luster or glow. The Freshwater pearl can have a trait called "orient" which is a shimmering of a rainbow of color, like the way that oil looks on water. Orient is seen on natural saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls; but, not on Akoya cultured pearls.

So it adds up to this: Things they are a changing. From keshi pearls called rice crispies because that's what they look like, to gem grade pearls. Freshwater jewelry pearls are now rivaling Akoya jewelry pearls in beauty.

Freshwater pearl jewelry is changing rapidly. A Freshwater pearl necklace will last longer, and be tomorrow's heirloom. Freshwater Pearls are gaining in quality and popularity.

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Posted in Jewelry , Necklace , Pearl

Jewelry Storage Tips

Did you know that some jewelry boxes can actually do more harm than good? Are you storing your jewelry the right way? Improper storage may cause damage to your precious engagement rings, necklaces and other jewelry.

To take care of your jewelry, here are some jewelry storage tips.

General Tips

Clean your jewelry before storing. This may be common knowledge. Nevertheless, it is important to say this first before the rest of the jewelry storage tips. Hair spray, perfume and perspiration may cause jewelry to become dull if not cleaned off.

Jewelry Boxes Tips

Although it is ideal to keep your precious pieces in a jewelry box, you have to choose a suitable one. Some jewelry boxes do not have securing areas to keep your jewelry from rolling, scratching or bumping into each other, so always separate your jewelry during storage. If possible, wrap them up individually in a soft cloth or pouch before storing. It is also important to make sure that the jewelry box is suitable for your type of jewelry. For example, some jewelry boxes are designed specifically for rings, some for necklaces and bracelets.

Storage Tips For Silver Jewelry

Many people know that sterling silver jewelry tends to tarnish easily. Tarnish is the result of a natural reaction between silver and the air and environment. So, to slow down the tarnishing, you can store your silver jewelry in an airtight container or zip lock bag. Other tips to consider:

* Store silver jewelry together with anti-tarnish strips. These will absorb the agents that cause silver to tarnish.

* Anti-tarnish pouch and cloth are also available from jewelry stores. Basically, they function like anti-tarnish strips.

* You can also use silica gel as it will absorb the moisture in the air and slow down tarnishing.

Storage Tips For Necklaces And Bracelets

To prevent necklaces from tangling, you can store them in jewelry organizers, jewelry boxes or armoires. Choose those that have specifically crafted stands for hanging necklaces and bracelets. To prevent kinks, necklaces should lay flat and straight if not hung during storage.

Storage Tips For Earrings

Each pair of earrings should be in its own compartment or hang on hooks. Earring posts or clips can bend and rings can wear if they are not secured to a display or insert.

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Posted in Jewelry , Necklace , Silver

Jewelry Tops Wish Lists For Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so it's time to start thinking about what you will give that special woman in your life. Mother's Day gifts can run the gamut, from handmade treasures to kitchen knives, from electronics to leather goods. You can be sure that she'll cherish whatever you choose, but the chances are good that jewelry tops her wish list.

Obviously, each woman's taste in jewelry is different. Some women never leave the house without a full complement of accessories, while others stick to the basics, like a watch and earrings. Here are some ideas for great Mother's Day jewelry gifts:

Earrings

You can't go wrong if you select diamond earrings. Today, the trend is small diamonds set in white gold hoops, although solitaire button earrings are also popular. For a sentimental twist, you can select diamonds that radiate out from gold hearts.

Pearl earrings are almost always a hit, whether they're set as a single pearl in a drop earring or several pearls in a vertical band. You can even go the exotic route and buy your mother a pair of earrings featuring rare and coveted black pearls (also known as Tahitian pearls). Better yet, buy earrings that incorporate both diamonds and pearls!

Pendants

Pendants make wonderful Mother's Day gifts. Set in white or yellow gold, the stone in a pendant can represent your mother's birth month or the birthday months of her children. As a reminder, the birthstones are: January - garnet; February - amethyst; March - aquamarine; April - diamond; May - emerald; June - moonstone; July - ruby; August - peridot; September - sapphire; October - opal; November - topaz; and December - turquoise.

Watches

Fine watches are beautiful gifts, but if your mother is active and enjoys the outdoors, you may want to consider different type of watch. For example, she may enjoy a clip on watch that she can attach to a backpack, gym bag, or runner's pack. She could even hook it to a belt loop when she takes her pets out for a walk.

Jewelry Sets

There are many different kinds of jewelry sets, each of which would make a treasured gift. For example, you can purchase an earring and necklace set, or select a baby pearl necklace and matching bracelet. Another possibility is a pin or pendant with matching earrings.

Other Wonderful Gifts

If your mother isn't the type who wears a lot of jewelry, there is a wealth of other gift possibilities. For example, she may welcome personal electronics, like an MP3 player, an iPod, or a DVD player. If she enjoys clothing, she might love a beautiful lingerie set or a leather garment. Perhaps she'd like housewares, such as kitchen knives or a new set of mixing bowls.

Where to Shop

Your best bet for finding a wide selection of jewelry and other Mother's Day gifts is an online shopping mall. An online mall has the advantage of having thousands (or tens of thousands) of products, and you can often find bargain prices that are close to wholesale. Best of all, this kind of one-stop shopping site can dropship, meaning that the items you order are shipped directly from the supplier. This dramatically cuts down shipping time, and ensures that your Mother's Day gifts will be delivered to your door safely and quickly.

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Posted in Diamond , Gold , Jewelry , Necklace